"Who was that?" Leno asked nervously as they make their way towards a grody eatery several blocks away.

"She was..." Kia tried to explain, but could not find the right words. "Uh...just an old friend."

"Why did she do that? What did she want with me? I didn't do anything wrong!" Leno began to weep again.

"It's okay, child. Do not be afraid. You are my foundling and I promise to look after you," Kia does her best to soothe him without further frightening him. "Have you lived here your whole life?" Kia asked, spinning his questioning around in an attempt to get to know him more.

"Yes. I was born here."

"Have you ever lived anywhere else?"

"No, my parents never had enough credits to travel."

"Do you have other family?"

"I — I don't know."

"Have you ever heard of the Force?"

"Is that what gives Jedi their powers?"

"It is. I can show you how use it, if you wish. To train you to be brave, to fight, and to protect yourself from those who want to harm you. It is your decision in the end. You are not my prisoner. But if you want to leave, I will take you somewhere safe," Kia says. The boy didn't respond, he just nodded and continued staring at the ground as they walked. Kia sensed that he was deep in thought as he contemplates his decision. She could tell his mind was troubled with the fresh images of his parents' deaths at the hands of Amina.

"Child, the galaxy can be very beautiful and lovely. But it can also be quite cruel and dangerous. Mandalorians and Jedi have numerous enemies. In my life, I have seen many horrible and wonderful things. Only the weak fall prey to the darkness and become monsters. Your feelings are natural, but you must never allow them to take control over you. There is another master, one who can train you how to block these thoughts that you are having. But if you choose me, I can show you how to use your emotions as weapons. But you must make a choice," Kia explained as the boy kept quiet. His mind was still hazy and uncertain. But he did not speak, nor did he try to escape. He simply kept his head down as he followed her down a dark alleyway.

"I never knew my birth parents, and Grogu here is also adopted. I know it is a lot right now and it will take some time for you to adjust. It took me years to find my place in life. I know I can never replace your real parents, but I do hope that you will one day see me as your guardian," Kia continued, but the boy remained silent and his thoughts were still in turmoil.

"You never knew your parents?" Leno asked with surprise in his voice.

"That's right. I was given to the Jedi when I was only two years old. That is not a life I ever want for any child gifted with the Force. I was rescued by a Mandalorian, like you, and raised as one of them. My husband's parents were also killed. I'll let him tell you that story, but for now — let's get you some food."

As the three of them continue quietly strolling down the road, they soon enter a dark and crammed cantina. It was filthy and unkept. Furthermore, there was a stench in the air of burning oil and bad body odor that filled their nostrils. Everything was covered in grease and food droppings. It wasn't the most luxurious tavern in the city, but it kept a constant flow of customers and travelers passing through.

This was not a place to suggest to the average tourist, and it definitely wasn't designed for small children. However, the owner is known to serve decently sized portions of noodle dishes and hot soups for reasonable prices. One of the many benefits of being a Mandalorian, is that most people typically avoids interacting with them. Many prefer not to get on their bad side, which Kia is grateful for in this moment.

"Two of your large noodle bowls and one chowder please," Kia placed an order at the slender Nikito man behind the counter.

"Uh — yes ma'am — coming right up," the server says in a shaky voice, he quickly spun around and heads for a back door towards the kitchen. As Kia directs the children to sit at a round table in the back of the cantina, she felt a familiar presence approach her from behind. When she turns around, she sees her bounty hunter husband in his remarkably reflective armor standing silently before her.

"Was it successful?" She asked him.

"It was," he answered flatly.

"That was fast."

"He was stupid. Easy to catch," Din responded unemotionally, but as he looked over his wife's shoulder at the unknown third child sitting next to Grogu, Kia's nerves were suddenly on high alert. When his glistening helmet swivels back to her, he motions his head in a way that expressed great confusion, silently asking for clarification.

