Taken

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

The blue holoprojector fizzled as Austin Wolfe appeared to the two Jedi once they had landed at Feresse's Point for their assignment. "There are many things wrong with this villainous hive," Austin began, having read report after report of the illicit dealings that went on in Jakku's primary trade hub of a city. "But that is not why you are here today." He looked intently at Knights Asher Nezza and Leto Antilles, both having been selected for the mission at hand.

"There are civilians going missing and the security in Feresse's Point might even be paid off. It is up to you, Jedi, to get to the bottom of this. We do not know if they are simply being kidnapped for ransom or being taken to be sold as slaves. Act quickly yet discreetly — regardless of your good intentions, the people are wary of Jedi."

Without any further instructions, Austin gave both Knights a final nod of approval. "I am sure you will be successful. May the Force be with you both."

@Wit @Relent​

 

[Galahad Vult]

”Good speech,” Galahad said, nodding approvingly as he glanced from the projected Austin to the man himself. ”Short and to the point. Mastery suits you well.” For this operation, the former guard had opted for a set of standard clothes made of spacer’s leather and some armoured plates — an outfit that would let him blend in to the less than savoury crowd of Feresses’ Point. Galahad had also put aside his ornate staff in lieu of a simple cane, which he was currently shifting in his hand trying to get a comfortable grip.

Before exiting the hangar into the trade hub itself, Galahad commented, ”In order for us to find these missing people, we must first discover where and when they were taken, and under what circumstances. However, I do not think the security force will be helpful in this regard. From your report, they are corrupt and will look past crime if paid well. It is entirely possible that they have not only overlooked evidence, but are even complicit in the kidnappings.” As awful an idea it was, it was still a possibility the Jedi had to account for. Galahad put forward an alternative, however. ”I propose we instead search out the families and friends of the victims. Not only will they be more willing to help us, they will know the habits of the missing people more than the officials.”

Indeed, this was not the first investigation Galahad had been on where he was looking for an individual that had disappeared. Though the search for Ralaa Talus had developed in an unexpected way, the principle of the mission was the same.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

A small chuckle escaped the mouth of the doctor upon hearing the former Temple Guard's compliment. It was true he had pre-recorded the message for Knights Asher Nezza and Leto Antilles — but they were unavailable for this assignment. After having taken care of a pride of Nexu terrorizing a local community on Ifrane, it was not a long trip for them to come to Jakku to take up the mission themselves. "I say it suits you as well, Master Vult. Though Master Fennex admonishes brevity in our Order, I think nothing will stop Councillor Guleya from giving his lectures." Austin smiled fondly as he remembered the long speech the Bardottan gave during the recent Conclave. There were likely many Knights that day who nearly nodded off, despite the valuable words that were spoken to them all.

His mind returning to the task at hand, the doctor listened as Galahad immediately began planning their first course of action. He was correct in thinking it was a bad idea to turn to the local security force — such people in crime-ridden hubs as these were usually out for their own gain than actually upholding the law. Going to the families of the victims might be helpful, but only if the relatives knew exactly what the victims were doing and were they were going when they went missing. Also dressed in casual clothes, the general populace would not recognize either Austin nor Galahad as Jedi. They did not need to be slowed down by the prejudice of the people due to the actions of other Knights many years ago.

Holding up his handheld holoprojector, data materialized above it that the doctor read aloud. "The family of the first missing person on our list is this way. They were actually the ones who reached out to us in the first place — perhaps they have no ill will towards the Order as many do." Travelling down the busy streets, the two men were largely ignored except for the occasional vendor attempting to sell their goods. Arriving at the listed location, Austin sidled up to the door and looked up and down the street of the residential area. It seemed very quiet — almost too quiet. No children played in the streets, and every single door and window was closed. "These people are scared. Let us see if they will allow us to help them," Austin commented to Galahad, reaching forward and knocking firmly on the door.

