The Mandalorian, The Viking and The Child

by Kenzi2014

Signe is from a planet at the edge of the galaxy, so far no one knows of its existence. One day, she meets a particular bounty Hunter when she's on a bounty mission. Learn about her story, her home and watch her relationship grow with the Mandalorian...

6. Chapter 3: Part 2

Chapter 3 - Sanctuary (2/2)

Early the next morning, the two bounty hunters and the assassin began their search for clues on the Raiders to see what they were up against. Signe took the front, while Vito took the middle and Din took up the rear. At some point The Mandalorian moved in front when he noticed something. Through his thermal imaging in his visor, Din could make out multiple footprints ahead, all leading in one direction. He pressed a button on his arm brace before pointing in a certain direction. "About 15 to 20 of them came through here on foot," he then pointed to the trees and it was only then that Signe noticed that large branches had been ripped off of them. She raised a brow, not sure what to make of this odd scene. "And something big sheared those branches," The Mandalorian then led the way as the two females followed after, it wasn't long before he stopped and crouched down to look at him, Vito did the same thing beside him while Signe just looked from above. They were currently looking at a very large footprint and Signe was not familiar with its owner, that was until Vito answered her question, as if reading her mind.

"AT-ST," The Vicingian's face scrunched up in confusion.

"What's an AT-ST?" she questioned, making the bounty hunter and assassin slowly turn to look at her with a look of disbelief but when they saw her blink with curiosity as she waited for an answer.

"An Imperial Walker. How do you not know what an AT-ST is?" The Mandalorian asked as Signe made a face as if she understood what an Imperial Walker was too.

"Well I didn't really get myself too involved with the Rebels and the Imperial War," Din only tilted his head slightly before shaking his head.

"I wonder what it's doing here,"

"I don't know… but this is more than I signed up for," Vito said as all three sets of eyes followed the footprints and the carnage that the AT-ST had left behind. They got back to the village to tell them the bad news and if Signe was honest, Din went about it atrociously.

"Bad news, you can't live here anymore?" he instantly received a glare from the ash blonde as a series of mutters of 'whats' and 'whys'. He ignored her fiery gaze as Vito also made a comment on his attempt at warning the village. "You think you could do better?"The Mandalorian sassed back and received a pointed look from the assassin.

"Can't do much worse," She scoffed as she rolled her eyes before stepping forward to speak.

"I know this is not the news you wanted to hear, but there are no other options," in response she got protest and complaints, Signe rolled her eyes and thought to herself thinking of ways the trio could help these people.

"You said you'd take the job!"

"That was before we knew about the AT-ST," Vito sighed.

"What is that?"

"The armoured walker with two enormous guns that you knew about and failed to tell us of it," she gave them an unimpressed look. She was met with looks of disappointment and mutters of annoyance until Omera spoke up.

"But we have nowhere to go," she looked specifically at The Mandalorian.

"Sure you do," Tang said, "This is a big planet, I mean, I've seen a lot smaller," she also received protest. "There's only 3 of us,"

"Not necessarily," Signe suddenly spoke, gaining everyone's attention as she thoughtfully looked at each adult in the village. "They could help, if they are willing to that is?" The villagers' faces lit up, seeming to like that idea. Vito shook her head.

"They're not fighters, we need fighters,"

"We can learn," one of the men who hired them said, desperate to stay in his village and not give up on it. Mando continued to stare at Signe, taking her idea into consideration, especially hearing how the villagers were so willing to get their village back. They would obviously need some training first which would mean they'd have to stay for a while but Din didn't see a problem since they were hiding away anyway. Tang was beginning to struggle with keeping her temper as she tried to get the villagers to see reason. Omera subtly glared at the woman and simply stated, "We're not leaving,"

"You can not fight that thing,"

"Unless we show them how," Mando finally said as he received a look from Vito and Signe merely glanced at him, and nodded to herself as if to agree to it. Gathering the adult villagers, The Mandalorian gave them a brief on what they'd be having to deal with telling them to leave the AT-ST to the three of them. He explained they would need to be protected by the bandits as they dealt with the mech and therefore a little training was in store for them. "Vito Tang here was a Veteran, she's an Assassin who worked with the Rebellion, if anyone knows a strategic plan for this kind of thing, it's her. She'll lay one out for you so you must listen carefully to it," He then looked to the woman and she began informing them of the plan. Signe listened carefully, she'd never fought one of these AT-ST's before, nor was she sure she'd even seen one so she wasn't going to miss out on learning about an unknown enemy.