Over the weeks and months of spending so much time together in close proximity, along with her experience living amongst men and women in armor, Kia has come to know every nonverbal head movement and body posture of Din. Sometimes it's just a faint grunt or a heavy sigh. Other times, Din's near imperceptible head tilts or shoulder shrugs was enough for her to read his current state of mind. No Force empathy needed.

"This is Leno. He was — in trouble. I — " Kia began to explain but gulped visibly with nervousness. "— couldn't leave him."

Din glanced over her shoulder once again at the malnourished Twi'lek boy in rags, and after a few painstakingly long seconds, he looks back at Kia and says, "Well — it looks like we'll have to buy him some real clothes when we meet up with Fett on Tatooine."

Without warning, Kia threw her arms around her husband's broad shoulders and held him tight, "I thought you'd be displeased."

Din laughed, and he sounded genuinely amused. "Why would I be upset, mesh'la?"

Kia took a step back, "Well, I know we're not exactly swimming in credits. He just — needed me."

"Don't you worry about the credits. You did what any Mandalorian would do," Din says as he gently placed his gloved hand onto her shoulder. "— what any mother would do."

"Ad'ika," Kia says as she gestured to Leno as the boy looked up at the warrior in glistening, silvery armor. "This is my husband, Din. You can also call him 'buir' if you wish," Kia says as the boy jerked upwards in his seat when he saw a server approaching them.

"Two bowls and a chowder!" A short Klatooinian waiter calls out, carrying a tray of steaming hot food.

"Oh, yes. Over here!" Kia answered before turning her attention back to Din. "The boy said he hasn't eaten in days," she says as she immediately looked over at Leno, who began slurping up his noodles so fast that she believes he may choke. "Leno, slow down!"

"Well — once everyone has finished — I feel ready to face The Armorer," Din said, his voice coming out in a faint quiver.

"Of course, Din. I'll be right here with you."

***

Keeping their heads down and trying not to draw too much attention to themselves, the family crept through the shadows of Kolzoc Alley. Kia and Din activated the filters in their helmet's visors, which allowed them to see the hidden runes directing the way to the secret covert. After roughly 20 minutes, they spot the Mythosaur symbol above a door, leading them to an access hatch at the end of the alley as he pointed to it. "Through here, quickly," Din announced.

"Watch your step, children," Kia warned as she ducked through the small access hatch after Din. The children followed them through, holding up their robes to step over the lip of the hatchway. Once Din closed the hatch, he moved aside to make room for the rest of them on the narrow platform. The family stayed there for a few seconds as the shadowy underside of Glavis vibrated around them like an upside-down city, the marvelous engineering that it was.

"Who lives down here?" Alina asked curiously.

"Din's old clan. The ones who raised him," Kia answered softly as she looked downwards at the ladder. "I'm sure they already know we are here."

They all stood side by side for a few moments, gazing down at the seemingly endless drop. After a minute or two, Din sighed and gave Kia a reassuring nod before descending down the steps. The two kids were closely behind as Grogu's hovercrib floated beside them. Once Kia landed on the final step, she turned to follow Din down a long, illuminated catwalk towards a short flight of stairs leading towards another lower level that contained a forge, along with the children a couple of steps after them.

Perched in her usual position at the end of the catwalk, gazing out at the vastness of space, knelt The Armorer. As Din and the new clan climbed down the last few steps, The Armorer swiveled her golden helmet slightly at the sounds of their footsteps, but did not rise. They had just stepped down onto the circular platform extending from the base of the steps, when there was a shout from a loud, gruff voice behind them.

"STOP RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!"

They all turned as the two children jumped in fright, and Din quickly laid a hand on his wife's shoulder as she reached for her lightsaber. "It's okay," Din told her quickly, "he's a friend."

"A friend, you say?" Kia asked in a sarcastic, yet uncertain tone, her hand still lingering near her saber's hilt as an enormous Mandalorian in slate-blue armor stepped out from the shadows.

"How did you get in here?" Paz Vizsla demanded in a deep voice, moving aggressively towards them. "This area is restricted!" He raised his flamethrower vambrace and aimed it directly at them.

