Specters of a Sorcerer's Past: Tomi's Fate

Specters of a Sorcerer's Past: Tomi's Fate
Date of Scene:	25 February 2024
Location:
Synopsis:	A group of Jedi attempt to wake the comatose Tomi or boost his weakening vitality.
Cast of Characters:	159, 334, 269, Annelia Belask, Cayde Alexis

---

Athena (159) has posed:
Following the events on Jedha after the Festival of Balance, there had been a bit of disquiet at the Temple of the Kyber. The vault, naturally, after the raid had happened, had required repairs and a security inspection. Consequently, many of the relics had been relegated to any storage with space during this time, and the Convocation had requested for offworld members of their sects to come to Jedha to oversee the repairs and serve as additional security during this somewhat unstable period of time at the Temple.

And then there was the matter of Tomi, the Sorcerer of Tund rendered permanently unconscious shortly after the Temple raiders had been chased off. The other Sorcerors had submitted to the Convocation the body of his works - which contained an alarming number of dark side relics, a substantial amount of research conducted around them and their history, among other things that some of the Convocation representatives refused to even speak about.

Thus, it is no surprise that when the Kel Dor Master Volk arrives to greet the other Jedi, he appears tired and a bit worn. "The Convocation thanks you for coming," he says, his tone weary. "Any and all help is welcome. And there are things we would discuss, as well. Come," he says, beckoning for them to enter the Temple of the Kyber.

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
Though some of their number are likely well familair with the sights of Jedha and were present during the incident that has prompted these events, for Caius this is largely a fresh sight. It's been many, many years since he set foot on Jedah and was a young padawan for that matter. Now, as he looks about, he does so with a curious and appraising eye as he attempts to take in the sights and the overall mood, including the weariness and tension that is rather clearly in the air. No surprise given the chaos of what unfolded here in recent memory.

Now that he's present he can't help but wonder lightly if he might have gotten a lttle in over his head, regardless of his reasonings for wanting to step in and get involved.

"Of course, Master Volk. After you." he says after giving the Jedi Master a respectful bow and then turning to wait for the others to move forward as well.

Hal (269) has posed:
Hal has been assigned as a member of the delegation to Jedha and carries himself with some degree of seriousness, though that could mostly be due to his usual stony expression. As Volk addresses them, the knight affords a nod and says, "Indeed, Master Volk, we are glad to be of service." He rests his hands on his belt and takes in the sights around him, not so much as a tourist would, but one who scoping out threat vectors. The knight nods to the others in the delegation and readies to follow Volk.

Annelia Belask has posed:
    As Annelia approaches the gathering of Jedi she's... still stretching- one arm across her chest, then the other, then interlacing her hands behind her head and tilting said head back to stretch her shoulders the other way. She doesn't much... stop doing these kinds of things, really.

    "Well, it would feel a little like not finishing something I... well, didn't start, but was involved in the big kick-off of," she notes to the Master, nodding her head a little as she swings her arms back down to her sides.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde is also among the delegation of Jedi at the temple today, standing near Annelia. He bows politely toward Master Volk, then starts to follow him inside. He can feel the tension and weariness of those with the responsibility of caring for this place, no doubt due in part to the chaos he'd caused...

Athena (159) has posed:
Volk nods at both Hal and Caius in thanks, and begins to guide the small Jedi delegation into the Temple of the Kyber. "Annelia... I apologize that we did not meet on better terms earlier. Has the Council yet chosen a Master for Cayde?" The Kel Dor Master falls into step beside Cayde and pats him on the shoulder gently and affectionately in greeting.

Once inside, he takes them to a small meeting room and gestures for them to sit. "Would any of you like something to eat? Drink? I know your journey here must have been long."

With a sigh, he sits down himself. "As some of you may already know, Master Tomi has been in suspended animation for over a month now, with no signs of waking anytime soon. Not only this, but his vitals are... weakening. Very slightly, but weakening nonetheless. The other Sorcerers are considering ... well, giving him a peaceful transition into the Force, but the Convocation itself has yet to cast a vote..." His gaze rests uneasily on Cayde, and then flicks to Annelia, if only briefly.

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
Caius settles his gaze on Cayde but says nothing. He looks back towards Volk as the Master leads them further in and simply watches quietly and listens carefully though he gives Annelia a brief glance as she's addressed by The Master.