"Right, there is nothing on this planet that can damage the legs on those things, so… we're gonna build a trap. We're gonna need to dig real deep, right here," she motioned to the pool behind her before continuing. "So that when it steps in, it drops. The three of us hit their camp, provoke them in some way and lead them back here and the rest of you,"

"We'll need you to cut down trees and build barricades along these edges. We need them high enough so they can't get over and strong enough so they can't break through," Signe then explained the next part of the plan before Mando spoke up.

"Okay. Who here knows how to shoot?" Truth be told, Signe wasn't expecting anyone to know how to shoot so it was more than a surprise to see one person could, and that person was Omera. The Vicingian tilted her head to the side and curled an eyebrow before they all got in line for the distribution of weapons for practise. The Mandalorian took shooting training, Vito took melee training and Signe taught hand to hand combat. They were all a mess, none of them hit a target apart from Omera who hit the target more than once and Signe couldn't help but notice his lingered gaze on her before she looked at him to smile in accomplishment. Hand to hand combat was a task for Signe since the villagers' sense of balance wasn't quite perfect. Vito also had a few struggles herself. As the week went on, everyone got better and better, much to the Bounty Hunter's and Assassin's delight, Vito even managed a small smile at one point.

It was almost time to set the plan in motion and Signe was busy getting her weapons ready along with her armour before looking up and around the village. Her eyes halted on a scene where she found herself not being able to look away and it seemed to make her chest ache slightly. She watched as The Mandalorian and Omera talk to one another, hearing them only slightly but then they stopped and they were just staring at each other for a few moments before Vito approached them. She gave him a singular nod, Signe eyes flickered to her, also gathering that it was go-time and when she looked back toward Mando and Omera, she found herself staring back at his visor. "You ready?" he called to her, she opened her mouth to speak but she simply nodded before turning at tightening the last few straps of her armour.

The three tread lightly into the darkness of the woods, making sure not to make too much noise and alarming the bandits before they had even got there. They spotted the warm haze of the torches and fires as each of them quickly hid behind a tree so that they could scope the area out without getting caught. By the fire sat two Klatoonian raiders, one was drinking Spotchka as they chatted amongst themselves. Din headed forward first, then Signe, then Vito and made their way closer and closer to the camp of thieving bandits. Silently, Din motioned to Signe to take the Klatoonian on right and she quickly and quietly made her way behind her victim, over the haze of the fire she made out the Mandalorian's figure wrap and arm around his Klatoonian's neck just as hers was taking a swig of Spotchka and she took that as her chance to follow in his footsteps, dragging him off into the darkness of the woods. Vito was waiting for them when they got back, keeping an eye out for anymore but she let them know of the bigger group that was to their left, and kept close to the tent before they all looked at eachother, giving eachother a silent nod and pulled out their blasters. Vito and Din moved the flaps of the tent as Signe readied her blaster in case anyone was quietly wandering about inside but much to their luck, it was empty. The Vicingian woman moved forward so the other two could move inside too and checked around the four tanks before lowering her weapon. The coast was clear. The trio then took the opportunity to look around and maybe figure out a plan, whatever this was, it could come in useful to flushing the bandits out of their camp. The Mandalorian seemed to have already come up with a plan and Signe's suspicions were right, it wasn't that difficult to guess what was gonna happen. She watched him approach a machine in the centre of the room and place a bomb onto the side of it. A small tune sounding, signifying the countdown. With that, he turned to look at the two women. It was time to go. They went to move to the tent's opening when Vito sent them a whistle before pointing to her ear. Footsteps. Coming straight for the tent. Signe's eyes widened as she moved to the opposite side of the tent's opening as Vito did the same on her side. They were going to ambush them. The Mandalorian stayed put as the first two bandits appeared in the tent, talking away at first but when they noticed Din they were on high alert. They were even more confused when each of them was pulled to the side by strong arms or punched across the face. Signe had grabbed her bandit, gripping his right arm and shoved his head against the side of a tank, knocking him unconscious instantly. The others were beginning to make their way in now but Din had them covered as he kicked one back outside and threw a right hook to the one that came in after. The one from before came back in, grunting angrily however before Vito or Din could make a move for him, he was down in a flash. The two looked at the Vicingian as she twirled back around from the roundhouse kick she sent to the Klatoonian's head and gave them a cheeky smile.

