Jedi Temple Revealed

Jedi Temple Revealed
Date of Scene:	19 May 2025
Location:
Synopsis:	Navi and the Jedi use the pontite crystals to open the inner chambers of the ancient Temple.
Cast of Characters:	159, Pike Windu, Cayde Alexis, Navi

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Athena (159) has posed:
The moment has arrived. With the rare pontite kyber crystals now in their possession, the doors to the ancient Jedi Temple ruins in the valley not too far from the colony site itself can be opened. If all goes to plan, that is. Hopefully the massive Gangul they'd encountered the first time they'd ventured down there will stay out of their way, and if the Force willed it, no other malicious lifeforms would impeded their journey there.

Master Oona Yutelli would have rallied the small group, summoning them to gather at the ridge overlooking the valley before they started hiking back down to the ruins.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Master Pike Windu has returned from a house call. The Jedi stands a ways behind Master Yutelli, hood up and great coat closed.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde is there on the ridge as well, standing with Master Rykard as they prepare to head down into the valley and hopefully start exploring the ancient temple. Already, he begins reaching out with the Force, attempting to determine if there are any dangerous lifeforms lurking down there...

Athena (159) has posed:
Master Yutelli lingers a little as they start making their way down to the Temple Ruins. "Master Windu," she says softly, "how have you been? It seems a lot has been on your mind since we've returned," she says, slowing her pace so she can walk alongside him.

Cayde will only be able to hear the cacophony of life deep in the valley - it's thick, rich, and vibrant. He won't be able to tell if there's anything malicious in particular down there... not yet. They're not close enough for anything to know they're coming. Rykard inquires after it, anyway. "What do you see, my young padawan..!"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde sighs, shaking his head. He'll just have to keep monitoring as they approach. <Nothing in particular...> he admits.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Master Windu shakes his head, careful to keep his footing on loose ground.

    "I have thrown myself into my work to keep my mind off the research going on here. It troubles me, Master."

Athena (159) has posed:
They may notice that the vegetation has grown significantly since they last hiked this trail. It's so dense, that they might find themselves having to hack away leaves and branches with their sabers just to get through. And everything here is huge. The plants, the insects, even the scurrying kibbins that dart to and fro the bushes, seem abnormally large...

Rykard nods sagely. "Continue on, then," He says, "but as always, we must be mindful of everything in the Force..."

Master Yutelli's expression falls. "What do you mean?" she says. "I heard rumors. But... they're just rumors, surely...!"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    <Yes of course Master> Cayde answers, starting down the trail that is now partially overgrown. He watches the suspiciously large flora and fauna warily, trying not to touch any of it as he continues to monitor for anything potentially hostile.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "Master, the Arkanians leading the research have been quite clear to me. They mean to clone beings. As a healer, I can see the medical benefits. But the Arkanians have spoken of going much further, bringing back the dead."

Athena (159) has posed:
As they continue down the trail, Cayde will hear a rustling up ahead. There's something large there... whether it's hostile or not, the young padawan won't be able to tell -- yet.

"Cloning? Bringing people back from the dead...?" Yutelli says quietly, in disbelief. "It's not possible...! No one has ever been able to clone any sentient, alive or dead, successfully. They will not be able to do this, Master Windu. Why do you worry?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde frowns and tries directing his efforts toward the source of the noise, attempting to ascertain the nature of the potential threat. What or who was it, and could it be dangerous?

Pike Windu has posed:
    SNAP-hiss

    Windu activates his lightsaber as something with many legs scurries by.

    "Master, you are right that all previous attempts have failed. But, Master, we are talking about research that borders on the Dark Side. Isn't that reason enough to take lightsaber to their lab?"

Athena (159) has posed:
Rykard halts in his tracks when he hears the sound of something farther up ahead on the trail. He glances over at Cayde, then back at Oona and Pike. "What is it?" he asks the young padawan.

Cayde will be able to sense it's some kind of creature -- albeit one that has more sentience that others he had encountered before. It is in distress and is aware of their presence, but does not seem to want anything other than help.

Master Yutelli frowns. "We must tread carefully," she says. "Is there any proof of their work, yet? What did they show you?" She pauses. "The vergence," she murmurs. "You've concluded it could be an outside factor - one that could tip the scales in their favor...!"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Now any lifeform in distress warrants further investigation at least. <A creature...in distress> he informs his master as he focuses on trying to discern the situation before he tries to approach.

