Escalation Protocol

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

Seeing no need to stop anywhere else, Austin Wolfe and Galahad Vult decided to travel back to the Web after raiding the Spyder’s vault of black market goods on asteroid J-1314-009. Though all of the illegal merchandise had been burned to the ground, aside from the Arkanian Dragon that now sat comfortably upon Galahad’s shoulder, there was nothing stopping the Spyder from simply choosing a new warehouse and rebuilding his market. To fully complete their assignment, the two Jedi Masters would need to stop the eccentric Besalisk crime lord himself. Whether that meant locking him away or a fight to the death, a serious confrontation awaited the Spyder. Even now, the words of Gellart Creed returned to Austin’s mind as he pondered their next course of action. The Spyder, though a criminal mastermind, had also done some good to the people on the Web. If nothing else, he had given the droid mechanic a chance at a new life. Perhaps the Jedi needed to think what was best for the people in this situation.

”In conclusion, you have done me a great service freeing me from those brigands,” 10-NT spoke, clearly finishing a long and detailed story about his previous owners. Austin realized he had completely tuned out the medical droid in his thoughts, ignoring the tale until now. ”Ah, you are very welcome, Tennant,” the doctor replied. ”Remind me though, how did you come to have a restraining bolt on yourself? Surely it wasn’t from speaking too much.”

The dark grey droid turned, looking at Austin as incredulously as his dull yellow photoreceptors could. ”Why, I just explained it! I attempted to foil an operation of my previous owners — I am not programmed for theft or interrogation. My efforts failed, resulting in the restraining bolt.”

”Ah yes,” Austin replied, feigning remembrance. ”And your free will has been thus inhibited until now.” 10-NT turned his head back to the viewport of the Azarael, somewhat confused. ”I had not detected anything wrong with your hearing. Perhaps I shall have to do a more thorough inspection later.”

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

While Austin half-listened as the medical droid droned on about his previous misadventures before his restraining bolt, Galahad was instead sitting in the back of the Azarael with the dragon hatchling in his lap. "What shall I call you?" he asked it rhetorically. Never in his life did he think he would own a pet, never mind have to name one. However, if this creature truly was bonded to him for life, then Galahad knew he could not simply leave it without an identity. For most of their trip back to the central trade hub of Ojom, the Jedi Master had been racking his brain, constantly thinking of and tossing out names.

Soon enough, the medical triage set down in one of the Web's many public hangar bays. This new ship of Austin's would make interplanetary travel far easier for the two Jedi instead of having to rely on public transport or borrowing one of the Order's few shuttles; and for now, it would serve as a temporary home for the young Arkanian Dragon. As Galahad rose to his feet, preparing to complete the final stretch of their mission, a thought occurred to him. Until now, he had been thinking of normal pet names that people would use for birds or canines — all completely unfit for a legendary, ferocious creature such as an Arkanian Dragon. Stretching out a hand to allow the white-scaled reptile to crawl up onto his shoulder, a new idea came to Galahad as to what he would name his new bonded companion. "Felwinter. That is what I shall call you," the bearded Jedi decided.

Stepping down the boarding ramp of the Azarael, Galahad took a few moments to find his bearings as to where they were located on the massive trade station. After quickly consulting a map on his holopad, he set off in the direction of the Spyder's hotel with the doctor at his side. "I know we have not spoken of it since, but Gellart's words have wisdom to them," Master Vult began. "While in recent times the Order has taken upon themselves to entirely remove oppressive powers in a region, perhaps in this situation such an act would not be most beneficial to the people. While the Spyder has made a living from his underground trades, perhaps he would still be a benefit to this region if he were allowed to continue his legal business." While in the past the two Jedi had kept themselves under a low profile on Ojom, now they had no need to do so. Today they were Jedi, and today the Spyder would meet justice.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

As they approached the docking bay of the massive trade hub, Austin could tell that something was amiss. The previous times they had visited the space station above Ojom, it was busy but everyone ran about their business fairly calmly nonetheless. As the Azarael slowed, landing in an open spot in a hangar bay, the doctor noticed that the streets were more quiet than usual. Looking around the port as they exited the ramp, the Jedi Master mentally noted that most of the ships leaving seemed to be gunboats and security ships. Out of the corner of his eye, the doctor noticed multiple squads of bodyguards patrolling the area. Though they had taken no notice of the new arrivals, it was best to not draw more attention to themselves than was necessary.

