Good evening to all the faithful followers. Yes, this is the brand new rewrite for this story that I have slaved over. I do hope that you like, but like always, it's really nice to know what you think. So please, don't be afraid to drop a review or two. It's good for the soul. Since this has hit the site, the older version will now be deleted to save confusion. So please, sit back and enjoy, the ride.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but just the plot that is being weaved and the unidentifiable characters. Please continue on at own risk.

"We, Mando boys, like to show we been in action." – Kal Skirata

Chapter 1: It's Just Another Contract

It was a bounty hunters wet dream, a paradise, if you could term the world that Jango Fett now found himself on. Like most desert planets, this one was orbited by dual suns that produced soaring temperatures that incorporated dry and dusty conditions. It was a place where only the strong-willed could survive and they did this remarkably well. It was a harsh land with harsher people. The dregs of society wishing to be concealed from the law enforcers of the galaxy. It was an established fact that the outer rim planets held no law but their own and nothing ever stood in their way of retribution. This way of life was more than fine from Jango's point of view, just as long as they stayed out of his business, of course. If Tatooine had a twin brother, this would be it. It still amazed him that most of the backwater planets held a large percentage of slaves and most of that planet's economy is based off the buying and selling of humanoid flesh. Not that he would endorse the slave trade to begin with. He might have questionable morals but even he would never dabble in such an untasteful activity.

Jango shook away the information as he turned his mind to more pressing matters like conducting a final mental checklist of the weapons that was currently concealed upon his body before tying down his dual custom WESTAR-34 blasters to his thighs. Chuckling lightly as he slipped his helmet over his head and ran a diagnostics program for the environment controls. Feeling pleased when it came back with the clear signal, the repair that he had completed early had finally taken hold. Nothing made equipment fail more rapidly than a loose connection. And that fact alone could mean the life and death of the individual that he was hunting at the time. It was a lesson that had been learnt the hard way. It was the reason that he now found himself stopping off on a planet with no actual name but a set of coordinates that he required through means that was not entirely legitimate. Jango took a deep breath in, as he centralised his mind onto the objective of his mission. When he was feeling more in control, he signalled for Slave 1 to enter into lockdown mode that armed the hidden weapons onboard the craft.

Jango gasped slightly as the rolling wave of heat hit him squarely in the chest as he exited from Slave 1. A slight whirling sound indicated that his armour systems had shifted into a higher mode of function to help combat with the overwhelming heat that was pressing mercilessly against him. He was more than grateful that he had taken the time to repair that loose connection in his environment controls or he would have been a puddle of Mandalorian warrior. He could feel the perspiration forming upon his upper lip as he quickly scanned the area for hidden threats, noting that not many beings were making use of the shaded sidewalks in what he could presume was the main street of the town. Jango turned away from his ship as he stood in the sun's rays for a few moments before he headed towards the shaded sidewalks that he had seen early. He had an urgent need to get to the Smuggler's Paradise before his competitor made contact with the potential client.

Smuggler's Paradise Cantina was well hidden down one of the little alleyways that broke off from the main street. The interior's cool air blew over Jango in a strong contrast of the outside heat as he slowly made his way into the building. The noisy din was muted down to a bearable level as his eyes slowly adjusted to the darken interior that all cantinas seem to give off as he scanned the different beings in their various dealings. He spied a shadowy corner in the rear as he made his way to where the bar tender was idly standing while wiping down the counter. Jango had discovered early on in his career that bartenders were the best source of information as people had a tendency to talk when large amounts of alcohol was consumed. He had also found it beneficial if he purchased atleast one tankard of ale in the transaction if he needed that vital piece of information. They were more inclined to pass information along if you were a paying customer.

After ordering Coreillan Ale, he made his way over to the shadowy corner after he had gleaned the needed information. It would appear that he had beaten his competition. Though, he was not very surprise by that considering his competition had last been seen slumped over the table as he stare bleary eyed while drooling into his tankard of unidentified alcoholic beverage. It was the oldest trick in the galaxy of using alcohol to loosen tongues. It was also the quickest way of being robbed from whatever credits that the being may have. It was not a position that he wished to find himself in again. That is why he was returning the professional curtesy that his competitor had dealt him when he had taken Jango's mark from the last job.

