Ask Order on Ord Mantell

[Zerath Eblon]

Zerath could feel frustration and fear rising within him as Hailee's voice echoed in his mind. [No! Stay in cover as long as you can] he said, hoping that her position was tenable for a few more seconds. The frustration wasn't at her; it was at the crates in his path, and his inability to relieve the kidnapper's deadly focus on the Padawan. One of the remaining guards was right on the other side of the wall of crates from him, but Zerath didn't dare leap into action since he didn't know where they were in relation to the captured children... in the ultimate twist of irony, he was flying blind.

That is, until one of the children started to cry; from fear or despair, most likely, but the sound convinced Zerath that the guard closest to him had moved far enough away from their hostages that he needn't worry about endangering them by being a little more reckless.

With a cry, Zerath unleashed the Force, aiming a powerful Push at the crates stacked in front of him. Splinters shattered and crates tumbled towards the floor with a mighty crash, silencing one of the blasters currently pinning Hailee down as the guard was trapped beneath the fallen crates and their long-spoilt contents. Wrinkling his nose at the foul odor, Zerath leapt off of the crate he was standing on, lightsaber in hand, moving in the direction of the sound of the crying child.

As he moved, Zerath realized how quiet the warehouse had suddenly become; the other guard had also stopped shooting, and the child's cries were replaced by barely-perceptible whimpers. [Hailee, are you ok?] Zerath asked, hoping that the Padawan hadn't been injured. [Can you see what's going on?]

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Stay in cover?! She knew he wanted to protect her, but she was also worried about his safety. She was the one caught in the crossfire, yet with his lack of vision he had to focus on everything that was going on all around and now, as one of the kids began to cry out of despair, she could feel how it was all getting more chaotic.

The crate was slowly getting blown into pieces and now she was the one trying to make out his presence within the Force and determine what exactly he was doing. The cries of the children - the second had now joined in - were getting louder and more distracting, so that for a moment she was actually getting a little scared herself.

Their desperation hurt her and she wanted to help, but she was still caught behind the crate. That was however until she could suddenly hear her companion scream and apparently surprise one of the remaining guards successfully. The blasterfire stopped and without wasting a single second, she pushed the crate in front of her down with the Force, so that it would cause even more chaos and distract the other one.

She immediately jumped down herself, instantly dashing towards the starled second guard and firing a stun bolt at him, so that his body dropped down motionlessly. The cries stopped and there was nothing but silence for the moment before she started sprinting towards the kids, leaping over the crates and barrels in her way.

She hurried over to the kids, just to find the children tied to two chairs, every color there face had ever held gone. They stared at Hailee wide-eyed as Zerath's message reached him. 'I'm okay' she telepathically replied before she turned to the children. "It's okay. We're here to free you. Your mom has sent us" she gently spoke, the Force calmly radiating off her and attempting to soothe them.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

Relief flooded the Miralukan as Hailee's voice answered him telepathically. [Well done, Hailee] Zerath complimented the Padawan, admiring her handiwork as he disarmed and restrained the unconscious guards. Judging by how much distance the crate had moved from the catwalk, she was quite proficient in her Force Pushes. He resolved to use their travel to their next destination to discuss the encounter, but for now there were more time-sensitive things to see to.

He caught up to Hailee as she finished untying the children, who seemed to be more calm than moments ago- as calm as a young, kidnapped child could be. One of them matched the description of Relas, while the other was a Twi'lek girl of no more than six or seven. Taking in the youngling's wide-eyed looks and pale faces, Zerath was reminded that there had been other children and family members kidnapped by this group. He offered the younglings a reassuring smile, fishing a candy bar out of his utility belt for them to share.

The absence of anyone else in the warehouse meant that there was another base out there, confirming Zerath's suspicions that this had not been a planned stop along the return route. Although the kidnappers had most likely wiped the navigation data from the Astro's console, the Jedi still had options for locating the secret base.

Zerath chose one of the unconscious guards, having zip-tied their hands behind their back and their ankles together, and hauled the man into a sitting position. A couple light slaps to the face roused the guard-turned-captive from his stupor as Zerath mentally offered Hailee a suggestion.

[Do you want to be the Good Cop?] An opportunity for Hailee to practice her patience and restraint. The more they could learn about this group and its motives- including if they had been trying to draw the Jedi to Ord Mantell- the better.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

While she had been a little too focused on the action and on their task of incapacitating the guards, she hadn't even noticed that the kids were not the two twins. The girl was obviously a Twi'Lek and not Relas' sister, but this truly meant that the gardener had been right about the two trucks.

