Into the Dark Abyss (Rayek/Tess) COMPLETE

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
and
Dr. Senva - Vulcan Medical Institute

[Katra Station - Dr. Senva's quarters](end of August 2397)

Rayek sat nervously beside Tess, holding onto her hand, wishing he could do something other than just sit there and watch.  Her facial expression seemed to become troubled a moment and it worried the Romulan until it smoothed just as suddenly as it had turned concerning.  Her quiet 'thank you' was a surprise and he waited expectantly for the Vulcan to break contact but after a moment it became clear that that wasn't going to happen quite yet.

In Tess' mind, Senva acknowledged her thoughts/words of appreciation with a calm sense of support before moving on.  It was long after leaving the events of the Dosi that Senva pinpoint the moment where Tess' mind had been infected.  The afflicted Romulan's mind had latched onto hers in one of his many moments of lack of control and rather than simply wait for it to release he had delved deeper forming a full mind meld - infecting her with the mind's chemical unbalance that was Pa'nar.  Unfortunately it was a deeply emotional moment for her  having both been informed by the Romulan that he did care for her....but loved another.  Her emotional pain had been significant.  He backed away from the memory to give her a moment of preparation.

'Miss Moreno, this is the moment when you were infected.  It will be necessary to go over this moment repeatedly until I can clear the imbalance. Let me know when you are ready for me to begin.'

At her indication that she was ready, he began.  The scene from the moment that Rayek initiated the meld, delving into Tess' accepting mind until he withdrew was played back while Senva overlapped the memory with his own precise and healthy mind, bit by bit correcting the imbalances there.  His thoughts repeated over and over.

'My mind to your mind; my thoughts to your thoughts. My mind to your mind ...

[Tess tLhoell]

Lt. Cmdr. Tess Moreno
[Katra Station - Dr. Senva's quarters]

Tess was glad that Dr. Senva was supportive and empathic with this. His calm mind calmed her down as well, that and Rayek's hand she still felt in her, for that she was thankful.

Then Senva moved further back in her memories until that day that had changed a lot for her. Her feelings had been troubled so much that night - her guilt for having attempted to kill him the day before, his cruel game he was playing to tell her that she should face that was a part of who she was, then his confession that he cared for her, the closeness she had longed for so badly fulfilled by the mind meld, she having been so foolish to share her deepest desire with him, only to crash down all the harder when he told her that he could not love her but that his heart belonged to someone else.

Those were very intimate feelings and Tess struggled a little bit to share those with the doctor. But she knew she had to, he explained to her why. So Tess took in a deep breath and signalled her readiness to him. While she heard the repetitive chant of that Vulcan saying in her mind she went over the memory over and over again along with the doctor.

It probably would have hurt more if she would be still pining for Rayek. But now that they were together, it was easier for her to cope with those memories. Patiently she was as supportive as she could be to help the doctor to finish the correction quickly.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
and
Dr. Senva - Vulcan Medical Institute

[Katra Station - Dr. Senva's quarters](end of August 2397)

As the minutes dragged, Rayek tried not to worry.  He kept his hand in hers not daring to move any lest he interrupt the process, needing it to be restarted again.

In the mind of the Ba'ku, the last of the neurological imbalance in the synapses was corrected and Senva began to withdraw.  However before he fully released their connection he made sure to bring up something that he had not mentioned to the Romulan.  'Since it is likely that he will seek connection with you again.. he will need taught how to conduct a proper meld.  The skills he possesses are fine for surface thoughts but not in depth melds.  Without proper training, the pa'nar may flare once more.  If he resists the suggestion of lessons, you must convince him.'

Senva waited on Tess' reply before fully withdrawing from her mind and releasing the psionic nodes on her face.

"You may open your eyes." the doctor spoke softly to Tess, before acknowledging the worried gaze of the Romulan.   "The treatment was successful."

