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Chapter 6
druk – general alien word for poop
~X~
"Don't ever turn your back on the enemy. Because that's where your jetpack is, and you don't want to take a shot to that, now do you?"
~Janada Bralor~
Din woke to the sound of banging and general words of displeasure coming from the kitchen. Ravana was apparently up, and not in a very good mood. He had chosen to remain in his beskar armor while he slept, just in case that Tannor fellow was foolish enough to come back. It wasn't the most comfortable way to rest, but it hadn't been the first time he'd done so, and certainly wouldn't be the last. Rising and pulling back the curtain, he spotted her near the cooler, pushing buttons and kicking it in frustration. Both Zax and the kid stood nearby, watching with curious fascination at her strange behavior.
"Your equipment giving you trouble?" Din asked, finding that he was able to take a few steps this morning without the aid of the walking stick. That was a definite improvement, to be sure.
"The lousy piece of druk quit working! I went to pull out some milk for the String-bean here and it was warm! I think it must have died during the night." She gave the metal box one final kick for good measure, slamming the door shut in finality. "Now I'll have to dry the rest of this danker meat before it goes bad!"
"Maybe not," Din told her, his mind hatching another plan.
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Thus, an hour or so later, the four of them were making their way through the trees, heading for the clearing where he'd left the Razor Crest. He figured after everything Ravana had done for them, helping her preserve her food supply was the least he could do in return.
Since his leg was still not good enough for him to make it all the way on his own power, they had brought the land-sled, with him and the kid riding on it, while Ravana and Zax walked alongside. Well, she was walking, the zaktan was running all around the whole time, checking out this and that as they went along. He felt rather guilty for riding while she was forced to walk, but apparently the sled only followed the one with the controls – or retraced a programed path that had already been made. Thus, she explained that the sled would go nowhere if she were to get on it as well. Still…it made him feel lazy, and that irritated him to no end.
"If any dankers or other beasts come at us, you hit the ground and let me handle them," he told her, figuring the least he could do was offer protection on their journey.
"No need to worry about that," she informed him, appearing not the least bit concerned. "We have Zax with us today. Nothing's going to come within a mile of us with him around."
"I thought you said he was harmless?" Din questioned. "That he wouldn't hurt a flea."
"Oh, he wouldn't," Ravana laughed. "But there are two really good things about keeping a zaktan as a pet. One is, that when threatened, they let out a high-pitched cry that instantly repels even the most vicious beast. It's above the decibels that most humanoids can hear, but trust me, it would scare off just about everything else. I could tromp around the forest for days if I have him with me and not a living thing would dare come near."
This was news to Din, for until now he had simply assumed she kept the furry creature for his company alone. The kid certainly enjoyed the mutt, that was for sure.
"What's the second reason they make good pets?" he asked curiously.
"They only defecate three times a year," was her reply, accompanied by a wide grin and a laugh. "Makes house training pretty easy."
Din could see her point and found he wholeheartedly agreed.
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When they reached the Razor Crest at last, he was happy to see that it was still locked up tight and in one piece. He had no idea if Jawas inhabited this planet or not, but it had been a viable concern.
"Impressive," was Ravana's reaction when his ship first came into view, making him smile in satisfaction beneath his helmet. He knew it wasn't the fanciest craft, but it had never yet let him down.
"It suits my needs," was all he allowed himself to say, not wanting to sound overly proud or anything.
When she brought the sled to a stop, he slid off the front and reached back for the kid, placing him on the ground so he and the zaktan could play if they wanted. They had brought along a box of her supplies, things that needed to remain frozen if they were not going to spoil. He moved to take the container, but she stepped in front of him with a stern look.
"Not yet," she scolded, gesturing to his leg. "You don't want to push it. You're only a day away from it being fully healed…or near enough. Be patient for one more day."
Patience was still not one of his virtues…assuming he had any at all. But he complied, knowing that she was right. He planned to leave the following day, and it would be best if he was back in full fighting condition by then. So, letting her carry the box, he led her to the ship, hitting a few buttons on his vambrace that unsealed the Razor Crest and opened the hatch. Once the ramp was down, he gestured for her to follow him up.
His craft was more utilitarian than comfortable, with him having retrofit it years ago for the needs of a bounty hunter and his cargo. But the one device he was proud he could offer Ravana today was the use of the carbonite freezer.