Upon hearing the angry growls of more bandits heading their way, she jumped to Mando's side readying herself in a fighting stance along with her two counterparts. The first one went straight for Vito swinging a stick back to hit her but the Assassin was quickly dodging them as Din went for the next one. Their time was growing thin, they needed to get out or they would be caught in the blast and the plan would be ruined. As the young Vicingian took out one of her attackers, she felt herself begin to panic slightly when she heard the bombs light and tune quicken with every ticking second and as she was distracted in that short moment, she almost missed two of the bandits come through with E-11 rifle blasters. Her breath hitched but she quickly rolled behind a tank for cover as a bolt flew past her, the others followed quickly, getting behind something before they could get hit. Din looked around, they needed out. And fast. He noticed a wall and gave it a shot. Aiming his blaster at it, he shot it a few times before calling to both his female companions. "Go! I'll cover you," Vito went first, then Signe right behind as Din fired at the armoured bandits, and as soon as Signe passed him he followed after. Just as they burst through the wall, the bomb blew up, the blast throwing them further into the forest, Signe could feel the heat on her back but she felt relieved.

"That better have worked," Tang said as they all lay sprawled in the fallen pine needles of the trees and dirt. A loud branch snapping in front of them made their heads twist toward the noise and they scrambled to get up. Red lights that looked like eyes appeared, slowly rising from the ground and the silhouette of a large mech could be made out against the bluish night sky. Signe knew her face paled immediately and she couldn't help but feel her heart rate quicken.

"So that's an AT-ST," she recognised it now, she had only seen one from a distance but now she was standing in front of one, she couldn't help but feel fear. Either way, she felt as if she was frozen in place and Din could tell she was afraid.

"Come on! Move!" He grabbed ahold of the younger woman's hand, dragging her until she had snapped out of her shock. When she did, she ran like she had never ran before as bolts were fired around them, hitting trees but the bolts never hit near them once. It seemed these bandits didn't really know how to use it which was beneficial for them but it didn't take away the inevitable destruction it could cause and their aim was getting better and better every moment. Unfortunately for Signe, a bolt came to close and she was thrown to the side, the other two didn't realise, neither did the AT-ST apparently as it walked passed, probably thinking she was dead. She grunted in annoyance as she got up, she had to make her own little plan, she had to get in front of it without it knowing… she glanced at the trees. Attack from above. With that, she began sprinting, as fast as her legs could push her, it wasn't long until she caught up to the mech, she took note of how close they were coming to the edge of the wood, she just needed to push a bit harder, get to a tree and climb. She found her tree, no branches but that wasn't a problem. It took a minute but she managed to pass the giant robot, only just and by the time she got to the tree, she only had a 10 second window to get to the top of that tree. She quickly took out her hatchets and slammed the left in first, it wedged in deep. Perfect. Then the next one up higher and she hawled herself up, she continued this movement, slow and steady. Don't rush. Her eyes flickered anxiously to the AT-ST that grew closer and closer. This was gonna be difficult. She pulled herself up more, she was now level with the joints of its legs. Just a bit more will have to do, with one last effort she edged up more and enough to reach a branch. She quickly sheathed her hatchets as it began to pass her and she began to swing on the branch, moving her body back and forth to get the momentum right to let go. It wasn't enough however but she had to let go or she'd miss her chance. She felt the air rush as she fell forward but her eyes widened when the back of the mech was moving away from her, she panicked and tried in vain to reach her hand forward to grab the edge. She scrunched her eyes shut, waiting to hit the ground. However, the only pain she felt coursed through her fingertips and down her arm, she grunted in pain before opening her green eyes to find herself hanging from the back of the mech. A triumphant smirk crossed her features. The next step would be a piece of cake.

