Nestled in the Outer Rim - a band of space where most worlds were either plains or volcanic land - the planet of Nevarro lies between the known worlds of Tatooine and Mustafar. Nevarro itself calls home the base of the volcanic canyon that separates plains from lava. A Mandalorian, tired and aching for rest, had set course for Nevarro through hyper-space and locking it into autopilot. Had it not been for an extraordinary encounter which grows more frequent with every bounty, he would have normally attributed it to his age. Months have passed since the confrontation on Moff Gideon's cruiser, the calendars indicate a new year had come. Yet he was still deeply troubled since the day he and Grogu bid an emotional farewell.
The Mandalorian, who existed in the fabrics of space and time as a mere bounty hunter lands in Nevarro. Carrying only a light sack for his belongings, he journeyed through the shipyard and through the settlement returning to his room at the local inn. An understanding with the owner of the inn and the detached cantina whenever the man was in town. This is his first time in months since he's been back on-world, though nothing remained for him anymore. His child is one thing, but since his Tribe revealed themselves and defended him, they too have left the world in favor of another to retain their secrecy. No other Mandalorian walked on Nevarro other than him.
He's noticed another change since the confrontation and the loss of Grogu: children, who once feared the Mandalorian and would hide behind their family, now approach him and speak to him without care on the many worlds he walked during a bounty job. Many adults apologize and pull their children away, warning them to leave warriors like him alone. And this night was no different. Perhaps the energy, the Force within Grogu, let other children know that Mando was a friend. He himself was especially in need of a friend at this time.
A boy and a girl, siblings he presumed, approached him as he sat at the far side of the inn with his helmet raised just enough for him to drink. It was quickly pulled down once he saw what was in store. They ask him about Mandalorians, Mandalore, the works. And like always, they ask about the helmet. But unlike the past where he would've remained silent or taken his leave, Mando spoke with them. He explains a creed is like a promise. They counter that some promises are meant to be broken or accidentally are. Mando counters that this is like a pinky promise, an unbreakable promise in his faith, and the children instantly get it. They then question what Mandalorians believe in. They have heard of a weird new religion about "the Force", Mando tells them it's actually very old and practiced by Jedi. They ask him what he knows. The bounty hunter knows little but is learning more. Growing up is about learning new things, be it good or bad. The children smile and have a twinkle in their eyes, having enjoyed speaking to him.
Marshal Cara Dune enters the inn and joins Mando, smirking as she sees children speaking with him and waves them off to return to where they came from.
"I'm good with children now." The Mandalorian shrugs. It's like all children know, no matter where he goes, and they see him as a friend.
Cara sits across from him and they catch up, Mando tells her about the jobs he's thrown himself in since that day. Cara tells him of her own experiences: holding off Bo-katan Kryze long enough for him to escape, Bo-katan declaring Cara as an enemy and trying to fight her.
"Now that I'm a full Marshal, it was pretty easy to throw her name on a wanted list" Cara smirks. Their foe won't bother them if she knows what's good for herself. Other than that, business as usual.
At night, the inn's owner flags down and informs Mando that his time has come. He nods, rising from his seat, and heads outside. For the volcanic region it resides in, Nevarro is host to a nearby sight to behold and experience: the Twi'lek healing baths. Normally in the past, the Mandalorian would steer clear. A bath house, outdoor springs, they were far too intimate and revealing for his nature. However, it was the first time he was on-world since defending Nevarro from Imperial remnants. Many months have passed but the people have not forgotten. Magistrate Greef Karfa never stopped singing his praises for his legendary bounty hunter which certainly helped Mando's reputation. A deal was arranged between the inn's owner and the Twi'lek who operates the baths. They give Mando a sole hour in a private bath house, away from other guests and curious eyes. It appeared a small token of gratitude to outsiders. Yet he greatly appreciated what was offered. It appeared to him more than the local children decided to learn more and be open about Mandalorian culture. One aspect of it anyway.
