[ now that he had to figure out how to ensure the welfare of the child, the mandalorian came to know he had very little idea of how to do that. his hope, perhaps goal, was to find someone to do it for him. there was omera and her village at one time, but it became clear the child would not be safe without him. at least not for now.

he comes into fruit basket when he thinks all is quiet, a pod following him in lockstep. once he's further into the store at the baby aisle, he unlocks the pod and pulls the child out of its cradle. ]

Alright. [ he starts gruff, lowering himself down to get on one knee. the child looks up at him expectantly. ] We're going to find you a book today. You know how to read, right?

[ the child tilts its head, babbling a noise out incoherent. ]

Hm. Well, I can always read to you. [ this is the way, as it were. he tilts his head and sees a little section of the shelving that has books lined up at the bottom. perfect height for a child to pick up. ] Ok. Go find what you want.

[ and, after a moment, the child reluctantly turns around and starts to move toward the shelves. it has no idea what it is doing. ]