Searching for Cayde

Searching for Cayde
Date of Scene:	26 September 2025
Location:	Kublop Springs - Tenoo - Outer Rim
Synopsis:	Cayde is missing. His friends search for him in the forest surrounding Kublop
Cast of Characters:	1, Navi, Zetha Rumir, Pike Windu, 141, Cayde Alexis, 195

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Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Padawan Alexis, co-deputy of Aklyrr Bend has been missing for two and a half days.

    After searching Kublop for several fruitless hours, Dr. Cassias had taken it upon himself to organize a more formal search party. He'd returned to Aklyrr Bend to put out the call to anyone who would be willing to aid, especially those who were familiar with the young Jedi. This was followed by two more days of searching both towns to no avail.

    On this third day of searching, the party has been requested to gather in Kublop again to meet and discuss where to take the search next. Thus far, there hasn't been any evidence that he'd taken any vehicles, so that at least meant he can't have gone far. There has been no sign of him in either settlement, which meant that he must be somewhere out in the wilds. However, that still left quite a bit of ground to cover, so hopefully everyone has been doing their own investigation in the meantime and at least -someone- has come up with some kind of lead.

    The doctor himself has not yet arrived, but some other townsfolk who had volunteered are about, either waiting for him or doing their own searching.

Navi has posed:
Navi had told the doctor the truth about going back to the colony she called, "Whatever Bend'. She went back, stuck the pin of her Deputy Marshal badge through the wall of her hab shelter, and went to bed. Nothing was seen of her at all until the next morning, when she was seen in town all day, visibly working at enforcing the law. The same was true of the next day.

The morning after, she was on the tram to Kublop Springs before the sun came up, with some reluctance and a slightly bent badge pin. "I just know I'm going to regret this..." she murmurs, watching the scenery go by while she meditates. Talking to a few of the other colonists reveals that Cayde might have been seen at the convent after he ran away, so once the tram arrives in town, she sets off in that direction at a brisk pace.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Upon arriving there, Navi is greeted warmly by the Disciples of the Whill. Akira, who is among the more friendly ones who like to greet guests approaches her. "Navi," she says with a smile, bowing slightly as the Sephi comes toward the door. "I hope you're well. What brings you to our humble doorstep today?"

Navi has posed:
"Good morning," Navi replies quietly. "Sadly, this is not a social call. I'm looking for Padawan Alexis. There are some rumors that he came here approximately two days ago?"

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Akira frowns at this. Yes, she'd heard about the padawan going missing a couple of days ago. "Ah. I...heard that there is a search party for him. I haven't seen him myself. But if anyone has, it would've had to be Crane. Unfortunately he isn't here right now, though he'll be back soon. Perhaps I can be of assistance? Anything unusual happen before he disappeared? Any indication that he intended to go anywhere without a definite plan to return? And I take it you have already tried his commlink..."

Navi has posed:
"I haven't. But only because he never answers. Not even text transmissions," Navi replies softly. "And he stalked off in anger. If he had plans to return, he didn't share them. My best guess is that he went searching for Master Rykard, or possibly the Marauders."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    "Well, you never know until you try. It couldn't hurt, could it?" Akira offers, smirking a little. Then she sobers up again. "It seems to me that if he didn't plan to return, he should've informed -someone-, even if not everyone, given his position. So perhaps something has happened that is preventing him from doing so."

    "Sounds like you have at least a couple of guesses. Have you tried searching wherever you last found Master Rykard? Or the marauders' camp?"

Navi has posed:
Navi shakes her head, giving her badge a desultory tap with her fingertip. "Someone had to cover Whatever Bend until Cayde returned, and the doctor was organizing the search at the time," she explains. "I came out today because he still hasn't returned. Anyway, Cayde has never been the kind to tell people anything about where he's going, or what he's doing. It's a large part, I suspect, of why nobody has found him yet. So maybe he's being prevented from returning, or maybe he's still mad. There is a lot of ground between those two extremes."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    "Perfectly understandable." Akira replies, nodding. She looks pensive a moment. "You said he was angry....what was it about? I don't know him well, but he doesn't seem to be the sort with a bad temper. At any rate, it sounds as if starting with Master Rykard or the marauders is as good a place to start as any."

Navi has posed:
"A conflict between the wishes of the Jedi Council and trying to do justice," Navi explains, with a weary sigh. "It's a long story. He saw things one way, we saw them another, and things got messy. Volk was critical of Cayde's actions during the dispute, most of it was accurate, and Cayde walked off in a temper. I told him I was going back to Whatever Bend and that he's better get to the tram or catch the next one back, because we're not supposed to be outside of the colony alone. He signed some things he might be regretting right now and kept right on walking."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Even though things with Wiis have gone better-ish, Zetha is still staying at the convent. Mostly because - now - Wiis is planning to renovate the junkyard. So she comes out of the room in the convent she's been staying in and is about to head out entirely when she notices Navi and a woman she hasn't met before. "Navi..." Zetha begins, changing her course to walk over to her friend. "I'm guessing still nothing from Cayde, eh? I've been hearing whispers in the air that he's missing. I've been thinking of offering my help with trying to find him. I feel partly guilty as to him disappearing."

