Breaking Protocol

[Galahad Vult]

theme​

Dusk had fallen over the massive orbital trade hub known as The Web. The rays of the system's star shone weakly through the few observation windows throughout the station before they disappeared entirely behind the icy planet below. Yellow floodlights dotted the interior, illuminating it moderately well but still leaving several pockets of eerie darkness along the streets.

Not twelve hours earlier, two disguised Jedi had sought audience with a particular Besalisk who sat as the de facto king of an underground black market, the size of which Galahad and Austin had yet to discover. Now that they had made preliminary contact with the Spyder, the two now needed to form a plan of action — and for that, they needed information.

Having finished a meager supper, Galahad stepped away from the busy streets. The traffic had died down considerably since the beginning of the day, but they still did not want to risk being overheard. After ensuring their distance from passersby and confident they would not be eavesdropped on, the former Guard turned to his companion. "It is no lie that we have very little information at our disposal," he admitted. "We do not know how the Spyder operates his market, nor do we know where his money and goods are stored." Needless to say, they did not want to lay hands on the Besalisk bargain guru himself. "Perhaps if we spot one of his guards in a cantina, we could possibly interrogate him; however, it is unlikely that they know any details. The Spyder would be smarter than that." Notwithstanding the fact that gathering information from a guard created a whole host of new problems including how drunk and strong-willed he was. Additionally, Galahad greatly disliked the idea of needing to manipulate information out of someone. "Can you perceive an alternative?" he asked of Austin.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The two Jedi had taken some time to rest before embarking on the next stage of their investigation and operation. Though the station have a day/night cycle just like the planet below, it was largely artificial as most things were in the "Web" of the Spyder. The amounts of neon lights and obnoxious advertisements pressuring people to buy, buy, buy strangely reminded Austin of his first home. Growing up on Coruscant, one would get rather used to the bustle of crowds and towers of steel with little to no flora to speak of.

The two Jedi had donned a completely different outfit — they couldn't risk being recognized while undergoing the more clandestine part of their investigation. Following Galahad off the streets, Austin reached out with the Force to discern that they were alone. Confirming none others were nearby, he nodded to his fellow Master that it was safe to discuss their plans. Galahad spoke first, bringing forward the most obvious problem they faced. The doctor nodded sagely in agreement, knowing that they needed more information before they acted. "Yes, interrogating the guard would also create a security issue. The man would report being interrogated if he were released, and if we held him for too long then the Spyder would know the guard was missing. It is likely indeed that the Besalisk has thorough security measures in the event of sabotage. He is wise to keep a tight noose on information."

Pausing to think further on the subject, an idea came to Austin's mind. "The Spyder must keep a central database somewhere, where all his information flows through including transactions and inventory updates. Something that he keeps close at hand and can update him whenever he needs it." Though a physical data storage warehouse was possible, those could easily be sabotaged. The Spyder was more likely to use something that could be moved around — even shut down for safekeeping. "The protocol droid, Galahad. The one that received the down payment for the hyperdrive. It is very likely it has a great deal of information — droids can be programmed and don't have the tendency to drink or slip out valuable data." They had a target. The next step was much harder though, as they faced many of the same issues as with interrogating one of the guards. The protocol droid would more than likely be capable of shutting down operations in an instant if it knew its systems were tampered with. "We need to find a way to hack into its systems without setting off any warning signs to the Spyder. However, I...have no skills as a slicer. Unless you have any more surprises for me, I doubt you have that knowledge as well, Galahad."

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

As Austin voiced his thoughts, Galahad looked back out towards the streets to make sure none were listening in on their conversation. His senses told him nobody was nearby, but it still didn't hurt to scan their surroundings as well. When the doctor mentioned the droid, Galahad nodded in agreement. "Of course, that droid would be an excellent place to begin. In addition, we can wipe its mind of the whole affair." While they had come upon an excellent idea, it also presented a host of new difficulties — namely the obvious fact that neither of them had experience in operating and tampering with droids. He shook his head slowly, rubbing his bearded chin in thought. "I will have to let you down today, brother. I too lack the skills needed to tamper with this droid."

