The Mandalorian: Beskar and Bone

Chapter 23: The Spies

As Bo-Katan began her landing process, Elaine could feel the anxiety radiating off of her. Grogu sat in the woman's lap, cooing softly as she worked at the controls.

The fleet of Imperial-turned-Mandalorian ships lowered onto the ground, landing on the surface of Nevarro.

"I hope these two groups get along." Bo fretted. "They've never met, and what little the know of each other, they hate."

"They will if they wanna survive." Mando said from behind her.

Once the ships were landed, Bo's Mandalorians walked out to meet with the covert. Tensions were high, creating a suffocating feeling in the open space. At least, that was how Elaine felt. The feelings of some much deeper than a rivalry reverberated through the air. It only grew more intense when the mercenaries removed their helmets. Elaine gripped Mando's hand tightly.

A resounding clang! turned everyone's attention to the Armorer, who had raised her tools above her head to signal them. "Welcome, fellow Mandalorians." She said in a tone much kinder than usual. "We invite you to make camp. Let us prepare a feast for our guests."

The two factions went about their business. Bo-Katan had to punch Axe on the shoulder to get him to stop glaring at Paz, even though the heavy infantry Mandalorian was returning the gaze.

"Mando!" A familiar laughter gained the attention of the small clan. Greef Karga approached, a bottle in his hands. Mando walked over with the kids and shook his friend's hand.

"Welcome back, my friend." Greef chuckled. "Welcome back. That's quite a fleet you've assembled." He pointed to the ships before handing Mando the bottle. "Little welcome gift to celebrate our new neighbors. That's all the way from Coruscant, so you might wanna wait for a smaller gathering before you open it."

"Thank you." Mando said politely.

"That's not the only gift I have for you." Greef added.

Grogu cooed curiously, and Elaine looked up with interest.

~~~~~

The sound of metallic footsteps reached Elaine's ears. She tensed from where she sat with Grogu on the table in Greef's office. By the looks of it, Mando recognized the sound as well.

IG-11 walked into the room, but in it's chest was an Anzelian.

"What did you do to IG-11?" Mando asked.

"No, that's IG-12 now." Greef corrected. "Do you like him?"

"Do I like him?" Repeated Mando, unsure of how to respond.

"Don't worry. He's safe."

"You're sure?" Questioned Mando. He didn't need a repeat of last time.

Greef nodded. "Well, the Anzelians stripped IG down to his base motor functions. They removed the memory circuit. The pilot provides cognition."

"Yes." Replied IG after the Anzelian pilot pressed a button.

Grogu laughed and stood, toddling over to the IG. Elaine watched curiously as the Anzelian climbed down from the IG.

"Think of it this way. It's more like a vehicle. Hmm?" Greef said. "It's safer that way."

Grogu and the Anzelian passed each other on the table, to which the latter quickened his pace. "Bad baby. No squeezie!"

"Well, he's too little to operate this thing." Mando decided. He moved to pick up Grogu, but Greef stopped him.

"No, no, no, no." He said, taking Grogu. "Let's see if he fits."