Pike Windu has posed:
    A concerned Windu finds Navi. The elder Jedi sighs a heartfelt sigh. "I can find no sign."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    "Volk? You don't mean..." Akira seems confused for a moment. "Oh, right. Not that one. Was that one of the Mandalorians who arrived some days ago? And what exactly do you mean by 'we'? You, and the Mandalorians?"

    "Hmm, the Powers of the Mind are strong with him, is that right? I know that people with such gifts can sometimes become lost, especially when young."

    She smiles warmly again when Pike and Zetha approach. "Ah, Master Pike. I hope this day finds you well. And you too, Zetha. I do hope your stay here has been most comfortable."

Navi has posed:
"He is. He is friends with both Cayde and myself. He is a good man, but tact has never been his strong suit," Navi replies. "I was not in full agreement with the Mandalorians on this matter... as I said, it's a long story, and one I don't really have time to go into at the moment. But the Jedi solution would have made a great injustice far greater, and that became overwhelmingly clear at the time. Even in the face of this, Cayde refused to reconsider. That's why Volk criticized him."

She looks up as Master Windu and Zetha approach. "Master... I'm sorry. I'm sure you gave your all," she says sadly. "And you're correct... there's been nothing. The doctor was supposed to be organizing a search, but I've heard nothing about him being found yet. I couldn't leave Whatever Bend any sooner, or I would have. I'm thinking we need to check in with Master Rykard at the old Jedi temple ruins, and then try to find the Marauders if we don't find him there."

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike nods to Akira. "A comrade is unaccounted for. I will rest easier when I know that he is safe and sound."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha nods her head to Akira. "It has been well. I appreciate the convents continued support in allowing me to stay while my other accomodations are being worked on." She offers this and then goes silent while listening to everyone.

"I feel like, from what I've heard, pretty much all ground in both towns have been covered. And if Cayde is anything like myself. He might go somewhere he wouldn't think anyone would look for him. Personally, I almost wandered off into the forest a little while back because I wanted to just run away from everyone and everything. If it weren't for Thaarin I might even still be there."

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
While the group is chatting about Mandalorians, search parties, Cayde being missing, and 'Crane' not being at the convent right now, another group of familiar faces appears.

Speaking of Thaarin, here he comes now, along with the doctor, Vons, Master Yutelli (who has recovered by now), and surprise, surprise, Master Rykard himself. The elder Ikkrukki man's brows are furrowed deeply, and his eyes are sad.

"We've searched the entirety of the colony, as well as its perimeter," Thaarin adds, "no sign of him. We've tried asking the locals around Kublop as well, but they've no further report other than he was last seen near the convent, with 'Crane.'"

Yutelli looks relieved when she sees Pike. "Master Windu! Thank the light. I fear the worst. If he's at all injured..."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Akira nods toward Zetha. "Excellent, I'm glad it has suited you well. Hopefully your own home will be ready soon, and better than ever!"

    "That sounds like as good a plan as any." she remarks at Navi's suggestion to check with Master Rykard. Speaking of whom, the Ikkrukki man appears right at that moment, along with others. Not that it bodes that well. Because if he's here... "Ah...Marshal--I mean, Master Rykard. Navi here was just looking for you, in hopes that you might have seen Cayde at some point later than we have?"

Pike Windu has posed:
    Windu nods in greeting to his fellow masters and then turns away in thoughtful contemplation.

Navi has posed:
"Master Rykard... I'm sorry to hear that you haven't seen him," Navi says, her words as mucha greeting as a lament. "It looks like we're going looking for the Marauders, then. Either Crane will have gone there, or he will be looking for Mal. Possibly at the ruined castle where we last saw her. We'll want air transportation; either place is a difficult trip. An airspeeder or swoops would suffice."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha glances to the ones who newly arrive and spotting that familiar face, she turns her gaze more towards the floor. "Do let me know if there is any assistance I can provide." She offers this, but honestly sort of feels like a lost voice and therefore shifts to head to the outer courtyard - intent on enjoying some fresh air while everyone else plans.

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
Rykard's brows furrow and he nods at Navi's words, but he doesn't say anything.

Thaarin frowns. "You think he's gone into the Gorge?" he says, his brows furrowing even deeper. "Why, if he's gone down there..." He massages his forehead. "We'll need the birds." He glances over at Navi, his expression pained. "Do you think..."

"Wait," the doctor suddenly interjects. "If he'd gone down into the Gorge, Master Rykard would have known." He glances at the elder Ikkrukki master briefly, then back to the group. "He would have seen him, or at least felt his presence."

The former Marshal finally speaks. "I... I don't know where he is. But I sense he's not where we think he is, and the doctor is right..."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    "If he was last seen here in Kublop, perhaps it'd make sense to try searching the surrounding forest first." Akira suggests, once Rykard reveals he has not seen him or felt him in the valley.

