The damage to the Crest was, now, severe enough preventing them from, actually, jumping to hyperspace. Tensions were high as it took longer then expected to get to Tatooine, giving Fett extra time to prepare and making Bo extremely anxious.
Believing the Mandalorian wouldn't cause any more distractions, Bo went below to check on her Nite Owls and possibly converse with the daughter. Bo found her in a small space at the back of the ship, the area appeared to be hers as the floor was splattered with paint, permanent marker stained the counter tops, and papers spilled out from half open drawers.
She reminded Bo of another artistic Mandalorian she fought along side, with curiosity Bo casually picked up a drawing that seemed to be incomplete or apart of a larger series.
"This one is interesting," Bo glared trying to decipher the artist's message.
"Oh," Osa was taken aback as she was enveloped with in a piece she was sketching out, "Didn't hear you."
"You seemed to be else where while drawing."
"Yeah I do tend to lose myself," Osa said vaguely because the more and more she had been sketching the more and more she had been losing herself in a trance, and once released bewildered on what she had sketched out.
Most of it seemed pointless, scribbles that made no sense, but she kept them all unable to part from them.
"I'm sorry for the mess," Osa began to clean up when Bo stopped her.
"No need to be sorry, I should have never disturbed the artist's vision," Bo was hoping she was gaining sympathy.
"You weren't disturbing, just mindless doodling."
"Are you sure, another great artist once told me 'Love and care is put into every piece along with a universal theme' don't sell yourself short, all these doodles could have an underlining message you just haven't seen yet," Bo winked as Osa still couldn't get over on how they did not obey by the law of helmet removal.
"I guess I never looked at it in that way," Osa said, "Just like how I've never imagined seeing another Mandalorian helmetless," Osa dangerously opened the conversation.
"You know you are not breaking any Mandalorian code, you have been sworn into our culture, helmet on or off you and your father are Mandalorians until your dying day," Bo allowed her statement to sink in.
"If that's true then why do you want this Boba Fett guy so bad?"
"He is apart of a much larger scheme and needs to be stopped, plus that armor doesn't belong to him, he was never sworn in."
"Okay, so once we collect his Beskar we are out of your debt and you revel what we need to know?"
"Yes."
Osa tilted her head getting a strange feeling, practically knowing there was going to be more then Bo was leading on.
"For some reason I don't believe you," Osa blatantly said.
"No, and why is that?"
"Because a leader wouldn't lie to their people."
"Well the leader you and your father follow is the biggest lier of them all," Bo stated in certainty where Osa actually could agree.
Osa wanted to dig deeper with Bo but was immediately summoned up to the cockpit by her father as they were approaching Tatooine finally.
"Everyone buckle up," Din spoke over the intercom, "Our landing will not be smooth," Din informed as Osa entered strapping the child in and then herself.
"Dank Farrik," Din hit the Crest in frustration.
"Papi, language," Osa said signaling towards her brother, not wanting his first words to be a curse.
"Sorry, but the landing system isn't responding. Without the guidance system it'll be a manual re-entry."
"Manual? Have we ever done that?"
"Before your time. Once we're through the atmosphere, there might be enough fuel to slow us down."
"Might? This sounds real promising."
"Have I ever let you down Mi Pequeno?"
"Never."
"Then follow my lead and we will be fine."
"Unless we burn to a crisp before we reach the surface," Osa stated in all seriousness when her father pushed the Crest downwards as it began to gain momentum.
Alarms started to blare as Din held firmly onto the wheel. The Crest felt warmer then usual and rose in temperature, more warnings flashed declaring to initiate the cooling system, but that also seemed to fail. Realizing the situation he was in Din had no choice but to have Osa unbuckle herself and assist him at the controls.
"Osa, I need your hands," with quick reflexes she obliged and was at her father's side, "This lever needs to stay back. Keep it steady."
Everyone held on tight anticipating the outcome as they could feel the ship gaining more momentum instead of seizing their speed.
"Razor Crest, this is Tatooine flight control," a woman came over the comms, "Please reduce your speed to port protocol."
