Rayek's Biography one-shot prompts

Rayek trLhoell · October 19, 2017, 03:57:30 PM

Hey folks!
Since I enjoyed the EPC so much I want more. Please send me a prompt via PM or on Skype to be used in one of Rayek's biography stories.

Thank you!

List of Prompts so far:

...

..

Rayek trLhoell · October 22, 2017, 02:28:03 PM

Prompts: Phaser compression rifle, HALO insertion, spatial charge, defending against a bat'leth unarmed, Klingon boarders, antimatter explosion.

Centurion Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulan Bird of Prey - Aehallh]
[2385 - along the Romulan/Klingon boarder]

Rayek stood at attention with a phaser compression rifle held At Arms, slightly ahead and apart from the 10 military troopers, as the Aehallh's Commander and the visiting Romulan Ground Forces (RGF) Sergeant addressed the assembled ranks.

"Troopers," the Sergeant began, "in this one-of-a-kind co-operative training mission, you will be conducting a night-time nvaih-mn-rahaen. At 2200 you will take a shuttle down towards the planet and will enter high orbit, opening the shuttle's bay doors and force field at the back of the vessel, from which you will jump. You will deploy your chutes between 1000 and 800m. Your landing target location is the roof of the Klingon outpost." It was a credit to the troopers that there was not a murmur of dissent.

Rayek recognized the type of military tactic the troopers and he would be using. He had read about in his study of Terran military history. It was a HALO insertion. High Altitude - Low Opening. This mission was not going to be easy - he realized that now.

For a moment Rayek almost regretted the boastful comment he had uttered to the troopers in earshot of his riov. That comment had earned Rayek this reward - an invitation to join the troopers he had disparaged in their training exercise. Well, he would take his punishment in stride and prove himself better than the troopers, proving true his earlier words.

Almost as if Rayek's thoughts called attention to him, the Riov stepped forward to address the still at attention Naval officer.

"Centurion Rayek, you thought unwisely to boast and comment poorly about this co-operative mission; therefore you are joining it; however whereas the troopers will have their phaser rifles, you will go unarmed. Your mission will be to blow the communications tower. Hand over your rifle, Centurion."

Rayek presented and handed over his rifle.

"Grab your gear and suit up. Ursteveri!" the Sergeant called out.

~ ~ ~

Fifteen minutes later, Rayek and the RGF troopers were gathered in the back of the Aehalh's shuttle, suited up with standard military parachutes and visored helmets, waiting for the order to jump. Whereas the troopers each carried a phaser compression rifle, Rayek's only equipment were his earpiece communicator and a low-yield spatial charge.

"As a reminder you are going in dark and silent which means no lights and no radio chatter. Get ready. Approaching target altitude and drop-point. Drop is in 2 minutes," the Sargeant called out from the shuttle's pilot's chair. Rayek stood up along with the rest of the troopers. Holding onto the rigging line that had been set up. Between Rayek and the cockpit of the shuttle a forcefield shimmered into existence, moments before the shuttle's bay door opened.

Rayek felt the air from the shuttle rush out and he was grateful that the improvised rigging held.

"Shuttle is at target altitude. Drop-point is in 10 seconds..... 3...2... 1. Go!"
With the command given, the troopers filed out one after the other, jumping out into the black abyss with no hesitation. Rayek, not to be outdone, followed suit and was the last to exit the shuttle.

Even though this was his first ever HALO jump, given the drop altitude, and the planets gravity, Rayek knew he had 65 seconds of freefall before he needed to deploy his chute to meet military standard. The feel of the air rushing against him was a rather exhilarating experience - yet not one Rayek thought he would ever entertain the notion of doing again - at least not outside of direct orders. Rayek instinctively spread out his arms and legs to slow his fall but soon noticed that the troopers ahead of him that he could see in the darkness the night sky, had gone into plank position to lessen their wind resistance and were gaining distance between him.

Rayek tried adjusting his falling position to catch up. It took a moment, and a near dizzying tumble, for Rayek to realize his movements needed to be careful and precise. Trying again, he moved into a plank position angling so that his head faced down, with arms flat at his side and angled his descent slightly so that he cut through the wind at the easiest possible angle. Within 10 seconds he had caught up to others. Correcting his angle again he slowed somewhat, enough to just keep pace with the troopers. The view down to the planet was remarkable. A vast blackness interlaced with faint streams and spots of light where civilization spread.

As he fell, Rayek kept track of his altitude gauge in his visor. Approaching 2000m. Also displayed on his visor screen was a green-lit target letting him know he was aimed true for the drop zone.

As he approached the 1000m mark, Rayek noticed the trooper furthest from him open up into the star position just prior to opening his chute. One by one ahead of him all the troopers, opened their chutes in that same manner; then Rayek hit the 1000m mark - it was his turn. Rayek opened up his body to form the star once more, while a hand reached for the pull-tab on his parachute. Nothing happened.

Rayek pulled again... harder this time. Still nothing.

Rayek's first suspicion was that one of the troopers had tampered with his chute, for insulting them and this training mission. His second was that it might have been his Riov, getting back at the mouthy Centurion who had acted out and poorly represented his crew. Not for a second did Rayek think it was just happenstance.

His altitude was now nearing 800m. Rayek moved his hand to the secondary chute and pulled on it's release, praying that who ever it was that had tampered with his chute, had only wanted to scare him.

...

Rayek's downward freefall was slowed jarringly as his secondary chute opened catching the air. Thank the Elements!'

But if Rayek thought his problems were over he was wrong, for as he drifted down, using the parachutes steering line to keep on target with the outpost roof, he noticed movement on the ground around the building - Klingons.

With any luck, they wouldn't notice him drifting down - but luck was not on Rayek's side. The movements below suddenly became agitated and Rayek found himself being shot at by orange-red beams from the ground. The colour implied that the Klingon's were using phasers - not their usual green-beamed disruptors, likely a condition insisted upon by his Romulan superiors who had agreed to this co-operative training mission.

Romulans versus Klingons in a 'friendly' bout. Of course, Rayek could see NOTHING going wrong with this scenario. If only he hadn't commented on it and insulted the intelligence of the troopers - he wouldn't been here right now being shot at.