There was no easy or fast way of knowing the unspoken rules that govern the principle idea of bounty hunting. The profession itself was shrouded in mystery and only the most seasoned of the bunch would know the tricks of the trade. It was not a decision that was made lightly or even consciously when that being found themselves within the profession. It was also easier to not form outside attachments considering the work that he was employed to do. It was almost like living as a Jedi in that respect. But that did not explain the feeling of uneasiness that had slowly crept into his mind. He had an unnamed desire and after he had completed this job, he would visit his family farm on Concord Dawn to try sort the emotions that were swirling inside him and was providing an unneeded distraction.

He settled his back against the wall as he faced the opened room. It was most difficult to relax his body language and he sighed when a serving wench spied him as she changed directions with a lusty smile and a saucy sway of her hips. Though, she appeared beauty in form, she was failing to fire his blood as he gave a negative shake of his head to deterred her from her chosen course of action. Her lips drew into a pout before she tossed her hair over her shoulder and turned upon her heel to her original target. Jango had always prided himself on having a healthy appetite but each encountered had left him feeling empty and unsatisfied with the female companion. This was when the idea of visiting his family farm had entered his head but he needed to keep his head about him as he waited. Even if he was comfortable amongst the mottle dregs of society, it would be the height of foolishness for him to lower his guard as he stared down at his ale in front of him for a brief moment.

The flare of bright light spilled across the room as the door opened for another patron to enter the establishment had caught Jango's attention as he raised his eyes to scan the area as the humanoid approached the bartender. His interest was piqued when the bartender had pointed in his general direction as the being slowly ambled over. The humanoid's posture had shown his distaste of being in such an establishment as his strides were short and tight. Jango chuckled darkly as the contemptuous expression that graced the male humanoid's face as he came to a stop in front of Jango's table. This must be the contact, he mused just as darkly as he studied the male that now stood in front of him.

"Are you Jango Fett?" The male asked after studying the armoured bounty hunter that sat within the shadowy confines of the cantina. His vocals held an ever slight hissing sound as if he was speaking through a fork-tongue. The time had been spend trying to examine the T-shape visor that held people's fascination and wreaked havoc in most criminal circles. Jango quirked an eyebrow as he had thought that the armour itself was distinctive enough for identification purposes. This thought had made Jango rankle at the perceived slight as it had taken a considerable amount of time and blood, his blood, to build his reputation to what it was these days.

"What's it to you?" Jango shifted slightly forward within his seat as he watched a shudder run down the contact's spinal cord at his altered voice. He had deliberately pitched it lower and rougher to give himself a more menacing tone when he spoke through his vocaliser.

"It would appear that I have an arrangement that you might be interested in." The humanoid spoke as he held out a palm. "It would be remiss of me not introducing myself. In these parts I'm known as Elkiran."

"And what is this arrangement that you spoke of, Mr Elkiran?" Jango glanced down at the outstretched fingers while debating with himself on the merits of social niceties. Elkiran started to feel self-conscious as he retracted the offered hand and shifted uneasily upon his feet for a few moments. It was not very often that he was made to feel uneasy even if he did not like his current location but business needed to be conducted.

"May I have a seat?" Elkiran asked as Jango gave a slight nod of consent. "The short version of my dilemma is that my wife by law has stolen my firstborn son. With the help of another female slave, she fled my protection off world with my only heir." He explained as he folded his arms over in front of him upon the table. "The point is I have no need for such a treacherous female within my family. I would like my child back but I have no compunction for what you do to the females."

"I'm not usually in the business of dissolving marriage arrangements. I leave that for the more stonehearted ones of my profession. I can retrieve your boy for you but that will take time and money." Jango reasoned out as he watched Elkiran carefully. He might seem like a well-mannered business man but even Jango knew the type of darken personalities that they hid from the world. "It would be in the amount of one hundred thousand credits for this type of request."

"But that is too much." Elkiran screeched his displeasure at the sum of credits he would need outlay for his request to have his wife by law terminated. "That was not the amount that I was informed of by an earlier arrangement."

"And who was that made these arrangements? Gastov Peekins?" Jango demanded as he sat up straighter. "I don't usually speak ill about anyone that is in the bounty hunting profession. Bad for business to be seen bad mouthing the competition but I have a question that you may want to consider when deciding over my offer. Do you want the job done and with as little resources as possible?"