Of course, they could just wing it; however, the likelihood of their plan failing miserably was too high if they did opt to do so. In a normal mission scenario, Galahad would have done his own research and trained himself, but one week was hardly enough time to cover everything they needed to execute their mission without a hitch. Running several scenarios quickly through his head, Master Vult could only think of one option. "That droid is our best chance at finding the information we need about the Spyder. However," Galahad stated heavily, "we will need to hire someone to assist us." Although doing so created an entirely new variable, their options were few and time was slim. It was a massive risk, but one that they would have to take in order to complete their mission. Suddenly, Galahad's expression lit up as he remembered a valuable detail. "Austin, that man we met earlier — what was his name, Creed? — he was a droid mechanic! Perhaps he will be willing to help us, if we are honest with him." Faced with no better option, the two Jedi set off through the smoke-burnished metallic streets towards the marketplace they had visited earlier. Though they could have hired a taxi to drive them there, the two Jedi were now short on funds; and the need to pay Creed for his services was quite likely.

It took Galahad a few seconds to actually find the droid shop again. Not being able to find it at first, he quickly realized that the shop itself had compactly folded away into the rest of the building. The Jedi Master could not help admiring the mechanical ingenuity of the design before approaching the habitation door nearby to knock. A few moments later, the ruddy-haired young man answered, drying a plate from his recent dinner. Recognizing the two men from earlier, he flashed a smile. "Well well, if it isn't you two again! Shop's closed now, I'm afraid, so you'll have to come back tomorrow to get anything fixed." Galahad smiled amiably in reply, but could not entirely hide the gravity in his tone. "Actually, we have a favour to ask of you. A proposition, perhaps." Gellart's eyes darted from one man to the other, eyebrow raised in curiosity. He huffed lightly before motioning inside. "Alright, come on in." He raised an accusatory finger in warning. "But if you're only here to offer me a corporate trade contract or some kriff like that, I'm kicking you out — literally." Leading them inside his humble abode, Creed sat down at his table across from the two. "Alright, spill. What's this 'proposal' you've got for me?" It was obvious that this was not the first time Gellart had been offered a business venture of some kind; an unsurprising fact, considered he practically lived in the heart of a large trade hub. And judging by the look on his face, the droid mechanic had denied every single one of them. But what the two Jedi were suggesting was far different from a regular business agreement.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Glad that Galahad agreed with the prospect of taking the information they needed from the protocol droid, Austin's suspicions were confirmed when his friend revealed his inability to effectively slice into the droid. He nodded in agreement that it was their best option — there simply was no other time-efficient method to tracking the locations of the black market goods. The doctor scowled slightly at the thought of having to hire someone. Of course, the fastest way would be to find someone in this very trade hub, but finding someone trustworthy who wasn't a mole for the Spyder would be difficult. Or at least, that was what Austin thought until Galahad mentioned the mechanic who aided them earlier. His mind filtering through names and faces, the doctor paused before replying. "Yes, Gellart Creed I believe his name was. And you are correct — I did note that his work was exceptional. He would certainly have the skills necessary for this job." With no other options, the two set out to find the mechanic's shop.

Having remembered that it was in one of the general marketplaces of the hub, it did not take them long to find their location. Seeing the shop having been closed up for the day, Austin would have been more than willing to come back later — but Galahad was persistent. Thankful that Creed did not simply choose to ignore the two, having arrived near the dead of night, Galahad hinted at their true purpose for coming to his door. Stepping inside with a smile and a nod of thanks, the trio sat down at a table and began the discussion.

