Mind Games (Rayek)

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen stood at the window in her room, looking down on the front lawn that was lit by a row of small lanterns since darkness already had set in.

The hours after Rayek left and before her father had to leave to not arrive belatedly to his meeting Taheen had been spent telling lies to her father. Of course he had been trying to find out what they had been discussing and she also had been under the impression that her father had tried to assess if she really felt something for Rayek.

It wasn't easy since she was his daughter and he knew her as well as no other did. But then again, being his daughter had its advantages if telling him lies, he was more likely inclined to believe her lies than from anyone else.

When she saw Rayek approaching the manor house, Taheen quickly turned to hurry downstairs and towards the main doors to open them for him before he had the chance to chime the door bell. "Jolan'tru once more, Rayek", she greeted him as she stepped aside to make space for him to enter. It was when he stepped into the light of the corridor when she saw his split lip. Stepping up to stand in front of him she looked at him concerned. "What happened to your lip?!"

"My father's out, so is Ratuma. She is visiting a friend and staying there over night." While she spoke she moved to close the door behind Rayek. "I've given Penaron the evening off, he's in the servant's quarters." She stopped in front of Rayek to look at him. "Only one disturbing us could be our maid, but I'll take care of her." She gave him a little grin, but she seemed to be rather nervous. She spoke too much and too quick, unlike she had done when they had been in the gardens together. "I've done my homework. Have you done yours?"

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

Rayek smiled at Taheen as she let him in and reached for her hand, lifting it to his lips to kiss even as she questioned what happened.  He had purposefully left the split lip - as a proof to her that this was serious business.

"In a moment..." he put off answering her and asked if there was anyone home.

Her answer was reassuring.  Only the maid to avoid... and camera's of course.  She seemed more nervous than before... so Rayek reached out to check her mind.  Had she caved under her father's grilling? - Rayek knew the Senator would question her.  Or had she got in touch with Kilmak and the man blown his cover?

At her question about 'homework', Rayek shook his head and touched the cut on his lip. "I tried... and was nearly caught in the act.  This was just a reminder by my betters" he spoke the last word a bit sourly.. hinting at a rebellious nature "to stay out of restricted areas."

He gave Taheen a sorrowful look and gave the hand he held a squeeze.  "I'm sorry Taheen. We'll figure this out. Let's hope your father's office has something we can use."

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen smiled a little as he kissed her hand. Admittedly, after that disappointing kiss she had been wondering if he really had been interested in her like he had stated. Somehow she had doubed it inwardly a bit after he left but had kept the illusion up when her father had asked her about him. She had given nothing away although it was hard for her not to ask him straight.
That he was quite charming to her now made her sway back into the other direction.

She felt sorry that he had to take a beating to help her. She didn't manage to verify Rayek's story yet because she didn't have an opportunity to meet Kilmak on such short notice. She wanted to ask him about it face to face. Maybe he would agree to a meeting tomorrow.

At the little squeeze of her hand she gave him a smile. "I hope so too." She started to lead him down the corridor. "I didn't tell anyone that you are coming tonight. My father's office is there..." She pointed down the hall to the last door on the left. "I've learned how to 'pick' the electronic lock." She stopped in front of it and made quick work of the numbercode. '57t78r221gh78'. It was an algorithm her father used and she had figured it out sometime. She opened the door and led Rayek inside.

Taheen turned on the light to have it only lightly dimmed. The room was huge and there was barely any technology seen in the entire room. Except of the computer unit set up on the desk. And the hidden cameras of course.

Tocul's daughter looked back at Rayek while she kept listening for any hints of the maid approaching from the corridor. "Here you go. I can't help you with the computer though. I'm sorry." Inwardly she was more doubtful than hopeful that Rayek would be able to hack into the computer. "I'll clear the camera footage of any hints that you've been here after you left."

She glanced down as she thought of having forgotten anything to tell him or to answer any questions he might have.

