The Ghost crew meets with Commander Sato and Rex, discussing options for a new hyperspace route to the Lothal sector. Sabine recommends Concord Dawn, a Mandalorian colony not yet under the control of the Empire. Concord Dawn, Rex says, is known for its elite warriors who fought in the Clone Wars. But who are they loyal to?

They agree to pay the Mandalorians a visit. Hera will lead the mission, and Sabine will tag along.

Hera leads Phoenix Squadron in a flock of A-wings. Arriving in Concord Dawn space, they're quickly hailed by Fenn Rau, Protector of Concord Dawn. Hera says they come in peace and request safe passage. But when the Twi'lek reveals she represents the rebellion, Fenn Rau ends the conversation.

"Out here, I act in the name of the Empire," he says, and opens fire. One by one, Rau and his fleet take down the A-wings. Hera commands a retreat for the survivors, and tells Sabine she'll follow shortly.

Just before she makes the jump, however, Rau and his Mandalorians blast Hera's fighter.

Hera and Sabine make it back to the command ship, but Hera's A-wing is near-destroyed, and she is unresponsive.

Thankfully, Hera's vital signs stabilize -- but Sabine is angry. She apologizes to an unconscious Hera, saying, "They're going to answer for this."

A new plan is devised: infiltrate the Mandalorian base and negotiate. Kanan doesn't like it, but takes it upon himself to complete the mission alone. He'll only allow Chopper to accompany him, despite Sabine's protests to join.

Kanan takes the Phantom and finds he has some company: Sabine has stowed away on the fighter. They'll accomplish the mission together, after all. But while Sato ordered him to destroy the Mandalorian fighters, Kanan wants to complete Hera's goal and recruit the Mandalorians to join the rebellion.

Finally, they arrive at Concord Dawn's third moon, the site of the Mandalorian base. Watching from above, they see an Imperial officer arrive, paying Fenn Rau for the Mandalorians' services. He orders them to report any further contact with the rebels.

Kanan and Sabine make a deal: the Jedi will attempt to recruit Fenn Rau and his people; if that doesn't work, Sabine can blow up their fighters. Kanan heads for Rau while Sabine plants her explosives.

Rau is impressed that Kanan was able to reach him, and offers him food -- keeping one hand on his blaster. Kanan explains that he knows of Rau's heroics in the Clone Wars, and reveals his lightsaber. In the Battle of Mygeeto, Rau and his squadron saved Kanan's life. "You gave me a chance to live that day," Kanan says. "Now I'd like to return the favor."

Meanwhile, Sabine plants charges throughout the base. All goes well until she bangs her head on the underbelly of a ship, alerting several Mandalorians to her presence.

Surrounded, Sabine says she is from Clan Wren, House Vizsla, and invokes the Mandalorian code to seek justice through single combat.

Kanan and Rau continue their talk, but it's cut short with news of Sabine's challenge. Rau heads outside, where Sabine calls him out for battle.

Rau is bemused by the whole situation, but welcomes the challenge. Kanan tries to intervene, imploring Sabine not to kill him. "You have to trust me," she says. Rau and Sabine hold steady in a standoff, and prepare to draw their weapons...

Sabine proves to be faster -- landing direct hits to Rau's blaster. "There are alternatives to killing," she says. At that moment, her explosives activate, and several Mandalorian ships are destroyed.

Kanan ignites his lightsaber and runs with Sabine away from the fiery wreckage. They decide to go after Rau, who has headed for his ship, determined to destroy the rebel fleet. Kanan is adamant, however, that they will still not kill anyone.

As Rau takes off, Kanan evades his fire and leaps onto his fighter. They head into the stratosphere. The Mandalorian tries to shake him off, and Kanan cuts into the left engine in response. A trail of smoke now follows the ship.

Kanan makes his way back topside. "Still think we can't win?" he says. The Jedi digs his lightsaber into the controls, cuts open the cockpit, and lands a knockout blow to the Mandalorian.

Kanan grabs an unconscious Rau as the Phantom comes in for the rescue.

Rau awakens, and Kanan allows him to answer an incoming communication. The Mandalorian, impressed with what he's seen from the rebels, orders his men to stand down and allow the rebels safe passage through Concord Dawn. And they are also not to mention the rebels to the Empire.

Kanan welcomes Rau to the rebellion. "Right now, we are only friends because we have to be," Rau says before being led away. Finally, there is good news: Hera is awake, and wants to see Kanan and Sabine.

Hera is surprised they've taken a prisoner. Sabine says they're not at war with the Protectors; killing them would not have been just. "Sabine, you're sounding more like a Jedi than a Mandalorian," Hera says. "Well, I guess I've just been raised right," Sabine replies.