Honourably Discharged

[Galahad Vult]

Jedha temple infirmary
theme​

Galahad's eyes burned with pain as they slowly opened. The infirmary's lights, though likely not too bright, burned oppressively into his unfocused and unaccustomed pupils. He was disoriented and confused, his brain being assaulted by multiple sensations at once. How long had he been asleep? Why was he asleep in the first place? Where was he? Something bad had happened, but he couldn't remember...

...but then he did, and it all hit him like a wave crashing into a cliffside. The assault on the hangar. The explosion, the pain, the betrayal. Seeing Grandmaster Sige right before he was vaporized. The feeling of helplessness and being unable to stop the events unfolding before him before it all went black.

Galahad blinked several more times as he attempted to sit up. His brow furrowed as pain spiked violently through his right leg. He hadn't fully healed, it seemed. Glancing over at the table beside his bed, Galahad eyed his holocom among some medical tools. He grasped the device and opened it up to find a message waiting for him from the Order.

Due to the severity of your injuries making you unfit for active duty, you are hereby honourably discharged from your post as Temple Guard. Take this time to recover and meditate on your next course of action. May the Force be with you.

The Knight dropped the holocom into his lap, a sigh of defeat escaping his lips. The world he knew was crumbling around him. What was he going to do now? Maybe he'd join the efforts against the Sith Empire. Surely his leg wasn't that bad, right?

Defiant, Galahad sat upright and attempted to stand up straight. His right leg spasmed in pain before it gave out beneath him, leaving him sitting on the edge of the bed gasping for air. This was ridiculous, he couldn't even stand up. He had to get better. He would still be able to fight. He refused to believe he'd be bedridden for the rest of his life. For now, he just sat on the edge of his bed to catch his breath.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

A sigh of relief and accomplishment escaped from Austin's lips as he sat in his office next to the medical bay of Jedha Temple. He had finished attending to the wounds of those injured in the attack, and only now had completed all the reports for the new patients. Despite his enjoyment of the field of work, all the paperwork was incredibly tedious and far from relaxing for the doctor. He spun around in his chair, getting up and sitting cross-legged on a nearby meditation chair specifically placed in the office for Austin. Closing his eyes, he slowed his breathing and re-centered himself in the Force. In the attack, many had died and many also lived. However, through it all Austin saw nothing but the Light side of the Force. ⋮⋮ Chaos, yet harmony, ⋮⋮ he recalled, feeling the ebbing energies flow through him.

A nervous, but steady rapp on the office door gently drew the doctor out of his trance. The face of a nurse poked through the door. "E..excuse me Dr. Wolfe, the Knight you asked me to keep an eye on has finally woken up." An audible gasp caused her head to turn back out to the medical bay and Austin peered through the office window. The Temple Guard had been wounded in the attack like many others, but he had clearly seen some distressing news. Austin had done his best to heal the man's leg, but much of the damage was permanent. He wanted to speak to the Knight himself, unfortunately to bring him more bad news.

The doctor smiled gently at the nurse, who'd turned her head back to Austin. "Thank you, I'll take it from here," he replied. Standing up from his meditation chair, he picked up a datapad and strode out of his office. Clad in his usual earthen brown and black Jedi robes, one would easily mistake him for another patient but for the stethoscope hung around his neck. As he passed each bed with a resting patient on them, he subconsciously looked over each one to ensure they were all comfortable and recovering well. In a strange way, Austin felt like a father figure to those under his care — nursing them back to health as best as he could. Reaching the end of Galahad's bed, Austin smiled at the outrageously muscular man in front of him. He quickly peered down at the datapad, having forgotten the Knight's name before addressing him.

"Good evening, Knight Galahad Vult. My name is Dr. Austin Wolfe, and you have been in my care since the attack here on Jedha. There are some...things we should discuss." Wheeling over a small stool, Austin took a seat across from Galahad. He nodded pointedly at the holocom and continued, "I see you've heard the news. Forgive me, I would have told you myself, but the Temple Guard insisted. I operated on your leg, and while I was able to heal most of the tissue there is irreparable nerve damage to your right leg." The doctor's face became solemn and stern, but not unkind. "It's for this reason you've been honourably discharged from the Guard. You have...my deepest condolences, sir."