    "May the Force be with you all," she says, stepping back a bit as they plan to move the search forward. "Do let me know if there is anything else I can do to help. If you need supplies, or anything."

    She turns and starts to head back toward the living quarters at the convent. But right at that moment, anyone with any Force attunement would feel a disturbance. Not quite on the scale of what Malgabar had caused, but it was significant, and coming from the wilds surrounding Kublop, toward the east. The area is mostly untamed, although there are a few isolated farms...

Navi has posed:
Navi sighs quietly. "Then we'll try the castle ruin first. If Cayde is with Crane, there's no telling where he would go. And if he had gone to Whatever Bend, I might have sensed him." She knows of only one reason Crane and Cayde would have gone there. A tall, sultry reason with red hair that one of them wants dead.

Whatever else she might have said is kicked out of her head by that disturbance in the Force. "Oh, Force help us, not /again/..." she murmurs. "I'm going to secure us some transport. I'll be back in a moment or three." She starts toward the outer doors, heading for the vehicle rental shop (and, most likely, another argument).

Spying Zetha in the courtyard, she jogs over to join her. "Zetha, we need to rent some air transportation, and the usual guy's sick of people from Whatever Bend... no thanks to Cayde cracking up his shuttle. Is there another rental in town?" she asks, softly but urgently.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha looks up as Navi jogs over to her and she tilts her head. "Hmm. I think there's one that's run by someone else near here... but Crane has a vessel he lets me use. I'm sure he absolutely wouldn't mind if we used it in order to find Cayde. In fact, he may insist..." Then she glances back towards the convent. "Didn't miss Akira say there was...I mean there might be more vessels. Or we can go to the rental shop. Whatever you feel would be best use."

Pike Windu has posed:
    Master Windu returns from his walk. "What has been decided?"

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
Rykard just nods quietly at Navi, not making any further comment.

The five of them follow Navi out of the convent, stopping when she does, to chat with Zetha.

"Right then," Thaarin says, his tone mildly strained. "Then let's not tarry? If you don't think 'Crane' will mind us using his vessel and may even insist, then..." He looks to Zetha. "Where is it kept? At the marina by the docks?" He doesn't even wait for Zetha to answer. He starts walking, presuming the others will follow.

"I think," Yutelli says to Windu, "that Thaarin's decided for us. We're heading to the marina to borrow a friend's vessel. Poor boy. I don't think I've seen him this tired or stressed, ever."

Navi has posed:
"Let's get the boat and get this search on the road, or in this case the river. And hope it runs close to our recent umpteenth fire to be put out," Navi agrees, giving Zetha a brief hug. "Lead on, Zetha. I don't remember ever going near that boat."

Pike Windu has posed:
    Windu strides towards the docks. "Yes, let's get going. And may the Force be with us."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    As the party boards the boat and enters the surrounding wilds, the disturbance will become more distinct, as well as more clear that Cayde is most definitely the source of it.

    After about twenty to thirty minutes of traveling eastward down the river, they'll come upon a pier and a farmstead. But there is definitely something off about this farm. Near the pier, a flatbed repulsorlift is just sitting there running, with a load of fresh vegetables and blue milk. Another boat is docked there with its engines also running, and some of the food is stacked in the cargo area in the back. There is also a crate on the ground, tipped over haphazardly with its contents spilling out as if someone had dropped it in a hurry. However, no one is in sight. Who would just leave blue milk out in this hot weather?

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha nods and decidedly leads the way - sort of - but keeps Navi at her side. "Yeah, it's just over here..." She offers at least for verbal confirmation and takes the medium length time to get to the vessel in question.

Navi has posed:
Navi carefully disembarks from the boat and approaches the disturbed farmstead. "Something's very wrong here," she pronounces softly. "That dairy speeder isn't refridgerated. Also, this place is too quiet. Someone or several someones got interrupted preparing to go to market, and now they're missing."

"Please make the boat fast to the pier. I'm having a look around."

Pike Windu has posed:
    Master Windu ties up the boat. The Jedi stays on the dock, but inspects the transport from above.

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
As soon as they get off the boat, the doctor takes stock of the situation, his hazel eyes scanning the vicinity. He takes in the tipped over crate, the other boat, the repulsorlift still running, the spilled blue milk and fresh vegetables.

"Master Rykard," he says, "will you take Zetha, Thaarin, and Master Yutelli to the farmstead? See if whoever lives here is just inside, likely hiding." He turns to the others. "Everyone else can stay here with me, and investigate the pier and the boat."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Navi's searches through the Force will reveal that yes, there are indeed others here. Maybe about 5-7 others. However, there is a lot of fear, panic, even, although there is no evidence of any immediate physical danger. And yes, Cayde is here too...somewhere. Probably inside the main house. She'll probably also find a lot of other evidence of abruptly left items, such as a steaming yet half-eaten meal sitting out on the railing of a rear porch that faces the river.

    As Pike studies the other boat, he'll find that there is actually someone inside of a small, enclosed cabin in the front. It appears to be a middle-aged human woman. Her face is pale and shining with sweat, as she grips the steering as if her life depended on it, and her eyes are fixated ahead of her as if staring into an abyssal nightmare.

