Mind Games (Rayek)

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

Rayek barely kept the grimace from his face as of course his father had to criticize him - worse yet for something that hadn't actually happened.

Even queries about his mother were fair game for criticizing him on, as his father had to mention quite pointedly that Rayek had made her worry with his silence.  However, that wasn't his fault.  He was in secret training.  He couldn't just 'calling home' from the secret underground lair - especially while in the company of a bunch of Tal'Shiar enslaved telepathic Reman.  But his father and mother didn't know that, nor would they ever.

He made a mental note to find the time to see his mother and let her know that he was... alive.
Saying he was 'well' or 'doing okay' given his newest role with the Praetor would be a lie and he had no desire to lie to his mother.

His father continued on, replying to his comments about Kemala, again with thinly veiled criticism.  That his father was not happy with the choice Rayek had made was fairly evident.  But it was done now and even should he want to leave the Tal'Shiar now... Rayek was smart enough to know with his ability, he would never be allowed to leave.  He'd be killed first - such was the prejudice against telepaths.

"I will make my apologies to mother in person." he offered quietly as an amend. Perhaps he would surprise her by taking her out to lunch.

Then a thought came to him - means to possibly meet with Tocul.  It was a horrible thought, manipulative and underhanded.  But with less than 3 days to investigate the man, with his family under threat...it was his best option.

"Eneh, realize this is likely an inappropriate time to ask... but your colleague, Senator Tocul, has a daughter also graduating, does he not?"

Rayek knew for a fact that he did, Kemala and she had been somewhat close years back.

"Could you arrange for me to meet with the Senator sometime over the next day, so that I maybe speak to him about possibly courting his daughter"

Translations:
Eneh -  Father

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Proconsul Talen tr'Lhoell==

Talen was pleased to hear that Rayek planned on seeing his mother. It would mean a lot to her, he knew that.

Then his son made a request that rather surprised the Proconsul. Tocul indeed had a daughter, Taheen. She was a year younger than Kemala, but Talen also noticed that Kemala and Taheen were not as close as they used to be a few years back. He also was not aware of his son's interest in the Senator's daughter. But he would not object. Taheen was a clever woman, the daughter of a highly regarded Senator, pretty and soon graduating to serve in the Romulan Fleet. He rather approved of Rayek's choice.

Talen thought for a moment and then nodded his head. "I will speak to him, I'm sure it can be arranged." He looked at his son, and he knew that inwardly he had been worrying about him too. You never knew with the lives of those being part of the Tal'Shiar. Realizing that he was happy to see him unharmed, he lifted his hand and briefly yet gently touched Rayek's cheek in a fatherly gesture. "Whenever your plans allow it, your mother and I will be happy to welcome you at home, faelirh."

Taking a small step back again he glanced at the entrance to his workplace behind Rayek. "I will have you informed about Tocul's decision of you meeting him", he assured.

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

For a moment, Rayek thought his father might criticize him about making such a request, either in it's timing or his 'choice' of a much younger woman, but instead his father almost seemed pleased by his request.  Not surprising, as eldest son it was his responsibility to carry the tr'Lhoell name forward and to his father Taheen - Senator Tocul's daughter - would be considered acceptable.

What was surprising however was the brief gesture of tenderness that his father showed.  It spurred a remembrance of close father-son times as a youth - before the pressures of being called to become a Senator after the Shinzon incident made him sour. His father hadn't offered anything of the sort since his Rayek's graduation over 5 years ago.

For a moment, Rayek risked reaching towards his fathers mind, consciously seeking to read what was on his fathers mind. While he certainly didn't read an abundance of pride or agreement, Rayek knew that his father cared.  And there was no suspicion that his request was anything other than honest.

At his fathers words of invitation that were spoken honestly, Rayek nodded his head slightly.  "I will make a point to do so as oft as I can." he said quietly - a little in awe as he realized somewhat in a daze that in his past

Rayek pulled his mind back as his father stepped away, and the young Tal'Shiar uhlan nodded again at his fathers words regarding meeting with Tocul.  "Thank you, Eneh.  It is appreciated."