"How dare you aim your weapon at us — in front of the children!" Snarled Kia as she stepped forward, preparing for a fight.

"It is me, brother," Din said with his hands in the air, quickly placing himself between Kia and the approaching Mandalorian. "It's Din Djarin."

"You aren't welcome here anymore," Paz said sternly. "You're no longer part of this tribe, and we are no longer brothers."

"Paz Vizsla," The Armorer interjected, coming up to join them. She laid her hand on Paz's shoulder. "Calm yourself. Allow Din Djarin to explain."

Paz hesitated for a moment, then lowered his vambrace and folded his arms in an unimpressed pose. Then, only out of respect for his chieftain, did he take a step back and held his tongue. The Armorer then turned to Din as she investigates the new clan and their signets. She began examining the children slowly before turning her head to Kia and then back to Din once again.

"I apologize for our intrusion, Armorer," Din began softly, standing nervously between Paz and Kia as the larger man eyed her from head to toe. But Kia plainly gazed courageously back at him, her hands hovering over her saber and blaster in a protective stance.

"I come with a gift," Din started as he slowly unhooked a deep green velvet bag from his belt and presented it to her. At first, he thought she may reject it, and that she would tell him he should not have returned. But she knew him. She knew that he would not intrude on her word so dishonorably. So, The Armorer took the bag, her visor lowering to carefully spill its contents into her open palm. Three black rocks, lined with sparkling silver veins, clattered against each other as she looked at the gift.

"Beskar ore?" Her voice was steadfast and firm as always, but it glinted with some surprise.

Din nodded once. "...from the mines of Mandalore."

Her golden helmet snapped back up, then tilting ever very slightly. Din felt her heavy gaze on him, inspecting him. Her sudden movement was the only thing that gave away her astonishment. Her next question came calculated and soft.

"So — you've been then?"

"I have."

"And how were the waters?"

"They were warm," Din says as he lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. When she nodded once, Din's voice broke as he whispered. "And there were stars."

"I see," the wise chieftain replied. "So by Creed — you are a Mandalorian once again."

"He always was!" Kia's snap response turned everyone's heads at her.

"And you are?" The Armorer asked calmly.

"His wife!" Kia snarled in distain for the woman who casted Din out so carelessly.

"So — you now have a new clan," The Armorer stated unemotionally after a few silent seconds. "And your foundling has returned?"

"I was never told that of the other clans with different creeds," Din's chin jerked up as he spoke. "All of them remove their helmets."

The Armorer cocked her head up at Din. "None of the children were told. This is true."

Din felt his anger bubbling up to the surface. He left all pretense behind as he mustered up his confidence, "this changes everything."

"Does it? You mean to tell me you now follow the majority?"

"I could care less what the majority thinks. Information was kept from me when I joined the Watch," Din announced as he removed his own helmet, feeling rather brave to be doing so in front of his old chieftain. "I have learned that being a Mandalorian is more than covering one's face. This tribe was my only family. But now I have my own. I no longer need your approval, just your alliance."

"Secrecy is our survival. I've told you this."

"I agree," Kia interjected as everyone turned to look at her once again. "As a Jedi youngling, hiding and concealment was my only weapon against the Empire. They were hunting my kind. Anyone Force-sensitive was a target. But I was lucky to have my buir and the rest of Clan Eldar for protection. But they never lied to me."

"A Jedi and a Mandalorian?" The Armorer asked in unusually amazed tone. "Of Clan Eldar, you say?"

"That's right. My name is Kia Starflier. Most of my covert died defending Mandalore from the Imperials. After losing everyone in the battle, I joined the Rebel Alliance. Then I discovered the Jedi named Luke Skywalker. That was when I met Grogu here and reunited him with Din," Kia introduced herself as she gestured to the floating green baby in the crib before announcing the others. "And this is Alina, she's a natural born Mandalorian from other members of our clan — and one of my students. Leno here is our newest foundling — discovered right here on Glavis. Together — we are Clan Mudhorn."