Looking to the wall at the head of the bed, Austin stood and picked up a pair of wooden crutches he'd placed there earlier. Galahad likely didn't think they'd be for him — who would, after not having needed them for all their life. "These are the best I can offer for now, we are unfortunately short on supplies. Feel free to keep them." Turning off the datapad, he simply sat across from Galahad and observed him. A bulwark of a man, Austin could see why he was one of the most favoured in the Temple Guard. Anyone would think twice about picking a fight with the man, with arms easily the size of any normal person's head and a chest that looked like it could shoulder the weight of three more his size. Strength and power emanated from Galahad, but also a weakness as though he'd been deeply wounded. His stoic countenance spoke of duty and purpose that had been taken away in one fell swoop. Austin stayed by the Knight's side, more than willing to reassure Galahad in any way he could. What kind of doctor would he be if he only cared for his patient's physical health?

@Shalken​

 

[Albert Penumbris]

Only recently returned to Jedha, Albert had been spending most of his time recently helping to heal others in the medical ward. He wasn't the best healer, but his time here was teaching him much and these skills would be very useful down the line. As a former Shadow he already knew how to fight, yet his brush with the Dark Side had forced him into a semi-exile until he could balance his soul, which taught him other skills like patience and gave him wisdom. It was his goal now to become as well rounded as possible, knowing that his role in the Order would be to support others as they did their best to bring peace and order to the darkening galaxy. It was on this day that he saw one of the temple guards that had been injured during the recent theft of their corvette awaken. He knew that the man had been discharged because he couldn't fit in anymore with the Guards, his leg being too injured, but this would be the time for him to shine.

He waited for the man's doctor, a fellow Jedi whom Albert respected, to finish speaking and delivering the crutches before he approached. He offered a hand to the injured man, either to shake or to help him steady. "It's a relief to see you awake. I know the news of your injury isn't welcome, but just like your Doctor here, I'm willing to do everything I can to help you recover and find whatever path you wish to follow. My name is Albert, excuse my poor manners." He gave a smile, his monocle twinkling in the light. He really did mean every word he said, as not only was he trying to be a better healer but he wanted to be a support for other Jedi who might reach the same points of despair or darkness that he had. He just hoped he wasn't too out of the blue for this young man, or that his stark white hair and four-fingered hand typical of Arkanians would be off putting.

@Shalken @Vosrik

 

[Galahad Vult]

As Galahad heard footsteps approach, he weakly glanced up to see a kind-looking Jedi that appeared to be one of the physicians. The Knight was hoping Dr. Wolfe would just reassure him that everything would be fine and that he would be all healed up in no time; it seemed he was sorely mistaken. Galahad's countenance fell even further as the physician explained the extent of his leg's injury. Austin's kind offer of crutches did little to lift the ex-temple guard's spirits as he struggled to overcome the shock of his new reality. Another physician approached, an Arkanian named Albert, who also offered to help the knight recover and find a new path.

But Galahad didn't want to find a new path. Galahad wanted to fight. Above all else, he wanted to tell the doctors about how they weren't good enough and how they needed to do a better job — but he knew that it would be futile. These weren't just any doctors, they were Jedi healers; and if they could not repair his leg, then nobody could.

The knight swallowed thickly in a futile attempt to get rid of the lump that had formed in his throat. "I...I don't know what to do," he croaked, his tongue scratching like sandpaper against the inside of his dry mouth. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. "All I've ever known is serving the Order with my strength. I've stood guard on Jedha for countless years. But now I cannot even stand, let alone join the Order in defending the galaxy from the menace that caused this event in the first place." Galahad's voice quivered with emotions that threatened to spill out. It was obvious he blamed himself for the events that had occurred, including the death of the Grandmaster. The distraught man's gaze rested on his hands, which lay in his lap outstretched, defeated. "If I cannot fulfill my duty to the Order, then am I even fit to be a Jedi?"