[Tess tLhoell]

Lt. Cmdr. Tess Moreno
[Katra Station - Dr. Senva's quarters]

The minutes dragged. For Tess it felt like this was taking longer than Rayek's treatment though she was certain that his treatment had been the more complicated one. But then slowly she started to see how it got better and finally she felt as Senva began to withdraw from her mind.

His words directed at her were accepted readily and she signaled it to him right away. She didn't want him or her to catch this ever again.
When he told her to, Tess slowly opened her eyes while Senva confirmed Rayek's - and her own - hopes that the treatment had been successful. Tess turned her head to Rayek, smiling happily at him. Giving in to the sudden impulse, she moved to embrace Rayek in a loving hug.

Senva rose to his feet and Tess then did the same, waiting for Rayek to do so too if he wanted. "Thank you so much, doctor, for helping us. You've done excellent work." She smiled at him and the Vulcan acknowleged it with a subtle bow of his head.

"If there are not any further questions you have, you are free to go." He needed some more meditation now to regain full control of his emotions which was always necessary after such an correcting meld.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Dr. Senva's quarters](end of August 2397)

Rayek breathed a relieved sigh at Senva's declaration.  Tess was cured now too!  He turned to smile at Tess and found himself suddenly held close in her arms. His own wrapped about her protectively and he held her tight, not caring if they were making the Vulcan uncomfortable with their emotional display.  This was far to joyous a moment to contain his elation.

This was the second time his life had been saved by his defection.  Even if he had managed to convince the leaders of the crumbling Empire of his loyalty five years ago and avoided the 'hit' waiting for him upon his return after Ambassador Kalavak's death.. he would have surely died a slow and painful death like Kalavak to the ravages of pa'nar because there would have been no treatment possible.

As it was... without Tess, he may not have opted for the treatment in the first place.  Yes, there was much he was grateful for.

When the doctor stood up however, Tess also extracted herself from his hold and stood as well as she thanked him.  Rayek stood as well and offered the Vulcan a meaningful bow as the doctor asked if there were any question.  "No questions. Thank you doctor, not only for my own treatment but for that of my intended as well.  I do not know yet how I can repay you but if ever there is a way that I can assist you, you need only ask."

Then with a hand held out to Tess, Rayek turned head out.   "I feel like celebrating e'lev... where would you like to go?"

[Tess tLhoell]

Lt. Cmdr. Tess Moreno
[Katra Station - Dr. Senva's quarters]

Dr Senva reciprocated the bow before looking back at Rayek. "Compensation is not necessary for the treatment. But the offer is appreciated." He looked back to Tess, bowing his head to her too in respect.

Tess then smiled at Rayek when he stated he felt like celebrating. "Oh, I do too!", she grinned as she left the quarters with him. "Are you hungry? We could eat out", she suggested. In the back of her mind was the warning Dr Senva told her which she would have to bring forward to Rayek.

[Later that night...]

[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters]

Tess bent down and took off her shoes. She had asked to stop by their quarters so they could get changed into something more festive. Tess wore a plain black dress and some high heels after taking a quick shower and put on some make-up. She liked to dress herself a little up for her man for this occasion.

After having had dinner with a glass of wine or two and strolling a bit down the promenade Tess now took off the shoes and turned back to Rayek, smiling. "I never noticed we don't have a location for dancing on the station ... besides the Blue Belles", she chuckled.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters](end of August 2397 - later that night)

Their celebratory evening out on the promenade had been wonderful.  Dinner at what he considered to be their main restaurant, Alpha and Omega.  He liked it not only for the remarkable Greek cuisine, and the romantic ambiance but for the many good memories shared together there.

Since Tess had wanted to 'dress up' for the occasion, Rayek had replicated himself a new outfit a dark kurta and pants to match that showed his physique to his advantage.  Now as they returned home, Rayek was making plans to add the style number to his favorites for use again.

Tess' mention of a place to go dancing had him pausing and considering.   She was of course correct.  "I'll be sure to bring it up the lack of it at the next Chamber of Commerce meeting."  Rayek often attended board meetings on behalf of the Captain to update Solluk on the concerns of the various businesses that made Katra its' home.

