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Post by Jean Strife on Nov 22, 2010 1:32:44 GMT -5
*Jean looks through the area his sense being flooded by the Force. He looks around as he is lead to a crystal formation made up of green and blue crystals. Jean found it weird how the different colored crystals were coming from the same formation. He reaches towards the crystals and as he does images of Dak, the old farmer he lived with on Dantooine, go through his mind. Behind him are to hooded individuals. Jean can't make out their entire face but he can see their mouths. They nod and smile at Dak and as they disappear a baby appears in Dak's hands. Dak holds the baby up in the direction that Jean is looking and begins to smile. The baby disappears and Dak's hands are now on Jean's shoulders. Dak nods at Jean and then vanishes. Jean reaches out to wear Dak was standing but he ends up grabbing the Crystal formation he was looking at before he went into the trance. Taking and green and a blue crystal out of the formation Jean rubs his forehead.*
:That was wierd.:
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Post by Ar'kikze S'ss'nixztoo on Nov 22, 2010 1:33:32 GMT -5
*Ze nods in agreement at Christopher's initial clarification* "Yes, I understand the intended purpose behind the scent glands, I was merely pointing out that taking such action could potentially provoke other less desired reactions from the reptilian inhabitants of this cavernous network."*Ze follows after the group of them, analyzing the crystals that he had already collected in the primary crystal chamber. As Christopher and Lara begin exploring yet another cavern for more crystals, Ze begins looking around the cavern itself. At first there is nothing of note, but then he spots a cylindrical structure hidden behind a large crystalline protrusion from the wall. He walks closer - further away from the others to analyze it. As he approaches he sees strange markings in it's surface, and is able to determine that the cylinder is nearly perfectly geometric in shape* "It seems that this structure is not of natural formation."*Ze runs his hand along the small etchings in the cylinder's surface. Ze determines that it was most likely a pillar for some sort of structure. The pillar looked ancient, and the markings were nearly worn off. No doubt whatever structure this was a part of was buried when Telos was raised to the ground by the Sith during the Jedi Civil War. Although, the markings were definitely not Telosian in origin. They looked... older. Ze himself is not familiar with the nature of the ruins, however for those that are familiar with Rakatan architecture - this pillar is clearly from an ancient Rakatan Temple* "These appear to be ruins of some unknown origin. I do not recognize these symbols. Wait... I think I sense something."*It was a strange sensation, as Ze has only recently become attuned to the Force and its presence. He traces one of his claw-like fingers down the edge of the pillar and comes to a stop along a small crack in the column. The crack however is far too straight to have happened accidentally - he traces the crack which happens to be in a perfect square shape about seven centimeters in diameter. Something is pulling at him, something through the Force. He studies the square but is unable to determine its function. Finally he reaches down to his belt and pulls off the tiny dome-shaped droid. He pushes the red photoreceptor on the front of it and the tiny droid unfolds its spindly little arms and legs* "Pekay, I need to you to insert one of your appendages into this small crack. I believe there to be a compartment of some sort behind it."*The small droid spins its head around as it sits in the palm of Ze's outstretched hand. The single red photoreceptor rotates to zoom in on the crack that Ze mentioned. PK-1 then hops up and extends one of it's three tiny fingers, creating a small probe of sorts. It places the finger in the crack and then traces the edge of the crack until there is a faint click* "Excellent work Pekay! I believe that we can now access the ..."*Before Ze can finish his statement however, a sharp hissing noise can be heard emanating from the crack and a stream of green vapor begins to leak from the crack* "Pekay! Watch out!"*Ze grabs the tiny droid in his hands again and rushes backwards and the green gas seeps into the room. Ze's antenna's wiggle back and forth in agitation* "Poison.... Someone went to great lengths to keep whatever is in this pillar contained. Pekay, see what you can do."*The small droid hops down from Ze's hands and walks over to the pillar where the gas is still is leaking from. He scales the stone pillar with is small appendages and then places two of his fingers in the crack on either side of the square. He then places his 'feet' at the bottom and clamps down on the square as he pushes backwards, to pull out the stone. Eventually it gives, and the stone falls backwards along with PK-1. They both tumble to the ground but PK manages to avoid being crushed by the much larger seven by seven by seven centimeter stone block. As the block falls out however, the poison gas stops spilling into the chamber and begins to dissipate.* "Pekay? Are you okay?"*The droid gives a small wale of feigned pain, but then hops up with no effort and looks around at Ze in anticipation of a new order. Ze simply bends down and allows PK-1 to jump up onto his palm again. Together they approach the pillar with the now revealed compartment. As Ze looks in, he catches the reflection of light from an object inside. As he gets closer he is able to see a small dark red crystal suspended in midair centered perfectly in the small compartment, nearly nine centimeters back from the opening. He also senses the sensation again - it was uncomfortable, agitating, foreboding - and yet enticing all the same. It was as if the crystal was calling to him through the Force, willing him to take hold of it. He stretches out his hand, but a warning flashes through his mind, and he stops. He looks back at his comrades, clearly concerned, then back at the dark red crystal* "What is it...? It feels... evil."
