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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"THANK YOU FOR GATHERING the Mandalorians into one place," said Moff Gideon, ominously. "You were a talented people, but your time has passed. However, as you can see, Mandalore will live on in me. Thanks to your planet's rich resources, I have created the next-generation Dark Trooper suit forged from beskar alloy. And the most impressive improvement is that it has me in it." Moff Gideon stepped closer in intimidation, and Ari cursed herself, hapless to do anything.
Din was oddly quiet. His posture ridged and his gaze unwavering. He was beyond angry.
"You see," Gideon continued. "Every society has something to offer. The cloners. The Jedi. And even the Mandalorians. By aggregating the best of each, I will create an army that will bring order to the galaxy." He turned to the blast doors, staring directly at Bo-Katan with sickening glee. "Why don't we take your fleet off the board while we still have the element of surprise? Activate the interceptors and bombers."
Ari could move no longer nor object. She knew what defeat looked like and it looked as if they wouldn't find a loophole this time.
The Klaxon alarm started blaring and hundreds of Imperials rushed throughout the facility. The sound of ships powering up rang and Ari did not know where to look, so she didn't at all but kept her eyes trained on Gideon.
"In but a few moments, the Purge of Mandalore will be complete." He looked to the Imps that restrained Din. "Take them to the debriefing room."
The Imp that withheld Ari lifted her by the arm. His fingers pressed tight on the bleeding wound, she hissed and tried to wrench free but it only caused his grip on her to worsen. As they were dragged through a long passage, her vision began to darken and her world spun more violently. Something was wrong, she understood that. A few grazes from plasma wouldn't hurt this much.
As they came around another corner, the sounds of a struggle were heard behind her. Her captor stopped and they turned to find that Din had broken free of his restraints and was engaged in a fight with the other two Imps.
Ari was thrown to the ground, her head hitting the concrete wall. She watched as Din stabbed one of the commandos with the knife he stole. Blaster fire from the others bounced off his armour and flames erupted. She curled in on herself, crawling to safety around the corner. The fire stopped and an Imp flew down the hall, landing feet from her.
Ignoring her pounding head, she crouched and ere the man could stand to his feet, she jumped on him. He was much stronger but she had surprise on her side. Locking him in a tight hold, she wrestled for the blaster near him. She managed to get her finger on the trigger and in the blink of an eye, the man collapsed, dead from the wound in his neck.
Din had killed another, leaving one adversary left. She stood, keeping a hand on the wall for support. The Imperial had his blaster aimed at Din, who was lying indisposed on the floor. Ari was about to fire on him when a metal hand clamped down on his weapon and a series of 'No's ' followed. Grogu had found them and allowed Din an opening to knock the Imp unconscious.
