Happy Friday! I hope today was kind to you. Here's a nice long chapter for you all! Please enjoy :D

Eight hours later they were approaching Arvala-7, the last known positional data of his quarry. It was a desert planet with rough terrain and an extremely sparse population. There was one skughole of a city, but otherwise the land was virtually empty. Save for the occasional nomad, criminal gang and local fauna. The perfect hideaway for a wanted criminal.

The positional data led him to the opposite side of the planet from the city. To barren desert. Good thing he'd stocked up on supplies, though he didn't plan on staying long. Quick in. Quick out. No problems.

Well, there was one problem.

After finding a relatively flat and secure place to land, Mando made his way into the hold where his "problem" was waiting for him.

She hadn't made a peep the whole rest of the trip. Even when he'd slid a tray of dried rations into the cell she hadn't moved from where she was sitting, curled up, arms wrapped around bent legs, forehead pressed to her knees. Making herself as small as possible. He had checked on her several hours later to find that she had eaten the rations and placed the tray within easy reach of the bars. She seemed to be trying to tell him she'd cooperate, which was something at least.

Still, the organized piles of supplies rubbed at his conscience. If she'd been looking for weapons wouldn't it make more sense to be subtle about it? Shifting as little as possible to avoid rousing his suspicions?

Looking around as he loaded up his weapons and a satchel of dried rations and small tools that could come in handy, he couldn't help but notice the room had the distinct feeling of an unfinished project. He supposed there was a chance she hadn't recognized the smoke orb for what it was. It was a fairly outmoded model. Still, he'd never been one to take an unnecessary risk on a maybe. He couldn't leave her locked up in the ship because he couldn't say for sure how long this mission would take and he wouldn't have her starving on him. So she'd come with him. But she'd remain in cuffs. Having made up his mind and finished prepping for the mission, he made his way back to the cell.

She was in the same position as before and didn't even flinch at the clang of the gate opening.

"Let's go." Mando ordered, expecting her to look up at his voice. She didn't. Maybe she'd fallen asleep. Taking a step closer, he reached down to shake her shoulder. Before he could make contact, though, she scurried away. Keeping her back to the wall and her head down, her hair falling forward to obscure her features from him.

So. They were back to that behavior. He supposed he should have expected that. Probably deserved it to. He straightened up and she flinched away from his movement. If this was all just an act on her part, it was masterfully done.

"We've reached Arvala-7." He explained shortly, tossing her new cloak at her huddled form, "You have two choices. Come with me or stay here and starve. The cuffs stay on either way." With that he turned around and made his way to the back loading dock, lowering the ramp. He left the cell door open, knowing she'd follow him out at her own pace.

Once outside the Crest, Mando pushed the girl to the back of his mind. He couldn't afford to be distracted now. Not on an unfamiliar planet with unknown dangers, hunting a target he had next to no information on. He needed to stay sharp. Vigilant.

Pulling the tracking fob out, he watched it carefully as he moved it in a slow arc, trying to pinpoint the correct direction he should travel in. Eventually the beeping picked up pace infinitesimally and he froze, marking the direction before stowing the fob away once more.

He did one last visual survey of the surrounding area and was about to set out when something in the distance caught his eye. Bringing his rifle up he used the scope to hone in on one of the more peculiar creatures he'd seen in his lifetime. It was fairly large; big enough to ride anyway; with a huge mouth, small eyes under heavy brows, long tail and disproportionate limbs. It had to be a native to the planet because he'd never seen the like of them anywhere else. They seemed harmless enough, fairly placid. He wondered if he could use them for transportation. Maybe they had an owner nearby…

He was scanning the area around them in the hopes of spotting a humanoid when a force slammed into his side and threw him to the ground. His rifle went flying out of his grip at the same time he heard a guttural roar, followed by a scream of pain. He scrambled to his feet to find the girl pinned to the ground where he'd just been standing by one of the beasts. It had her shoulder and arm trapped between its teeth and she was helpless with her wrists still cuffed together. He pulled his pistol and got a shot off before there was a loud growl and another of the beasts came charging at him. He swung around to meet it, only for it to hit the ground mid charge and slide to a stop at his feet. A second later there was another roar and the first dropped as well. Looking closely, Mando could see feathered tranq darts buried in their thick hides.

"You are a bounty hunter." A gruff voice drew his attention to yet another of these beasts approaching them, except this one had a rider. An Ugnaught.

"Yes." Mando confirmed, before gesturing to the two fallen beasts, "Thank you..." A small moan interrupted him. Cursing quietly, Mando strode over to where the girl lay, her arm still clamped in the beast's mouth. She was trying to tug herself free but was only managing to hurt herself further.