Rayek then offered a bow towards his father before leaving the Hall of State.  He called for transportation to the local Tal'Shiar branch and reported in. He was informed by the administrator there that he was listed as 'On Leave' but that quarters could assigned him if needed. Rayek accepted the offer of a room and requested fresh civilian attire be sent to his room since he'd been dropped off in Ki-Baratan with nothing but his Military ID.

Once washed and in a change of clothes he headed out to see his mother while his father was at the Hall of State.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Tocul's manor house / Year 2385]

==Senator Tocul==

Tocul had been surprised to say the least by Talen's revelation that obviously his friend's eldest son Rayek was interested in courting his daughter Taheen.

Generally Tocul would approve of the young Romulan. He trusted and knew that Talen raised his children well. But things of course weren't that easy. Not for Romulans. Family honor and politics were involved even in these things. And that was why Tocul appreciated Rayek's move to ask him as Taheen's father first. That gave him the opportunity to get to know a bit about him. A few years back their children had been close but since they graduated or now were about to graduate it all dispersed somewhat.

What made Rayek now choose his daughter Tocul didn't know. But he intended to find out. Among other things.

The chime of the doorbell drew Tocul's attention from the family portrait he had been looking at in the lounge room that was furnished with expensive and exquisite furniture. The whole manor house showed wealth just as the fine tunic Tocul was wearing. Apparently Tocul's family had been one of those who had been able to retain their riches. Tocul was of course proud of it.

One of the many servants hurried to the door to let the visitor in and led him into the lounge room.

Once Rayek would have been brought in Tocul turned to him with a warm expression on his face. "Welcome to my home, Rayek", the older man said with a warm and rich voice.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki-Baratan - Tal'Shiar compound]

Rayek had received word from his father later that day of Tocul's agreement to meet that evening at his residence.  That hadn't given Rayek much time to do much background research on the man but he'd done what he could using the computer in his assigned quarters to search all Romulan periodicals for Senator Tocul's political platform and any hint of scandal in the news, but the man if he was plotting a rebellion like the Praetor suspected, he was very careful to avoid any hint of direct opposition.  Rather instead he portrayed a middle ground between the two main political outlooks - much like Rayek's own father.

By the time he had to leave to make his appointment, Rayek felt he was at least partially prepared for the meeting.  While he knew the Praetor expected him to make use of his ability to pick up any treasonous thoughts, Rayek doubted his say so alone would be enough to implicate the Senator if he was complicit in a planned rebellion.  He'd need to find a means to prove it.

[Romulus - Ki-Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

Rayek followed the bond-servant through the manor's luxurious entryway to a set of double-door, which the man opened.  At the gesture to enter, Rayek did so seeing the Senator standing in front of a grand family portrait - the artistry of it was clear to see even from across the room.  He picked out Taheen's face among the Senator's 3 children.  She was the oldest of the three female children. It was likely a bit of a sore point for the Senator that he had no male children to carry on the family name and as such on his death, since his wife had already passed, the bulk of his family's wealth - under the current Praetor's laws - would be gifted to the State for the Praetor to distribute as he saw fit.

Rayek returned the warm smile and offered a respectful bow.  "Jolan-tru, Senator.  It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.  Thank you for agreeing to this meeting."

Rayek straighten from his bow and glanced about to see that the lounge only held the two of them.  Good.  Rayek wrung his hands in a slight show of nerves.  "Will Taheen be joining us?"

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Tocul's manor house / Year 2385]

==Senator Tocul==

Tocul answered to the respectful bow with a slight inclining of his head and accepted Rayek's gratitude.

When asked after Taheen and Rayek showing signs of nervousness Tocul chuckled lowly. "My daughter will be joining us later. Please, have a seat."

He waited until Rayek was seated before he turned to a beautifully ornamented sideboard that held different spirituous beverages - Romulan ones and some more fancy ones, imported from subject worlds under the Romulan rule all over the quadrants.
"Penaron", he spoke to the bond-servant and pointed at one of the bottles before sitting down opposite Rayek while the servant poured the orange-ish looking liquid into two glasses and set them down on the table between them. No doubt this was one of the fancy drinks and Tocul likely had chosen the most expensive one to share with his guest.

