The Tenoo Initiative

The Tenoo Initiative
Date of Scene:	18 November 2024
Location:
Synopsis:	Navi and Cayde are specially requested to be a part of the Republic's colonization effort on Tenoo.
Cast of Characters:	159, Navi, Cayde Alexis

---

Athena (159) has posed:
Today is a pretty special day - this afternoon, in the center of the Senate plaza, the Republic is hosting a promotional event for a colonial initiative on a Republic influenced world named Tenoo in the Outer Rim. Rumor had it not only is this event to spread awareness of the initiative and seek out potential sponsors, but it is also to recruit for potential volunteers who might be willing to permanently relocate to the frontier.

Either way, Navi and Cayde would have received personal invitations from the Chancellor himself to attend this event.

Navi has posed:
"Odd sort of thing to be invited to," Navi observes, as much to herself as to Cayde, as she approaches the venue. "Can't see myself relocating to the frontier, honestly, but the Force moves in mysterious ways." She shrugs. "Hope it moves in the direction of free food at this event... I always think about weird invitations better on a mostly-full stomach."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde isn't doesn't usually like these big social events...and this isn't any different. But he's here on the urgings of many other Jedi. Permanently relocating to the Outer Rim doesn't exactly sound like a desirable thing, but if the Council wanted to send him and his Master there, then who was he to question?

    Navi might notice the young padawan seems to be without master this time. He also seems to be trying to hide from anyone's attention, by pulling his hood practically all the way down his face. Except he's the only one doing it, so it doesn't help much...

Athena (159) has posed:
Navi won't have been at the event for even a minute or even finished her sentence when the Chancellor and his aide, Sanzo, approach.

"Ah, Navi!" he says cordially, "you're here! I expected as much, and I must once again thank you for your service to the Republic in uncovered that incorrigible man, Emissarius! How good to see you again...!"

He hasn't noticed Cayde yet, but glances about. "Say you haven't seen the young padawan, Cayde Alexis, around here yet? He was supposed to come..."

Navi has posed:
Navi glances at Cayde, and can't help rolling her eyes at his efforts at blending in. "Cayde, you look like a Sith Lord out of a cheap holonovel. Black might not have been the best choice for a day like today," she observes, not quite gently.

And then the Chancellor appears, too suddenly for her nerves, and she can't keep back a squeak of surprise before she recovers her calm. "It's good to see you again, Chancellor. And he's right over there, blending in," she replies, pointing out the figure in the black cloak and hood with his face almost completely covered.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde is probably too far away to hear Navi saying that, but he definitely knows she thought that. And he definitely felt the Chancellor's presence approaching her. Just as she points him out, he starts trying to hurry away out of their line of sight, only to bump into a service droid carrying a tray of drinks.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Ah, thank you!" The Chancellor says. "We must speak, Navi. It is to my knowledge you have some interest in medicine, yes?"

And then Cayde bumps into the service droid. It screams, and drinks go flying. Well, so much for him not getting noticed.

"Perfect! There he is!" The chancellor says, quickly going over to Cayde, and motioning for Navi to follow. "Padawan Alexis, you've heard the news, I hope."

Navi has posed:
"Some, yes," Navi replies, and is about to continue when the noise of a Padawan and a service droid crossing paths interrupts her. Wincing and looking toward the racket, she's just in time to see Cayde and the droid in the aftermath of totaling a tray of drinks. Resisting an urge to sink into the tarmac and just disappear, she trails after the Chancellor. "Cayde, just... please tell me you're okay?" she says to the likely dripping Padawan.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Yep, well now -everyone- is staring at him. And the drinks are now on the floor, and some are on the front of his robes.

    Cayde flushes, his face suddenly getting hot. [Sorry...sorry] he signs quickly, until everyone else kind of just goes back to their business while the droid mutters and starts cleaning up the mess. That is, everyone except the Chancellor. He gulps and bows slightly toward the man, although he's not sure what news is being referred to. The first instinct was to search Rie's mind for the answer but he quickly stops himself. Wouldn't want to risk a repeat of last time...

