Chapter 29 - Actions, Not Words

They entered the building, Mando went first as Fayra followed close behind him. The room they entered was dark and empty except for a creature sitting in a chair at the opposite end of the entrance. It was covered in purple scales, with beady black eyes and a wide slit for a mouth, no nostrils.

"I'm here to see Comrad." Mando stated, eying the creature. It slowly began twisting its head toward him. Once it looked him over it turned its gaze to Fayra. It moved so slow, Fayra wondered if it always moved that way.

"I left my love inside my heart." It slowly said, elongating every word and pausing between each one. Fayra's expression changed to confusion. Why would it say such a thing?

"I ripped it out, so I could depart." Mando replied.

"You may enter." It said. The creature's mouth stretched slowly into a smile.

A door slid open with a thud. Fayra now understood it was some kind of code to gain access. Fayra reluctantly followed Mando as he stepped through. She was becoming very unsure of their destination and the reasons behind it. They entered another room, but this one featured a long hallway. It was so dark she could only make out Mando's outline as they walked.

Suddenly a rush of emotions came over her, she began having flashbacks of when he took her to that horrible man. The hallway they had walked down was very similar to this one. Her breath quickened and the dizziness returned. She swallowed hard as she halted. Mando sensed she was no longer directly behind him. He turned, grabbing her, pulling her close. He felt her squirm, but still lacking much strength she quickly gave in. He continued walking through another door.

Loud music came blaring through as the door opened. Fayra took in her surroundings in a panic. Different kinds of half naked species danced, jumped and bumped against each other. Smoke rose up tickling her nose. Lights of all colors flashed, temporarily blinding her. Mando never explained what they were doing here. Flashes of The Client, popped in her head. A memory of the Doctor shoving a needle in her arm caused her to cringe. When she began pulling from him, and stumbling. Mando pulled her aside and pinned her against a wall, facing him once more.

"Fayra." Mando had to yell in order for her to hear him. Fayra's panic intensified causing the lights around them to flicker. When she didn't respond Mando cupped both her cheeks in his hands. "Fayra!" he yelled again.

"What is this? Where are you taking me? What are you going to do?" Her questions came out quickly and frantically. "Let go!" She screamed at him, tears streaming down. Mando was not expecting her reaction, but he understood.

He needed her to calm down, people began to notice and the flickering lights were escalating. Some of the bulbs were exploding. The patrons began looking around for an explanation. Mando had seen this before, sometimes the environment reacted to her emotions. He placed one hand against the wall beside her head, then wrapped the other around her back pushing her up and into him, trying to block any prying eyes.

She pushed against him. She wasn't going to let this happen again, not without a fight. She promised herself that a while back. Nothing had changed that. He lowered himself next to her ear.

"It's alright." He said calmly. "I'm not going to let anyone hurt you." He felt a vibration growing in the wall he braced himself on. The floor underneath them rumbled.

"I won't let anyone take you... anywhere" He explained, emphasizing the last word. Her chest heaved against him. "Breathe… take deep breaths." He commanded.

"You are safe."

Fayra needed to gain control of herself. She wasn't going to be able to help herself if she was in a panic. It took a minute, but she obeyed as she listened to him coach her breath back to normal. She leaned her head against his shoulder. His words were so reassuring and comforting. She wished she could believe them.

The cold steel felt soothing against her overheated skin. The vibration in the wall and floor stopped as well as the lights.

Mando held her there for a few more minutes. The music ended and the crowd began cheering. He loosened his grip and let her slide down his body until her feet connected to the floor. He cupped her cheeks in his hands again, lifting her chin to meet his dark gaze.

"Okay?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Follow me." He turned and began making his way through the crowd.

They finally made their way through the bodies to a clearing. This side of the massive room was made of tables and chairs. Large cushioned couches lined the back wall. Mando led them to the corner of the room where a large man sat on a corner couch. He was surrounded by various species doing various things. Some stood guard, others came and went with drinks and food, others participated in erotic dance on pedestals round him. His gaze fell on Mando.

