The Mandalorian: Beskar and Bone

Chapter 7: The Reckoning

The kids were sleeping while Mando piloted the Crest. The Child snored lightly, but Elaine was silent, save for the soft sound of her breathing. Mando figured they could use the rest. After all, it was only a few hours earlier that they were running around the hull wildly. 

That was something Mando had never thought he'd see; two children playing together in his ship, children he was tasked with protecting and had gotten attached to.

Attached. Another thing Mando had never thought would happen.

A soft trilling sound brought Mando out of his thoughts and Elaine out of her sleep.

"Wahisit?" She muttered rubbing her eyes. Mando looked and saw it was a transmission, from Greef Karga.

"My friend," It played. "If you are receiving this transmission, that means you are alive. You might be surprised to hear this, but I am alive too. I guess we can call it even. A lot has happened since we last saw each other. The man who hired you is still here, and his ranks of ex-Imperial guards have grown.

"They have imposed despotic rule over my city, which has impeded the livelihood of the Guild. We consider him an enemy, but we cannot get close enough to take him out. If you would consider one last commission, I will very much make it worth your while. You have been successful so far in staving off their hunters, but they will not stop until they have their prizes.

"So, here is my proposition: Return to Nevarro. Bring the children as bait. I will arrange an exchange, and provide loyal Guild members as protection. Once we get near the Client, you kill him, and we both get what we want. If you succeed, you keep the children and I will have your name cleared with the Guild, for a man of honor should not be forced to live in exile. I await your arrival with optimism."

The transmission ended and Elaine looked over at Mando. "Are we going back to Nevarro?"

Mando sighed. He knew Karga was right, the Client would stop at nothing to take the kids from him. "We won't go alone. We'll get Cara and the Ugnaught."

Elaine perked up at the idea of seeing Cara again. She grinned excitedly, and Mando realized that was the first he'd seen her smile. He smiled under his helmet, and hoped he could give the kids a life they deserved.

                                                                                 ~~~~~

Mando, Elaine, and the Child walked into the inn on Sorgan where they first met Cara. They found the ex-shock trooper battling a large alien. When she won, they waked over.

"Looking for some work?" Mando asked.

Cara looked at him. "Let me buy the kids something to eat." Cara knew that Mando wouldn't except her offer for a drink, he wouldn't say no to the kids. 

When they sat down, Elaine and the Child ate their soup as Mando explained their situation to Cara. "It's seems like a straightforward operation. They're providing the plan and the firepower. I'm the snare."

Cara raised her eyebrows. "With the kids?" 

Mando nodded. "That's why I'm coming to you."

Cara bit her lip. "I don't know. I've been advised to lay low. If anybody runs my chain code, I'll rot in a cell for the rest of my life."

"I thought you were a good guy." Elaine said curiously.

Cara smiled softly at the girl. "I am, but the people in charge don't think so. If I so much as book passage on a ship registered to the New Republic, I'm–"