"You still drive a hard bargain, bounty hunter." Elkiran groused as he sat back in the seat. He was not happy to be placed into a corner of his own making. "There are so many different variables . . ."

"Exactly." Jango glared through his visor, not wishing for the first time that he had his helmet off for the look to really give an effect. "The trail would be rather old and time would be needed to trace to which planet she had settled into. Space travelling with a child is not to be done lightly. She would need to find a place where she can lay low for a while. That takes money and time, valuable resources, unless they have found a ship of their own, of course?" Jango sighed at the negative shake of Elkiran's head.

"How do I know that you will get the job done?" Elkiran glanced once more into the visor, trying to get an emotional read of the being underneath. Jango Fett was being a difficult man to deal with as Elkiran had no bargaining tool that he could hold over Jango's head.

"You know what my reputation says." Jango tilted his head slightly as he shifted more forward to lean his considerable weight onto his elbows. "You are also well aware what I'm capable of when people double cross me."

"Everyone that moves around in these parts knows. What says you bounty hunter?" Elkiran was not settled with the changed arrangements but he would need to cope if he was going to get his heir back.

"I ask for a boon in this arrangement. Due to the length of the contract, that I should be able to pick up other contracts as I track down your wife's trail." Jango conceded as he knew that the length of time would be considerable in nature.

"I agree to that request." Elkiran growled softly as he watched the bounty hunter shift in his seat. Not in fear but to gain comfort which surprised Elkiran as he was use to the people around him jumping to do his bidding. Maybe he had made a tactical error of not having his bodyguards come in with him, as a show of force that the bounty hunter needed to be reminded of.

"Then we have a deal." Jango stated as he stuck his hand out. "Haat, ijaa, haa'it." (Truth, honour, vision).

"So be it." Elkiran shook the Mandalorian's hand, feeling like he had just signed his life away to the warrior in front of him. "I will have your information in two hours."

"I will be waiting." Jango stated as he watched the hasty retreat that the male had made out of the cantina. It would be very interesting to see what type of information that Elkiran would give considering the side contract that he wanted done. Jango breathed in deeply before unclipping his helmet, removing it and took a sip of his ale. It would be height of foolishness not to finish his drink. If he had time after he received the information he would go for a quick tumble in the sheets with a willing female. It could get very cold and utterly lonely in the deep darkness of space.

The sound that he emitted was a long and low growl as he slapped his hand against the scanner that adorned Slave 1's opening. After quickly breaking the environ seal of his helmet, he roughly removed and flung it into the hidden hutch that housed it before it could meet the bulkhead and he would need to repair it again. Which was the only thought that stopped him from carrying through with the action was the amount of time it took to repair the damage from the last bout of anger and frustration that flowed through his veins. Breathing out his air forcibly as he stomped over to where the armour was stored and started slipped the different pieces of armour from his body until he was only clad in armour from the waist down. While peeling his black body glove down he felt the material pinched where the blood had started to dry, clenching his jaw as he made his way to the fresher so he could attend to his wounds that he had received in the last brawl at the Three King's Cantina.

Some of the blood had become sluggish as he shifted around in the mirror to gain a clearer view of what he was dealing with. He could see where the blade had slipped between the plates on his armour and stitches were needed to close up the incision. Jango grabbed a medikit that was stash in the drawer as he turned the tap on to wet the cloth before cleaning the area. Short of grabbing an unexpecting person off the street, he would need to do the task himself. Grateful, that it was something that he had plenty of practice at. He threaded the needle before he started to push it through his skin. His jaw clench as he tried to hold back the vocalisation of pain as he watched the steady work of his hand before tying off the thread when it was finished. Thankful, that he was ambidextrous for a change as he slipped the rest of the cumbersome armour and restrictive body suit from his lower half. Giving his body suit the once over as he threw into the clothes pile that he would need to mend later as it was cleaned while he had a shower to wash the various fluids from his body.

The one problem that he had discovered when it came to his species was the heightened senses. While it was useful most of the time, it could be a hindrance when it came to scent of smell. And the one thing that clung to his skin was the planet stench as he stepped into the wash cubical. Hot water misted down upon his shoulders but it was not to his liking and he pushed a button for a decent steam of water. He bent his head forward as he leant against the wall, groaning in pleasure, from the water hitting that spot between his shoulder blades. Sighing as he quickly washed his body and rinsed off, he stepped out and wrapped a towel around his waist.