It obviously complicated their work, but it seemed like they were close. Zerath offered the scared but at least slightly soothed kids a candy bar which brought a warm smile to her lips. They were munching it away for a moment, so that the Jedi could actually tend to the guards.

Hailee immediately agreed with Zerath or well she was at least assuming she wanted to wake them to receive information they could use. She nodded softly as he suggested her role and squatted down next to him, confident that she'd manage to play her part well, yet she was still a little nervous about not knowing whether reinforcement woukd reach them or whether they were fine.

"Wake up" she said rather softly, waiting for the eyes to roll in before she calmly gazed into the starled, unamused eyes. "Shit! Castrup! Castrup wake up! They've caught us", he immediately hissed over to the other unconscious guard, but he remained unresponsive, which was surprising given head been hit with a stun bolt.

"It's okay. We're not going to harm you. All we want are some information". She was still radiating calmness, but had absolutely no idea about how easy they'd gain the information required to quickly reach the second child. She still wondered where the Twi'Lek came from, but was glad they could save her, too.


@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

While the younglings munched the candy bar and scooted further away from the captive guards, Zerath took a moment to center himself as Hailee woke up one of the unconscious guards. Although he felt anger at the way that these men had captured children for some nefarious plot, he couldn't let his anger control him; especially when the role he was playing called for him to appear dangerous. There was a difference between taking on a persona and letting those feelings influence you.

That wasn't to say he was going to make it easy on the guard, though.

"Speak for yourself" he growled at Hailee, a mask of anger contorting his face as he looked down at the man. "This guy's ex-military or somethin', I keep telling you he's not gonna just talk without a little... encouragement." A knife confiscated from another guard made the perfect prop as Zerath tested its very sharp edge with a finger. As much as possible, he'd keep his 'threats' vague and unspoken, in the hopes that the captive's imagination- and capacity to believe the Jedi to be capable of carrying out his threats- was greater than Zerath's.

Fortunately for the Jedi, their new star witness had forgotten his courage at home. The man's face paled, and he glanced desperately in Hailee's direction; the only friendly face in the room right now. "This wasn't my idea! I tried to talk them out of it! What do you want to know?"

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Hailee forced her own expression to stay as soft as possible, offering the stranger a friendly face despite internally being quite mad about the man. While she had always been rather fiery and emotional, she had learnt to control that some time ago.

It were obviously her innocent looks that aided her performance as well, apparently making the blonde Jedi seem not only trustworthy, but his only choice to get out of this unharmed as well. As the color faded from his eyes, this spiteful tone faded as well, making him glare at her with fear and despair in his eyes.

She glared over her shoulder at Zerath as though shooting him a warning glare, before she gently gazed upon the guard to her feet. As much she despised this filthy scumbag, they needed the information urgently. "Talk them out of it? Who? Who took the kids...they're just kids. We need to know who wanted them and why, and where the other ones are kept" she spoke softly, her aura still soothing and talking down to him in a way that he'd have nothing to fear from the cruel, impatient Jedi Zerath posed as.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

"I don't know!" the man implored, as Zerath leaned forward menacingly. Their captive's eyes flicked back and forth between Zerath and Hailee; pleading with one, shrinking from another. Zerath was grateful that he'd not revealed his status as a Jedi, since even holding up this act was anathematic to his values; besides, the Order had suffered enough bad PR as it was.

The captive's Adam's apple bobbed nervously as he listened to Hailee's questions, before finally relenting. "The boss! Xylorph leads the team and he takes care of the job details; said this was a big one. Lots of dough. But I don't know who was paying us, I swear! We little guys don't ask those questions."

[He's telling the truth, as far as I can tell] Zerath said to Hailee, telepathically. [And Xylorph must have been with the other crew.] Hailee had chosen a good person to interrogate; the man in front of them was much more of a follower than a leader, and apparently had strong self-preservation instincts.

Then, to the captive, who had stopped talking. "Answer her other question. Where are the other captives being kept?"

"WHERE?"

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Although her expressions were soft, she studied him intently. She could sense the fear radiating off him, but while she'd usually show more sympathy, she internally noted that they were on the right track with what they were doing.

They used a simple strategy, yet it proved to be effective as he suddenly started to crumble. He looked at her with fear in his eyes and suddenly started sharing information and she could tell that he wasn't lying. He was trying to save himself and he was truly afraid of Zerath, which was interesting, because Hailee just knew that the Knight was everything but the man he tried to pose as right now.