Omera and the rest of her village waited anxiously behind the makeshift barricades they'd made, the kids were hiding in one of the huts, huddled together. She felt herself stiffen when they heard footsteps and the reeds move. The woman felt relief however when she saw that they were friends however she was worried when there were only two. As they got closer, Omera looked at them alarmed. "Where's (Y/n)?" Hearing that, Din's head looked behind them. It was only Vito behind him, where was she? They couldn't see it but his expression was laced with worry and he didn't bother hiding it.

"Why isn't she behind us? I need to go back and look for her!" he went to go back but the red eyes and the crashing of trees stopped him.

"You can't. Not now. Besides, I'm positive she's okay. She can look after herself. Don't ruin the plan now," Tang reasoned with him, gripping his arm, making sure he couldn't leave. He was reluctant; that was obvious but he had to believe in her, that she was okay. Vito was right, she could handle herself. He nodded to the Assassin before she began shouting orders. "This is it! Once that thing hits the pond, it's going down," everyone was ready, their weapons raised at the forest before them, the loud crashing got closer and closer. It was daunting, Omera wouldn't lie. She hoped (Y/n) wasn't hurt or worse dead, but she had a feeling the latter wasn't the case. She had to stay strong, for her daughter. "Weapon's ready!"

The mech finally made it out the forest, stomping its way through the reeds and nearing the edges of the pools, but with one foot raised, it stopped and looked down at the pool in front of it. It stepped back, seeming unsure of the idea of taking a step into it, much to the annoyance of Din and Vito. For a moment nothing happened until the loud clunk of something being turned on was heard and then a bright, blinding light flooded the area, exposing their barricades and hiding place. "Get down, get down!" the Mandalorian whisper yelled to everyone and they moved for cover. It was too late however when the AT-ST shone the light on some of the villagers who hadn't hidden themselves. It seemed to stare a moment before firing a bolt, hitting a hut and startling the armed residents.

"Hold you positions!" Vito demanded. They couldn't have anyone breaking away from their defence. Then they heard the yells of the Klattonians and their figures charged out of the reeds.

The order,"Open fire!" was heard and all hell broke loose. Bolts flew everywhere and plenty hit their target which slowly lessened their threat on the ground but the mech was still up, and still extremely powerful. "We've got to get that thing to step forward," Mando spoke through gritted teeth taking shots at the bandits that neared.

"I'm thinking," Tang said, seemingly under pressure as she concentrated on firing at the oncoming attackers. However, something on the AT-ST caught her attention and her eyes widened. How the hell? Right there, standing on one of the giant Mech's leg joints was the blonde Vicingian, firing at any raiders she could see through the reeds before they got to the opening, hoping that it helped a bit for the villagers. Vito smirked. "Well I found our missing Vicingian," Din tilted his head in confusion and looked in the direction the Assassin pointed in. A small smile crossed his features but as quickly as it appeared, it went. They were all still in danger, no time for distractions, he was just grateful she was still with him. He began firing again.

