Mind Games (Rayek)

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office | Year 2385]

==Praetor Chulan - Line of Tellus==

Chulan stood with his hands clasped behind his back at the window that reached from the floor up to the ceiling, framed by massive stuccoed columns. The robe he wore fell smoothly over his shoulders down his back and ended just at level of his ankles. His grey eyes wandered with pleasure over the seaside that gleamed in the sun. Chulan wasn't someone to be overly sentimental. Only when it came to his home, he felt strangely touched.

That he was in a position to lead his home world's fate, his people, satisfied him deeply. Not only that but also being capable of realizing his personal goals he wanted to achieve. Power, for one. And for that he had gotten mighty instruments at hand. There was the whole Romulan fleet and not to forget the Romulan elite intelligence unit that was the most highly respected and feared organization within the Empire - all of this was at his disposal.

But Chulan knew that there were not only the big things to consider and rely on. There were also the small pieces of the puzzle that completed the picture in the end. One of these small pieces was Rayek tr'Lhoell - the first born son of the proconsul, Talen.

Not long ago the praetor's suspicion had been aroused, the young man possessing an ability that every Romulan would have despised him for. To test him on that, he had been sent to Remus at the Praetor's order and after it was confirmed, he had been trained on that ability. A training that would serve Chulan quite well. And for that he even would bring himself to deal with a bloody telepath.

His thoughts were interrupted by the subtle sound of a chime coming from the communications device at his desk.

"Praetor, the soldiers arrived with tr'Lhoell ."

A grin tugged at the corner of his lips. Without turning away from the window he acknowledged the call. "Bring him in."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
Tal'Shiar operative
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office / Year 2385]

Rayek found the brightness of the Romulan sun hard on his eyes, causing him to squint and blink away tears as his eyes struggled to adjust.  The recent Tal'Shiar member had been beamed aboard a Tal'Shiar controlled vessel earlier that morning, debriefed aggressively by his Tal'Shiar superiors for the past several hours with no opportunity to clean-up or change after having lived underground for a month among the few remaining Reman slaves, and had just now been beamed down the planets surface with no instruction or explanation of what he was supposed to do.

Rayek found himself unexpectedly not just in the capital city, but just at the entrance to the Hall of State. At seeing the political arena, Rayek's first thought was that he'd been summoned by his father, the Proconsul, and that something terrible might have happened to one of his family while he'd been away.

Romulan military stood guard throughout the grounds and at strategic places along the building.  Almost immediately after his arrival, a pair of uhlan much like himself flanked him and demanded his credentials.  Rayek identified himself.  There was moment in which Rayek feared that perhaps his arrival hadn't been arranged for properly and that he might get turned away.  But no, after barely a moments wait, Rayek was guided through the entrance and towards one of the beautifully ornate doors.

The guard rapped lightly on the door, but having already gotten permission to enter, did so.

"Praetor," the man stopped and saluted the leader of the Romulan Empire, "We bring you, Uhlan tr'Lhoell, as requested."

Rayek blanched at the realization that he'd been called for specifically not by his father, as he had thought, but by the Praetor.  This could not be good.  Dropping to a knee, Rayek offered the Romulan leader his own obeisance and salute.  The salute, a closed fist over his heart was then sharply extended out towards the Praetor to end in an open palm down. Rayek dared meeting the man's look as he greeted the leader with a proper formal phrase, "Shaoi kon, Fvillha!"