Jango gathered his discarded armour before making his way into his sleeping quarters, laying it down upon the desk as he searched through until the data rod from Elkiran was found in his utility belt. He decided that a meal was more pressing demand as he gave a quick survey of his dirty armour realising that it would need to be repaired as well before it was restored back into its resting place. Not bothering with clothing as he made his way to the small gulley that served as an eating area. He had never been more grateful for the ship's atmospheric climate as he searched through his stores until he could make a satisfying meal and not bothering with the protein bars this time. Jango made a mental notation that his stores where low which would mean that he needed to gather supplies before he left the planet.

A conversation from earlier in the day had struck him as being odd but he did not redress it then as he figured it was none of his business. The contract itself was unusual considering the type of work that the client wanted conducted. While Jango was no stranger to taking a life, it just seemed a little over dramatic to kill your partner because they decided they did not want what you offered. It had gotten him thinking that maybe this was one of the reasons that he found it difficult to settle down into a domestic situation where he was able to raise a few warriors to carry on the family name and traditions. It was not like his profession fostered trust amongst them. It did not matter anyway because what the client paid for, the client got. No matter the personal ramifications. It just added to the boiling conflict that was swirling inside him. He shook his head as he filed the thoughts way as being fanciful as he was only in his late twenties. He was still young and not even in his prime yet. He had the whole universe at his feet and more than enough warm female willing companions for his pleasure.

Blue eyes peered outside into the haze as it drifted up from the stones that were the road on the planet that she found herself upon. The cool shadows, a blessing, from the building heat that was sure to become another vicious afternoon thunderstorm. Though, Draxis was mostly a temperate world with lush green rainforests and beautiful aqua oceans. It was still a planet that was mainly uninhabited by other bipedal species. And if the rumours were to be believed than it was just as dangerous from the inhabitants of the planet. Draxis was only a world that was beginning to establish itself as part of a trade route. Pirates were known for frequenting planetside to gather supplies and replenishing stock for the slave market. It was one of the reasons why most of the residents wore cloaks that protected them from the unpredictable weather and acted as a deterrent for the pirates that were looking to make some quick cash.

Slender hands pulled the cloak hood over the multi-coloured hair that framed the heart shaped face as they soothed down the material to reach into the pocket that held the list of supplies that the household needed. Pulling herself to her full height of five foot five, she welcomed the cool breeze that ran through the dwelling that protected the residents from the twin blazing suns that orbited outside. Though, the heat could be suffocating during the daylight hours, the residents were joyful when the temperature eased a few degrees at night. It had been an adventure to get where the family was and she would not have changed it but she was a cautious creature by nature. The fact that they had been gone this long spoke volumes of the determination of the female that she had called Mistress when she was still a slave that had been assigned to attend in the nursery that fateful morning.

She was little more than a servant now considering it was safer than being a freed woman. She could move around freely enough but she was still not use to being able to call her earnings her own. Taylia was accustomed to hard labour and she was not built for the life of leisure like her old mistress, Mya. It had taken a considerable amount of time before new habits were formed. It was also a learning curve for Mya for the fact that she had not really had to work for herself and was unable to run a functional household. There were fights and bickering amongst themselves as they learnt to live together on a regular basis. Difficult would be such an easy word to use but that was not what their situation was. Taylia had been unable to figure out why Mya had ran when she had everything, not realising until much later that Mya was little more than a slave herself. Her bars were more gilded than the harsh beatings and no food treatments that Tayla had sustained but it still amounted to the same thing. Both were prisoners to the mad man that held them in his grasp.

It was still unfathomable that a person would space travel with such a young child. That child was still a baby who was having his midday sleep as Taylia realised that this would be her only opportunity to visit the markets that was only a few blocks away from her dwelling. She needed to procure their weekly provisions as Mya had taken to working to gain means of living in such a hostile environment. Taylia was not complaining about the situation that they found themselves in but could actually say that it was evitable that Mya learnt about how real life worked. They needed credits to live and bills needed to be paid. They were still learning together on how life worked as a free person. Taylia breathed in deeply as she made the short distance quickly as the wind was starting to stir the dust into the air which meant the promised thunderstorm was not far away as she could see the thick dark clouds billowing from the mountains. The taste of sweetness filled the air that spoke of future rains that would herald the oncoming storm.

