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Greef Karga poured himself a glass of whiskey and wiped the dust and rubble off his desk. Taking a seat, he let out a sigh of exhaustion. It had been a long day for him and his residents of Nevarro. Gorian Shard and his pirates returned, causing havoc to his newly renovated city, but in the nick of time, his old friend Din Djarin and a group of Mandalorians came to the rescue to fight them off. Taking a sip of his whiskey, he smiled and opened his datapad. Booting up his log, he began to type…
High Magistrate’s Log, evening, rotation 265, 9 ABY. --
Oh, what a day. I could relive the terror that rained down on my beloved Nevarro today, but I rather focus on something good. Today, I saw an old friend and the woman I believe he is in love with.
Of course, I knew what I was doing when I gave that Djarin that bottle of Coruscant wine. I’ve had that wine saved for a moment just like this. Ever since he started talking about that Mandalorian princess, I knew he needed a little extra help to woo her. I’ve known that Mandalorian for some time now; always keeping to himself, keeping things professional. For many years all we talked about was work and the bounty hunting guild. We’d sit together in the cantina, I’d have a drink or two, and he wouldn’t of course. (Something to do with that vow to keep his helmet on.) Beautiful women of all species would stop in, sometimes there to drink, some there to find work. I’d always ask him what he thought of the ladies, you know, as two men do over some drinks. But Djarin never paid them any attention. The amount of self-control that man has, I swear! He’s as stoic as a bantha!
When the little green child came into the picture, I’d never thought Djarin would be a father. He was a bounty hunter, a Mandalorian for stars-sake! He was ruthless, a killer. And one day he waltzed in with this kid? I was surprised he took him in so fast. You know, It’s a lot of work to take in a little one, your lifestyle changes. But I guess he makes it work. Props to him, I could never take care of a child at this age... I’d wondered how he did it all alone, solo. I often wondered if he would ever add another to his little clan of two.
When he introduced me to Cara Dune, for a split second I thought he’d brought home, you know, a lady friend. She wasn’t quite my type but she was pretty and a little rough around the edges. Maybe that’s the kinda gal he’s into. But immediately after meeting her, I could tell they were strictly colleagues. She wasn’t very warm to Djarin and definitely wasn’t very motherly to the little one. She was here strictly for business. Maybe she was looking for some friendship, but she wasn’t the one. Djarin needs a woman to love him and his little green friend!
In passing, Mando mentioned a woman he met during his travels; I think her name was Omera. It was the first time he opened up to me. He said she was beautiful, a mother, and a fighter. But when he described her, the tone in his voice sounded bitter, not with adoration. After some time, and a few drinks, I asked him; What happened? Why didn't he take it any farther? But it took a moment for him to respond. He said she tried to take his helmet off. Even I know not to do that to a Mandalorian… I felt the disrespect for the both of us, and I could tell Djarin was hurt. I gave him a pat on the back and told him there are always more fish in the sea.
Djarin is a quiet one, but as our friendship has grown he has shared little bits of his history with me. His parents died when he was young, and then he was taken in by that Mandalorian cult. This group wasn’t built on love, it was built on trying to survive. My heart ached for him, growing up under those circumstances. And as an adult, I’m sure he craves love and companionship. Heck, I do too! I’m glad he has the little one with him, but that is parental love, not romantic, companionship love.
So about this princess, I remember when Djarin first spoke about her. It was after he came back to Nevarro and we got tied up with some imperials in the lava fields. What fun we had, Djarin, Dune, and I. Blastin’ up some imperial scum! Ha! So, just for old-time’s sake, Djarin and I stopped for a celebratory drink at the cantina before he took off to find some jedi. I couldn’t see this man’s emotions past that beskar helmet, but I could tell he had something important to tell me. He had this energy, he was radiating with excitement, is it weird to say he was beaming? I’m not sure how I can explain it, but he was! Mando told me he met someone, a Mandalorian woman during his travels. She didn’t wear a helmet (and this is when I found out not all mandalorian’s wear helmets?) He said she was stunning, with striking green eyes, and fiery red hair to match her personality… by how his voice got all low, I could tell he was flustered while he talked about how attractive she was. He was infatuated by her! I was so happy for my friend. I asked him if he would see her again, as this galaxy is quite large and all. And thank the stars he shared that they exchanged chain codes.
Time passed and I didn’t hear from Mando for a while. I thought of him and hoped he and the little one were doing well. After many, many rotations, Djarin and the little one stopped for a visit… in a new N1 starfighter. His new ship looked incredible… but I did have to say, there wasn’t much room for two in that cockpit. He brushed me off, I laughed, and I showed him around the new and improved Nevarro. After a little scuffle with some pirates and that damn Gorian Shard, we chatted before he took off again. I asked him about that Mandalorian woman he talked about in the past. Did they reconnect? I didn't want to pry, but I was genuinely interested. I want my friend to be happy, is that too much to ask? He gave me a nod as he climbed into his ship. He said he was on his way to find her. Mando, my man! You devilish dog, you!
Now we are at today. Yes, yes. Gorian Shard and his pirates returned, royally destroying the city I’ve worked so hard on rebuilding. (Let’s talk about it at a later date.) But today, I got to meet this mysterious Mandalorian woman. Woah, and does Din Djarin know how to pick ‘em. She is a stunner! Even more gorgeous than I’d imagined. She held herself with such a commanding presence, I was surprised he didn’t drop to his knees right then and there. I also could tell there was tension between them. He was being respectful to her, and I’m not sure what the cultural norms are when it comes to Mandalorians and public display of attention, but there was a look she gave him, and through that dang beskar helmet of his, I could tell he was relaying one back. That’s when I knew I had to help my friend out.
I dug into my wine cellar and found a special bottle I’d been saving. A 1 ABY wine from Coruscant. I’m not sure if Mando drinks, but if that woman of his can take off her helmet, I’m sure he can too. But what do I know? Ha ha ha. In the end, I want him to be happy. I want him to experience love, companionship, and do I dare say lust? (This whiskey I’m drinking is starting to hit me, I’m sorry!) The little green one needs a mother, and Grogu will need two to help raise him with those force powers he seems to have… Oh boy, I am rambling! I end this log with this. We have experienced so much suffering in this galaxy, so much hurt, so much loss… and what has always kept us going in the darkness of times is love. And if my dear friend has found it, godspeed, Mando. Love her, and keep her close.
High Magistrate, out.