@Vosrik @Insalius​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

It was during Austin's address to Galahad that one of his assistants approached, also offering his condolences and encouragement for the future. The doctor was used to patients not taking news very well, but the former Temple Guard seemed to feel the full weight of his injury harder than most. Austin could feel the emotions emanating off of his patient — confusion, hopelessness, despair. This caused some concern for him, as he assumed that one so strong physically was also as strong in the Force and with their control of it. Nodding to Albert, Austin silently agreed with the silver-haired Arkanian. The infirmary wasn't always in immediate need of the doctor, so he often visited his patients afterward to oversee their recovery outside the medical bay.

The blonde-haired Knight's words did not surprise Austin, as Galahad must have been one of the most prized of the Temple Guards. "If I may, Galahad, your duty is not a set path that you must follow to your dying breath. You've served the Order well as a Temple Guard, and now that time has passed. Search for meaning in the Force, and you will find your calling." He turned back to his datapad, tapping on the screen a few times before bringing up a diagram. "As for your leg, there is one option you could consider. If you wish to walk almost as well as you could before, we could amputate your leg and replace it with a cybernetic one." Austin showed the diagram to Galahad, in such a way that Albert could view it as well. It was crude-looking, but functional enough. "You...wouldn't be able to walk like you used to, of course. Resources are slim, so this is the best we'd be able to provide." Lowering the screen, Austin prepared himself to potentially see the most pure look of disgust Galahad could muster. "I'll admit, it's not pretty but you wouldn't be in any pain."

Deep down, Austin admired the former Guard's sense of duty within the Order. The doctor had since lost all faith in the Jedi and would rather forget than ponder over their purpose in the Galaxy. To Austin, there simply were no good answers, not in his eyes. The Grandmaster was dead, Shadows betrayed the Order left and right, and there was little that seemed could change it all. His faith in the Force was strong, but things seemed less bleak here in the infirmary. Wounded and sick came in, and the healed left.

@Shalken @Insalius​

 

[Albert Penumbris]

Albert understood the man's pain, even if he had never felt the loss of a limb in such a way. When he had almost fallen to the Dark Side, when he realized he could be a Shadow no longer, it was like his identity had just been stripped away. That was one of the reasons he had went on pilgrimage, to find himself and heal that gap in his soul that had been rent away. For him, it had taken years, a decade, even. But that was because he had been alone, the process so much slower than if he had any friends or colleagues able to help. It seemed that Galahad would have at least one person willing to help him through this difficult time and the fact that Austin was willing to do so was heartwarming. When he had left, there hadn't been any Jedi of the time willing to aid him in healing his soul, so Albert knew that, in his opinion, the Order was beginning to swing back into the right path. The old guard seemed to have fallen and newer, more idealistic instead of broken, Jedi were beginning to rise. He would not in any way praise this new Sith Empire for doing this, though, as it could have been done without the need for loss of life.

"Your efforts as a Guardsman will always be appreciated by your brethren, Galahad. The path you have tread may have ended, but that doesn't mean it hasn't led to new ones. There are many ways that you can aid the Order outside of the Temple Guards. I have felt the pain in your heart myself, when my own assured destination was taken from me, but the Force brought me to a different fate, one I am glad to follow." He looked over at the prosthesis that the Doctor had pulled up, noting how it looked similar to other such wounds that he had helped with with. "If you wish to go this route with this cybernetic leg, I have seen many fellow Knights recover with these replacements and continue on to success within the Order. It would take some time with physical therapy, of course, but you will not find yourself lacking for those willing to help you heal."

