"We should be cleared for landing shortly," Wyb said from the pilot chair of the VCX-100. Typically he would have named the ship, even for a short mission, but after what happened on Nevarro, he didn't think it was worth the effort.
He wasn't alone in the cockpit as he preferred. Prisa was next to him in the co-pilot chair, R3 behind her, and Kyla Vancil directly behind him. Even though she was quietly reviewing documents on her data pad, Wyb felt uneasy by her calmness. She had been quiet the majority of the journey. Too quiet for Web's taste. Prisa and Wyb looked at one another awkwardly wondering if Kyla was angry or just preoccupied.
"Ambassador, did you hear Wyb," Prisa ventured to break Kyla's focus.
"I did," Kyla said emotionlessly, continuing to read.
"Well, you could acknowledge that," Wyb remarked. Kyla was neither angry nor pleased. She was focused on the task at hand. She lowered her data pad and leaned over Wyb's shoulder.
"Ranger Tersu, if you have something to say I think it's best to say it before we land," She said smoothly.
R3 rotated his dome toward Prisa wondering if there would be an argument. Prisa could sense the tension. Her mother and father had had many moments like this she remembered. She had even seen Lenore and Jord go a day or two in silence after a heated exchange of words. But she had never witnessed a professional feud.
"Nope. Nothing to report, ambassador. I'm 'just' fine," Wyb tried to chuckle but sounded more sarcastic than he intended.
"Good," Kyla sat back in her chair.
"A thank you would be nice," Wyb added. R3 beeped in protest at Wyb's tone.
"Thank you?" Kyla questioned, holding back laughter. "For what?"
"For getting an invitation to Mandalore," Wyb turned around and gave her a sly look.
Prisa rolled her eyes. Even though Wyb had secured the meeting, she agreed with R3, his behavior was uncalled for.
"You blew it back on Nevarro. The mandos wouldn't have given you the time of day."
"Ranger Tersu, are you able to make off world calls from this relic of a ship?" Kyla asked pointedly.
"Yeah. Why?"
"So I can call your mother and thank her for her service in aiding Din Djarin. It's because of her bravery the four of us are now destined to see the world of Mandalore, is it not?"
Beep Beep Beep!, R3 laughed.
The ambassador was right. He had done nothing to negotiate the invitation from Bo Katan Kryze other than being Lenore's son. Adopted son at that. R3 liked the ambassador. She was directed and inclusive. Not many would have included him in their count of the crew. He would note this in his data memory for as long as he operated.
"My cousin is a great storyteller," Wyb gave Prisa a sideways look. "Didn't realize she told you about that."
"Wyb," Prisa whined. She was tired of her cousin's attitude. She wanted to get to Mandalore, see the sites and leave. She could care less how they got the invitation or what business the ambassador had to accomplish. She just wanted to be anywhere else than aboard this ship.
"Did she tell you the one about Boba Fett?" Wyb asked.
"Boba Fett?" Kyla was surprised. She knew the name well. Many across the galaxy did. Being from Bespin, she remembered seeing the bounty hunter's ship fly in and out of the skyline when she was just a girl during the Imperial rule.
"Cut my mother's hand off. Would have killed her too if it weren't for –" Wyb began but was interrupted by a voice over the radio.
"VCX-100 you're in mandalorian airspace, identify yourselves."
"This is Wyb Tersu of the New Republic Adelphi Rangers. I'm here at Bo Katan Kryze's invitation. Requesting permission to land."
"Do you think they'll deny us to land?" Kyla's tone changed to concern.
"Can't imagine why," Wyb replied. As they waited a few more moments Wyb noticed a second ship pull alongside him. Were they there to escort him?
"Send your cargo log and passenger list," the mandalorian instructed. Wyb nodded to R3 who plugged into the ship's computer and released the information. A few more moments passed with Prisa and Kyla looking to Wyb wondering what to do next.
"So where should I put this hunk of junk down?" Wyb playfully asked, hoping to lighten the mood.