Rayek remained in that position until acknowledged by the Praetor.

~~~~~~~~~~~
translation:
shaoi kon - formal greeting, inferior to superior
Fvillha - Rihannsu term for Praetor

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office | Year 2385]

==Praetor Chulan - Line of Tellus==

When the doors opened, Chulan slowly turned around to watch the young man being led into his office, flanked by a pair of Uhlan. With some amusement he noticed Rayek growing pale at the realization to whom he had been brought. That emotion didn't show on his face though. Chulan's cold grey eyes rested on Rayek, stoically staring at him even when the young Romulan dropped down to his knee to offer his obeisance along with a formal greeting.

With a motion of his hand, the Praetor indicated for the two Uhlan to leave, which they did a moment later.
Knowing that Rayek would not stand up until he had been acknowledged by him, Chulan let another moment pass in which he just watched him. Taking a few steps towards him, he came so close that Rayek - from his position on the floor - was forced to look at his feet while the Praetor looked down on him - literally and metaphorically. It was a demonstration of his status, maybe also to intimidate and remind the boy who it was he was facing, although Rayek had given him the respect and the obeisance he demanded to receive from any Romulan in the Empire.
Moving once more, Chulan started to circle the newest Tal'Shiar member, not taking his eyes off him. He of course noticed how filthy the young man was, undoubtedly from living underground like a common Reman slave for a couple of weeks. It was well enough for an unwanted telepath - as such Chulan would not have had a problem to have left him on Remus with the slaves. But it was unworthy for someone who was supposed to serve the Praetor - and that for as long as the leader pleased.

After he had walked around him once, Chulan turned to the seat that stood freestanding opposite the door. Sitting at the edge of it, his torso leaned forward slightly he rested his left hand on his knee while he gestured with his right one towards the young man. "Sh'ben", he acknowledged him finally, inclining his head slightly.

"You seemed surprised to meet me here", he stated, giving away a hint of the amusement from earlier. "You see, I wanted to take the opportunity to have a look at the man I heard so many things about." He eyed Rayek for any reactions.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Sh'ben - formal greeting (superior to inferior)

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
Tal'Shiar operative
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office / Year 2385]

Rayek remained down on one knee while the Praetor dismissed the guards.  No doubt he would be made to remain in this pose until the Praetor felt Rayek was suitably put in his place.  To help speed this, Rayek kept his eyes downcast submissively.

After awhile he could hear the man approach nearer.  So close that he could see the Praetor's feet.  Still Rayek remained unmoving though it was an effort to keep his arm steady outstretched for so long a time.

When the Praetor circled him, Rayek felt like a prey species under the hungry eyes of a predator, yet still he did not move a muscle.  The consequences of doing such would far out weigh the discomfort he was feeling now.

What seemed like an eternity later, the Praetor moved to the chair that Rayek had noticed sitting alone facing the door - like a throne - and sat while verbally acknowledging Rayek's earlier greeting, finally.  Rayek risked a brief glance up and noticed the Praetor's gesture to stand, and quickly did as bid.

The Praetor's first words to him after that seemed amused. But in the comment afterwards Rayek knew he had to be wary.

"I am surprised, Fvillha.  As a lowly uhlan I am undeserving to be brought to the attention of the Empire's leader."  Rayek admitted humbly, though he knew that it wasn't because of his military or even his Tal'Shiar rank or deeds that brought him to the Praetor's attention.  It was his recently discovered ability. An ability that he had spent the last month being trained to use.

A thought crossed his mind to try and read the Praetor's intentions for him, but just as quickly that thought was dismissed.  If a lowly uhlan in the Tal'Shiar, him, was expected to be trained to block out telepaths (the process that he'd begun two months prior that had inadvertently led to the discovery of his gift) then surely the Praetor would have had the same if not better training to keep his mind closed to others.  No, it was best just let the man state what he needed of him.

"I live to serve both you and the Empire, Fvillha." Rayek prompted.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office | Year 2385]

==Praetor Chulan - Line of Tellus==

Knowing of the young Uhlan's ability Chulan had been preparing beforehand to shield his mind in a way even the best telepath wouldn't be able to break through it. Well, he never could be entirely sure. But he doubted the young man would dare to try that even.

At Rayek's humble words along with the assurance of his loyalty to the Praetor and the Empire, Chulan's hard features relaxed briefly with benignity, but there was something lurking in his eyes - something dangerous.

"Well", he started as he looked at Rayek, "what had drawn my attention on you was the news that the son of the Empire's Proconsul ... is a telepath." He spat that word, his features matching the condescending tone he spoke to Rayek with. "A shame for Romulus. For the Romulan people, the Empire. And for me."

Chulan paused a moment to let that take effect on the young man.  "But", he continued, "I am willing to overlook that unacceptable trait of yours. I already have shown my teillh to you. Surely you don't wish to disappoint me." Chulan made it sound as if it was only for his benevolence that he allowed Rayek to serve him despite his telepathic ability. But it really was only his own interests that counted for him and for that he would even make use of that telepathic ability Rayek had.

"As part of the Tal'Shiar and being trained in its methods, you can be of use to me and the Empire. From now on, you are under my direct order. You will take assignments from no one but me." He eyed the young man intently.

"Now. Here's your first assignment. It has been brought to my attention that Tocul is trying to incite a rebellion against me." Tocul was part of the Romulan Senate, he was known to be a respectable man and entirely loyal to the Praetor. Chulan didn't give a hint of if he was making this up to test him or if there really was something about that man. �However, all agents I had go after him failed. Now, I want you to use that em'dyyh'kraino of yours to find out what he's planning. Who are his confederates. Do anything that is necessary to bring me every bit of information you can get."