She nodded gratefully, giving him a faint smile before she pushed herself back to her feet. "It's okay. I believe you" she gently said to him, noting what Zerath telepathically said and how he started to threaten the guard again. She gestured for him to step back, protectively stepping in front of him, then walking back up to the guard. "You might know where they have headed...we need them. Tell me and I promise no harm will come to you".

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

A scowl seemingly permanently etched on his face, Zerath nonetheless relented as Hailee bid him step back, grateful that the uncomfortable ruse was working. Given time he might've come up with a scheme that didn't involve threatening the guard, but time, as it had been throughout this mission, was not on their side. Maybe Hailee's impulsiveness was rubbing off on him, or maybe he needed a break from the stress of fieldwork. Whatever the case, Zerath knew he would be relieved when he could drop the act. Fortunately for the Jedi, their captive was only too happy to oblige. [Well done] he complimented the Padawan, who had proven incredibly resourceful throughout this entire mission.

Before long, he and Hailee had an address belonging to a privately owned former government building where the other captives were being held, along with information that the kidnappers here had been awaiting the other van to return and pick them up. Leaving Hailee to ask any other questions of their captive, Zerath began pondering the next steps they would have to take.

He didn't get very far before the sound of an approaching vehicle registered on his senses, in the direction of the abandoned Astro out front. [We've got company] he alerted Hailee, although he was almost certain she was aware of it too.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Hailee's friendly smile widened at Zerath's praise and the information the guard voluntarily shared. He still seemed to tell the truth or at least share all the information he possessed and she was more than satisfied with it. The kids seemed to have calmed down too, so things were definitely looking better now.

"Thank you. I'll let you go as promised", she calmly said to him, however that was when she suddenly picked something up. She immediately turned her head, alerted and her muscles already tense as she looked back to Zerath. This wasn't good...'You're right...let us hide the kids and see whether that's the boss', she telepathically replied. Their highest priority was saving the kids, but they couldn't just run. They had received an adress, yet maybe the boss was coming to pick of the first child. They could use the moment of surprise but they had to be quick.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

Grateful for any excuse to drop his angry charade, Zerath unclenched his jaw and rolled the tension out of his shoulders. Muscles in his face that he didn't even know he had protested- apparently, he didn't have much experience holding a scowl- but the Jedi Knight was all business as he prepared to respond to this new threat. "Castrup, get your lazy behind out here with the kids!" squawked one of the guards' confiscated radio's.

"This way, come with me" Zerath said gently but firmly to the children, hoping that he wasn't giving them too much whiplash. First he'd been kind to them, now he was asking them to trust that he wasn't the man he'd just pretended to be to the guard. Whether they did indeed trust him, or because Hailee had silently encouraged them from behind his back, the younglings followed Zerath to a less obvious spot. "Wait here, either Hailee or I will be with you soon." Confident that the kids were safe from the casual observer, and from any stray blaster shots, Zerath returned to where Hailee was, taking strides towards the door closest to where he'd heard the van approach.

[Think we can take the van without damaging it too much?] he asked her, the beginnings of a plan falling into place. [We could drive that on our way to the other address once we get the kids picked up] he suggested, his hand already on the door. [Ready?] If Hailee gave the affirmative, he would swing the door open, hopefully allowing her a clear shot at whomever was inside the van outside.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

What came from the radio was a barked command that prompted Hailee to glance down at the device, biting her lip. It wasn't good that the kids were in here and that they had to keep them safe while simultaneously dealing with the guards.

While she ensured the guards would stay where they were, Zerath brought the children towards a safer location where they'd have to wait. Zerath soon returned, seeming less tense but still attentive.

'We'll have to try' she nodded at him, an encouraging smile crossing her lips. So far, their excellent teamwork and made the mission go smoothly, but the constant stress and alertness was a little exhausting and they still had to hurry.


Hailee readied her blaster, positioning herself in a way that she'd be able to have a clear shot and the moment of surprise on her side while Zerath finally opened the door. In one swift movement, she aimed, narrowed her eyes in concentration and shot, however, the first stun bolt missed the confused guard by an inch.