    As Soren exits the boat, the warm sunny forest seems to suddenly turn into a dark, foreboding chasm, where all of his worst fears lurk behind every corner. But once he is able to convince himself of the truth that it is not actually real, it quickly fades away. He'll hear a slight rustle in the bushes, and what sounds like someone whimpering...

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Upon exiting the boat, Zetha will find herself assailed by the same nightmarish vision that had plagued Soren. Only she does not escape so easily...

    A dark, lonely chasm filled with all of her worst fears and insecurities begins to manifest before her eyes. Maybe it's her difficult past. Maybe it's her tumultuous present...or her uncertain future. Will she be able to escape back to reality?

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
Just as they are about to disembark from the boat, the doctor turns to Navi. "I'm aware that this is long overdue, and I'm sorry," he says, "But I apologize if you harbored any lingering bitterness towards me. I expected too much responsibility of you for Cayde, and that wasn't fair--"

But then, he's overcome by by a strange and terrible vision that reminds him of that fateful day he'd left Nakadia. He grunts, and stumbles, barely holding onto the railing for support.

But he'll finally find his composure, and hear a rustle in the bushes. Wordlessly, he turns towards the noise. What is it? Or more like, who...

Perhaps Zetha won't, perhaps she will. Thaarin has no idea what she's dealing with, he reaches out a hand and touches her shoulder gently. "Are you seeing anyone these days?" he asks nonchalantly.

Navi has posed:
"We can talk about it later, Doctor... I've largely forgiven you for that, anyway. It just took a fresh look at your character to make me see you differently," Navi replies softly. Before she can go on, the doctor stumbles, and she hastily moves to help him. "Are you all right, Doctor?" She glances at the rustling bushes. "We'd better check on that. Give me just a moment..."

She pauses to take a long, careful look over the outside of the farmstead with her five senses, and her telepathic powers, and everything seems to point at /something/ interrupting the people here at work, something terrifying. She tries for several moments to establish telepathic contact with the others in the search party, and after several false starts, manages to do so. << There are as many as seven sentients here. Cayde is here, too, but I'm not sure where. Maybe the main house, >> she sends to them. << Has anyone found anything else? >>

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha steps off the boat, ready as ever to help with whatever anyone needs help with. Then it hits her, and while she's outwardly likely just staring forward for a moment until her eyes begin to dart around. Which happens when one is seeing things that just aren't there. She doesn't hear Thaarin when he speaks, nor reacts to his hand on her shoulder. Her mind has begun to walk down a path of fear and chaos. She doesn't even hear Navi in her mind. All she sees is loneliness, all she feels is rejection, and as if to run from it, she begins to walk backwards...

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Soren and Navi will find what appears to be a young human girl just entering adolescence hiding in the bushes. She doesn't seem to be aware of his presence, but her face is pale and shining with sweat and tears, her body shaking uncontrollably. He may deduce that she has been afflicted with the same hallucinations he just experienced, only she is still trapped in them. But as he's examining her, there is a wild shout and suddenly one of the farmers comes running at him with a shovel! He has a crazed look on his face, and it is quite apparent that he is not in his right mind. If Navi acts fast enough, she might be able to save the doctor from getting bludgeoned!

    The darkness seems to close in on Zetha, even as she backpedals in an attempt to escape it. The forest is now the streets of her childhood, where her parents had abandoned her so long ago. Where no one cared about homeless orphans like her. But why? Why didn't they want her? Maybe she wasn't pretty enough...or smart enough, or....

    But there is also something else. Something, or someone calling to her. Reaching out. Friends. Does she have friends?

Navi has posed:
<< Doctor, /look out/! >> Navi hastily steps between the doctor and the frenzied farmer, yanking her staff from the side of her medical satchel. In one swift movememt that looks to be part sweep and part twirl, she blocks the shovel and shoves it off to the side, opening up the poor man's guard and pulling him off balance. Leaving the staff hooked behind the blade of the shovel, she plants the lower end of her staff on the ground and uses it to keep her leverage on the shovel.

<< Sir! >> she cries into his mind, grabbing his shoulder with one hand and shaking him firmly. << We are /not your enemies/! We are here to /help/! >>

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
The doctor doesn't hesitate. He notices the girl is practically catatonic and afflicted by hallucinations. "Hey," he says very softly, holding his hands up placatingly and approaching very slowly. "You're okay. It's okay. Do you hear my voice? That's the only thing that's real right now. You can trust me," he says soothingly, starting to extend a hand.

And then the farmer suddenly attacks them out of nowhere. The doctor seems surprised, but he doesn't panick or get angry. He turns to the girl again, extending his hand again. "Navi, I need you to do something for me," he says, his focus still on the little girl. "I need you to see if you can get him as far away from us as possible. Without hurting him..."