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"So…you put live people in this?" she asked, staring at the device with a mixture of fascination and horror. "Does it hurt?"
"I doubt it's overly pleasant," he mused, never having bothered to stay around long enough for his victims to be defrosted so he could ask. Though if their expressions were any indication, he supposed it was at the very least frightening. "But I only do it to those who are dangerous…or if they irritate me." When she continued to look at him skeptically, he quickly added, "But don't worry, your meat won't feel a thing."
"And the carbon won't alter the taste or compromise the food?" Ravana questioned, wiping her finger over the back of the freezing unit, scrunching up her nose a bit as she did.
"If it doesn't hurt living tissue, I doubt it will hurt anything already dead," he sighed. "Do you want me to freeze your stuff or not?"
"Yes, please," she told him, stepping back and placing her hands behind her back repentantly, apparently realizing she was not acting very grateful. "Besides, if I had no issues eating something that could have possibly made me float around in the air, I suppose having it frozen in carbonite couldn't be any worse. Though, to be honest, I'm a bit disappointed that it didn't make me fly around. It might have been fun to soar through the sky like a bird."
Din chose not to respond to that, again not wishing to encourage that particular line of thought. He still felt it was best to keep the kid's abilities a secret…from everyone. They would be leaving Pessue the following day, and would probably never see Ravana again, so keeping it from her for a little longer shouldn't be too hard.
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Once the meat had been frozen in small chunks - each brick with its own defrost mechanism - and loaded back onto the land-sled, Din offered her a quick tour of the Razor Crest. The kid was excited to show off his little cubical to both Ravana and Zax, the small animal hopping up inside and sniffing around curiously. When she asked what was behind a set of metal doors, he opened it and showed her his arsenal. He'd had to restock a fair amount of it after those bothersome Jawas had ransacked his ship back on Arvala-7, only managing to recover a portion of what they'd stolen from him.
"Wow…that's a lot of blasters," Ravana commented, not even recognizing half of what he had stored inside. "Are they all necessary for bounty hunting…or are you also a collector of sorts?"
"I'm a Mandalorian. Weapons are a part of my religion." When all he received from her was a raised eyebrow and a less than impressed look, he added, "They have their uses. In my line of work, you never know what you might come up against. Better to be safe than sorry."
"And that's why I live here on Pessue," she stated firmly. "Not much excitement or danger around here, unless you count flying dankers." Ravana then gave him a side glance and a smile. "Or the occasional Mandalorians who stop by for tea."
"Very occasional, I'm sure," Din replied dryly.
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Ravana found the inside of Mando's ship very enlightening, feeling as though she understood her armored guest a bit more. Throughout the entire vessel, she didn't see one memento or personal item displayed, nothing at all to indicate that he had any specific likes or dislikes. And while his weapons rack was neatly arranged, proving he was something of a clean-freak as well, they would hardly be something one would call personal keepsakes.
She did enjoy her tour of the cockpit however, loving the open feel of the place and just imagining the way the stars would surround you when out in the blackness of space. Ravana had always loved looking at the night sky, wondering who lived on all those tiny pinpoints of light above her.
"Where does the String-bean sit?" she asked, noticing the two chairs behind the captain's.
"There," Mando told her, gesturing to the one at the right of where he sat. "Though keeping him in it has proven a challenge. He tends to wander around quite a bit, touching things he shouldn't and getting into general mischief."
"Yes, I can see where he might," she laughed. "I mean just look around, all these buttons and switches. It's a veritable playground for a child!"
"Exactly," the Mandalorian said with a heavy and knowing sigh.
"Have you ever considered building him his own activity console?" she asked, plopping down in the seat the kid normally occupied. "Then he could push buttons and flip switches to his heart's content and leave yours alone. My parents did something similar for me when I was really little, giving me stimulating things to occupy my mind and hands and keep me out of their things."
The Mandalorian was silent for a few moments, something Ravana had come to associate with him being in deep thought. She truly hoped he was considering her idea, for it would be entertaining for the kid…though she was sad to think she would never get to see him enjoy it. For Mando had made no secret of his intention to leave the following day. And truly, she couldn't fault him for it. He had already stayed more days than he had originally planned, and when you are being hunted, that could often be a few too many.