With no weapon of his own to return fire with, Rayek was a sitting hlai. Then suddenly the Klingons had their hands full being on the receiving end of the troopers phaser fire. Orange beams criss-crossed through the night sky.

It took a moment to realize that despite his earlier insults the troopers were targeting first those Klingons aiming for Rayek, and he wondered why until he caught sight of the communications tower atop the outpost building. Of course, he was the one with the spatial charge - the one designated to blow the tower. To them the mission came first, so they would protect him before themselves. His respect for these ground force troopers went up a notch or two.

As Rayek continued to make his way down lower - now maybe 50-60 ft from the roof, he saw a Klingon climb out of a ceiling hatch and take aim on him. Rayek knew by the angle that this Klingon would be hidden from the troopers by his own chute. His only chance to avoid getting hit with a direct shot was to change course and speed dramatically.

Fvadt! Rayek reached up and pulled on the harness release. It let go with a snap and Rayek suddenly dropped faster and straight down even as the phaser cut through the air where he had been but a moment ago. He fell the last 50 ft to the roof landing in a painful and awkward tumble 30 ft from the Klingon.

Wincing, Rayek got to his feet quickly, looking about the roof, assessing his options.

The Klingon once more had his phaser aimed towards Rayek, There was little to offer as cover on the flat empty roof... and the Klingon stood between him and the communications tower. But at the Klingon's back was a bat'leth.

"Klingon warrior, face me in hand-to-hand combat with your bat'leth. Give your opponent a fighting chance." Rayek called out in his poorly accented Klingon. Rayek knew he would have a better chance of disarming the Klingon in a close-combat situation Á¢â,¬"œ over one where the Klingon had a long-distance phaser and he nothing.

The Klingon laughed a moment but lowered his phaser. "As you wish Romulan, you face Keng son of Toreng of the House Koan." The Klingon then reached back and unhooked his bat'leth and readied himself for melee combat. "Name yourself Romulan so I can boast my victory over you."

A stupid waste of time to name yourself to an opponent who you were intending to defeat but the longer he distracted the Klingon, the greater the chance his fellow Romulan troopers would save him the trouble of having to battle Keng by phasering the Klingon down before the battle began.

"I am Rayek son of Talen of the clan Lhoell." As he answered, he glanced about the surroundings once more and was discouraged to see that of the 10 troopers only two looked like they had avoided being stunned, and were on course to land on the roof somewhere behind him. Rayek would need to keep the Klingon occupied and focused on him for at least 10 to 15 seconds to allow them time to land.

The Klingon grunted and nodded his head before charging forward. Rayek readied himself to dodge. Thankfully, given the weight of his opponents weapon and Keng's overconfidence in using it, the Klingon's movements were easily read by Rayek and the more nimble Romulan was able to avoid being struck in that first attack. As Rayek slipped aside and behind the taller Klingon, he struck with his hand, a sharp blow to the Klingon's side; more to infuriate and distract the Klingon, than to do actual damage.

"You must be glad I am unarmed, Klingon," Rayek taunted purposefully not using the Klingon's offered up name, "that strike could have taken out your spleen had I a weapon in hand." Klingon's were notoriously reckless and unthinking when enraged and that's what Rayek wanted. He wanted Keng's full attention on him, so that the troopers who were just now touching down on the roof behind the Klingon could have a clear and assured shot.

With a roar the Klingon, swung his bat'leth low possibly looking to sweep Rayek's legs but Rayek jumped back out of range of the bat'leth strike. He kept that up against two more attacks before, the Klingon was suddenly struck and suffused in an orange beam from one of the two remaining troopers. Keng dropped his weapon as he lost consciousness and collapsed on the rooftop.

Rayek nodded his head towards the trooper in acknowledgement of the aid, then turned towards the communications tower to set the spatial charge and complete the training mission.

Rayek set the charge with a one-minute timer and hurried to the other end of the roof, pulling the unconscious Keng with him. The explosion took out the tower.

An answering antimatter explosion lit up the night sky briefly.

'By the Elements! What was going on?' A quick glance to the troopers assured him they too had no idea what was going on.

Rayek broke radio silence tapping his earpiece communicator. "Centurion Rayek to the Aehallh. Training mission complete. What's going on up there? We saw an explosion."

There was a long moment of silence before his call was answered. "Aehallh to Centurion Rayek the training mission appears to be a Klingon ploy. Klingon boarders have infiltrated the ship and taken out the engines. Hold a moment for orders."

Rayek scowled, he hated to be right about his distrust of the Klingons. Rayek crouched low on the roof and motioned for the two troopers to do the same and stay alert. After what seemed like a long wait, the communications officer opened the channel once more.

"Aehallh to Centurion Rayek. Your orders are to take command of the remaining RGF troops and gain control over the outpost's defensive cannons. Lethal force is NOT to be taken. Subdue the enemy. Repeat: Subdue the enemy. Aehallh out."

Rayek was both relieved and annoyed to hear his orders. Relieved because if lethal force was not being called for it meant that this was still just part of the training exercise and annoyed that he was still having to take part in it. Next time he would be more careful of speaking out of line.

End scene

Translations:
aehallh - ghost/ nightmare/ monster (n)
riov - Romulan Star Navy rank - Commander
nvaih-mn-rahaen (player created) Jump from high' (n). Refers to a HALO jump.
ursteveri - dismissed (adj)
hlai - flightless and edible, ostrich-like bird
fvadt - Romulan curse word
bat'leth - Klingon bladed weapon

Rayek trLhoell · October 27, 2017, 02:51:28 PM

Prompt: The Picard Maneuver

Recruit Rayek
[Mars - Starfleet Technical Services Academy - yr 2393]

It was late night. Rayek was up preparing ahead for his next days classes. Reviewing the literature, watching the holo-vids. The class he was studying for currently was The Fundamentals of Strategy and Tactics. Most of it what he was being taught was review for the former Tal Shiar Major, though he had to admit the refresher had benefited him. One maneuver in particular caught his interest now. The Picard Maneuver.