"I feel it is best to be candid with you, Mr. Creed," Austin spoke in response. Though he was not as good as some in the Order at discerning one's true emotions and intentions, the doctor could sense no guile in the mechanic before them. "We are Jedi Masters, here to investigate a black market operation that has led us from Coronet City to here. You have been most helpful to us in our time here, and we need your aid once again. It is our aim to destabilize the market for illicit and stolen goods and unseat the Spyder." At this information, Gellart visibly tensed. It was likely he had never been in the presence of not one, but two incredibly powerful Jedi before. He blinked a couple times, likely having second thoughts about threatening to literally kick the two Masters out just moments before. "Look — I just don't wanna get into any trouble. I've got a good thing going here, and I'd like to keep it that way. I've dug myself out of a rut once before, and I don't want to do it again." He rhythmically tapped his mechanical fingers on the metal table as Austin replied.

"I understand, Gellart. However, we need to get vital information from the Spyer's protocol droid, and we lack the necessary skills to do so and wipe its memory of being sliced. We would like to hire your for this task. Galahad and myself will be the ones acquiring the droid — you will not need to step a foot in the way of danger or where you will risk being seen." Having explained their proposal, Austin fell silent and awaited the man's decision. While the prospect of extra coin would likely be enticing for the mechanic, the doctor could sense a good heart within him to do the right thing as well.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad nodded as Austin divulged the truth about their identity. Trust went both ways. "I am Master Galahad Vult, and this is Master Austin Wolfe," he introduced themselves to Gellart. Galahad could see that the mechanic was hesitant about the situation, but hopefully they could convince him otherwise.

As the doctor explained their plan and made Creed an offer, he waved a hand dismissively. "I don't give a damn about the cash. I just..." he trailed off, resting his elbows on the table as he rubbed his temples. He spoke again after a few moments of thought, his tone less argumentative. "Look, I know the Republic, Cartel and Empire all seriously hate you Jedi; but I know what it's like to be the underdog, and I know you're just trying to do the right thing." He sighed before continuing. "Fine, I'll help. You two go in, grab the droid, and bring him to the depot in the back. I'll wait there and get what you need. I've only got one request: maybe rethink taking the Spyder down for good. He's really not all that bad. Yeah, maybe he's got a black market and sold some stuff he shouldn't have, but he's done some real good here on Ojom...helped me start over. I know the Spyder says he only makes deals in both his and your best interests, but he really means it."

Galahad scratched his beard in thought — a habit he realized he was doing more and more often — and glanced at Austin before replying. "We will do our best, but we cannot promise to do other than to do what is right." Gellart snorted. "Wow, what a hilariously Jedi thing to say. Anyway, when are we doing this? Tomorrow, the day after?"

"Tonight," the ex-guard replied candidly. Gellart started laughing, but it quickly died away when it became apparent the Jedi was not joking. "Wait, you're serious? Right now? Bloody hell...I need time to get ready, I guess. Wait for me outside."

Several minutes later, Gellart joined them on the street, the natural light now having completely faded. At his side was a standard briefcase, but Galahad knew its contents were likely far from typical. The mechanic motioned ahead, his metallic arm shining in the yellow street light. "Well, lead the way. Let's get this over with." The streets were now completely dead, with maybe only one or two other people passing them. At first Galahad was suspicious, but it appeared none of them paid the trio any heed. Unhindered, they made their way in silence to the hotel the Spyder did business from. About a block away, Creed redirected them. "The back's this way." Skirting the building, they quickly found the loading bay in the back surrounded by a metal fence. Through the slats, two guards could be seen relaxing by the rear door, chuckling as they shared a cigar and a good story. Gellart looked to the two Jedi and mouthed "Don't screw this up," before retreating into an alcove nearby. Galahad looked to Austin and nodded. It was now or never.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

It was interesting to hear that the man was not as interested in the money as Austin thought he would — the doctor had initially taken him for a mechanic out here on Ojom for the business alone. Clearly there was more to this Gellart Creed than met the eye. Austin was content to simply sit and listen as Gellart spoke, eventually agreeing to help and even knowing exactly how their operation could be done most efficiently. The Jedi raised an eyebrow in surprise — perhaps he'd already thought of what a heist like this would take to be pulled off successfully. What was far more interesting though was Gellart's request to rethink taking down the Spyder. After everything Galahad and Austin had seen, they'd need to think about it extensively first. His companion was correct though. They would do whatever needed to be done that was in the best interests of the innocents of the Galaxy. If that meant the Spyder needed to be detained, then so be it.

