The Mandalorian's Slave

Sorgan

One thing that might surprise you is how tiring a near-death experience is. After fixing the tubing, I drifted off into a fitful sleep. My sleep was plagued my nightmares. I saw images of storm trooper, flashes of a woman with orange skin, and the Child in hand cuffs. They didn't make any sense to me then, and they make even less sense now as I'm awake.

We've just entered the atmosphere of a small planet called Sargon. We should be safe here, at least for a while. But right now, I'm not thinking about safety. I'm mesmerized.

"I didn't know this much green existed in the entire galaxy," I whisper. I stare at the thick forests and the blue-green ponds. It seems like a dream.

"We're runaways now. You'll be seeing a lot more than desert planets."

I wrap my arm protectively around the child sitting in my lap. He's worth it.

"Looks like there's no star port, no industrial centers, no population density. Real backwater skug hole. Which means it's perfect for us." The Mandalorian turns to face us. "You ready to lay low and stretch your legs for a couple of months?"

"That sounds perfect." I can't tear my eyes off the rapidly approaching planet. It'll be just me, the Mandalorian, and the Child, surrounded by all this nature.

"What does the little womp rat think?" I can hear the admiration in the Mandalorian's voice. The Child lets out an excited coo. "Nobody's going to find us here."

There's no landing strips, so my Master carefully lowers us into a grassy clearing.

"Listen. I'm gonna go out there and look around. It shouldn't take too long." He gets up. "Now, don't touch anything. I'll find us some lodging, then I'll come back for you. You two stay right here."

The Child squirms impatiently in my arms. I feel the same way. I want to leave this ship. I want to touch grass and trees and just take in all this green. The Child gives a hard push and tumbles out of my arms, following the Mandalorian.

"Master, can we please go with you?" I feel bad for asking. Last time I asked him for something, he nearly died.

The Mandalorian lets out a sigh. "Oh, what the hell? Come on."

We leave the ship, with the Child teetering next to me. I stop the second my feet leave the ramp. The smell is overwhelming. I'm hit with the rich earthy smell, with the tang of pine and thick sent of mud. The forest is unbelievable, sprawling around me like some sort of slumbering giant.

"What's wrong?" The Mandalorian pauses, his hand reaching for the pistol at his side.

"It's so beautiful," I whisper. "I didn't know that the galaxy could be so vibrant, so full of life."

"I'm glad you like it. We'll be staying here for a while, so you'll get used it."

I follow the Mandalorian down a thin, winding trail. I marvel at the red-brown pine needles beneath my feet, drinking in the sound of the birds singing. There was beauty on Jakku, yes, but nothing quiet like this. On Jakku, nature was beautiful in a harsh way. The sunrises were the color of freshly spilled blood and the winds caused the golden sand to slither like an ancient serpent across the desert. Here, the beauty is more subtle. It surrounds me like a gentle embrace, comforting and warm.

I pick the Child up as we approach another small clearing. In the center of the clearing is large but poorly built shack. Smoke rises from a narrow chimney and the smell of freshly cooked food surrounds us. My stomach growls loudly, betraying my hunger.

"This is a good place to start." The Mandalorian enters the building and I follow, as the Child watches with large, dark eyes.

The smell is even better on the inside. Friendly conversation drifts around us, and I feel strangely at home. I notice the voices die a bit as we enter, but the Mandalorian marches forward and I follow.