Chapter Text
The Razor Crest lands with a lurch and a drop far too close for comfort, but at least he made it.
He spots the mechanic marching up to his ship, ready for a lecture that he knows is coming. With a sigh, he pulls the levers to park the ship. “Well,” he says to his little green companion. “Let’s get this over with.”
The Mandalorian steps out, holding Grogu against his hip with one arm. Peli stands with her arms crossed as the small droids scatter in the presence of the man. “What did you do to it?!” she scolds.
“Bounty hunting isn’t exactly a safe profession,” he says. Grogu coos as if he agrees. Peli can be as cross as she likes with the Mandalorian, but she softens immediately at the sight of Grogu’s black, beady eyes. Her tight frown loosens to a smile.
“Alright. Thankfully, you’re in luck. I’ve got just the person to help me out with this one.” Peli sticks two fingers in her mouth and gives a loud whistle. “Hey, Rookie, you’re up!”
“Coming!” a distant, feminine voice calls out. Emerging from the office, lugging a large box of tools in her arms is a young woman in a similar mechanic’s uniform. Dust and grime peppers her face and clothes, giving her a plain appearance. She sets down the tool box and as she straightens her back, her eyes meet his visor. “Whoa… don't tell me. You must be the Mandalorian.” She seems star-struck for a moment.
Peli pats her shoulder. “That's right! This is my best customer. And this little womp rat is Grogu!”
The girl makes eye contact with the child who raises a clawed hand in an attempt to wave. She laughs and waves back before extending her hand to Din, telling him her name. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He does not take her hand.
Peli gently pulls her back. “Don’t mind him. It’s not a personal thing. Why don’t you round up the droids and get started on the ship?”
“A-Ah. Sure.” She clears her throat and drops her hand to the side.
“I wanted you to look at the ship,” he tells Peli. “Not some kid.”
The girl puts her hands on her hips. “Now just wait a second.” She straightens her back, but even then, he eclipses her in height. “Who are you calling a kid? Do I look like I still go to school?”
“Alright, alright.” Peli pats her shoulder again. “Save your energy for the repairs. Get started.” The apprentice raises a brow, waiting for him to interject again. When he remains silent, she huffs and takes her tools.
“C’mon, guys!” she says to the droids. “Looks like we got our work cut out for us.” She storms off with the droids and once she is out of earshot, Peli gestures for him to follow her.
“I know, I know. Got more fire than the twin suns combined, but she’s brilliant.”
Din had figured with all the droids and her own intellect, Peli didn’t need the help. He sets Grogu down to give him a chance to stretch his little legs and leans against the wall, watching the apprentice as she scales the ship, connecting cables and directing the droids.
“Where’d you pick her up?”
“Wanna hear the story, Grogu?” He lifts his ears, giving a sound of affirmation. “Went to the cantina for a drink and this young woman is sitting in a corner booth with a deck of cards. She was playing with some others for spare parts and credits. But then, she gets caught cheating, is my guess. Gets about three blasters in her face, ready to fire before I step in.”
“And why’d you do that?”
“She knew her parts and components. I thought with a little refinement, she’d make a good assistant. So I sweet talked the players, offered her a job where she’s less likely to get shot at, and I have more free time! It’s a win-win.”
Din chuckles at Peli’s ever present ability to make opportunities for herself. He watches the girl act swiftly, as if she had worked on the Razor Crest a dozen times before. She is like him, he concludes, that each were scouted for their innate talent towards different abilities, taken in by people not of their blood.
“I’ll be the judge of her work.”
Peli beams, a sense of pride in her voice. “You won’t be disappointed.”