"I'm trying my best," Din yelled as Osa could hear the panic within her father's voice, "Engage reverse thrusters. Brace!" Din pulled a lever as the Crest deployed its landing gear but began losing parts in the process.
"Razor Crest, do you copy? You have to reduce speed," flight control commanded.
"Almost there," Din felt confident.
"Razor Crest, you're coming in too fast. You have to," but Din shut off the comms when the right engine blew and he knew he was in trouble now.
"No, no, no," he attempted everything he knew from all his years of flying, but it seemed he was out of options when Osa felt her father's terror.
She knew they were more than in trouble, they were doomed. Without thought Osa let go of the lever and pointed her hands directly towards the Crest's floor.
"Osa what are you doing?" Din yelled reaching for the abandoned lever, but she wasn't listening, she had submerged herself.
"Please don't fail us," Osa whispered while planting her feet firmly and bracing herself.
In preparation she stretched her arms downwards, pushing with all her might, strained grunts escaped her breath when Din noticed their speed was reducing.
He continued flipping switches, pressing buttons doing anything in his power to help his daughter out when the Crest hovered in midair without the assistance of its one engine. In shock Din looked to Osa as she shook from exertion, he could hear her teeth grind, her breath erratic, and grunts of depletion.
"Osa just a little lower," but her body gave out and the Crest crashed to the ground.
Staggering to his feet, Din looked to his son as he was still buckled in just rubbing his head from impact when Din went to his daughter's side. He put his hand underneath her helmet raising her head towards him in order to check her breathing when she came to.
"Another happy landing," she said exhausted as all Din could do was chuckle.
In the hanger bay Peli watched in horror and then in shock as the ship she recognized from the past made its landing. In disbelief she thought a clean up crew would be called, but the Crest had somehow landed miraculously. It wasn't a clean landing because upon impact the Crest had caused itself a lot of damage, but the pit droids ran in haste at the ship.
"Come on gang you know he doesn't like droids, but with the shape his ship is in he is gonna need it," Peli said to herself.
Suddenly the platform lowered when Din walked out over looking the damage himself, "May as well let them have at it, the Crest has seen better days."
"Oh so he likes droids now," Peli said sarcastically, "Well you heard him, get to fixin."
"Can you repair her?" Din asked actually concerned.
"There's nothing I can't fix," Peli said in confidence, "I guess a lot has changed since you were here last time," Peli looked over his shoulder noticing more Mandalorians emerging from the vessel, "And it seems your crew has grown," but she cut herself off when she noticed the child, "Oh thank the Force."
She reached for the knapsack wrapped around Din, "This little thing has had me worried sick, come here you little womp rat," Peli picked the child up with enthusiasm, "Looks like it remembers me," she bounced the child in her arms when she saw another familiar helmet, "Hey kiddo," Peli noticed Osa in the group and waved her over.
"Hey Peli, how is the droid upgrade, making your life easier?"
"Easier is an understatement, business has gotten better all thanks to you, speaking of business sell any more art?"
"I've been a bit preoccupied," Osa hung her head still trying to gain her strength back, while avoiding her father's glare from his lack of knowledge of her adventuring on her own to sell her paintings.
"So who's the newbies, family of yours?" Peli joked but went on guard noticing the intimidation the new Mandalorians posed.
"We're here on business," Bo stated.
"Aren't they all, well anything I can assist you with?"
"As a matter of fact you can. Heard of any Imperial Gozanti freighters within the vicinity?"
"Imperial? They don't usually come out here, but I have heard whispers of certain scum residing in Mos Pelgo, but those are just rumors. That town was wiped out by bandits. Once the Empire fell it was a free for all on certain planets," Peli informed.
"Can you direct us to its location," Bo said eager.
"Depends who's asking?" Peli said unsure of these three.
"Why are you interested in finding this freighter instead of Fett?" Din asked suspiciously of Bo.