@Vosrik @Shalken

 

[Galahad Vult]

Both Austin and Albert worked hard to gently console and encourage the despairing Knight, a gesture that he did not receive well momentarily but would one day come to appreciate. For now, however, it would take time for Galahad to accept the fact he would have to find a new calling. Largely ignoring both of their comments about following the will of the Force, the ex-guard instead directed his attention to the screen showing the prosthetic limb. Studying it, Galahad weighed his two options in his mind heavily. He would be lying if he said he liked the idea of having his normal leg amputated and replaced with this crude, unflattering device. But would he rather live with the pain? Even if he did have the operation done, Galahad would never have proper use of his leg again, and the Order might not allow him to take up his post once more. ⋮⋮ Perhaps I could become accustomed to the pain. ⋮⋮

Galahad grasped the crutches, using them to hoist himself upright from the bed. Shouldering each one, he gingerly stepped forward, only using the crutches and his good left leg for support. ⋮⋮ At least it doesn't hurt if I don't put weight on it... ⋮⋮ he considered, readjusting his grip to get as comfortable as possible. Maybe, just maybe, he could get used to this.

While testing the limits of his movement, Galahad also considered what he would do next. He certainly could not help with the war effort, but perhaps he would become a librarian on Ossus? The idea was not appealing to him — remembering reams of information and endless studying was best left to the Consulars, not a military-minded man like himself. The Knight also immediately discarded the idea of becoming an ambassador to the Republic. While he did not outright dislike politicians, Galahad decided a long time ago he could never truly trust any of them, believing they were all greedy and selfish.

Inwardly he scoffed at the other two Jedi's suggestions to meditate on the Force to find his true calling. How could the Force possibly provide direction? It was just another tool in the hands of a capable user, no different than a lightsaber. Even though Albert had mentioned he had experienced a similar situation, Galahad found it very hard to believe the Force could possibly have led the ex-Shadow to where he was now. The Knight's heart was very stubborn, and while his belief in the Order was fierce, his faith in the foundation of their way of life was greatly lacking. "The Force has never guided me in the past. Why would now be any different?"

@Vosrik @Insalius​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The doctor, observant of his patients as always, watched closely as Galahad stood and took his first few steps with the crutches. Though he said nothing about the cybernetic leg, the solemn and determined look on the former guard's face spoke volumes as to his opinion on it. Of the two options, Galahad would rather choose to bear the pain. Austin understood the decision — many of his former patients were revolted in various degrees to the idea of a robotic limb, some even going so far as to refuse a replacement even after they'd completely lost their natural body part. For now though, it seemed the Knight was making quick progress. Hopefully it wouldn't be long before he was able to get back to a relatively normal life. However, Galahad's next comment took Austin completely off guard, and likely Albert too by the sound of the Arkanian's previous experiences.

Pressing his lips together and scowling ever so slightly, Austin placed the holopad onto a nearby bedside table. Folding his hands together and placing them on his lap, he peered closely at Galahad's blue eyes. "The Force has never guided you in the past," he repeated slowly. To one who lived and breathed the Living Force, this was a difficult statement to wrap his head around. "Tell me, Galahad, what did your master teach you about meditative study and connecting with the living things around you?" It was a simple question. Perhaps it was a fault of the Knight's former master that had caused such thinking to continue. Whether it was or not, Galahad's faith in the Force seemed to be rather lacking.

Regardless of the answer the former Guard gave, Austin stood up and suggested, "Let's take a step outside, shall we?" All his medical duties had been concluded for the day, and there were no more pressing matters Austin needed to attend to. From outside the infirmary, there was a small circle of couches further up the hall that the trio would begin walking towards. While they walked and patiently kept pace with Galahad, Austin would listen attentively to whatever he had to say.