After taking a seat and Volk has explained the situation, Caius nods his head, "Master have attempts to reach him telepathically proven unsuccessful? We know that the technique to place oneself into Force Hibernation exists and that those trained can even place willing participants into one. I understand that even stronger forms of those techniques also exist. Is it possible that minds working in concert may be able to reach Tomi and pull him out? Also ..if his life signs are weakening is it possible that the climate here on Jedha and the technology here isn't suited? We could transfer him somewhere where it might be easier to sustain him even if for a little while longer."

He gestures at those present, indicating Hal, Anne and then Cayde, "MY hope was that we might be able to work together to help him. Will the other sorcerers allow this?"

Hal (269) has posed:
With only a passing understanding of what is going on, Hal stays silent for the moment as he joins the others in the small room, though after a moment, he does give a nod when asked if he would like something to drink, "Yes, please," he notes.

When the situation is better understood, the knight taps on his knee pensively before commenting, "What are the risks that will be taken on by this?" he asks, "Though, and correct me if I am wrong, would the thoughts on his order hold a great deal of sway with the convocation?"

Annelia Belask has posed:
    "No word yet, but... well, I have a feeling. Give it a little time," says Ann with a shrug, shaking her head at the question.

    She drums her fingers on her thigh as the group walks, ponderous as she looks around the temple as they go at... nothing in particular, just thinking to herself.

    "I have about as much talent for linking minds as I have for... well, any noteworthy technique in the Force. I'm not sure what help I could be. But if there is a way, I'm here for it."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde follows Master Volk and the others inside, sitting down at the table in the small meeting room. There is a...sinking feeling in his gut when Volk mentions Tomi's weakening vitality. If they didn't do something soon, the man could be lost forever. He listens to the others discuss uneasily...

Athena (159) has posed:
"I have tried. A couple others have tried. None of us were successful, but we did not attempt any such connection to him together," Volk says, shaking his head.

"And while you are correct," he says to Caius, "the sleep that has come over Master Tomi is... different. Deeper. I believe his life signs weakening are in alignment with what our data archives have about the Blade of Hibernation. It can be used to allow a trained Force user to diminish his life force into the smallest fragment possible, so that they might endure many centuries of hibernation without wake. However, it was never meant to be used like that without first setting up a trigger of a kind, so that the Force user who uses the Blade is not trapped in his coma-like state forever."

Volk gives Hal and Caius an uneasy look. "And about that trigger -- well the details of what that might look like have been lost to time. What you suggest is possible, but... dangerous. Some may become too entangled in his or someone else's conscious, and may also succumb to the same trance. Worse, their minds may be permanently altered in ways that not even the healers may know how to soothe. I--" he pauses. "His order does hold perhaps more sway than what the Convocation might vote. He is, after all, one of their Sorcerers. But nothing has been decided yet." He motions for a passing droid to bring them some tea.

Volk is silent a moment, and pensive. "The Sorcerers on Jedha are not terribly gifted in powers of the mind. They may not see any other way. But what is the measure of a Jedi if we do not at least attempt to save him..."

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
"I see..."

Not exactly what he was wanting to hear. Caius purses his lips in thought and then rubs his jaw as he leans back.

"We have to try. There could be much at stake, not the least of which is Tomi's life... If nothign else we could attempt to find a way to forestall the diminishing life force but, perhaps, deciphering the trigger may be in order as well. IF the artifact is that powerful and the hold on him that strong...it may end up being the only way but.."

He shakes his head, "I wouldn't even know where to begin for that..."

He glances towards Hal and Anne expectantly, in search of their thoughts on the situation.

Hal (269) has posed:
"Hmm," Hal says and ponders for a few moments. "It is worth trying," he pauses, "But we will need safeguards, provided we get assurances from the Sorcerers. Last thing we need is the whole thing to fall apart because they blame us," the one-eyed knight notes. "We should not commit all of us to it, then. Best to limit our exposure, keep the number involved small." His tone is grim as he continues, "As you say, master, the risk is high."

Annelia Belask has posed:
    "I think, on the scale of time of the galactic republic, another incident with this thing is almost inevitable. Finding a solution is something we may need someday regardless of what happens today. So I say try it, and be prepared for next time," says Ann, shrugging.

    "That being said, losing the information about 'triggers' seems questionable too- do we have any jedi present on-world with more of a knack for communing with -objects-? I've heard tell of jedi with such a gift and... it may be dangerous, but it may be a way to find some answers about this sword."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Of course it would be dangerous...of course they could lost. But, they had to try. -He- had to try, at least, if no one else would go with him. It was his fault.

