Luminara and Gree were flying low over the terrain west of where the Republic forces were positioned. After crossing a rocky ridge, the two stopped their speeders and surveyed the area for any clues regarding Poggle's whereabouts.
Using her macrobinoculars, Luminara spotted something of interest. Focusing the lenses, she identified a crate-like object in the distance.
"One-fifty klicks southeast."
Gree looked in Luminara's indicated direction and observed the rather unusual object. He was about to report their discovery to base when both heard repulsor engines approaching from above. Looking toward the sound source, Gree and Luminara saw Rhodes descending toward their position. Both instinctively moved back to provide the Colonel adequate landing space. The Avenger reduced his descent velocity and touched down near them.
"Well, greetings," Rhodes said, his helmet retracting to reveal a friendly expression. "Mind if I join your patrol?"
"Colonel Rhodes," Gree acknowledged respectfully.
"Hey, Gree."
"Rhodes," Luminara raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What brings you here? Is there a problem?"
Rhodes gestured dismissively. "Not exactly. Just thought it might be unsafe for you two to operate alone out here. This terrain isn't particularly friendly to Republic forces, to put it mildly."
Gree nodded in agreement with Rhodes's assessment.
"I appreciate the concern, Colonel," Luminara said thoughtfully. "But are you certain? I'd prefer you not expend energy on a routine reconnaissance patrol."
"Tracking the Separatist leader is hardly routine reconnaissance," Rhodes pointed out. "You're going to need backup. Plus, I've detected a massive sandstorm approaching our position."
This information made both the Jedi and clone commander apprehensive. "Are you certain?"
"Affirmative." Rhodes indicated the horizon. "Look there."
Gree and Luminara focused ahead, and indeed, there was an enormous dust cloud in the distance, clearly advancing toward them.
"Then we should accelerate our timeline," Luminara decided, remounting her speeder. "Gree and I discovered something we need to investigate."
Rhodes nodded, resealed his helmet, and Gree mounted his speeder. The three descended the cliff face toward a solitary crate-like object positioned in the middle of the desert floor.
Rhodes took point in examining the suspicious target. "Rations and... miscellaneous debris."
Gree also approached to investigate while Luminara contacted their base commanders.
"General Kenobi, Captain Rogers, Master Mundi—good to make contact."
"Luminara," Mundi greeted, his holographic form bowing respectfully. "How proceeds the search for Poggle the Lesser? Any developments?"
"We haven't located him yet, but we discovered something that appears suspicious." Luminara displayed the isolated crate lying in the sand. "It appears to be some form of supply container. There was no combat in this sector, so it's unlikely to be battle debris."
"What exactly is this?" Rhodes asked aloud.
"It suggests Poggle the Lesser passed through here," Gree concluded.
"He's moving directly toward the approaching sandstorm," Rhodes observed, turning to Luminara. "What lies in that direction?"
"The Temple of Poggle the Lesser, if memory serves."
"But why would Poggle return there?" Mundi asked with concern. "That area sustained heavy bombardment from our artillery. Nothing remains. There should be nothing of value to warrant Poggle's return."
"Perhaps religious observance, seeking favor from whatever deities he worships," Rhodes speculated. "Otherwise, there may be something else in that vicinity we're unaware of."
"From our reconnaissance, that location appeared completely abandoned," Steve commented as a holographic display of the temple appeared beside him. "Perhaps there's something there we haven't detected."
"Regardless of the reason, we must continue following Poggle's trail."
"But with the sandstorm approaching, what's your plan?" Obi-Wan asked.
"If you maintain contact through my Avengers communicator, you can track our position," Rhodes suggested.
"Excellent idea. It would be problematic if we had to locate both you three and Poggle simultaneously."
"Then we wish you success."
As the transmission ended, the three immediately departed and headed directly into the sandstorm's path.
Rhodes flew above the storm system so he could attempt to monitor their intended route. To ensure he didn't lose track of Luminara and Commander Gree's positions, he used his suit's sensors to detect their forms within the storm.
"You confident about this, Lumi?"
"Yes, I—what?"
"Lumi. Short for Luminara."
Gree was fortunate his helmet provided protection from the sandstorm, though it couldn't conceal his amused expression.
Luminara looked slightly surprised, then to avoid ingesting sand, she chose not to respond to Rhodes's informal address.
"The temple isn't far ahead," Luminara announced quickly.
She accelerated her pace and continued forward, with Gree matching her speed to maintain formation.
Rhodes was forced to descend into the sandstorm to stay with his allies as they approached the Geonosian temple. When Rhodes landed at the temple's main entrance, he observed destroyed hover tanks and several battle droids; clearly abandoned by Poggle the Lesser.
Upon entering, he noticed numerous ornate statues throughout the temple interior. As the external sandstorm intensified, Rhodes experienced an ominous sensation.
"Well... that's not ominous at all," Rhodes commented, raising his weapon systems. "Let's proceed carefully and see if anything hostile emerges."
Gree shifted uncomfortably and tightened his grip on his blaster rifle.
Luminara gave the Colonel a slightly exasperated smile and activated her communicator.
"Master Kenobi, we've tracked Poggle the Lesser to the Temple of Poggle," Luminara reported, "but there's no sign of him here."
"Don't advance further until we deploy reinforcements," Obi-Wan ordered. "We've barely maintained contact with your position. It's only through Rhodes's communicator that we know you're still together."
"Are you certain he entered the temple?"
"Affirmative, we observed destroyed hover tanks outside." Luminara looked back and noticed a floor hatch that was partially opened. "From the evidence, he may have descended into the underground chambers below."
"Those subterranean networks are extensive—they stretch for kilometers," Obi-Wan said, shaking his head. "I believe we may have lost his trail. Extract from that position and return to base."