𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 - DIN DJARIN

Chapter 65: The Unification

chapter 65: the unification •••

"And this," Din pauses what he's saying to Zora and toggles a switch, "gives extra power to the reverse thrusters, in case we need to get somewhere fast."

Zora gives her father an excited glance as Din flips the switch back to where it was before. He lets her reach forward and toggle it just as he had. "Zoooom!" she exclaims with a few excited claps.

"That's right," Din remarks with a smile in his tone and a fond tilt of his helmet. "Zoom! It makes us go faster."

You beam at the sight, your chin resting in your palm as your chair remains spun towards the two of them. Nevarro's atmosphere is starting to pass you by in the Gauntlet, but your view can't be deterred from this precious moment. Your arrival on Nevarro only intensifies your daydreams of this being an everyday reality in your home, one that's at long last so close in reach. Once you've helped to rescue the home of your people, your family will finally earn yours.

Grogu coos at you from his place on Bo-Katan's lap as if he's checking up on you. You smile and nod in his direction. He lifts his ears and faces the viewport once again. You chuckle to yourself and shake your head. You have to give it to Din; he taught Grogu well in being just as protective over you as he is.

The private moments your family shares are all brought to a halt when Bo-Katan's voice brings you back to reality. "I hope these two groups get along," she sighs in worry. "They've never met, and what little they know of each other, they hate."

Din turns his helmet to face Bo-Katan. His words are delivered with his usual bluntness. "They will if they wanna survive."

"In other words," you attempt, "everything will be just fine." You nod at the group. "If we keep our heads cool, they will, too."

Bo-Katan gives you a quick glance over her shoulder. "I'm always grateful for your positive outlooks." She brings the Gauntlet to the ground within the tribe's encampment and steadies herself with a breath. "And this time, I really hope it's true."

You offer a smile, but you're torn from your conversation before you can respond. "Mama!" Zora's sweet voice calls for you. You turn your head and beam when you see Zora holding Din's helmet between her hands. "Luh!" Zora gives the helmet a kiss with a dramatic muah! just as she had on Plazir-15. "Helm!"

"That's right, Zo!" you cheer her on. "We love his helmet."

Zora furrows her brow at Din. "Papa helm?" She gives his beskar cheek a gentle tap.

"Yeah, Zozo," Din responds in his softest voice. "I like it, too."

Zora smiles and claps her hands with a few excited breaths. "Helmmm! Muah!" She gives it another kiss.

You laugh to yourself in an effort to release the strong warmth that lovingly constricts your chest. You stand in unison with Bo-Katan from your seat, taking Grogu from your ally and setting him back inside the pod. Grogu lifts his ears as he looks up at his mother. You smile and give one of them a brush. You don't dare try to separate Zora from Din and instead let them stay together as the group follows Bo-Katan out of the Gauntlet.

The scene is as tense as Bo had feared it would be. The tribe stands behind Paz Vizsla and watches as the Nite Owls and other Mandalorian affiliates walk towards them. You watch as Paz sets his hand on Ragnar's shoulder before the foundling starts to usher all the children back towards their camp. You share a glance with Din, who tightens his grip on the babbling Zora. The closer the two groups get to one another, the quieter she becomes.

Bo-Katan stops and the Djarins stay at her side. After a brief pause, the Mandalorians alongside and behind you make the move to remove their helmets. Bo-Katan is the last of them to do so, leaving Din to be the only Mandalorian on your side with his helmet still on. You bring yourself just a bit closer to his side.