Arani Jakal was not ready to be stranded on an unfamiliar planet, causing her whole life to change. But in the chaos, a friend or two popped up - seemingly from nowhere - wishing to help. Ari gladly accepted and quickly became part of a small town...
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FIREWORKS EXPLODED AND STREAMERS WAVED in the air, the holiday processions of Boonta were in full swing. Arani missed the celebrations of Tatooine and was happy to be back during the special week, but they could not stay long. Din was determined to get to Mandalore as soon as possible.
There wasn't enough room at Hanger 3-5 to land both ships, so the Defiant landed just outside the city wall. Haro and Ari would meet up with Din later.
The Starfighter touched down and the glass canopy sprung open when Din shut the engine off.
"Whoo-hoo! You hear that? She's purring like a nuzzle shrew," said Peli, coming over.
"No complaints. Still faster than I know what to do with."
"Well, I'll tune her up, just the same. So, uh, where's my guy?" At the mention of himself, Grogu crawled up onto Din's lap and peeked his head over the side of the ship, cooing. "Huh? There he is!" Using the force, he flipped himself into the air and landed gracefully in Peli's arms. "Now who taught you how to leap like a Lurmen, huh?" Grogu stared at her, babbling. "Was that his first word? I think he's talking to me. Did you hear that? He said 'Peli'."
Din jumped out of the vessel and sauntered over to the older woman. "I'm here on business."
"Oh, are the Hutts back? Are you takin' out Boba Fett?"
"I need a-" Din was interrupted by a large crash.
The two looked up to the entryway, finding Haro had tripped over a pile of scrap parts. The poor man hadn't been the same since meeting Bo-Katan and no one knew why. Haro laughed, smiling bashfully, and waved. "Hi, sorry about that." He stood unsteadily and held out his hand. "I'm-"
"Haro," snapped a voice, softly. "I said quietly." They came down the rest of the stairs and who Peli saw shocked her.
"Ari!"
The girl glanced at her old friend and brushed her hands off, having helped Haro to steady himself. Her look of confusion turned into a grin and she rushed to Peli, arms flung wide. "Peli! Sorry about my friend. How have you been?"
"Worrying my bolts off about you!" she responded, embracing Ari tightly. "Last I knew you were M.I.A. Mando find you, did he?"
Ari pulled away and looked over at Din. "Yeah, he did."
The Mandalorian stepped closer to Ari and grasped her hand. "Actually, she found me."
"Why doesn't that surprise me? Now, what is it that you need, Mando."
"I need a droid part."
Peli huffed. "Boring! Hey, get the Jawas back in here before they hit the cantina," she told her droids and then looked at Ari, lowering her voice. "You know how Mos Eisley gets during Boonta week."
