Karaay didn't visit Glee Anselm very often. Other than a couple of old friends, there wasn't anything that really interested him. The oceans were nice, but it wasn't like he couldn't find nice waters on Marazi.

That's what Karaay told himself, but Naree had insisted. Saying that she wanted him to meet his potential goddaughter and that he needed a break.

"Mak is gonna be furious that he got snubbed for being godfather again," Jaks joked to her.

"I feel he'll forgive me," Naree rolled her eyes. "Considering I didn't choose a girl who was 15 at the time to be Jaks' godfather."

"I stand by my decision," Jaks said with his chin raised. Though it was obvious, he was jesting.

As for the break part, Karaay wasn't convinced. He felt people were exaggerating when they called him a workaholic. There had just been a lot to do ever since the Obani business. Setting up a new Sept. Finding housing for all the new residents. Raising the most hyperactive boy in the galaxy. It wasn't like he could just leave all that till the next day.

Despite all his counterpoints, Naree eventually got her way when she took it to Melinoe. The Sith had smirked at the action and agreed wholeheartedly.

And that's how Karaay ended up spending a few days on Glee Anselm. Enjoying a 'break'.

That wasn't what was important at that moment. It was about Naree and Uka and a possible future child.

"Naree, Jaks!" A Nautolan woman waved to them as they walked off the transport ship.

"Zelta, how are you?" Naree asked as they walked over to their old friend. They politely bowed to each other before giving each other a light hug.

The dark purple Nautolan gleefully caught them up on what had been going on. The minor sept known as Emiowara had been having a good couple of months. The local hospital had been having an extremely successful year. Along with the orphanage doing an excellent job of reuniting children with their families.

The three walked and talked through the small seaside town. It was a lovely place. Marked with wooden homes built along the rivers that flowed through the place. The thick jungle trees swayed in the wind. Creating a peaceful atmosphere.

"It's been so wonderful," Zelta smiled with her hands clapped together. "All though I'd be lying if I said it wasn't exhausting to get to this point."

"You've done some great work here," Karaay assured her.

Zelta blushed at the man's words and turned to Naree with a grin. "Enough about me. Let me tell you about Astrid."

Naree lit up. "How is she?"

"She's doing well, but... there's something my co-workers haven't gone into detail about." Zelta rubbed her hands nervously.

The smile dropped off Naree's face. Replaced with a concerned frown. "Is she okay?"

"No, it's not that," Zelta stumbled. "Well, you know how Astrid's had a lot of possible host families?"

Naree and Karaay nodded with confused looks. Naree was well aware. She had talked with Astrid over holo many times. Even met her in person as well. She wasn't a 'problem child' or anything like that, so they couldn't really tell what their friend was implying.

"I just wanted to give you a fair warning because there's been a lot of times where Astrid has agreed to meet potential parents, only for her to tell them they're not the ones she's been waiting for."

"Waiting for?" Karaay asked with a raised eyebrow.

Zelta sighed. "Astrid's a sweet child but also surprisingly independent for her age."

"Yes, Uka and I know about her wanderings," Naree nodded.

"I just don't want you to get your hopes up," Zelta tried to say. "She's rejected every family for that exact reason."

Naree took a deep breath. She knew this visit wasn't a guarantee of adoption, but it was obvious she could quell her excitement of finally being able to meet Astrid in person again. "Whatever choice Astrid makes in the end we'll accept."

Just as Naree said this, they had arrived at the entrance of the local orphanage. Much like a lot of the buildings in Emiowara, it was a charming place. Made mostly out of dark-coloured wood. There were plenty of windows for natural light and a gated stairway leading down to the beach.

As they walked to the front door Karaay made sure to give her a comforting pat on the shoulder and sweet smile. Silently reassuring her that it was gonna be okay.

At the door there was a human waiting for them. She had a somewhat bewildered look on her face.

"Naree, you've met Mali," Zelta said then turned to Karaay. "She's one of Astrid's care-takers."

"Nice to meet you," Karaay nodded to her.

"I'm confused," Mali told them. "I thought Uka was a woman."

This caused Zelta to giggle at her co-worker. "Jaks here is an old friend. Uka will be arriving tomorrow."

"I see," Mali blushed. "Well Astrid's out on one of her 'saunters' so that's probably for the best."

"Why does she wander off all the time?" Karaay asked Naree.

"She prefers not to stick around all day," Naree explained. "She'll go walking along the beach every now and again to look for food and shells."

"We wish she'd stop, but she always manages to get past you somehow," Mali frowned.

"Sounds like an interesting kid," Karaay rolled his eyes with a smile. "She'd get along great with Jaks."

Zelta gasped. "How is baby Jaks?"

The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up with their old friend. It had been a few years since they had seen each other in person. To his surprise Karaay found himself starting to relax. Just a little bit. Life had just been so busy.

Karaay and Naree eventually found themselves watching the sunset. It was one of those things that was always amazing to see no matter what planet you were on.