It slid open a crack, enough for the wary gaze of its inhabitant to view the two Jedi. "Who are you and what do you want?" the woman asked rudely. "We are here to help you," the doctor replied with a bow of his head. Lowering his voice considerably, he added, "And we represent the Order who you contacted." Blinking in affirmation, the woman nodded and opened the door wider to let the two inside before shutting and locking it firmly.* "We have much to discuss," she stated, walking further in and sitting on a small chair inside.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

The two men, disguised as regular spacefarers that would be commonly seen in Feresses' Point, were paid little heed as they wound their way through the streets. Various vendors filled the roadside, selling everything from guns and knives to exotic-looking meat and fruit. The shopkeepers would call out periodically, advertising their goods the old-fashioned way. Though many were likely masters of bartering and speechcraft, convincing many into purchasing objects they didn't know they wanted, Galahad could hear and sense a subtle wavering in the voices of several. These people were scared; fearful of a mysterious danger that they knew not how to protect themselves against, and only emerging from the questionable safety of their homes out of necessity. ⋮⋮ A terrible way to live indeed, ⋮⋮ the Jedi Master reflected as Austin led them to one of the kidnapping victims' homes. They were greeted at the door by an extremely suspicious woman who seemed very on edge. Though she was very curt and rude with the two visitors, Galahad could not blame her for her apprehension. Thankfully she allowed the two inside when Austin subtly hinted at their true identity.

Taking a seat across from her, Galahad rested his elbows on his knees, giving her his full attention. "Please, tell us everything. Every detail is vital." The woman sighed deeply before starting, rubbing her forehead as she recalled the events surrounding the disappearance of her loved ones. "It was hardly five days ago. My husband and son went with me to the marketplace to buy groceries. Nothing strange about the day, really. We went mid-afternoon, the sun was out. My husband and son split up from me to visit a workshop nearby while I picked out the food — said they'd only be a few minutes. They never came back."

Galahad rubbed his beard in thought. Obviously the workshop caused the most suspicion in this scenario. "This workshop you mention...where is it? And have the guards done anything to help investigate?" he inquired. The woman shook her head, however. "It's on the east side of town, just a few streets away from here." She spat with contempt before answering the Jedi's next question. "The guards? They're just thugs that brandish their badges to get what they want. You'll get no help from them. I bet you they even helped take my husband and son away from me, you mark my words." Galahad nodded slowly in understanding. Frankly he had suspected that the security force would be of no use, and he was not surprised to have his suspicions confirmed. "Thank you, ma'am. We will work hard to find your loved ones and bring justice to those responsible."

Once outside, the two Jedi immediately set off towards the east part of town where the woman had directed them. "We should question the owner of this workshop, but it is possible he will be of little use. He might be paid off as well," Galahad surmised. "You go and speak to him; I will investigate the streets nearby to find any clues that might help us track these kidnappers." While the perpetrators may have taken lengths to cover their activity, the Jedi had the Force on their side.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The Jedi fell silent, giving the grieving woman their undivided attention. Austin reached out with his sense as subtly as he could, discerning that there was no guile in her words. It would be ironic indeed if she had simply told the Jedi lies to have them kidnapped as well. ⋮⋮ Five days...we have little time to act, ⋮⋮ the doctor mused as she described the circumstances of her husband and son's disappearance. He had the same thoughts as Galahad about the location of their disappearance — it would be prudent of them to search the area and question the owner of the shop. Indeed, Austin's previous report was correct in that the local security was a joke, cons that masqueraded as keepers of the peace. Allowing his fellow Jedi Master to do the majority of the speaking, the doctor also bowed his head in respect as they stood to leave and begin their investigation.

"I sense something dark at work here," Austin murmured as they discussed their plan of action. "Whether it is from the keeper of the workshop or the nature of the kidnapping, we shall see. I hope that we are not too late." It did not take the two Jedi long to reach the marketplace where the woman described she and her family were earlier that week. Asking nearby vendors, it was not difficult to discern where the workshop was and Austin made his way to the area quickly. A quick glance along the street gave him no indication of what had happened not five days prior — perhaps speaking with the shop owner would reveal more to the Jedi.