'Uh oh' she thought in slight distress, however immediately sending the next bolt at the first guard and this time hitting him. Still, they then had to evade the red blaster bolt that was sent their way by the second, now furious guard who shot with one arm and fumbled for his radio with the second, probably planning on calling for reinforcement.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

Spoiler: Roll

9/20 for shot accuracy

 

[Zerath Eblon]

After throwing open the door, Zerath's green lightsaber hissed into existence a moment later, lancing out to intercept the red blaster bolt and redirecting it harmlessly into the ground. His next action was to reach out with the Force and yank the guard's radio out of his hand, causing it to clatter across the pavement several feet away from the guard. Another lethal shot from the guard was turned aside by his lightsaber, giving Hailee another opening to attempt to down the final guard (Zerath fight roll: 15/20). How anyone could aim with consistent precision with such uncivilized weapons as blasters was beyond Zerath's comprehension, but Hailee was nonetheless doing a fine job in his opinion.

The Miralukan thought nothing of using his lightsaber and revealing his identity as a Jedi; if the kidnappers had been watching the news, they already knew that the Order was investigating the kidnappings. And assuming they could take out this guard, the kidnappers would be none the wiser that Hailee and Zerath were closing in.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Hailee noticed how Zerath perfectly deflected the bolts and then disabled the radio. The green light shed a hue on her face as she leaned to the side and aimed, finally managing to hit the other guard and thus incapacitating the man. An excited "Yes!" escaped, as she hadn't gotten much practice with blasters recently, but together with Zerath, she managed to pull it off as the guard had been a little startled by the sudden appearance of a lightsaber and the Force pull.

"Sorry...I just can't wait to bring the kids back. I feel so sorry for them...we need to end this", she said to Zerath, voiced lowered as they still didn't know whether they were being recorded before she quickly made her way over to the stunned guards and searched them. The keys to the van were with the first one and so she turned to Zerath again. "We've got the keys and a location. Maybe we should take the one guard with us...he might still be able to help", she suggested, gaze flicking back up to him before she let out a sigh. These terrible people still had the other child...

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

Hailee nailed her second attempt, and the Padawan's ensuing cheer brought Zerath's famous smile to his face. The tension of the brief fight now broken, he found himself grinning and waving away Hailee's apology. "Doing good in the galaxy feels good" he agreed. "Can you secure these guards? I'll call the governor to pick up these younglings. Then I'll load our 'star witness' into the van." With Relas and the Twi'lek girl back in safety, the Jedi could focus on what Zerath hoped would be the final stage of this mission; infiltrating the kidnappers' stronghold and liberating the remaining captives there. To that end, their captive might still have a role to play.

That wasn't to say that he was looking forward to ending his mission with Hailee- the Miralukan had found her to be a talented and reliable partner, the kind that wasn't often found in the galaxy- but at least he could put in a good word for her when she was inevitably Knighted. The corrupted kyber crustal was a bit of a concern, but he'd sensed nothing that might suggest that it held any sway over the strong-willed Padawan; another testament to her capabilities.

The governor herself, with several vehicle escorts, came to be reunited with Relas, bringing with her a similarly-overjoyed Twi'lek man that Zerath assumed to be the other youngling's parent. Zerath had stressed that no press be allowed to attend, citing the need for privacy lest the kidnappers learn about the events at the warehouse- assuming they hadn't suspected the second van's tardiness already. The Knight was pleased to see that his request had been followed.

However touching the reunion, Zerath didn't intend to stick around to bask in the glow; it was enough for him to see Relas and Macie in the arms of their grownups before turning back to the Astro. The clock was still ticking, and there were at least half a dozen captives to rescue; as well as a mastermind to reveal. Zerath jingled the keys in Hailee's direction. "Want to drive again?" he offered, also open to the task himself. Soon they would be on their way to the coordinates of the hideout.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

She was truly glad that guards had been dealt with before they could already the others, as this all meant they had the element of surprise on their side yet again. She immediately nodded, agreeing with him by adding "Yes. It's the proof that it is all worth it" before a slight smile crossed her lips and she started to tie up the guards.

When she was done, they waited for someone to pick up the kids before Hailee tended her newly won 'friend' who was still very wary of Zerath but pleadingly glanced up at her. "Don't worry. I might need your help again, but you still have my word. You'll be released right after". The man hesitantly studied her for a moment before he sighed and then nodded as he voluntarily climbed in.

They didn't have to wait long until a whole entourage came to secure the first sibling. They obviously offered their help, but after a quick chat, they could convince them to let them go alone as they would be able to move in much quicker and stealthier. Still, now that they had such a hot trace, the guards stayed close by in case they needed reinforcement to end this.