"Mando!" The round rosy cheeked man bellowed. He jumped up, his drink splashing out. He extended his hand to Mando. As they approached Mando did the same, bracing in a handshake.

"Comrad." Mando nodded once.

The man smiled. "So, you're back in these parts. Are you here on business or pleasure?" He sung the last word, extending it out as he tilted his head peering around Mando at her.

"I see… you waist no time, as usual."

Fayra scrunched her expression, appalled at his suggestion she was merely here for Mando's… pleasure. Though she couldn't deny she's thought about it.

"My dear… forgive me. Forgive me." The man bowed. "I'm Comrad Nelson, at your service." He laughed, his large belly sticking out. He pushed a guard from his path and reached out for her hand. He pulled it to his lips for a kiss. "Come sit, sit!" Fayra looked at Mando with an uneasy expression. He offered a small nod as the large man pulled Fayra to his table.

"Shew, shew, go!" Comrad said, waving away the others seated at his table. They obeyed and left. "My dear you look starved. Eat, eat." He insisted. Fayra's stomach growled in anticipation. She loved eating, she thought! However, when she took a closer look at the offerings her stomach's growl quickly twisted into nausea. Everything she looked at was buzzing, crawling, or slithering.

"No… thank you" she said, trying to smile.

"So, Mando, tell me about your companion here. She's very beautiful." He said, giving her a wink.

"I'm here on business, Comrad." Mando stated plainly, propping his pulse rifle against his knee. Comrad took a deep breath turning to him. "I'm looking for work."

"Well, I have all kinds of work." Comrad raised his hands, extending them out, displaying his establishment.

"Comrad." Mando scolded.

His face fell. " I haven't had your kind of work in a while." Comrad confessed. "I'm hearing things, underworld stuff." He lowered his voice. "Some warlord, supposedly, is putting some pressure on things. Making it difficult to move around." Comrad's eyebrows wiggled.

"Anyone know who?" Mando asked.

"No," Comrad shook his head. "I had an informant, hasn't turned up in a few days. And you know what that means." He furrowed his brows in Mando's direction. "The last transmission I received spoke about some asset, a high-valued target, this warlord was looking for. Apparently it slipped his grasp, I've heard all kinds of stuff -."

Mando purposely avoided looking at Fayra.

"- Some say it's some kind of weapon. Some say it's a Wistie." He laughed. "Hell, I've even heard it's just some exotic delicacies offering immortality." His eyebrows bounced up and down. He slapped his hand down sending shudders across the table. "I do know, anyone who gets their hands on whatever it is-" He was cut short, looking up at the lights flickering.

"So, no work then?" Mando asked, hoping to change the subject.

"No, sorry, it's been slow. But I here Ran's looking for a good man."

"Ran?" Mando huffed as the lights turned to normal.

"Hm, must have a short somewhere." Comrad observed the light directly above their head. "But I can't let you leave here empty handed!" He demanded. "You saved my life... twice! I owe you big Mando." He snapped his fingers and a tall, slender man with a long trunk protruding from his face rushed over.

"You still got the Razer Crest?" Comrad asked.

Mando nodded.

"I want his ship fueled up." Comrad commanded the man. He turned back to Mando. "Your ship need anything else?"

"Not at this time, thank you." Mando replied.

"And I want it shined up too." Comrad demanded. "Location?" He asked Mando.

Mando hesitated slightly. "West, just outside the city." The tall slender man shuffled away.

He snapped his fingers again, another man from the opposite side came rushing over.

"You need two rooms? One?" Comrad asked, displaying his fingers with each number.

"One." Mando said flatly.

Comrad smiled, "Of course. Get a room for them, the best one. Top floor. And anything they want, on me!" The man nodded and quickly left.

Fayra watched the room's activities as Mando and Comrad chatted. She tried listening closely for any mention of her. After a few moments Comrad stood.

