"Lower your weapons." Ktar commanded.

Around her, the four soldiers all dropped their guns to their sides in unison, although all remained at attention. They stood behind her, awaiting the next instruction.

Mando did not move, eyes still watchful behind the helmet, muscles still ready to react.

"You're intriguing and resourceful do you know that Mandolorian?" Ktar finally said.

He did not reply.

Be ready for anything...

Ktar regarded the silent figure in front of her. "No answer to that? No matter. Before I answer your question I want to tell you something. I've tried to remain neutral...here..." Ktar motioned around her. "Thrawn may have picked a side long ago, but I tried not to. I always found it to be more profitable that way..."

"Is this going somewhere ?" Din interjected.

"ah. You finally speak Mandolorian?...yes. You should know this about me...about my operation here. To me it is important. Even during the days of the Empire deals were made to keep us independent. It is why I was so concerned about who took the crystal...and why I may now have a proposition for you." She continued.

Interesting...

"Go on. I'm listening..." Mando said.

"Do you know that there are still remnants of the Empire operating throughout the galaxy, even now ?"

"Of course..."

"Those that are left are a problem to someone such as myself, hiding in the shadows, trying to recapture what they once had...what they lost..." Ktar's voice started to raise in anger.

"I say again...is this going somewhere..."

Ktar fell silent at the interruption. She took a deep breath. "All business eh Mandolorian? Have it your way. I will answer your question...A leader in the old Empire, Moff Gideon. That is who took the crystal. I want it back, by any means necessary. I will pay you handsomely to do this for me..."

Definitely interesting...

"...so what do you say to that Mandolorian?" She finished off.

The Mandolorian relaxed beneath his armour as he weighed up everything that he had just been told.

Gideon ? I've heard rumours about him...

"Ok, I'm in..." He said after a minute, "but there are a few things I will need..."