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When they exited the Razor Crest, they found the kid and Zax had worn themselves out playing and were currently snuggled together on top of the land-sled, fast asleep.
"They're so cute together," Ravana whispered, not wanting to wake them. "I know Zax will miss him a great deal when you leave." She wasn't about to mention how much she would miss the little String-bean as well. And…if she was being completely honest with herself, she would miss Mando's company too. He was a fascinating man, one with a world of secrets – but with obviously no intention of giving any of them away. He was both a mystery and an object of frustration. Then again, most men were, at least in her opinion.
"So, shall we head back?" she suggested, gesturing towards the trees in the direction of her home.
"Yes…however, I have an idea on how we might get there faster," he informed her, holding up a strange looking device she had not noticed him grab on his way out of the ship.
"What's that?" Ravana was instantly intrigued.
"Mandalorians call it the Rising Phoenix," he explained, pushing his cape aside and hefting it over his shoulder, attaching it to some locking mechanism on the back of his armor. "You did say you thought it might be nice to fly like a bird, didn't you?"
"Yes…" she responded hesitantly, not quite sure what he was getting at.
"This will allow you to do so," he informed her. "With my help, of course."
"You mean you can actually fly? In the air?" Ravana was shocked by this.
"That's where most things fly, don't they?" The Mandalorian's tone was ripe with sarcasm, and she was certain he was currently rolling his eyes at her, but she smiled nonetheless.
"Are you sure you're not just looking for a way to get back to the house without having to ride on the land-sled like a grounded child?" she questioned.
"The thought had crossed my mind," Mando admitted. "So, are you game? Or would you rather remain safely on the ground?"
"Are you kidding? Where do I sign up, fly-boy?" Ravana laughed, her excitement over the idea plainly visible.
She actually heard him give a small chuckle at her enthusiasm, as he took a step closer, holding out his hand in an invitation. Turning her a bit to the side, he bent forward and scooped her up in his arms, much like one would carry a sleeping child.
"Mando, what about your leg!" she protested, though quickly wrapped her arms around the back of his neck for support. "Carrying my weight can't be good for it."
"I won't be standing on it for long," he assured her, the jetpack he wore springing to life as flames expelled out of the back and caused him to rise into the air.
"MANDO!" Ravana squealed, her grip tightening as she buried her face in the folds of his cape that rested on his armored chest, unwilling to open her eyes as they left the safety of the ground.
Suddenly, she was having second thoughts about all this!
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Din couldn't help but laugh at how tightly Ravana held on to him as they ascended into the sky, her sense of adventure apparently overshadowed by an unrealized fear of heights. He chose to hover there for a bit, waiting for her to become used to the sensation and open her eyes.
"We are hardly a dozen meters off the ground," he informed her in a reassuring tone. "Yet, if you are not enjoying the experience, I will take you back down immediately."
"NO! Wait!" she begged, though making no motion to raise her head.
Still, he obeyed and waited a bit longer, patiently hoping she would make up her mind soon. Then, slowly, she loosened her grip and pulled her head away from his chest, keeping her eyes squeezed shut while she let out a few deep breaths. Then they popped open, darting around this way and that as she took in the scene before her.
"We're…we're really flying!" she gasped, suddenly daring enough to sit up a little straighter in his grip and swivel her head around as far as it would go in either direction. "I can see…everything from up here! I can see my house, the river, the spot where I found you…and even the tops of the buildings in the settlement!"
Her enthusiasm was instantly back, and Din was now glad he had made the offer – even if he had originally suggested using the Rising Phoenix simply to spare himself another humiliating sled ride. Starting out slowly, he began to maneuver forward, taking her on a little roundabout above the clearing. Below he could see that the noise from their lift off had woke the kid and the zaktan, the two of them watching from the sled. He knew the kid loved going for rides as well, but he wasn't about to consider taking the animal up as well. It might normally be harmless, like Ravana said, but anything with claws and teeth could easily do damage if it became frightened.
"How long can you stay up here like this?" she asked, tipping her head back as she let the breeze blow though her pinned-back curls.
Once more Din wondered how long her hair would be if she were to undo it and let it fly free. It had been quite a while since he'd been with a woman, of any species, but he kind of had a thing for females with long hair. It took a great deal of trust on his part to engage in intimate activities, always worried that in a moment of frenzied lust, his partner might forget herself and attempt to remove his helmet. Thus, when deprived of the intimacy of kissing, he found his sense of touch was the most important aspect of the act. And running his fingers through silken tresses turned out to be his favorite guilty pleasure.