~~~~~~~~~~
teillh - mercy, kindness
em'dyyh'kraino - abnormality

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
Tal'Shiar operative
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office / Year 2385]

If Rayek thought his words of loyalty would gain him any reprieve he was sadly mistaken.  The Praetor was brutally direct, calling out Rayek on his unwanted ability and shaming him for it.  The harsh words and sentiment were very unfamiliar for the twenty-five year old.  He'd been groomed since birth to be a model officer.  Praise and respect had been his birthright and he'd earned them with his hard-work and skill.  To have all that dismissed, because of some aberration in his genetic make-up was not an easy thing to accept.

His head lowered at the Praetor's condescending tone.  However, despite the shame heaped, Rayek knew that he had some purpose.  The fact that was proven when he'd been trained rather than killed outright at the discovery of his ability.  The Praetor had a use for him.  That was all a good Romulan should need.  So Rayek accepted the shame and would be grateful he was permitted his life.

Rayek listened dutifully as Praetor Chulan, explained about his teillh.  Then he was subtly prompted to reaffirm for the Praetor, his loyalty.  He shook his head at  Chulan's query about not wanting to disappoint him.  Rayek dared to look up and met with the Praetor's gaze earnestly. "May I fall upon my family's honorblade should I disappoint you, Fvillha." Rayek answered.

His response must have been adequate for the Praetor went on to state that he alone would give Rayek his assignments.  Rayek was stunned at the honor of being granted him - to work directly for the Praetor.

Then came his first assignment.  To learn the secrets of Senator Tocul.  Rayek knew the man not only by reputation as being loyal to the Praetor but Tocul was also close personal friend of Rayek's father.  A fact that the Praetor must surely know.

This was more than just a first mission.  This was a test.

Rayek refrained from forcing a swallow as his throat seemed to suddenly go dry at the imagined thought of his investigation leading to his father as one of the conspirators.  No.  His father was loyal.

The Praetor was waiting for some form of acknowledgement.  Rayek gave a sharp nod and forced a firm reply. "Daie, Fvillha. I will get that information."

~~~~~~~
translations:
uhlan - lowest officer rank
teillh - mercy, kindness
Fvillha - Praetor
Daie - yes, of course.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office | Year 2385]

==Praetor Chulan - Line of Tellus==

Chulan had observed Rayek's reactions to each of his words - to his provocations, insults and his assignment while he casually had dropped the name of his father's close friend and calling him being an instigator.

Rayek had stayed submissive, lowering his head as he had been shamed and reiterating that he was loyal to the Praetor and that he would carry out his task that he had given him. But Chulan couldn't help it. For him telepaths were devious traiterous individuals, oiru that couldn't be trusted and that needed to be intimidated if he wanted to take personal advantage of them.
He knew that there had been a brillant career in the Romulan military lying ahead of the young Uhlan. Coming from a respected family with the father being the Proconsul of the Romulan Empire. But the knowledge that there might be a whole family of telepaths sitting in the Romulan Senate, serving in the Romulan fleet, it was impossible to happen. The mere thought was sickening Chulan.

So although Rayek had not given him any incentive whatsoever to intimidate him further - quite the opposite by swearing not to disappoint him and by accepting the assignment without hesitation - Chulan intended to do just that. He needed to make sure that the young man knew that he would not allow the smallest mistakes or the slightest hints of disloyalty, and that it would be punished severely.

Getting up from his 'throne' the robe fell smoothly down his body once more. Grey cold eyes watched him before he spoke to him again. "I didn't expect anything else", he remarked about Rayek accepting the task.
He slowly stepped closer, approaching the young Uhlan. "As for the case you disappoint me ..." His voice was a low threatening grumble. "You shall call yourself lucky if you'd be permitted to take your own life as consequence to that." If a Romulan fell into disfavor of his lord then it was a gesture of mercy to let the man commit suicide in secret to spare his family the dishonor of the one fallen in disfavor being killed or even worse - shown off in a public execution, which was the most humiliating way to die for a Romulan.
Chulan held Rayek's gaze and he would have snapped at him to keep looking at him if Rayek should have lowered his eyes again. "If I should be under the impression you are not trying to fulfill your tasks properly, I shall have your father hanged just outside the senate chamber for everyone to see, along with your family. And you ..." He huffed disparagingly at him. "You can go back to ch'Havran and die with the slaves. You already look like them anyway."

He looked at him piercingly. "So always remember this: you are a pathetic little worm beneath my foot and I could squash you whenever I please. It's only for my mercy with you that you are permitted your life." His tone softened though it did nothing to the sharpness of his words. "So you better make sure to stay in my favour, Uhlan."