"There's a storm coming in," Naree pointed out with a hint of worry in her voice. "I'm just gonna check if anyone's still on the beach."

The man started lifting himself out of the chair he had settled into.

"You don't have to get up, Jaks," Naree tried to tell him. Not wanting to interrupt his rest.

"No, it's fine. I have to get up sometime," Karaay yawned.

They started making their way towards the gate leading down to the beach. It would have been quite the idyllic sight if it wasn't for the approaching storm. The abundance of lush flora framed the orange sky. It was like something straight out of a painting.

Naree didn't seem to take notice of any of it. Her focus was on the bottom of the twisting wooden stairs. They made it down the sands and spotted a couple of others rushing back up to their homes. They walked a far way down the shore. Finally, spotting a child heading their way.

The young Nautolan hummed to herself. Hopping from different footprints that had been left there throughout the day. Seemingly without a care in the world. The girl was a light blue colour, like the midday sky. The top of her head and tendrils were covered in lilac dots. She was a rounded youngling. Looking like she had kept herself abundant and healthy.

Astrid stopped when she spotted Naree and Karaay. A big grin suddenly appeared on her face. "Is that you, Nar Nar?!"

"Hello, Astrid!" Naree shouted back.

The youngling ran as fast as she could over to them. "I didn't think you'd be here till tomorrow."

"We thought it would be nice to come a bit early," Naree smiled. Giving Astrid a pat on the head.

"Is Ka Ka here? Who's your Wookiee friend?" Astrid started rapidly asking questions.

"Wookiee?" Karaay said in disbelief. Causing Naree to start laughing.

"I'll tell you once we get back," Naree said as she offered her hand to Astrid. Who eagerly took it. "The storm is going to be here any minute."

The three of them started heading back the way they came. Rushing across the sands just as the raindrops started to fall. They made it to the bottom of the stairs when Astrid suddenly pulled on Karaay's shirt.

"Look out!" Astrid shouted as a blaster bolt just missed Karaay's head.

"Holy mother-" Karaay screamed.

"Run!" Naree told them. Once again, taking Astrid's hand and rushing up the steps.

Karaay followed them but had a hard time keeping up when more shots came from the same direction. All directly at him. He let out a yell of pain when one of the shots hit his shoulder.

"Jaks!" Naree panicked.

The man started looking around in a panic. Adrenaline started to rush through his body, but he had no idea what to do with it. If he kept running, he'd get shot, and trying to run towards whoever was shooting was just as much of a death wish.

Karaay heard another shot. He dived to the ground expecting it to hit him again but was surprised to hear a new voice letting out a shout of pain instead. He looked up to see someone familiar to him making her way down the steps and towards the bushes.

"Uka?" Karaay said in surprise. Watching as the woman placed a rifle over her shoulder.

Uka didn't say anything to Karaay. Instead, she pulled their attacker up from the ground. Stopping him from crawling away.

"Who are you, and why were you shooting at my friend?" Uka demanded.

"It was just a job!" The human shouted. Shaking in fear.

"Who hired you?"

"Some bigwig from the Horne Company! Something about getting payback for his brother, I dunno!"

"Oh great," Karaay said in annoyance. Now he's got hits out on him.

Uka shoved the man away. "Get out of here, and if I see you again, I'll be aiming for your head next time."

The guy scampered away. Tripping over his feet a few times as he rushed down the beach. Once he was out of sight, Uka turned to Karaay.

"I thought you were done getting in trouble," Uka joked as she reached out a hand to help Karaay up.

"And I thought you weren't gonna be here till tomorrow," Karaay goaned.

"I came early to surprise Naree and Astrid," Uka explained. Then turned to her wife and the child. "Speaking of which, are you two okay?"

"We're fine," Naree said. Still holding on to Astrid close to her. "It's Jaks we need to be worried about."

"I've had worse," Karaay argued as Uka placed his arm over her shoulder.

"If I had a credit for every time you've said that to me," Naree huffed in frustration.

"Let's get back," Uka gestured up to the orphanage. "It's too open out here, and the storm's only gonna get worse."

They made their way back and were welcomed with concerned shouts from the staff. A few of them rushed Karaay to a guest room to check on his wounds.

The four of them sat in the room after Zelta deemed Karaay fit enough not to have to go to the emergency room. The man rested in bed as Uka looked out the window, and Uka and Astrid sat on the couch at the end of the bed.

"This can't have been the way you wanted today to go," Karaay said with a tired sigh.

"I'm just glad you're all okay," Uka gave him a reassuring grin.

"Why did that man attack us?" Astrid asked.

"Someone paid him to do it," Uka explained to her. "Someone who was very annoyed at Jaks here."

"You help take down one CEO-" Karaay rolled his eyes.

The events of Obani had definitely not been forgotten in the last few months. The Mandalorian Council had been demanding more information every day. It turns out a lot of higher-ups weren't happy that one of the most profitable operations in the sector turned out to be an illegal slave ring.