    [Chancellor...a pleasure...what news...do you speak of]

Athena (159) has posed:
"Well it has come to the decision that we will appoint Master Pike Windu to the Board of Medical Research for this project," he rambles cheerfully. "And I was hoping you'd like to serve an adjunct to him. You could be the Assistant Director--"

Sanzo makes a face at Cayde, clearly unimpressed, but Rie doesn't seem to mind at all."No need to apologize my boy!" he says cheerfully. "Why, your Master, Belask? She'll be Marshal of the new colony, and hopefully the brand new Jedi Temple that will be constructed there as well...!"

Navi has posed:
Navi stares at the Chancellor like a chuba in the headlights. "Um... I'd have to check with my order about taking such an extended journey, but I do thank you for the honor of your consideration for such an important role," she replies, just slightly nervously. "As soon as I know something for certain, I'll certainly let you know."

In the meantime the Sephi wracks her brain, wondering if she knows of any good rocks to crawl under for the next few months...

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde arches a brow at the Chancellor, then glances furtively at Navi before looking back to Rie. But...surely, the Council would have informed them first, if such a decision had been made?

    [...Master did not mention it...] he signs, although he seems to be struggling a bit with wording the actual burning question in his mind.

Athena (159) has posed:
"My dear Navi," the Chancellor says, "it won't be so bad...! It will be a chance to learn, see the galaxy, have an adventure! Perhaps you'll even find love..." he chuckles.

Sanzo clear his throat. "You also won't be obligated to stay on the Outer Rim forever," he adds. "Only if you want to. The timeframe for this initiative is two years. You'd be able to return to Jedha, or Coruscant, if you wish, after that amount of time."

"Oh that's right," The chancellor says, waving a hand dismissively and chuckling. "We actually haven't spoken to her or the Council yet," he says. "I was hoping to inform her today... but it seems she isn't here... ha...!"

Navi has posed:
"Well... I'll have to meditate on this. See if the Force pulls me toward this colony. And I'll still need to speak with my order about the journey and my absence for such a long time," Navi replies, more resolutely this time, though she's still clearly not making any promises. Her last two experiences on the Outer Rim had been deeply unpleasant, to say nothing of the trifling matter of nearly being killed both times.

But this is a colony initiative, isn't it? Surely all the surveys have been completed and everything should be perfectly settled wherever they're going. The Republic wouldn't sent out a colony unless success was guaranteed, would it?

Then why did she still feel like she was being sentenced rather than assigned?

She looks to Cayde, resting a hand on his shoulder supportively. "It /does/ seem a bit irregular to make such a decision before speaking to the affected parties. Was Agent Black involved in the decision-making process, by any chance?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Two years? That seemed like quite the commitment. Especially one to be signed up for without being informed. But again, he isn't quite sure how to put that idea into words. Fortunately, Navi gives voice to it instead, so he just nods in agreement.

    Truthfully, he has never really lived out there. Nearly all of his life, he was confined to the Temple and had only been allowed to venture out these past few years. And even then he had barely even been off-world. Then there's the fact that he was born on a ship and has never really experienced any agri-worlds. Read about them plenty, but...

    Well, maybe that was why Annelia had mentioned it would be good for him to go out there at some point...

Athena (159) has posed:
When Navi mentions that she'll have to meditate on it, the Chancellor's face falls a little. "Ah, I understand, but ... this matter is exceedingly important. Planets like Tenoo are rich with potential, but the people there do not have the resources or ability to make the economy flourish. And it is our duty, as citizens of the Republic, to spread light and life, is it not? And no. I have no idea who Agent Black is. I personally chose the four of you to appointed specially to the project, given the history of your outstanding service to the Republic!"

Then the Chancellor smiles and pats Cayde on the shoulder. "My boy, my boy. You'll have the adventure of a lifetime. I'm certain both you and your master will have the best of times."

Navi has posed:
"I see. Trust me... if you'd met him, the question would make sense instantly," Navi replies softly. "If you're volunteering me for this, then your mind's clearly made up. I don't suppose I have any choice about going. Master Windu and Knight Belask should be able to ensure everyone's safety. Just remember that I have no training of any kind as an administrator, and only the bare minimum in medicine. I can't promise results."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Rie's assurances only seem to make him even more apprehensive about this whole thing. Surely, they didn't have to go if they didn't want to...right? Ah, but he's pretty sure Annelia will want him to...she'd mentioned as much. Well if she thought it would be good for him, then she's probably right.

    Still, he's never really been much exposed to any of these wild frontier planets...