Tocul nodded his head once and then indicted for the servant to leave which he did a moment later. "Now", Tocul said as he leaned forward and picked up the glass. This was one of his favourite drinks. "I will be honest with you", he said and looked at Rayek over his glass. "Before today I didn't expect to have you sitting here and asking me to court my daughter." He gave a small smile along with that. "Was there something going on that I wasn't aware of?" The way he ask didn't indicate that he was suspicious but merely curious.

While he waited for the young man to reply, he took a sip of the drink. It was very harsh to the throat but had a fruity taste in the end once you passed that.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki-Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

Rayek sat where indicated.  Then while the Senator had his attention on his bond-servant, Penaron, silently ordering a drink to be poured, Rayek kept his eyes on the Senator and gently probed the man's mind.  He did this now at the very start of their meeting for two reasons, first to be certain the man had no notable mental defenses and, second to sift over the Senator's immediate thoughts in regards to Rayek himself.  Was the Senator suspicious of his meeting request?

Rayek nearly frowned when his first attempt met resistance. Ah of course, being a Senator, the man would have had at least some basic training on protecting his mind from exactly what he was attempting.  That made things more difficult - not impossible - but definitely challenging.  Rayek withdrew as the bond-servant began pouring the drinks.

Rayek considered the orange liquid.  Getting the man drunk would certainly be one way of loosing the Senator's thoughts, though the young Tal'Shiar operative doubted Tocul was intending to drink that much.  But it was a thought.

Rayek leaned forward to pick up his drink after the Senator did and raised it in salute towards the man, but the Senator seemed to wish to talk first.  Rayek lowered his tumbler and considered how best to answer Taheen's father.

Rayek hadn't missed the Senator's slight smile at speaking of Rayek's request, and the fact that he had responded so quick hinted to Rayek that the Senator was feeling more than a bit worried about his daughter prospects as she was about to join the Romulan military.   Rayek knew from having just completed his 5 years mandatory service that females who entered the service unbonded tended to be more promiscuous.  Not necessarily a bad thing from the viewpoint of a fellow crewmen or junior officer who stood a better chance of finding some intimacy during the long journey between ports of call... but as a father... definitely not so good a thing.

At Tocul's direct question, Rayek shook his head.  "No sir, nothing like that.  As you might be aware, I recently completed my mandatory service and have begun anew as one of the most junior officers in the Tal'Shiar." Rayek opted to be open about his position, slightly stressing his low-level position so as to negate some of the fear the organization tended to bring up in the common folk.

He noted that Tocul had his first sip of the orangish liquor, and so Rayek followed suit, though only sip.  The alcohol burned down his throat.  Rayek played up his reaction a bit, letting Tocul assume that he had little tolerance for the hard stuff, then continued his explanation to the Senator.

"Prior to my time serving, I thought often of your daughter but didn't speak of it  thinking it was merely a school-age crush.  However, the five years since have not changed my thoughts on her.  Now she is graduating and I would like the opportunity to tell her how I feel before she heads off to the War College."

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Tocul's manor house / Year 2385]

==Senator Tocul==

A little bit of amusement showed on Tocul's face at Rayek's reaction to the drink. If he wasn't used to drinking the Senator would have thought the young man would at least try to not show any weakness and hide that the drink was more than what he knew. That he showed his reaction so openly the Senator thought was odd. It wasn't that it was overly suspicious or a minor thing. Tocul simply had learned to be wary of anything that was different from what he expected or anticipated of people and situations.
"This is the best I own." He swirled the tumbler in his hand while he kept his eyes on Rayek. "Is it not to your liking?"

At his explanation regarding Taheen Tocul listened, seemingly relaxed leaned back in the large sofa but his senses were very sharp.
Rayek's request came in opportunely not only because of his worries for his unattached daughter in the military, he also was concerned about what would become of his fortune. Bad enough he didn't have a son to carry on his family's name ... with only having daughters, his name would die. But also that once he died all of his riches would fall in the Praetor's hands. The thought soured Tocul's mood every time.
Chulan would have achieved nothing without Commander Donatra's help. He would never have become the Praetor of the Romulan Empire of his own accord. In Tocul's opinion Chulan was a bungler. He didn't want that man's hands on his possessions. That was just one of the reasons Tocul wanted that man off the 'throne'.