"You don't," the pilot replied.
"I can land on the outskirts if it's that much of an embarrassment. New Republic budget cuts are no joke," Wyb pressed lightheartedly.
"Turn around and go back where you came from," the pilot commanded.
"There must be some mistake," Wyb countered with a frown.
"The New Republic isn't welcomed here," the mandalorian said. "Leave now."
"That's really up to your queen is it not?" Kyla leaned over Wyb, answering the pilot. Wyb was impressed by her stern yet respectful tone. He looked over to check on Prisa who was nervously gripping the sides of her chair.
"Mandalore is an independent planet. No thanks to the New Republic. Leave now, or we'll show you what we're capable of."
"Do you know what the penalty is for assaulting a new republic ambassador, her pilot, a minor, and a droid?" Kyla retorted.
"Are you deaf? Leave or we'll shoot you down," the mandalorian stirred inched closer to them, nearly brushing the side of the ship.
"Wyb," Prisa said, frightened.
"How fast can you fly this thing?" Kyla turned to Wyb with a daring look in her eye.
"As fast as you need me to, ambassador," Wyb replied, surprised by her request. Was she scheming to outrun these nerf herders?
"Well ranger, show them what you got. If we make it to the city center perhaps we'll have a better chance at being cleared for landing," She took her seat and fastened her seatbelt.
"This is the way," Wyb mocked the two mandalorians and hung the ship sharply left through the river passageway toward the Mandalorian city center.
Whoaaa! R3 yelled in excitement. It had been too long since he had flown with Wyb and he was ecstatic to be in the cockpit with his favorite pilot again.
"They're gonna shoot us!" Prisa shouted, her voice cracking in a shrill, as Wyb swerved the VCX-100 left, avoiding the canyon walls and grazing the surface of the river.
"Don't worry. They've gotta keep up to do that," Wyb replied, his grip tightening on the controls. He glanced at R3. "R3, map the terrain ahead. Find us the shortest route to the city center."
Beep Beep Beep, R3 pulled up the navigational map on the pilot console.
"You two have flown together before," Kyla noted. Wyb turned in awe at her calm demeanor.
"A little," Wyb replied and turned the ship right toward the center of Mandalore. The sunlight filtering through the narrow passage, creating a dappled pattern on the ship's hull. Prisa closed her eyes, missing the shimmer of the river and horizon of the Mandalore capital emerging from the morning fog.
"It's beautiful," Kyla remarked at the sight of the newly renovated city. Wyb smirked at the ambassador. He was enjoying this other side of her.
Pew Pew!
"Ahh!" Prisa screamed as the ship shook violently. Wyb turned and adjusted the power of the ship. There wasn't much damage.
"That was a warning shot," the mandalorian pulled alongside Wyb. "Last chance. Leave now, or I'll have my partner shoot you down."
"Sorry I didn't catch that. Was that basic?" Wyb replied, his grip tightening on the controls. He glanced over to check on everyone. Kyla looked worried, Prisa was near tears, but R3 was cursing at the rude pilots.
"There's a sharp turn coming up—stay close to the buildings. They won't dare put citizens in danger!"
With a determined nod, Wyb pulled the ship into the narrow skylane of Mandalore and sharply turned right toward the palace. The hull of the VCX-100 brushed close to the express tunnel they entered, sending a shudder throughout the ship. He could see the Mandalorians struggling to follow.
"Nicely done!" Kyla shouted impressed.
"I think I'm beginning to like you ambassador." Wyb grinned.
Pew Pew Pew Pew!
Wyb dodged the majority of the fire. Suddenly, a loud swoosh of engines darted in front of the VCX-100. It was Din Djarin, in his sleek N-1 starfighter, along with Grogu waving from the modified droid pod.
"Look if it isn't our knight in shining armor," Wyb sassed, as he felt a surge of relief wash over him.