Despite the still existing tension she then turned to Zerath and managed to smile again as she asked, "Do you want to lay down on the hood again?". She couldn't stiffle the chuckle completely before she climbed into the van though and turned on the engines. It was obviously a joke, but it helped her to relax and focus afterwards. They were so close to finding the second child and saving it from the clutches of the terrorist.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

Both of Zerath's eyebrows raised simultaneously at the unexpected roast from Hailee, and despite his proximity to the guard he'd been glowering at earlier, the Knight couldn't help but respond in kind. "I was thinking of pulling rank and making you do that this time" he suggested, amusement tugged at the corners of his mouth. Like Hailee, the humor helped break some of the tension he was feeling about the next stage of their mission. Zerath hopped into the back with the captive guard, trusting that the GPS inside the Astro would guide Hailee to their next- and possibly final- destination. Although Zerath was grateful for the promised backup of the Governor's forces, he didn't want to introduce too many variables into what might be a very delicate captive situation.

The coordinates would lead the Jedi away from the abandoned industrial district and to a more affluent area; akin to the Governor's gated community, but in a different location some 20 minutes away. Like before, an armed checkpoint awaited the vehicle, and Zerath turned to their captive. "What must we do to gain access? And don't even think about betraying us" he said, darkness coloring his tone. Zerath didn't see any point in taking chances at this point, and their continued progress might hinge on a correct password or other form of admission.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Even in such a relatively tense situation he managed to lighten the mood by teasing back and thus bringing a smile to her lips. "Wow, that's harsh", she quipped back in return before she forced herself to focus again though, rolling her shoulders before moving towards the vehicle.

The two kids were in safety, one sibling included, so now it meant hurrying to get the second one. The authorities would deal with the rest of the incapacitated guard inside, so they were indeed good to go and so Hailee started the engines with the two men in the back.

Hailee kept the van steady, however while following all traffic rules appropriately, she still drove at fast pace in order not to waste any time. As they started to approach the checkpoint she could immediately sense the man's fear again, resulting in a slight grimace that spread across her face for a moment. "The...keycard. I-In my left front pocket. Just present it and they won't ask questions", came the reply. It sounded honest and it wasn't hard to tell that he was still severely intimidated and thus hopefully compliant, so Hailee waited for Zerath to handle it while she kept the vehicle in motion in order to raise any suspicions. Hailee already mentally prepared to deal with the guards outside, placing her words in her mind in case they did start to raise questions.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Zerath Eblon]

The quake in the man's voice tugged at Zerath's conscience; he didn't enjoy playing the role of a bully, and regretted not taking a softer stance with their captive. Then he remembered that this man had helped kidnap several innocents and children, and felt a little better about making the man squirm. One more glare in the man's direction, and the keycard was presented to Hailee.

As the guard promised, the van was admitted without issue, and soon their captive was giving directions to drive the Astro around the side of a particularly fancy house. Like many of the mansions both here and before, this one had a spacious, sprawling grounds with several auxiliary buildings.

What Zerath wasn't prepared for, though, was for their captive's directions to lead them underground. A sliding door, built into the road, hissed open as the Astro pulled up; revealing a descending ramp down into some kind of subterranean garage or other space. "Down there?" Zerath asked the guard; the man nodded.

The Jedi Knight sighed to himself, and contacted Hailee telepathically. [I've got a bad feeling about this...]

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Hailee tensed up in the driver's seat as she took the card and approached the guard at the entrance post. She held her breath and quietly presented the card, keeping her face completely serious and confident as if she had done this before. The man regarded her critically for a moment (or maybe she was reading too much into it and he always looked so grim), but finally pushed the button to let them in.

She let out a relieved sigh as she started setting the vehicle in motion again, however as soon as she approached the ramp, she froze in her place. Kriff...kriff kriff kriff. This underground door screamed of a trap and Hailee, too, had a very bad feeling about it.

But what where they supposed to do? They had to try...they had to get the other captives out, not for the governor's sake but because there were children in desperate need of saving. She could sense the unease radiating of Zerath and swallowed hard as she turned to the side and manevured the vehicle downwards.

'We've got this, okay? Ask him whether he knows where they'd keep hostages', she telepathically answered before biting her lip, descending further and further while her nervousity grew. But what would they even do if they'd reach the level? An idea suddenly formed in her head. 'The guards uniform...you might be able to use it and we could pretend you've caught me as well..maybe we claim I'm a rich business man's daughter and those terrorists need more leverage', she shared her thoughts immediately, gripping the wheel tightly. They'd quickly have to switch then though...so far, there hadn't been any visible cameras, so those were good news at least. No one would notice their change of plans.

@SlagathorTheUnknown