Aria
Din snapped off a hologram, his head turning to me as I walked in.
"You're an angel." I said, pushing back the fabric covering his neck to press a kiss to his skin. It had become our version of a peck to the cheek whenever it was too light out for him to take off his helmet.
"Don't call me that." Which meant he kind of liked it.
I picked the child out of his cradle, playing with it as I sat down, watching as Din sped through the clear sky.
"We're going to stretch our legs a little bit." Din stated, pointing towards a desert planet. "Arvala-7."
"You know this place?" I asked, rising to peer over his shoulder as he entered the planet's atmosphere.
"I've been there once or twice."
Greef Karga was alive. Din kept thinking about the hologram he had just received offering to satisfy both of their interests concerning the kid. He had already sent a transmission to Cara Dune but knew he needed another trusted member to be a part of his crew. He couldn't think of anyone wiser than Kuiil.
He set the Razor Crest down, picking up a few things before climbing down the ladder followed closely by Aria. He knew he had to tell her what his plan was but he couldn't figure out exactly how to. Din knew she knew the child was in danger but he had been careful to shield his past with the Guild from her, especially the fact that he was a traitor and rescued a bounty from a horrible fate.
"Kuiil is an old friend." Din told Aria as she walked with him, still carrying the child as the bassinet floated behind them. "He has helped me on more than one occasion and I consider him a trusted ally."
She looked a little surprised at his words but definitely pleased,
"I've never heard you say anything so nice!" She exclaimed, almost teasing. He stopped to look down at her,
"Haven't you?" He inquired and she blushed before squeezing his hand slightly.
The residence of Din's friend reminded me a little of Zepro's store only this time, I wasn't filled with dread at the sight of spare parts and equipment. An older male Ugnaught stood high above on the roof repairing something but he held up a hand in greeting, scurrying down to meet us.
"The Mandalorian returns," he said in a gruff voice, "I welcome you with gladness."
"Kuiil," Din shakes his hand firmly, bending a little, "This is Aria."Kuiil looks up at me through his little eyes and I see why Din trusts him. Although his people worked for the Empire, his face is full of wisdom and lined with hard-work. He gives a little bow,
"You are welcome to me as well."
"You're very kind." I reply and set down the child, much to Kuiil's delight. He squats a bit, watching as the child chases some frogs.
"This little one is still with you!" The Ugnaught shoots a glance at Din, "I'm surprised. The Guild has not taken kindly to your actions."
I looked at Din but he was already walking with Kuiil into the house, so I scooped up the child and followed them.
"Mando tells me you were a slave," Kuiil speaks to me as he pours three cups of tea, "It's a dreadful business. I understand not working for someone of your own free will."
"Others had it far worse than I did." I manage, remembering the days when I was so unhappy and alone. Subconsciously, I reached for The Mandalorian under the table and he dropped his hand, his leather-clad fingers twining with mine briefly.
"Tell me what brings you back to my planet." The Ugnaught continues, handing me my cup of tea and moving one towards Mando who nods but doesn't reach for it. "Surely it is not to bring peace, for you have already brought it."
It takes a moment for me to realize that Din doesn't reply, since I'm busy sipping my cup and trying to share it with the kid beside me.
"Was the Blurrg harvest a success?" Din finally says, "I am interested to see the progress."
Kuiil gives Mando a thoughtful look before nodding, rising and heading towards the door. Din stands, briefly skimming my shoulder with his right hand as he brushes behind me.
"Stay out of trouble." He tells me and bends to clear the small doorway.
"Ok." I responded, wondering what was going on.
Din stood with one hand instinctively covering his holster and the other arm hanging at his side, always prepared for something unexpected. Kuiil had led them to one of the pens with a few Blurrgs and he was reaching into a bucket feeding them.
"You hate Blurrgs." Kuiil says bluntly, giving The Mandalorian a sidelong glance.
"I know. I wanted to talk to you alone."
Kuiil hummed,
"She doesn't know?"
Din looked at the suns setting,
"No."
The Ugnaught turned to his friend, wagging a finger at The Mandalorian like he was chiding his own son,
"Deception is a flimsy foundation for a relationship with a woman."
Din looked down at him, his brow wrinkling under his helmet as he replied,
"She would never look at me the same." He sighed, controlling his emotions as he gazed across the horizon. "Who would tie themself to a traitor? Someone who will always be on the run?"
Kuill poked the Mandalorian hard with his stubby little finger,
"She looks at you like someone she trusts. Surely the female will understand you did what you had to do to protect the child." "Maybe." Din replied shortly. He contemplated for a moment before changing the subject. "I've run into some problems."
"I figured as much," The Ugnaught gave Din a stern look but followed his abrupt subject change, "Why else would you return?"
"I want to hire your services."
"I'm retired from services." Kuill insisted.
"I need someone to protect the little one." Din pressed back.
"What about your female?"
"She's not coming with me. Not this time." The Mandalorian stared out at the Blurrgs, his emotions feeling about as ugly as the creatures' expressions. "I don't want her anywhere near the Imperial."
"Surely that is her decision-" Kuiil started to say but Din cut him off firmly,
"It's my decision and I'm keeping her here." Here his time softened in respect, "If… that's alright with you?"
The Ugnaught scratched his wispy beard and picked up the feeding bucket, waddling off slowly as The Mandalorian followed.
"What is mine to give, I give to you." He raised his hand, "I have spoken."