"We should have a couple of small recruiting parties ready within the next day or two. We've compiled a list of those joining us and those promoted to overseeing construction efforts" Koska updated the others as she arrived at the landing area. It wasn't much, just a few marked spots for ships the current Mandalorians had in their possession. The shiny surface of the N-1 reflected the bright morning sun. It reminded Bo of Din's immaculate armor, it really was a fitting ship.

"Excellent, in the meantime, I'll assemble a team to start educating and training our young and any adult foundlings you recruit," It was still so new to Bo, being back home, and rebuilding their once great civilization. Grogu babbled from her arms and she glanced down at him, broken out of her pensive trance. "May the force be with you, little one," Bo gave Grogu one last gentle hug before passing him back to Din. Grogu's ears went back and his wide eyes scrunched slightly at Bo. It was obvious he wasn't quite ready to leave yet, but she knew as soon as the N-1 took off, Grogu's sadness would be replaced with the thrill of high-speed travel and his dad's erratic piloting.

"Try to send us somewhere with some nice weather," Axe joked as Din got settled into his ship. "Or at least some decent food." Koska shoved Axe and muttered a light-hearted insult. "Okay, okay, I'd even settle for some backwater planet if it means we get some lively action."

Bo rolled her eyes even though she knew no one could see it behind her helmet, "You could let them get settled before making your demands." She looked over to Din and she imagined they were meeting each other's gaze. He was facing her, and even though they already said their goodbyes this morning over a quiet breakfast, it didn't seem quite enough. She hated to admit it, especially considering how rocky their friendship started, but things were easier when Din and his son were around. They worked together so naturally and had been through so much in such a short time, it was easy to rely on someone as capable as Din Djarin.

"Try not to ruin any potential alliances with all this talking you insist on doing," Din gruffed as he checked his controls and made sure Grogu was securely inside the ship.

"Save the lecture for the foundlings," Axe muttered but it didn't go unnoticed.

"One doesn't speak unless one knows," Din reminded. Bo smiled and tried to contain her amusement. She knew many of the Nite Owls still thought the members from his tribe were foolish, especially Axe. But she couldn't explain the feeling that passed through her each time Din spoke with such conviction. The feeling was so much more pronounced after their encounter with the Mythosaur. She even found herself wearing her helmet more often, saving her face for her personal times with her close friends.

They all bid Din and Grogu safe travels and the three returned to their own recruiting efforts on Mandalore. Bo-Katan set out to the camp area she knew the young would be training at this time of day. It was barely morning, but the Children of the Watch were all early risers. Most of them started training at first light and moved on to restorative efforts after the rest of the clans started their days. She was honestly impressed with how dedicated many of their tribe were and how much of their time they spent together, even on the most mundane parts of their days.

They finally have the chance to live out of hiding, out in the open away from the sewers and caves. We celebrate by walking The Way . Bo recalled the Armorer's words. The woman was always so serious, Bo had only asked lightheartedly why the members of their tribe spent every waking moment together and when the alone time was scheduled. After spending some time with the Armorer, she understood why Din was so serious all the time.

She felt a pang of guilt. All that time she spent sullen, sulking around because of the destruction of her home. She could've been doing something much more productive, something less selfish than feeling utterly sorry for herself. Those days are over, she reminded herself. She didn't know it at the time, but meeting Din Djarin opened her eyes. Walking the Way of the Mand'alor, being an honorable and strong warrior, and protecting their people was what brought them strength and unity.

The sounds of blasters and clanging beskar shook her from her thoughts. Bo sighed and tried to leave those feelings behind as she approached the camp. As she expected, the entire clan was outside their makeshift homes, all partaking in the morning practice routine. She immediately recognized the leader of the Shriek-Hawk training team, as their pauldron signet always brought back her memories from her days in Death Watch. Though those days were decades removed, the pang in her stomach was still distracting.

He turned towards her and raised a fist to cross his chest, "Mand'alor."

"I hope I'm not intruding," Bo said as she stepped around the last group of fighters sparring near the leader. The Tribe was bustling with life and shouts as everyone took their respective turns sparring with their clan mates. "I was hoping we could discuss something."

He nodded as he waved a couple of younger Mandalorians to go off to finish their set. He "Of course it's no intrusion. It is always an honor, Lady Bo-Katan." Bo knew better than to correct him again. The Tribe was adamant about titles, much more so than Din. "How can I assist?" His tone was always very sincere and she remembers their time briefly while rescuing Ragnar.

