By: Nicole Marie
Carasynthia "Cara" Dune is a strong fortress in a human body. We know some details of this strong warrior since she debuted in season one of The Mandalorian. What I have come to see in season two are the details that are not fully spoken. Join me inside the Trexler Maurader as we take an adventure in time to Alderaan, Endor, Sorgan and Nevarro.
First Stop: Alderaan
Cara Dune served as Shock Trooper for the Alliance to Restore the Republic (also known as the Rebel Alliance) during the Galactic Civil War, and later for the New Republic. It was a Resistance movement created by Bail Organa and Mon Mothma. We have yet to learn if Cara Dune knew The Organa's, Mon Mothma or anyone else associated with The Rebel Alliance. I'm keeping a close eye as I believe more details will emerge.
Second Stop: Endor
Shock Trooper Cara Dune was responsible for hunting down former Imperial officials during the Battle of Endor. It is during this time on Endor she makes a life decision to change her path and retire early as a mercenary.
"Saw most of my action mopping up after Endor. Mostly Ex-Imperial Warlords. They wanted it fast and quiet. They'd send us in on the dropships. No support, just us. Then when the Imps were gone, the politics started. We were peacekeepers, protecting delegates, suppressing riots. Not what I signed up for."
- Cara Dune to Din Djarin
I wonder if Cara Dune ever interacted with Ewoks on Endor and I question about possible other reasons as to why she chose to retire early beyond the one reason.
Third Stop: Sorgan
We first meet Cara in the episode, "Sanctuary" where she is trying to enjoy early retirement. As fate or the Force would have it, Din Djarin first encounters Cara. Feeling threatened and thinking Mando was after her, we get our glimpse of Cara Dune in battle before Grogu interrupts as he sips his broth. Cara and Mando work out the truth. Just as we think Mando is going to be leaving Sorgan he is approached by a local tribe for help. Din Djarin returns to Cara to ask her for help to defend the local village in exchange for credits. It is here on Sorgan we get our first character development. We already know she is a warrior and can battle. We learn she is intelligent, awesome at strategy and a mentor to others in combat. During the battle with the AT-ST and guards Cara risks her own life to protect the tribe by stepping into the pond with a pulse rifle to lure the AT-ST into the trap. What a courageous moment that takes heart, focus and determination.
Our final stop: Nevarro
"So we're going to Nevarro?"
"Have you ever been?"
"No. We lost a lot of our forces there. The city's dug in pretty deep. No cover when you drop in. It stayed in Empire control 'till the end of the war."
-Cara Dune and Din Djarin
Mando seeks out Cara Dune’s help to take down the Imperial remnant that took over Greef Karga's city. During this quest we see an emerging bond between the trio. Each are unique and bring something different to the table, and all willing to risk their lives for Grogu's safety.
A key moment happens during Chapter Eight, The Reckoning. Moff Gideon says to the trio as they are surrounded inside a compound, "I am sure that Republic Shock Trooper Carasynthia Dune of Alderaan will advise you that she has witnessed many of her ranks vaporize mid-descent facing the predecessor of this particular model."
This is a major detail about Cara Dune's past on Alderaan. During the scene Cara stays strong. Look closer at her facial expression and you'll see she is both angry and slightly sad in the eyes. She holds a firm posture and you can see that she is in survival mode.
With the assistance of IG-11 and the Armorer, the trio is able to escape with Grogu. At one point Cara tells Mando, "I've got you." She is willing to risk her own life for helping The Child, Din Djarin and Greef. She could be living a quieter life but when Cara chooses a path, she owns it.
Season two of The Mandalorian finds Cara Dune still on Nevarro. In Chapter Twelve "The Siege," Cara is assisting Greef Karga by cleaning up the town, kicking butt and taking names. Din Djarin and Grogu come to visit as they repair the Razor Crest. Greef and Cara approach Mando for assistance in taking down what they think is an Imperial Base. To their surprise it's an Imperial lab and a hologram reveals Dr. Pershing had harvested M-Counts from Grogu. Dr. Pershing wouldn't let Moff Gideon down again.
In Galactic Western fashion they have a showdown as they try to escape the Imperial base before it blows up. Cara Dune takes control by driving the Trexler Maurader, telling the others to get in. Cara's confidence emerges as we see her love for adventure as she drives the cruiser over the shuttle bay. What a thrilling moment! If I was 9 years old again, I would've been just as excited and inspired as a woman warrior took control of the situation and was driving this massive cruiser in an amazing way! She demonstrates that girls can also enjoy adventure, risks and vehicles.
After they have returned to Nevarro we get another big character development when we witness an interaction between Cara Dune and Captain Carson Teva. As he is trying to recruit her he acknowledges that they are both from Alderaan. He asks her if she lost anyone. Cara responds, "I lost everyone.". This moment may seem minor but it's not. The strong fortress this character embodies is slightly softened at this moment. If you look at her facial expressions and her body language there is sadness inside Cara. As a survivor myself, I can relate to Cara Dune. She has built a strong fortress around her to protect her heart and mind. She is in survival mode as it is a coping mechanism: trying not to let her past cause her to be triggered. It is quite possible that Cara Dune has post-traumatic stress disorder due to traumatic events in her past. Her strong fortress attitude will not give that away but it shows in her eyes in what looks like minor details. Sometimes behind the smile is a breaking heart, or a person trying to keep everyone safe is also lonely.
I respect Cara Dune and I'm seeing her in a new light more than ever before. I'm proud of Cara. That she chooses her path and stays focused despite her past. She is determined and showing us in her own way what hope looks like through the strong fortress.
Cara's story is far from over. While she initially turned down Captain Carson Teva's offer to be a Marhsal, we see in Chapter Fourteen “The Tragedy” that Cara changed her mind. She chooses a new path to become a Marhsal of the New Republic. We can still see the Rebel scum in her when Cara learns from Din Djarin that Moff Gideon has "the kid." A look in her eye tells us she is willing to help Mando with finding Grogu even if it means bending some rules in the name of safety for "the kid."
"Until our paths cross." - Cara Dune
Until our paths cross again with Cara Dune I anticipate she will continue to choose her own path. Owning each step in her journey. Her strong fortress is softening up as we find more layers to this bold and very capable warrior.
May The Force Be With You.