"Stand down. This ship is carrying guests of Lady Bo Katan," Din ignored Wyb and alerted his fellow mandalorians.
"They're part of the new republic and there's a politician aboard," the mandalorian shot back. Din swooped down, his ship cutting through the air with ease. The mandalorian fighters slowed, wary of engaging in a dogfight with Djarin.
"Disengage," Din's voice crackled over the comms, steady and commanding.
"Your love for off worlders is disgraceful. Might as well one yourself, Djarin," the pilot muttered.
"Isn't he?" the other pilot sneered. "Living in a hut on Nevarro after being offered to advise the throne."
Din said nothing as the two flew away.
"Follow me." Din said to Wyb and led them safely to the city's docking bay.
"That was a lively welcome," Wyb said as he met Din at his ship.
"Is everyone ok?" Din asked, taking Grogu from the droid pod and placing him down on the ground.
"We're fine," Wyb confirmed. Din leaned to the side to see that Prisa looked pale. Wyb turned and saw his cousin was more shook from the incident than he had realized. Kyla walked over to Prisa handing her a canister of water for her to sip. She placed her hand on Prisa's shoulder and soothed her.
"Word's spread. Not everyone is happy the New Republic is here, especially after Nevarro," Din informed him. Grogu made his way over to Prisa and looked up at her concern. He took another step closer and raised his arms up toward her. Prisa picked him up as he instinctively embraced her making her feel calm after the chaos. "I highly suggest you keep this visit personal and avoid any politics."
"Din Djarin," Kyla approached the two men. "I am grateful to you for your insight and your protection. I will be mindful of your people, but I too have a job to do."
"Ambassador, with all due respect you shouldn't have come," Din replied, as a speeder pulled up. It was the transport to Bo Katan's palace.
"I don't disagree," Kyla said as she motioned for Prisa and R3 to board the speeder. "But if I shrunk away from all unwelcoming places in the galaxy I would still be on Bespin."
Din watched the ambassador take a seat in the speeder. Wyb turned to follow before Din took him by the arm.
"There's another complication," Din said, sounding more serious. "Kosha Reeves."
"Who?" Wyb asked.
"A fellow mandalorian, Bo Katan's top advisor and confidant," Din informed. "She has a feud with Lenore."
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Wyb smiled and shook his head slightly amused. Of all places his mother would make enemies, it was no surprise it would be on Mandalore. "I'll be careful."
"She won't hesitate to take it out on you or anyone in your party," Din warned as they took a seat in the speeder.
"Was the feud over you?" Wyb teased not taking the warning to heart.
"Be cautious, ranger." Din said with all seriousness.
"I can't believe you invited the new republic here," Kosha Reeves said standing next to Bo Katan in the throne room.
"Speak your mind Kosha. Tell me how you really feel," Bo said with a slight sarcastic tone. She knew her friend was loyal and determined and prone to impulsive remarks, she had never quite seen her this way.
"It's not just the ranger," she remarked. "It's that ambassador. After what she did on Nevarro, at Greef Karga funnel, that pathetic medallion. And for what? If there's war again, the New Republic will claim what resources they deem necessary and leave the people to fend for itself."
"The timing was deplorable," Bo agreed. "But it was only a matter of time. The city barely had any security once we left. You can't leave one droid to protect the whole city, even if it is an IG unit."
"So you aren't looking to negotiate?" Kosha asked.
"With a ranger?" Bo almost chuckled. "No. I simply wanted to get a good look at the boy Din has been keeping an eye on all these years. I believe you know his mother."
Before Kosha could respond the doors of the throne room opened and Din entered with Wyb, Prisa, Kyla, and R3.
"Din," Bo greeted as the group approached her. "Glad to see you all. How was your trip?"
"Eventful," Wyb said shortly, deciding not to mention the earlier events of the day.
"Really? I hope wasn't too chaotic," Bo looked puzzled. "Well welcome to Mandalore. I see you have another I recognize but am not familiar with."