"Taylia, my dear." Hitayala greeted as soon as the young female stood in front of her stall, clutching her cloak tightly as she pulled the piece of paper from her pocket. "What I can get for you?"

"Hello Hitayala." Taylia inclined her head in greeting as she showed the older woman the piece of paper that Mya had written. "I think it's the usual. So that would be it please." She had not much to do with the reading and writing aspects of life but she had been able to pick up some words over the years.

"Ah yes." Hitayala glanced at the neat handwriting as she shuffled through her wares. "I think Dethroc has that." She pointed out as she handed the paper back.

"Thank you." Taylia grasped the paper and shoved it back into her pocket as she drew the required credits out and placed them into Hitayala's wrinkled hands. "That should be enough."

"Are you still looking for extra credits?" Hitayala blinked as Taylia looked shock for a moment before shaking her head. "I noticed that you're unable to read."

"That's a long story. I'll tell it to you one day." Taylia shifted uncomfortably under Hitayala's piercing stare as her hand strayed to the paper in her pocket.

"I look forward to that day." Hitayala bobbed her head as she put the credits away and pushed the bags towards Taylia. "Iselai was asking about you again."

"What did she want now?" Taylia furrowed her brows at the mention of the prominent woman's name. She was tired with the persistence of the woman as she asked nearly everyone about their finances. Taylia had no trust for people like that as she pulled the bags closer to her body and prepared to carry them.

"She was after the usual information. I don't like that one. Bad vibes, she gives me." Hitayala urged as her wise eyes searched the sky. "Get along now, young one. I have an ache in my old bones."

"Thank you Hitayala. I'll see you later." Taylia inclined her head slightly in farewell. She turned upon her heels and walked towards Dethroc's stall for the rest of her provisions. It was surprisingly easier this week than the last couple of weeks since they had landed planetside.

"Greetings, young one." Dethroc smiled his toothless grin as he stood up from his chair when Taylia got to his stall. "What can I get for you today?"

"Hello, Dethroc. Hitayala said that you may have this item." Taylia greeted back as she pulled the worn list from her pocket and pointed to the item that she needed.

"Yes, I do." His eyes squinted so he was able to read the word better. "How is your charge?"

"Sleeping but I do need to get back soon." Taylia murmured as she flicked her gaze towards the sky as the clouds that had seemed so far away where drawing closer to the town. "Hitayala says there is a storm approaching."

"Here you go and thanks for the warning." Dethroc wrinkled his nose as a sweet scent filled the air. "You should run home now."

"I will." Taylia smiled as she slid the right amount of credits towards him as he shook his head when he refused her payment. Taylia chewed her lip as she looked at him in confusion. This was a situation that she had never been in before and had absolutely no idea on how to precede with the transaction.

"You need that for the youngling." Dethroc lifted his eyebrow. "I have a shirt that you could mend for me. We trade for that?"

"Agreed." Taylia breathed a sigh of relief as they reverted to the bartering system. It was how she supplemented their income on the other worlds was bartering her sewing or cooking skills for the essential items that they needed. Mya had discussed at length about starting a laundry service but it would be very time consuming and it would not be easy with a child hanging off her hip. "Thank you Dethroc. I'll see you later." She inclined her head in farewell as she grabbed the last provision that they would need and turned around to make her way home before the storm made its presence known.

"Same to you as well, young one." Dethroc chuckled as he started to close up his stall for the approaching storm. "Sorry, I'm closing for the approaching storm." He called out to the approaching customer as he pointed to the dark billowing clouds that were starting to appear more ominous now that they were drifting over the township.

The atmosphere crackled with the unspent electricity as Taylia ran to get to her shelter as the clouds swirled overhead. The water had been misting as she reached the overhang of the dwelling when that misting turned into fat drops of water that splash as the heavens open up and the lightning flashed across the sky. You could feel the thunder rumbling through the ground before a sharp crack signalled that the pent up energy had been used. She could understand why Mya never made the provisions run on this world because the weather was too unpredictable for her gentle constitution. She would never to be able to understand her Mistress' statement of being amongst the "bottom feeders" unsettled her delicate constitution was only a front and that she did not know the basics when it came to running a household. It had been a rather confusing time as the choice of planets had not made any sense until the idea of a bounty hunter being set upon them to retrieve what had belonged Elkiran and Mya was adamant that it was not going to the females but his beloved heir. Taylia had learnt to live looking over her shoulder but this was taking it to another level as she had no idea who would take the contract and she did not have the funds to offer a counter-contract. It was not a thing that she liked to dwell upon but it was in the back of her mind anyway.