Giving Creed the same expressionless face he had become very experienced at doing during the Trials of Mastery, both Jedi were indeed quite serious. They had little time to act — why wait longer than they needed to? "Take whatever time you need. We would not want to have this heist fail simply due to any of us being ill-prepared." Having stepped outside into the cool, distinctly artificial air, it was not long indeed until Gellart was ready to join them. Making their way back to the hotel and base of operations for the Spyder, little was said between the three as they traveled. None else in the streets even took notice of the trio. Even if others knew they were up to no good, it was likely nobody cared either. This station seemed to care more about business and upholding deals than good morals.

Arriving at their destination, Austin watched as Gellart disappeared into the alcove and nodded in return to Galahad. Silently as he could, he imbued his limbs with the strength of the Force and vaulted effortlessly over the fence, landing in the darkness. Peering at the two guards, Austin noticed they were lit by a singular spotlight illuminating the door. Reaching out with the Force, the doctor crushed a wire and the light sparked, going dark. One of the advantages to sneaking around at night on a station — there was no moon, real or artificial. The two guards swore and groaned in the middle of the story.

"Kessing light is out again. I told ya we gotta let the boss man know about it!" One of them complained loudly. "Aw yeah?" the other shot back. "An' I suppose you'd wan' me to go tellim? I'd get a thrashin' jus' like the last guy before ya. He's on garbage cleanup now!"

The first guard chuckled in response. "Well at least yer could blame the garbage for yer stink then!" A snarl was heard and some meaty thuds, the two guards breaking out into a scuffle.* Austin could see little in the nonexistent light, but the struggle only lasted for a few more moments until only the labored breathing of one guard could be heard. Just then, the doctor had an idea.

Speaking out into the blackness with a gruff voice, he called out to the man. "WOTS THIS RACKET!?" His eyes adjusting to the darkness better, he noticed the conscious guard straighten up immediately. "Well, uh, sir! He was sayin' I uh, stink bad. Sir! I didn' mean to knock 'im out so hard..."

"Thas' cause ya DO stink bad," Austin shot back. "We'll find out later which one of ya busted that light. Don't be leavin' yer post, and DONT BE FALLIN ASLEEP. I'll be havin' yer hide then," he trailed off. The guard audibly whimpered and breathlessly yessir'd. For a moment, silence except for heavy breathing fell on the back entrance as the guard contemplated his personal hygiene. Austin waited for a moment before reaching out and putting the man to sleep with the Force. ⋮⋮ He will be out until we are long gone, ⋮⋮ he relayed telepathically to Galahad. It was time for them to move into the building.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Initially prepared to start an actual fight with the two guards, it was good that Austin scaled the fence faster than Galahad did, as he obviously had a far more efficient and effective idea. Though it took some time for Galahad's eyes to become accustomed to the dark, he did not need to see to understand exactly what had taken place. Frankly, he was surprised that the two began fighting almost immediately, but the turn of events worked out in their favour all the same. Though the ex-guard was not sure if Austin's impression of a boss would work, perhaps the remaining guard was too scared to bother realizing it might not have been his supervisor. In any case, the situation was handled well — so well, in fact, that once both guards had awoken long after the Jedi were gone, neither would realize that anything unusual had occurred at all. ⋮⋮ Excellent, though I hope the other will remain knocked out for just as long, ⋮⋮ Galahad expressed mentally to the doctor.

Setting aside his cane, Galahad reached for the door and was pleased to find it already unlocked.* Stepping inside, the Master found himself in a dimly-lit hallway. ⋮⋮ The droid is likely in a recharging station somewhere. This hotel likely has a great number of robots for cleaning and general service; our protocol droid is bound to be located there as well, ⋮⋮ Galahad reasoned. Unfortunately for the Jedi, there was no signage anywhere in the backrooms of the hotel indicating where the droid bay was.* Unable to find anything from a cursory glance, Galahad realized their predicament and made a suggestion to speed up their operation. ⋮⋮ To cover more ground, we must split up and investigate each room. ⋮⋮

Heading down the hallway in one direction, Galahad stopped at the first door, opening it very slowly and carefully so as to not alarm any guards that might be inside. However, it was merely the bathroom. The next one he checked was an empty crew room, and the next had a window in it indicating the kitchen, now shut down for the night.