"Come, we must leave the hangar — quickly," Austin prompted. Looking at the noticeably white creature perched happily on his friend's shoulder, the doctor went on to explain why. "I sense that the Spyder has discovered his vault was raided — or in the very least something is wrong. All the patrols are on high alert, and we have just arrived on his doorstep with his own ship. Not only that, but some might be aware that your Arkanian Dragon was once the property of the Spyder." Turning and addressing the lanky, seven-foot droid, Austin commanded in a low voice, "Stay with the ship, Tennant. Contact us if anything goes amiss." The medical droid half-bowed in a jerky, robotic way, and then strutted on board. Despite addressing the Jedi Master as his "companion", he certainly followed orders well enough.

Continuing onward into the depths of the trade hub, by now the streets were quite familiar — even though Galahad searched for the best route to the hotel. Despite both being dressed in their Jedi Master attire and accompanied by the presence of Felwinter, they were not stopped by any guards on their way.* While certainly receiving a few sideways looks from civilians as they passed, none made any attempt to halt the Jedi. Arriving at the hotel entrance, they approached the reception desk and were greeted warmly by the woman attending it. "Greetings," Austin addressed her with a smile. "We are here to see the Spyder. Would you be so kind as to open the door?"

The woman gaped at them, mumbling something unintelligent and slowly reaching for the security comms — clearly not going to allow them entry.* Austin sighed, reaching out a hand and calling upon the Force. Dulling her senses in a second, she collapsed into her chair in a deep slumber. "Looks as though we shall have to force our way in." the doctor commented, facing the wall where they knew the entrance was.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad also made note of the large increase in security in the station, most of which were currently boarding ships and heading out. ⋮⋮ They must be leaving to investigate the warehouse, ⋮⋮ Master Vult surmised. Though there was no evidence that the two Jedi had been the cause of its destruction, it would still be prudent for them to quicken their pace so as to not be preemptively apprehended.

Though they easily made their way into the Spyder's hotel, it seemed that the receptionist would not grant them an audience with the businessman. Austin acted quickly, immediately putting her to sleep before she could contact security. Galahad nodded at Austin's comment, turning to face the door as well. It was a good thing they had met the Spyder in person the day before, or they would not have known where to look for him. Grasping the hidden door with the Force, the muscular Jedi strained for a few moments before the lock gave way, revealing the hallway down to the masked Besalisk's hideout.* The three* guards placed in the hallway, previously slouched lazily against the wall, suddenly bolted up to attention to intimidate the two newcomers. Initially going to let them pass, one of the men looked over to see the woman at the desk slouched over in her chair, obviously incapacitated or possibly even dead at the hands of their visitors.* "Hey! Stop right there!" he demanded, drawing his gun on the two Jedi. Expecting such a poor welcome, Galahad reacted instantly, launching a Force push down the hallway against the guards. Though not launched off their feet, the three men were thrown strongly against the wall, stunning them. It was clear that these two were not just mere invaders, but were in fact two Jedi Masters experienced in the use of the Force. Galahad did not see the need to draw his saber, and instead planted his staff firmly in front of him and imbued it with Aperion, making the crystal atop it glow vibrantly. On his shoulder, Felwinter extended his neck and bared his rows of sharp fangs, snarling as viciously as a day-old dragon hatchling could. "You would be wise to let us pass without further aggression," Galahad warned the bodyguards. Gritting their teeth, the men plastered themselves against the walls of the corridor, heeding Vult's words and no longer inhibiting the Jedi.*

As the Jedi Masters entered the central chamber that housed the Spyder, they were surprisingly initially ignored. The room was abuzz with activity, people and droids scurrying about as the overlord besalisk barked out commands. Obviously he had learned of what had taken place on asteroid J-1314-009, and was desperately trying to get a handle on the situation and recover from his sudden massive loss of merchandise. However, the room's occupants all fell silent as one when the warrior-monks' presence became apparent. The Spyder leaned back in his throne, laughing wryly as everything became clear. "Heh, so it was you! I see you've now shed your disguises, Jedi. Really though, I never would have suspected your kind to be so...deceitful," he spat, questioning the two Jedi Masters' methods and morality. He extended his two upper arms outward, his two lower ones clutching the armrests of his chair and meticulously tapping in visible annoyance. "Well, now you have my full attention. What is it you want this time?" he asked, his voice laced with no small amount of frustration and bitterness.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Now that the receptionist was knocked out, it was time for the Jedi to act quickly and without hesitation. Without a second thought, Galahad opened the way for them by bypassing the door's lock. Striding with haste through the doorway, the Jedi Masters were immediately disrupted by three guards blocking their path. However, just three mediocre guards stood no chance against such a master of the Force as Galahad, never mind Austin as well. There simply was no need to draw their weapons — any resistance was clearly futile against such insurmountable odds. The guards obliged to let the Jedi pass, though growled their dissent under their breath. Austin said nothing, seeing no need to add to his companion's warning as he also passed by the men on their way to the Spyder's lair. Entering the crime lord's chamber, the two Jedi Masters stood side by side as they confronted him.