@Insalius @Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

The doctor was visibly perturbed by Galahad's question, but it was the knight's turn to be caught of guard with Austin's counter-question. Nobody had ever challenged his beliefs like that before — in fact, nobody ever really spoke to him much at all when he stood watch. His face furrowed as he made an effort to remember his lessons from before he became a Knight so many years ago. "I was trained in a group of other younglings before the devastation of Ilum. The master that taught me was a shrewd, impatient man, intent on preparing us for the war as quickly as possible." He slowly hobbled his way out of the medical center and into the temple, taking great care not to put pressure on his bad leg. "He showed us how to use the Force through self-empowerment, telekinesis, and other such methods; he taught us to meditate to calm ourselves and learn how to use the Force, but I do not know of this...connection you speak of." Galahad tried to gesticulate to emphasize his point, but only ended up almost tipping over.

As the trio walked through the Temple, they came upon a large courtyard. At its center sat a fountain, and surrounding it proudly stood several tall statues of old Jedi Masters. Gazing upon them, Galahad continued, "My master mentioned we might have dreams and visions as a side-effect of our connection to the Force. He said they could be depictions of the past, present, future, or simply dreams, and told us to go to the Consulars if we wished to have them interpreted. But I have never had these revelations come to me in the night." His palms and shoulders began to ache from the strain of the crutches, so he leaned against a nearby pillar to rest. Glancing over to the fountain, he spotted a small bird bathing in the water. A thought then occurred to the ex-Guard. "By connecting with the living things around me, did you mean communicating with animals telepathically? Because that I certainly can do, though I find little use for it."

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The Knight's answer troubled Austin — it was disconcerting indeed that not even a Master would teach his younglings the proper depths and importance of the Force. Without a solid foundation in the Light Side, those poorly-trained soldiers would be more likely to fall to the Dark Side than protect and serve the innocent. As he listened, Austin's brow furrowed and he slowly shook his head in disbelief. ⋮⋮ The Order has fallen far, indeed, ⋮⋮ he pondered solemnly. The disillusioned doctor continued to listen to the former Guard, his suspicions even further confirmed by the schools of the Force Galahad was listing, all examples to be used in the fields of battle. While Austin was initially going to rest at the couches, Galahad surprised him by bearing through the pain and continuing on. This man's physical strength and willpower was strong indeed.

Behold, the main courtyard stood before them. To most, it was beautiful indeed — the fountain, the light pouring in from the ceiling, the monuments made to glorify Jedi Masters of old. But to Austin, it was a testament to a broken and failing Order. There was nothing to be proud of, no crowning achievement that exalted the Jedi. It was this reason that the doctor rarely ventured or stayed long in the courtyard, as the symbols here were hollow and meaningless. Austin's attention returned to Galahad, who continued to explain his training in the Force. "No, I was not referring to the ability to speak with animals, or any particular school of the Force at all. What it seems your master failed to teach was the intrinsic nature and presence of the Light Side in all living things. Its power is life-giving and pure, and the ability to call upon the Force to your aid is a privilege, not to be used as a tool at our mere whim."

Having to explain this was...difficult for the doctor. While proficient at tending to patients, teaching was something out of his league altogether. Especially while trying to explain something that Austin believed was so intrinsic to being a Jedi and understanding the Force. Noticing the bird that Galahad's attention was drawn to, Austin continued, "That bird, for example, has the Force and the Light Side flowing through it. In a way, it guides the bird through its instincts. I know you are still in pain, but perhaps try to immerse yourself in the Force and feel it. Feel the bird's presence and the Force flowing through it, if you can."

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

The intrinsic nature of the Force? The Light Side in all living things? Galahad wasn't quite sure what the doctor was talking about. "I do not deny that my ability to use the Force is a privilege, but what you're proposing is...baffling to me. What do you mean the Light Side being present in all living things? Are you saying this bird here has the ability to use the Force?"

All his life, Galahad thought the Force was exactly what Austin was telling him otherwise: a tool, and nothing more. Not that he had any less reverence for its power — on the contrary, he respected it a great deal. But the former temple guard found it very hard to believe the Force was as sovereign and permeating as his caretaker would have him understand. However, Galahad tried his best to remain open-minded in the matter. "I will try," he sighed as his eyes shut, doing his best to push aside the dull throbbing in his leg and focus his mind. As he reached out his consciousness towards the finch, however, Galahad's mind lacked proper focus, causing him to mentally lurch forward and simply scare the bird away.