Arriving at the shop, a sturdy-looking man* walked up while polishing an unknown metal part. He nodded to Austin silently, waiting for the disguised Jedi to speak first. "Greetings," the doctor began, deciding to get straight to the point instead of beating around the bush. "Around five days ago, a man and his son were kidnapped just outside your shop. Do you know anything about the circumstances?" The man seemed to bristle at the question, shaking his head and narrowing his eyes. "I didn't see anythin'. If yer not gonna buy somethin, then get outta my shop." He turned his back to Austin, continuing to polish whatever it was he held.

But the doctor would not be dissuaded so easily, and this man definitely seemed to know something of the ordeal. Standing his ground, he replied firmly to the shopkeeper, "I am investigating their disappearance. If you will not cooperate, then I will have no choice than to take you in for further questioning." Reaching inside his jacket, he extracted his lightsaber though did not ignite it. The man, curious, turned his head and his eyes widened upon seeing the lightsaber. Raising his hands defensively, he immediately spilled.* "Alright, alright — geez, didn't know the Jedi were involved. Some hooded blokes came in around then and paid me to keep quiet, they nabbed the both of 'em and that was it. I just don't want my shop getting sacked."

Austin nodded curtly in reply, replacing his lightsaber back to its hidden spot in his jacket. "Thank you for your cooperation. Hopefully soon enough, Feresse's Point will be much safer for you all." Exiting the workshop, the doctor awaited Galahad to meet up with him so they could continue their investigation.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad nodded to Austin's observation of the situation as they made their way through the dingy streets. "Indeed. While perhaps it is not the cold corruption of the Dark Side as in times past, I still feel the darkness and foreboding of cruelty and greed," the Master replied in a low tone. Thankfully the woman's directions were sound and the workshop's location was fairly obvious. However, Galahad immediately observed that the roads surrounding the shop's location were tighter and more secluded than those near the main thoroughfare.

Allowing Austin to head inside the shop to investigate, Galahad kept his senses open as he searched the surroundings outside for clues. If his friend were attacked at all, the ex-guard would know immediately. Master Vult examined the streets to find any evidence of a scuffle. Several meters away from the workshop, he managed to find a set of unusual tracks, possibly hinting at a fight or struggle.* However, upon closer examination, Galahad realized that the tracks left behind were mostly from a large animal that had stumbled in the mud under a heavy load, with one set of human footprints goading it back to its feet.* Unable to find any more evidence, the ex-guard made his way back to the workshop's entrance, remembering that the pair had disappeared five days ago. ⋮⋮ Much could have happened since then. The weather may have destroyed any evidence left behind, ⋮⋮ Galahad considered.

Just as he was about to enter the workshop, he noticed from his peripheral vision a strangely-shaped tarp covering a large object stashed carelessly by the side of the shop, as though it was placed there in a hurry. While the cover hid most of what was underneath, one corner revealed the spokes of what looked like a speeder. Stepping over and pulling the tarp off, the Jedi's presumption proved to be correct. Oddly enough, the keys were still in the ignition as well. Stepping onto the vehicle, Galahad attempted to start it, but the swoop would not turn over. Making a mental note of this information, he headed over to the workshop's entrance to meet the doctor. "While I did not discover any tracks indicating a struggle, I did find this," Master Vult relayed to his friend, pointing out the broken down speeder. "It is broken down, but the keys are still in the ignition and it was placed here strangely and not covered entirely. I believe this may have belonged to our perpetrators — they must have left it behind when it stopped working and they could no longer use it." While the observation may have been a stretch, it was at least a start. "Did you glean any information from the shopkeeper?" Though it had been many days since the kidnapping, perhaps there was just enough evidence left behind for the Jedi to track down the criminals.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Seeing his companion, Austin approached Galahad as the former Temple Guard spoke first and pointed to the broken-down speeder around the side of the shop. "Most intriguing," the doctor commented, stepping slowly towards it and investigating the vehicle while his friend spoke. In response to Galahad's question, Austin chuckled as he replied. "He held no secrets. It seems these kidnappers paid him off — although from whom, I do not know, as the local security will do nothing anyway. These men kidnapped the father and son in the shop, and must have made their escape from here. We are hot on their trail." Having finished reporting his findings, the doctor stepped forward and casually ran a hand along the seat of the speeder. His mind was suddenly struck with a vision — cascades of emotions and thoughts of others from days prior.