The Mandalorian, safe and enclosed, stripped and enjoyed this time to himself. He couldn't recall the last time he was able to rest like this. Recreation is unheard of to him. He was never in a spot long enough due to jobs and the covert. He also never really thought of himself. The Foundlings of the covert and all others drove him to provide and survive. Then…he had Grogu. Had. Now it was only him. No Foundlings, covert….or Grogu.
The next day, Cara does her normal routine and rounds as Marshal. The whole planet is under her jurisdiction but given that there's only one small settlement on a naturally non-habitable world, she usually remains in town with the people unless leads point beyond the borders. She works closely with the people: checking in on them and hearing how their lives are going. As a young and ready lawbringer, Cara spends a good portion of her day doing physical work, returning to her quarters to do paperwork and other clerical duties befitting her office once the day is dark. But when she enters this day, she is not alone.
A woman layered in black and grey and furs, is looking down at Cara's desk. Cara is quiet, observing this stranger for a split second as she takes two steps looking at the desk. She then turns around when she hears the Marshal enter. The stranger's face is obscured as she wears a covering from her forehead down to her nose but her mouth is visible. She smiles, greeting Cara enthusiastically. The Marshal returns the smile, knowing exactly who this woman is. She is very surprised to see her here, greeting her as "Jeasanne".
"What brings a lady like you out to these parts?"
Cara saunters to her chair, metal and leather clinking and groaning as she sat herself down. She then motions her visitor to make herself comfortable.
"Well…" Jeasanne floats above the chair and gracefully sits. "I arrived to hand you this. Jaissinia's request."
From her fine robes, she pulls out golden envelope from her breast pocket from within her robe. Her gloved hand turned and presented the envelope with a simple motion from her wrist.
Cara took it, looking at the ornate exterior for quite awhile. Her mind was far from what the contents of the envelope actually was. It had the seal of Naboo on it. It took her back to many memories.
"I wanted to deliver this personally, for obvious reasons…"
This confuses Cara, who vocalizes it laughing that she didn't realize her friend was now a messenger.
"What? Good Queen Jass is making you do actual work now?"
A small upturn of the lips let Cara know despite all the changes, her friend was still there and unchanged. Jeasanne is humored, explaining that's not the case. It is too important since Cara is a good friend.
"Well, I must be off. I can't keep you from your duty." Jeasanne rises as does Cara.
"Leaving so soon?"
The stranger shakes her head, saying not today. If it is alright with the Marshal, she would like to remain for a day. That is, if she'd like to catch up.
Cara smirks, softening her expression and nods.
"The inn is the largest hub for beds, food, and drink. Meet me in the cantina later?"
Jeasanne bows her head and makes her way toward the inn. Before exiting the office, she slid on a mask that obscured her entire face.
Cara smiles to herself and collects herself, psyching herself up for the mindspace of pointless bureaucracy.
A lone sun lit up the rocky world but its radiating powers quickly waned. Another visitor enters the dwelling of the Marshal once night swept across the surface.
"Are we expecting any trouble?" The Mandalorian plainly asks.
"No, why?"
"A stranger rented a pod at the inn. Strangers don't visit Nevarro."
Cara looks up from her holographic displays. She holds a hand up with brows raised.
"Who comes here then?"
Mando is silent, staring without further words at Cara. He says he doesn't have to explain it. She knows what he means. Cara rolls her eyes, explaining all is well. In fact, Nevarro is safer. That stranger is her friend.
"One of the final battles after the Empire collapsed was for Naboo. I met Jeasanne back when I was a shock trooper."
"Was she ODST like you?"
Cara shakes her head. The two took their time walking across the settlement to the inn's cantina. The Marshal gave the Mandalorian a brief overview of the history. Normally she wouldn't tell anyone this. However, she viewed the man at her side as a great ally. Perhaps even a friend.
"Jeasanne moved up high in the world once Naboo and the Monarchy was restored. She came by to drop off an invitation."
"A hologram wouldn't have worked?"
Cara keeps her eyes straight, fishing out the golden envelope and holding it up. A beskar hand takes hold, quickly retrieving the letter.
Though his expressions were masked, his mannerisms were a clear reflection of his thoughts. Cara smirked hearing the Mandalorian hum and "hmph" - a clear sign of confusion. She asks for his thoughts?
