Return to Tenoo

Return to Tenoo
Date of Scene:	10 May 2025
Location:
Synopsis:	The group returns to the colony on Tenoo.
Cast of Characters:	159, Pike Windu, Cayde Alexis, Navi

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Athena (159) has posed:
After having spent nearly two and half months away, the group that had ventured to Ilum had finally returned to Tenoo.

Much had transpired while they'd been away -- while in transit back to the Outer Rim, they would have received news that there'd been a financial scandal involving Chancellor Rie, and as such, he'd chosen to step down and allow the vice chancellor to take his place while other notable politicians began their campaigns to assume the position of Chancellor.

There had also been news that Cayde's old master Rykard had been found and reassigned to be marshal of the Tenoo colony, given that Anne had been urgently called away by the Council to take care of another matter near Wild Space.

Third, and perhaps the most unpleasant news of all, was that while they had been away, one of the colonists had died and there were rumors circulating that he'd been murdered.

Consequently, upon arriving back on Tenoo, things will feel a bit different. Yet, some things would always stay the same. As Yvon and Jahni unload the shuttle, a familiar young Nikto boy will race up the gangplank to greet the elder Jedi healer.

"Master Windu!" Tommy cries.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike smiles at Tommy and tries to corral the boy. "Have you behaved?"

Athena (159) has posed:
The small Nikto boy hugs Pike enthusiastically. "Of course I did," he says. "But you were gone so long," he says, pouting a little. "I'm 8 now, did you know that? Why'd you have to go away for so long?"

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike tries to maintain some dignity, patting the boy's head fondly.

    "I am a Jedi Master, I know many things. To answer your question, my Order sent us on a difficult errand. Now answer my question, have you been a good boy?"

Athena (159) has posed:
Tommy pouts a little more. "I already told you, I was! If you know so many things, then wouldn't you already know that I was good while you were gone?"

"I want to know about your... difficult errand. Did you fight cool monsters? Did you rescue a princess?"

Pike Windu has posed:
    "You did. It must be the hyper-lag. We rescued beings from beyond Known Space. Strange beings never seen before."

Athena (159) has posed:
Tommy's eyes grow wide. "You did??" he cries. "Where are they? What are they like? What happened? Did you have to fight bad guys to rescue them?" the Nikto boy says, peppering the Jedi healer with questions.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike laughs at the boy's enthusiasm.

    "I will tell you all about it later. Not here standing on a gangplank."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Aw!" Tommy deflates, looking disappointed. "But when? You were already gone for so long..."

But before Pike can reply, the two Arkanian scientists he'd met the first time he'd committed to the Tenoo Initiative, approach. "Master Windu," one of them says cordially, "A word in private, please?"

Meanwhile, in the back, inside the cargo bay, Cayde may find that his bag is missing...

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Having heard about his old master's return, Cayde finds himself at least a little bit excited to see him again. He recalled seeing Kuv and Shasta on Jedha, and how they'd mentioned a lead on his location....and that he had important information.

    However, when he goes to the cargo bay to search for the light baggage he'd packed he'd finds it missing. The padawan frowns, beginning to search around for it.

Pike Windu has posed:
     Pike smiles and nods. "Of course."

    The Jedi says to Tommy, "Show me what a good boy you are and bring sweet rolls and hot coffee to my quarters and I will tell you about my mission."

Athena (159) has posed:
Cayde won't find it, but the tall blue skinned alien known as Thaarin will call to him from the cargo bay's gangplank - Cayde will notice he's already carrying it.

"Okay!" Tommy says, and rushes off. The Arkanians nod, and motion for Pike to follow them. "You'll be glad to hear," she continues, "we've made significant progress in our research...!"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Oh...

    Cayde follows him down the walkway, approaching and holding out a hand with the expectation of receiving his luggage back. He definitely doesn't need any help carrying it.

Pike Windu has posed:
    The dignity of a Jedi Master prevents Pike from asking for a reminder on the nature of the research. Instead he says, "of course," authoritatively and falls in behind the Arkanians.

Athena (159) has posed:
Thaarin gives Cayde a faint smile. "Perhaps your efforts would be more useful elsewhere?" he says in fluent Basic , glancing over at Yvon, who's struggling to move some of their ration boxes. The young padawan won't be surprised at Thaarin's fluency, in the few weeks that they'd taken to come to Tenoo, he'd mastered Basic.

Once they're farther away from the vessel, Vaneya says to Pike, "Its the vergence," she says, "It's an ideal environment for experiments of the genetic kind. You'd be surprised at what we've created in just test tubes," she says.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    The padawan's gaze flits over to Yvon, and he reaches out with the Force, attempting to help the boxes along, at least. Suddenly, they're not as heavy as they were....