The maneuver was described as a brief acceleration into high warp towards an opponent, dropping out in close proximity and immediately firing. To Rayek, this high warp-close proximity tactic seemed to work NOT because the enemy vessels sensors would 'see' two ships - the real ship nearby and the 'ghost' sensor reading of the ship in the distance - and not know which to fire upon... but because of the poor intuitiveness and slow reaction time of the opponent ships tactical officer. They were unable to correctly 'read' the intentions of the 'Picard ship', nor anticipate and act swiftly enough to avoid the manuever.

At a minimum, Rayek thought he developed a counter maneuver that didn't rely on gaseous sensor readings. Fire just ahead of the closest opponent ship first sweeping back along its assumed trajectory. The logic and physics seemed simple enough, being the closest, its readings should be those most accurate - requiring the least amount of time to reach the sensors, and by aiming slightly ahead it accounted for the inertia following the warp jump. A tactical officers reactions would have to be precision swift, and they would have to take initiative not wait for the command to fire, but countering the maneuver should be possible. He just needed to hone his timing.

~ ~ ~
A month straight of late night holo-simulations later and still Rayek found himself cursing the damned Picard Maneuver. He would succeed at beating this maneuver! It would just take more time...

END

Rayek trLhoell · November 05, 2017, 04:18:45 PM

Prompt - Kobayashi Maru

Recruit Rayek
[Mars: Starfleet Technical Services Academy - 2394]

With the last two months at the Academy bearing down on the recruits, the majority of Mars Academy students spent their time studying and preparing for their final group projects. In Rayek's Strategy and Tactics: Beyond the Fundamentals class he had been partnered with an Andorian male named Benos and a Trill named Nalem Taus.

The three met at the Academy library to discuss ideas for their final project - a multi media overview of a historically significant strategy or tactic. Ten minutes into the discussion and Rayek was uncertain if the group would ever be able to decide on a topic much less work together as every suggestion put forward thus far had been shot down by one or the other.

"How about the Picard Maneuver?" Benos suggested. To which Rayek shook his head, "That tactic was reviewed thoroughly in class as was its only known solution."

"Wouldn't it be impressive if we could come up with a new strategy to beat the Picard maneuver and do an overview of that?" Nalem commented. Rayek regarded the Trill pensively, wondering if she too had been working on an offensive against that tactic.

Benos chuckled as he reviewed. "Sure would. But it's almost unbeatable. Like the Kobayashi Maru scenario."

Nalem nodded in agreement "Yeah, my brother said that the Kobayashi Maru is brutal." She commented then turned back to her PADD to continue brainstorming.

Rayek glanced between the two fellow recruits, surprised at their agreement and confused about the term. "Kobayashi Maru?"

Nalem looked up from her PADD, "Oh? Finally something you don't know, Rayek?" and gave Benos a significant glance.

Benos nodded back before responding to Rayek's question. "It's a simulation drill that all command-track cadets have to go through. It's apparently a no-win scenario that assesses their character and suitability to command."

"Interesting, and it has never been beaten?" Rayek asked.

"Well, maybe once. Rumour has it that Kirk cheated to beat it once. Don't know if that's true." Benos replied.

Rayek grinned. "Sounds like an opportunity to actually learn something note-worthy. Why don't we determine the truth of this rumour and have our project on Admiral Kirk's solution to the Kobayashi Maru?"

Benos and Nalem looked to one another once more before both bursting out into laughter. Rayek looked between the two in annoyance before shrugging, "Or not."

Apparently, this project would be one of those no-win scenarios.

Rayek trLhoell · November 06, 2017, 07:26:06 AM

Prompts: Warp speed breakaway Maneuver & Cloaking Device

'Commander' Rayek (Tal Shiar operative (Major), Romulan Observer & A/Liaison Officer)
[USS Courage within Romulan space enroute to the Gomtuu system]

Klaxon's sounded and the Bridge of the USS Courage was a hornet's nest of activity as Rayek stepped off the turbolift flanked on either side by his Starfleet security detail. Rayek's quick glance about the Bridge informed him much of what he needed to know though the main viewscreen showed nothing but the Courage's sister ship the Bradbury situated at the far left of the viewscreen with nothing but flickering starscape for the rest.

The tactical console, positioned to the left of the turbolift doors, showed the current shield output at 80%, with weapons powered up and at ready, the Starfleet officer manning the station attentively alert to both his console and the Command Chair where sat the half-Vulcan, Admiral Zaa. Those clues along with the jolt Rayek had felt shake the ship a minute earlier just prior to the Red Alert were obvious indications that the ship was under attack.

The empty starscape on the viewscreen and the diligent work of the crewman manning the science station to the right who was calling up detailed gaseous sensor readings suggested the attacking ship had cloaking technology. Not surprising given their location in the midst of Romulan space, any Romulan Star Navy vessel would be equipped with it. But Rayek knew the ship was not Star Navy as he had obtained a copy of all scheduled patrol routes and had ensured their route to the Gomtuu system avoided such patrols.

In addition, Rayek noted that the Communications console showed a repeating incoming emergency transmission... as well, that the USS Courage was repeating the hailing message that Rayek himself had recorded announcing in Rihannsu, the Imperial authorization the two Federation vessels had. No Romulan Star Navy vessel would dare attack a ship under the Emperor's authority. No. Their attacker was no Imperial vessel.

"Let me guess, you stopped to investigate that emergency beacon... Our attackers are most likely pirates." Rayek noted to the Admiral as he took a standing position to the left of the Commander Chair behind the half-Vulcan, where he could observe and offer his advice on the situation.

"Ya don't say, Commander..." drawled the Admiral sarcastically in his Texan accent. "So I take it ya'll won't mind then if I give the order to blast them to Kingdom come?"

"That's a rather extreme approach for a Vulcan, even a half-one is it not?" Rayek commented drily. "Are you certain you are not part Klingon? Blood-thirst is something I would expect from them." He smirked slightly enjoying the insults he could get away with.

Rayek then regarded the Admiral seriously. "Admiral, the Courage and Bradbury may defend themselves, but with the least possible amount of damage done to the pirate vessel. I want the crew taken alive for questioning."