"Why is the Queen of Naboo inviting you to a "Triumph"?
"You know every world that broke free from the Empire has an Independence Day? Why would Naboo be any different?"
"Then I should ask your friend then?"
"Sure…but she's not Naboo."
Complete night had befallen the planet, the glowing red of lava far away keeps the horizon line just barely illuminated. The cantina of Nevarro, a separate building part of the inn, was central and nearby other forms of entertainment. Now that the day was gone and everyone is at rest, the area was bustling with activity. Cara and Mando just entered for an evening of drinks. Cara acknowledges and greets those who nod and hail her. She says hello to many as she scanned the room. The Marshal then spots a same black-clad and well-dressed figure in one of the farther away booths.
Cara motions her head to the table. She tells Mando to go, she'll get the drinks. He stands there awkwardly staring at her, prompting the Marshal to make a more aggressive head gesture.
"C'mon, welcome a girl to town!" She tensely whispers.
Mando relents. He makes his way across the cantina and soon enough, he's met by a faceless stranger. She looks up from the booth, he looks down to her. He could feel her eyes on him, somehow looking past his visor.
"I'd never thought I'd see a Mandalorian here." The woman softly speaks.
She turns her gaze across the table, a slight nod and a gesture of her hand inviting him to sit. He does so silently and no other words are said between them for several moments. Mando breaks the ice, asking what brings her to Nevarro?
This stranger to the Mandalorian moves to answer, but Cara bringing three drinks interrupts her thoughts.
"I hope everyone likes Jet Juice!" Cara erupts with a fiendish grin.
She quickly passes out the drinks and sits next to the bounty hunter. The two of them remain statue-like. Cara then introduces them to each other: Mando to Jeasanne, Jeasanne to Mando.
The Marshal hopes her little settlement is treating her friend well, which is quickly affirmed by Jeasanne. Nodding her head, saying she's mostly kept to herself and hasn't explored too much if she is to be honest.
The three are silent, with Cara only drinking. She loudly points out this observation to the others. Mando and Jeasanne look at each other, Jeasanne shrugs and takes off her mask, still hidden by her half mask, and sips her glass. Mando follows, raising his helmet just enough to drink, shielding the small remnant of his face with his broad shoulder. He is quick to ask why the Queen of Naboo is interested in inviting Cara to this Triumph?
"Because it's Victory Day." The stranger quietly states. She takes another sip of her drink before continuing. "Cara Dune is a friend and defender of the cause. She has a place in the Triumph, as does everyone who fights the Empire and it's remnants."
Yelling fills the cantina, glad breaking and metal clanking rings in their ears. Looking over the source, several people are brawling. Cara mutters some profanities under her breath, quickly standing and springing to action. The two masked ones remain sitting.
"You took down a remnant. A Moff threatens the galaxy no more." Jeasanne catches Mando's attention. She was impressed, her interest carried by the airiness of a tone only mastered in fine court. The small smile was noticed by him. He would trail up her face but finds it still concealed.
"Why the two masks?" Mando inquires, guided by the intrusive thought.
Finishing her drink, Jeasanne says, "I am most comfortable hiding my face, just as you are."
His silence was very telling, an invitation for Jeasanne's words to fill the void between them. She further explains her meaning. The high-status Naboo often have some sort of makeup or mask. In life, everyone has a mask for every social situation and feeling. The Naboo codifies this human act, making it visible. In the service of the Naboo, she does the same. He nods and hums in understanding.
"I know…the Queen likes to use decoys. How do I know you're not her?"
Jeasanne laughs. He simply cannot know. It is but a mystery. All she can offer him is the fact that she and him were very much the same on the inside, whereas he and Jaissinia are far apart like the stars.
"I joke." Jeasanne explains her jest. "No way would the Queen travel so freely so soon after war. Everyone knows what happened to Queen Amidala."
A senator of Naboo, once an elected queen. Mando knew the story. She and two succeeding queens were the last to move freely and with decoys before the Empire swept away their institution. Imperial governors ruled the Naboo which gave way to warlords once the Empire fell. The stranger places a bare hand on Mando's, explaining as she carries on. He glances down and notices, not saying a word or even moving to collect himself. Soon enough, Jeasanne notices herself and she retracts her hand.