"New plan, give me the pulse rifle," Vito said, Din letting her know she would cover him, she ran through the gap in the barricades they had been hiding behind, narrowly missing the raiders that ran at her before they got shot down by either the villagers, The Mandalorian or Signe. Said Vicingian had a good advantage and she watched Vito to see what she was up to. Their plan must have changed because the mech was moving forward so the Assassin had to improvise. She continued her assault from above, keeping an eye on Vito, it seemed she was trying to use herself as bait because she had jumped into a pool, firing at the AT-ST from her very open hiding spot. The mech tried to get closer to shoot at her but realised it couldn't, seeing through their plan. It wasn't going to risk going in the pool where they had a better shot at getting inside. This was beginning to get tiresome and Vito growled in annoyance. Signe seeing her rage thought for a moment, she looked to Din and remembered his grenades, she then looked to the AT-ST's eye holes and she smirked. She set her plan in motion, beginning to climb to the mech's head, using the canon's to her advantage. Once she got on top of it, she steadied herself. Kneeling down with her left hand holding her up, she waved her right arm to get The Mandalorian's attention. When she saw him look at her, she gestured her plan out to him, it didn't take long for him to understand and he grabbed a bomb. Without detonating it, he called for 'cover' which he received, he stood up, revealing himself and swung his arm back. Signe's eyes widened, keeping her eyes locked onto it as it flew through the air. She couldn't miss it, this was their only chance. No, it was gonna fall short! In a last effort, she edged forward, reaching for it, her pleading eyes squinting as she strained her body. When she felt it land in her palm, a grin crossed her features. She quickly swung herself over into the mech's face, holding on to the roof, she was now able to just drop the bomb in. She pressed the button, detonating before throwing it in the window and without hesitation she put her other hand on the roof, tucked her legs underneath her before pushing up and away from the mech, backward swan dive through the air before quickly tucking herself over last minute to land on her feet. She winced as the pain shot up her ankles. However, she dismissed the pain when she felt someone wrap their arms around her torso from behind and they swiftly swung her round just as the bomb blew up causing her and her protector to fly forward into the grass. The ash blonde lifted her head from the ground, coughing from the dirt that went into her mouth. Turning her head to the left she found herself staring at a Mandalorian helmet, her eyes widened before her eyebrows furrowed. She shook her head, getting up simultaneously as the Mandalorian, they were met with a relieving sight. The rest of the raiders were retreating back into the reeds, into the forest and hopefully never to come back again, especially knowing that the villagers were no longer useless with a weapon.

Omera smiled, feeling happiness overwhelm her as well as tiredness. They had done it! They're village was safe and they could carry on living peacefully. She grinned at the burning AT-ST, what an accomplishment. The villagers laughed and cheered in unison.

Signe walked over to Vito help her out the pool, an actual smile crossed her usual stoic features. Din joined them as they all patted eachothers backs. "That was a good save, good thinking on your part but (Y/n). How on earth did you manage to get on that thing?" Vito asked, impressed.

"Ah, well… it included lots of running… and tree climbing," The Viking chuckled to herself, Tang doing the same. Din was silent as he followed behind however but under that helmet he had a smile. He was glad she was safe, if he was honest. "You alright there Mandalorian? We'll do all the risky work," Signe joked, making Din shake his head.

"You're both mad,"

The blonde took a deep breath as she took in the cold morning air. She stepped to where the children were all watching something and she stood by the side of them, hands on her hips to see the curious little creature eyeing up a blue and black frog hungrily. She watched in astonishment as he grabbed it, stuffing it in his mouth. When he saw her, he looked up at her innocently and Signe knew what that look meant.

"No, come on. Spit it out," she said, pointing to the ground, laughing along with the children. He did as he was told, a sad little pout crossing his wrinkly green features. The Vicingian felt her heart melt, she made a sound of adoration before coming to sit down cross legged beside him. "Awww, come on now, don't look at me like that," she patted her lap and he quickly waddled over and climbed into her legs. She picked him up and cradled him, making his little ears perk up and he smiled at her. She kissed his forehead before putting him down to play with the children. She decided to stay sat down with them a little longer and she was suddenly bombarded with questions.

Din, Vito and Omera stood on the porch of a hut, Tang making herself comfortable and sipping from a drink that Omera brought her. The woman then turned to the Mandalorian who leant against the wall of the hut. She offered him food and drink but he politely declined. Omera looked to the children as they conversed with the young Bounty Hunter. "He's very happy here," she said referring to the kid. Mando agreed, remembering how much the little creature had smiled since they had been here. "Fits right in," she said before taking her leave, Din's eyes followed after her. Vito smirked to herself before asking Din a question.

"So what happens if you take that thing off? They come after you and kill you?" Mando sighed.

"No, you just can't ever put it back on again," Vito looked off to the side, making a face. She seemed to find that stupid.

"That's it?"