"Wait." He ordered, crouching behind her to brace her and help her sit up more. He quickly disengaged her cuffs before reaching around her and prying the beast's mouth open as far as he could. She managed to maneuver her arm off its teeth and out without doing too much more damage. She clutched her arm to her chest, making a sound somewhere between a whimper and a moan as blood flowed from several teeth punctures.

"Easy, easy." Mando soothed as she rocked back and forth, shivering. It was clear she was going into shock on him. What in the world had possessed her to jump in the way like that?

"Your woman is injured." The Ugnaught noted calmly, from where he sat on his beast.

Really? I hadn't noticed! Mando thought sarcastically, but held his tongue. Getting to his knees, he carefully maneuvered the girl into his arms, being mindful of her injuries, before surging to his feet. She didn't make a sound through all this but held still, focusing on getting her breathing under control as she tried to ignore the pain.

"I will help you." The Ugnaught announced, after quietly observing them. Mando met his calm gaze incredulously. What would motivate him to help them?

As if sensing his look, the Ugnaught answered, "I have spoken." And that was that. He urged his mount around and Mando was left with the only option being to follow him. After he collected his scattered guns, of course.

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They'd been walking for nearly a half hour. Perhaps longer. It was hard to keep track.

Well, the Mandalorian had been walking. The little man-creature was riding one of those vicious animals with the other two muzzled and leashed behind him, looking none too happy about it. And Mando was carrying her. Again.

At least this time she could see. She'd tried to get him to put her down, first by gesturing then by wriggling. Each time he'd simply clamped his hold down on her and ignored her. The little man-creature had offered to take her up on his beastie but Mando had refused with a simple shake of his head.

She didn't understand him at all. Wasn't he angry at her? Didn't he think she was some kind of enemy or backstabber? That's how he treated her on the Razor Crest. So why was he now insisting on taking care of her? It made no sense! She was officially starting to get angry.

And woozy. She hated the sick, dizzy feeling that came from blood loss. Her bleeding had slowed down but it had yet to stop completely. Hopefully they'd reach their destination before she passed out. From her past experiences, she figured she probably had another fifteen to twenty minutes before that happened. Course, it was hard to keep track of time right this second. Hey, that thought seemed familiar… Had she already thought that? Not that it really mattered, but if she was starting to think in circles she might have less time than she thought. More like ten to fifteen minutes...Course, it was hard to keep track…

By the time the rambling wind farm came into view, she was officially out of her shock, officially in pain and officially ready to puke. Not necessarily in that order.

...That didn't really make sense, but whatever.

The little man-creature directed his beasties towards a large paddock but gestured for them to enter his home before him. Mando nodded his thanks and ducked through the low entrance with her still in tow.

The dwelling was small but clean, with the main room acting as both kitchen, eating area and lounging area. All the furniture was made up of scavenged bits and pieces but the overall effect was quite homey. Mando set her down on a nearby stool crafted from what looked like an old bucket. She wavered there for a moment, focusing on remaining upright.

"Take off your shirt." Mando ordered brusquely as he removed his gloves and searched around for bandages.

She just stared at him blankly. Um, no. She was his slave, and she knew her disobedience would have consequences, but this was where she drew the line. She might be too weak to fight him on it if he insisted, but she wasn't about to make it easy for him either.

When he turned around, having successfully located strips of clean cloth clearly meant to be used for bandages, it was to find her still sitting there fully clothed and looking stubborn. He huffed in annoyance.

"Your injuries need to be treated." He stated sternly, approaching to crouch in front of her. She went to stubbornly cross her arms over her chest but hissed in pain at the movement. Taking advantage of her distraction, Mando caught a hold of the hem of her shirt and got it half way up before she realized what he was about. Out of pure instinct, her good hand shot out and slapped him upside the helmet. Hard. She gasped, half out of pain and half out of shock for her actions. She hadn't meant to hit him!

Slowly his visor came around to stare at her. She couldn't tell what he was thinking. But when he released her shirt and his hand came up, she flinched away from him, fully expecting a return blow. He was her master and she'd struck him, it was the least she deserved.

However, instead of the ear-ringing blow she'd been expecting, she heard him sigh and then the hand she'd used to strike him was caught up in his. She cautiously opened her eyes to find him examining her reddened palm.

"I suppose I deserved that." He murmured. Releasing her, he sat back on his heels and watched her long enough to make her squirm where she sat. Was he going to cuff her again? Hesitantly she held her arms out to him, wrists together, to show her compliance. However, he did nothing.

