Mandalorian Revived

Chapter 12

That night, the Mandalorians have a meeting concerning the issue of saving Greef and all of Nevarro. It's been eating at me all day, but Mandalorians are nothing without their traditions. The issue must be debated and discussed in the evening. Around a giant fire. Because that's the only way we can make good decisions here, apparently.

Din was distant for most of the day. He said he was forming his proposition to present at this meeting, but I still think I could've helped him with that. Instead, he'd pushed me away from all the planning. Bo Katan was allowed to help him. But not me.

So, now, the childish part of me is keeping my arms crossed as I watch him take his place in front of the fire to address the covert. Bo sits beside me, shaking her head at my behavior, but I just ignore her. Grogu leans against the side of my leg and I can tell he's getting tired. But I can't take him to bed now. Not until I know whether Greef has a chance with these warriors.

Din shifts the weight of the Armorer's staff in his hand.

"What's with that?" I whisper to Bo.

"Whoever holds it gets to speak," she whispers back.

I look at her with one eyebrow raised. "Like...a talking stick?"

She only nods. I can practically feel the amusement radiating from her.

Din starts pacing before the fire, his helmeted gaze meeting every member of the covert as they listen. "Now, many of you don't know Greef Karga. And those that do fought against him when you rescued me from his ambush many cycles ago on the streets of Nevarro."

It really does feel like ages ago, when I think about it. That was when I first met Din and Grogu. That was where it all began. I never knew how much would happen because of it.

"Since then, he's had a change of heart," Din continues, "and has risked his life to save mine as well as Tara's and the foundling in our charge." Grogu lets out a little coo and I pat his head as the crowd starts to murmur. "I stand before you to petition an intervention. To help rescue Nevarro before it is too late. I am in no position to ask any more of you. However..." he stops when the crowds start murmuring a little too loud. He holds up the staff and they begin to quiet. I guess the talking stick rule really works. "However, the enemy that decimated this very covert were Imperials, not Greef Karga's bounty hunters."

His point is strong, and I think the others recognize that. The murmuring picks up a little as they all consider his words. I can't make out enough to determine whether the majority is leaning toward his side or against it. If they go against it, I'm not sure what we'll do. We have to help Greef, but I doubt we'll make much difference without an army of warriors behind us.

Din huffs out a breath and his helmet lands on me. I swallow, caught off by the sudden staring, but then Bo lets out a satisfied breath beside me. I frown at her and she jerks her head toward Din. As confused as ever, I look back at him. He's still staring.

"Greef Karga is now a High Magistrate." He's talking to the covert, but his eyes are still solidly on me. "He's offered me a tract of land on his independent world. Perhaps it is time for us to live in the light once again on a planet where we are welcome."

My arms uncross and practically hang at my sides. He remembered.

"So our culture may flourish," Din says, "and our children can feel what it is to play in the sunlight." He takes another breath and my eyes start to water. He nods at me. "A place where we can belong."

I swallow thickly against the tears building behind my eyes. Bo nudges my shoulder. "He was set on keeping that a surprise for you."

I try to laugh, but it comes out as a tearful huff of air.