Pike Windu has posed:
    "I never doubted that your research would progress. Please, explain further." Pike begins to remember the doubts he had when he first heard about this research.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Weird," Yvon mutters, "guess I just needed to try harder," he mutters, exiting the cargo bay.

Thaarin chuckles softly and proceeds down the ramp after Yvon, waiting at the bottom for Cayde. "Where are your quarters?" he asks Cayde.

Vaneya seems pleased by Pike's comment. "Indeed," she says. "We've successfully synthesized a human heart and an Arkanian liver," she says, "but we hope to push the boundaries of our experiments. I hope you understand, Master Windu."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Once Yvon has successfully transferred the boxes to their intended location, Cayde follows Thaarin down the walkway, watching him expectantly.

    [I will carry it] he signs, pointing at the bag. But then, he realizes, Thaarin doesn't have an assignment. Well they would have to see Master about that. [But...for your accommodations]

Pike Windu has posed:
    "Understanding and approving are very different. I understand. But I will need to know more before I can approve." Pike says this in all seriousness.

Athena (159) has posed:
Thaarin gives Cayde another faint smile. "No need," he says, gently. He pauses. "I hope you know that I don't think any less of you or your own strength simply because you aren't carrying your own bag," he says. "And if others think otherwise, well, I wouldn't be too concerned. Those sorts aren't the kind you should associate with." When he mentions his accommodations, he inclines his head, seeming amused. "Don't worry about me," he says. "I'm sure they'll figure it out soon enough."

Vaneya and Terrin stop walking. "Master Windu, do you have any idea what this could mean? It could be revolutionary. We're dealing with a method that might permanently change the way we think about conception," she says. "wouldn't you want to live in a galaxy where childless families could be provided one, one that is their own flesh and blood? The effective ressurection of a dead loved one?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde listens to what Thaarin has to say, then nods and motions for him to follow. He then starts heading toward wherever his master is now, following the Force's guidance.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike shrugs. "As I said, I need to know more before I can say yes or no. Please continue."

Athena (159) has posed:
Thaarin follows Cayde, though he lags behind a bit, his expression distant. At some point, he stops walking, looking back to the ship.

Vaneya huffs, looking annoyed. "Fine," she mutters, motioning for both Terrin and Pike to follow her. "We'll show you to the lab. We've set up very close to the Temple." A beat. "Hopefully this doesn't pose problems for the renovations of it," she says, but her tone is flippant.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde stops when Thaarin does, heading back toward him. He waits, following the young officer's gaze back toward the ship.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike follows along. "I am a medic. I understand the potential benefits of your work. But I am a Jedi as well." Pike leaves much unsaid.

Navi has posed:
"And so he came to the end of his journey, no wiser or richer than when he'd begun," Navi murmurs, reading through a story on a datapad. She rises from her bunk inside the shuttle's tiny passenger berth, powering off the datapad and tucking it into her medic's satchel. "I hope that's not the way I'll end my journals about /this/ place," she murmurs, but it lacks hope.

Taking up her luggage, she starts for the gangplank, but pauses to assist some in the unloading. The Ungaughts may not ever win any beauty or cuteness contests, but the pair have become her friends, and it feels right to help them.

Perhaps fifteen minutes later, Navi finally exits the ship. "Never knew supply crates were so light," she murmurs. "Wonder where Master Windu's gotten to..."

Athena (159) has posed:
For a very brief moment, Thaarin looks... wistful, and sad. Why, Cayde can only guess. His mind remained untouchable. However, when Cayde comes to stand next to him, the look fades and he gives the padawan another faint smile. "Sorry," he says, "I was wondering where Navi was --" Just then, he sees the young Sephi girl come down the gangplank. "I'll go help her, if you can wait a moment," he says. Then he makes his way over to Navi. He's already carrying Cayde's bag, but he still offers kindly, "I can take that for you?" he says, holding an arm out to take her satchel.

Vaneya doesn't comment further, but as they approach the valley where the Temple and vergence, they'll be met by another Jedi - Rykard, Cayde's old master.

"Master Windu," the Ikkrukki man says respectfully. "You've returned to Tenoo. I've heard plenty about your healing skills. Welcome back," he says. He gives the Arkanians a slightly suspicious look but bows to them in greeting as well.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "Thank you, Master Rykard. It's an honor to meet you at last. I think Cayde is still at the landing field, if you're looking for him."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde watches as Thaarin goes to help Navi for a few seconds, then turns and starts heading toward the medical lab where Rykard is conversing with Pike and the Arkanians.