    He nods slowly. [I understand it Chancellor...] he signs, although Navi can likely sense him becoming more and more anxious about this, although there isn't much outward show of it.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Oh, but I would never -force- you to do anything!" The Chancellor protests immediately. "If you decline, well... I shall be quite disappointed, but --" But then Sanzo cuts in. "It would be completely within your right to refuse," he says. "And naturally, there would not be any kind of consequence for refusing. Besides, The Chancellor might have made up his mind already, but there are other parties at play who haven't yet," he ahems, dusting his shirt off.

The Chancellor then puts his arms around the two of them. "I truly that believe the both of you can and will be beacons of light and hope to all those on the frontier," he says. "And I genuinely hope you accept."

Navi has posed:
Navi doesn't really feel much better about the situation with the Chancellor's arm around her, but at least she knows she can say no. Possibly with a good chance of being guilted for the rest of her life over it, but at least she's not being forced into this, pressure from the Chancellor and his aide notwithstanding.

"I shall meditate on the matter, then," she replies at last. "This just isn't the kind of decision you commit to sight unseen. Perhaps you could tell us about this colony? The /actual/ colony, not what's in the brochures."

Looking past the Chancellor, she arcs an eyebrow at Cayde. It's as subtle as she can manage, given their present company.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Oh, so it wasn't actually fully decided yet?

    Cayde nods again. [Thank you Chancellor] he signs as the politician puts his arms around he and Navi.

     Suddenly he begins to feel even more uncomfortable, and he tries to quickly squirm away from the contact.

Athena (159) has posed:
Sanzo opens his mouth to reply, but the Chancellor immediately talks over him excitedly, ignoring Cayde's attempts to squirm away. "Of course! You'll be pleased to know," he says, suddenly guiding the two of them over to the refreshment table, arms still around them, "that Tenoo already has a Republic colony that's doing quite well. Kublop Springs. Lovely little town, ideally situated a sector rich with trade routes. It's a beautiful place - terrestrial in nature, with lots of native flora and fauna and natural bodies of water."

Navi and Cayde will see that standing near the refreshment table are two familiar figures - Dr. Cassias and the mysterious, dangerous, stunning beauty known as Xera Graf. She glances over at Navi, offering her a small smile.

Navi has posed:
"Nice to know somewhere there is pretty and prosperous, just in case we need to move somewhere safe," Navi observes softly. "But I was a little more interested in the colony where we're potentially going. What it's going to be like, what it's like now, industries, services, resources, security, access to medical care, that kind of stuff. Things colonies would seem to need if they're going to succeed."

She winces as Cayde tries to squirm away, but her attention is quickly seized by the two people by the table. "Hello, Doctor," she says, fighting down butterflies in her stomach. Very large, energetic butterflies. "It's good to see you again, Miss Graf. I hope you've been well."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Oh, he remembers seeing Xera Graf at the Graf compound, but it had turned out she didn't really know much of anything about Vlaven's illegal dealings.

    He's glad Dr. Cassias is out of jail, at least...

    Once again, Cayde squirms and tries to push the Chancellor's arm off of himself.

    But anyway, maybe it won't be so bad, if there is already another established colony on the planet?

Athena (159) has posed:
"Ah-h-h!" The Chancellor says, "why, you didn't know? You along with numerous others would be founding a colony of your own. Tenoo is ripe for another colony - one that can be completely self sustained. The planet is rich in natural resources. And of course, there's already Kublop Springs - they will gladly support the effort, given that the new colony lends helping hands to them when necessary later on."

Xera looks Navi up and down, as if assessing whether were a useful tool or not. "I've been well. My family is one of the primary sponsors for this project. I do hope that you'll decide to be a part of it."

The doctor doesn't say anything to Navi, or Cayde. Instead, he just averts his gaze.

Navi has posed:
"I didn't know, no," Navi replies softly to the Chancellor. "But I'm sure the new colony would be willing to help out, once it's on solid footing."

She looks to Xera, nodding. "I'm considering it. Will you be going with us?" she asks politely.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde manages to shrug the Rie's arm off of his shoulder and quickly step away so that the politician doesn't grab him again. He wants more than anything to just slip away, but also this -is- the Chancellor we're talking about. It was good that the political leader seemed to think highly of him, so he doesn't want to spoil that, either.