His greeting was less than pleasant, as they expected. Austin allowed the jab at their morality in how they acted to pass by, not even acknowledging the accusation. The doctor spoke first to make their position clear. "I am Master Austin Wolfe, and this is Master Galahad Vult. We have been investigating your black market dealings since we apprehended your men in Coronet City some time ago." The Spyder's free upper arms spasmed in shock, a choked "Gah!" escaping his helmeted head in response. He clearly had known about the disruption, though only now realizing fully what had happened. "In short, the Order is aware of your illicit business, and we have destroyed your goods on Void station."

The Spyder chuckled ruefully. "So you have. Though you've taken my most...valuable purchase and made it a pet," he pointed accusingly at Felwinter. "You have no idea what lengths I went to acquire that specimen. Arkanian Dragons are rare and highly sought after, you know." Austin waved his hand dismissively. "Your business dealings are finished, Spyder. With the authority granted to us by the Order, we have every right to apprehend you and take you to trial, where you would be charged guilty and face many years in a prison cell." He paused, letting his words hang in the air — having gotten used to such a tactic in the Trials of Mastery. Not a soul in the chamber breathed, and the crime lord only then realized exactly what he faced at the hands of the Jedi. "However," the doctor continued, "we have seen the good that you have done for the people of this station and for those who make Ojom their home. We are charged with peacekeeping, not just apprehending ill-doers."

At this point, the Spyder shifted uncomfortably in his suspended "throne". "Whatever you want, I'm sure we can make a deal," he began, though Austin cut him off by holding up a hand. "The Order has the best interest of the people in mind. So, we have decided to leave you in power," At this, the crime lord perked up and the doctor could see his business-minded thoughts churning. "But you are henceforth prohibited from dealing in illegal trade, and shall provide the Order with a cut of your system trades." A low growl escaped from the Spyder as he raised a lower limb and scratched his chin thoughtfully. "This is the only deal we are willing to give you. Your influence keeps people happy in the Web, and we are willing to allow that to continue." The Besalisk remained in thought for a few more moments before looking back towards the Jedi Masters. "It's a deal."

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Though the Spyder was visibly frustrated with the turn of events, it seemed that he had little choice but to accept the Jedi's offer. Austin and Galahad had completely dismantled his black market operation under his nose, and now there was nothing he could do about it. Though now he would likely not make nearly as much money as he used to, he would get to keep both his freedom and his position of influence over Ojom. As much as the Spyder would dislike the options at his disposal, it was ultimately in his best interests to accept the deal — and in the end, he did.

Heading towards the main lobby of the hotel, they passed by the secretary on their way out, who was just starting to wake up. As they walked by the desk and out the door, she blinked several times, visibly confused as to what had just happened. However, with the two Jedi taking their leave, she saw no reason to call security anymore, and instead continued her work as if nothing had happened at all. Galahad realized that she and the rest of the kingpin Besalisk's crew would likely get their ears chewed off soon. In any case, the Jedi Masters' work was complete. Not only had they secured the assistance of a trade hub for the Order, but Austin now owned a Medical Triage in pristine condition, and Galahad was now bonded with an incredibly rare creature for life. However, whether the latter would prove to be beneficial or not remained to be seen.

Reaching the hangar bay that held their ship, a figure with a robotic arm leaned against a wall nearby. "So, it all worked out in the end, eh?" The ruddy black-haired mechanic remarked, a wry smirk on his face. "You two are bloody nuts, but you actually got it to work. Congrats, I suppose. Looks like you got some pretty sweet loot, too." He glanced incredulously at the white lizard now perched on Galahad's shoulder, not fully registering how special the dragon was but recognizing that it was an exotic pet nonetheless. Galahad smiled, bowing lightly in gratitude. "Many thanks for your assistance, Gellart Creed; we could not have completed the operation without your help. The Jedi Order is in your debt." The droid mechanic seemed to cringe slightly at that last word, but he let it slide nonetheless and offered a quick nod in response. "Don't mention it. As long as you let Spyder there keep a handle on things here, then we'll call it even." "It is done. We forbade him from continuing his black market, but he is otherwise free to continue his work," Master Vult replied, much to Creed's relief. Gathering himself, he offered the two Jedi Masters a final nod in farewell. "Aight. Take care of yourselves, now." With that, he ambled away down the street back towards his shop. Galahad gazed after the man, dwelling momentarily on how much the mechanic had been able and willing to help them even without the use of a supernatural power such as the Force. ⋮⋮ Hope and goodness can be found in the most unlikely places, it seems, ⋮⋮ the ex-guard thought before boarding the Azarael. Taking a seat, he plopped Felwinter on the spot next to him, finally able to rest from the mission. Their investigation was complete, and it was time to go home.

Fin​