"We need to get that arm out of your sleeve, so I can treat it properly." He finally said, his tone calm and reasoning. It was the last reaction she expected from him and it took a moment for his words to sink in. Eventually she slowly turned around on the stool so her back was to him and began the painstaking task of extracting her arm from her sleeve while preserving what was left of her dignity. True, he'd seen more of her the first time they met. But now that she was covered properly by real clothes she didn't want to give that feeling of propriety up.

Despite her best efforts, the shirt rode up revealing one of her sides and some of her back to the mandalorian. She froze when she felt warm fingers gently glide over the exposed skin of her lower back. Tracing a line of fire that sent shivers raking through her.

"What are these bruises from?" He asked quietly. She simply shrugged in response. It's not as if she could explain that when her collar had registered the little ball she'd absently picked up as a weapon, it had thrown her backwards into the counter with enough force to leave her stunned. Even if she could, there was no guarantee he'd actually believe her. Instead she turned around again and held her, now bare, arm and shoulder out for him to inspect. He seemed to stare up at her for a moment before turning his attention to her proffered arm.

Wetting a cloth in warm water, he began the process of wiping away the dried blood that streaked the whole length of her arm to reveal how badly she was injured. The beast had caught her upper arm and shoulder in a vice-like bite and it showed in regularly spaced, puncture wounds that wrapped around her shoulder to her back and ran down her arm. Most of them weren't bad, but there were a couple on her back and upper arm that were deep and still seeping blood.

While Mando was cleaning her up, the little man-creature had come stumping inside. Now he dug through a cabinet and proffered up a bottle.

"Spotchka." He grunted, "To ward off infection."

Mando took it with a word of thanks. Without giving her time to pull away, he immediately poured a small amount of the vibrant blue liquid over the worst of her wounds. She hissed at the instant burning pain but forced herself not to pull away. Alcohol. She should have guessed. Mando briefly glanced up at her before tightening his grip on her wrist in a manner he meant to be fortifying, and proceeded to treat the rest of the punctures in the same manner. Quickly and efficiently. By the time he was done, a couple involuntary tears had slipped down her cheeks but she'd managed to not make another sound. After all, she'd dealt with worse.

Setting the liquor down, Mando reached for the bandages.

"Hold this." He ordered lowly, waiting for her to hold the one end against her arm before beginning the process of wrapping her up.

In the meantime, the little man-creature had set about preparing food for his guests. By the time Mando tied off the bandage and she'd gotten her shirt back on properly, he was handing her a small wooden bowl filled with a rich looking stew.

"You must eat." He said in a tone that brooked no argument. She looked to Mando, who nodded before settling himself cross-legged on the ground next to her. She supposed there wasn't really anywhere else for him to sit. The one stool left was far too short for him.

"Many have passed through." The man-creature continued to speak, while pouring himself some stew as well, "They seek the same one as you."

Same one? Which one? Hiding her confusion, she took a bite of stew and almost moaned at the taste. It was absolutely delicious. And warm!

"Did you help them?" Mando queried.

"Yes." The man-creature answered, "They died."

She raised her eyebrows in surprise and concern. All the bounty hunters he'd helped had died? Either this mysterious "one" they kept talking about was extraordinarily dangerous or the little man-creature was not such a very good guide.

"Well, then I don't know if I want your help." Mando replied, echoing her own thoughts.

"You do. I can show you to the encampment." The man-creature answered stoically as he took a seat on the remaining stool.

"What's your cut?"

"Half."

"Half the bounty to guide?" Mando clarified incredulously, "Seems steep."

"No. Half of the Blurrg you helped capture."

Blurrg. Huh. So that's what those vicious beasties were called. It suited them somehow.

"The Blurrg? You can keep them both." Mando answered dismissively. If he never saw another one those creatures again, it'd be too soon,

"No. You will need one. To ride."

At the image those words invoked, she couldn't stop the incredulous giggle that snorted out of her. Unfortunately, she'd just taken her last bite of stew and proceeded to choke on it. Coughing and spluttering, she accepted a drink from the little man-creature. Both men watched her stoically as she managed to get herself under control.

"Something funny?" Mando asked dryly at length. She quickly shook her head no, working to keep her expression blank. He watched her for a moment before turning his attention back to their host, who continued speaking as though there'd been no interruption.

"The way is impossible to pass without a Blurrg mount."

"I don't know how to ride Blurrg."

The man-creature shot Mando a stern look before stating simply, "I have spoken."

There was a long silence as the two men continued their stubborn staring contest. However, when her spoon scraped the bottom of her bowl their host turned his attention to her, examining her critically.

"Your woman needs rest. You will take my bed for the night."

She found herself blushing and shaking her head at his assumption but he simply raised his hand and repeated, "I have spoken."