    When the doctor looks away, there is suddenly a deep sinking feeling. He suddenly deflates, staring at the floor. After all he'd done, the man still hates him, doesn't he?

Athena (159) has posed:
"Ah, well, if you accept, you'll learn much more about the colony -- I'm certain it's set up for success. I think you'll have a lovely time there, don't you think, Ms. Graf? Tenoo is such a beautiful place..."

Xera laughs, but it sounds insincere. "Of course. You're right, Tenoo is a wonderful planet. Perhaps you'd like to know more about the project, Navi? I could buy you a drink, and we could talk."

"Excuse me," the doctor says quietly. He then puts his drink down and starts to slip away into the crowd, his expression melancholy...

Navi has posed:
"I'll accept that offer, Miss Graf. Thank you," Navi replies, gratefully slipping from under the Chancellor's arm and approaching the femme fatale. She's not nearly convinced this colony has a marshmallow's chances in a campfire without a toasting stick, but she's not about to say that /here/.

Athena (159) has posed:
Xera smiles, but there's something unsettling about the way she does. She offers Navi her arm as they head towards the bar.

"It's nice to see the Chancellor likes you so much. That kind of power and influence will get you places, you know," she says. Then she continues with. "The project my family has decided to sponsor has four benchmarks: the first, the Chancellor mentioned already. For the colony to be entirely self sustaining, and non reliant on interplanetary trade. The second, of course, involves the construction of a Jedi Temple, and a concerted effort to make the Jedi presence and influence there unmistakable."

Navi has posed:
Navi accepts the offered arm. "The Chancellor is a good man, and I believe he truly has the best interests of the people of the Republic in mind. I think it would be better for him if he studied the people he's governing more closely rather than making decisions from an office and the Senate floor," she observes softly.

"Why such a strong Jedi influence in this one colony? I hadn't thought colonists would want the influence of the Jedi over their lives, especially recently."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Well he does his best," Xera says. "The Senators are the ones who make the decisions for their people, so its best he pleases them, don't you think?"

"How should I know?" She says. "I'm not the one who thought this whole project up, it's an initiative brought to life by the Republic. And they like the Jedi very much, so that's likely why." They arrive at the bar, and Xera waves to the bartender. "The third goal is the one you and Master Windu have been appointed for. The Republic wants to found a medical research outpost on Tenoo, and is in the process of appointing a board to oversee it. Dr. Cassias and Master Windu will be on it, most likely."

"And last but not least, the efforts of the new colony are help to double the local exports from Tenoo out of Kublop Springs, so it will be incredibly important to develop a good relationship with the other sister colony."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde sighs as Soren starts to slip away. Then he suddenly hurries after the doctor and taps him on the back of his shoulder, trying to get his attention.

Navi has posed:
"I should think that a handful of medical research staff with years of experience and education would be a better choice for founding a medical research outpost on a remote world, rather than a Jedi Master and a lowly Force cultist," Navi observes softly. "I wonder what the Senate was thinking? And wouldn't it have been easier to simply expand Kublop Springs to increase exports to such a degree? I'm trying to follow the thought process behind this initiative, but it's rather confusing."

Athena (159) has posed:
The doctor stops in his tracks and turns around, sighing. "What do you want?" he asks the young padawan.

Xera shrugs. "You two won't be the only people on the board," she says. "There will be at least ten others on the board, all experts in their field. The Republic wanted a Jedi presence on the board, and the Chancellor likes you so he made you adjunct to Master Pike Windu," she continues. "They could expand Kublop Springs, but most sponsors don't like to see more credits poured into an existing colony that doesn't interest or excite them. They want innovation, and the opportunity to be a part of expanding the frontier. The part of Tenoo where the new colony is to be founded is uncharted territory, mostly unexplored. Tenoo's a relatively large planet, and the explorers who founded the town were mostly interested in making the area Kublop Springs was in habitable and economical - not mapping the entire planet."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    The young Jedi doesn't say anything, but there is empathy in his eyes. He puts a hand on Soren's shoulder, and then suddenly just pulls him into a warm embrace.

Navi has posed:
"Mostly unexplored? They didn't do an orbital survey before planning the colony site? In that case, I hope the colony will have substantial measures for defense, because there's no telling what's there, or how hungry it is," Navi replies, frowning a little. "I was shipwrecked in the Outer Rim once, and it was only by the will of the Force that I survived the experience. The rest of the crew died, in spite of my best efforts to save them. Uncharted places are dangerous places."