"So you can slip off that helmet, and settle down with that beautiful young widow and raise your kid here, sipping Spotchka?" Signe picked up on that and it made her look down and watch them from the corner of her eye. So Vito saw it too? Mando only turned his head to look at her rather sassily but he never answered. She quickly looked away, feeling her heart hammer in her chest. She frowned at the ground, trying to understand what she was feeling but she couldn't. She pulled a blade of grass from the clump beside her and wandered off into her own world before she stood up suddenly, huffing in irritation.

"I'm going for a quick walk," she let the two know, not looking at them once as she headed off to the forest. Tang raised a brow at her odd behaviour, Din too was surprised since he had clocked onto her listening to their conversation earlier.

"What's her problem?" Din only shrugged as she watched her figure walk away. He then began telling Vito how it probably wasn't a good idea that they stayed here since word travelled fast and it was best they moved. She agreed but she knew it meant that they'd have to take him away from a wonderful place.

"I'm leaving him here. Travelling with me and (Y/n). That's no life for a kid,"

"And what about her, (Y/n) I mean. You don't seem the type to have friends,"

"I promised her I'd get her to her planet and she doesn't know a single thing about piloting a ship,"

"That's a pretty tough promise to keep," Din sighed, she was right.

"I know, but she's risked her life to save mine too many to count already and she's stayed by my side the whole time we've known each other. It's the least I could do. Anyway, we did our job. He's safe. Better chance at a life,"

"It's gonna break his little heart,"

"He'll get over it. We all do," The Assassin glanced at him, not convinced that even he himself will get over it.

In the forest, Signe had climbed a tree again, knowing she wouldn't be disturbed from up there and she could think to herself in peace. What was it about what Vito said that made her so… annoyed? She knew that the conversation the Mandalorian and Omera had a few weeks ago had irked her but it was more for her own stupidity but she was sure there was more to it. Something she didn't want to admit herself to but she couldn't bring herself to think about it. As she sat in that tree, trying to come to a conclusion, something caught her eye, The Mandalorian was approaching Omera who was crouched by a pool, working away. She watched the scene pan out. He took her to one side and they conversed, of course Signe couldn't hear but she continued to watch them, swinging her legs from where she sat on a branch. She could make out Omera smiling.

"I think it's clear… He's happy here," Omera's face faltered slightly.

"What about you?"

"Me?" he asked.

"Are you happy here? We want you to stay. The community's grateful. You can pack all this away if there's ever trouble," Din found himself staring at the beautiful woman in front of him, he was considering it. "You and your boy could have a good life," He looked at the kid for a moment and he remembered back to when he first found him, with her.

"What about (Y/n)?" Omera blinked and smiled.

"She's welcome to stay also, unless this isn't the life she wants. It depends,"

"She wouldn't be able to… she can't pilot a ship," Omera's smile faltered yet again.

"I'm sure we can find someone to help her out if that's the case, or you could teach her. Wouldn't it be nice to let him be a child for a while?" Din looked toward Sprout as she had called him, he frowned. He couldn't help but feel if he went along with this, he'd be betraying her. Something in him didn't want to ruin their bond. He knew there was one there. It also meant they couldn't have their adventures, which despite this small amount of time, he was starting to enjoy them a little with her companionship. He already had two companions, he couldn't throw away one to get another. That would be cruel and he'd be a hypocrite. Besides, he made a promise and he always kept his promises.

"It would.." he made sure to stay honest with her but there was a hint of uncertainty which apparently went unnoticed by the woman in front of him. Omera seemed to have taken that as more of a confirmation and her hands slowly began rising to his helmet.

From her tree, Signe could see this and she began to frown and tilt her head in disbelief. Was he really going to let her remove his helmet? Was that him saying he wanted to stay? Was he really gonna go back on his promise just like that? Anger riled up in the young Vicingian as she tutted, looking away, not wanting to see the blatant betrayal unfold before her but as she did she was grateful because she noticed something off. A figure creeping about in the bush below, her eyes widened noticing the weapon, her eyes followed it right to the Child. She quickly took out her blaster and aimed.

Din finally snapped out of his little trance before Omera removed the helmet, he took her hands and brought them back down. "I made a promise to her that I'd get her to Vicingi... And I don't belong here, he does though," Omera sighed, somewhat upset but she nodded.

