Title: Unknowns
author: Cindy Ryan
notes: Tying this back into cannon; kind of. :)
They had lunch in the hospital room. The Child slept and Cara and Din sat on two chairs by the window sharing a meal from a nearby bar. They hashed out a plan. The lead from Karga had been a contact at a bar near the water. Cara suggested she would go scout. Din agreed and said he would go look at other sources.
"We can't linger here."Din said as he finished the broth and looked at the sleeping child. "The bounty rises on him every day."
"I know."Cara acknowledged quietly.
Din reached over and took Cara's right hand in his. Cara was again amazed at how gentle he could be with the armor on. She tightened her grasp. Cara set her plate on the floor and allowed herself to lean against Din. He shifted and pulled her closer to him. With everything going on neither of them had talked about what had happened between them. This gesture, this embrace Cara just wanted to enjoy. Before Cara could gather her thoughts Din spoke.
"I care about you, Cara Dune."Din stated his voice husky.
"I care about you too."Cara said as she turned in Din's embrace.
Cara glanced at the door. Seeing there was no medical staff near by she grasped the bottom of Din's helmet. She lifted it up just enough for his mouth to be exposed. Din caught her hands with his stopping her movement. Cara smiled and shook her head.
"No, not all the way just enough for this."Cara commented as she leaned forward and kissed Din.
All thoughts went out of Din's mind as the kiss continued. He smiled and deepened the kiss. After several minutes Cara broke away and they took a moment to catch their breaths. Din put the helmet back in place as Cara stood.
"I should go."Cara stated as she cleared her throat. "I'll com you when I'm on my way back."
"Okay."Din replied quietly. "Be safe."
"You too."Cara said.
Din watched her leave. He knew she could more than take care of herself. Hell, Cara had saved his life. He'd seen her in action. Yet with how important Cara Dune had become in his life Din couldn't help but worry. She was putting herself in danger for him and The Child. If anything happened...Din pushed the thought away and stood. He walked over to the bed. The child stirred and opened his eyes. Din touched The Child's tiny left hand.
"I'll be back soon."Din promised.
The foundling cooed and Din tucked the blanket up farther around the small form. He had to keep him safe. Had to keep him out of the hands of the Imperials. Din could not fail; not on this.
His and Cara's plan on Trask had to work. With a last glance at The Child Din turned and left.
Cara had been in much worse places. She sat at the bar trying not to look too close as something moved in a tank of water under the bar behind the Mon Calamari bartender. She followed the instructions Karga had given to find his contact. She got an ale and went to sit in one of the back booths. Fifteen minutes later a Quarren male sat down next to her. She didn't know much about their species but Cara guessed her companion was middle aged.
"Karga says you're looking for someone."The Quarren began taking a sip of his drink.
"Do you know what a Mandalorian is?"Cara asked.
"Yes."Karga's contact responded. "There are some here on Trask."
Cara's hand stilled on the mug she was holding. She would love to bring back some good news to Din. Cara knew how much he wanted to find others like him. To know others had survived the Imperials.
"Where?"Cara asked.
"Not far. A few hours sail."The Quarren replied taking another drink.
"When can we go?"Cara inquired her gaze straight ahead.
"Tomorrow; day break. Pier seven."The Quarren said as he stood.
Cara nodded and the contact left. Part of Cara thought that was a bit too easy. After a few minutes Cara paid for her drink and left. She held her promise and commed Din that she was on her way back to the inn. She hoped things had gone well with his search.