Having searched his end of the hall, the ex-guard was unable to find the droid they were looking for.* ⋮⋮ I am returning to you, ⋮⋮ he relayed to Austin. ⋮⋮ The droid bay is not in this side of the building. ⋮⋮

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

⋮⋮ I imagine he shall be unconscious until long after we have left this place, ⋮⋮ Austin replied telepathically. As the two guards had in fact been outside, likely on a break from their patrolling duties, they had conveniently left the door unlocked for the Jedi to simply walk inside. However, upon entering and viewing the hallway, it seemed they certainly had their work cut out for them. Without any signage or other indication of where the droid repair station was, Austin and Galahad would simply have to find it on their own. As the former Temple Guard split off and traveled down the right side of the hall, Austin immediately turned and began investigating the opposite end.

Coming upon two doors opposite each other, Austin noticed a window on the one to the left which he peered through. Inside was a corridor — likely one that led to the rest of the Spyder's base of operations.* Turning around, the doctor discreetly opened the one opposite and beheld a large, dark room. Lit only by the ambient glow of the operating lights of several droids in low-power mode, Austin knew he would have to snoop around more to find their protocol droid. Waving Galahad to come closer, the doctor ventured inside and allowed the door to close behind him.

Upon looking around, it quickly became apparent that the protocol droid was nowhere in the immediate vicinity* — which made sense, as the Spyder wouldn't keep his personal droid among the ones that staffed the hotel. As he walked by one of the server droids, it powered up with an "Oh!"* and looked in Austin's direction. "May I be of any assistance, good sirs?"

The doctor's first thought was to shut it back down, but there was an opportunity in this misfortune. "Why yes, my companion and I are here to do some maintenance on the boss' droid. If you could direct us toward it then that would be most helpful." The server protocol droid paused for a moment staring blankly at him as it processed the information. However, as it was simply programmed for etiquette, it had no suspicions whatsoever.* "Of course, fine sir! Right this way," it replied, shuffling off toward a separate chamber segregated from the rest of the droids.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Not having found the droid bay on his end, Galahad silently but swiftly made his way to the back door and then down the other length of hallway that Austin had split away to investigate. Noting the two doors across from each other, one open and the other shut, Galahad sensed his friend's presence in the direction of the open entrance, encouraged the doctor had succeeded in locating the droid bay. He made a cursory glance through the small window down the corridor that led further into the building, silently glad they did not have to venture too far to find the maintenance room.

Making his way through the dark room, Galahad stepped over wires and tools strewn about on the floor, but was alarmed to hear the telltale robotic warbling of a droid — one of them must have booted up when Austin had entered. Mentally preparing himself to silence it, Galahad quickly realized that it was merely a server droid and visibly wished them no harm; in fact, it instead offered them its assistance in locating the Spyder's protocol droid. Dutifully following out Austin's request, it led them through the room straight to a recharging station where the protocol droid was plugged in, powered down. Galahad instantly recognized it as the same robot from when they had made a deal with the Spyder earlier. Nodding and smiling at the server droid, he said quietly, "Thank you. We will take it from here. Go power down now, so you can save energy for tomorrow." "Ah, certainly. Good idea. Good luck, sirs," it bobbed cheerily before returning to its own station, its eyes shutting off.