Meanwhile, Thaarin notices Zetha is non responsive and her gaze frantic, and his grip on her shoulder tightens. He gives her a little shake. "Zetha? Zetha!" When she still doesn't respond, he shifts strategy. His arms close around her waist, and he embraces her from behind. Then he whispers in her ear softly. "Zetha, it's me. I'm here. It's alright."

Masters Yutelli and Rykard have reached the farmstead by now. The elder Ikkrukki man peers in through a window, looking to see if anyone's home. Then he makes his way over to the door and knocks softly on it.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Voices fill her mind but they're distant and she can't make them out. Friends? Who would be friends with a screw up like her? The darkness begins to close in further and she continues to try and back away from it. To get away. Anywhere but the darkness...

Then she feels something from behind. Something? Someone. A familiar voice, a warmth that is also familiar and friendly. The same voice that recently spoke words that hurt. But it's still enough to pull her away from the darkness slowly until she's seeing the forest in it's brightness and she looks down at arms around her waist which she suddenly, and likely a bit violently, pulls from.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    The man snarls with a guttural noise as Navi pins his weapon down and grabs him by the shoulders. "GRAAHHHH! LEAVE HER ALONE!!!" he roars, presumably meaning the young helpless girl. Or who knows, perhaps it's someone else in his version of the waking nightmare. He struggles against her for a few seconds, but eventually calms once she reaches into his mind.

    "I-I..." he stammers, finally letting go of the shovel and blinking at his surroundings. "Dank farrik...wh-what happened?"

    Once the violent man has been calmed, the girl finally looks up at Soren and his outstretched hand. She starts to struggle to her feet. "...wh-who are you?" she asks timidly, her voice still shaking. But she seems to at least be aware of he real surroundings again.

    When Rykard knocks on the door, it bursts open abruptly and another man appears, swinging at him with a threshing blade!

Navi has posed:
"Actually, we were hoping you could tell us a little about that while you comfort the little girl?" Navi replies to the farmer. "I'm presuming you know each other, since you're both around here right now, so please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm Deputy Marshal Navi Valrennann and this is Dr. Cassias," she continues, indicating the doctor as she retracts her staff back to its normal size.

"Doc, maybe you should stay with them for now," she suggests. "They're probably going to need emotional trauma care, and you're the best able to provide it."

The crash of the door being flung open startles her, and a glance back is all she needs to see to get her sprinting for the porch. "And I've got another fire to put out!" she calls back over her shoulder, already reextending her staff.

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
"You can call me Soren," the doctor says reassuringly. "It's alright," he says, "you're safe. What's your name?" Then he reaches out to pick the girl up and hold her just like a loving father would carry his daughter, if she lets him.

When the man who answers the door lashes out, Rykard is able to leap backwards at the last second, but not before the threshing blade nicks his arm. He's startled, but not too badly injured. Master Yutelli extends an arm, using the Force to push the man backwards and away from them. "Navi!" she cries as the Sephi girl approaches, "what happened?"

"Thank you," the doctor tells Navi. "And I will. Please be careful." He turns to the man who had attacked them prior. "You attacked us just now," he says, "Is there anyone else on this farm, who isn't in the homestead just north of here?"

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
Thaarin reacts viscerally when Zetha jerks away from him. He takes a step back, looking genuinely concerned. "Zetha? Are you... alright?"

Then he suddenly looks really tired. "Look, I'm ... sorry about everything. I was just worried for your sake. We haven't spoken, and I haven't seen you since that night. If that Mandalorian came back -- " he pauses, and his gaze shifts momentarily. "Just be careful. I wouldn't try trusting any of them right now. Not after everything that's happened."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"I've only seen him twice more...and I didn't go along with him." Zetha says and then she looks back towards where everyone else has already headed. "Also. I'm fine. What does it matter to you anyway? You've made it quite clear where you stand in regards to me. I forgive you. If that's what you want to hear...I do. But this isn't the time nor place to speak about such things. We should go find the others..." To which she turns and tries to walk towards where everyone else had gone.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    "Elia..." The girl answers. She takes his head and gets up but doesn't let him touch her any more than that, stepping away when he tries to hold her. "I-I'm okay now..." she insists. "Thanks."

    The now sane man doesn't get to respond to Navi before she runs off, so he turns to Soren, frowning as he tries to remember. "I-I'm not sure, I think they're all in the house." Then something seems to occur to him. "Wait, are you guys looking for a weird kid? A boy..."

    The man who attacked Rykard is sent reeling backward into the back wall when Oona pushes him with the Force. He is knocked off of his feet, and remains dazed for a moment as he mumbles incomprehensible things.

Navi has posed:
"Ask me in a moment, Master Zutelli..!" Navi cries, rushing to get between Master Rykard and the frenzied farmer and his blade as Master Yutelli sends the man staggering to the floor. "Nice save!"

<< Please stop trying to hurt us and listen! We are not your enemies! We are here to help! >> she sends into the poor farmer's mind with all of her Force-imbued mental might.

