Planet Dantooine
Abandoned Mandalorian Settlement
A Few Days Prior

Nightfall came upon the old covert. Insects and frogs are heard chirping as the temperature drops to a cool 68 degrees. The bright lights of the two moons illuminated the deserted village as each star can be seen in the night's sky. It's been hours of waiting, but soon Kia saw an SS-54 gunship, a G-1A starfighter, and a Fang-class starfighter come in for a landing on the grassy fields near her X-wing.

One of them exiting the SS-54 was her old friend from long ago. With her blonde hair and blue eyes, Kia recognized her old friend right away. Mia was always looking out for her as children since she was a bit older. She was always skilled in physical combat as well as with her sniper rifle.

There is also a tall, slender, and dark skinned man stepping out of the G-1A. Kia remembered his name was Vax Eldar and he was eight years older than she is. Kia recalled him as being a bit rude and outspoken, as he always felt superior since he carried the clan's name. Yet he was a highly dedicated warrior, as well as a skilled pilot, and a real bad ass when it comes to heavy artillery.

The man in the Fang-class starfighter was none other than Fenn Rau, the only surviving member of the Mandalorian Protectors for the royal guard. He was also a part of their resistance group who fight against the Imperial occupation of their home planet. He is a strong leader, skilled pilot, and fearsome warrior who is dedicated to serving Mandalore.

"Mia!" She cries out. With tears in her eyes, Kia ran up to her old friend as she outstretched her arms, dropping her helmet on the ground.

"I can't believe you're alive after all these years!" Mia shouted as they leap towards each other and share a hug.

"There is so much I need to tell you," Kia says in her friend's ear.

"Same here," Mia whimpered. "We were trapped on Mandalore for weeks. After we finally managed to escape by disguising ourselves as Imperials, we came here but no one was around."

When they stepped away from each other, Kia begins explaining what she's been up to, "I waited here for weeks. When no one showed, I decided to join the rebellion. Then I became a Jedi Knight."

"Oh, shit! You're a Jedi?! I never knew you were Force-sensitive!" Mia blurted out.

"I kept it a secret my whole life, but now I don't have to," Kia says as she takes out her lightsaber.

"A Mandalorian and a Jedi," Vax murmured as he approached them. "Little Kia isn't a kid anymore."

"Vax, I see you haven't changed," Kia smirked at her old rival as she puts away her saber.

"We've been taking jobs as mercenaries to pay the bills," Mia explained. "Vax and I got really close over the years. We have an eight year old daughter back home on Krownest."

"Congratulations! You two always had a connection," Kia says with a smile.

"You must be Kia Starflier," Fenn Rau says as he walks over towards the group. "Mia has told me all about you."

"That's right, General Rau. I've heard so much about you as well," Kia says as she holds out her hand to shake his.

Fenn reached out to shakes hers and says, "Mia tells me you may have someone you wanted us to meet."

Letting go of his hand, Kia takes a deep breath and says, "I have met the new Manda'lore."

"So it seems our friend, Bo, had lost the saber once again," Fenn huffed out, he seemed like he wasn't surprised to hear it. "Who is it?"

Kia takes a moment to think about this. She's not sure if Din wanted her tell everyone his real name or not. Would he be upset at her if she did? Deciding it was best not to disrespect his Creed, Kia makes a choice, "He is a child of the Watch."

"You mean those religious zealots who sided with Maul?!" Vax shouted.

"I know how that sounds, but he's not like those in Death Watch. He's caring, honorable, respectful, protective, and - ," Kia reassured them in a trembling voice as she holds her hands up, but was cut off by Vax.

"Sounds to me like someone has a crush on the Manda'lore," Vax's sly remark didn't sit well with Kia.

"Shut up Vax! It's not what it looks like! He's a good person and..." Kia trailed off as Mia interrupted her.

"Come on Kia, I've known you a long time. Although it's been years since we've last seen each other, but I remember the look on your face when you fancy someone," Mia says with her arms crossed, looking at her with accusing eyes.

"Hey look," Fenn interjected. "Where is this 'Manda'lore' and is he coming here?"

"Well, I was supposed to meet up with him, but..." Kia explained but paused for a second. "Hey. Let's set up a rendezvous on Raydonia. There's something I got to do first."

"If you believe in this new Manda'lore, than I do too," Mia says firmly.

"Yes, I am with you. We are finally together," Vax stated.

"I am always dedicated to serving the Manda'lore," Fenn says proudly. "But first, does this place even have any provisions or supplies?"

"I haven't checked every last building yet. Perhaps there could still be some leftover rations in the barracks," Kia's voice didn't sound very confident. "My old Kom'rk-class starfighter is still here and operational. I'm willing to share it with you all, since I have my X-wing."

"I'll use it! Those things are quite fast!" Mia stated with enthusiasm.

"We will need supplies and credits," Fenn suggested. "I may have some connections. I can go see if my old friend can give us a hand."

"So do I. I have a close relationship with the New Republic," Kia says.

"Ok then it's settled. In the meantime, we'll catch up with you on Raydonia, then?" Fenn asked.

"Yes, I'll meet up with you all in two or three days tops," Kia says. "Good luck out there!"

"Same to you," Vax says.

