beneath the beskar | the mandalorian

nïnë

The next couple of days dragged by, and Mando was starting to feel them blend together again. Space travel was always the calm between storms, especially with the Empire hunting him. He only wished Jane felt the same.

Since her nightmare, she had become distant. He debated talking about it with her, just to ease her pain, but he hadn't worked up the courage yet. She had remained in her bed until Mando climbed up into the cockpit, following closely behind like she was afraid to be without him. He couldn't decide if he had done something wrong in waking her like he did, in excepting her affection.

"We're about to enter atmosphere," he informed, taking the small boy on his lap and placing him back in his seat. He cooed as he was lifted into the air, facing the stars in anticipation.

Jane looked weakly over to him, managing a smile despite her exhaustion. She could never show him a sad face, no matter how hard she tried. He was only a baby, he didn't deserve to share her sorrow.

"Patoo!" he exclaimed, pointing out of the cockpit to an approaching planet.

Mando checked to make sure both children were buckled before spinning his chair around. His finger hit the comm button, waiting for a response from the tower.

"Razor Crest, come in Razor Crest"

"This is Razor Crest" he mumbled, already dreading the thorough inspection he was about to undergo. Technically, he was wanted by the New Republic for an incident about a year ago, but without probable cause, the record wouldn't be brought up.

"You are clear for hanger 11"

"Thank you"

Slowly, he brought the joystick down, swooping diagonally into the atmosphere. Echo base was easy to spot, even if it was covered in snow like everything else. X-wings could be seen from the air, all parked in perfect lines waiting for assignment. From what Mando had heard, the Republic had been trying to push their borders past the bases but had little success against the wildlife and gangs.

Hopefully, they'll be busy when we get there

The thrusters kicked in, pushing against the landing pad until the Crest was settled. Mando quickly began shutting everything down, preparing for the inspection team he already knew was coming.

Standing from his chair, he picked up the child and began walking out of the cockpit when Jane grabbing his arm. He looked down, trying not to seem shocked by her initiated contact, but as soon as their eyes met, she pulled away.

'I want to come'

He nodded, stepping back so she could go first. She smiled at the gesture, climbing down the ladder and hurrying across the haul to the ramp button. Her arms got goosebumps as the cold wafted inside, but all she could do was smile.

The pad was filled with Republic personnel, including pilots. She had to stop herself from racing outside as a team of officers approached. They looked at her strangely but quickly turned their attention to the Mandalorian that had just dropped down into the haul.

"Welcome to Hoth, um, Sir" one of the officers spoke, his eyes wide with shock.

"Thank you, I suppose you want to search my ship?" he asked, a bit of bitterness in his tone.

He shook his head, prompting the woman to his right to hit his arm lightly.

"Um, yes, Sir, we do require a routine search. It will only take a moment" he promised, finding a bit more confidence in his voice.

Mando nodded, tucking the child against his chest and touching the buttons on his wrist. The pram shot forward just as the male officer made his way into the ship, making his jump backward.