"It won't start!" One of the shrouded figures voiced.

"Then leave it, we have to get back to camp. We can't bribe all the guards, and it won't be long before someone realizes we're on the outskirts."

Austin's eyes shot wide open and he collapsed on his knees, ripping his hand away from the speeder. A cold sweat had broken out over his brow, his heart beat fast, and he breathed heavily. "Another psychometric vision," the doctor gasped, mentally calming himself to be able to relay what he had just seen. "I am never prepared for them, nor am I able to control them, it seems. I...saw the kidnappers. They mentioned something about having a camp on the outskirts."

Slowly rising to his feet, using the wall of a building instead of the speeder to help him up, Austin looked solemnly towards his companion. "We will need to move quickly. I do not think they will be on the outskirts for much longer." Seeing as the mechanic's shop was near the edge of Feresse's Point, it made sense for them to kidnap the father and son so close to the outskirts. Looking down the rest of the street, Austin began walking briskly in the direction of the rolling fields of grass past the settlement buildings. "If there is a ravine over that ridge, that would be an excellent place for a camp. They would be close to the city and yet far enough to remain unseen."

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

While Austin had found a good amount of information from the paid-off shopkeeper, Galahad could not ignore the fact that they still had no information about the kidnappers' whereabouts nor any way of tracking them. However, just as he was about to express his thoughts, the doctor was suddenly crippled momentarily by what appeared to be a vivid vision. Initially alarmed, the ex-guard recalled a very similar scenario they were faced with on Corellia, where they were chasing after the Spyder's thieves and Austin experienced a psychometric vision. Even after researching the phenomenon, neither of them fully understood how they were triggered or under what circumstances. However, it seemed that in this moment the Force would aid them in their plight once again.

After recovering from his intense vision, Master Wolfe relayed what he had learned to Galahad. Following after his companion, Vult commented, "Aye, we should move with all haste. However, we must consider the possibility that they have already left, as it is five days since the incident. The best we can hope for is that they have been sloppy and left behind evidence of their presence." As they walked out of the city and into the long grass towards the ridge, Galahad found himself wishing that they had been able to rent a speeder or even fix the one that was broken. However, his training resided in the study of combat and the Force; though he could pilot vehicles, understanding and fixing them was far beyond his comprehension.

Several minutes later, the two Jedi finished climbing the hill, revealing a steep slope downward just like Austin had surmised. A fast-flowing stream cut through the center of the valley far below, and the other bank was lined with a thick row of trees that spread out into a great forest. There were no signs of a camp or outpost anywhere in sight, but Galahad was far from giving up. "Perhaps these brigands are smarter than we have initially presumed," Galahad murmured as he observed the surrounding landscape. He could tell that something about it was off, but couldn't quite place a finger on exactly what. Using the Force to guide his descent, Master Vult slowly made his way to the bottom of the hill, resting gently by the riverside. Looking back towards the cliff face, the muscular Jedi spied what he was before unable to see: a large cleft in the rock that led into the side of the ridge. "Austin, look! Perhaps the perpetrators have taken shelter in there," he called out to the doctor. The kidnappers would not remain unhindered for long.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

"We shall have to accept that possibility if we come upon it," Austin replied in response to Galahad's warning that the kidnappers may have already left. "Though that depends on the nature of the kidnapping. If they are being sold as slaves, then they may wait until they have captured a full freighter's worth. Otherwise, taking the captives offworld to ransom them would be most unwise of them." Leaving the bounds of Feresse's Point, the Jedi Masters continued along the grassy fields together and said little while they walked. It was not long indeed until they came upon the ridge, although upon crossing over they found nothing. However, they would not lose hope just yet — Austin and Galahad would be persistent until they had completely exhausted their search for the missing villagers. Perhaps once they were found, the people's faith in the Order would be restored after long years of distrust.