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

Rayek was happy that her thoughts showed that she had kept their secret and even more pleased that she'd so easily accepted that he'd taken a beating tying to help her and her father.  That she hadn't gone to Kilmak yet was a slight relief - one less distraction tonight.

When she agreed with his stated hope, and squeezed his hand he tried to feel genuine affection for her.   Her doubts could be problematic.  She needed to believe that he truly loved her.

He was led down a corridor to a door on the left side.  He pointedly turned away so as not to seem like he was watching her put in the code, instead he was picking up the number algorithm for it from her mind and remembering it - it could be useful.

The door opened to an ornate office with items of rich history and refined tastes.

He smiled at Taheen as he read her doubt.  "You've done plenty, 'e'lev." He called her by the endearment even though they were alone to solidify to her that he cared. And leaned close to her ear to whisper. "This is what I've been training the past couple months for..  I know what I'm doing."  He whispered because if the room was bugged he didn't want to announce that he was bout to scan for bugs.. then they could just 'turn it off.'

He subtly pulled out the listening/recording device detector - his were safely off at the moment so couldn't be detected.  He smiled towards Taheen.  "Your father has amazing pieces here." Rayek remarked as he seemed to casually walk around the perimeter of the room looking at the fascinating artwork and pieces of ancient decor. "Is that artwork a Plaani?"  He questioned as an interrupt when he sensed she was about to asked him what the hell he was doing wasting time.  In actuality Rayek was scanning the entire - taking note every time the scanner picked up a transmission signal out.  There were three noted.  One he expected, two could be just that the Senator wanted better coverage.  Three however... was overly suspicious.

When he'd gone around the room, Rayek returned to Tahleen.  "You were right the room is lovely.. but not as lovely as you are, my dear." He moved close to her as if in a romantic embrace, but whispered. "E'lev, how many camera's does your father have in this room normally? I counted three... is that what should be here?" he asked, before nipping at her neck for the benefit of the cameras.

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen smiled at the endearment, obviously pleased but still a little doubt remained in the back of her mind. She let him mean in closely to her and whisper at her ear, including her head slightly to look at him. He assured her that he knew what he was doing and that she believed, it relieved her.

She then watched him as he started to wander about the room. A frown formed on her face in confusion about what he was doing now. She was just about to ask what the hell he was doing he turned to her to ask after a piece of art. "Uh..." She narrowed her eyes and realized there must be a reason he was doing this. "Yes. It is a Plaani. My father is quite fond of art. You seem to be too." She grinned.

She waited until he returned to her, complimenting the room and her beauty. She smirked, her eyes sparkling with something that seemed to say she was flattered and something that made her look at him for hints that he really meant it. She watched his face as he moved close to her, embracing her and whispered once more. She leaned into him and replied just as quietly as him. "He used to have one but added the other two sometime ago." She trailed off when she felt the faint touch of his lips at her neck but thought that the fact that he added two more cameras was another hint that he felt threatened or insecure.

Burying her face in the crook of his neck she whispered. "I'll better go look after the maid. As soon as I can I'll come looking after you, okay?"

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

Rayek nodded somewhat relieved that the camera's were all accounted.  His recent run in with Vandar had him paranoid about being watched, and overheard.

He released Taheen and nodded at her whisper.  He didn't like the notion of searching the room openly with the camera's active but he hadn't thought to bring anything to scramble their signal so he thought how best to cover his tracks given any and all outcomes.  Taheen said she would deal with the camera's but if she was prevented from doing that...  a search of the Senator's room would be suspicious on camera.

However if the camera's were disabled by him openly... hmm.  That could work.  Rayek walked over to where the first camera was, and smiled directed into it. "I'll be a perfect gentleman, I promise, sir."  Rayek then unplugged the camera.   He then unplugged the other two.  Leaving the room clear of active recording devices.