And that was why he hoped he could arrange for his fortune to fall to his eldest daughter's husband when she married. But he wanted to know who that man would be. Rayek was a choice he approved of generally.

At the mention of Rayek's current assignment Tocul nodded his head. "Yes ... the Tal'Shiar." The Tal'Shiar didn't take everyone, there had to be some kind of quality to the people they took - which usually was cunning, unscrupulousness and discretion. All of this traits Tocul knew how to deal with, having some of them himself. As a senator - even more so one planning a rebellion - he always had to be cautious around agents. "What made you choose the Tal'Shiar over the chance of a career in the fleet? Undoubtedly victories and glory would have awaited you for serving and protecting the Empire."

When Rayek spoke about Taheen, Tocul let pass a moment of silence as he considered what he had said. "Well ... It is rather uncommon for a love interest to last that long, even more so when you both didn't have the opportunity to see and get to know each other. Especially at your young age. Five years is a long time." He watched Rayek, his face soon turning into a small smile to not look too wary. "Taheen had been asking about you once or twice. Your brother Telmuk and Ratuma spend time together sometimes." Ratuma was Tocul's second daughter who was around the age of Rayek's younger brother.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki-Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

Rayek's watched the Senator's reaction to his overplayed 'antics'.  He noted the amusement. Good, Rayek thought.  He wanted the man to feel superior; to view Rayek as malleable and not much of a threat.

Rayek looked down to the drink as the Senator spoke of its quality. "Oh I am certain it is.  I like it fine, forgive my lack of experience with such.  I learned quickly during my service that I lack the tolerance for strong drink so will avoid it when in questionable company."

At this point Rayek will take another sip of the drink, taming his reaction of it by quite a bit, seemingly to please his host.

When Tocul questioned his reason's for joining the Fleet, Rayek seemed to consider his words carefully.  "My parents did all they could to ensure that I would be successful in a military officer's career.  That was their plan for me.  Their model son." Rayek tried to convey in his tone a slight sense of dissatisfaction.

"However, there is more than one way to serve the Empire and I needed to find a way that I hoped could allow to me to make more of a difference, in my own way."  As he answered, once more Rayek probed for the surface thoughts of the man's mind - testing to see if the man was 'loosening' up any or if he was just as closed as before.

When the topic moved onto Tahleen, and Rayek's long lasting interest in Taheen, Rayek caught a hint of the Senator's doubt.  Rayek needed to fix that.  "I am not common. And neither is your daughter. Taheen and I are between generations." He met the Senator's gaze as he said this.

"We are part traditional, part rebellious - craving something new - but passionate about it all." Rayek explained still meeting eyes with Tocul, once more probing at his mind, especially at the wording of rebellious, before looking down at his tumbler of orange liquid, and seemingly took another sip.

When Tocul admitted to Rayek that Taheen had asked after him a couple times, Rayek played up his happiness at hearing that news, before responding back to the news that Telmuk and Ratuma had grown close.

"May my brother forgive me for saying this, but his is but a crush.  Father has mentioned to me at least 3 others that he has 'become close with' over the course of the past year and a half."  That wasn't a lie.  Telmuk, had abundance of charm which most of the girls in his class tended to gravitate towards.  Also thought Rayek didn't want to consider the notion too closely there was the chance that like himself, Telmuk had been passed the genetics that predisposed him to mental abilities.

"I will be honest with you, Senator," which he wasn't being but Rayek had to convey that he was totally earnest.  "I want your permission to court your daughter, but I will do so regardless of what you say... that is the depth of what I feel." Again Rayek held the man's gaze - as he probed for seditious thoughts.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Tocul's manor house / Year 2385]

==Senator Tocul==

When Rayek explained his lack of tolerance to the drink and mentioned by the way that he would avoid it when in questionable company, Tocul didn't think much of it when he agreed to that, that he might reveal that he considered Rayek not as questionable company since he allowed himself such a strong drink in Rayek's presence. Something that Rayek might pick up when he probed the Senator's mind.