Wiping his brow, Master Vult returned his attention to the droid they had been looking for. Reaching around behind, Galahad flipped the switch that shut it completely off, preventing it from waking up as the server robot had. Unplugging it from the wall, he then lifted it up over his shoulder and made for the exit. Though they had succeeded in finding it, their mission was hardly complete. Making his way down the hall again and outside into the stale air, the Jedi telepathically called Gellart over. ⋮⋮ Come; we have the droid. ⋮⋮ A few moments later, the mechanic emerged from his hiding spot, visibly shaken. "Why couldn't you just bloody signal me like a normal person?" he whispered harshly, half-joking. "I almost jumped out of my skin!" Ranting aside, he quickly got to work, opening his briefcase and plugging several cords into the droid's chassis. Booting up his system, Gellart grimaced. "This'll take a few minutes. Normally I'd have it cracked in no time, but they've got some tougher encryption installed." Lines of code streamed across the little screen on the mechanic's datapad, so fast that Galahad couldn't even read it, let alone understand it. Galahad instead directed his focus to their surroundings, widening his senses so as to detect any that came close. "There's probably a lot of data on here. What are you two looking for again?" Creed asked quietly, still working away at the encryption. Master Vult replied, "We need to know the location of his stash of illegal goods." The droid mechanic shook his head slowly. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered to himself.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Thankful that it had been just as easy to send the server droid back to its power station, Austin and Galahad were on the move once again with the protocol droid. Although it was quite possible that other guards would come down this way to check on the other two who were supposed to be patrolling, none appeared seemingly by the will of the Force. ⋮⋮ Rather polite for a droid, ⋮⋮ Austin commented to Galahad. Indeed, most droids that the doctor had come in contact with recently had been fully armed and shooting at him. Austin still bore the scar on his left shoulder from where the hot plasma had seared his skin — a reminder of the victory that came at a price in the capital of Pollilus.

Getting over the fence was tricky — Austin scaled it easily as he'd done previously, and then used the Force to lift the droid's motionless frame over top of it and to the ground before Gellart. As the mechanic opened his briefcase, the doctor stretched out with his senses to discern the state of the two guards. They were still totally unconscious, one through physical trauma and the other by Austin's hands. Continuing to stand watch nonetheless, the Jedi Master kept an open ear and mind for anything that could disrupt Gellart. A few moments had passed and the mechanic worked swiftly, his hands furiously typing in codes and sequences into his datapad. "Any progress?" Austin queried as silently as he could, refraining from speaking with his mind. It was clear the black-haired man was not used to such techniques and would prefer words, so the doctor obliged.

Gellart pursed his lips and paused for a second. "He's got a tight lock on this thing. I'm getting through it but it's slow. You'll need to give me more time."* Nodding slightly in acknowledgement, Austin continued to peer through the fence at the bodies of the guards. Neither of them showed any signs of waking up, to the doctor's relief.*.

"What are you gonna do once you know the place he holds his stuff, dare I ask?" Gellart whispered. "Confiscate it all?" Austin did not move a muscle as he immediately replied candidly. "We are going to blow it up." The doctor missed the stupefied look Gellart gave him before continuing to work on his datapad. It looked as though he was nearly done.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Though it almost seemed to take hours for the raven-haired mechanic to crack the droid's code, in reality only a few minutes had passed. Sure enough, the Jedi's patience paid off. "I'm through. Shouldn't be hard to find now." There was a huge list of files in the droid's database listing all the Spyder's merchandise which Gellart scrolled through to find the location data. "He's got everything neatly organized in here. Makes my job a whole lot easier." A few taps later and Creed pulled up the datasheet detailing the business guru's stash of black market goods. "You're in luck, it's in a rock field close by. Asteroid J-1314-009. Turns out he keeps all his stuff in one place." Taking note of the information, Galahad punched it into his own datapad. "Excellent, thank you. Now, can you wipe the droid's memory of this...intrusion?" Gellart nodded, chuckling quietly. "Way ahead of you, Master Jedi." Having done so and his work now complete, the mechanic unplugged his gear and stashed it away into his briefcase. Getting to his feet, Creed saluted them sharply in farewell before briskly walking away, returning home. While the two Jedi would likely not see Gellart again, they certainly would not forget him. "May the Force be with you," Galahad murmured.