~~~~~~~
oiru - dregs
ch'Havran - Remus

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
Tal'Shiar operative
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office / Year 2385]

Rayek's acknowledgement of the orders didn't seem to please the Praetor though as Chulan rose from his seat and then slowly approached commenting in a low intimidating tone about how ritual suicide would be considered a lucky way to go should Rayek disappoint the man.  The Praetor's cold grey eyes met his and something in the man's watchful gaze hinted for Rayek to keep his gaze fixed on Praetor's own, rather than averting his gaze as proper decorum would suggest.  So he held his gaze fixed on the Praetor's steely eyes as the man threatened to execute Rayek's father and family should Rayek disappoint him.

The threat against his family was uttered with such disdain that Rayek had no doubt that the Praetor would follow through.  Rayek wanted to deny the need for such threats, to profess his loyalty,  but wisely kept his mouth shut.  And while the Praetor continued to further intimidate and belittle him, calling Rayek a worm, the young uhlan kept his gaze steady on the Empire's leader.  The thought that his family's lives were reliant on his keeping in the Praetor's favor made Rayek feel slightly nauseated.

The Praetor's soft words suggesting exactly the same thought - that he had best keep in the man's favor - gave him a slight chill. Was the Praetor a telepath as well?  Surely not, given his acid at the mere mention of telepathy.

There was a brief silence after the Praetor finished speaking, as Rayek came to the realization that the Praetor was done talking and likely waiting on a response back.  This time Rayek couldn't avoid the dry swallow, and he could hear the waver in his voice as he answered back as firmly as he could.  "I understand, Fvillha and you will not be disappointed for having permitted me your teillh.  I will be as your fvai thrai and will root out your enemies and dissenters."

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office | Year 2385]

==Praetor Chulan - Line of Tellus==

The Praetor demanding for Rayek to look at him wasn't the man's desire for eye contact for that matter but he wanted to see exactly what effect his words had on the young Romulan.

With satisfaction he listened to Rayek reassuring his loyalty once more. And he hadn't been stupid enough to dare and speak before Chulan was finished.

After Rayek's statement Chulan eyed him carefully. "You will have to prove that. I hope you are aware though, that to whoever the trace of conspirators may lead ... your loyalty is mine first."

That meant loyalty to the Praetor and not the family.

"Now that we have clarified loyalty", he went on as he once more started to circle Rayek as he spoke, "here are some additional information. You will check in with me regularly. If I or one of my confidantes aren't contacting you, you will do so at least every three days."
He stopped in front of him again to look at him. "Though I doubt it won't take that long to fulfil the first task." A subtle hint that the Praetor expected the completion of the mission within three days.