What Rayek then stated made Tocul pick up his ears, not too obvious, but there definitely was a change in the way he listened. When the young Romulan told him about how his parents wanted to make a model son out of him and the way he seemed to be slightly displeased by it, when he mentioned that he was seeking ways to make a difference in his own way and then stated that he wasn't common - even if it was referring to the topic of his daughter Taheen - Tocul couldn't help but have the impressioin that Rayek would make a wonderful addition to his opposition. But he wouldn't state that out loud of course. The boy was part of the Tal'Shiar, he always needed to be careful around those. But maybe if he was catious enough ...
Tocul wasn't that trained to block his mind and as he was prompted by Rayek's words for his thoughts being directed to his plans on bringing down Chulan, some of the basic ideas would be readable for Rayek. Such as he was planning to use another opposition, a smaller and less influential group of both lowly military and Tal'Shiar members. Tocul wanted to kill the current Praetor and make it look like it was the rebellious groupuscule. For that one of his spies was in contact with two of the members of that group - Rayek would not pick up the name of that spy. The group was less organized and less powerful, it should be an easy task to have his plans prepared soon.
And name flickered across Tocul's mindscape - Talen. But it might not be clear to Rayek to what degree he was involved. Those thoughts were deeper down the surface.

Tocul took another sip - that was rather a gulp - of his drink as Rayek went on speaking about his younger brother. What he heard obviously displeased Tocul somewhat. "I occurrs to me I should keep an eye on Telmuk when he's around my daughters", he said with a hint of amusement to make it seem like he would take it lightly.

When Rayek then stated that he would court Taheen no matter what Tocul would say, a small grin spread over the Senator's face and he downed the rest of his drink. "I like your boldness. Well, the decision is not only yours but Taheen's too." Though inwardly he would approve of Rayek as his son-in-law. Something else Rayek might pick up on his mind. "Would you like to meet her now?"

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki-Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

Rayek's training with the Reman, taught him not to react to what he read in the Senator's mind, though Rayek was hard pressed not to when he picked up his father's name... seemingly in association with Tocul's assassination plans... it almost literally made Rayek sick to consider his father's involvement.  But he continued on.

Rayek nodded slightly at the man's comment about keeping an eye on Telmuk, though to be honest Rayek didn't plan to let his brother see Tocul's younger daughter again after today.  It was too risky.  When the Tal'Shiar crackdown came on Tocul... and it would come, Rayek's confirmation of the intel would ensure that... the whole family would likely be implicated.

Rayek just needed to get proof... a means to link Tocul with the planned assassination attempt. But finding such wasn't going to be easy.  He needed better access to Tocul's mind.  So as much as he would prefer to leave the foul trickery to Tocul, Rayek needed to dirty his hands to get things done.

Rayek nodded at the offer to meet with Taheen. "I am looking forward to it." Rayek answered

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

==Senator Tocul tr'Raghaellh==

Tocul wanted to use the little interruption to consider some of the things Rayek had told him. He realised his lack of response must have been odd for Rayek, so he thought he would do the young man a favor by letting him finally meet the girl he loved for so long  and a favor for himself by having some time to think.

"Penaron", he called for his bond-servant who entered the lounge room promptly as if he had been doing nothing but waiting until he would be of need again. "Refill", Tocul told him as he motioned for his own glass that was empty and to Rayek's, that wasn't empty but Tocul seemed to think he should have a refill anyways, a sign of his generosity and hospitality to honor his guest.
"And then tell Taheen to meet us here", he added another task for Penaron to fulfil.

"Daie, hru'hfirh", the servant replied obediently while he poured the orange liquid into the tumblers, and then he turned and left the lounge.

Tocul took another sip of the strong drink while he was curious what would  come out of this meeting.

*** *** ***

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen happened to be at home that day. Originally she had been planning on going out, but her father had asked her to stay and told her that Rayek would visit them. So she stayed.
Taheen had been growing up to a confident young woman, well aware of her beauty and she knew how to use that to get what she wanted.

When Penaron told her to come down to the lounge room where her father and the young Uhlan were waiting she followed him downstairs.
Penaron opened the door for her to enter and she took a small step into the room. Unlike most Romulan women she wore her hair a bit longer, reaching down to the chin and the points of her ears peeking out subtly between the strands of hair. Despite the ridges on her forehead and the eyebrows that pointed upwards which usually gave them a rather stern look, her facial features were soft and very feminine.
She wore a civilian attire that enhanced her slender silhoutte quite well, made out of expensive fabric. Anyone who looked at her might get the impression she had been dressing up for him.