Rayek could practically hear the Vulcan cuss his name silently before Zaa turned to his tactical officer. "Lt. Kahn, lower phasers to 50% and target their weapons systems the moment she shows her face."

"Yes sir, Admiral." The female trill acknowledged after throwing Rayek a pointed glare. Rayek merely continued watching the viewscreen ahead. He could feel the animosity directed towards him. If he wanted to he could pick out individual hateful thoughts directed towards him but they meant little to him.

"Communications, pass those same orders onto the Bradbury. We're gonna have to cripple her carefully."
"Yes sir! Right away Admiral." Came the immediate response in reply.

"Bridge to Sickbay."

"Sickbay here. Go ahead Admiral," the soft feminine voice at the other end of the channel caught Rayek's attention. The voice spoke Standard, like most of the crew aboard the Courage, but something about her inflection and tone to Rayek's keen Romulan ears made him certain that she was Terran.

"Dr. Mountain, please ensure Sickbay is ready for multiple Romulan patients." Zaa requested.
"Yes sir, Admiral, we're ready." Dr. Mountain replied back with gentle confidence.

Rayek felt a moment's disappointment when the channel to Sickbay cut leaving Rayek to wonder what such a beautiful sounding Terran woman would look like. But his thoughts on such were interrupted by the sharp intake of the tactical officer, Rayek glanced to the viewscreen even as the Trill gave her report.

"Romulan vessel decloaking to fire!" The lower right corner of the screen shimmered revealing an older style warbird with patchwork repairs done to it. A green beam shot out from its bow and struck first the Bradbury and almost immediately afterward the Courage. The Courage rocked slightly. "Returning fire!" announced the Trill tactical officer.

Both Federation ships fired low powered phaser beams towards the older Romulan ship. The Romulan weapons suddenly cut out. Rayek was a bit surprised that the battle was over so quick.

"Confirmed hits on the Romulan warbirds main and secondary plasma weapons. She's toothless, sir."

"A'right, good job Lt Khan. Git her in a tractor beam and drag her in closer." Zaa ordered.
"Yes sir!" the Trill female acknowledged and moments later a white beam engulfed the Romulan ship "Tractor beam locking on," but even as the Trill spoke, the Warbird suddenly put all power to its warp engines and suddenly broke free of the tractor beam, disappearing into the distant starscape.

"Sorry Admiral, she managed a warp-speed breakaway maneuver just as the beam was locking on. Should we set course to pursue?"

Zaa turned in his seat to look to Rayek. Rayek smiled slightly before responding haughtily. "The pirates are not our priority, Admiral. The Gomtuu system is and I will remind you time is of the essence."

"Of course Commander." Zaa drawled. "Helm, resume course for the Gomtuu system. Warp 4."

Rayek trLhoell · November 07, 2017, 04:46:13 AM

Prompt: Sacrifice

'Centurion' Rayek - Romulan Attache (Tal Shiar operative)
[USS Vanguard - VIP suite yr 2391]

Rayek stood silently along the sidewall of the bedchamber where Ambassador Kalavak lay slowly dying; where he had lain dying for the past four months. The Romulan Tal Shiar operative turned bodyguard knew that though Dr. Mountain-Kahn had done everything possible to save the Ambassador's life - short of overriding the Ambassadors refusal of the one treatment that could save his life; he knew the Ambassadors time remaining was almost up. Its' approach was both welcome and dreaded by Rayek.

Welcome in that no longer would he be expected to watch over the dying Ambassador. The position had been a punishment from the very start - at first a constant dig at Rayek's pride that he'd been reduced to this; but over the past few months it had become almost unbearable. Not because of his pride but because over time Rayek had actually grown to know the Ambassador and the true depth of the man's sacrifice for the Empire - the man deserved release from his suffering.

Rayek had originally thought Kalavak a fool... naught but the Crying Ambassador; but as man's disease progressed the weaker the man's mental discipline became and Rayek through proximity picked up much of the man's disjointed thoughts and tribulations. Rayek gained a respect for the man that put the welfare of his Empire first - even when by blood and action he was just as rightful a ruler as those in power, perhaps more-so. But respect for the man, cost Rayek respect for those that would rule through that suffering. In the end to save his sanity, Rayek started using sseikae-khoi once more to avoid learning more but the damage was done, Rayek was aware the truth and his once shining belief in his Empire was now tarnished.

And Rayek dreaded the man's impending death because once the Ambassador was dead he would be called back to the Empire be punished again, made to serve until his own sacrifice was called for. Rayek felt trapped.

A sudden soft rap at the bedchamber door dragged Rayek from his tumultuous thoughts, and he smiled slightly recognizing the doctors' familiar knock. "Enter." He called moving from his watch position to properly greet the Ambassador's physician. "Hello Dr. Mountain-Kahn."

Rayek trLhoell · November 11, 2017, 01:46:39 AM

(ooc not a prompted one-shot.. was rereading through old posts from the USS Courage - played on Yahoogroups back in 2009.. had to share this)

Major Rayek (aka Commander Rayek)
Tal Shiar operative
Romulan Observer and Liaison Officer
Aboard the USS Courage
Bridge D31 15:00

OLD
The joint task force of Romulan Warships and Starfleet vessels were in a fairly tight but close formation as they approached the far side of the Romulan Star Empire's North-Eastern border with the point vessel nearing Fendos VI. This was where the Romulan's were becoming very edgy. Their concerns caused the tension to rise on the bridges of the Courage and Bradbury. Ahead of Fendos VI, was the unknown part of the empire that had fallen prey to this mysterious force that had attacked numerous Romulan vessels and destroyed them. Here, the Courage and her sister ship had been asked to stand into danger and help their would-be allies out.

NEW
Rayek stared at the expanse of stars on the viewscreen beyond Fendos VI. There was nothing visible out of the ordinary but still he was apprehensive of what lay ahead. Too many Romulan ships had been lost. And while the notion of the same happening to the two Federation vessels appealed to him, there was the slight problem of how he would be able to avoid the same fate.