Navi has posed:
Navi has been walking at the tail end of the group, mostly watching the greenery for anything that might object violently to their presence and listening to the conversation between Masters Windu and Yutelli. The conversation fills her with more foreboding than the jungle, although she is still struck by the size of the flora and fauna here. In her mind, it can only be the influencce of the vergence. Or, as she increasingly thinks of it, the cause of all their trouble.

Noticing Cayde and Master Rykard growing suddenly more alert, she rests a hand on her own lightsaber, where it rests on her medic's satchel. "Is something wrong?" she calls forward. "More than usual, I mean?"

Pike Windu has posed:
    Windu is distracted by another creature of unusual size.

    "Pardon me, Master."

Athena (159) has posed:
Rykard nods and motions for Cayde to go ahead of him. When Cayde gets closer, he'll be able to push aside the bushes and reveal what appears to be a giant bird that's the color of flames and embers. Its wing is clearly broken, or twisted, somehow. Upon seeing Cayde, it chirps softly.

"There's something in the bushes," Rykard tells Navi. "Cayde is investigating it."

Master Yutelli nods. "The vergence may make things that are not possible elsewhere, possible here. Is this what you fear, Master Windu?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    <It's...a bird...of some kind> Cayde tells his master. <Broken wing, maybe>

    He reaches out to its mind, trying to calm it. Maybe Navi or Pike could help. However, he doesn't contact either of them, at least not yet. In fact, even Navi may find that he's harder to read than usual.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "The confluence of beings, their motives, yes, in this place. It leaves me with unease, Master."

Navi has posed:
"It's definitely what /I/ fear... I'm sure everyone's noticed just how big and healthy the wildlife is around these ruins," Navi adds softly. "If this vergence can make a Ryshian tomato grow bigger than a protocol droid's head, it just might make a few other impossible things possible. I don't find that a comforting thought. It's making me wonder just why the Jedi left this place alone for so long."

Master Rykard's reply draws her attention forward once more. "Pardon me, Masters," she murmurs to Masters Windu and Yutelli as she makes her way over to speak to Master Rykard. "Any idea what it is?" she asks.

Athena (159) has posed:
The bird, weirdly, doesn't seem to be afraid of Cayde. In fact, it seems to be less distressed upon the young padawan's approach. The closer Cayde gets to it, the more he'll be able to discern about it -- it's not very old, perhaps the equivalent of his own age in its species' years. Despite that, it's... huge. It has four wings, a fiery red tail that fans out out, and a massive crest, which is currently drooping. He'll be able to see that one of it's wings is bent at an odd angle.

Yutelli nods solemnly. "We must watch them," she says, "but we should be careful. We can't assume anything just yet. But I understand your concern," she says to Pike.

Rykdard glances at Navi. "I'm not sure," He murmurs. "Local to Tenoo, certainly. But I've never seen a bird like this in my life! It seems to take to Cayde quite well, though."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde very carefully moves over toward the bent wing, and starts trying to figure out what is wrong with it, hopefully without hurting it or causing further injury.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Windu nods. "Yes, Master. I will trust in the Force."

Navi has posed:
"Well, that's good. I'm surprised it's let us get so close to it," Navi muses, nodding absently. "Does he need any assistance from us?"

Athena (159) has posed:
It will become clear to Cayde that the wing is broken. Perhaps it's time to ask Pike or Navi intervene on behalf of the bird.

Master Yutelli nods. "Indeed," she says softly, "but know that tou will always have an ally in me! If we must look into the matter of the Arkanians more deeply, I am happy and ready to assist."

"I think so," Rykard says, now following Cayde, "I believe its injured..."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde examines the wing, but he isn't quite sure of anything other than it looks broken. He glances over at Pike and Navi, then back at the injured wing, his expression expectant although he is otherwise unreadable. [Broken...I think] he signs.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Windu deactivates his Jedi weapon and pushes his hood down. Stepping forward, he kneels next the creature and Cayde. "I will do what I can."

Navi has posed:
"Better check on them, then," Navi says, stepping off of the trail and moving to join Cayde and the wounded avian, letting Pike have room to work for now. "Have you been able to communicate with it?" she asks Cayde softly, glancing to him after studying the bird closely for a moment. "And I'm with you... it sure looks like a broken wing."