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
The doctor lets the girl be, then turns towards the house. "Let's go. Come with us, please. I don't think it would be good for you be out here alone," he says to the girl. Then he turns to the other man. "A blond Jedi, about seventeen years of age, but probably looks younger than that? Yes. We're looking for him. But I need you to do me a favor. Once we get to the house, gather everyone up and get all of them out of here. Take them into town, to the hospital. I'll meet you all there, when all of this is over."

He then turns on his heel and heads straight for the house, arriving shortly after the man who'd attacked Rykard is thrown against the back wall.

Yutelli seems overcome with emotion. "He must have lost control," she says, sounding distraught. "How could this have happened..." She then tends to Rykard, who seems even more tired to the bone than before.

Thaarin follows Zetha, frowning slightly. "I never stopped caring about you, Zetha," he says, "you know that, right? How I feel hasn't changed. But I can't give you what you want or need, Zetha. And I'm sorry for that."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"And how in the hell do you know what I want or need, Thaarin? Because of one misguided mistake?" Zetha asks and then she takes a slow breath. "Just don't. Please. You've already rejected me. It already hurts...the more you keep repeating those words the more time it will take to make the pain go away." And she quickens her pace to perhaps create a little more distance between her and him. Keeping eyes open and searching for the others still.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    The formerly frenzied farmer finally seems to 'wake up' out of the nightmarish visions. This one is a lot younger the other guy who had tried to attack Soren, looking to be in his early 20s. He scrambles to his feet, still looking rather disconcerted. Upon seeing Navi, Rykard, and Oona though, he seems somewhat relieved. "Oh the Jedi, thank the stars you're here. Please, you've got to get that kid out of here. I don't know what's going on, but it all started after we tried to help him..."

    Elia nods. "Okay..." she says weakly, and begins to follow him toward the house.

    The older man seems relieved when Soren starts describing who they're looking for. "...I was going to say, I thought he was maybe fourteen at most...and yeah. Sure. We'll... meet." Although he sounds a little uncertain. Did he want to discuss something? He wasn't really injured, at least not physically.

    Zetha will likely spot Soren, Elia, and the older farmer heading toward the house.

Navi has posed:
"Jedi Padawan? Blonde? Emo? Never speaks? Where is he?" Navi asks, trying to be polite despite the urgency in her tone. "We've been trying to find him."

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
"I don't, aside from the fact I keep unintentionally hurting you, and that can't be what you want or need," he says, "And you don't, either. That's the other half of the problem."

But then he cuts off the conversation, by overtaking her in a few strides and making it to the homestead before she does (he's much taller, of course).

"You've seen him, then," Thaarin says to younger farmer. His gaze flicks to Navi briefly, and he nods, and he then looks back to the farmer. "Where is he? Where did you see him last?" His tone is bordering on agitated, so the doctor waves a hand at him, in an attempt to get him to calm down some. "We'll find him. And once we do, I'll come and talk with each one of you individually. He's here somewhere, but I don't think everyone should stay to look for him --"

"You're right," Thaarin says, "You should all go back to Kublop, I'll stay and look for Cayde."

The doctor frowns. "Thaarin--"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha stops in her tracks after Thaarin says what he does but remains within ear shot of the conversation that follows. She slumps a little, defeated in a few ways, and then turns and decides to head back to the vessel. Not saying a word. Whoever is going back with her can join. She'll just wait and then head back. She wasn't very much help after all since her mind went wonky right when they got here.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    "I mean, I dunno if he's Jedi or what but whatever he did it made us all crazy." the young farmer replies to Navi. "I never heard him say anything, but I didn't know if it was because--" Then Thaarin rushes in and starts interrogating him. "Whoa, whoa slow down pal, you don't need to go looking for him, he's upstairs, Mum was tendin' to him when--" Suddenly, his eyes widen as he seems to remember something harrowing. "Shit...mum!" he turns and hurries up the stairs.

    When Zetha stops and starts heading back to the boat, the older farmer spots her. "Hey, the doc said we shouldn't be out here alone. I'd be inclined to listen to him if I were you."

Navi has posed:
"Thaarin, I saw another boat at the docks. Maybe you can make use of it to transport these poor people to Kublop Springs, out of danger? Zetha should probably go with you; this is getting over her head danger-wise."

She looks to the Masters and Doctor Cassias as the young man darts upstairs. "This is as much a Jedi Matter as a Marshal's matter. I need all of your help. Will you come with me?" she asks, starting upstairs at a jog. "Follow me up if you agree. Go to the boat if you don't." She is almost sure she knows their answer, but won't order them to come. The decision is theirs.

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
Thaarin doesn't even say anything. Not even a second later, he's rushing up the stairs, and likely outruns the younger farmer up the stairs because he's taller, and more agile.

If he heard Navi talking to him, he's ignoring her. "Cayde...! Cayde, can you hear me?" he calls out.

"I'll come," Yutelli says to Navi, "but--" She looks to Rykard, and the elder Jedi Master shakes his head. "I .. I can't involve myself. You know what happened last time Cayde was endangered. I... I'm going to go back to the town."