"I mean, we're not going to run out of fuel and fall to the ground any time soon, are we?" Her question broke him from his thoughts, and Din was glad she couldn't see him blush over his musings from beneath his helmet.
"No, it would take a while before that happened," he assured her. "And I promise to keep a close eye on the gauges, ensuring we won't."
"Then let's go for another spin, Captain! And feel free to really open this baby up!" she squealed in delight, readjusting her grip as she kicked her legs just a little for emphasis.
"As the lady commands," Din agreed, surprising his passenger, as well as himself by letting loose a genuine laugh.
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After taking Ravana on a few more rounds, with a couple of acrobatic moves thrown in simply to hear her shriek and scream with excitement, he took her back down, landing as softly as he could. The kid immediately reached his arms in the air, begging for a ride as well, and knowing there would be no peace until his little green friend's desires were fulfilled, Din took him up for a couple thrills as well.
He had offered to fly Ravana back home with him, but in the end she declined, saying that it would be unfair for her to get too much air-time while the kid was forced to remain landlocked below.
"I can't have him resenting me just before you two leave, now can I?" she laughed, hopping up on the sled and pulling the little fellow into her lap. "And since all I have to do is now tell this thing to retrace the path I made getting here, I can ride as well, while you keep an eye on things above, all right?"
Din gave Ravana a salute and took to the sky once more, only too happy to return to the homestead under his own power, so to speak. He did enjoy having the high ground, able to see for miles and not have to worry about being ambushed. He also found the height excellent for determining distance, as in how far away the settlement was from their location, as well as her home from the Razor Crest. Din even took a few minutes to admire the landscape, the green fields and lush forests very pleasing to the eye.
Still, he took it slow, doubling back if he got too far ahead, so he could keep an eye on those below him. As he watched Ravana playing with the kid, as well as Zax on the land-sled, Din felt a twinge of regret over his plans to leave the following day. He had just started to feel at ease here, the slower pace and enjoyable company something he could easily get used to. However, there was the kid to think about, and while it would be difficult for him as well, he knew they must press on, looking for where his little charge had originally come from. It was the commission he'd been given by the Armorer, to care for the foundling and fulfill his duty to the creed.
One he was determined to see carried out.
And who woudn't want to take a spin with Din in the air? I mean not only do you have the scenery to admire, but being in his strong, beskar-clad arms would be an added bonus as well.
Too bad he and the kid plan on leaving tomorrow (sniff, sniff)
Tune in on Friday to see what happens next!
Once again, I want to thank Starling 12 for her invaluable insight into the Star Wars universe. You've helped me a LOT!
Guest Reviews:
I have some at last!
Guest: (1) Glad you like her. Creating an OC is always hard...you don't want a Mary Sue, but you want her to be her own character too. And who wouldn't love the kid at first sight? Din is attached to him by now, he would give his life for him. Of course the kid would have wanted to get back to Din and help him if he could, they look out for each other. They are a clan of two.
(2) Everyone wants to play with the kid's ears...glad you liked my vision of Din doing so. 'Mando' is all he's willing to reveal of himself - he keeps his name close to his vest. Ha ha, yes, Din has a thing for long hair...but shh, don't tell Din you see him starting to liiiiiike her, it would embarrass him.
(3) Yeah...I think most people realize Ravana is the proverbial 'love interest', well, everyone but Din. The kid does love slurping his drinks...maybe he needs a straw (a biodegradable one). I was getting tired of calling him The Child, or The Kid all the time, so I had to come up with another name to use...String-bean just sounded cute. Toad did not. And while I am NOT going to touch the whole 'potty' issue - if Disney won't do so, why should I? I will deal with baths though...all kids love bath time. Right?
(4) Yep, talking is good. Of course he cares what she thinks...his mind might not know he loves her yet, but his heart is sending him signals. ha ha.
(5) I think Din would like being all domestic...with the right woman, that is. Tannor is indeed a jerk, and it was high time she told him what she thought of him. Mando of course would defend her, This is the way. ha ha. Thanks for your kind reviews, and I hope this chapter arrived soon enough for you. More, and more, and more and more to come!