"In our time together, you've proven yourself a formidable warrior, and I hear from others in your tribe that you're an excellent trainer," Bo began. The Armorer spoke very highly of him, yes, but Bo-Katan has watched their morning training routine from a distance a few times now. Sleep was hard to come by, and she had to admit, it was impressive to watch The Tribe training together. "I want to establish formal training camps and classrooms, for the young and the foundlings we hope to bring here. But we need teachers and trainers for that to happen. I'm not asking you to stop training your clan, just to spare time to train others in the Way of the Mand'alor."

"I can think of no greater honor than serving our new Mand'alor and teaching the foundlings, Lady Kryze," He again saluted Bo, "This is the way." Bo-Katan had so many misconceptions about this "religious cult" before working with Din Djarin, and she was glad she was able to move past her initial assumptions. The members of the Tribe were loyal and dedicated, and most of them knowledgeable about their people's history.

"This is the Way," Bo echoed. "Recruitment may take some time, but once Din Djarin returns from his current mission, it would be best for us all to collaborate and decide a direction. We, of course, are open to any suggestions you or your tribe may have." They continued to discuss the logistics of beginning a makeshift school and other members who may be able to contribute their expertise. As their conversation progressed, Bo found herself becoming increasingly distracted by Ragnar's duel with another young warrior. He was becoming fierce, much like his father, Paz. But his gusto came with a price. He took many unnecessary hits and had a weak defense. She took mental notes as reminders for later lessons.

"He is strong but undisciplined," he followed her gaze over to the boys' duel.

"Weren't we all at that age?" Bo chuckled and Ragnar took another hit from his opponent. "So desperate to show our skills and power in battle, but too arrogant to recognize our own weakness and guard them." She thought back to her own youth. She wasn't too much older than him when she joined Death Watch, and let her own pride and hubris destroy the lives of many.

The laugh through his voice modulator cracked, "I've heard whispers you intend to take him as an apprentice." She was grateful for the cover of her helmet. She wasn't sure how the rest of the Tribe would react to this development and she was nervous. Clan Vizla has always been an important house, and the Tribe must be aware there is power in names and family history. Before she could even think of a response, the leader spoke again, "Our Tribe approves of this. You already saved his life once, when many of us could not. The boy looks up to you already."

Bo felt a wave of pride flood over her but was quickly overwhelmed with guilt. The last time she worked alongside clan Vizla, they played directly into Maul's hand and ultimately destroyed their planet. "In the meantime, may I start training with your Tribe in the mornings?" Bo didn't want to rip Ragnar away from the closest thing to a family he had, especially since the loss of his father was likely still weighing heavily on him.

"Only if we get to spar."

…

"Don't touch that," Din moved Grogu's hand away from the lever before the little one could send them racing across space. Din thought back to seeing Skywalker's starfighter, maybe all of the jedi like the rush of speeding through space. Grogu babbled at him and Din could tell he was getting frustrated with their speed. This was never a problem in the Razor Crest.

Tatooine was quickly approaching and Din couldn't wait to get out and stretch his legs. He loved the N-1, but the lack of space did make travel less enjoyable. But he couldn't argue that it wasn't just as enjoyable to zip through the skies and demolish enemy ships before they could even gather what was going on. Grogu pointed at Mos Eisley, "Good job, kid. You're picking up quickly." Grogu was babbling more furiously now, "Yeah, we'll get to see Peli." Grogu shrieked and threw his arms up above his head.

It wasn't much longer before Din was landing the N-1 in Peli's docking area. The droids scattered to make room for the ship and Peli walked out to see what the commotion was. He landed the ship and as soon as he opened the hatch, Grogu leaped out and into Peli's arms. "Well if it isn't my favorite green guy!" Peli exclaimed as Grogu squirmed in her arms. The droids scurried over to Peli's side and were beeping excitedly. "Will you three hush it? They don't need to know about the other 'green guys' that frequent here. I just said this one was my favorite, yes he is!" She held Grogu close to her as he squealed again.

"Peli," Din greeted her as he climbed out of the ship.

"Great to see you again, Mando. Need a babysitter today? Business has been slow and I'd love to have the little guy around for a while," Grogu cooed as if trying to tell Din he agreed.

"I don't see why not," Din patted the top of Grogu's head to say goodbye. "I won't be long kid." Grogu cooed happily and seemed excited at the prospect of spending the day in Peli's shop.