"Apologies Lady Kryze," Wyb began. "This is Ambassador Kyla Vancil of Bespin."
"From the funeral," Kosha alerted Bo. The two exchanged looks while Din turned to Wyb shaking his head warning him not to speak. Wyb froze, uncertain how to proceed.
"Lady Bo Katan Kyze," Kyla stepped forward and bowed. "My apologies for my presence here. I can only imagine the insult you may feel."
"I am not insulted by you, girl" Bo retorted at Kyla trying to get a rise out of the ambassador. But Kyla was not new to political banter. She knew she could handle anything the queen threw her way, verbally at least.
"I'm relieved to hear it," Kyla smiled and rose. "You see, my pilot Wyb Tersu and my intern Prisa Tersu Rathos are both on assignment with me. And when they told me of your generous invitation I couldn't deny them the opportunity to see your planet, and I admit I was quite curious about it myself after hearing about all the advancement and reconstruction you've accomplished over the last five years."
"What assignment?" Kosha sneered, stepping so close to Kyla's face she could see a scar across her cheek. Kyla averted her gaze from the mark and leaned to one side to keep her focus on Bo.
"Full transparency Lady Kryze," Kyla began," The New Republic is eager to secure more alliances with Outer Rim Worlds. That is why they sent me to Nevarro. It was only when I arrived that I was advised by my pilot that many might be offended by the timing of the announcement."
"Is that right?" Bo looked at Wyb studying him. "But you still choose to make the announcement."
"Orders are order," Kyla nodded.
"Only stormtroopers say that," Kosha pushed Kyla back by the shoulder. Wyb instinctively stepped toward the two women and stood in front of Kyla protectively. Kosha looked Wyb up and down and smiled at him. "Isn't that right?"
Wyb said nothing. R3 rolled forward toward the three and beep in protest.
"The droid's right," Din interjected. "This visit is not a political one. It's a friendly gesture to my allies. The ambassador has been brief to withhold acting on the New Republic's behalf while Wyb and Prisa are here."
"And you," Kosha turned toward Din. "Why is it you always side with the off worlders? You had a chance to be where I am. And instead you ran off to set up camp on Nevarro with your pet? How can you even call yourself a mandalorian?"
"I serve my queen with honor and loyalty. That means knowing where I can best serve her. The galaxy is vast and unknown. It's the outsiders that have been essential for our survival and advancement."
"You would say that, foundling" Kosha countered.
"Enough!" Bo cut her off. "Kosha that was uncalled for."
Kosha stepped away and rejoined Bo at her side.
"Tell me ambassador, does this assignment from the New Republic include Mandalore?"
"It does Lady Kryze," Kyla said. "But I would urge you to refuse and counter the offer."
"Counter?" Bo was surprised by Kyla's response. Was this a trick?
"Mandalore is not like any other worlds in the Rim. Your resources and weaponry are beyond reproach. That's why Moff Gideon was so eager to withhold it for his own personal endeavors, why Darth Maul sought to rule in order to challenge the emperor, and why the New Republic thinks given your history you will bend the knee to avoid history repeating. But what they don't see is what you have been able to accomplish at your own accord and that your strength and traditions are what make you not only a desirable ally but a possible threat if siding with the New Order struggling to rise from the unknown regions."
"She's pretty good at this," Wyb whispered to Prisa. Prisa nodded, still holding Grogu, hoping the audience would end on a good note.
"Mandalore is strong, but I have seen the strong fall," Bo replied. "But at this time I am not interested in seeking alliances. Only rebuilding and looking after my people. You may accompany your friends for this visit. No politics. Understood?"
"I understand Lady Kryze, and thank you for your understanding," Kyla bowed her head and held her hand over her heart.
"Din, show them the mines? Then the armory. We'll hold a dinner tonight welcoming them and to show Mandalore's reconstruction."
"As you wish my lady," Din bowed and led the groups out of the throne room.
"You think this is a good idea?" Kosha asked.
"No," Bo replied.