In no way did, Rayek believe the ships would fare any better that any Romulan ship before. This was a suicide mission, the idea being to inform the Praetor of what the true threat was so that Romulus could prepare an attack fleet to deal with the situation.

OLD
Admiral Zaa listened to the quiet conversations of all onboard the bridge and could feel the rising temperature of turmoil amongst his guests. He quietly smiled to himself. The Romulans were getting very nervous and were wanting to play chicken and beam over to their own vessels so that they could turn into yellow custard and flee. He grinned. His own crew weren't much better.

"Relax, folks, we have stood into danger many times before! This is just another chance for an exciting adventure to begin. Let's see what happens now and enjoy ourselves," Zaa said trying to break the tension.

NEW
Rayek looked over from his position beside the Captains chair towards the Admiral. The Vulcan seemed overly eager today. No doubt the notion of continuing on without Warbird escort had something to do with it.

OLD
"So, Commander Rayek, this is where you and your ships leave us to travel onwards alone, is it? Can't stand the heat, eh?" mocked the admiral.

NEW
Rayek didn't react to the mocking tone. "Sorry to disappoint you Admiral, but this is still Romulan territory. I will be remaining aboard to ensure Romulan interest is represented in whatever may come."

OLD
"I see, you will be travelling with us then? Unlike your cowardly colleagues! I admire your determination, commander, although it does sound hollow! Maybe, you should join your yellow-bellies and fly the nest?" asked the admiral who was beginning to taste the bitter pill of cowardice from his guests.

NEW
That the Admiral was so openly rude, made Rayek's blood boil. The Vulcan obviously had no concept of courtsey or Mnhei'sahe. Rayek's posture, alert already, stiffened in indignation. "While that suggestion is appealing just to be able to quit your presence, Admiral," Rayek's tone made it quite clear how much respect that title currently carried with it - Exactly none. "My duty remains here, therefore, here is where I remain."

OLD
"We'll soon see if you've got guts, commander!" exclaimed Zaa.

NEW
Rayek didn't comment openly, but rather muttered under his breath in Rihan while keeping his eyes on the viewscreen. "Dyypan verruul" (translation: Incompetent fool)

OLD
< Bridge Crew>

"Okay, commander, get your yellow-bellies off of our ships and prepare to advance into no-man's-land! I want the latest news from your sources on the situation up ahead before we advance, Rayek. Can you, at least, do that before you all need a change of diapers?" mocked the admiral who was clearly enjoying himself at the hands of the Romulans.

NEW
It took all of Rayek's control not to launch himself at the Federation Admiral and snap the Vulcan's neck before the man knew what was happening. It would be so poetic to use the llaekh-ae'rl Tal Shaya execution method on the insulting Vulcan Admiral. Yet the Praetor advised him not to kill anyone. Rayek shook with the effort it took to contain his murderous rage. When he did manage to overcome his desire to kill, he opened his communicator and ordered the beam out of the other Romulan observers on the Courage. Thraiin and no doubt Torek were remaining on the Bradbury.

Rayek then responded to the Feds request. His voice was clipped and tense as he spoke. "The last communication indicated that the IRW Ra'kholh (translation: Avenger), and a private vessel ChR Sseikae have been reported missing in the area since last week. The Ra'kholh was investigating the area, prior to the Emperors call to you. And the Sseikae was a Salvage tug, looking to make a profit off the area."

OLD
"Is that all they have, Rayek?" Zaa had dropped calling the Romulan by his title because the man was clearly shaking with nerves. He knew what these aliens could do to his ships and really did not want to advance any further with the Courage but his mad vanity kept getting in the way of his own sanity.

NEW
"If we were able to obtain more information, Zaa," Rayek reciprocated the insult of lack of title, "your presence here would not be needed."

END

Rayek trLhoell · November 15, 2017, 08:46:15 PM

EPC prompt: phaser

Crewman Recruit Rayek
[Mars - Starfleet Technical Services Academy]

"Computer -begin STSA Holo-program Recruit Rayek Training 1" The voice of his instructor sounded in the room moments before the white empty room shimmered and was replaced with a training simulation.

Acrid smoke filled the air in front of him. The crackling sound of open electricity could be heard behind the wail of a Red Alert siren. Rayek, with breath held for the moment, peered about his immediate area to gauge his location and situation, even as his left hand moved to his utility belt for his respirator. It appeared he was on a transporter pad. The room about him was darkened but for the emergency lighting.

Respirator in place, Rayek stepped off the transporter pad, his keen, dark eyes noting almost immediately the unforgettable burn pattern of a Romulan disruptor. Of course, what better way to test his new loyalties than to have his first training simulation have the enemy be his own people? That was fine with the former Tal Shiar operative. He had no qualms about facing down another Romulan. With that thought in mind, Rayek unholstered his Starfleet issue Type 2 phaser, giving it a quick check to ensure the hand-held weapon was set to stun - at least for this training exercise. With the weapon held just a bit awkwardly in hand, Rayek moved on from the transporter room. It was time to show his instructors what he was capable of.

Rayek trLhoell · November 15, 2017, 08:48:07 PM

EPC prompt: boxing

Centurion Rayek
ChR Hatham
[Romulan Space - 10 yrs prior]

Rayek watched the viewscreen of his tactical console closely and in anticipation. An otherwise boring patrol of the Remus system, had suddenly turned interesting when a transport ship unexpected failed to respond appropriately to the Hatham's request for their transport authorization code. The resultant cat and mouse chase across the system had led to this moment. The Hatham's captain had called in for reinforcements and the 3 other Imperial ships had just arrived at predetermined coordinates. With this boxing maneuver there was nowhere for the transport ship to go. Their prey was caught.

"Captain, the transport ship is powering up weapons." Rayek announced.

The Hatham's captain grinned. "Ie'yyak'hnah!"

Rihannsu translations:
Hatham - Predator
Ie'yyak'hnah - Fire phasers

Rayek trLhoell · November 15, 2017, 08:49:41 PM

EPC prompt: force field

Prisoner 3J4S735GL (Rayek tr'Lhoell)
[Penal colony transport shuttle Uan - Romulan Star Empire]

"This is prisoner shuttle Uan, on approach to Penal Colony Faicol-lhui. Requesting permission to land. Transmitting authorization code on encrypted channel."