Navi has posed:
"Oh..! Hello, Thaarin," Navi says, startled at first, then smiling. "It's very sweet of you to offer! I keep that with me at all times, for emergencies... but perhaps you could carry this?" she asks, unshouldering and offering her field backpack. "It's just clothes and minor necessities, so it's just going to go back in my tent. It's not heavy." She's learned by now that Thaarin's insistence on helping will not be denied, so she finds a way to accept, in spite of her slight feelings of guilt; it feels like she's taking advantage of him.

"I need to find Master Windu... technically, I'm his assistant. Did you see which way he went?" she asks the tall blue man. "And did anyone see where Little Guy went?" It pays to keep an eye on the diminutive alien.

Athena (159) has posed:
Rykard nods. "The same to you," he says to Pike, "And I wouldn't be too concerned about Cayde. He's on his way here now. I can feel it in the Force..." he says, his expression wistful for a moment. "Regardless, I was looking around the site near the Temple and noticed the medical research center. I was hoping you might be able to shed more light on what is happening there?" The Arkanians are clearly uncomfortable with Rykard accompanying them as well, but they can't exactly refuse. "I suppose," Vaneya huffs. "This way, please," she says, and continues heading for the temporary structure that's their makeshift lab. And Cayde may find himself arriving right on their heels as they go inside...

"I didn't," Thaarin says, "and it seems Cayde is no longer interested in showing me where the bags go." He laughs quietly. "But I can drop everything off near the barracks, then help you look for them." He pauses, but keeps walking. "How have you been?" he asks sincerely. "How have you been feeling since we left Jedha," he asks, his tone softening even more.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "I am eager to know more, myself. The potential benefits of their work is staggering." Pike follows along towards the lab.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    As Cayde catches a glimpse of his old master heading into the lab, he feels his heart nearly skip a beat. It had been so long...

    He hurries in after them, reaching out into the Force. <Master...>

Navi has posed:
"No trouble... we can take a quick detour by the barracks and then we'll find Master Windu. As for Cayde, he's probably hunting for his old Master," Navi suggests, with a wry smile. "Not like I can blame him; those Master-Padawan bonds are unbreakable. I don't care what the Order says about it. You get attached to fellow Apprentices, former Masters, and others you work with. It's just the way we're made. Sometimes you have to put aside personal feelings for the greater good, but it doesn't change those feelings. Sometimes I don't know if the Order knows this and just won't talk about it, or if they're in eternal denial."

She sighs quietly, turning to lead the way toward the barracks. "Sorry... I didn't meant to use you as a venting port. The Order and I didn't part company on the best of terms. Sometimes it all comes back to me." She shrugs, straightening. "But it doesn't matter. I'll take a few deep breaths and I'll be fine, fine example of non-blue sentience that I am. You must think we're all a bunch of emotionally-overactive children, the way we act. Thanks for being so patient with us."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Right," Rykard says, and lets the Arkanians lead the way into the makeshift lab. He slows his pace so that once they're inside, he can talk to Pike without attracting the attention of Terrin and Vaneya. "Master Windu... don't you think this is all a bit... suspicious? They seem to be more than meets the eye..." Pike will notice that there are lots of locked boxes in the lab, and the stations appear fastidiously clean, as if someone had made sure to leave nothing that shouldn't be out in the open... out in the open.

But before Pike can respond to Rykard, Cayde makes his presence known. Rykard turns around. <Cayde!> He opens his arms to embrace the young padawan.

Thaarin nods, and they head for the barracks. But when Navi says that she's a fine example non blue sentience, his brows furrow. He stops walking, and comes to stand in front of Navi, placing a hand firmly on her shoulder. "Don't say that," he says, gently but firmly. "I would have you know that just because my emotions aren't always on display doesn't mean I don't have them." He squeezes her shoulder gently. "We're all different, and that's what makes variety the spice of life. At least, that's how I think the saying goes. You're different from me, and that's beautiful." His luminous, scarlet eyes flash, and he levels his gaze with hers, those eyes seeming to penetrate deep into her soul. "I can't speak for others, but I would have you know that there's never any need to feel like you must hide your feelings around me. I understand that your life has been far from easy, and the rescue of my brother and I along with his subsequent demise did nothing to make it easier. I apologize for that. But I want you to know that above all, I desire honesty, and sincerity. No need to wear a facade around me, Navi," he says, tipping her chin up gently. "I owe you and those who came to Ilum my life. And I'll forever be in your debt because of that. In the future, I hope to offer more to you than just my loyalty, but you can be assured that you'll always have it."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde accepts the embrace, glad to be reunited with Master Rykard again. As they touch, his mind begins to flood into his old master's, relaying everything that had happened on Ilum and Jedha. And how their new companions now needed accommodations...if there was any room, anyway.