The suns reflected brightly off his cleaned and polished armour as he exited slowly but stiffly from Slave 1. The stitches had snagged early on his body glove as he tried to dress for the provisions and information run that he needed to make before he could leave this dust ball of a planet. The information that he was seeking he would need to gather from the space dock master. It had taken him the better part of his sleeping cycle to read and organise the information from the data rod. It had turned to be a fruitless effort as the information was sketchy at best. It was laughable to the point that it was either an amateurish recordkeeping or a blatant attempt at hiding information, either way it was just plain annoying. The only data that he could use with any success would be their descriptions and holopics.

The feeling of being observed tingled down his spine as he used the pretence of checking over his ship as Jango discreetly inspected the shadows for hidden potential threats. Not that he was likely to find any but only the most curious of creatures would visit the space docks. Occasionally, the odd being seeking a means of escaping the confines of their situation but Jango had an idea on who the possible observer was. It would appear that this part of the game would never change as he slyly glanced down at his gauntlet. One thing he hated more than a Jedi was being observed too closely and if they thought Slave 1 was their target, they would be in for a rather nasty surprise. He chuckled darkly as he turned on his heel and headed to the docking master's office. Discreetly glancing around as he attuned his hearing to the different beings around him as he pushed opened the door. He did not need anyone to pay any type of attention to his conversation with the docking master inside.

"What can I do for you?" The gruff voice muttered from behind a computer screen. The office while tidy, the desk was another story. Paperwork laid littered around with folders laying in a chair that beside the desk. A grimace marred his brow for a moment as he softly cursed the computer before giving the man his attention. He breathed in deeply as he recognised the bounty hunter standing in his office. The dock master had heard some horrific stories about the man that was slowly stalking across the floor.

"I need some information." Jango stated without preamble as he came to a halt in front of the counter. The dock master just sat beyond that as Jango placed his arms onto the counter. "The people that I'm searching for left here no more than three months ago."

"I have a lot of beings and creatures come through these docks." The dock master leant back in his chair. "And three months is a long time." He smirked at the bounty hunter.

"I just need the ship's name that they flew out on." Jango gritted his teeth as the game of information extraction started. Nearly everyone that he had dealt with had gone the same path. Usually it ended with credits changing hands or a dead body and Jango was feeling more inclined with the dead body at present. "Three people flew out of here."

"Look Fett. Traffic through this port was high three months ago. Now, it's not busy. Trying to keep track of three beings in a mass of moving bodies, even I'm not that good and that was before cameras were installed." The dock master sighed as he shifted in his seat. The day had only begun and he had to deal with a bounty hunter.

"It's real simple." Jango's voice pitched low as frustration flared inside his mind as he struggled to control the impulse of dragging the dock master over the counter. He knew that he was sore and tired, and that made his disposition even more shaky as his patience slipped further. "I need the information of two females, one young and the other older with a small male child. The younger one is roughly about twenty but could pass for much younger. The older female is about twenty-five and the child was no more than a newborn. I believe about six weeks old."

"You do realise how many situations are like that?" The docking master shook his head but he had an idea on who the people in question were. "It's easier to pass through a docking port like that than being accompanied with multiple males. That draws attention and can raise a few alarm bells."

"Space travel is not for the faint hearted, especially with such a young child." Jango growled low in his throat as his blood stirred ready for battle as anger flared and intertwined itself with the frustration. He really should not have gotten out of the bunk this morning. His whole body was coil tighter than a snake ready to strike; his hand was on his blaster to be drawn in a moment's notice.

"That much is true I suppose." The dock master breathed out softly before turning back towards his terminal. "I believe the ship you are after . . ." His fingers tapped away at the keys as he quietly hummed to himself.

"Yes?" Jango looked at him expectantly. The beast was starting to stretch and wake up from his slumber. He really needed to do some damage or hunt something. He needed to release the pent up energy which had been getting stored lately as carnal pursuits no longer satisfied the beast. It wanted blood and it did not particular care to which it belonged.