Din stepped out of the shop and made his way through town. It was much more lively than the last time he was here and the streets were full of people shopping and trading. He wondered how long it would be until Mandalore looked the same. The thought sent a pang through his chest. He was used to drifting around the galaxy, looking for work and adventure. But this was the first time he ever felt homesick for a place he barely knew. Maybe it was because, for the first time in his life, there were people he wanted to come home to. His people. His new home world. It was so strange to think about and still hadn't really set in.

He followed the familiar path to Boba Fett's palace in Mos Espa. Din wasn't accustomed to being lost in thought, but he would be lying if he said he was unchanged by his past few journeys. "I'm here to see Boba Fett," Din was almost relieved to finally reach Fett's palace and to be greeted by the two guards on the property line. After verifying his identity with his chain code, Din followed one of the guards to the palace and was relieved to finally be inside away from the suns and heat.

"Mando, welcome back," Fett walked across the room as the guard opened the door and they clasped arms. "I was surprised to hear from you so soon. Thought you would be settling down on Mandalore and enjoying that redhead." Fennec, who was standing a little ways behind Fett, chuckled quietly but gave Din a polite nod.

"I am in Lady Kryze's service and here on behalf of Mandalore," Din responded seriously. He knew Fett liked to push people's buttons, but he couldn't get distracted right now. He wasn't sure how much time they had before what was left of the Empire started making moves against his people and he wanted to be prepared.

Fett scoffed but motioned Din to follow him to a seating area with Fennec close behind. "Never took you as the servant type," Fennec said with a smirk.

"I could say the same to you," Din said sharply, "We both owe our lives to those we're in service for, do we not?"

"Enough bickering," Fett cut in. "You said you're here on behalf of Mandalore, did you not? I heard rumors that Gideon died on Mandalore. I assume this was your doing."

"Gideon is dead and his base was destroyed with him," Din began. "Since retaking our planet, I've been working with… an informant in the New Republic, to snuff out the rest of the Imperial remnants. I'm sure you could imagine why we have a stake in taking out anything left of the Empire."

"You seem to have a knack for pissing them off, that's for sure," Fett had an almost sinister smile. Din wasn't completely sure about Fett's feelings towards the old Empire, though he knows all bounty hunters working during their reign likely brushed arms with officials and carried out some unsavory jobs. Fett was likely not exempt from this either. "I'm sure they also have a stake in taking you out, or any other Mandalorian for that matter. But why does that involve me?"

Pragmatic. Din could respect that, "All I'm asking for is information if you've got it. I'm sure most crime lords would stay informed about their competition, which if there are still Imperial holdouts controlling trade routes, could compromise your own operations."

"Operations," Fett laughed coolly, "I've already had enough headaches with the operations on this planet." Din nodded and glanced at Fennec. She seemed almost disinterested, but he was sure this was just her way of keeping her place. "Before we discuss anything further, I want to be clear. I'm not interested in starting a war with some highly connected warlord calling themselves Imperial. I'm sure the remaining Pykes are plotting as we speak, and I need all my resources to protect my own planet."

"Understood. Though if the time comes, we may be able to help each other. Now that the Pykes are weakened, they may be in a prime position to be exploited by the Imperial warlords." Fett went quiet for a moment, maybe not knowing how to respond to Din while still protecting his own interests. "But that's not why I'm here now. I only want any information you can offer about other warlords attacking trade routes and planets in the Outer Rim. Or if you've got any information about what mercenaries are favored by other factions."

"Fair enough. If the time comes, I will consider a formal alliance with the Mandalorians if it benefits Tatooine. The people here have suffered enough at the hands of foreign interests. In the meantime, I know there's been some upheaval around the spice routes. The Pykes losing power in the spice trade means several factions are trying to fill the gap and the pirates have gotten more bold."

"What do you mean by upheaval?"

"The usual plundering and exploitation of planets and trade routes. But even the pirates aren't dumb enough to attack ships making the Kessel Run. They get ships in less conspicuous places. There have been numerous ships attacked along the Corellian Trade Spine and the Triellus Trade Route," Fett indicated several planets that were situated at the beginning and end of those runs, "Ships coming out of hyperspace make easy targets, especially if they're focused on communicating with docking bays on the planets to refuel."