The two continue to drink and talk quietly until the alcohol begins to make more patrons create a ruckus, be it in humor or aggression. They could hear Cara yelling herself and barking orders. Most patrons complied. But there were the couple that she had to stun and detain, droids carrying them off to be thrown into a holding cell for the night.
With a wider smile, Jeasanne turns back to Mando.
"What a lovely settlement this is…too bad it has the letdowns of every other place in the galaxy."
Behind the visor, the Mandalorian couldn't help but smirk himself.
"You should've seen this place when the Imperials ran the joint."
A genuine laugh escapes from the stranger, now a visitor becoming acquainted with the settlement's loner. It is late. Mando didn't realize it himself until Jeasanne checked the time on her equipment. She must be getting to bed, she'll be leaving tomorrow. They scanned the cantina: full of droids and flashing lights. Mando could only imagine how it was outside.
"I think the Marshal will throw me in too if I don't make sure you get to your pod."
Jeasanne turns back to the Mandalorian. Surprise wrinkled and settled into her face, only the area below her nose visible to him. In an instant, the expression softens into amusement. Mando exits the booth and stands next to Jeasanne. She scoots out and holds out a hand, the Mandalorian taking the que and letting her grab onto his forearm.
"You're quite the gentleman." A giggle escapes Jeasanne's attempt to keep a neutral tone.
She is escorted by Mando, still holding onto his arm. Just as she imagined, the outside of the cantina was rowdy. However, it quickly fades into the distance as they make their way to the pods. He leads while the visitor directs him on the path. They arrive to Jeasanne's pod. Mando expected it to be grand given the visitor's status. However, the pod was a simple hut just like all the rest. Raised from the volcanic ground, equipped with life support systems and standard electrical installations.
Jeasanne lets go of her companion, turning around to face him.
"Thank you for bringing me here. And also for sitting and visiting with me. I understand you'd rather be alone."
The Mandalorian was a man of few words but many thoughts. All his life with most interactions, he ran by so many possibilities on what to say. Often settling on very simple and empty words, he knew this moment would be the same.
"Of course."
Craning her head, a fully-masked Jeasanne was still able to read him. Almost as if her masked lifestyle allowed her to see beyond appearance. The bounty hunter would know. He also has the same skill.
"Are you lonely, Mandalorian?"
He replies with a gruff no even if it was in fact a lie.
"Have you no friends? Allies? - " Jeasanne planned to continue speaking but stopped once her thoughts finally outmatched her quick tongue. Her head dips slightly as she sighs.
"You were going to say something?" The Mandalorian noticed her words.
Jeasanne lies and says no, something he could see straight through. He points this out. He is alone. Her mask allows her to see through things, just like him.
She smiles, bowing her head before looking up and straight into the Mandalorian's eye.
"I was going to ask if you had someone to keep you warm?"
"I- uh…"
No amount of his solitary and stoic nature would help him compose himself. Instead, he tripped over words. That is if he even managed them. It was mostly unintelligent noises trying to process. It didn't help that Jeasanne was smiling the whole time being sustained by his reaction.
"Worry not, Mandalorian. I've heard from locals you finally visited the Twi'lek baths. I'm told it warms the soul for a whole week."
"Well…it seems that way."
He wasn't trying to play along. Oddly enough, it seems the waters in the baths had that effect on visitors. He was no different. A hand reaches up towards the Mandalorian's face. Yet as most other life forms gravitate towards his cold helmet, the visitor's fingers rested on the warm leathers and cloth on his neck. The baths were one thing yet nothing would ever outrank humanoid touch.
"I'm leaving tomorrow. I do hope in your travels we may run into each other. Perhaps you can journey to Naboo in the coming week."
"Depends on the bounties I have."
With that, Jeasanne sees herself to her pod as Mando takes his own leave. She understood what he was saying. Every creature has a role to play. Duty is one of the most important tenets to the Mandalorian and the Visitor. However, their resolve would be put to the test soon enough.