She shakes her head. "I will definitely have to meditate on this. It just doesn't make sense that so little apparent planning went into transplanting Republic citizens to a world so far away."

Athena (159) has posed:
The doctor sighs, deflating a bit. He pats Cayde on the shoulder but then pushes him away. "Listen. We can't be close. You know that." Then he starts to walk away.

Xera seems unconcerned. She sips her drink. "You don't know much about prospecting, do you?" she muses. "They'll do an orbital survey, thats in the works right now. The funders dont care much for details, Tenoo has already sustained a colony and we know enough about it to be able to make mostly educated guesses about what's out there." She laughs. "That's the fun of it, isn't it, darling? Exploration is always hit or miss. You didnt learn about what the Pathfinder teams did when you were with the Jedi, did you? Anyway, its a Republic funded project so its likely going to err on the side of boringly cautious and conservative as far as spending goes."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Of course he knows that, but he'd just been hoping to raise Soren's spirits even a little bit. But he sighs when it seems to not have worked. So he just gives up and finds Navi sitting with Xera at the bar. He just sort of hovers nearby, listening to the conversation about this new colony.

Navi has posed:
"Having never prospected, I'm not ashamed to say that I don't. Save for Coruscant and Jedha, I have never spent more than a few days on any one world, and I was mostly concerned with exploring the mysteries of the Force and seeking peace..."

Navi trails off as Xera ever so casually mentions her past. /HOW HAD SHE KNOWN THAT?!!/ Navi spoke little about her past when she could help it, and even less about her past with the Jedi. Her Master's death still haunted her, as did the murder of the crew who had been stranded with her. How had Xera learned so much about her? She had no idea, and that frightened her.

"I may recommend to the funders that they come along to found this colony, to be honest. Two years in the Outer Rim just isn't my idea of fun, and I'm sure I'll be very glad to be back in civilized space after. Assuming I go at all," she says at last. "I will meditate on this, and think on it. I have concerns about this whole project. Some of them I even know how to put to words."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Oh, well, you know all you have to do is ask the Chancellor, and I'm sure he'd be able to twist some arms into doing what you recommend. He'd be more than willing to extend unlimited favors to you, you know," she says with a sly smile. She finishes her drink and stands up. "You'll find prospecting enlightening, at the very least," she says. "And with how careful the Republic is, I very much doubt anything terrible will happen. This whole project is rather conservative, given that Tenoo already has an established colony on it. You shouldn't be so soft and frightened of the future, Navi. It's not a very good look for you," she says, leaning forward to whisper in her ear. "Besides, I'm going, and my family is one of the primary funders. So you've got half your wish already. Not only that, but I'm sure we'll have lots of time to spend quiet evenings with drinks together."

"Now, I must get going. But it was lovely talking to you, and I hope to see you on Tenoo." She then turns to leave.

Navi has posed:
"I will take all of that into account in my meditations. But you should bear in mind that Jedi, former or otherwise, don't crave adventure or thrills." Navi sighs heavily. "Anyway, it was good to see you again. Whatever my decision, my hopes and best wishes will go with all of those who choose to go. Until we meet again."

She watches Xera leave, then throws back her drink in one stiff draft and sets her glass down. What a pickle this was. Agent Black, the Chancellor, and now Xera Graf seemed to have more control of her life than she herself did.

"Maybe the Force just enjoys using my life as a chew toy," she murmurs, resting her head wearily on the bar.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde sits down where Xera had previously been sitting, and pats Navi on the shoulder lightly. [It is not so bad...] he signs. And, they didn't -have- to go. If it was truly dreaded, she could always decline.

Navi has posed:
"Something about this bothers me on levels I can't understand. It's not just the Chancellor being so hot to recruit us for this thing," Navi says softly, without lifting her head from the bar. "It's Xera Graf's smile... I wish it wasn't so unsettling, but it is. I can't figure out why. She knows more than she's told me. I'd swear to that."

"I just have this feeling that this is going to end badly for us. Maybe for the whole colony. And I have a feeling Xera knows that."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde glances off in the direction Xera went. [I can check] he offers. As in, find out what she really does know.