The doctor seems to be on the fence about whether he should stay or go, but then Zetha is out the door. He starts out the door after the older farmer. "Please contact me if you need me to return," he says, "and I'll do my best to come back immediately," he says.

"Zetha!" he shouts. Within a few strides, he's caught up to her and the other farmer. "Hey," he says softly. "Listen. I appreciate you. And I know you might think now isn't a good time to talk, but you'll likely never end up actually saying how you feel if you don't say it now."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"No." Zetha says as she keeps walking. "There's no point in talking. Talking just leads to hurting..and I'm tired of hurting." She says this while trying to just make it back to the vessel. Back to Kublop. To the convent. To her holoreader and the hammock she's been sleeping in. "I'll figure it out on my own. I have so far. What's a little while longer..."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Upon arriving on the upper floor, there is indeed an older woman curled up in a corner and sobbing and whimpering uncontrollably. She looks...worse than the others, her face tear-stained and her eyes reddened. There is a platter on the floor, surrounded by a puddle of water and some broken glass.

    And...there is also Cayde. He is on a bed along the far wall, his hands and wrists are wrapped in bandages and also strapped to the bedposts. And his face is also completely covered in bandages, too. Navi will immediately become aware that he is very ill, and panicked, and confused. Perhaps they will need Dr. Cassias after all.

    The older farmer, who by now one may have guessed he is the father, tries to keep pace with Zetha. "Listen, he's right." he says, glancing at Soren. "If you saw those...nightmares...I know they were bad. We all saw 'em. But you need to get it off of your chest."

Navi has posed:
Navi hastily points the young man at the older woman and rushes to Cayde's bedside, staring aghast at the mess that is Padawan Alexis. She sinks to her knees beside the bed, taking one of his hands in hers and beginning to massage it gently. It serves as a focus for her to draw upon the Force and begin to heal the illness and the wounds behind the bandages...

Outside, Doctor Cassias may get a sudden mild headache as a familiar voice seems to erupt inside his mind. << DOC?!! Change of plans! I need you upstairs LAST YEAR!!! >>

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
"At the very least," he says, "don't you think Wiis would have wanted you to see someone for the hallucinations?" He doesn't follow her, but she'll still be able to hear every word he's saying. "Plus, look at how much pain -not talking- caused Cayde."

There's a pause. "Hey, didn't you say not too long ago that you were thinking of seeing a therapist?" He shrugs. "Just saying. I don't think there are any other therapists on this side of Tenoo." And then Navi's summoning him. "Think about it," he says, and starts running back towards the homestead.

Zetha might notice her communicator going off. There's a text transmission from 'Crane'. It reads:

<I didn't see you at the convent today >.> Also, where's my boat? ;w; hey I was wondering, did you ever end up going to see the doctor? :3>

Thaarin's eyes widen, he immediately rushes to Cayde's side and cuts whatever is binding him to the bedposts with the pocketknife he always carries on him. He clasps the young padawan's other hand, looking for the very first time, actually distraught. "Cayde," he says desperately, reaching out to touch one of his bandaged cheeks. "It's me. Are you alright? What happened? I -- I'm so sorry... "

Zetha Rumir has posed:
It all happens a little too quickly for Zetha to reply before the doctor is running back towards the house. She figures there was something and a doctor was needed. Cayde needs to be taken care of however possible - not that she knows how badly off he might be. That's more important. By the time she's reached 'Crane's boat again she gets that text transmission on her commlink. Once she finishes reading it, she replies :

<Used the boat to take...a lot of people...into the forest. We found Cayde. I'm heading back because otherwise I'm just in the way. Also. No. But somehow yes? I'll see you soon.>

Then she hops into 'Crane's boat and looks to the farmer who stayed with her. "I think you should stay here with the others. Help facilitate if you all decide to come with the Jedi to Kublop..." Then she frowns. "Would it be alright if they took the other boat? I think Navi was right in saying I'm in danger if I stay here, but I feel like that's your family. You should stay with them. I'll be alright."

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    When Navi and Thaarin touch Cayde, they will immediately sense that he feels hot to the touch, even through those bandages. Although some of it cools a bit when the Sephi reaches into the Force to enact some healing on him, and she will be able to tell that he has calmed down enough to not be in a state of panic any more, although he still has no idea where he is. Thaarin however, won't be able to discern any external sign of recognition from the padawan.

    Fortunately at this point, the older woman now seems to have snapped out of whatever had been plaguing her, and the younger man from earlier helps her to her feet, relieved that it's over. However, she seems rather traumatized and doesn't say anything, simply beginning to gather up the mess on the floor from the dropped tray.

    The older farmer sighs as Zetha gets into the boat. "You sure you want to go alone?" There is...concern in his eyes. "At least promise me you're going to talk to -someone- about this, even if it's not the doc."

Navi has posed:
"Cayde? Can you understand me?" Navi asks softly, beginning to unwind the bandages on Cayde's face as she continues to work with the Force, trying to get any lingering infections and toxins out of his system. "What happened to you?"

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
<ok. take your time! :) miss you uwu; see you soon <3> The Tholothian man replies to Zetha's text transmission.