"I understand, I'll look after him as one of my own," Suddenly one single shot rang out throughout the area and everyone jumped. Kids screamed as they ran to hide. The Mandalorian and Vito quickly ran in the direction of the shot and they found the body as Signe approached it, a glum look on her face as she kicked it so it would roll over. There was a tracking FOB blinking underneath him and Din picked it up.

"Who's he tracking?" Vito asked.

"My guess is him," theash blonde replied pointing toward the Child.

"They know he's here,"

"Yes," Din replied.

"Then they'll keep coming,"

"Yes,"

"Looks like we'll have to move on, shame," Signe stated sarcastically, looking at The Mandalorian dead in the eye as she stepped over the body to walk to the village. He stared after her, unsure why he received such a passive aggressive response from her. Vito watched the Vicingian walk away, unsure of the reasoning for her upset but could tell it had something to do with what the Mandalorian did.

"You better find out what you did wrong soon," she warned before heading to the village too. Din sighed before throwing the tracker to the ground and crushed it under his boot.

Finally everything was put into the carrier and ready to go. Din put the last few things in while Signe sulked in the back, thinking about what she was gonna say to the Mandalorian later. "You sure you don't want an escort?" Vito said as she approached them.

"No, we'll be fine," Mando answered while Signe just gave her a grimacing smile, a shake of the head and a dismissive hand gesture. "We'll be bypassing the town and heading straight to the Razorcrest,"

"Well then, until our paths cross again," Vito said as she gave the two a firm handshake and with that she was off. Winta ran to Sprout, hugging him gently telling him she'll miss him. Signe watched Mando and Omera stand face to face.

"Thank you," she said and Din nodded. With that, he walked round and got on to the carrier, Signe moved back to give him room and they were off. Signe waved as they did the same and they slowly went further and further away.

When got to the RazorCrest Din, noticed just how standoffish the Vicingian woman was being, she hadn't said a word to him the whole ride back and even now she was silent as they put the crates back in the Hull. Once it was done, he stopped and just stared at her as she settled the kid in the sleeping area. "Have I done something wrong?" he questioned straightforwardly and immediately received an irritated huff but no answer. "(Y/n)!" he tried again and she whipped round, an angered look crossing her usually soft features.

"Tell me Mandalorian! If that Bounty Hunter hadn't shown up, would we still have been there right now? In that village, the only difference being I'd be able to see your face?" Din was slightly taken aback by the malice in her voice, it was just like when he first met her with the Jawas. Right before he made that promise to her. "Because by the looks of it, right then and there you were going to throw me away, just forget about everything we've been through. I mean you've known me longer but when we walk into some village where a pretty widow is, not only are you about to go back on your promise to me but you're just about ready to fling your bloody helmet off for her too," The Mandalorians brain clicked, she'd seen there conversation right before the Bounty Hunter but had apparently missed the important bit out of the whole thing.

"(Y/n), listen!"

"No! You listen here, Mando," she said, getting into his face and pointing an accusing finger at him, trying to back him up into the ladder, however in a sudden spurt of annoyance from her stubborn nature, the Mandalorian grabbed her shoulders and shoved her against the opposite wall. Careful not to hurt her.

"Listen to me, will you! I wasn't going to do it. You must have missed it but I stopped her from taking it off because although I wanted him to have a life there, it wasn't just about him. It was about you too. I thought leaving him there would've been good but I was going to keep my promise and help you find Vicingi either way. I always keep my promises and I would never throw you away like that. You're the first one I'm learning to trust," As he explained, he watched those green eyes slowly soften in understanding before widening realisation. Her eyes flickered away from his helmet as a blush crossed her freckled cheeks. She was embarrassed. "You understand now," hearing him say that made a small frown come back. He was having fun with this, wasn't he? She looked back up at him and realising how close he was to her, she firmly but gently shoved him away by the shoulders before walking away and grumbling a 'shut up, tin can,' before she climbed into the sleeping compartment. The Mandalorian quietly chuckled to himself, feeling better that she was no longer angry at him before making his way up the ladder to find their next heading.