"There hasn't been a Mandalorian Jedi in many ages. But I thought the Jedi were supposed to forgo all attachments," The Armorer stated firmly.

"Yes. You are correct. But I am a Mandalorian first and foremost. Family is everything and the children are our future," Kia says as she removed her helmet. "I'm sure you are uncomfortable with us removing our helmets — but I assure you — we are no less Mandaorian than you are."

The Armorer stood before her and stared at Kia for a long while before speaking, "Loyalty for one's clan is a great honor. Djarin is fortunate to have you by his side," she replied sternly and turned to look at Din. "You have your own clan and foundlings of your own. So why did you return here to us?"

"We have intel that the Empire is still hiding on Mandalore. They have established outposts on the planet. We seek to reunite the clans and illuminate them once and for all," Din stated, his posture straightened up proudly as the others maintain their focus on him.

"You must rally when called upon by the Manda'lore," Kia reminded them. "This is the Creed you follow, is it not?"

"You are a traitor!" Paz growled angrily at Din. "Most of our covert died because they came out of hiding to save you," Paz snarled, "and now you have the fucking nerve to seek our help? Is it your goal to wipe out our entire tribe?"

"There are other clans who have already pledged their alliances to Din. He is the most honorable man I've ever met," Kia declared as she stood proudly next to Din, who took a deep breath in response.

"The Empire is responsible for our genocide!" Paz growled at Kia, taking an angry step towards her. "How do you expect us to win? We are few in numbers!"

"They wiped out the Jedi as well, including my entire clan in the war, if you remember. So I understand your feelings. But with the union of the clans, along with an alliance with The New Republic, I believe we have a chance," Kia suggested. "I have a good relationship with one of the senators."

"The New Republic can't even stomp out the rising criminal activities in the Outer Rim, what makes you think they can be of any help to us?" Paz continued.

"I will not force you to join me, but is it not the Creed that you must rally when called?" Din interjected firmly.

"He is right," The Armorer said as she moved to stand in between Paz and Kia. "By Creed, we must comply."

"He is an outsider," Paz snarled once again, but this time he turned to face the chieftain.

"The journey of atonement is a solemn undertaking, equal in importance to taking the Creed. It is the right of a fallen Mandalorian to request, in their lifetime, one single act of redemption. Since Din Djarin has visited the sacred waters in the mines of Mandalore, he has been redeemed and now has his own clan. It is time for us to fulfill our duties and rally when called upon. This is the way."

"This is the way," Paz echoed.

"This is the way," Din and Kia both mumbled solemnly in unison.

***

Somewhere deep in the bowls of the space station

Amina's eyes opened to see a short, a medical droid looking down at her. Her right hand wasn't there. Her wrist is encased in a bio-cap. The room she's in is dark.

"You have been stabilized," the droid buzzed its response.

"Ah, give me a comlink," Amina groaned in terrible pain.

"You should not move," the droid recommended unemotionally, but Amina ignored it. Shoving her way past the droid and off her cot, she stammered towards the main computer at opposite end of the room. After punching in the coordinates, she slams her one hand down onto the power button of the communication system and begins speaking in a quivering voice.

"Sir, the child got away — " Amina groaned. "The Mandalorian — she — Ah — " the Dark Jedi cringed in pain before continuing. "She took him."

"Then you have a new target. Bring us the Mandalorian," Moff Gideon's voice came through the speaker.

"Sir, she is a very powerful Jedi and I nearly lost my life," Amina gritted her teeth in pain.

"What if I pay you double what I promised? Follow her and report back. The Grand Admiral will be very pleased to hear of your efforts."

"She is not to be underestimated, sir. I know her well."

"Perhaps your feelings for this Mandalorian Jedi are clouding your judgment?"

"No! Never!" Amina growled into the microphone.

"Then do as your told. Our project must continue without any more interruptions," Gideon's says. "Do not fail me again, Amina," he says one last time before disconnecting the communication.