Title: Unknowns

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

As battles went the initial boarding of the imperial ship was quick. They reached the cargo hold and met more troopers. Luck and stupidity of the officers was on their side. Bo-Katan and her team were on the right side of the cargo controls. A few minutes later there were several startled screams as the troopers and officers were jetisoned out of the ship. Din didn't have time to think of them. He was watching his new ally not liking the words he had just heard.

"Oh we're not going to jetison anything; we're taking the ship."

Din took a step forward.

"Put the tea on; we'll be up in a minute."Bo-Katan said gleefully as she ended the call.

"This is more than I signed up for."Din stated in a angry whisper.

"There is something I need if I'm to rule Mandalore."Bo-Katan explained. "Something that was once mine. They know where it is and soon so will I. Regardless we are taking the ship for the battles ahead."

"I got you your weapons. I have to return to my ship."Din responded tightly. "With the foundling."

And Cara, Din added silently.

"If you want my help finding the Jedi."Bo-Katan taunted. "You will help me take this ship."

"You're changing the terms of the deal."Din said angrily.

"This is the way."Bo-Katan responded as she left.

Din watched angrily as Bo-Katan's crew followed each placing on their helmets. He had no choice but to follow.


Cara had been awake a few hours. She didn't have the strength she normally did and her throat hurt like hell not to mention her head. Dr Collins assured her that was normal for being without oxygen at the depth she was. Still Cara didn't like feeling weak. On top of that she didn't like not knowing where Din was. She had a faint memory of Din promising to help the redhead because he owed her. Cara knew Din could take care of himself but still Cara couldn't help but worry. She was more worried that if he got into trouble Cara was in no shape to help. With a sigh Cara shifted her head on the pillow and tried to get comfortable. That was when she heard a familiar soft coo. Looking down Cara saw the foundling sitting at the foot of her bed. He cocked his head at her.

"What are you doing in here?"Cara asked her voice a hoarse croak.

The Child seemed to understand her and moved forward. Cara was always amazed at the intelligence in a creature so young.

"Checking on me, huh?"Cara inquired with a weak smile.

The foundling reached the top portion of Cara's body and for a moment she thought it was going to snuggle and go to sleep. At the mental image Cara blinked away tears. She was getting far too attached to this little one; and to it's father. The foundling looked at the various wires and tubes connected to Cara and she reached out her right hand to touch his head soothingly.

"I'm alright; or I will be."Cara commented.

The little one closed it's eyes and extended it's right hand to her torso. Cara knew what it was going to do; what it had done for Karga. Cara knew the kid didn't have the strength for what it wanted to do. Yet the gesture warmed Cara's soul. Cara caught the tiny hand in her right one.

"You don't have too."Cara protested. "I'll heal on my own it'll just take a bit."

The Child started forward again breaking Cara's hold with surprising strength.

"No, you need to heal and rest too."Cara admonished as she picked up the small creature. "Din wouldn't forgive me if something happened to you because you tried to use your powers too soon."

At the mention of Din the foundling seemed to settle in Cara's grasp. She tucked him against her in the crook of her arm. Part of Cara was tempted to let The Child heal her then she'd be ready to help Din if he needed her. Yet she knew and had seen what healing took out of the little guy and that would set his recovery back. It was a risk she couldn't take. The Child cooed and cocked it's head to look up at her.

"He'll be back soon."Cara soothed. "Get some rest."

As Cara drifted off to sleep she hoped she was telling the truth and that Din was on his way back to them and not up to his neck in trouble.


The Imperials had tried to crash the ship. Half an hour later Din stood on the small bridge with two dead Imperial pilots and Bo-Katan struggling to get information out of the ship's commander. Just as Bo-Katan had shown mercy the commander took his own life.

"I'll find what's mine another way."Bo-Katan vowed glaring down at the dead commander.

"I have no doubt you will."Din replied sincerely.

"Thank you for your help."Bo-Katan stated quietly. "There's room if you wish to continue on with us."

Din shook his head finding himself anxious to get back to the infirmary.

"I need to get back."Din said as he moved to the door. "Tell me where to find this Jedi."

After a long moment Bo-Katan told him a name and a planet. Din nodded.

"We could use someone like your partner if she's interested."Bo-Katan called after him.

"I'll pass it along."Din replied glad his helmet hid his grin. "But I think she's happy where she is."

Din walked to the exterior door of the Imperial ship. As the door slid open and Din activated the jet pack he thought of his last comment. He found himself looking forward to whatever adventures they had ahead of them. And however many days they had with The Child Din knew he and Cara would treasure those too.