"Is the Wayward Jewels. The recorded ship manifest had it heading towards the Capza system. Now whether it reached there or not, I have no idea." He gulped as he took in the tense figure of the bounty hunter. His hand holding the blaster as the dock master hoped that he would not be vaporised by the bounty hunter today. That would be a highly difficult thing to try to explain to his heavily expectant wife.

"You got possible names to go with that ship?" Jango gritted his teeth as he slowly slid his blaster away. He knew that he radiated irritation but that was not the dock master's fault.

"Let's see. Passenger manifest states that there were six extra people on board." The dock master tapped a few more keys before hitting a final key and another machine roared to life. "Look I printed the ship details out for you." He got up and retrieved the information before approaching the bounty hunter. His hand tremble slightly as he held it out and Jango took it with a brief thank you.

"I don't want this information to go to Elkiran." Jango stated as he folded the paper and placed it in his utility belt as he quickly scanned the list of names and Reynolds stood out. He was rather surprised that they had used the younger female's name but he should not have been considering she was virtually unknown within the wider community as she had been a slave since she was four. There was no information before that age but the older female had a little bit more. Not much more, but enough to imply that she had come from a wealthy family and the marriage was a settling of debts. Jango was really beginning to detest the idea of slaves and the owning of them.

"There is no love for that slimeball." The docking master admitted as turned back around and took his seat again. "He just likes to think that he owns this little town since he opened the Pulitrob Orbs mine."

"See that it's kept that way." Jango warned before slipping the docking master a few extra credits. He was due to fly out in the next couple of hours as he turned upon his heels and made his way back to the door when the docking master's voice echoed after him.

"Did you just threaten me?" His voice shook with uncertainty as Jango looked over his shoulder at him, a hard look at the docking master as he decided on what game the di'kut (idiot) was playing.

"We, Mandalorians, don't threaten. We promise." Jango threw over his shoulder as he closed the door behind him.

The afternoon storm had proven to be a magnificent beauty as the thunder rolled long and low before ending in a sharp crackling sound as the lightning flashed against the blackest clouds that the town had seen in a long while. The rain was teeming as the streets rapidly turned into creeks that were slowly forming in raging rivers. The electricity still held strong as Taylia reached down and brought the baby to her chest. She stood there for a few quiet moments in reflection as the storm raged outside, her emotions storming within her. Taylia enjoyed the sweet smell that Arterlet's skin was producing as he continued to smile and gurgled to the world around him. She buried her nose into his hair and inhaled the fresh powdery scent that was clean baby. He was such a joy to be around as he started to look at the world around him. Taylia smiled softly as she kissed his fingers, imprinting herself upon his young impressionable mind.

"I have work to do. Did you know that Art?" She laughed as he just smiled and waved his little fists around. It had been a real joy in watching him as he slowly developed his personality. She gently placed him upon his belly as he craned his head around to stare at her. A look of disbelief marred his features before he realised that he had freedom. It was truly amazing what such a small creature could do. Even not quite five months old, he could lift his head and roll from his front to his back. She was looking forward to him crawling but she was also dreading that same prospect of movement.

"Doesn't look like the storm will be letting up?" Mya commented softly as she walked into the room and crouched down by her child.

"They say it's the change of season." Taylia remarked back as she sat down in the chair and picked up the shirt that Dethroc had brought around in the morning. The shirt had seen better days but he swore that it was his favourite shirt and he could depart from it. Taylia smiled at his antics so early in the morning that it had set the tone for the rest of the day.

"I didn't think that was possible. This is a very temperate world to begin with." Mya giggled as she watched Arterlet draw his knees underneath him and started to rock.

"He will be crawling soon." Taylia dryly stated as she squinted to thread the needle. The lights flickering briefly as the thunder crackled loudly overhead.

"Then we will be in a world of trouble." Mya breathed as she pushed herself to her full height and went to stand over next to the window, her eyes turned outwards as she watched the storm as well.

"I only get that look when something is bothering me." Taylia muttered before cursing softly as she pricked her finger with the needle. "What is on your mind?"

"I was contemplating the future early this evening." Mya folded her arms behind her back as she looked quickly at Tayla nervously. "I was wondering what the fate of my child would be if I was to pass on from this world."

"I don't know." Taylia uttered as she looked at the woman that was calm but on edge. She putted down the shirt and folded her hands into her lap, waiting for Mya to continue on. Taylia had learnt early on to listen when Mya spoke of something because it usually happened the way that Mya had seen it.

