【?Ａ Ｓｔｒｏｎｇｅｒ Ｆｏｒｃｅ】顿颈苍顿箩补谤颈苍虫翱颁

A/n: We've got a lot of pov switching in this chapter. It's also a long one! 6k words

PART ONE of TWO: the Reckoning

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Din Djarin

As much and Loreth and me, although I would never admit it out loud, wanted to stay on Canto Bight, we had the child to return to. There was something so domestic saying that; it felt foreign to me but I welcomed it nonetheless. After the years I'd spent traveling the galaxy and the fighting, I think I was due for some domesticity. I was man enough to admit that I was selfish in this way.

Before either of us knew it we were back on the ship and "floating through space" as Loreth called it. I called it "laying low". After Canto Bight, something changed between the two of us. Not a bad change. It felt like we shared something and were more connected as a result.

Loreth was reading a book quietly in the co-pilot seat. I let my eyes wander over to the child who was snoring softly in his pram. It wasn't as good as his old one but it would do. Something about this quiet calm of the cockpit brought me back to that domestic feeling and it made my chest feel warm.

I cleared my throat softly and reached over on the control panel," I'm going to check for any messages." I toggled the coms switch on and of course there was Greef Karga. I should've known he'd lived after the events on Navarro.

I watched his static hologram closely, it also captured Loreth's attention," My friend, if you are receiving this transmission, that means you are alive. You might be surprised to hear this, but I am alive too. I guess we can call it even. A lot has happened since we last saw each other. The man who hired you is still here, and his ranks of ex-Imperial guards have grown. They have imposed despotic rule over my city, which has impeded the livelihood of the Guild. We consider him an enemy, but we cannot get close enough to take him out. If you would consider one last commission, I will very much make it worth your while. You have been successful so far in staving off their hunters, but they will not stop until they have their prize."

Both Loreth and I turned to look at the sleeping child, oblivious to the horror of that message.

We turned back to Greef," So, here is my proposition. Return to Nevarro. Bring the child as bait. I will arrange an exchange, and provide loyal Guild members as protection. Once we get near the client, you kill him, and we both get what we want. If you succeed, you keep the child and I will have your name cleared with the Guild, for a man of honor should not be forced to live in exile. I await your arrival with optimism." his blue hologram shut down.

The room filled with silence as we sat in thought. I looked at Loreth who was biting her lip," Do you trust him?"

"No...It's a set up." I sighed and looked back at Grogu," But, If we do this right, we could all escape with our lives and be free."

Loreth looked at Grogu too," As long as the empire exists, none of us will ever truly be free."

"Then we'll kill every last one of them or die trying."

She smirked at me," I can do that." She strapped in her seat belt and I went to punch in the numbers on the nav display. "If this is as bad as we think, we're going to need some help."

"Remember Cara Dune?"

"We're going back to Sorgan?!" She exclaimed happily while trying to be quiet.

"Can't stay long princess, but yes."