"It looks like your room is ready." He turned to Fayra, smiling. "My dear, allow me to escort you." He took her hand in his, pulling her to her feet. Comrad locked her arm in the crook of his elbow, pulling her along his side. She peered nervously behind her searching for Mando. She found him walking directly behind. A door slid open revealing a tiny room. As Comrad stepped on, Fayra hesitated.

"It's alright my dear, just a lift."

Fayra felt a gloved hand on the small of her back. Mando came up behind her, urging her to continue. Her eyes darted from side to side, looking for a way out. Was this all a ploy? Would they get to the room and cut a deal for ownership? She wished Mando had explained the situation more. She wished, again, she could trust him. The lift began moving up. Fayra never had been in a lift before. Though she was frightened she couldn't help herself. It fascinated her as they rose higher and higher. She smiled and giggled as she watched out the window as the world under their feet grew smaller. Comrad observed her closely enjoying her experience.

Once the ride was over they stepped off the lift, Comrad resumed his position by Fayra's side as he led them to their room.

"Here you are my dear, the best I can offer. You are welcome to anything you like." He paused still holding Fayra's hand. "Before you do, perhaps you should keep a cover on this wrist." Her face fell, she gently tried jerking her hand away, but he held firm wrapping an ornate ribbon several times around. Comrad shared a glance with Mando. She swallowed nervously, looking at Mando, his hand at the hilt of his blaster. The lights flickered and the floor rumbled for just a moment.

"There you are." He said, tying a knot to secure the ribbon. "Nothing to fear here." Comrad nodded, released Fayra's hand, smiling.

Comrad turned to Mando and noticed his stance. "Relax Mando," he outstretched his hands.

Mando nodded to Fayra. She backed away and into the room. Comrad waited until she was some distance away. "I've also heard rumors of a beauty with extraordinary abilities. With a distinctive mark upon her wrist."

Mando was ready for whatever fight was coming. He had already noted several escape routes on their way in and how many men Comrad had guarding certain areas. He also noted the two men standing in the back of the room and one by the door. "At ease soldier." Comrad demanded. "Like I said, I owe you. Make sure that mark is covered when she's out and about."

Fayra walked the room. It was beautiful. Lush carpets and rugs she could dig her toes into. Blankets and pillows everywhere. A fire burning next to a large bed. Exotic flowers and sparkling lights decorated the room throughout. A bar stocked full of drinks and unfortunately, she noticed, more food that made her stomach turn. Fayra walked through the rest of the room inspecting every inch, sneaking peeks at Mando, looking for evidence they were striking a deal. The room was a nice change to what they've had before, but by the looks of Mando he was a snake waiting for the moment to strike.

"There's nothing like it is there-?" Comrad stated, watching Fayra.

Mando relaxed slightly, so far no one made a threatening move.

"-Making a woman happy."

"My dear," He waved Fayra back over to him. "I must leave you to it. Rest up, eat, and enjoy. My man will let you know when the Razor Crest is ready." Comrad announced as Fayra made her way back. "Before I go," He said, taking Fayra's hand, now with a ribbon around her wrist, and planting a kiss once more. "If you ever want to leave this guy behind. I would be happy to make you my queen."

Fayra blushed and smiled as the man bowed to her, turned and left. So no deal then, she thought, not yet anyway. He closed the door behind him. Fayra looked at Mando, her smile faded.

She turned and curled up on the couch looking at the window. Her stomach was still growling. Mando laid himself out on the bed, pulse rifle next to him.

A while later Fayra awoke alone in the room. She threw off the blanket now covering her, which had not been there before. She searched the room for him, but he was gone. It was dead quiet, except for her growling stomach. She was unsure what to do. As she stood there, alone, her mind began speculating. Did something happen to him? Was Comrad interested in her? No, no she thought. Mando said he wouldn't let anyone hurt her or take her.

But the more she thought about it the more worried she became. Fayra began rolling his words over and over in her head. Mando said he wouldn't let anyone take her, meaning forcefully. He didn't say anything about selling her. He also said he wouldn't let anyone hurt her. Perhaps that's why he brought her here to Comrad. He knew Comrad wouldn't hurt her.