"Because I have obtained certain intel that all over the galaxy those freighters have weaponry stolen from our home world. We don't want those in the wrong hands now do we, say like Boba Fett? And besides where ever the Empire is he should be close behind, he does need reinforcements or have you forgotten that your children are still wanted targets?" Bo declared as Mando fell silent.
Feeling the tension Peli went on with it, "R-five, bring the map of Tatooine," she shouted when a beat up droid rolled out and ignited a hologram of the planet, "This is a map of Tatooine before the war. You got Mos Eisley, Mos Espa, and up around this region, Mos Pelgo."
"Where is it?" Osa pointed out seeing nothing.
"Well its there or at least it used to be."
"You still got those speeder bikes," Din asked Peli knowing this mission was going to be much harder then expected.
Only three speeder bikes were available as some had to pair up while the Mandalorians drove their way through the Tatooine desert. Osa downloaded Peli's map into her gauntlet and directed her father, who took lead, on the suppose Mos Pelgo settlement. Everyone couldn't believe that in the distance was a small town, but appeared abandoned.
The Mandalorians drove up slow and steady when immediate blaster fire came their way. Bo and her Nite Owls took cover and returned fire while Din and Osa took close range hits while trying to discover the source. It wasn't long until one attacker stepped into their line of sight and it was exactly who they were looking for; Boba.
"There he is, take him now," Bo commanded when her team charged and overpowered him, "Everyone stand down, we have your leader," Bo shouted for the Imps to surrender, but they were met by town folk faces and a man who clearly wasn't Boba Fett under the helmet.
"Marshal what do we do?" someone yelled.
"Stand down," he pleaded with his hands up knowing all to well that their weapons were no match for a Mandalorian, let alone five.
"Where did you get that armor? Where is Boba Fett?" Bo said in anger.
"If you are referring to the bounty hunter who believed he could take over my town, then I say we drove him out just like the Imps. Can I get up now?" the Marshal asked.
"That armor doesn't belong to you," Din stated.
"Well I won it in a fair fight slick, so it is mine, I need it in order to keep this town safe from the remaining cockroaches that still believe the Empire will be resurrected."
"You are not Mandalorian, by Creed that armor belongs to us," Din reinforced.
"That may be but I think it will be staying with me," the Marshal itched for his blaster as did Din, but was interrupted by Bo.
"Enough, I could care less about the armor."
"What, but the deal you made," Osa pointed out.
"The deal has been altered. I want Boba and that freighter," Bo finished while walking into the cantina.
"A lady who know what she wants," the Marshal stated while everyone else followed in, leaving Din and Osa beyond frustrated.
Bo, Koska, and Axe took a seat opposite of the Marshal who introduced himself as Cobb Vanth, as he began going over the troubles the Imps were giving his town.
"Every few weeks the same Empire freighter flies over my town and believes they still have jurisdiction, help me get rid of them and you can have your armor back," Cobb tried striking a deal.
"Take me to the man whom lost this armor, then I will handle the freighter issue, and as a bonus you can keep the armor," Bo declared.
"No, the Beskar will come with me," Din interjected.
"Why, so you can return it to your wrongful followers?" Bo spat.
"Beskar belongs to the Mandalorians."
"Sure you keep telling yourself that."
"Stop it," Osa shouted, "We made a deal, now everyone just stick to it, so we all can go our separate ways."
"Fair enough, so what does everyone purpose?" Bo questioned.
"I might not be able to take you to this Fett guy, but I know where the freighter makes port," Cobb informed.
"Everyone up for the challenge?" Bo questioned when her Nite Owls exclaimed in excitement, Cobb smiled with relief, while Osa and Din just shook their heads in aggravation.
Before leaving Din encouraged Osa to stay behind with the child, who was being looked after by Cobb's most trusted friend, but naturally Osa disagreed as Bo also stated the more help the better. So now the six Mandalorians made their way into the desert where Cobb directed them exactly to the ships location.
"So what's the plan?" Cobb realized this mission was only going to go well if Bo led it.
"We will need the element of surprise," Din declared.