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Post by Christopher Michael on Nov 22, 2010 10:19:57 GMT -5
*Before Lara replies, I hear some commotion where Ze is, and then I see him give me a what I construe as a concerned look. Looking back to Lara, I suggest*
"We can investigate the crystals later. Don't worry about answering now, unless you want to. Let's see what Ze's up to."
*With that, I headed over to where Ze is. Looking over his shoulder, I feel an urge to take it, but keep calm and collected.*
"This is strange, and these ruins are even stranger."
*Running my hand along the carvings first, I continue*
"These almost look like Rakatan, in origin. Also, the crystal wants you or I to take it, but I can see your concern since I'm concerned as well."
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Post by Ar'kikze S'ss'nixztoo on Nov 22, 2010 20:06:03 GMT -5
*Ze repeats the strange word*
"Rakatan, I am not familiar with such a race. Were they the original inhabitants of this planet?"
*Ze looks back at the crystal hovering within the pillar. Christopher Michael spoke the truth, the crystal... or the Force... or something, wanted them to take it. But somehow, Ze knew that to be a bad idea*
"You are correct in your assessment of my concern, Christopher Michael of the Jedi Hive. I sense many things from this crystal - though none of them seem to coincide with my previous experience interacting with the other crystals within this cave system. I do not sense tranquility or warmth, but rather hostility, aggression, and despair. It feels less like the other crystals and more like... well, to speak truthfully and without error: the thugs that had been harassing the villagers above us. It feels alive. It wants us to take it... but something within me expresses great concern over that. For some reason I know that we should come into physical contact with it."
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Post by Jean Strife on Nov 22, 2010 21:00:24 GMT -5
*Jean walks over to the rest of the group datapad out. As he approaches the structure he hears screams and the feeling on blood lust swarm over him. He grabs his forehead and falls to one knee as these sensations turn into a sharp shooting pain surging through his head.*
Arrrgh! What the hell?!?!
*Jean lets the pain run its course and he re-centers himself as he stands up. He continues to observe the structures of the ruins and takes pictures with his datapad.*
Might want to show these to the Masters when we return to the Academy. They might want to take a look at these ruins themselves. Plus I get eerie feelings in this place. Might not want to remain here much longer.
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Post by Christopher Michael on Nov 23, 2010 9:54:50 GMT -5
*I shake my head, and say*
"They were alive a very long time ago, though they didn't exactly reside here. Maybe they visited?"
*Nodding, I say*
"I have a bad feeling with touching that which appears to be a crystal, or some sort of rock."
*When Jean comes over, I watch his reaction, and I say*
"Are you alright?"
*In regards to his latter statement, I nod*
"I second that motion. I have a bad feeling with taking the crystal, but I also have a bad feeling with leaving it here in the open like this, especially with children going around these caves."
*I put my hand to my head and think through the options.*
"The Masters must be informed about these ruins along with the suspended rock or crystal."
*Remembering that my comlink is on my belt, I say*
"I doubt that I can get com-reception down here in the cavern, but if we get closer to the exit, I might be able to contact one of the Masters at the Academy. We can inform them about the ruins, but more importantly, we can ask them about that object. Describing it might be enough for them to know what it is."
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Post by Ar'kikze S'ss'nixztoo on Nov 23, 2010 22:26:45 GMT -5
*Ze turns in concern as Jean Strife of Dantooine doubles over in pain upon approaching the pillar and the crystal contained within it. Strange that he would have such a violent reaction whereas Ze and Christopher did not - somehow this crystal, or the Force emanating from it, must have different effects on different individuals*
"I am in agreement with Christopher Michael - we cannot leave this... crystal, or whatever it is exposed in these caves. As someone with less caution may come across it and harm themselves by touching it. Regardless of whether or not the Masters can identify its function and primary nature, we will be force to remove it from this location."
*Ze looks down at PK-1 whom is sitting in his outstretched palm, idly waving its feet and spinning its head around in circles*
"I believe I may have a solution."
*PK-1 swivels his head up at Ze and notices that the Verpine is staring at him. The tiny droid spins its head back around to observe the crystal, and then back to Ze. It does this three times, before finally standing up in Ze's palm and making a series of disgruntled beeps while shaking it's dome-like head quickly back and forth*
"Pekay, please? We cannot allow harm to come to an unsuspecting miniature humanoid from the village above us. As best that I can tell, the crystal is emanating sensations solely through the Force - being that you are a droid with no connection to the Force, it is highly unlikely that you would suffer any negative effects."