The Romulan uhlan began searching the desk. The drawers required a bit of lock-picking to open, nothing too difficult.  He had been picking locks since his time in the Star Navy.   His skill at such had been noted by one of his peers in his last year.  Rayek figured it was the other Centurion who had brought him to the attention of the Tal'Shiar -  which he suspected is how he got recruited.  Rayek in future years would wish that he had killed the other to keep him silent and never come to the attention of the Tal'Shiar... but that was ridiculous because with a father 2nd only to the Praetor in power - of course they would be watching him.

Searching the drawers, Rayek looked for false bottoms or papers or computer chips hidden in crevices or niches in the drawers.  He took his time searching, when he was done everything was put back as it had been leaving no evidence that he'd searched it's contents.

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen watched as Rayek moved away from her. She thought he might start to look for useful information now but instead he moved to the camera, said he'd be a gentlemen and unplugged it. The Romulan female frowned. What was he doing? He did tell him she'd clear the camera footage ... She was just about to open her mouth and ask what that was about when she heard a noise from the corridor. Turning her head she looked at Rayek in alarm. "I'll better go and look after our maid", she said in a hushed tone. "You'll be undisturbed." She moved to the door and stopped once more to look at him. "Mnek daendle'le, Rayek." With that she snuck out, leaving the door ajar in case he wanted to be able to hear any noises from the corridor or if not he could close it.

Although locked there was nothing of real value in the drawers, no false bottoms or papers or computer chips. Tocul was the cautious type. He had everything on the computer unit on the desk, trusting his encrypting skills for it to be nowhere safer than there.

If turned on the computer would be locked with an oldfashioned password which was Tocul's deceased wife's name transferred into the same algorithm Taheen had used to unlock the door to the office.

The important and interesting files - video and audio recordings from meetings with 'Lolir', contact information of him - were encrypted seperately. To crack them the user might notice that Tocul had a preference for an old and barely used Rihan dialect because all the file names and other documents that were not encrypted in any way used that dialect which grounded in 'High Vulcan' and was rarely used on Romulus these days. The user might also discern the senator's love for the paintings and quotes of Plaani, the artist, the one whose painting Rayek had noticed earlier already.

In the meantime, unnoticed from anyone, Taheen's youngest teenage sister - Dinuka - entered her home. She had supposed to stay overnight with a friend of hers but she have had a fight with her and left from there. Now she was home while Taheen joined the maid upstairs, unaware of her sister's arrival. Dinuka wanted to ask her father something anyway. Heading straight for the office she walked down the corridor and would pull the door open to see if her father was in there - which applied in the majority of cases.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mnek daendle'le - Good luck

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house - Senator Tocul's home office - 2385]

After checking the drawers and finding nothing, Rayek turned to the computer.  Of course it was password locked.  Before attempting to type in a password, Rayek searched back in his mind for the how Taheen had come up with the passcode for the office. Ah... the algorithm!

But what would he have used as the base word or phrase?  The doorlock numbercode Rayek recognized from Taheen's thoughts as being an encryption of her and her sisters names. Rayek first attempted the Senator's name in that same encryption code.  The computer flashed a warning.  Standard process was to give two failed tries then lockdown the computer and notify its user of a possible unauthorized user attempt.

Rayek considered what he knew of the Senator and the code used thus far.  It was suggested with the doorcode that the Senator preferred passwords that were personal in nature - even though no doubt he was advised by his security to avoid such things as names and birthdays.  Some people just believed they were above such common sense rules.  Rayek glanced to the items within easy view of the computer.   Sitting just to the side was a small framed image of the Senator's dead wife.  Rayek smiled.

Moments later Rayek had access to the computer.  The wife's name... Rayek's shouldn't complain as it made his job that much easier.. but seriously?  Who chose such easy to figure out passwords? The Senator apparently.

He quickly searched through the files, locating several that could be of interest.  Unfortunately accessing these required their own encryption and that took quite a bit of time to figure out.  Thankfully unlike the computer password there were no locking commands on the files themselves.  It took using the personality clues within the office to figure out the file passwords.  Thankfully there were visual hints provided as the thumbnails for the files were actual Plaani artwords. Containing the password.  The encryption using standard Rihan wouldn't work.. then Rayek recalled the Senator's interest in the Romulan Reformation.  The group had often contacted one another using an ancient language based on 'High Vulcan'.   Rayek tried that as the encrytpion base; and he was in.