At first she approached her father, bowing her head respectfully towards him as he rose from the sofa and then she turned to Rayek and she thought that he was even more handsome than she remembered. Unlike her father she didn't have training in blocking her mind.

"Rayek!", she spoke with a smile. "It's good to see you again!" She waited for him to stand up and hugged him as a greeting. Tocul had not told her why he wanted her to stay for Rayek's visit, she assumed it was just because they had been close as teenagers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
daie - yes, of course, certainly
hru'hfirh - Head of House, Lord

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki-Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

Rayek took the smallest of sips, to help encourage his host to keep drinking, but was cautious not to drink too much himself.  It could potentially affect his telepathy and Rayek wanted to be sure he didn't alert the Senator to his presence in the man's mind.

Rayek watched the doorway in apparent anticipation, while in truth he was plundering what he could from the Senator's thoughts.  Reading him was harder without the eye contact... but not impossible.   The fact that Tocul wanted time to think... was a bit worrisome... unless he was considering on letting Rayek in on his rebellion but it seemed unlikely after just one day... oh.. unless he planted the idea in the man's mind.

It was something that his Reman instructor had been able to do easily.. but Rayek had only just begun to try his hand at the technique when he'd been called back to Romulus.  However there was a risk to doing so.  Planting a suggestion in the mind, if not done delicately, could alert the individual to the fact that they were compromised.

For now Rayek would hold off and see what the Senator had planned after the fact.

Then Taheen arrived.  She had grown into quite the beautiful woman.  Her happy greeting was genuine and Rayek stood, thinking to offer her a bow, when she surprised him with a hug, much like how she used to greet him when they were children.  Rayek returned the hug, holding her slightly longer than was proper - as one smitten might do.  He needed to keep up appearances after all.

"Taheen, likewise, it is good to see you.  You are even more beautiful than I remember. You have been in my thoughts much lately."

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen grinned happily at Rayek when he finally released her and complimented her. At the mention of her having been in his thoughts lately she looked at him surprised. "Have I?"

But before any of them could say anything further her father spoke up.

"I will leave you both and meet with you later again", Tocul said looking to Rayek and picked up his drink to take it with him. "I think you have quite a bit to catch up on." Offering a small nod of his head to Rayek he turned around and left, Penaron following.

Taheen looked back at Rayek in open curiosity. "So, you've been thinking about me? What kind of thoughts might that have been?" There was a teasing tone in her voice. Now that her father was gone it was more obvious on her mind that she found it exciting having Rayek here. Not out of love, no she didn't love him, but she would take up a nice chance for some flirting. Why not? She'd be away in military service soon and who knew if she would find opportunites to escape the lonesomeness.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house]

Rayek must have played his part too well, for a moment after Taheen and he embraced, her father was taking his leave.

'Fvadt!' he was there to discover the truth and find proof of the man's treasonous plan, not actually court his daughter.  But to do anything else might make the man suspicious, so Rayek merely nodded at Tocul's leaving before turning back to Taheen with a smile that he hoped seemed sincere.  Her teasing tone as well as her thoughts told him that she found this exciting - like a game.  He was good with continuing that for the moment.

"Are you sure you want to know?  I am an unbonded man recently returned from 5 years of lonely service to our Empire.  My thoughts of you may not be as chaste as they once were - when we were children." he warned with a teasing smile of his own.

He then toned it down, he didn't want to scare her off and lose his chance at having the Senator be at ease around him - like he seemed to be "Teasing aside, I'm happy to be so well received by you.  I was uncertain if you would think well of me still.  I understand you will be graduating soon.  You must be excited... and perhaps a little nervous?"  He recalled feeling both those just prior to his own graduation.

While he doubted Taheen would be a part of her father's conspiracy, as he spoke Rayek sifted through her completely open mind.  Teenaged females were never as oblivious to things as they made you think they were.  They were master manipulators - Rayek knew this because of his sister.  It was quite possible that Taheen was somewhat aware of her father's treason but chose to hide it.