"However, in the meantime, if dancing is something you wish to do...." Rayek left the phrase unsaid because Tess knew all she had to do was to make mention of something like she just had.

"Computer...  dim lights 40%.  Play random selection from 'Rayek's Wedding Playlist One'."  He stepped up before her and gave a slight bow before taking hold of her hand and leading away into the center of their shared quarters.  "Would you do me the honor of this dance?"

[Tess tLhoell]

Lt. Cmdr. Tess Moreno
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters]

Tess had sat down on the sofa to take the high heels off. And she enjoyed watching Rayek in that kurta. It looked very good on him. She looked up, smiling, when Rayek asked her to dance. Without a moment of hesitancy she accepted his hand and stood up to walk in the middle of the room with him.
Resting her hand on his shoulder she leaned against him a little bit, allowing her head to rest on his other shoulder as they began to dance slowly to the music. Tess smiled contently. She loved this.

For a long while she enjoyed dancing with Rayek, now and then sharing a kiss with him. In the back of her mind, Senva's words kept nagging her a little bit and she felt she should approach the topic soon. Lifting her head from Rayek's shoulder once more she looked up at him, her hand sliding up the back of his neck into his short hair. She cleared her throat quietly and made sure she had Rayek's attention before she began to speak without stopping their slow swaying movement to the music as she did. "Today, when we had our treatment", she said quietly, "Dr. Senva mentioned something to me I need to tell you."

"He recommended for you to learn how to properly conduct mind melds. He said it is possible Pan'ar comes back if it's not correctly done." Tess paused, watching Rayek's face for a reaction.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters](end of August 2397 - later that night)

As Tess stood up and joined him in the middle of the room, the slow mournful sounds of a song began to play.

With a shuffling step in time to the song's beat, Rayek held Tess close to him and slow-danced with her enjoying the feel of her head on his shoulder. Eventually the song ended and Rayek ordered for it to continue on shuffle.  He wasn't in any hurry for this moment to come to an end.

But after a while Tess leaned away and spoke quietly as if hesitant to say what was on her mind.  Given her words, he understood why.  "Oh? That's odd. He didn't mention anything to me. Was this before or after my treatment?"

He realized after his question, it really didn't matter when the Vulcan had spoken it.  That Senva told Tess and not him, suggested to the Romulan, that the Vulcan believed him not committed enough to follow through on such a recommendation without involving Tess.  Not necessarily an erroneous assumption... it was logical.

Rayek smiled down to Tess lest his silence make her feel any further discomfort at the subject.  "Do you know if he was willing to do the instructing himself or am I supposed to lay myself bare to yet another?"

He realized after he spoke how bitter the question sounded.  "I'm sorry, e'lev - my frustration is not directed at you.. or even him but at myself for having to need such."

[Tess tLhoell]

Lt. Cmdr. Tess Moreno
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters]

At his initial question, Tess' heart sank a little. It was clear Senva didn't trust Rayek to follow through on this of his own accord, but Tess hated to transfer that to him. "Well, he mentioned it to me after my treatment was done and before he withdrew from my mind." She gave him a little smile to take the weight off the conversation.

Her smile wavered slightly at the bitterness of Rayek's words and she tilted her head a bit as she looked at him and squeezed his hand comfortingly. When he apologized she smiled at him. "It's alright. We've come so far with this, we'll manage that too."

To answer his question about who would instruct him, Tess frowned slightly in thought. "He didn't offer himself to do it. But I'm sure he would agree if we asked him." She smiled again.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters](end of August 2397 - later that night)

Rayek was grateful that Tess seemed to accept his apology for his poor reaction.   Her hand squeezing his, prompted him to hold him to hold hers just a little tighter in response.

When she answered that she thought that the doctor might be willing to be the one to teach him, Rayek nodded.  He would bring up the topic with him tomorrow morning.  For now, Rayek would just need to not surcome to temptation.   He brought the hand clasped in his to his lips to kiss.