"May the Force be with you," Mia says, shocking even herself by her words.

"Never thought I'd hear you say that, but may the Force be with you too," Kia smiled as the group parted ways.

***

Planet Tatooine
City of Mos Espa
Ruins of the Sanctuary Cantina
A Few Days Later

The charred remains of the once lively business establishment smelled of death. It was recently destroyed by a bomb, carried out by the Pyke Syndicate, which started a war between the two criminal organizations.

Din is inside the burnt ruins as he discussed a plan of attack with Boba Fett and Fennec Shand. After a visit with Marshal Vanth of Freetown, Din is confident the citizens would show up to help fight, but the rest of them aren't entirely sure. Morale is low, but their determination is high. They will not give up without a fight!

"Let the people of Freetown know they have my word," Boba says after Din told him that the town agreed to join the fight for free.

"You can tell Cobb Vanth himself when he arrives with reinforcements," Din says.

"You are confident they will show?" Boba asked, not feeling very optimistic.

"I am."

"Well, if he does not, we are doomed," Boba says as he looks out into the empty streets of Mos Espa. "Our skills are no match for the Syndicate numbers. We must buy time until they arrive," he continues as he turns to examine the burnt ruins of the destroyed cantina.

"As we wait for the reinforcements to arrive with Cobb Vanth of Freetown, our forces are quietly patrolling the streets of the old city," Fennec says. "The Pyke Syndicate has not yet arrived in numbers, but the minute they do, we will see them before they see us. The truce you negotiated with the other families of Mos Espa, will ensure they remain neutral and allow us gain the upper hand by surprising the arriving soldiers. No body is sneaking up on us. When the people of Freetown arrive, we will have the forces required to pivot our strength to whatever region the Pykes choose to attack from."

"For now?" Boba asked.

"We wait," Fennec answered.

After a tense and emotional stand-off with the legendary bounty hunter, Cad Bane, as well as a coordinated attack by the families of Mos Espa, the team hunker down inside the old, ruined cantina. As they suspected, the Pykes make their appearance as the team prepare for a battle.

"It was just a matter of time," Boba declared, knowing this would come. "Is Cad Bane with them?"

"Don't see him," Din says, using his helmet to scan the area.

"Any news on the others?" Boba asked. "Would be a miracle if any survived. All three gotras of Mos Espa turned on us."

"It was the smart move," Din says in his usual calm demeanor.

"It was," Boba agreed. "I suppose you'll be heading out?"

"I'm not," Din replied.

"You should."

"It's against the Creed. I gave you my word. I'm with you until we fall."

"I'm very glad you're here, but do you really buy into that bantha fodder?"

"Yes. It's...all I have," Din says, his voice going soft. "But I...met someone. She - " he continues to say but stopped, wondering if he'll ever get to see Kia again. His heart sank at the thought of dying in the imminent battle, and never getting the chance to tell her how he felt about her.

"She?!" Boba chuckled with a slight tone of amusement. "So you finally found someone who could handle you?"

"I'm still hoping more would come," Din answered, still thinking about his last encounter with Kia. Yet he knows he should not be distracted and remain focused, like a good warrior. "The way I see it, we have two choices. We wait until they get into position and launch a siege on their terms."

"Or?" Boba asked, sounding like he's not entirely thrilled with his plan.

"We rush out there and catch them unaware," Din suggested. "Then we can escape to your ship at the palace."

"I can't abandon Mos Espa," Boba retorted. "These people are counting on me."

"Ok then. We'll both die in the name of honor."

"Are you sure you wanna stay?"

Unsheathing his pistol, "This is the Way," Din says.

***

Airspace of Tatooine

The sound of alarms jolted her awake, followed by the dull thumping and rocking of her X-wing coming out of hyperspace. Her mind was sleepily trying to try to catch up with her body as she grabs the controls to steady her ship towards the reddish, desert planet below.

"Buiirr..." Grogu cooed in her lap as he rubs his sleepy eyes.

"That's right, we're here," Kia tells him in a soft giggle. "Your father will be very glad to see you, but he won't be happy with me since I've removed you from Luke's care. You'll vouch for me, right? Tell him this was all your idea! You know he's very protective of you."

"Patu..." Grogu babbled again. Kia couldn't help but laugh at his cuteness, but she knows Din is down there since the baby felt he is in trouble. "Alright, ad'ika, you said you sensed his distress. So you know what that means, don't you?"

"Bah..." he cooed again.

"Yes, Grogu. We need to be alert and let the Force guide us," she tells the baby as she reads his thoughts. "Your emotions can give you strength, ad'ika, but you must never allow it to control you. Always remember, there is no Light or Dark side. There is only the Force."

Punching a button to turn on her comlink, Kia speakers to her comrades who were following her, "Now listen up everyone, our leader is down there and he could use some backup. Omega Squadron, report."

"Mia Bragg, standing by," her old friend's voice echoed into her microphone.

"Vax Eldar, standing by."

"Fenn Rau, standing by. And if I may say so, you would be a great commander, Kia."

"Thank you, but you are the one with all of the experience."

"I appreciate that, now let's not forget why we're here," Fenn says over the comlink.

"For the Manda'lore!" They all say in unison.