The Horne Company had slowly lost any of the goodwill it managed to cling onto after the day. Some have tried to argue about the ethics of it all, but there are too many witnesses and too much evidence to get the remaining members of the Horne family out of the situation.

Karaay remembered being elated over it. Along with Cordelia. The whole thing had been an unnerving injustice for years. So many had let the Horne Company do what they did just for the sake of profit. Turning a blind eye to the horrors the workers of Obani faced every day.

Many had been resting easily thanks to the efforts of the 'daki family. While things weren't perfect, many were feeling confident in a brighter future.

"We should send a message to Cordelia and Melinoe," Karaay said to Naree. "If hits have been placed on me, they might be ones on them, along with Sestu and the kids."

Naree turned from the window and nodded in agreement. "We should head back home as soon as possible as well. I don't wanna risk anyone here getting hurt."

"You're leaving?" Astrid asked in a downhearted tone.

Naree sat next to Astrid and placed a comforting hand on her head. "I'm really sorry, sweetie."

"It definitely isn't how we wanted the visit to go," Uka added.

Astrid stood up. Turning to face Uka and Naree with a determined look. "I wanna come with you!"

"I'm sorry, Astrid, but it's just not safe," Naree told her.

"But-"

"Please, kid," Uka insisted. "We'll come and visit you again when things aren't so crazy if you want?"

"You don't understand," Astrid stood firm. "You're the ones I've been waiting for!"

The two women sat there in shock. Hoping Astrid was saying what they thought she was saying.

"Astrid, are you saying-" Naree trailed off.

Karaay leaned his head back into the pillows. He felt like he was intruding on the three of them. It was bad enough he had ruined their meetup by inadvertently bringing a bounty with him. Now it felt like he had unintentionally rushed along the whole process of Astrid officially asking to be adopted into their family.

After some awkward apologies from Naree and Uka, they walked Astrid out of the room. Wanting to speak to Mali about Astrid's request.

Karaay stopped Naree just as she was about to walk through the doorway. "I'm.... I'm sorry about all this."

Naree stared at Karaay for a moment. The look on her face seemed to be a mix of excitement and nervousness. She smiled at her friend as tears filled her eyes. "She picked us, Jaks. We're going to be parents."

Things got a little... disjointed after that. Between cutting their visit short and Karaay's friends trying to sort out another time for the adoption, things got rushed along quickly. The joy over Astrid's statement was sowed by the previous night's attack. Just like Uka said, it was how they were expecting the adoption to go.

Karaay could tell that Uka and Naree were still conflicted about leaving. Not they would admit it. He had tried to ask them if they wanted to stay behind, but the two remained firm in their decisions. This wasn't the first time Karaay had been the target of an attack. The two women had no interest in seeing their old friend put in that position again.

To top it all off, Astrid seemed to have a similar viewpoint. She continued trying to convince the lot of them to let her come home with them to Marazi. She seemed to believe that they would need her help. Or maybe it was that she was afraid if they left now, she'd never seen them again. Karaay couldn't really tell from the points she had been making the whole morning after.

Much to the child's dismay, she had to stay at the orphanage for now. Or at least that is what Karaay, Naree and Uka all thought when they made their way onto Uka's ship later that day.

"Get comfortable," Uka joked. Causing Karaay to let out a fake laugh as he tried not to hit his head on the roof.

Uka's ship was a lovely compact thing. Like most of the ships that Mak got his hands on, this one had been modified to an unnecessary degree. Originally an Allanar N3 light freighter, now a slick bounty-hunting vessel.

The hunter had never intended for the ship to be a permanent home, but it still had enough necessities to survive long trips. Nothing too fantastic: a bunk, a small kitchen, a holding cell for bounties , and an emergency storage area for extra food and oxygen tanks.

While he appreciated the level of effort that went into it, Karaay had never been a big fan of the ship. Even before the incident. It had always been too small for his liking, and the condensed layout sometimes made him feel like he was trapped. It almost made him feel sorry for some of Uka's bounties. Despite Karaay's complaints, Uka had always loved the ship. Naming it Nova's Vengeance after her late grandmother.

Whenever Karaay found himself on the Vengeance, it brought back painful memories. He tried to think of other things. Work, appointments, or what food he would get for dinner that week. The problem was, all he could think about this time was how badly this trip had gone.

He knew that Naree and Uka didn't blame him, but he still felt like they should a little.

The two of them were sitting in the pilot seats. Discussing what they wanted to do with their new apartment when they got back to Marazi. Karaay let out a sigh. A feeling of exhaustion was starting to set in again.

"Whatcha thinking about?" A small voice from behind me asked. Causing Karaay to stand up in surprise and hit his head on a pipe.

Karaay turned around to see a familiar blue face. "Kiffing hell, Astrid!"

How did everyone's January go? Mine was fairly quiet.

If you made it this far into the fic, I'd really appreciate a comment. This fic has been going well in terms of numbers for a fic that isn't connected to a main movie, but it would be comforting knowing if it wasn't all bots.

But anyway! After this chapter, there's just two more to go then we're onto Attack of the Clones!