Thaarin pats Cayde's cheek gently again, squeezing his hand. "Can you hear me?" he asks the young padawan. "Cayde..." He nods at Navi. "Thank you."

A few moments later, the doctor arrives, bounding up the stairs. He leans over Cayde, examining him, brows furrowed. He glances at the woman. "Are you alright? Do you remember what happened?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Technically...I was referred to the doctor. I'll talk to him. I promise. I just...I don't need to be in the way while they need to take care of our friend. I'll be fine getting back on my own." Zetha assures the farmer. "Family is important. You should stay with yours." Which is a lot coming from someone who knows nothing of her actual family, but she's not telling the farmer this.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Navi will feel the offending substances being flushed from his body, although she will also be able to tell that this was likely a massive allergic reaction, which meant that even once the allergens were gone, it would still take time for his system to 'simmer down'. Soren will probably also be able to determine that as well, with his medical expertise.

     As Navi starts to remove the bandages, she'll find they have some kind of salve on them, and a cool gel pack over his eyes. Well it would appear that these people did at least try to help him, as they'd said. When Thaarin and Navi continue to ask him questions, Cayde finally nods almost imperceptibly in response.

    The older woman finishes gathering up the broken glass onto the tray, while the younger man quickly wipes the floor with a rag. She doesn't seem eager to answer Soren's question. "Y-yes, I-I'm fine, okay?" she stammers. A pause. "...no. I don't. I don't remember anything." Then she hurries quickly out of the room, the younger farmer in tow.

    Outside, the older man at least seems satisfied with Zetha's promise to talk to the doctor at some point. "All right then, take care, I guess..."

Navi has posed:
"Massive allergic reaction. We'll probably have to float him back to Kublop Springs on a river of antihistimines to get this dealt with," Navi observes. "He's allergic to almost everything on this Force-forsaken planet. It's a wonder anaphylaxis didn't kill him."

She looks to the older woman and the younger man. "Thank you for trying to take care of him. I'm so, so sorry this happened to you, especially when you were only trying to help. I'm sure the Jedi Order will also be grateful for everything you've done."

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
"Hopefully a strong antihistamine will take care of this," the doctor mutters after examining the young padawan. "I do want to get him back into town," he says, "and to the hospital to check his vitals and fluids," he says. "The rest of you should keep your distance for now," he nods at Thaarin, who is still clasping Cayde's hand.

The doctor seems concerned about the older woman, and watches as her and the younger farmer hurry away. "I'll follow up with them later," he says, shaking his head.

He puts on a pair of gloves and approaches the young padawan. "Can you hear me? Can you walk?" he asks the young padawan.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"I intend to." Zetha affirms to the farmer and then she starts the boat, checking her comm to see that last message from 'Crane'. The hell is an uwu? Still, the message of being missed and the heart at the end does make Zetha smile. She quickly replies with <Meet me at the docks? Otherwise see you at the convent. <3 >

Then she puts the boat into motion and begins to depart to make her way back to Kublop proper.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    A river of antihistamines might not be too far from the truth of things. They'll find that the reason for the bandages and gel was because his face is so inflamed that his eyes are swollen completely shut.

    Navi's attempt to investigate the farmers' mental status will reveal that the older woman had gotten the worst of it, and she's desperately trying to forget about it but it had been so vivid, so real...probably because she'd been in closest proximity to Cayde. Fortunately, the younger man seems to be mostly okay, if a bit shaken.

    Cayde again nods almost imperceptibly at Soren's question. Didn't he already nod at that question? At least, the question of whether he can hear anyone. Only, he can't see. Still, he gets up slowly, wincing as the movement brings a lot of pain. It's like his skin is on fire without literally being on fire.

Navi has posed:
Navi winces, too. "My skin hurts just thinking about how inflamed his skin has become," she says softly. "We'll have to support him on the way down." Fortunately, she's prepared to do so. "Let's get him back to Kublop Springs for now. Maybe we can arrange an antihistamine bath, or a bacta tank."

Soren Cassias (141) has posed:
<okie uwu> Is the only reply Zetha will get from the Tholothian disciple. He's not at the docks when she arrives, though. And when she gets back to the convent she won't see him at all...

Thaarin's expression becomes wretched for the briefest moment, and before Navi or the doctor can protest, Thaarin scoops him up bridal style. "Let's hurry," he says, "The swelling looks terrible..." And then he starts to carry Cayde down the stairs, with the doctor in tow.

The doctor will keep his eyes peeled for the older woman and the younger farmer once they reach the lower level.

Andromeda (1) has posed:
    Upon heading back downstairs, the younger man approaches Soren, though the woman isn't anywhere to be seen. "Hey doc, can you give us a call when you get the time...I'm worried about Mum." he says, frowning and handing contact information to the doctor. "Once you're done with all that, I mean." he adds, nodding toward Cayde and Thaarin.

    Cayde is perhaps a lot heavier than Thaarin might have expected. However, at least he doesn't struggle this time, even though he really doesn't like being carried.