Galahad's eyes opened, suddenly finding himself drained of energy. Hobbling toward the base of the fountain, the guardian slowly lowered himself down until he sat on the ledge, trying to catch his breath. "I think...any further philosophical activities will have to wait," he panted. Galahad couldn't remember the last time he felt this weak, and it bothered him. Fearful questions rose up inside him. Would he ever get his strength back? Did he lose both his leg and his ability to use the Force? He shook his head, immediately quelling such doubtful and ridiculous thoughts.

Having caught his breath somewhat, Galahad gazed up reverently at the proud statues that surrounded the fountain, their watch eternal and unshakeable like his was not long before. "It seems I will have to fulfill my duty to the Order in some other way."

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

A baffling proposal indeed, but it seemed Galahad still didn't quite understand what the doctor was trying to say. "No, no...of course the bird can't use the Force. That ability is due to the midi—" he stopped himself. It was just scientific babble that didn't really make any sense anyway. Austin sighed and continued, "Just...see if you can feel its presence in the Force." He was then content to stand nearby and simply observe while his patient attempted to immerse himself in the Force. The result didn't surprise Austin — Gahalad was weak and in pain from his injury.

At the former Guard's comment, the doctor nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, you will need rest for some time. However, do continue to practice, as your strength in the Force needs some work." Sitting down next to the broad-shouldered Knight, Austin could tell that he was still deep in thought. In one fell swoop, Galahad's life had changed. For a moment, the doctor reminisced on how he had also come to the same conclusion after the Tragedy of Ilum and the death of his sister. It was why he went back to doing something he loved — healing the sick. He could explain it no other way than that the Force had guided him there...Austin knew that Galahad would also have to find his calling elsewhere.

Duty to the Order though? Austin nearly scoffed aloud. "What duty do we owe the Order? They've done nothing noteworthy or worthy of respect in all my years." Galahad had struck a chord indeed within the doctor. His work as a healer had nothing to do with allegiance or faith in the Order. Respect and reverence had to be earned, and the Council had done little in Austin's eyes that was worthy of either.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

What duty do we owe the Order?

Now it was Galahad's turn to be taken off guard by something Austin said. Everything the former temple guard had done in his life had been done in service to the Order. His honour, his dignity, and even his life he owed to the Jedi. Galahad's brow furrowed in disapproval, his lips tightened. "I believe we owe a great deal to the Order. You are a Jedi, are you not? You are a doctor in the healing house of the temple...surely you must do that for a reason."

The Guardian had never heard of a Jedi who had no faith in the Order but remained a part of it nonetheless. In a way, it alarmed Galahad greatly. The only other Jedi he knew that became disillusioned had all left and betrayed their kinsmen, falling to the Dark Side and joining forces with the Empire. The only difference was that Austin was a healer, whereas the others were all Shadows — they had all touched the line between Light and Dark, and their will was not strong enough to prevent their fall. Perhaps his caretaker was not yet in danger of turning. Galahad continued, "True, the Order has been beset on all sides by the Exiles, Cartels, and now the Empire, but that does not mean it has done nothing of respect. We have saved countless lives and preserved the peace on many planets, and have even rooted out conclaves of Exiles in recent times." It was very obvious that though Galahad lacked understanding of the Living Force, his faith in the Jedi Order was firmly unshakeable. "No one is perfect, and the Order is no exception; but we must still work to uphold it and return it to its former glory before the war."

Galahad could not deny that the Order was in dire straights, especially recently. Even after many of the councilors had been found, several had died recently — including their grandmaster Cadef Sige only a few days prior. Their numbers were few and stretched too thin, like butter over too much bread. It seemed there was little hope to be found, but Galahad knew they must hold on to what hope they did have. It was their duty to stand firm in the Order, because without it, would they even be able to stand at all?