Navi has posed:
Navi blinks as Thaarin stops her, looking up at him with eyes filled with mild confusion, and then a confused mass of emotions as she hugs him tightly. "You are the best friend anyone could ever have," she murmurs. "Thank you. And you don't need to apologize for your brother and that whole situation. Even if I'd known what would happen, I'd've tried to help him anyway. Except maybe I wouldn't have lied to the security forces about you, 'cause that was just really stupid. But I'd do everything else."

She stretches up to kiss his cheek, then releases him. "Let's get these bags taken care of, and then we'll find Master Windu. If the Force is with us, Cayde or his Master will be close by."

Athena (159) has posed:
<I...see> Rykard says, <We have much to speak about> he says to the young padawan gently. <but not now. While Master Windu is distracting the Arkanians... we should have a look around. Their working in tandem with the vergence is... concerning>

Thaarin seems surprised when she stands on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek, but doesn't reject her advances, and doesn't comment on it, either. Once they arrive at the barracks, Thaarin drops the bags off. Once he's finished with that, he turns to Navi and says, "I'm grateful for everything you did for my brother and I," he says, "but please, if you feel any lingering guilt or grief over him -- I'd beg you to think of him less. It may seem callous to say, but if you want to help my grieving process, then you'll do as I ask," he says gently. "It was my burden to bear, and still is. I was his commanding officer, no one else on the ship was. And because of that, I won't have anyone else shoulder that responsibility."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    <Yes master> Cayde replies, nodding. He then attempts to enter the Arkanians' mind, to find out what they're really up to. What are they trying to hide from Master Pike?

Navi has posed:
"Just guilt for my own stupidity, and whatever role it played. I can't promise I won't grieve for the good man I never got to meet, and the brother of my dear friend Thaarin... but I /will/ try. That's the best promise I can make you. Don't feel responsible for my feelings. But I won't speak of it anymore," Navi replies softly, briefly hugging Thaarin again.

"Let's get this stuff stowed. I must admit that I'd like to meet Cayde's Master. He seemed very attached to him," she advises as she releases him and starts for the barracks once more.

Athena (159) has posed:
It would appear to Cayde that the Arkanians didn't really have much to hide from Pike, however, they wanted to keep the other Jedi and members of leadership of the colony at arms length - perhaps except for Xera Graf. Their experiments dabbled in cloning - research that the Republic had not explicitly banned, but was considered, at this point in time, to fall under the illegal clause of 'no cruel and unusual experiments shall be conducted within Republic borders' by a vast majority of the scientific community.

Thaarin doesn't say anything right away, but the slight crease between his brows seem to make it clear how he felt about what Navi had said about herself. As they walk, he'll catch her gaze, and come walk close enough alongside her that their hands will almost brush. He's peering at her with that luminous, penetrating, scarlet gaze that seems to pierce the spirit. After a moment, he slows his pace, staying slightly ahead of her so she's also forced to slow hers a bit. "Don't," he murmurs sweetly, soothingly, still maintaining eye contact -- and she'll know exactly what he means.

But the moment will be interrupted when Vons seems to materialize out of nowhere. His eyes light up when he sees Navi, but his expression immediately sours when he sees Thaarin looking at her like that.

But before he can even speak, Thaarin greets him kindly, introduces himself, and asks him if he's seen Cayde or Master Rykard.

Vons deflates a little, and his gaze flicks to Navi longingly again for a moment before he replies, "Yeah. I saw the other Jedi heading towards the Temple in the valley just a little bit ago."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde frowns, absorbing the information. Then he turns back to his master, relaying what he'd learned. They didn't want the other Jedi to know about the cloning, it seemed...and if that was the case, there must be a reason to keep it hidden...

Navi has posed:
Navi feels her heart melt a little under Thaarin's penetrating gaze and powerful, yet somehow gentle presence, and finds herself slowing her pace slightly as he gently encourages her to do so. Before she can fully grasp just what's going on, Vons appears. The sudden shift in his expression sends a stiff pang of guilt straight through her, and she pauses to give him a quick hug.