Diverting his gaze to the door behind Rayek he called in the guards to take him outside with them but still gave Rayek the opportunity to say something if he wanted to while he slowly turned back to sit down on his 'throne'.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
Tal'Shiar operative
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office / Year 2385]

The Praetor watched him like a nei'rrh - swift and deadly, looking for an opening to zip in and strike - as he spoke about loyalty to him above all.  Rayek knew that meant loyalty to the Praetor - the embodiment of the Empire - before family.  That was something that was taught to children as young as 2 or 3.  It should not be a hard thing to acknowledge and up til this moment Rayek had always declared it.  Empire above all.  But in this moment - when he even he was half fearful of what secrets he might uncover during this investigation because of his new abilities - Rayek hesitated far longer than he should before eventually nodding.

The Praetor then circled him - like a Terran hawk circling it's prey - as the man went on to describe his expectations of being in contact regularly - at least every three days.   Rayek thought that reasonable until he Praetor stopped directly in from of him and added in a subtle phrasing that he expected this first investigation to take less than that.

"Daie, Fvillha." he answered expecting more to follow but suddenly guards were called him and Rayek was being guided outside.  He paused uncertain if he should ask.  But felt it best to seem like a fool now than to be accused of wrong doing later.

"Fvilla forgive my ignorant questioning... but if I have news and you are unavailable for me to pass on the information to, is there another you trust that I can bring the information or are you my sole contact.   And will I remain a member of the Tal'Shiar doing assignments for them while working in secret for you? Or will my service to you be known?"

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office | Year 2385]

==Praetor Chulan - Line of Tellus==

Chulan's face darkened at Rayek's question. "Dha'rudh! Do you think I want to make a mockery of myself?" He was brutal in his disdain towards Rayek. He didn't want it to be official that he had a telepath working for him, if Rayek's ability should become known. "Of course you will be working in secret for me, oiru like you don't deserve to be officially mentioned as being in special service for me. Or do you think a worm is worth to be mentioned along with the name of the Praetor?" He gave him the most derogative look.

"As for your other questions ... You will take assignments from the Tal'Shiar if you don't have any from me. Further questions will be answered by Vandar. He is the one to contact if you have information to pass on. He will get in touch with you soon. And now hna'h!" He made a dismissive gesture towards the young Romulan, turning his gaze away from him and effectively declaring this meeting over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
dha'rudh - fool
oiru - dregs
Hna'h! - Go!, Do it!

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
Tal'Shiar operative
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office / Year 2385]

Rayek flinched back at the venom in the Praetor's tone and darkened face as the Empire's leader put Rayek in his place and explained in no uncertain terms that Rayek's work for the Praetor would never be recognized officially.

Rayek lowered his head in apology for his stupid question.  "No, of course not, Fvillha" he answered quietly but he voice caught in his throat so may not have been heard.

The Praetor continued on regardless, giving him the name of another that he could contact -
Vandar.

Then abruptly he was dismissed. "Yes, sir." He acknowledged and backed away a few steps before turning and hurrying, heading out into the hallway.  Attendants shut the doors immediately behind him.  It was at this point that Rayek's knees shook and then buckled from sheer panic of what had just transpired.  He collapsed to the floor outside the Praetor's chamber. No one moved to assist.  No one inquired if he was okay.

He remained there for several long moments while the tremors receded from his legs.  He didn't look to the attendants or guards that stood around, no doubt silently mocking him for his reaction to the meeting.  When finally he felt capable of standing again, he did so and then with head down he made his way out of the Hall of State.  But his exit ended abruptly at hearing his name called.  He looked up and there ahead of him entering the building was Talen tr'Lhoell - his father - Proconsul of the Senate.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Columned Portico | Year 2385]

==Proconsul Talen tr'Lhoell==

Talen walked down the columned portico as he headed towards the entrance of the Hall of State. He glanced to the side over what he was able to see of the capital city that lay ahead of him from his elevated position. A small line of worry formed between his eyebrows when he thought of his people's future. Times had been chaotic and they still tried to smooth away the difficulties they had to face in the aftermath.