"You have been a loyal and faithful servant. You have become a person rather close to me. Like a dear family member." Mya struggled to articulate her words as they kept failing her.

"We have both learnt a few things together and that helped form our bond." Taylia added as she breathed out softly. She hated putting her emotions into words but she could see that Mya needed a helping hand.

"What I am trying to ask if I pass on from this world, could you please raise Art like he is your own. I don't want him to be returned to his father." Mya broke down and started to weep as she thought about the possible future.

"Then I will do it." Taylia swore as Mya gave a trembling smile at the young woman, the only person from her previous household to treat her with respect. Which was such a strange thing that she had been drawn to the little slave girl

"That is very much appreciated." Mya closed her eyes as she gave thanks to her god that Taylia had taken that task on. She was not able to speak to the reasoning of why they were in the situation that they were in but they seem to be coping fine. Just like the voice whispered to her that it would be alright.

"Are you working tonight?" Taylia asked as the storm seem to abate as the day drew to a close and the night sky was starting to be blanketed by the tiny dots of sparkling diamonds.

"No, I'm on call tonight but we know that can change. As long as Iselai keeps paying me, I have no complaint." Mya sighed softly before leaving the room with a very confused Taylia looking after her. She must have seen something that shook her up badly to ask such a request. Taylia was interested in knowing what it was exactly they were to face in the future. She would need to wait because she knew that Mya would never tell her unless it was absolutely necessary.

His fingers had made quick work of inputting the coordinates into the flight computer before he sat back and glanced out the side viewing portal as he thought back to his early conversation with the docking master. The sinking feeling that he had been experiencing of late had intensified within the office. Its persistence had been signalling to Jango what he had been denying for so long, that he was on the brink of losing what humanity he had left. It was such a fine line to walk with the inner bloodlust that flared through his veins. The demand it placed upon him when in battle, the same demand that it was making on him now. That he should be married with a couple of children at his feet to guide and train into fine warriors worthy of being called Mandalorians. Many others had followed the same path with success and at a much younger age. Considering it was almost normal to have a mate and a child by seventeen. Jango knew at that age, he was not of any real use for the family situation.

He had been rather brash with the choices he had made. He was more likely to be moving without a moment's notice and that was hard when small children were involved. But most importantly, he had nothing to offer to any potential mates. He was too full of energy and life. He had things to do and places to see, not realising that he would be dragged into a war that was not of his choosing. The devastation that he had witness further fuelled his desire in not settling down. The idea of losing someone close to circumstances like that was horrifying to even contemplate. But the truth of the matter was, you could only ignore instincts for so long before they turned on you. Jango had felt this compelling need to visit his family farm on Concord Dawn, whether to settle his demons or not. That matter would yet remain to be seen.

Jango sighed as he rubbed a hand over his face when he thought back over his childhood before Death Watch had slaughtered his family and gave him a real taste of what pain and suffering was really like. It gave him the taste of vengeance and he had not stopped until Death Watch had been hunted into non-existence. He did not think that it had really helped with dealing with his commitment issues that he knew he had that stemmed from that one instance in time. He was not looking to the day where he would be saying farewell to his chosen mate because death was inevitable and it came for everyone. It was a hard fact of life even if he had a hand in that fact himself. It was on a more personal level that he was not able to form the close bonds needed to have a family. The idea of trusting another being with his darkest secrets and personality was rather an elusive concept for him.

Jango found himself to be in a quandary of the situation that he was in. His eyes swept over his beloved home of the last few years. It was not a very conductive environment in raising a stable growing family. He would need to source a space that he could build into a home with a mate and children. He huffed a laugh as he shook his head at his own foolishness. It would explain the dissatisfaction that he had found with his current companions. He was too busy clinging to the past and not seeing the future. At the tender age of twenty nine, Jango Fett, ruthless bounty hunter, assassin and mercenary wanted a family and a life to share with a wife. It was the dream of any well-established Mandalorian warrior, having a family to call his own. The desire had flared and was calling to him with the song of the siren. All he needed to do now was find a woman strong enough to share it with him.

So new character developed and hopefully, a better flow now. I have no idea when the next chapter will be posted but it is a work in progress. So until next time, have a good one! ;D