I went to bed for some much-needed sleep; it had been an eventful day to say the least. Despite of my tossing and turning, I just couldn't get to sleep. It didn't help either that I could hear the Mandalorian and Kuiil talk quietly, but not too quietly, from the front deck. I mean, come on; it was late. Didn't either of them need some rest? Kuiil said something in a hushed tone and I sighed. Guess not.
What are they talking about anyway? The fact that they're keeping their voices down can't be good. They're either discussing me or trying to keep quiet so I could get some sleep. Trying, and failing. I heard the sound of a button click, followed by a much louder yet familiar voice. "My friend," he began. Wait, my eyes narrowed considerably. I know that voice….. that's uh, the guy from before; the one who shot at us and demanded that I come with him. The one who came onto our ship without permission. Why's he calling Mando? He was trying to kill him the last time we saw him.
The hologram went on. "If you're receiving this transmission, that means you are alive." What? He thought Mando would be dead? Why? "You might be surprised to hear this, but I am alive too." Why would that be a surprise? Did he piss someone off or something? Well, somebody besides the Mandalorian. "I guess we can call it even." Uh, no; we can't. You tried to kill Mando and me. Not to mention all the individuals who died under his employment back on the planet- I don't know its name.
"A lot has happened since we last saw each other. The man who hired you is still here." Which man? Dr. Pershing or the old guy? "And his ranks of ex-Imperial guards have grown." What does he mean by "ex-Imperial"? I thought it was the Imperials who wanted me. "They have imposed despotic rule over my city which has impeded the livelihood of the guild. We consider him an enemy, but we cannot get close enough to take him out. If you would consider one last commission, I will very much make it worth your while." So, he wants to hire Mando to take out this guy- the despotic ruler? Uh, ok; one question. How's Mando supposed to get close enough to kill him either? If that's a problem for all those guild guys, I can't see why it wouldn't be any different for my protector.
"You have been successful so far in staving off their hunters, but they will not stop until they have their prize." Wait, prize? My hands rolled into unconscious fists…. Oh, that's why they put the city on lockdown; they're searching for me. Uh oh- I can see where this is going. "So here is my proposition. Return to Nevarro; bring the girl as bait. I will arrange an exchange and provide loyal guild members as protection." Protection, ha! Protection indeed; those same guys tried to slaughter us a while back. I don't trust them as far as I can throw them, and I'm pretty weak.
"Once we get near the Client, you kill him, and we both get what we want. If you succeed, you keep the girl and I will have your name cleared with the guild. For a man of honour should not be forced to live in exile. I await your arrival with optimism."
There was a brief, tense silence. I heard a flip switch then the sound of Kuiil's low voice. "What are you going to do, Mando?" A lull in the room. "Is she asleep?" Mando asked Kuiil. I quickly pulled up the covers and shut my eyes at Kuiil's footsteps approaching my tiny bedroom. He checked to find me pretending to be asleep, and he bought it. "She is," Kuiil told the Mandalorian in a whisper.
More silence. "He has a point. They won't stop until Saoirse's dead or in their possession. You can't keep running forever; sooner or later, they'll get her and likely kill you in the process," Kuiil could be heard walking back over to Mando's chair. He took his time responding; verbally at least. "Yes….." Was all he managed to say. Classic Mando. "That said, it's risky. Can you trust him?" Kuiil questioned. "Not enough to use Saoirse as bait," the Mandalorian replied. Kuiil thought for a moment. "What if we had backup of our own?" "I'm not bringing her anywhere near him," Mando shot him down.
"Hear me out. He'll have guild members of his own, but is there anyone we can bring? Some extra protection on our side?" "I don't trust anyone with this." "We may not have a choice, Mando. I understand you want to protect Saoirse; so do I. But if he's willing to help us take down the Client, I say we should at least consider it. When will you have another opportunity like this again?" Quiet on Mando's part. Kuiil saw fit to continue. "If you know someone who can help us. Someone who knows Saoirse and will be willing to watch out for her. That can be our extra insurance."
Yet another moment of silence- this was like the millionth that night. "I know someone," the Mandalorian finally confessed. Kuiil let out an audible sigh in relief. "Good. And this has given me an idea too."