Copying over the files to a portable storage chip was going to take several minutes, so Rayek began that process.

It was at this time Rayek heard footsteps in the hall outside headed towards the Senator's office.   While Rayek was expecting Taheen to return, something was off about the step.  It didn't sound like Tahleen's pace.   There was next to no time to hide.  Rayek blacked out the screen on the computer though he left the computer on to finish downloading the assortment of files and sat back in the desk chair to see who it was.  If it were the Senator, which he doubted since the pace didn't see long enough, then he would need to play the cocky suitor.  With everyone else, Rayek would just be waiting on Taheen to return.

For all his calm demeanor, Rayek's heart was pounding loud in his ears as he waited.

A moment later the door opened and Rayek glanced up.  His surprise at seeing Dinuka wasn't feigned.  "Dinuka? How good to see you!  Taheen had told me you were out for the night.  I was disappointed that I had missed you yet again."  Rayek stood up from the chair and walked around to the front of the desk to smile at his younger brother's latest girlfriend.  "Do you remember me? Rayek.  Telmuk's brother.  You were much younger last time we met.  You were perhaps 12."

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Dinuka t'Raghaellh==

The young teenager stopped dead and looked irritated at the man she didn't expect there. A frown formed on her face - a face that undoubtedly once she would have been grown to a woman be just as beautiful as the that of her older sister.

She watched Rayek warily as he approached, she did recognize him but she felt no connection to Rayek. Telmuk's name however made her face lighten up and forgetting about the question she was about to ask - which was what Rayek was doing in her father's office. But the mention of the charming young son of the tr'Lhoell house was more of her interest now.

"Is Telmuk here too?!", she asked hopefully. When it was obvious he was not there, she looked back at Rayek. "Where's father?" If she would show interest in politics - which she didn't at all to Tocul's sorrow - she would have known what meeting her father had to attend.
She looked around, realizing the oddness of Rayek's presence in this place ... and no member of her family being here to join him. Dinuka looked around and towards the door. "... Penaron?" she called out half-heartedly for the servant. She didn't even came across him, who usually was around at all times.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house - Senator Tocul's home office - 2385]

Rayek knew regardless of their attempts Senator Tocul was going to hear about this, so he did his best to contain the damage by re-enforcing the courting explanation.

"No. I'm sorry Telmuk isn't.  I'm came alone, to see Taheen. She's upstairs at the moment, with your maid." Rayek quietly answered

When Dinuka called out for Penaron, Rayek leaned forward and shushed Dinuka with a finger held to his lips.  "Dinuka, shhh.  Taheen gave Penaron the night off.. You see, your father doesn't know I'm here again.  I'm sure you heard of my request to court your sister.  Taheen and I just wanted to spend more time together - without interruption.  Can I rely on you not to say anything?".

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Dinuka t'Raghaellh==

Dinuka watched Rayek warily. She wasn't sure if what he told her was true. But that wasn't really what she cared about now. All she knew was that she had Rayek in a situation he would have to rely on her silence. And like every good Romulan girl there was only one thing she was interested in.

"What comes out of this for me?", she asked pertly, crossing her arms over her chest. Like her question about Telmuk earlier might have given away she fancied Rayek's younger brother and thoughts of jealousy over her sister Ratuma being so close to him and spending so much time with him might be very prominent on her surface thoughts right now.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house - Senator Tocul's home office - 2385]

Rayek eyed Senator Tocul's youngest daughter as she crossed her arms and sought to gain something for her silence.

"You had asked after Telmuk earlier.  Perhaps I can arrange an outing for the four of us, next weekend?" Rayek wasn't concerned about following through on the suggestion.  In a week's time, either Rayek would have proof of her father's treachery, or he - Rayek, and possibly his family - would be at the mercy of the Praetor for failing.