    Cayde sighs and rests his head on a hand and an elbow on the table, wondering if Tomi is here somewhere. He reaches out with the Force, somewhat casually searching for evidence of the Arkanian's presence.

Athena (159) has posed:
Volk nods wearily, seeming to agree with what Caius is saying. "I suppose... are any of you skilled in telepathy? Aside from Cayde. Perhaps two of us can attempt, while the other two stand guard to wake us if anything starts to go awry."

"The Sorcerers will permit it. Now more than ever anything that can be done should be done. If all else fails, they are prepared to do what they feel is a favor to him."

Volk shakes his head at Annelia. "These artifacts are hundreds of thousands of years old. Loss of information over such immense periods of time -- well, it is inevitable and normal." Then he pauses. "There are not any Jedi on Jedha currently who could help, unfortunately. Force users, yes. Can they be trusted? Well..."

Cayde will discover that Tomi is indeed nearby. He's in the Temple, being kept in a back room in the infirmary...

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
"That is why we're here, Master Volk. I have some skill with it and was hoping that by involving Cayde, together with additional aid we might be able to do something. We..."

He nods to Anne and Hal as well though Hal is newly involved in these matters, "..think that this also might be good for our Padawan friend, given how involved he is with this situation."

No sense in dancing around the issue here. At least there here were present for when the blade was flung into TOmi to begin with and why.

"So it could be a benefit to us all. I'm willing to take the risk if Cayde is. As to the question of gifts...I've...some ability to sometimes see ahead but the past or object? I'm afraid not.."

Hal (269) has posed:
Hal nods o Annelia as she speaks, "It will not likely be the last, yes," he nod to Cayde and Caius as well, "I am not as adept in that art as some, but I will gladly lend aid where I can in this endeavor."

When Volk confirms that the Sorcerers will permit it, Hal nods. "I will confess I would prefer those of our order keeping the records, but that is more bias on my end than anything. Duplication of it in the right hands would be ideal and prevent it from being lost forever."

Annelia Belask has posed:
    "I might be best off standing watch, truth be told. I wouldn't be much help in the force connection," says Ann, exhaling slightly after she speaks. She shakes her head and moves on.

    "That being said, do you plan to join them in the ritual, Master Volk? Of the jedi I *know* I'm not sure there are a trio past you and Caius and Cayde I think better suited."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    There...yes he was here. Cayde could see him through the eyes of his attendants, lying in the infirmary in a back room.

    The padawan suddenly gets up from the table and starts leaving the room.

Athena (159) has posed:
"It is enough," Volk says, "for the risk of the task to be slightly diminished." But then he seems surprised at Caius' suggestion of involving Cayde. "Cayde?" A mildly fearful expression crosses the Kel Dor's look. "I did not think... do you not think his involvement may cloud his judgement? I suppose you did not see what happened to him during the Temple Raid..."

But his gaze flicks to Anne, to Caius, then back to Anne, his gaze poignant as if to say that Cayde did not have a Master whose judgement he could defer to, but it seemed Anne was closest to him. He nods when she says that she believes him, Cayde, and Caius to be best suited for the task. "Very well, then. I shall defer to your judgement regarding this. After all, I only just met him." He bows his head slightly.

He nods to Hal. "Any help in this endeavor will be appreciated. And I mirror your sentiment. I would rather keep this matter between the Order and the Sorcerers." He then stands. "I do plan to assist them. It seems agreed, then. Hal and Annelia may stand watch while the rest of us attempt to either wake Tomi or at least, slow the decay of his vitality. Come. He is being kept in the infirmary..."

Volk then immediately quickens his pace and places a hand on Cayde's shoulder to slow him. "You must not do this alone," he says to the young padawan. "It's far too dangerous. We will attempt this in tandem."

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
"Yes Master." says Caius. When Cayde stands and begins to move on his own, Caius just watches...when as expected Volk intervenes to slow the padawan down.

He then stands and approaches as well, "Remember hwat we discussed Cayde." he suggests to the padawan. "...and remember this is about Tomi. Not us. So we'll have to work together."

He glances over to Hal and Anne as he steps back to let Volk take the lead to the infirmary and steps back to wait with his fellow knights.

Hal (269) has posed:
Hal nods, "I will join you in your watch," he says to Ann. He thnks more, "I cannot speak to Cayde's abilities, but I defer to those who are.' He looks to Caius, who appears so. With that, he exhales, and follows the others to the infirmary

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde suddenly finds Master's Volk's hand on his shoulder. Oh...