*The droid continues to shake its head back and forth*
"While I am thrilled that the self-preservation programing I installed in you is functioning at optimal efficiency, I am afraid I must ask you to take this calculated risk. But I will of course run a series of thermal and electric scans prior to your interaction with the object."
*Ze takes out a small pyramidal device on his belt and presses a small green button at the apex that begins flashing. He then approaches the pillar once again and waves the device in front of the glowing red crystal hovering within the pillar*
"If these 'Rakatans' once visited long ago, they must have had reasoning behind placing this crystal within such a protected pillar. My question is; was it to protect the crystal... or protect those that sought it?"
*The pyramidal device beeps softly once, and the green light stops flashing. Ze retracts it and turns it over and glances at the read-out on the base*
"There is a small energy output, however it is far within your tolerance, Pekay. However there is oddly enough no heat being produced from the crystal, despite the energy output. Secondary scans were unable to penetrate the outer layer of the crystal - it is as if it is shielded."
*Ze looks down at the tiny droid in his hand*
"I believe it is safe for you to proceed."
*PK-1 glances back and forth between Ze and the crystal once again, and then nods its head. Ze sets PK down on the ground and the small droid scuttles over to the pillar and then scales it, much like before. He reaches the small compartment in the pillar and begins to crawl inside to retrieve the crystal. Ze turns to Christopher Michael and Jean Strife of Dantooine*
"Pekay is a technical assistance droid. I built him during my time at Tien Tubb's shop on Nar Shaddaa from spare parts and scraps that I was able to salvage. He assists me in complex and fine tuning repairs."
*Ze turns back as PK reaches forward to grasp the crystal. His spindly fingers wrap around it and he has to give a small tug to break it free from the invisible force that was suspending it within the pillar. PK looks down at the red crystal in his hand and then turns around within the pillar to look at Ze. Nothing seems to have happened. PK looks down at the crystal again and can see (as does Ze) that the red color is beginning to fade from the crystal and be replaced by a dark black. PK-1 rotates his photoreceptor around to zoom in on the crystal, and as he does so the crystal suddenly jurks in the small droid's hand and lurches forward at PK-1. It collides solidly with the torso section of PK and plants itself firmly in place as if it were a magnet of tremendous attraction. PK looks down at his own torso in confusion, but does not seem to be injured. Simultaneously the pillar begins to shake and come loose from the surrounding rock, causing cave debris to begin rattling and shaking apart from the walls*
"Pekay! Get out of there!"
*Ze rushes forward and scoops his droid companion out of the compartment, as the pillar begins to rock back and forth. The tall Verpine then jumps backwards toward Christopher and Jean, as a pile of rocks fall from the cave ceiling. They fall to the ground hard*
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Post by Christopher Michael on Nov 24, 2010 0:26:25 GMT -5
*I stand beside Ze as this is proceeding. It was a sound option. As long as Ze didn't mind asking his droid to help, this would insure that no unsuspecting person without a connection to the Force would take the crystal.*
*Once PK-1 has the crystal, I notice once the crystal reacts and plants itself in the torso of PK-1, that the cavern begins to rock back and forth.*
"Let's get out of here. I'm under the impression that we can investigate Pekay as far as what the crystal is."
*I activate Force Speed on myself, and cast Force Valor on me and my allies (Lara, Jean and Ze). This increases the resolve, accuracy, strength, and speed of us by two units. With the speed, and the valor, I scan the room and see the exit as the part of the cave to the right collapses. Pointing, I say quickly*
"Its this way. Follow me."
*Running, and keeping my speed slower, since I wasn't about to leave the cavern without the rest of my group. Dodging the falling rocks that hit the floor hard, I make it to the exit of this cave system. Using Force Push on the boulders, I try to force them away from Jean, Lara and Ze.*
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Post by Jean Strife on Nov 24, 2010 2:31:06 GMT -5
*Jean follows closely behind Chris as the rock begin falling. With Chris' Force Valor active, Jean's senses were heightened which allowed him to maneuver through the rocks without being hit. Chris' wielding of the Force also helped in this department. Making it to the exit Jean comes to a screeching halt right outside of the cave entrance making sure that everyone was out.*
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Post by Lara Rhys on Nov 24, 2010 21:27:26 GMT -5
*Lara is about to answer Chris when her attention is caught by Ze's actions. She looks back at Chris, who decides to go see what the verpine is up to. Lara nods her head and follows him.*
We can talk about it later.
*Lara looks in amazement at the decidedly Rakatan ruins. Lara had a knack for absorbing any bit of information and history she could get her hands on, a noted bookworm. She knew of such ruins and their designs. Part of her wished she could have explored the ones Revan had visited, such as the ones near the old Dantooine enclave.*
Definently Rakatan in origin, but they weren't native to this planet. Though it's very likely this planet was among the ones the rakatans conquered so long ago.