If she wanted his brother, Rayek would promise her his brother.

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Dinuka t'Raghaellh==

Dinuka seemed to think about the offer, but then nodded her head. This was probably the best she would get out of this.

"Okay, but just the four of us. I don't want Ratuma there." She waited for Rayek to confirm this, then she turned around to head to the door. "See you next weekend, Rayek!" With that she left.

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen became wary when she heard someone coming upstairs where she was with the maid. She tried not to look too alarmed but rather surprised. Which she was. "Who might that be?", she said more to herself. "I thought we were alone at home." Rayek didn't think it was a good idea to come up here, did he?! Taheen quickly stood up. "I'll take a quick look", she said before the maid would have the same idea.

Taheen emerged from the room and found - her little sister. "Dinuka! I thought you're out for the night."

She waved her hand dismissively as she walked past her. "You can stop it, Rayek already told me what's going on."

Taheen's heart skipped a beat as she stared after her and shortly after Dinuka disappeared in her room. The eldest sibling returned to the maid. "Dinuka came home", she informed her so she would not worry about this. "I feel a bit hungry, I'll be downstairs to get me something." When the maid offered to do that for her, Taheen rejected with a smile. "No, it's alright, I'll do it myself. You continue here."

Taheen then hurried downstairs, slunk to her father's office and peeked into the room through the door that was off the latch. "Rayek?", she whispered as she took a step into the office. "I'm so sorry. Dinuka was supposed to be at her friend's place. What happened? Dinuka told me she knows what's going on?!" There was fear in her voice and in her eyes.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Senator Tocul's manor house - Senator Tocul's home office - 2385]

Rayek nodded his head in acceptance of this stipulation - not that he had any real intention of following through with the outing.  "No Ratuma" he confirmed, then watched in a bit of relief as Dinuka left the room, leaving Rayek to return to the file download.  It was almost done.

By the time, Taheen returned - he could recognize her footfalls in the hall so didn't jump away from the computer when she peeked in - Rayek had the downloaded chip tucked away in his pocket; realizing that in the future he'd need someplace discreet to store such items - like a hidden pocket or such.

For Taheen's benefit Rayek left one of the files - that which contained Lolir's contact information - open on the computer, giving her just a glimpse of what he'd actually found.

When she did quietly peek and whisper to him, Rayek motioned her into the room.  While she looked fearful, he smile disarmingly.

"It's okay.  She and I spoke.  We have an understanding.  She will keep quiet about my coming to see you - without your father present - and I will arrange for my brother to join us on a double-date next weekend." Rayek explained.

"Come see what I found.  The contact information of this Lolir.  With this information, I can see if he is known to the Tal'Shiar and maybe track him down."

He turned to Taheen and tried to reassure her by wrapping an arm about her shoulders..  "You've been wonderful, Taheen. With what you've helped me find, I have no doubt that I will be able to resolve this soon."

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen let out a sigh of relief when Rayek assured her that he had spoken to Dinuka and that it was okay. At his smiling face she even couldn't resist to smile back before he beckoned her over. "A double-date?", Taheen asked and raised her eyebrows teasingly. "I thought Telmuk was rather into Ratuma. At least I've seen them a lot more often together than Dinuka with him."

While she spoke she walked around the desk and stopped right next to Rayek, her gaze wandering to the computer screen. When he told her what he had found Taheen leaned forward with great interest, picking up the information of this Lolir. She then felt Rayek wrapping his arm around her, which made her looking up at him. "I hope you will be", she said quietly, fear and concern hintin in her voice again. Of course she was aware that her father going against the Praetor could very well mean death for him. At the moment she wasn't sure what to believe. But Rayek's father was her father's friend, right? And he was the Proconsul. Surely he would be able to steer things in a less fatal direction. But Taheen didn't dare to speak of that yet.

"Thank you, Rayek, for coming here and helping me." She looked at him. "You take care of yourself, will you? Your superiors won't like that you go against their orders."