"Take me to Mando."
Wearing my new chain mail shirt and Boba Fett's black cloak- and bringing little else- R2-D2 used an X-wing to fly me to Motto's Hanger, where I suppose my husband was. We landed in this small repair shop; I can only guess who owned it. The ship came to a stop and the lid lifted open. A familiar voice could already be heard before I even stepped out.
"Hello, officer! Hide it!" I don't think that last bit was meant for me. "Officer! I filed for my New Republic certification seal just as you were landing. Quite a coincidence, if you ask me," quite indeed. It about now that I got out from my seat, flashing her a warm, friendly smile. Peli's face immediately lit up once she realized it was me.
Her arms flew out at her sides. "Well, look who it is!" "Good to see you again, Peli." "Good to see you! Awe! Did they teach you how to fly an X-wing already? I know an astromech flew the ship," she told her bots over her shoulder. "Heh, I could never fly one of these on my own," Peli then helped climb down the skinny metal ladder.
The moment I stepped off the ship this electric pulse ran through my body, starting at the front of my foot and working its way up. My eyes widened in revelation. They're here….. I can sense them; both of them. Mando's nearby….. and so is Boba Fett.
And judging by how fast their hearts are beating, they're in distress.
But that anxiety didn't last too long. As soon as I landed on my feet, Peli's and my arms simultaneously opened, and we gave one another a great big hug. She shut her eyes momentarily, letting out a long sigh. "Ah, Saoirse…. You haven't aged a day." "And you are more lovely than ever." "Oh, stop! I'm covered in rust and grease," pulling back a little, she tossed her head playful to the side.
Peli's eyes locked onto mine. "What are you doing here? Didn't think you'd be coming are here anytime soon. But why'd you come alone? Gasp! Does the Mandalorian know you're here?!" "No. Do you know where I can find him?" I inquired. "Mando? I don't know. He's on a job in Mos Espa. But just slow down; give me a second. You just got here. Let me say hello to my old pal," her arms gave my ribcage a squeeze. I smiled at her. I always did like this woman…
Her fingers pulled down the collar of my shirt a little to reveal the chain mail shirt. "What'd you have here? Something shiny?" "A gift from my husband," I said proudly. She grinned, obviously pleased by this. "Well, look at you, all fancy. You must be starving. Bring her some soup or something!" She suddenly commanded her droids. I stopped her by placing my hand on her shoulder, making her look me in the eye a second time. "Peli, I must get to Mando. He and Boba Fett need me." "Boba Fett?" Her eyebrow raised; I don't know if she was familiar with the name or not. "It's a long story," I shook my head under the impression that there was no time to explain. Peli sighed disappointed. "Do you have to see them now?" "Yes! It's imperative!"
She let out another sigh, her head falling a tad. Only then did she grin again, shaking her head slightly. "It was getting dull around here anyway. This should be fun! Alright! You wait right here. I'll go hitch us up a ride," her feet then took off. "Please hurry!" I called out after her. Once it was just me and the bots there in the repair yard alone, I took a deep breath in. R2-D2 made some beeping sounds but I didn't couldn't understand "droid talk". Instead I merely smiled back at him reassuringly. "It'll be ok." Then, I took another cleansing breath in. I shut my eyes and paid attention to that buzzing noise in my ear. Alright, Saoirse; you can do this. Listen to the Force… Listen to the Force… Listen and hear him. Hear my husband, my Mando.
"We need reinforcements!" "From where? You've run outta friends." Not quite. Though I couldn't audibly hear what they were saying per se, I could make out the gist of what Mando and Boba Fett were saying to each other when I concentrated on listening in tune with the Force. Closing my eyes, I drew in another deep inhale. Just hold on, boys.
I'm on my way.