She went to the door to take a peek of the hallway. However, when she tried the knob, it wouldn't turn to open. Panic set in. No, she thought. She tried the knob again. No success, it was locked. She tried pulling, it wouldn't budge.

She backed up to the bed and set down, not taking her eyes off the door. He did it, she concluded. He's sold her and he's gone. Tears began to fall. Thunder clapped outside her window. He didn't even say goodbye, she thought. Tears fell harder. Outside raindrops began hitting the window, thunder rolled louder. At least, she thought, Comrad seemed like he would be kind, hopefully she was right. Mando would leave her with a kind man.

She jumped up at the sound of the door knob turning. Her first thought circled around Comrad coming to explain her new role. As the door creaked open she saw the familiar beskar armor walking through. Her face grew hot with anger and relief.

"Where were you!" She blurted out quickly, wiping tears. "I woke up and you were gone!"

Mando shut and relocked the door as Fayra continued her tirade.

"The door was locked!" She continued. "I couldn't get out. You didn't say anything about leaving, as a matter of fact, you never say much about anything at all." Her voice rose. I'm always left guessing at your intentions, I never know what you're doing. Or where we're going. Or people we're meeting."

As Fayra went on. Mando realized the thunder and rain intensified greatly. Lightning splattered across the sky, the thunder coincided with her words.

"Fayra." He said, trying to interrupt, but she kept talking.

"Fayra." He tried again. She walked up, facing him, pointing a finger.

"What?" She yelled. Her face scrunching together in anger.

"You're angry with me." He replied.

"Angry! Well, congratulations. You're very observant."

"I judge people by their actions. Not words."

She turned and glared at him.

"Okay then, You stole me from the Niktos!"

"I let you out of the cage and unchained you."

"You sold me to a man that tortured me."

"I rescued you from that man who tortured you."

"You threaten me, tried to kill Blue."

"With reason, and I let him live."

"Well... you don't talk to me."

"Words are useless flattery."

"You... you" She fumed, trying to think of something.

"I brought you something." He confessed.

Fayra looked at him. Until now, she didn't realize Mando was hiding something behind his back.

Her eyes narrowed, "there isn't anything you could possibly have on this entire planet that I would want!"

He held up his hidden hand revealing a shiny, red apple. Fayra's eyes grew wide, her stomach growled and groaned at the sight. Okay, it was possible, she thought, he could have something she wanted. She leaped, grabbing his wrist, pulling the apple to her lips, and taking a big bite. Mando watched as juice ran down her chin then down his gloved hand. She plucked it from his fingers and continued eating. The thunder and rain rolled out from the area, revealing the sun that had risen hours ago.

"This doesn't mean you're off the hook." She declared. "You know, it's frightening when you leave or take me somewhere without telling me your plan."

He turned to her, unhooking his pulse rifle to sit.

"It might not be to you, you know how to fight your way out of places, and use weapons. I don't and it's scary and I'm still angry with you!"

She took another bite of apple. "Can we go now, I want to go." She pleaded with her mouth full.

"We can go." He said.

As they approached the Razor Crest Fayra saw Comrad waving to them. She watched Mando jump from the side, propping his pulse rifle atop his shoulder.

"Mando, she's all ready for you. You know you're quite the liar." Comrad said. Fayra's brows shot up in surprise at his boldness. She turned around to face him. "She needs more work than a fill up and shine. Perhaps next time then, though I did bring extra supplies, food, med kits, weapons."

"Thank you, Comrad." Mando said.

Fayra jumped as a strong arm wrapped around her hips. Mando lifted her up and off the speeder. She gently pushed away, still angry at him. He braced her against his body, slowly sliding her down. When her feet touched the ground he released her.

"My dear, I do hate to see you go." Comrad said. She offered him a smile as she made her way up the ramp. "She's quite the conversationalist."

"You have no idea." Mando replied.

Comrad watched her for a moment longer, "Well, till we cross paths again brother."

"Till we cross paths." Mando repeated as the two shared a handshake.