*As Ze's droid begins taking the crystal away from it's spot, Lara has a bad feeling about this.*
I've got a bad feeling about this...
*She trails off as soon as the droid has the crystal attached to it. Before she could say anything else, the whole cave seemed to want them crushed and she was running with Chris and the others towards an exit.*
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Post by Ar'kikze S'ss'nixztoo on Nov 25, 2010 22:26:55 GMT -5
*Ze looks around him, having just fallen to the ground, and sees the cavern beginning to crumble around them. He looks to his new friends and they all seemed to be leaving in a hurry. He pushes himself back up - keeping PK-1 firmly in his hand - and takes off run after them, unwittingly employing Force Speed to quicken his pace. The group of Jedi younglings emerge from the cave in a hurry, and Ze has to jump once more to clear several falling boulders*
"That could have gone better. Is everyone alright?"
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Post by Christopher Michael on Nov 25, 2010 22:51:20 GMT -5
*Once we clear the cave, I ask*
"Everyone alright?"
*In regards to Ze's question, I say*
"I believe we're all good. I agree that that could have gone better. Imagine the danger of someone taking the crystal and becoming trapped in that cave."
*I cough a bit as dust begins to exit the crack between the rocks that are now stacked where the entrance of the cave is.*
"I reckon its time for us to return to the Academy. I can let the Masters know what happened."
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Post by Ar'kikze S'ss'nixztoo on Nov 26, 2010 19:31:06 GMT -5
*Ze nods in response to Christopher's suggestion, then looks down at PK-1 in his hands; the tiny droid is not moving*
"Pekay? Pekay!?"
*Ze quickly places the droid down on the ground and opens up it's access panel on the small domed head, and begins reordering several wires frantically*
"Pekay! Can you hear me!?"
*Ze attempts to reactivate PK-1, however the droid's red photoreceptor remains dulled. The now-black crystal fused to it's chestpiece however, seems to be radiating energy once again. Ze takes great pains to work around the crystal without touching it - which is difficult as the crystal is nearly as large as PK-1's small torso section. Ze finally turns to Christopher*
"Pekay is not responding. We have to get him to the Academy's workshop immediately, before his pathways deteriorate!"
*Ze begins running in the direction of the shuttle they arrived on - the life of his droid companion depending on his speed. As soon as he arrives, he press the hatch-release button and boards the shuttle. He immediately heads to the cockpit and initiates the preflight check so that the others can lift off as soon as they arrive. He then takes PK-1 into the back and begins a system diagnostic using the on-board computer and scanning equipment.
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Post by Christopher Michael on Nov 26, 2010 22:02:06 GMT -5
*I watch as Ze looks more closely and inside PK-1. I feel for the little guy as he took the crystal in his chest. After Ze's question, I nod and say,*
"Let's head back to the Academy. I'm sorry to be cutting the trip short, but after all that has happened, its been quite action packed."
*I follow behind Ze, and run towards the ship. Ze starts the pre-flight check-up and I sit down in the pilot's seat and listen to the priming engines.*
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Post by Exchange Thug on Nov 27, 2010 12:37:26 GMT -5
*The two, extremely bored Czerka Guards are nearly spun completely around by the passing Chris and Ar'kikze. The first one looks to the second one*
"What was That?" "I don't know. I thought it was a couple of people, but at the speed they're running? Impossible." "Must have been a kath hound. Just hope they weren't cannocks. Those blasted things eat ANYthing." "And they don't die so easily. You weren't on the last hunting raids like I was."
*The Guards settle back into their posts and expect more boredom*
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Post by Lara Rhys on Nov 27, 2010 19:13:45 GMT -5
*Lara looks at Ze's droid, giving a sad and sympathetic look for the condition he's in. The rest of the group deciding it's best not to linger, Lara agrees as well and heads towards the shuttle alongside Chris, since Ze has rushed ahead of them to prep the shuttle.*
I hope his little droid will be alright.
*She says to Chris before boarding the shuttle with him.*
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Post by Jean Strife on Nov 27, 2010 19:19:17 GMT -5
*Jean follows Ze's urgency and boards the shuttle. This place had given Jean too many bad feelings and he wanted to get away as quickly as possible.*
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Post by Christopher Michael on Nov 27, 2010 21:33:04 GMT -5
*I nod to Lara when she mentions that she hopes PK1 is alright.*
*The engines are ready and primed. Once everyone is onboard, I press a button on the console that shuts the shuttle-bay door. Pressing a few other buttons, I pull back on the steering stick and the ship slowly rises into the air. Directing the ship for the Academy's direction, I push the throttle and the engines increase in magnitude. The ship flies to the Academy.*
*Once to the Academy docking bay doors, I transmit the code to open the docking bay doors and then fly inside the docking bay. The doors close once I fly the ship through.*
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