Guiding himself and the droid back over the fence with the Force, Galahad slung the metal body over his shoulder, stepping quietly over the two unconscious guards and into the building again. However, this time Master Vult sensed two presences nearby around the corner. Guards were patrolling this end of the hotel now.* While they would not have noticed anything suspicious, Galahad intended for them to carry out the rest of their operation unnoticed. Reaching out with the Force, the ex-guard grasped the metabolistic equilibrium of one of them and twisted it with Malasia. Unfortunately, the Master's knowledge and experience with this ability was limited, and only caused the guard to pause as he experienced a sudden onset of vertigo.* Galahad heard the other speak up, having noticed the first thug stop and support himself against the wall. "What's the matter, had too much alcohol?" Master Vult looked over to Austin, motioning around the corner to where the guards are. They had a limited window of opportunity to divert the guards’ attention, but Galahad needed the doctor's help.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Hearing the good news from Gellart was reassuring to Austin — though he knew the hard part wasn't over just yet. Thankfully the droid mechanic's skills were sufficient to wipe the droid's memory of this ever happening. With the work being finished, Austin turned to the man and gave him a nod of thanks. "Take care of yourself, Gellart." Whether he heard the Jedi or not, Austin was not sure. Turning back to the protocol droid, it was not difficult to lift its motionless frame over the fence once again and return to the back door.

It seemed as though this time, traversing the corridors would not be as simple as it was before. Both Jedi Masters sensed the presence of the second pair of guards coming dangerously closer. Feeling Galahad reach out with the Force, Austin could immediately tell what he was attempting to do — although unfortunately not affecting the guard very much. Stretching out his own hand to bolster the former Temple Guard's power, the thug supporting himself immediately began vomiting profusely all over the floor instead of answering the question.* "Oh for fek's sake, ya gotta know yer limits. C'mon then, let's get you to the bathroom," the second thug replied, grabbing the still-puking guard and quickly going into the washrooms. ⋮⋮ That should give us all the time we need, ⋮⋮ Austin relayed as the two continued to the droid room.

Not facing any more obstacles in returning the droid, on the way out Austin sensed that one of the two guards outside had begun to regain consciousness.* The doctor closed his eyes and reached out, feeling that the man was in pain. ⋮⋮ The one who had been knocked out has awoken, ⋮⋮ Austin warned Galahad telepathically. Perhaps it would be time for the former Temple Guard to show why his large form was so intimidating.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Hearing the man vomit all over the floor relieved Galahad, and as the healthier guard carted the other away from the Jedi and into the hotel to find a bathroom. ⋮⋮ Aye. Thank you, ⋮⋮ Master Vult relayed, grateful for the doctor's help. The man had a far greater understanding of the human body, which most certainly helped a great deal in pulling off the technique. Carefully stepping over the stomach fluids all over the floor, the ex-temple guard wound his way back into the droid bay and over to the charging station where he plugged in the Spyder's protocol droid, leaving it exactly as they had found it. They wouldn't suspect a thing.

As the two Jedi made their way out of the building, Austin warned Galahad telepathically of the guard outside regaining consciousness. ⋮⋮ I sense it too. This should take but a moment. ⋮⋮ Stepping outside into the darkness, the Jedi's vision was better adjusted, allowing them to see the man rubbing his eyes and clutching his head, still trying to make sense of what had just happened. Before he had the chance to recover, Galahad grasped him by the collar and lifted him up a foot or so from the ground before landing a solid punch against the guard's temple, instantly knocking him out cold once again. Perhaps the ex-temple guard could have pretended to be the other mercenary, but Galahad was never good at imitation and deception. He preferred far more straightforward methods.

Vaulting over the fence once more, Galahad grasped his cane that he had temporarily left behind, glad to have the extra support once more. Only after he and Austin had walked several blocks away from the hotel did he allow himself to relax. "All things considered, that went quite well," he reflected. "A few close calls, to be sure, but we managed to complete our heist without detection. They will never know we were there." The Jedi now had the location of the Spyder's warehouse, and they could dispense with the disguises and sneaking about. Today they had been the knife, but tomorrow they would be the hammer.

Fin​