"Exactly, the freighter will be stationary but once it deploys it will maintain traveling speed until it ascends into orbit. Three of us should attempt to breach before take off while the others jet up when they're cruising in atmosphere. The ship is to massive to immediately climb and jump to hyperspace, giving us plenty of time to seize and take control of the ship," Bo ran down.
"Troopers," Din asked Cobb.
"A squad at most, nothing we can't handle," as he pulled his weapon ready for the charge.
The freighter hovered ever so slowly above the sandy ground, the platform lowered as Imps exited the ship, seeming to be waiting for someone. In anticipation Bo teamed up with Din and Osa, since his daughter was unequipped with a jet pack, when an unarmored Boba appeared.
"Wait until he is on the ship, I want him alive," Bo instructed.
Their target was almost in position when Bo gave the signal. In haste the three charged believing for an easy victory, taking out the Troopers but not anticipating sniper fire from an unknown region. The freighter crew got wind of a heist and began lockdown protocol, sealing Bo, Din, and Osa within the vessel while Boba dove out. The three were immediately met by more Troopers as the ship began its assent.
"Koska, Axe, get on the ship, we need back up," Bo commanded.
"What about Fett?" Axe stated.
"We will get him later, the freighter is main priority," Bo said.
Without hesitation her Nite Owls obliged a long with Vanth. About twenty more Troopers began to file down the hallway sealing their advance.
"A squad at most, Vanth needs to rethink his answer," Osa complained gearing up for the approaching fight.
"Stay behind me," Din instructed of Osa wanting to absorb the blaster fire with his armor and take out as many Imps so she didn't have to.
"Enter through the main level exterior door," Bo instructed as they fought their way in order to open it for the others. With success everyone was on board but the cruiser was gaining momentum, " We need to get to the bridge," Bo ordered as everyone teamed up blasting the Troopers with fluidity.
Their journey was easier then anticipated but when they reached the cargo hold they were met by more shooting. In the distance they heard an officer command to close the doors and seal them off, wrong move on their part because the Imps found out the hard way and was sucked out of the ship.
There was a long silence until the freighter's pilot came over comms asking if his crew copied, except someone else spoke over the feed.
"I copy," Bo responded, "Thanks for packing up all this gear so nicely. Imagine with a division of us can do when we get our hands on what's inside these shiny little boxes."
"If you think you're going to escape with those weapons you are sadly mistaken. Even if you manage to jettison a few of those crates, we will comb the entire area until you are hunted down and killed," the captain enforced.
"Oh, we're not jettisoning anything. We're taking the entire ship. Your reign of terror on this town has ended. We'll be right up," Bo teased.
Everyone moved out but Osa had become frozen, sensing something nefarious was being discussed in the bridge, "We have to hurry," Osa urged as Din took her warning now in complete confidence.
"We must make haste," Din bellowed at Bo.
"What do you think we have been doing," Cobb said dumbfounded but when everyone turned the corner they were met by a series of repeating canon fire.
All six Mandalorians took cover as they felt a jolt in the ships trajectory. Suddenly the nose dove downwards plummeting back to the sandy dunes of Tatooine.
"We're losing altitude," Koska addressed.
"We need to move now," Din shouted.
"They have to much fire power," Axe yelled back when Koska began counting down the feet they were losing.
"Ten thousand, nine thousand."
"We won't make it to the bridge in time," Cobb stated.
"Eight thousand, seven thousand," Koska counted down.
"Advance slowly, taking cover with each step," Bo commanded.
"Slowly, we don't," but Axe was cut off by an annoyed Bo.
"There are no other options now move," she yelled as they followed their leader in the charge, but Osa knew what she had to do.
She stayed back while stepping in the middle of the line of fire, everyone continued with Bo's strategy paying no attention to the youngest Mandalorian. Just like when the Crest had lost control, Osa planted her feet and out stretched her arms but this time forwards, towards the impeding danger. With all her might Osa focused on building an invisible barrier between her fellow Mandalorians and the blaster fire, stopping the red rays all in one place and then changing the direction of fire.