    He'd just been going to take a look, at least. The padawan nods and slows down at least a bit.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Very good, then," Volk says to Caius and Hal. "Thank you... the risk is great, and I appreciate your willingness to help, despite how dangerous this task is."

Volk shows the four of them to the infirmary, which is on one of the lower levels of the Temple. He takes them to a room in the back, where Tomi lies in an enclosed glass chamber, his vitals blinking on a screen attached to the apparatus. His presence in the Force is barely detectable... and the Jedi who have just arrived will realize that the Arkanian truly is hardly alive.

Master Volk steps forward, glancing over at Caius, then Cayde. "Ready?" he says quietly.

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
"Cayde..."

Caius voice is sterner now as he looks at Tomi and then back to the padawan, "I'm sure Master Volk would agree ...in suggesting that you follow our lead first. Don't be too aggressive or impulsive."

Just going to 'take a look' indeed.. might have been the first step to disaster. "We'll need your strength in the force to support us but not to drive us. Alright?"

His voice lightens abit here but he nods his head and then turns towards Anne and Hal to nod to them and then back to Volk and then Tomi as he reaches out with The Force.

Hal (269) has posed:
Hal stands watch, his stony expression unchanged from before, his hands resting on his belt observing carefully, nodding to Cayde and Caius to indicate that he is ready.

Annelia Belask has posed:
    "Ah, I -do- remember him..." muses Anne quietly as she settles into a space beside the door into the room, arms crossing as she leans back there, watching quietly.

    She drums her fingers on her upper arm absently, head tilting as she watches the more expert members of the team take a closer look at the state of the sorcerer.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde nods again when Caius' voice becomes more stern for a moment. Upon entering the room, he stares sadly at the glass chamber where Tomi is just barely holding on to his life.

    He closes his eyes, reaching out toward the Arkanian's mind but doing his best to let Master Volk and Caius enter first...

Athena (159) has posed:
When Caius reaches out with the Force, he'll have a peculiar out of body sensation as he dives in the depths of Tomi's consciousness, which will feel like a bottomless, still well in a void with no walls or ceiling. He'll be able to sense Volk's steady presence somewhere far away but still within this too-quiet place. Cayde is there too, but he'll feel much nearer.

And then suddenly he and Cayde will be plunged into a riotous memory - one of the streets of the Holy City, but it is not the present day. They'll both have a sense that this memory had happened many years ago, and Tomi's conscious is stuck here, watching this strand of his past on replay.

The skies are grey with smoke, and the sound of lasers and the smell of ozone will overwhelm them. Everywhere, people are screaming and running here and there, fleeing some unknown danger as bodies lie trampled on the ground. In the middle of it all, they'll see a young Tomi, looking confused, afraid and grief stricken. Tears are running down his cheeks as he looks around frantically, seeming to be searching for someone...

While Hal and Anne look on, the doors of the room slide open, permitting a Lonto woman into the room. She seems to have been looking for Volk, but when she sees that he appears to be preoccupied, her brows furrow. "I've.. a message for the master," she says, bowing politely to Hal and Anne. "Will you relay it to him when he's... finished?"

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
He had been preparing for this with his studies, meditation and time in the archives ut the force by which he's pulled into this void and into this memory still manages to surprise him. He'd hoped to retain some awareness of what was happening in the waking world but apparently that is a lost cause given the strength of this memory.

Caius glances around now, studying the scene and also searching for Cayde's presence as well...along with any clue that might aid in helping to break Tomi out of this cycle. He senses the neareness of the Padawan but the distance of The Master.

"This battle.." he considers thoughtfully but doesn't make any move to attempt to intervene or interfere just yet, uncertain of if they'd be swept into the vision or not. Upon seeing that Tomi seems to be searching for someone he begins following after him, searching for any clues as to where this may lead them. "Cayde, let's try and guide Master Volk towards us. We should try and stay together. Can you sense him?"

Hal (269) has posed:
The process is interesting, even for one on the outside looking in. Hal is focused on the two, his focus like a laser, though at least it seems to go well, enough so that when the Lonto woman arrives, the knight can exhale and look to her and nods, "We will let you know of any developments."

Annelia Belask has posed:
    Ann remains quiet, eyes actually... closing? In this moment? Rather, her head turns a little, ear shifting to listen to the hall outside and beyond the group in here.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde takes in the chaotic scene, and the young Tomi trapped in the middle of it all. It very much reminds him of his own past, and the nightmares he often has about it whenever he tries to sleep. As they are now in the same memory, Caius may be aware of this.

