Staring at the fob in my hand, I hardly listened to the guildmaster drone on about the mission.
"-I wouldn't have asked you this, but he's asking questions," Greef continued, hands on his hips and consternation settling across his features. He was anxious, worried, because the Mandalorian was the best in the business, and if he turned in the guild, they would be decimated. "He's never wondered before. It's that's damned asset, it's just a- well, that's not important. What is important is that he leave it be. If he doesn't, you-"
"I know," I replied sharply, eyes narrowed as I glanced up at the chagrined man and tossed the fob back on the table. I wouldn't take part in his hunt for the asset; I had no interest in it or the beskar he offered. "I'll take care of it. Like I always do. Leave my payment in my room."
As I turned and made for the door, I almost wondered if he would argue. I hadn't, after all, completed the task yet. It was bold of me to assume a man of his status in a place like this would be willing to take orders from a woman like me, to pay me for an incomplete job. Nor would it be necessary if the Mandalorian left the planet and continued on his newest hunt without question.
He knew I had little to lose and even less to care about. I would kill him as easily as the Mandalorian if the desire struck me. So he let me leave, calling to an underling to gather my payment and take it to my room.
The Mandalorian had turned.
Cursing, I slipped out of his empty ship and headed swiftly back to town. I was a fool to have even tried his ship first; if they're was even an inkling of doubt in the mind of a man like that, he would follow through with it. The Imperial hideaway should have been my first stop.
Fear. Fear clouded your judgement, girl. You would already have the asset in hand and the Mandalorian's head in a sack.
Shaking away my anger, I neared the hideout, slowing with each passing step. Smoke billowed from within, the darkened alleyway devoid of any life.
Rolling my shoulders, I allowed the tension to drain from my body. Inhaling deeply, I reached out, feeling, searching for the Mandalorian and his quarry.
Past the fallen stormtroopers, the count growing the nearer the bounty hunter got to the the exit. To me.
Falling into the shadow against the doorway, I was grateful for the deep, purple cloak, the black tunic and pants. Embracing the darkness, I allowed it to shield me until my prey appeared. A hand slipping to my belt, gloved fingers curling around the cool metal, I waited for the man to show himself.
Without much precaution - understandably so, as every single stormtrooper in his path had been cut down - the Mandalorian entered the alley.
The saber hummed threateningly, a hair's breadth from his neck, and his steps stilled. The blinding blue glow shone in his armor, beautifully - and recently - crafted. Though I didn't care much for Mandalorians, the beskar suit looked right on him. It belonged to him.
His head turned fractionally to meet my gaze, his free hand slowly lifting in surrender.
As good as his trigger finger was, he wouldn't cut me down before my blade severed his head.
"That would be a very bad idea."
His voice was deep, artificial through the helmet, and calm.
"On the contrary," I replied, a slight grin playing on my face as he remained still as stone against the threat of my saber, "seeing as I've already been paid for it, it's-"
The draw of the thing, the asset, in his hold. Eyes dropping to the small bundle, I reached out to it. And, small, weak as it was, a tendril reached back.
Abruptly, the hum fell silent and the light died. Slowly, I lowered the weapon, stunned, and questioned, "What. Do you. Have?"
But he turned his body from me, the object tucked tightly against his armor..
Insistent, I took a bold step toward him, ignoring the way his hand fell to his blaster. I was unconcerned; I would have him flat on his back before he could fire.
"What is it? It's Force-sensitive. It's so… small…"
"It's a child," the Mandalorian grudgingly responded, glancing over his shoulder at the darkened, burning building, "they wanted to kill it. Or, use it, somehow."
Fire burned in my veins and I felt for the child again. It returned the gesture, a soft coo escaping the blanket. The urge to pull the cloth away was strong, but the Mandalorian's hold was stronger.
Nodding resolutely, I fisted a hand on my hip, "You're not making it to your ship without help. Every bounty hunter has been alerted that the… baby is back on the street. They'll be coming for you."
Offering him a mischievous grin, I lifted a brow, "I was only sent to kill you. But that was before I knew you had a Force-sensitive baby on board. I'm going to help you."
jimmyeatworldofficial
stormborns
gummygunk
turnnoffyourmind
discoholicmusic
gracieabrams
