Mandalorian Revived

Chapter 30

"No, Carson, I don't think we should present the case to Coruscant," I say through the comms, gritting my teeth as I focus on flying my ship. The U-wing groans and rocks back and forth, sending me almost out of my seat. I don't think Huyang fixed everything.

"Are you sure? I haven't left the planet yet."

"I'm sure," I reply. "You said it yourself. Mandalore isn't part of the New Republic, so we can't expect help. I'd rather you spend the time recruiting more hopeful prospects." A long sigh comes from the other end of the comms and I risk a glance at Carson's holographic figure. "What is it?"

"You might want to...consider other options." He runs a hand across the back of his neck and sighs again. "Tara, if Mandalore were to formally join the New Republic, we might get some reinforcements."

I pause, my hands stilling on the steering controls, and R5 lets out a squeal. I quickly regain control of the ship and glance back at Carson. "Mandalore has never been part of any larger government. Not even before the Empire."

"It might be time to change that."

I don't think Bo Katan, or anyone else for that matter, would agree with the sentiment. I'm not even sure I do. But if it got us reinforcements...

"I'll think about it," I say slowly. Carson gives me a doubtful look and I nod deliberately. "I will, really. I know how much we could use the firepower."

He rests one hand on his hip. "And how are we doing in that department?"

I finally get the ship to cooperate with me and level out. Once I do, a dusty golden planet comes into view. I can't hide the slight grin on my face. Tatooine looks just the same as it always does. "Glad you asked. I'm headed somewhere now to talk about reinforcements."

"Hopeful prospects?" He asks, half-mocking my earlier words.

I pull in a steeling breath. "I hope so." As the planet draws closer, I glance back at Carson. "I have to go. Keep me updated."

As the transmission flickers out, I call over my shoulder to R5. "Alright, buddy, ready to see an old friend?"

He chirps a little uncertainly in reply and I bite back a laugh. His relationship with his former owner did always seem...interesting. I turn back toward the window as the golden hue of Tatooine looms ever closer. It will be good to see Peli. I feel like I hardly saw anyone I knew during the memory loss, and the idea of seeing an old friend feels like just the thing I need.

And besides, I think my ship could use a few more repairs before it goes to Mandalore.

As we ease to the ground in Peli's hangar, dust plumes around the glass and blocks my view as it always does. I quickly power down the ship and lower the ramp, urging R5 to join at my side as I start down the ramp.

I barely step onto the sand before the smaller woman wraps her arms tightly around me and I stagger backward. "Whoa, Peli," I chuckle, hesitantly returning her embrace. "It hasn't been that long."

"I'm sorry," she drawls, stepping back and crossing her arms over her chest. "Just ever since that whole you-being-presumed-dead thing, I get a little emotional. How are things?"

I stifle a laugh at her behavior and nod. "Things are...as usual."

"That bad, huh?"

I shoot her a knowing grin. "Always. I was hoping I could get you to look at my ship."

She nods, but a frown grows on her face. "Yeah, anything you need. But, uh...how come my favorite trio is looking smaller than usual?"

I expected the question but it still stirs something in my gut. It really is difficult not to run back to Mandalore now and find Din and the kid, but I have to play this right. I have no chance against the Empire on my own.