There was a rumble in the ground. The mine was collapsing, and no one was able to stop it. El was trying to get as many miners out as possible, and the ones who were trying to use the rocks to kill themselves to be free in death were not helping.

After trying to reach yet another of these she heard Jango calling to her - she was in the way of falling rock, the ground collapsing behind her. Desperately she scrambled through the remains of the tunnel and up the face, trying to reach him.

Then her hold slipped.

She was falling...

A firm hand wrapped around her wrist. Jango! She clung him, found some footing again, and jumped as he pulled her to the shelf, then the ran together. Outside of the mine they found a spot where others were not being treated and curled up together like children, and El smiled. She was safe as long as Jango was there, he would make sure of it.

El looked around at the crowded arena she had been brought to the morning after the droids had overwhelmed her. At least the council will have gotten her warning of the army that was being made here. Looking up at the balcony she saw Jango standing next to Dooku, the sunlight shining off the beskar that he was so proud of. As she was chained she smiled at him sadly, trying to let her old friend know that she did not blame him for this.

Even though he looked solid to everyone else, she knew that Jango was torn about this. After they escaped the mines they had made a promise never to let the other be chained again, and there he was watching those paid by his employer doing just that. Then there was a roar and a giant cat was released into the arena to kill El for sport.

Giving the enemy her attention she focused on avoiding it's attacks and catching the claws on her chains. After a few tries they cut through, and she was able to use the length of chain as a whip to give herself some space. Unknown to her until then, more Jedi had entered the arena and Master Windu was facing Dooku.

This distracted El for a second too long and she was only just able to keep the cats next blow from killing her, with the claws cutting into her back causing her to cry out. This was enough for Jango who fired up his jetpack leaving Dooku on his own. Entering the arena he shot down the large cat and landing next to El before using one of his blades to cut through the rest of her chains and giving her back her 'saber.

As the Droids and Geonotians entered the arena El turned so that she and Jango were back to back like the old days taking them down. Other Jedi and the clone troops were also fighting, with Master Windu entering the arena after beheading Dooku. After a few hours of extended battle the droids were scrapped and the Gonotions had been backed into their catacombs in an attempt to protect their queen.

The calmness after this was almost disconcerting. After the Geonotians signed an agreement not to make more droids and the facility had been destroyed the queen was released back to her subjects. During this the Jedi and clones were focused on aiding the wounded.

What was surprising to many was the fact that the Famous Bounty Hunter Jango Fett did not argue with helping them as well. Troopers were talking for days how all it took was a look from the Jedi who had been captured and then Prime was right in with them, and telling Boba to help as well. She must really be someone because Prime does not listen to just anyone.

Something that also caused talk was the fact she would not allow her own scratches to be treated, until Jango put her over his shoulder and carried her protesting into the medbay (note, his helmet was on his belt, she was right next to him). As the door opened, "It's not that serious Jang!"

"We don't know what kind of poison was on those claws El, and that needs to be checked," was his smooth response.

Rolling her eyes as he set her down, "That was only a subspecies of the the Colrna variety of Loth Cats and they don't have poison in their claws. Only the Talaic ones do, so there is no need for this."

Putting his hands on her shoulders, "I just made sure you didn't die. Don't made me ruin my reputation for nothing." It was a joke, but it also showed how concerned he was about her.

Knowing that she sat down to get treated and smiled up at him, "What will you do when it gets out the great bounty hunter doesn't always put what his customer wants first?"

Smiling at her (repeat Jango is SMILING FONDLY), "I think there is enough jobs out there for me to survive."

Returning the smile, "Stubborn di'kut," she said with a found tease in her voice. The smile faded and she touched his arm, "Seriously Jango, are you going to continue bounty hunting or are you open to a different suggestion?

Covering her hand with his own, "If it's yours, I'm always open."

Looking into his eyes she opened her mouth to speak when a voice barked out, "Fett!" Turning they saw Master Peill, "What have I told you about distance from my Former Padawan?"

All openness as wiped from his face as he let go of El's hand. It was replaced with cold disdain as he faced Piell, "I was making sure she got treatment unlike you Jetii." When he looked to El he was warmer, "Make sure there really isn't poison in that subspecies of yous."

Nodding, "I will." Her openness level had also gone down and as she faced her former master the business like appearance was back.

Piell gave the Medic who was about to treat El a one eyed look, "Leave us."

Giving the poor medic a smile El finished, "Just for a few minutes please." Obviously torn the Medic nodded and left the room.

Giving his former padawan his one eyed glare, "What were you thinking letting that Jedi Killer in here?" She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing as bluntly and graphically described how other Mandalorians had killed Jedi in similar situations.

Finally reaching the part where she could head him off she almost groaned, "I know Master." Looking at him with her emerald green eyes, "However my wounds do need to be treated, so please let the Medic back in."

With his disapproving one eyed glare Piell left, and the Medic came in. El could see the nervousness in his stance and feel it coming off the man in waves. Giving him an encouraging smile, "Hello Medic. Could you please tell me your name?"

He stuttered slightly, "CT-6116 Sir."

Putting effort into not letting her eyebrows go together, "That is a number Medic. I asked for your name." Seeing him flounder a moment, "Is there something your brothers call you?"

"Kix Sir." There was some pride in the name but also fear for her reaction.

Smiling kindly, "I am sorry for what my former master said to you Kix. He is always very blunt." Seeing his confusion at the term 'former master' she nodded to the kit, "How about you tell me what you need me to do for treatment and while you scan I explain." It was a pleasant conversation, and El was right. There was no poison.