"Thanks, Vons. Sorry we were gone so long, but a lot of things happened. I'd like you to meet Thaarin, a refugee and naval officer from another part of the galaxy that we haven't heard from in millennia. Thaarin, this is Vons, the best private investigator I've ever met. Vons, Thaarin. Vons, could you show Thaarin where all the tents are? Maybe he could tell you all about what's been happening since he met us on Ilum. I'll catch up to you both a little later, as soon as I find Master Windu and get caught up on my duties."

The last is said as she's jogging toward the vergence, and the new lab she's about to discover, while waving over her shoulder to the pair. The guilt and confusion are roiling about inside her mind and heart like a storm-tossed sea by now.

"Force help me, I've just pulled a Cayde..." she murmurs. "I am SO going to have to meditate on that later..."

Athena (159) has posed:
The other thing that Cayde will observe from the Arkanian's minds is that they really, really did not want the doctor to know about what they were doing here. He won't be able to know why, but he could probably guess.

Rykard glances around, then nods. <We'll have to find an excuse to come back here another time> he says, then starts heading out of the makeshift lab. His expression softens. <It's been so long... how are you> he says to Cayde.

"Well met," Thaarin says to Vons with a faint smile, and Vons seems to not know what to say. He's watching Navi as she leaves, and he calls to her back as she's leaving. "Tonight? In the mess hall?" But she doesn't respond, and he mutters to himself as he and Thaarin head away, "Nice to see you, too..." shaking his head.

Navi will come upon Cayde and Master Rykard just as they are coming out of the Arkanian's facility...

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    An excuse? But wasn't Master Rykard in charge now? Why did he need an excuse?

    <I...am well, Master> Cayde answers, although the elder Jedi will be able to tell there is much, much more to it than that. Much has happened, in the years they had been apart, and already some of it is coming back to mind. Rie, Vlaven, Tomi...even Master Pike.

Navi has posed:
"Oh! Cayde! There you are! Have you seen Master Windu?" Navi calls softly as she jogs closer to the lab. "And you must be Master Rykard! Hello! I'm Navi, a Novice of the Shining Brotherhood on Jedha. I'm assisting Master Windu in the medical research part of this initiative."

"Guess we missed a lot while we were gone," she adds. "When did all this get built? And why so close to the temple ruins?"

Athena (159) has posed:
<Cayde, we cannot let them know we are suspicious of what they're doing. Otherwise, they'll always put away anything incriminating>

<We have a lot of catching up to do> the older Ikkrukki man says, sounding weary, but grateful.

Rykard smiles when Navi approaches and introduces herself. "A pleasure to meet you," he says to Navi, bowing politely. "I assume you're a good friend of Cayde's. Thank you, for looking after him in my absence," he says.

"I'm not entirely sure. It's what I'm trying to figure out without the Arkanians suspecting. I believe it has to do with the vergence, and cloning. But we do not know more than that," he says. "And we must be careful about what we assume. I haven't seen any of their experiments out in the open," he says. "But if you are looking for Master Windu, he is inside."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    ...Right. Cayde nods. Master was always right, anyway.

    He turns when Navi approaches, also bowing politely in greeting. However, he frowns slightly when his master mentions 'looking after'. It has been several years, has Rykard forgotten that people grow up?

Navi has posed:
"Well, there wasn't much actual looking after necessary... and most of that was done by Anne," Navi replies, blushing faintly under the backhanded praise. "Cayde's a little impulsive some days, but he's done well for himself under her tutelage." That that generally happens on days that end in 'y' is something she doesn't bother to bring up...

"Arkanians? I hadn't known anyone else had been brought in on the medical staff... I may need to talk to Miss Graf and the doctor," Navi muses. "I'm not sure they'll want to talk to me, though."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Thank you, anyway," Rykard says, as they all begin to make their way back to the colony site. "I'm sure Cayde has advanced in the ways of the Jedi during my absence," he says, patting the young padawan on the shoulder. "But we shall just have to see how much...soon. Very soon."

"Hmm, yes. Well, they do seem to be rather reclusive and quiet about their work. Which doesn't bode well. But do what you must. I'm sure they'll speak with you if you let them know it's a matter of importance."

"Now, I do not mean to be rude. But Cayde and I are long overdue for some time spent together as master and apprentice," he says to Navi. "Do let me know how your conversation with the doctor or Lady Graf goes," he says, then motions for Cayde to follow him towards the outskirts of the colony site, away from barracks.

Navi has posed:
"As you wish, Master Rykard. I won't get in your way. And you'll know anything as soon as Master Windu and I learn anything. See you later, Cayde," Navi says by way of farewell as she starts back toward the new lab. It looks like she's going to have to do a lot more catching-up than she'd ever expected.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde pouts slightly, although he is trying not to show any frustration outwardly.