Din pondered on this for a moment but Fennec broke the silence, "You really think some old Imperial officers are controlling crime syndicates? I wasn't aware of anyone besides Gideon, and we were only aware of him because you got so tangled up with him."

"I'm not sure, but I have a hard time believing Gideon didn't have a network for support."

"Your New Republic informant isn't keeping you well informed from the looks of it," Fennec smirked and narrowed her eyes. Din rolled his own, he enjoyed her temperament when it was directed at literally anyone else.

"You think the New Republic wants anyone to know their power could be compromised?"

Fett held up his hand to Fennec, "You make a good point. It is in the Republic's interest to keep these events quiet, or at the very least blame pirates and smugglers for missing trade goods. But this could work in your favor. They will operate more freely if they don't think they're being noticed. What's your plan?"

"We're sending scouting parties to a few planets, we aren't planning on making any moves yet. We're still recovering from our fight with Gideon."

"Smart. I assume you'll try to establish trade lanes with those planets too?" Fett raised his eyebrow. Din had to give it to him, he can really sniff out a plan.

"Yes, we need supplies and it's our tradition to take on foundlings to grow our numbers. Which we'll need if we're going to take on any more Imperial warlords."

"You could always bait them into attacking a ship closer to Mandalore once those lanes are established," Fennec offered, "I assume the only ships you're working with are the ones you and Kryze had."

"What if we were to establish a trade lane from Tatooine and Mandalore? It would be the fastest way to lure them out," Din offered.

"I think establishing a stronger trade presence would be beneficial for us both," Fett began, "But we're several months away from having the landing space and equipment to expand our trade centers. It will take time to establish a large enough trade to get the attention of even the pirates."

"Of course. We need time as well, our infrastructure is still limited. I'm sure Lady Kryze would like to be involved in any formal discussions going forward, though I'm sure she would be agreeable to working closely with Tatooine."

"You're full of surprises, Mando," Fett laughed, "A servant and diplomat."

…

"I know, Kid," Din grumbled as Grogu sadly sipped his pog soup. He was never quite happy with how Din prepared it. Or maybe it was just because it wasn't Bo making the soup for him that left him disappointed. "We'll be home soon enough." Home. Din felt his stomach tighten. He had to admit, he was nervous at the prospect of returning back to Mandalore to instruct the foundling and young.

After his conversation with Fett, he felt maybe the pressure of having a purpose was beginning to get to him. He didn't want to disappoint his tribe or people, or her. "When we get back, we will be focusing on training. You need to start mentally preparing yourself, that's the first step of approaching any battle." Grogu stared up at him with those big brown eyes and babbled. "Many young will look up to you, they can tell you're special. But that means you need to take training seriously."

Gorgu seemed to understand as Din coached him through the mentality of a warrior. Bo said he was too tough on Grogu sometimes, but Din knew he had to learn strength and resilience early on. Once he was satisfied that Grogu had enough of their lesson tonight, he laid him down on the small bed in the room they were renting for the night. "Sleep well, kid," Din said softly as Grogu slowly closed his eyes. He pulled the covers up over Grogu's small frame and stepped back to the main room and sat down on the couch. Once he was sure Grogu was fast asleep, he took off his helmet and laid back on the couch.

He typed out a quick message to Koska, Axe, and Bo about the planets he and Fett discussed that were ideally situated along the trade routes experiencing pillage from the pirates. Din chuckled when he realized the first planet Axe and Koska would visit was another desert world. Axe would be most displeased and Din couldn't help but be amused knowing it. After hitting send, he closed his eyes and left out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

The past year had pushed him further than he had ever gone and his body ached with exhaustion. He thought back to his conversation with Bo, telling him she was working herself to death. But he knew he was just as bad. He wanted so badly for his people to have a better life and future than the one he had for himself. Losing his parents, constantly fighting just to survive in hiding. It was worth working himself into this exhaustion if it meant Grogu and the other young could live on their home world and continue the legacy of the Mand'alor.

He picked his comm back up and started typing a new message to Bo. He thought about going to see the trade routes for himself, or even visiting Teva to give him an update, but he knew he needed some time to get his energy back, and his focus. Being exhausted meant he was more likely to make mistakes, and that was something he couldn't risk now that he had Grogu.

We should be back tomorrow afternoon, the kid's asleep and needs his rest before we make the journey back. Looking forward to being back home for a while. He sent the message and fell asleep before he could see Bo's response, but drifted off to sleep with a smile.