In disbelief everyone stared at the unique phenomenon manifesting before their eyes as Din was the only one who turned around to see his daughter in action. With one final push Osa released the rays now in the Stormtroopers direction ending the one sided fight. Immediately Osa collapsed as everyone began to lose their footing because the ship had almost become vertical.
With quick thinking Din released his grappling hook, wrapped the wire around Osa tightly, securing her to the wall when he plummeted, like the others, down the hallway. Luckily every Mandalorian ignited their jetpack easing them onto the bridge's door and forcing their way in.
At the wheel the captain pushed the ship further when Koska and Din flung the captain aside taking a seat at the controls, using all their strength to get the freighter level. Bo didn't waste a moment and grabbed the frantic captain by slamming him against a wall.
"Where is it?" she commanded.
"Where's what?" the captain played dumb.
"The darksaber. Does he have it?"
"If you're asking, you already know."
"You will take me to him."
"Long live the Empire," when the captain bit down on an electricity pill ending his life.
"No!" Bo shouted realizing she continued losing chance after chance of finding Moff Gideon.
"We have to go," Koska declared getting the ship ready for hyperspace, "He sent a distress signal."
"Clear the atmosphere and prepare to jump," Bo stated.
"Well that is my queue to leave," Cobb declared, "That signal will follow you," he pointed out.
"Yes and hopefully with our heist the Imps will steer clear of your village," Bo said.
"Here's hoping," when Cobb left the bridge awaiting Din.
"Are you sure you and your daughter won't join us?" Bo asked.
"We have our own mission to fulfill," Din reminded.
"The offer stands if you change your mind."
"Where can I find the Jedi?" he reinforced.
For one last reminder Bo removed her helmet showcasing that there was no breakage of Creed and gave her instructions, "On the forest planet of Corvus there is a city named Calodan. There you will find Ahsoka Tano. Tell her you were sent by Bo-Katan. And thank you. Neither of your bravery will be forgotten. This is the way," she ended.
"This is the way," Din replied out of habit when he left Bo to collect his daughter.
"Hey, is she okay?" Cobb pointed at the slowly awakening Osa.
"Yes," was all Din said when he started untying her, "That was some impressive power you displayed, even with the Razor Crest."
"Is that bad?" she glared at her father hoping there was no fear within his voice, but there never was.
"No, just makes me very proud."
"Come on we have to get off this bucket," Cobb reminded as Din picked up Osa in his arms as they exited the ship and jettison below.
"Well it appears this belongs to you," Cobb took off the Beskar and handed it over to Mando.
"Thank you."
"No thank you, crossing paths with one Mandalorian was tough but crossing paths with five others, well let's just say I have a new perspective of your Creed," Cobb stated, "I hope our paths cross again."
"Me too," Din shook Cobb's hand as then Cobb reached for Osa's.
"You little lady can handle yourself, keep an eye out on your dad, you hear," Cobb tipped his head towards Osa as all she could do was chuckle.
Driving back to Peli's hanger went much faster as Osa got to drive her own speeder bike. She wished she was able to feel the hot sun on her face, instead of the sweat dripping down. She peered over at her little brother who was having a blast as his little ears were flapping in the wind.
They finally reached the hanger and saw a refurbished Crest looking not too shabby, "It's not my finest work, but she will run," Peli gloated.
Din and Osa climbed aboard, situating themselves in the cockpit, crossing their fingers the ship would be able to fly. With the flip of several switches, clicking certain buttons, and punching in coordinates into their system, the Crest came to life and took to the skies.
"We finally have a lead," Din told his children.
"Bo was true to her word?" Osa asked.
"Yes, we will finally receive our answers and get him to his proper people," Din said, but then realizing what would come once he reunited the child with the Jedi and possibly with his daughter.
"Yeah," Osa replied in sadness because she knew the outcome. The Jedi would take her brother, someone she wasn't ready to let go of yet, but there was also something else. Some underlining feeling her father was struggling with, the act of letting go.