While on the surface it looked like the entirety of the Romulan nation was behind Praetor Chulan, in secret there were tendencies among the people - and even among some Senators - that demanded rebellion.
Talen himself found he was completely loyal to the Praetor - though some of the basic ideas of the rebels were quite reasonable and advantageous for the Romulan Empire in his opinion. Of course he would never participate in any rebellion against the Praetor - but he found himself in a position as the highest person after the Praetor, to steer developments subtly in directions that might not have been intended by the Praetor and his supporters in the first place.

That made Talen thinking of Tocul, a highly regarded Senator and also one of his close friends. He was one of the Praetor's opposers and was keen on moving the rebel's purposes forward. In secret of course. But Talen thought that his friend had become a little bit too imprudent in his words and actions. Still discreet enough but the Praetor's ears and eyes were everywhere, that Talen knew. Occasionally the thought came to his mind if they reached a point to which it would become too dangerous for Talen to associate with him.

With those thoughts on his mind he turned his head as he almost reached the entrance when he saw a figure heading directly towards him, slouched shoulders and lowered head. It took him a moment to realize that this was his eldest son.

"Rayek!"

He watched as the young man looked up and faced him. He wasn't sure but he believed to see a little bit of discomfort in his son's face at seeing him.
As Talen approached him he noticed that Rayek looked rather pale and it seemed to have been a while since he had the opportunity for a wash. A slight frown was all that might give away something of his irritation and disapproval of what he saw. He remembered that it had been a while since he had seen him. He probably had been on an assignment of the intelligence unit his son was part of - instead of choosing a career in the fleet. Talen pushed the issue to the back of his mind. Not the time for resentments right now.

"I'm surprised to see you here, faelirh. Were you looking for me?" He inclined his head slightly as he looked at his son.

~~~~~~~~~~
faelirh - son

[Rayek trLhoell]

 Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Columned Portico / Year 2385]

Rayek's thoughts were stalled in a state of panic at the approach of his father.  What excuse could he possibly offer for his being there  - at his father's workplace - in such a state?   When asked by his father if he had been looking for him, Rayek lied and expanded on that lie with details.

"Yes actually, Eneh.  I was working undercover in the lower district when I heard rumor that you had been involved in some accident at the Hall of State.  I hurried here to discover that my source had been mistaken."  Rushing to a family emergency should give him a pass on his state of disarray.

"You look well.  How is Eneh-susse?" he asked after his mother.

Then recalling the latest news about his sister, brought that up. "I hear Kemala will be graduating at the end of the semester - with honors no doubt. She must be pleased. It will earn her a placement on a good ship." he commented, using questions and comments about family to keep his father from questioning further about why he was there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translations:
Eneh  -   Father
Eneh-susse  -  Mother   (couldn't find a direct source so created my own... meshing female and father)

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Columned Portico | Year 2385]

==Proconsul Talen tr'Lhoell==

At Rayek's explanation why he was in this place, Talen watched his son silently for a moment. He wondered how such a rumour could come up. He hadn't been here at the Hall of State the whole day. He wasn't wary about the rumours, they always popped up here and there, the thing that was strange about it was that such a rumour would come up at a place where he hadn't been.

A few seconds passed while Talen thought about it. He couldn't put a finger on it why, but there was an intuitive feeling that something was wrong about that story. He didn't express his doubts though. Instead he chose to make a remark about Rayek's source of information. "It occurs to me that you should be more careful about the choice of your informants. It seems they're able to fool you."

At Rayek's compliment that he looked well, Talen inclined his head in an accepting gesture. Directing his gaze back on his son, Talen opened his mouth to answer his question about his mother. "She is fine. Apart from the grief you have given her." His voice was still calm but there was an edge to it that hinted at an reprimand for his eldest son along with a disapproving look he gave him. "I am aware you have your duties to perform and tasks to fulfil. But surely it wouldn't have hurt to at least show a sign of life from you if you disappear for weeks without saying a word."

Then Rayek went on to talk about his sister. Talen was surprised how talkative his son was. It seemed odd at this time and place. "She is", the Proconsul confirmed to both the statements about Kemala graduating and being pleased. "I'm sure she will be facing a bright future in the Fleet. Like you could have." There. Now he said it after all. He wasn't able to not bear his son a grudge about his decision to not remain in the main fleet and become an officer but join the Tal'Shiar.