Following Master Vult down the hillside, a gap in the cliff face became apparent to the two Jedi. "Good eye, Galahad! This would be a perfect place for them to make camp, especially so close to Feresse's Point. Let us keep an eye out for —" Austin was unable to finish, as the sound of a blaster rang out and grazed the pauldron of the doctor's field medic robes.* He spun, eyeing a sniper that was positioned far at the top of the cliffside. "We need not worry about that guard. We are already on their doorstep. Inside!" With that, he gripped Galahad's muscular shoulder and ducked into the cave. "It seems we have arrived at the correct place. I feel the captors are not far ahead," Austin commented confidently. Striding onward ahead, he knew that it would take the sniper far too long to make it down the cliff to apprehend them — however, it was likely he had made the others aware of the intruder's presence.

As the duo made their way through the cavern, they were met by the barrels of two mercenaries.* Commanding his azure lightsaber to his hands and igniting it in one movement, Austin readied himself as the shots blasted toward them. Deflecting a couple shots, the doctor was not entirely successful in doing so and took another hit to his pauldron.*

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Just as Austin caught up with Galahad, the familiar sense of incoming danger flared up once again, and the ex-guard reflexively summoned a Force Barrier around himself. A sniper's snot suddenly ripped through the air, glancing off of Austin's pauldron and fizzing out. Not allowing their attacker to get another shot off, Galahad ducked and zigzagged about to throw off the sniper's aim. "That was too close for comfort," Galahad remarked once he and the doctor had entered the relative safety of the cave.

Just as his companion had said, Master Vult could also sense several presences deeper into the cliffside. While a typical police force might have given up the investigation at this point, the kidnappers were far unprepared to throw off two trained Jedi Masters from their trail. Despite their failed attempts to cover their tracks, the criminals were far from unprepared; the two Jedi had hardly walked fifty paces into the cavern's depths before they were looking down the blaster rifles of two guards. Both Austin and Galahad drew their sabers as one, and though Master Wolfe was not entirely successful in deflecting every shot, he ultimately emerged unscathed. While their focus was drawn on his friend, Master Vult sprung into action, stabbing the closest guard with his saber and knocking the other soundly unconscious with his Aperion-charged staff.* Thus their first obstacle was overcome, but it would likely be far from their last.

Deeper in the cave, they discovered the kidnappers' real base of operations. Inside stood a makeshift communications device, with which the perpetrators likely broadcasted their victim's ransoms to the populace. In one corner stood several cages with multiple civilians tied up inside, and on the opposite side of the room was a small circle of rocks set up like makeshift chairs with several empty cans and bottles of alcohol littered across the stone floor. Six scruffy-looking men* leaned and sat against the chairs, hands on their holsters after hearing the commotion outside. Seeing the two intruders, the mercenaries rushed to their feet, hands scrambling with their weapons to combat the two Jedi. Despite the presence of alcohol everywhere, the men did not seem very inebriated.* Spying the prisoners, Galahad quickly made his way over to them, positioning himself between them and the ruffians. "Austin, block their escape! I will defend the civilians!" he shouted, raising his saber in a defensive stance and launching a wave of Force energy at the kidnappers. Though failing to knock the group off their feet, the Jedi Master managed to stagger them long enough to create a brief opening before they opened fire.*

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Knowing that his companion had ignited his lightsaber as well, Austin stepped back behind the protective form of Galahad who easily dispatched the two guards. Checking himself over, the doctor discovered that his pauldron was quite fried and likely wouldn't offer much in the way of protection in the coming fight. Gripping his lightsaber more firmly, he nodded to the former Temple Guard as they advanced through the cavern. Having been spied earlier by the sniper, Austin was not surprised to see that they were all ready for the arrival of the intruders. However, it was clear that they had not taken into consideration that they were being confronted by Jedi Masters. If the glow of the blue and golden lightsabers were not enough, the wave of Force energy was convincing enough.

One of the men decided, instead of opening fire, to pull the pin on a grenade and lob it towards the Jedi.* "No! You fool —" one of them shouted as Austin easily gripped the weapon with the Force and tossed it back upon the group of mercenaries.* Although several dove for cover, the grenade exploded powerfully and instantly killed three of the men.* Seeing no need to close the distance, the doctor looked to the ceiling and gripped it with the Force. The rocks trembled and cracked, coming loose from the roof of the cavern and collapsing on top of the remaining mercenaries.* However, it continued to crack and rumble menacingly.