"I will speak to him tomorrow and ask; and if he says no, I'll find some other to teach me."

He didn't want to put Tess at risk again, so he would do as the doctor suggested and find someone to teach him.   If the doctor refused - perhaps Solluk might?   Yet even as he considered that idea, the Romulan recalled several of his past actions.   No, perhaps a stranger was best - someone who it would be less painful to see a look of disappointment on their face.

"Did the doctor suggest anything else?" he asked as he brought Tess in close once more and resumed their dancing.

[Tess tLhoell]

Lt. Cmdr. Tess Moreno
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters]

Tess smiled, relieved Rayek agreed to be taught how to properly conduct a mind meld. She knew he wanted her to be safe, a small voice inside her had worried that he might opt to rather refrain from connecting with her over their minds rather than going through the procedure of learning how to do it properly, but that she would have regretted. It might be odd for a non-telepathic person that she was, but the binds in their mind was a very important and desired aspect of their relationship for her and she would have hated to be denied that.

When Rayek pulled her close again Tess leaned gently against him as she too started to slowly sway to the music with him, his closeness making her feel loved and safe. At his question she tried to recall Dr. Senva's words. "No", she said quietly. "Other than the advice about the training, he didn't say anything else."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters](end of August 2397 - later that night)

Still holding Tess close as they slow-danced, Rayek acknowledged her answer with a nod and a quiet 'okay, thank you.'   He was still a bit disappointed that the Vulcan hadn't told him directly.  But what was done was done.   He would contact Dr. Senva in the morning and inquire about possibly extending the man's stay long enough to at least begin his training.

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 5 - Guest Quarters - outside Dr. Senva's quarters](end of August 2397 - the next morning)

As awkward a discussion as this might be, Rayek felt he needed to do so in person, so after confirming the Vulcan was up by getting a PADD notification of the use of the doctor's room replicator,  Rayek approached the door and activated the door chime with his finger press on the sensor plate.

When the door slide open at the occupants request, Rayek stepped inside and offered a slight nod in greeting.  "Jolan tru" he greeted.    He'd thought of using the Vulcan salutation but his usual dislike of the culture kept him from it.

"I hope I'm not interrupting. I was wondering if you might have some time to discuss a possible extension of your time on station.  Tess mentioned to me your concern about the potential for a relapse.  She said you recommended better training?  I imagine you meant in Vulcan mindmeld techniques.  I am willing to undergo such training.  I came here to ask if you would teach me."

[Tess tLhoell]

NPC Dr. Senva - Vulcan Medical Institute
[Katra Station - Guest quarters] (August 2397)

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters](end of August 2397 - later that night)

Still holding Tess close as they slow-danced, Rayek acknowledged her answer with a nod and a quiet 'okay, thank you.'   He was still a bit disappointed that the Vulcan hadn't told him directly.  But what was done was done.   He would contact Dr. Senva in the morning and inquire about possibly extending the man's stay long enough to at least begin his training.

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 5 - Guest Quarters - outside Dr. Senva's quarters](end of August 2397 - the next morning)

As awkward a discussion as this might be, Rayek felt he needed to do so in person, so after confirming the Vulcan was up by getting a PADD notification of the use of the doctor's room replicator,  Rayek approached the door and activated the door chime with his finger press on the sensor plate.

When the door slide open at the occupants request, Rayek stepped inside and offered a slight nod in greeting.  "Jolan tru" he greeted.    He'd thought of using the Vulcan salutation but his usual dislike of the culture kept him from it.

"I hope I'm not interrupting. I was wondering if you might have some time to discuss a possible extension of your time on station.  Tess mentioned to me your concern about the potential for a relapse.  She said you recommended better training?  I imagine you meant in Vulcan mindmeld techniques.  I am willing to undergo such training.  I came here to ask if you would teach me."

