Title: Unknowns

author: Cindy Ryan

category: Alternate storyline
pairings: Cara/Din

notes and summary: See part one

Two hours later Dr. Collins came to give an update. Cara felt Din tense as she stood next to him. The Mandalorian introduced Cara to the doctor.

"The fever is slowly going down."Collins reported quietly."I'm concerned with the lack of nurioushment. We're trying different liquid diets based on what you've told me of what he likes to eat."

"But he's not taking enough."Cara surmised quietly.

"No, the poison took a toll and his immune system is doing a hell of a job compensating."Collins responded

"And that's taking strength he doesn't have."Din finished.

Cara heard the sadness that Din tried to cover. Again she was struck with how well she could read him. How well she was getting to know a man who's face she had and would never see. Cara inched closer and brushed the fingertips of her right hand against the metal of Din's left. She felt a brush back of acknowledgement.

"I wish I could give more encouragement."Collins continued gravely. "We just don't know enough about his species. He could wake up tomorrow and make a full recovery. Or he could slip into a comatose state."

"Thank you for what you've done for him."Din commented as he walked to Collins.

The blond man nodded and glanced at the little one's still form before looking back at Din and then Cara.

"Why don't you two get some rest?"The doctor suggested. "The infirmary has a deal with one of the local inns. I can have a room ready."

Cara shook her head and raised her hands and she heard Din clear his throat loudly.

"We're not..."

"She and I aren't..."

Cara and Din protested at the same time.

"My apologies I thought...never mind."Collins said as he started towards the door. "You two should still get some rest. I'll have two rooms set aside at the inn."

"Thank you."Cara replied.

Collins nodded and left. Cara watched as Din moved to the bed standing at the foot of it looking at the small occupant. She saw the Mandalorian grip the metal foot rail. His armor might shield him from laser fire but now his emotions were radiating like waves on the water outside. The helplessness, caring and sadness were almost a physical force in the room.

"It was five minutes."Din stated quietly his words clipped. "I took my attention from him for five minutes while I tried to get my passenger and her eggs back to the ship. That was how fast it was."

"Children are like that."Cara replied lowering her voice to match his soft tone. "Or so I've observed. You saw the kids in the villiage on Sorgan; always under foot; getting into things."

Silence filled the room for several minutes.

"I don't know how to help him."Din confessed his voice barely above a whisper.

"You can start by following doctor's orders."Cara suggested pulling Din gently towards the door. "I bet if I could see you; you'd look like hell. You won't be any good to him if you don't take care of yourself."

"Alright."Din acknowledged.

Cara crossed the threshhold but Din paused looking back at The Child. She tugged gently on his left arm.

"Come on; they're taking good care of him."Cara urged softly.

After a few moments Din turned and followed Cara out of the medical room.


Once they were checked in and gotten their keys Cara headed for the stairs. She'd been in worse places. Though to call this an 'inn' was being kind. It was more of a bar with a couple rooms on the top floor. The stairs were on the left corner of the 'lobby' on the other side of the area from the front desk. When Cara didn't hear Din's footsteps behind her she turned. He stood at the right end of the front desk near the door. He was stiff and alert as always. Sometimes like now Cara wished she could see Din's face. She wanted to see his eyes; know where his thoughts were.

"Mando?"Cara called taking a step forward.

"Coming."Din replied turning and walking to the stairs.

When Din reached her Cara reached up and touched Din's right forearm. He paused to look at her.

"You've done all you can for him."Cara said quietly.

Din sighed.

"What?"Cara prompted.

"Nothing."Din said with a shake of his head.

They went up to the next floor where Cara stopped him. They were the only ones in the skinny hallway.

"What were you thinking earlier?"Cara asked gently. "You can talk to me, Din."


Din leaned back against the wall. He tried to gather his thoughts but they seemed scattered. Like sand through his fingers. Looking across at Cara he truly appreciated that she was here. Even if that hadn't been his intention.

"If I don't find any more of my kind,"Din began quietly. "The Child for whatever time there is will be all there is of my Creed. If I can't protect that..."

Cara closed the space between them. She took his hands and covered them with hers. Din looked at them. For a woman she had strong sure hands. Quick with a gun, confident with a blade, and gentle with The Child. Cara cleared her throat gaining Din's attention back to her face. He was surprised to see unshed tears in her eyes.

"For what it's worth; you're not alone if we lose him."Cara said in a voice barely above a whisper. "You have me."

Din leaned back against the wall. He tried to gather his thoughts but they seemed scattered. Like sand through his fingers. Looking across at Cara he truly appreciated that she was here. Even if that hadn't been his intention.

"If I don't find any more of my kind,"Din began quietly. "The Child for whatever time there is will be all there is of my clan. If I can't protect that..."

Cara closed the space between them. She took his hands and covered them with hers. Din looked at them. For a woman she had strong sure hands. Quick with a gun, confident with a blade, and gentle with The Child. Cara cleared her throat gaining Din's attention back to her face. He was surprised to see unshed tears in her eyes.

"For what it's worth; you're not alone if we lose him."Cara said in a voice barely above a whisper. "You have me."

In those few brief moments Din's tired brain created images of he and Cara chasing bounties through the galaxy; building a life. Din shoved the images away with an effort. The few Mandalorian's he'd heard of that had taken a mate had stepped away; 'retired'. A jolt of surprise went through Din and he stepped back breaking contact with Cara. Where the hell had the thought come from of a mate? Cara was as much a loaner as he was. Din knew he was also tired; bone weary. That tended to make one not themselves. He cleared his throat and she stepped back to. Din knew he couldn't let her declaration pass without acknowledgement. Though he wasn't sure what to say.

"Thank you."Din said quietly.

Cara nodded.

"I will see you in the morning."Din stated as he went to his room.

"Okay."Cara agreed as she went to her own room. "Promise me you'll eat something. The Child needs you to keep your strength up."

"I promise."Din responded as he opened his door. "Good night."

"Good night."Cara said as she entered her room and shut the door.