Solivagant-The Mandalorian

43

" face to face "

As they enter the compound, they are greeted by cheers from the other troopers. "Never thought I'd be so happy so see stormtroopers." Mayfeld laughs bringing the transport to stop. Din jumps out first, he wanted to reach out for Lana but didn't want to raise suspicion. He waited for her to jump down, Lana walked side by side with Mayfeld through the sea of troopers.

As they continue through, they get a couple of taps on the back and a few "congratulations" and others cheering about the Empire. Lana awkwardly looks up to a few of them giving them a weak salute. "Now all we need to do is find a terminal." Mayfeld turns his head slightly to whisper to them.

"It's probably in the officers mess hall." Mayfeld says as they continue forward. They stop at a large doorway, Mayfeld peaks his head in. He turns back to the two. "There it is."

Lana hands Mayfeld the data stick. "Good luck." She nods.

Just as he walks through the doors, Mayfeld turns quickly on his heels back to them. "I can't go in there."

"Why not?" Din growls.

"That's Valin Hess. I used to serve under him."

"Will he recognize you?" Lana whispers.

"I don't know. I was just a field operative but I'm not takin' that chance. It's over." Mayfeld tries to walk away but Din throws his hand up to stop him.

"Let's just do this quick and we can get out of here."

"I can't do it okay? We have to abort. I'm sorry."

"No. We can't. If we don't get those coordinates, we'll lose the kid forever." Lana pleads.

"Alright, let's send Lana in her then." Mayfeld looks to her.

"I have no idea how to access those coordinates. I'm only here to get you in and out." Lana says into his ear.

"I'll do it." Din snaps to Mayfeld.

Mayfeld turns back to Din. "It's not gonna work. In order to access the network, the terminal has to scan your face. Let's go."

Din thinks for a moment. "Give it to me." He says grabbing it from his hand. Lana watches as Din stocks into the mess hall. Lana feels her heart begin to race for him. He gives Hess a small salute before approaching the terminal. She watches as the screen begins to countdown when it doesn't recognize his face.

Lana holds her breath as she sees Din remove his helmet. She quickly turns around to face Mayfeld. "You've never seen him without it huh?"

"No, and I don't ever plan to." Lana says look down at her feet,

Mayfeld watches as Hess begins walking toward Din. "Uh oh."

"Uh oh what?" She lifts her head again, looking into the mess hall seeing the curls of Din's hair.

Inside, Din squints his eyes shut, trying to gain the strength to turn and face Hess.

"Listen, I know you don't want to see his face, but we need to save his ass right now. You're TK number is 447 you remember that?" Mayfeld grabs her shoulders. "What are you talking about?"

"447 Lana." He pulls her into the hall. She sees Din standing there, in slow motion their eyes meet, Lana's lip part, she couldn't believe it. If she was ever to see his face, she wished it would never have happened like this. He looked so afraid, so uncomfortable. She moved her eyes off him quickly.

"This is my Commanding Officer TK-593, sir. I'm imperial Combat Assault Transport Lieutenant. TK-111, sir." Mayfeld says walking up to Din. He stands beside him, Lana stands beside Mayfeld, keeping her eyes directly forward. She lets out a small cough. "Imperial combat Assault transport Lieutenant TK-447, sir."