Athena (159) has posed:
The bird looks somewhat uneasy when Pike approaches, however, it holds still as Pike does what he can for the bird. It would seem it is able to move its wing a little bit once Windu finishes.

After a moment it peers at the group, tilting its head to one side and flexing its wing a bit. Then it coos and turns, bowing low to the ground. What did it want?

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde immediately starts approaching it and climbing onto its back, although slowly and carefully. Such a large creature could prove an important ally...especially if there is something hostile down there or if that thing they'd seen last time had returned. He lets out a low whistle that sounds almost identical to the cooing noise the creature had made just now.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Windu looks at the bird and pats it. "A ride? You strong enough, fella?"

Navi has posed:
"Is it safe for it to be flying with that injured wing?" Navi asks, gently petting the side of the great bird's lowered head. "You're a big sweetie, aren't you?" she coos softly to it, giggling at Cayde's impressive birdcall.

Athena (159) has posed:
The bird seems pleased by the noise Cayde is making, and nuzzles hin affectionately. Except its huge and might almost bowl Cayde over.

The bird trills softly at Pike and peers at hin, then Navi. Its intent in the Force seems clear - it feels confident enough to carry all five of them.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde stumbles a little bit but manages to stay on his feet until he gets up onto its back, gently gripping onto its feathers. He waits for the others to get on as well.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Windu laughs and pets the bird. "I appreciate the offer, friend. But I will keep my feet on the ground. I'll catch you for a ride out of the valley, later. May the Force be with you all."

    Pike turns and trots down the trail.

Navi has posed:
"If you say so, big friend," Navi observes softly, climbing carefully onto the rearmost part of the bird's neck, beckoning Cayde to join her. "We probably don't want to sit right on its back. All the muscles for flight are there. The neck is probably safer," she suggests.

She also sends a quick telepathic message to Masters Rykard and Yutelli. <Our new friend has offered us a ride down to the lower valley. Please join us if you want to save yourselves some walking.>

Athena (159) has posed:
The bird watches curiously as Pike leaves, but Oona and Rykard have soon boarded as well as Navi.

It screeches this time, and jumping up, takes to the air.

But before they know it, it has angled itself downward, down into the valley, right to the Temple, in front of the cavernous area where the doors to the inner Temple are.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde grips onto the bird as it rises up into the air, a cold wind rushing over him. He never imagined he'd ride on a wild bird...

    But even as they approach the valley, he keeps scanning for any hostile presences.

Navi has posed:
Navi holds on for dear life, almost. This is a lot different from riding in a speeder or on a speeder bike! Nevertheless, she can't help cheering as the bird dives toward the valley.

She carefully climbs down after the bird settles down in front of the temple ruins, pausing to hug the side of its neck as much as she can; there's just no way she's getting her arms around /that/ neck. "That was fun... thank you," she says softly to the bird.

Athena (159) has posed:
He'll see that they pass over several creatures that might have posed a problem for them if they'd hiked. Hopefully Pike will be able to avoid them on his way down by foot...

The bird trills softly when Navi hugs it, But the young Sephi girl probably shouldn't tarry. Masters Yutelli and Rykard have already made their way into the cave, and are approaching the impressions in the stone doors to the Temple where the pontite should fit...

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde gets carefully down from the bird, petting it gently on the side of its neck and reaching out to its mind to let it know that he's grateful for its help. Then he turns and follows his master down into the temple.

Navi has posed:
Navi rubs her cheek lightly against the bird's neck. "Thank you," she whispers, jogging after the Masters and Cayde. She waves over her shoulder at the bird in farewell, though, and inwardly hopes it stays around for when they return.

"I think we're about to witness something truly amazing," she observes softly as she approaches those mysterious impressions that sent many of the colony's Jedi and herself on such a long and eventful voyage.

Athena (159) has posed:
Before Cayde and Navi leave, the bird plucks a feather from its wing and places it in their palms. They may sense the bird's token of affection symbolized some kind of loyalty and gratefulness.