From his position at the back of the shuttle, chained to his seat and isolated behind a force field, Rayek watched as the shuttle approached the asteroid on which the penal mining colony was situated. He was the sole prisoner being transported this day. Yet still the shuttle boasted no less than 6 armed guards. All who watched his every move. It was amusing.

The vibration of the penal colony transport shuttle as it hovered above the large asteroid was oddly calming to the former Tal Shiar operative. It was almost a relief to finally be arriving at the dreaded destination rather than having the threat of it being flaunted over and over again. Rayek closed his eyes.

"Permission granted, shuttle Uan. Proceed to landing pad Gamma 3."

The landing was performed so smoothly, Rayek barely registered it. The sudden soft whine of a disruptor powering up gained his attention and Rayek opened his eyes to see two of his six guards approaching his detention cell. They paused at the force field and entered a code into the wall panel beside. The force field dropped and one guard entered his cell to release the lock that bound his chains to the chair. The others remained behind alert, covering him with their disruptors, watching for some last ditch attempt to escape. But Rayek had no intention of escaping - this place was the only place left for him amid the Empire. The only place that the Emperor, or more likely the Praetor, thought he would be of use. Things could have been worse - he could have been sentenced to death.

Rayek, with his chains binding his arms tightly and restricting the free movement of his legs, hobbled his way out of transport to face his future.

------
Translations:
Uan: pain,angst
Faicol-lhui: 900 rebels

Rayek trLhoell · November 15, 2017, 08:54:31 PM

EPC Scenario: In the midst of a battle against Romulan pirates (former military with some powerful hardware left over after the destruction of Romulus), the shields of a Romulan scout ship have been compromised. Rayek is ordered to board and seize the vessel, but has options as to how to achieve this objective.

Centurion Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulan cruiser Ll'hval - Federation year 2388 - 2 months after the destruction of Romulus]

"Captain, the scout ship shields are failing. We have an opportunity to take her out. "

"No. Orders are to keep the damage to a minimum." An idea formed and the Captain glanced back to the extra body on the bridge - their passenger Centurion Rayek - formerly of the Tal Shiar if rumours were true. The Captain smirked.

"Centurion Rayek. You are going to board that vessel and capture her for the Empire. Go now!"

Rayek looked over from his observer's seat and regarded the Captain coolly for a moment. "Yes, sir." He acknowledged. He hurried to the transporter pad, forming a plan as he went. He gave his instructions to the young centurion manning the controls - the man balked but made the manual adjustment at the intense look Rayek gave him. Rayek crouched low and waited tensely.

"Transporting to the ship's cockpit."

The air around Rayek shimmered. As he reformed positioned not on the cockpits deck but at its ceiling directly above the pilots and co-pilots chairs, he saw the pirates stand, looking about with disruptor weapons drawn, searching the deck for whoever was beaming over.

Gravity pulled him down suddenly and he dropped atop the figure below him, grappling onto the figure as he fell. "Drop your weapons or you and your pirate crew die a most horrible death." He called out from the floor of the scout ship rolling onto his back with his arm wrapped about the pilots throat - the pilot being used as a shield. With his free hand he pressed a hypo against the throat of his captive - threateningly. "This Tal Shiar developed virus will kill all aboard this vessel in under a minute. Surrender now."

[IRS Fury]

The co-pilot looked shocked, both by the surprise entrance and the threat. But she recovered quickly, accusing 'Fool! You would kill yourself too? Why not beam the virus directly?' She leveled her disruptor pistol at the pair, trying not to hit her colleague, but clearly not caring if she did. 'Besides, I don't need a minute.' She fired, green beam dissolving the screaming pilot in Rayek's arms.

Centurion Rayek tr'Lhoell
[IRC Fury]

Fvadt! Rayek cursed silently as he quickly rolled behind the pilots seat using the chair for cover. But all wasn't lost - it wasn't that she had called him on his bluff, she just didn't understand why he would risk his own life - and doubted he would follow through. Time to up the stakes.

"Because death would be preferred over another failure" he said softly, so that she had to strain to hear his response. He administered the hypo to himself, making sure the motion was visible to the co-pilot, calling out, "I die for the Empire!" Rayek stood up then seemingly unafraid and made a point of breathing out towards her, grinning. "You've been exposed now... It's only a matter time before you and your crew are dead. The ship will be ours. And you dare not fire with that disruptor... because I hold the only antidote."

Then to seal his ploy and force her to believe his bluff, Rayek doubled over feigning a wracking pain before he rushed the co-pilot in a sudden charge, keeping low in case she acted on instinct and did fire the disruptor.

[IRS Fury]

She wasn't sure whether to believe him or not, but the hesitation was all he needed. Rayek charged and slammed her into the wall of the small cockpit, as she rained desperate blows against him. Pilots didn't have a Tal Shiar's combat training. He would quickly disable her.

After that, he had the scout ship to himself. The tactical display showed the Ll'hval was still in the midst of battle against the pirate squadron, but the pirates had not yet noticed the Fury had been compromised or hijacked.

Centurion Rayek
[IRS Fury]

With the co-pilot bound and unconscious, Rayek took the pilots seat and looked over the tactical display. Technically, he had accomplished the goal of his mission - he had successfully seized control of the scout ship. He could just sit back and watch the battle or escape his impending fate and join forces with the pirates against the Ll'hval but both those options did not sit well the former Tal Shiar operative. He had always been loyal to the Empire, even if the Emperor and Praetor named him a traitor - he was not.

Rayek flew the scout ship to a flanking position and began laying down phaser fire against the pirate squadron. Only then did he open a comm channel to the Ll'hval.

"IRS Fury to the Ll'hval. Mission accomplished, Riov."