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

It was clear by the look on Galahad's face that he took some degree of offense to Austin's statement. The doctor sighed and shook his head solemnly. "The Order has done nothing in my eyes. Their warmongering ideals filled my sister's head, and now her body lies in the snow on Ilum. I feel called to be a doctor, yes, but I don't do it for any love of the Order. I am a Jedi, and I hold to the code — not the Council." In a way, Galahad was right. Why did he stay on Jedha? Why does he still wear a lightsaber and call himself a Jedi? To one who was driven by their sense of duty alone, it was difficult explaining how he was guided by the Force to where he was now. Such was the unique nature of Austin's disillusionment — he had lost faith, but would not exile himself. To him, there was no other path but the Light.

Galahad continued by defending the Order's actions and the difficulties they had all been through. This Austin knew, and he replied, "The Exiles were created by the failings of the Order. The Sith now hold a grip of terror on the Galaxy because of Alais Drast, a monster of the Order's — of our own making." The doctor's eyes fell from the monuments to the floors. "All that has come to pass since then has been on our heads. It seems that the Jedi have done little to help, on the contrary I believe our presence in affairs cause conflict." Austin knew he was biased, and to some degree he refused to see any other point of view. His heart was hardened to the Jedi's war efforts, even humanitarian ones. "I feel we should be distant from the affairs that do not concern us. Perhaps we will be revered once again as wise and kind rather than warmongering and meddlesome."

Standing up from his seat, Austin looked up at the sky and the setting sun. "I think it would be best if we save this discussion for another day, Galahad. Allow me to take you back to your quarters, you will definitely need to rest more." He smiled, though much was on his mind that he would mull over later.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Prepared to offer a defiant rebuttal to Austin's opinions, Galahad held his tongue when the doctor described the loss of his sister on Ilum. ⋮⋮ He has greater reason than most to dislike the Order, ⋮⋮ he considered. The Guardian could argue that Austin was contradicting himself by following the Jedi Code and yet denying the Order itself, but instead he listened on.

Galahad nodded in agreement as Dr. Wolfe laid bare the wounds of the Order made manifest in the creation of the Exiles. "It is true we have failed time and time again, and we have paid for those mistakes in blood," he began, his voice low and measured. "Masters Winters and Dan'ela, Grandmaster Sige, and countless others...but if the Order stops trying to be the defenders of the weak and innocent we have always been, then we will fade away into nothing. The Empire will win, and the galaxy will blame us for it."

Galahad carefully hoisted himself onto his feet with his crutches' support. He would be lying if he denied that he was feeling tired. The two of them slowly made their way through the temple's halls towards Galahad's personal quarters. As the door to his room slid open, Galahad gazed down to his bed, the sun shining through the window onto his old temple guard armour laid out neatly on the sheets. A chapter in his life had ended, but he was afraid to turn the page to the blank leaves that lay ahead of him.

Facing Austin at his doorway, Galahad nodded to the man appreciatively, smiling weakly. "Thank you for taking care of me. If you wish, we could meet sometime later to continue our discussion. Until then, may the Force be with you." A hollow farewell to Galahad, and one that meant much more than he currently understood or wished to believe.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The doctor nodded as Galahad mentioned the fallen Councillors. He had not personally attended the trial of Alais Drast, but that was just one of the many failures of the Order. In principle, Austin agreed with Galahad in that something must be done to stop the Sith — but he had little conviction that the Jedi could possibly do so without creating further problems as they had already. Seeing the former Guard stand to his feet, Austin did so as well and helped him as best he could. The two said little as they walked side-by-side to the personal quarters.

Austin returned the smile. "It's my privilege to treat my patients as best as I can, Galahad. I agree, we will speak later indeed. May the Force be with you as well," he replied, curious to why the Knight used the traditional saying. Perhaps he didn't truly understand the depths of its meaning, but Austin stopped himself from correcting Galahad. That discussion would have to wait for another day. For the meantime, it was getting late and Austin had much he wished to meditate on that evening.

Fin​