Quickly moving towards Galahad, Austin stated firmly, "We must free these people now. It will not be long before this cavern collapses upon us all." With his azure blade still ignited, he flicked it at the locks of the steel cages as he passed them — the doors then swinging wide open. Beckoning to those inside, he gave them all a warm smile. "Come quickly now, we are not safe just yet."

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Though Galahad had taken position to guard the civilians, his efforts ultimately were not needed. For some reason one of the men decided to throw a grenade inside the cave, which likely would have wounded the Jedi as well as their prisoners, which was just bad for business. Obviously one of them noticed how idiotic such a move was, but it was already too late. Austin immediately leapt into action, redirecting the grenade back into the group of mercenaries and killing half of them right away. Not even giving the others a chance to recover and retaliate, the doctor repeated the same tactic as the two Masters had on Ifrane, grasping the ceiling of the cave and bringing down upon the unsuspecting criminals. The rocks fell, and they all died.

The prisoners now free from their captivity, they all quickly huddled together in the room, many of them thanking their saviours. Moving ahead of the group, Galahad warned them, "Stay close, and stick behind us. There is still one last guard that will likely try to stop us." Looking back, the bearded Jedi saw many of them nodding somberly, their faces haggard and dirty but expressions grim and determined. They must have already gone through hell, and there was only one last hurdle before they finally earned their freedom. One from the group, a middle-aged man, rummaged quickly through a nearby corpse as though desperately searching for something valuable. From the dead captor's belongings, he pulled a wide-rimmed cap and two beautifully crafted blaster pistols, which he strapped knowingly — lovingly, even — to his sides. ⋮⋮ So they kidnapped both spacers and civilians...how brazen, ⋮⋮ Master Vult mused as they made their way outside into the lush valley.

Just as Galahad predicted, the sniper that had spied them earlier was now waiting for them, standing on the other side of the river and aiming down his scope. "Freeze! Move a single muscle and I—" A shape beside Galahad flashed almost faster than he could comprehend, and the kidnapper never finished his sentence; with a perfectly-aimed blaster bolt to the forehead and heart, he was dead before he hit the ground. Looking askance, the ex-guard saw the gritty spacer from earlier, who simply twirled his blasters into their holsters with a beautifully practiced flourish. "Phenomenal marksmanship," Galahad marvelled. The middle-aged man offered a quick nod in acknowledgement. "Thanks. Let's get outta here."

◊ ◊ ◊​

The Jedi and the civilians made it back to Feresse's Point safely and with no further incidents. The two Jedi were thanked again and again by both the released people and their families alike, promising that they would never forget their kind deeds. As the townsfolk eventually dispersed, the only one left standing was the scruffy spacer from earlier. Approaching him, Galahad extended a hand. "Many thanks for your assistance. Mind if I ask your name, good sir?" The man gave him an incredulous smirk, eyebrow raised. "Heh, no problem, but I'm not good nor a sir; just call me Theo." A bell rang in recognition in the ex-guard's mind, his curiosity piqued. Could it be? "Theo Graves, by any chance?" he asked. Theo eyed the Jedi suspiciously, looking him up and down again. "Yeah, that's me...hang on, do I know you?" Grinning widely at the coincidence, Master Vult chuckled as he patted the gunslinger on the shoulder. "No, but a certain droid mechanic on Ojom does." Theo's expression changed instantly, his eyes widening in disbelief. "No way...good ol' Gellart actually did it..." "Creed said he could always use an extra pair of hands in the shop. Send him our regards." Shaking both Galahad and Austin's hands in turn, the gunslinger tipped his hat in thanks before rushing off towards the trade hub's hangar, ready to meet an old friend.

Thus the Jedi Masters' mission was complete, having returned the civilians to their families, restored the Order's standing with the populace of Jakku, and brought two long-lost friends together once again. Today was a good day.

Fin​