𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 - DIN DJARIN

Chapter 67: The Capture

chapter 67: the capture •••

By the next morning's daybreak, you and Din have already been briefed on the new plan. The Armorer is to take the wounded and weakened survivors to the rest of the fleet on the Gauntlet while the rest, most notably their captain, bring the scouting party to the Great Forge. You've just helped the Armorer get the wounded aboard when the captain calls to his brethren.

"Onward, Mandalorians!" he commands. "To the Forge!"

You, Din, and Grogu stand alongside Bo-Katan as the glider heads further and further away from where the Gauntlet's now taking off. There's an ache trapped between your chest and the beskar armor that covers it. The ship is getting closer to the fleet, where the rest of the Mandalorians continue to wait for you, where your daughter waits.

Part of you wishes you were on that ship right now, heading back to take Zora in your arms and never let her go.

Then the touch of Din's hand upon your back grounds you to reality again, and you don't regret a single effort spent helping him and his people. After all, they're your people now, too. You turn your head to look up at him and the way his visor tilts at you convinces you that everything will be okay. Din touches his helmet to your forehead before he steps away to lead the group back towards the rest of the scouting party.

The four of you are on the upper deck looking out at the Mandalorians gathered below when Grogu comes to your side. You turn your gaze towards him and watch the wrinkles on his tiny forehead multiply. Grogu coos, a question you don't need to translate to answer.

You just smile the best you can. Grogu closes his eyes and no later do you earn a strong sensation of relieving warmth in your chest. It's too overpowering to have been caused by Grogu's energy alone. Your smile becomes more genuine when Grogu reopens his eyes and gives you a hopeful glance. You take one of his little hands in yours and brush your thumb over it.

"Thank you," you whisper to him. You lift your hand to brush your fingers along his ear. Grogu coos as his big brown eyes light up at you.

You're almost surprised by Din taking your hand and giving it a squeeze. You turn your head towards him and find comfort in the dark void of his visor. Din's voice is low when he speaks to you. "I felt it, too."

You smile before your gaze falls to your feet. You hear Din's armor rustle as he steps even closer to your side and waits patiently for you. You try to piece together what you want to say in your mind, but each one comes with an apology.

Din's free hand presses underneath your chin to urge you to lift your head once again and face him. He keeps his gloved fingers there, encouraging you to seek refuge in him. You're more than grateful to oblige. "It's okay." Din's voice is so soft it crackles through his modulator. He adds a reassuring nod. "I've been worrying about her, too."

You sigh and let your vulnerability show for only just a moment. "Will it always be this way?"

"It will." Din huffs with amusement and gives your hand another squeeze. "Who are we if not worriers over our loved ones?"

You laugh with him and close your eyes, steadying yourself with a breath. "You're right." You meet Din's visor again. "She's okay."

"And she'll continue to be." Din nods once more before he lowers his hands from you and stands where he was before.

It's not long before you're pulled aside by Bo-Katan to discuss the Great Forge in more depth, as well as strategy for multiple contingencies. Grogu has since gone to join the other Mandalorians as they watch Paz and Axe play a board game. You check up on him over your shoulder every once in a while, but what grabs everyone's attention isn't from your own observation. It's from the heightened volume of Paz's and Axe's voices.