- - - -
Romulan translations:
Ll'hval - Shadow
Riov - Captain
Fvadt - Damn

Rayek trLhoell · November 16, 2017, 01:07:20 AM

Prompt: resistance

Prisoner 3J4S735GL (Rayek tr'Lhoell)
[Penal Colony Faicol-lhui]

Word of the destruction of Hobus had reached even the prisoners on Faicol-lhui. The guards spoke about the tragedy in hushed tones while patrolling the cells and while overseeing the mining. They whispered about an uncertain future. Who would lead? Who was next in line to ascend as Emperor? Rumor of a Reman resistance group cropped up as well. The Empire was in chaos.

Then one morning, not long after, Rayek was roughly hauled out of his work-group line and brought to an interrogation chamber where he was sat at a table and met by a fellow Tal'Shiar operative - a Major Galan Dharvanek. The man had been Rayek's junior until Rayek's imprisonment and discharge from the Tal'Shiar.

Rayek looked over the normally vain officer's slightly disheveled uniform and scuffed boots a moment as the man approached; Rayek greeted the man with a sardonic smile. "Galan. You are looking well."

Rayek's insolence earn him a backhand from one of his attending guards. "That is Major Galan, to you fvai."

"Guards, leave us." Galan ordered as he took a seat across the table from Rayek. Once the room was cleared, Galan allowed himself a slight grimace, "I plotted for years to see you exactly in this type of position - it's almost comical that I had no hand in your downfall."

"Not through lack of trying," commented Rayek, "It is not surprising that you were promoted." Rayek brushed his mind against the Galan's but as expected Tal'Shiar training had the officer's mind quite impenetrable. He would need to be direct and ask. "But I doubt given the current state of the Empire that you have come all the way here to gloat. What is it you want Galan?"

"I come with the authority to make you an offer." Galan replied.

"Let me guess, you need my connections among the Reman's?" Rayek made an educated guess.

Galan chuckled, "I see prison and hard-labor has done nothing to dull your wits and perceptiveness. Yes, we've projected a Reman resistance within the next 15 years if not dealt with. Your cooperation will be rewarded."

-----
Translations:
Faicol-lhui: 900 rebels
fvai: house pet (similar to Terran dog)

Rayek trLhoell · November 19, 2017, 04:02:36 AM

Prompt - Sabotage

'Commander' Rayek
Romulan Observer and Liaison aboard the USS Courage
(undercover Tal'Shiar operative - rank of Major)
[Deck One - Head]

Rayek was once more making use of the toilet facilities nearest the Bridge. The Romulan spy smirked, by now his Starfleet security escort must believe his bowels worked like clockwork so precise were his bathroom breaks.

From the hidden pocket at the back of his uniform Rayek pulled the ha'tapan, the untraceable communication device Praetor Veden had provided him, and activated it. He'd made several routine reports over the course of the ten days travel to Fendos IV but this was the first time he actually had news of import to pass along.

After a short moment his call was answered by the brusque bored voice of the Praetor. "Make your report swift Major.

"The Courage and Bradbury have located and made initial contact with creatures that appear to be our problem." Rayek spoke quietly, watching the door to the privy. He went on to describe to the Praetor, the Gomtuu and their apparent telepathic and telekinetic powers. "Your orders?"

"You are to sabotage negotiations with these creatures, Major. The Federation and its' Starfleet presence in our territory cannot be seen to have actually accomplished what the Emperor intended." The Praetors voice replied over the communication device.

"I am to undermine the Emperor's pet project?" Rayek clarified quietly hoping he had misunderstood the Praetor's meaning.

"Dha'rudh! Are you questioning your orders, Major?" The Praetor put stress on the rank. "Forget not to who you owe your actual allegiance. I own you. With but a word your life and that of your entire family could be ended. Do not concern yourself with your mnhei'sahe - such a concept is wasted on rvak'na like you! You have your orders. Do not fail me. Is that understood, Major?"

"Yes, Praetor. Ssuaj-ha!" With that bitter affirmation lingering on his tongue, Rayek cut the call and secreted away the communication device once more. He flushed, maintaining the illusion and then exited the privy. He and his escort returned to the Bridge.

-----
Translations:
ha'tapan: (no translation) - an undetectable communication device
Dha'rudh!: idiot, moron, fool (a severe insult)
mnhei'sahe: honor (loose translation); Ruling Passion
rvak'na: trash, garbage
Ssuaj-ha!: Understood! (inferior to superior)

Rayek trLhoell · November 19, 2017, 07:06:58 PM

Prompt - City on the Edge of Forever

'Commander' Rayek
Romulan Observer and Liaison aboard the USS Courage
(Tal'Shiar operative - rank of Major)

[Conference Room]
The doors to the conference room slid shut behind Lt. Star and the Captain as the two Starfleet officers went to discuss things privately, leaving Rayek and Norvok alone. Rayek turned to Norvok. "How do you intend to help me, Norvok? You planning on taking over the negotiations?"

"No, I think not. Commander, we were all put here for at least a reason. Some of us are here for several, but I do not believe that the Emperor intended me for that purpose. While the Military and the Tal Shiar have many admirable traits, diplomacy is not generally held to be one of them. And without insult meant, Commander it is certainly not one of yours. However, I have spent my whole life serving not just the Emperor, but others as well in politics from ambassadors to senators. By now if I did not know the little niceties and lies that compose most of diplomacy I would be a great fool. And Commander, I am courteous to people not a fool. That is how I am to help you. You are the commanding officer here, and ever shall be."

"Shame, I wish you would take over. Though I should caution you, that lieutenant is a strong telepath and has little qualms in poking about where she does not belong." Rayek moved over towards the head of the boardroom table ran a hand along the computer console activating it and began typing away at its panel. "It'd be interesting to see which of you two might break first. Her strong telepathic mind or your borg-computerized one."

"She is certainly the least of our problems, Commander. There are far greater ones out there. Besides, I think I can say with some authority that she would, and be the only one. But as I said she is the-" He stopped short and ran his flesh hand over his head thoughtfully. "I apologize, I was speaking when you are not interested in my words. May I inquire as too what you are doing?"

"Me? I'm just taking a look. No doubt you've already copied all the important files to your memory. Anything of interest?" Rayek queried almost pleasantly as he deftly circumvented the computers security and inserted a download chip into the computers port.