    He looks over at Caius and nods at the question of whether he can sense Volk's presence. The padawan also starts following Tomi, trying to reach out to this...younger version of him. Who or what was he searching for?

Athena (159) has posed:
"Ah," the Lonto woman says, "thank you, but I have other duties I must attend to, so I will leave my message with you. The items from Master Tomi's belongings have been prepared for the Bogan Collection. They are ready for a final examination before being submitted to the collection." She pauses, glancing furtively over at Volk. "Did he tell you what we found?" she says, lowering her voice.

Caius and Cayde will find the young Tomi has turned left and is running desperately into a smoky alleyway.

Cayde will be able to sense that the young Tomi is searching for his older brother. "Otheym!!" he cries. "Otheym...?!" Somewhere in the distance, someone is calling Tomi's name. The Arkanian looks up, hope in his youthful gaze. "Brother!" he cries, and starts running towards the sound.

The memory then starts to tunnel vision, and little else can be seen except for the young Tomi, and the dark alleyway.

And then Tomi stops running, his eyes widening in fear. And Caius and Cayde won't be able to see what it is that Tomi is so afraid of, but they will be to -feel- it, as Tomi had felt it.

Fear. A great and terrible fear, one so heavy, so suffocating, so all encompassing, that it momentarily paralyzes every joint, every muscle. It is utterly oppressive, and it is not like any feeling either of them will have ever experienced before...

Then there is the sound of screaming. The voice that had been calling out to Tomi in the memory is dying an agonizing death from an unknown threat, the one that seems to have caused the oppressive fear...

From somewhere within Tomi's conscious, Volk's presence suddenly draws nearer and calls out in a disembodied voice, <Cayde! Caius! This has become too treacherous. Pull out, I beg of you, if you can>

Caius Astras (334) has posed:
"Nngh!"

Caius recoils, both in the astral plane and in the physical one. The wave of fear that washed over him hits him like an incoming overwhelming tide and his hold slips, almost pulling him into the depths of that darkness before he steels himself and anchors his mind. An instant later and he's yanked himself backwards and out, seeking a rapid exit from that void and whatever it is that was consuming Tomi's deep memories and psyche.

HIs eyes fly open and he gasps for air, stumbling a bit and rapidly attempting to regain footing and sense of orientation.

Hal (269) has posed:
"Wha?!" Hal remarks as Caius recoils, nearly running forward to help him, until he catches the open eyes and stumbling, instead offering an arm for support to his fellow Jedi. "Is everything all right?" he inquires.

Annelia Belask has posed:
    "... I take it things were not ideal," notes Annelia, brow raising despite her eyes not opening. She pushes herself off the wall.

    "The three of you together struggled? That's... concerning," she muses, reaching out to steady those she can reach much as Hal does. "Looks like the three of you came out okay, though. Fortunate."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde keeps following Tomi, until a fearsome presence reveals itself...whatever had killed his brother seems to be the source of it. But in spite of the threat, he doesn't pull out immediately, instead trying to push hard against the paralyzing fear and at least find out what this thing was. Volk and Caius can feel his determination...he felt responsible for Tomi's condition.

    When he finally comes out, he doesn't look disoriented, but rather he's just depressed. They hadn't made any progress whatsoever, even with all three of them joining their efforts together.

Athena (159) has posed:
Caius and Cayde will find Volk standing nearby, looking similarly winded and disoriented. He takes a moment, then straightens, looking to Caius and Cayde, brows furrowed neatly. "Thank the Light..." He nods at Hal when the other Jedi asks if Caius is alright.

The Lonto woman gasps when the three Jedi release themselves a bit violently from their trance. "Master Volk!" she cries. "What happened..." she says, glancing over at Caius and Cayde as well. "I had come to let you know that the items from Master Tomi's collection are ready for final examination before being submitted to the Bogan collection," she says.

Volk suddenly looks weary. "Ah.. that. Yes. That is yet another thing we have to discuss..." He turns to Annelia, shaking his head. "No, unfortunately. And this is exactly why we must not re-attempt." He glances over at Tomi's vitals, which miraculously, have actually improved slightly. "But at least we have delayed his decay somewhat, at least," he says, nodding at Cayde. "Tomi is not entirely lost. Not yet. I may be able to convince the Sorcerers at least to delay their decision."

He then turns back to Caius and Cayde. "The two of you should rest, as should I. The matter regarding the relics to be submitted to the Bogan Collection can wait."