She looked to Mando in the hopes that he'd clear up the misunderstanding but he simply nodded in the direction of the dark curtain that closed off the bedroom from the rest of the home.

"Go rest." He ordered. After another moment of hesitancy, she nodded and stood, bowing her head in thanks to their host before retreating behind the curtain.

"A quiet one." The Ugnaught commented casually.

"Hmm." Mando answered absently, eyes still on the curtain, lost in thought.

"Has she a name?"

"If she does, I do not know it."

"Hmm. A runaway?"

"What?" Mando finally returned his full attention to what the Ugnaught was asking.

"She is a slave and your captive, yes? Naturally, I assume she is a runaway you were sent to find."

"No." Mando answered shortly.

"Then why the handcuffs?"

Mando sighed at the Ugnaught's persistence, "She betrayed my trust."

"Hmm. So she is your slave."

"Not by choice."

"No one chooses to be a slave." The Ugnaught pointed out dryly, drawing a soft, derisive laugh from the Mandalorian.

"I meant, by my choice. As soon as I find a way, she will be freed."

"Hmm. May I see her puck?"

Mando eyed the Ugnaught cautiously before extracting the slave puck and holding it up for him to examine in the lantern light.

"Can you do anything with it?" He asked curiously.

"I have seen its kind only twice before in my life." The Ugnaught answered, "With a little work, I can access the basic directives and change what you wish. I cannot, however, free her."

"Even that much would be helpful. I'm not sure what her directives entail. It would be good to know."

"If you leave it on my table, I will examine it tonight. Now, go. Join your woman. I have spoken."

Mando did as directed, feeling the stresses of the day catching up with him. He pushed aside the curtain to find the girl already in the low bed, laying with her back towards him. He quietly removed his rifle and leaned it against the wall, trying not to wake her. However, when he began to remove his vambraces, cuisses and greaves she turned over to watch him with large, dark eyes.

"You're supposed to be sleeping." He murmured, unhooking his pauldrons and removing his cloak. She shrugged. He unbuckled his holster belt and bandolier before removing his breastplate, leaving himself in his dark thermals and helmet.

Without another word, he laid himself down on the floor next to the bed, placing his blaster within easy reach. After a long moment, a pillow hovered into his view. Taking it, he looked up to find the girl peeking over the edge of the bed at him.

"Thank you."

She nodded, before withdrawing. He tucked the pillow under his helmet and sighed quietly to himself. He needed answers.

"Why did you put yourself in danger to protect me?" He asked into the still darkness. No response.

Sitting up, he found her laying on her side facing him, watching him with an unreadable expression.

"Why did you push me out of the way and take the blow yourself?" He asked again. In answer, her hand inched up and fingered the collar at her throat. Right. He was her "master".

"You could have let me die and taken the puck for yourself." He pointed out. She simply shrugged, lowering her gaze. Without thinking, he reached over and brushed his fingers over her cheek. She froze, her eyes flying back to his visor. In their depths he saw a deep wariness and distrust that had him slowly withdrawing his hand. He didn't know why he felt the need to keep her eyes on him. Why he felt he had the right to reach out for her like that. Clearing his throat, he changed the subject.

"The smoke orb." The wariness in her eyes grew more pronounced at those words.

"An accident?" He asked, watching surprise flit across her features before she nodded.

"Hmm."

With plenty to think about, he lay back down. After a second, he caught her peeking at him over the edge of the bed again. A wry smile curled his lips despite himself. Even though she'd been through so much, she still had such a child-like quality about her.

"Go to sleep, Riye'ika."

For those unfamiliar with armor terms:

Vambraces: The armor designed to protect the arm from the elbow to the wrist. Mando's also hold some extra surprise weapons and computer controls.

Cuisses: The armor worn to protect the thighs.

Greaves: Armor used to protect the shins.

Pauldrons: Worn to protect the shoulders.

Holster: Worn on the belt to hold blaster pistols..

Bandolier: A belt worn over one shoulder and across the chest, with loops or pockets to hold ammunition and smaller weapons.

Breastplate: the large piece of armor that covers the chest.

So the term Riye'ika is one I kinda mashed together to fit their circumstances. At first I was going to have Mando use a more personal endearment but then I thought that was moving too fast for them. But I really felt there needed to be something there so this is what I came up with. The word Riye means favor, benefit or good turn. And I thought, since she had saved him, she'd done him a favor or became a benefit to him by doing such. Then I added the 'ika to add that small level of affection to show that his attitude towards her is once again softening. I don't know, it just felt right in the moment. Let me know what you think! Do you have whiplash yet? ;)