Senva had just settled down at the table, a breakfast consisting of a small pot of Vulcan tea and a light vegetarian meal in front of him. He had just put the cup at his lips to take a sip when the door chime sounded. Lowering his hand holding the cup the Vulcan turned his head to regard the door expectantly. "Come in."

The doctor acknowledged the unexpected visit of the Romulan Commander - and instantly believed to know why he was here. That confirmed when Rayek stated right away the reason of his visit after Senva assured he was not interrupting anything important.

"Of course", Senva confirmed to be willing to discuss the matter and motioned for him to have a seat if he wanted to. He had not believed Rayek would do that himself but would have thought that Tess would be the one to inform him of the outcome of the discussion she might have had with her fiancee.

"Since I am already here and am already familiar with your mind, and you with mine, it would be illogical to deny your request." Senva picked up the cup he had put down when Rayek had arrived and took a small sip of it. "But before we go into detailed planning, there is something I need to know first." He turned his head and looked straight at Rayek. "I want it to be successful. And for that I need to know if you are doing it for your woman - or for yourself."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 5 - Guest Quarters - Dr. Senva's quarters](end of August 2397 - the next morning)

NPC Dr. Senva - Vulcan Medical Institute
[Katra Station - Guest quarters] (August 2397)

Senva had just settled down at the table, a breakfast consisting of a small pot of Vulcan tea and a light vegetarian meal in front of him. He had just put the cup at his lips to take a sip when the door chime sounded. Lowering his hand holding the cup the Vulcan turned his head to regard the door expectantly. "Come in."

The doctor acknowledged the unexpected visit of the Romulan Commander - and instantly believed to know why he was here. That confirmed when Rayek stated right away the reason of his visit after Senva assured he was not interrupting anything important.

"Of course", Senva confirmed to be willing to discuss the matter and motioned for him to have a seat if he wanted to. He had not believed Rayek would do that himself but would have thought that Tess would be the one to inform him of the outcome of the discussion she might have had with her fiancee.

"Since I am already here and am already familiar with your mind, and you with mine, it would be illogical to deny your request." Senva picked up the cup he had put down when Rayek had arrived and took a small sip of it. "But before we go into detailed planning, there is something I need to know first." He turned his head and looked straight at Rayek. "I want it to be successful. And for that I need to know if you are doing it for your woman - or for yourself."

Rayek, finding the Vulcan doctor in the midst of partaking of a morning meal - much later than the Romulan had ever seen Solluk do so - was a bit uncertain if the Vulcan was being completely truthful in his statement that Rayek wasn't interrupting.  He should have messaged ahead to request a time to meet... that would have been better.  Next time, he mentally noted.

At the motion offering him to sit, Rayek hesitated, but then thought that to decline would be rather insulting.  So he sat after acknowledging the offer with a slight nod of his head.  Instead of sitting across the table from the Vulcan in a position of opposition, Rayek chose to sit at an adjacent side, angling his chair slightly so he didn't need to turn his head as much to face Dr. Senva.  He wasn't certain if the Vulcan would suggest starting immediately or not, but Rayek figured that such an open seating selection might show to the man his earnestness in doing this.

No sooner had he sat than the Vulcan explained the logic of his decision to agree to the teaching. "Thank you. I hope to prove a quick and able pupil.  He really didn't want this process dragging on.

Yet when Dr. Senva stated there was something he needed to know first, Rayek immediately got the sense that the question was not going to be an easy answer... and to a point he was correct.

Rayek didn't answer immediately.  While it was true Tess' well being was a part of his concern, Rayek wasn't sure it would be accurate to say he was doing it for her specifically.  After a moment he met eyes with the Vulcan.  "This is for me.  Since the discovery of my ability, it has been defining aspect of my life.  I was trained in its use by Reman kept enslaved even after the Praetor Shinzon revolt.  But what they taught is not how I wish to use my ability.   I want to be able to share with others without putting them, or myself, at risk.  Yeah... this is definitely for me."