Whatever might have been Norvok's answer was interrupted by the arrival of the Alpha security team, barging into the boardroom.

Rayek stood up from the table assuming an at ease stance, blocking view of the computer console and deftly deactivated the screen with hands tucked neatly behind his back while his chip continued to download all the ships encrypted files. "Can we help you, gentlemen?"
...

[VIP Quarters]

A week later and things had gone from bad to worse for the Major. Not only had his attempts to sabotage the negotiations backfired, word had been leaked that the Federation and Romulan Empire were working cooperatively, with himself and Admiral Zaa being touted as this new peace's engineers. 'Fvadt Norvok!'

Rayek's only chance to win back some semblance of favor with the Praetor lay in his ability to use the confidential information he gained from copying the Courage's computer files. The encryption-breaking code he'd set to the files earlier that day had pinged his communicator alerting him to the fact that the files were ready for viewing.

Rayek feigned tiredness to get out of that evenings planned celebratory event. He retired to his quarters, quickly scanning the room for new surveillance devices and after dealing with those that he detected, Rayek turned his attention to the reading through the file titles his code had un-encrypted. There were hundreds of files. Older format mission logs by the file extensions, Rayek surmised, though the file names themselves would have had him suspecting they were holo-novels. He opened the sub-folder named Enterprise.

"Where No Man Has Gone Before... Balance of Terror..." Rayek read through the file names in perplexity. "The City at the Edge of Tomorrow... ah finally one that seems promising Operation: Annihilate!" He tapped the console to select the last file in the first folder but his nerves got the best of him at the moment and he accidentally selected the City at the Edge of Tomorrow instead.

Suddenly, the console went dark displaying a single prompt. 'Fvadt' it seems he'd triggered a second hidden security program in that single encrypted file. Rayek attempted to re-start the encryption-breaking program... but his effort only seemed to aggravate the situation. A giant red X appeared on the screen for a brief moment before returning to the blank screen with the single prompt.

'No! This wasn't good.' Rayek fumed, wondering how many attempts would Starfleet likely allow its high level officers to enter a correct security code. One if they were smart, but then Rayek had found little reason to consider Starfleet officers smart - lucky and tenacious yes. Smart? Not so much.

Rayek spent 5 minutes working out a means to upload his password-breaking program to just his terminal and attempted to open the file again. A second giant red X.

A chime at his door startled Rayek and he had to take a moment to compose himself, while closing down the monitor of his console before answering the door summons. It was Norvok. "You." The bitterness in that one word surprised even Rayek. Fvadt! He was supposed to be better than this. Stress of his impending situation was making him more temperamental than usual.

"Yes exactly. Me." Norvok responded mildly. Norvok glanced pointedly to the Starfleet security standing guard outside the room. "I've come to insist on your presence at tonight's celebration. Here, allow me to help you pick out something suitable, Commander." And with that the Emperor's pet borg pushed his way into Rayek's room signalling the door to close behind.

"I noticed you took the time to circumvent your surveillance this evening. Then was alerted to a Strike - oh? now two Strikes - on the console assigned to your room. You really should know better than to try accessing such so openly." Norvok commented. "A third will lock your console, and have your lovely security escort outside barrelling in here with weapons drawn eager to show their Captain and the Admiral how well they can protect their precious Federation against the Romulan threat." There was amusement in Norvok's tone.

Rayek growled at the man's criticism. Norvok no doubt would love to see that.

Norvok continued on ignoring the almost feral snarl. "I understand you are desperate to save not just yourself but your family as well but hold off your self-destruction and let us make a deal."
...
END

Rayek trLhoell · November 21, 2017, 05:07:48 AM

Prompt - Tetryon particles

Major Rayek tr'Lhoell
[yr 2386 - Romulan Bird of Prey - Kaleh]

Rayek, undercover as a newly transferred Centurion in the engineering department, sat at his assigned station on the Bridge of the Kaleh. The Tal Shiar operative had been assigned to oversee and report back on the actual effectiveness of the 'newest' of the new shielding technologies being tested by the Kaleh - tetryon particles.

Opening up the relevant file on the console in front of him, Rayek quickly reviewed the theory behind today's field test.

'A tetryon is a subatomic particle that can only exist in subspace environments. Tetryon radiation is a bombardment of these particles. Since these particles are a property of subspace, they become highly energetic and unstable when they are extruded into normal space, which can occur by both natural and artificial means. Tetryons have a random momentum, and thus cannot be tracked by sensors.' He read quietly to himself. Rather common knowledge. He read on a bit regarding the theory... dry stuff until he got to a passage that noted the theory's inspiration.

'In 2370, a Klingon vessel disruptor bank was modulated to emit tetryon particles to disable an enemy vessels particle beam weapon. In 2378, the Federation vessel Voyager returned from the Delta quadrant with several reports of tetryon-based weaponry.'

Rayek smirked slightly as he filled in the blanks as to why Rihan scientists had theorized a tetryon-based shield. The advantages of such a shield would put the Empire ahead of the Federation - if it worked.

"Arrain Rayek." Rayek's attention was drawn to the command chair as the Riov spoke to him. "Status of the testing drone?"

Rayek glanced at his console, quickly calling up the unmanned ships status. "Everything is ready. Remote command of the drone is 100% Sensor readings are strong and steady. Tetryon-shielding standing-by to engage on your order, Riov."

"Erei'Riov take over Tactical. What is the ships weapons status?"

The Subcommander moved from his support position to the Tactical station replacing the junior officer that had been at the station prior, and called out "Reading at 100% and at stand-by, Riov."

"Excellent. Let's see what she can take, shall we? Arrain Rayek raise shields on the drone."

Within seconds, the task was done. "Tetryon-shields raised," he announced.

All eyes turned to the viewscreen. "Subcommander, Fire!"

END
----
Translations:
kalen: dagger
Arrain: Centurion (similar to Lieutenant rank in Starfleet)
Riov: Commander (similar to Captain rank in Starfleet)
Erei'Riov: Subcommander (similar to Lt Commander rank in Starfleet)
Tal Shiar: elite intelligence agency of the Romulan Star Empire

News:

Rayek's Biography one-shot prompts