When Cayde and Navi enter, they'll find Master Yutelli kneeling on the ground in front of the doors, her eyes glassy. "I've dreamed of such a moment," she says softly. Then, she upturns her palms and the pontite crystals float out, towards Cayde and Navi. "Would you two like to do the honors?" she says quietly, while Rykard stands off to the side.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde nods and takes one of the crystals, letting Navi take the others. He approaches the strange carving they'd find before, and places the crystal into the socket. Would they find the source of vergeance inside? Whatever it is, hopefully it's something good.

Navi has posed:
Navi blinks wide-eyed at the invitation. "Oh, my... I... I've never been so honored, Master. I'd be glad to," she says softly, accepting the crystal(s) from the air. Looking to Cayde as she approaches the carving in the door, she carefully places the crystal(s) into the slot(s) in the carving. "Here goes nothing..." she murmurs, setting the last crystal in place.

Athena (159) has posed:
The ground suddenly shakes, and the group will have to take cover or move quickly as some debris loosens from the ceiling and plummets to the cavern floor.

The doors to the inner temple slowly grind open, the sound of ancient stone against ancient stone rubbing away moss and dirt that's stayed there for only light knows how long assaulting their ears.

And then suddenly they'll realize that they're... moving?? Moving upward...!

"By the Force!" Oona cries, getting to her feet and rushing out of the cavern. "The inner sanctum of the Temple was... buried!" And indeed, they'll find that they're on a stone platform that's rising up, and below them there are more pillars and partially decomposed limestone structures rising up, shredding foliage and detritus. It's magnficient, breathtaking, shocking, overwhelming. A flock of birds roosting in a nearby tree is disturbed by all the movement and fly up into the sky, disappearing behind the now visible clouds in the distance.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    As the room they were in shakes and begins to rise, Cayde dodges out of the way of some falling debris, but manages to keep his footing. His eyes widen as he too realizes there is much more to explore than they'd initially seen. What secrets could be inside? Maybe...something that might help him master his gifts? One could hope.

Navi has posed:
"Eep!" Navi squeaks, dodging several chunks of masonry falling from the ceiling by sheer luck or the will of the Force. It takes her a moment to realize that the very floor under their feet is rising, and that she can see a lot more sky than a few moments ago.

"Geez... just how high are we going to go?" she cries in surprise and a hint of dismay. "I can practically see my tent from here!"

Athena (159) has posed:
Rykard comes to stand next to Cayde, marveling at it all. "How... marvelous. Today has been a good day, Cayde. But tomorrow, and for many days to come, we will have our work cut out for us," he says with a soft chuckle.

A few moments after Navi wonders aloud how high they will go, the Temple stops rising, and they will indeed be able to see the colony site from where they stand. They'll also be able to see that the rising of the Temple grounds had changed the terrain in the valley irrevocably. A massive chasm has formed, angling downward dangerously. The way back is now not traversable!

But thankfully, they need not worry - for the bird they'd rescued appears to have left and returned with a couple of friends. And they seem more than happy to give rides back.

And yet, it may occur to Navi that the Nihil raiders she'd met prior to all this, including Zealot, had been stationed in the valley last she'd seen them. Were they ... trapped now?? Perhaps that is a good thing, perhaps it is bad. Either way, it's likely a problem for another day...

Navi has posed:
"I CAN see my tent from here!" Navi cries in astonishment, looking first at the colony site, and then down at the valley below, now irrevocably transformed by the reopening of the temple sanctum. Getting down on all fours near the edge of the platform, she looks down toward where she remembers the experimental cloning lab to have been. "I hope nobody in the lab was hurt. And I have no idea how we're going to explain what just happened! Or how we're going to get back... I hope Master Windu is okay!"

The return of the giant bird, now accompanied by two friends, reassures her. "Well, that answers one question," she muses, giggling as she resumes her feet. "We really should find out where these birds live. It's got to amazing."

She can't help a pang of guilt for the Nihil camp and its residents. There was just no way to tell if any of them were alive or hurt after this. She makes a mental note to investigate as soon as she possibly can...

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde nods, suddenly feeling quite eager to uncover whatever ancient secrets lay within. In fact, so much so that he doesn't notice the red patches that have formed all over his arms and face at some point since he'd arrived here. Yet, anyway.

    But, it's so high up! Maybe it's even as tall as the towers at the Temple on Coruscant...he wonders why it had been buried, it seemed that someone had purposefully created the mechanism. Had there been a reason it needed to be hidden sometimes?