Mind Games (Rayek)

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

Rayek nodded at Taheen's observation.  "Yeah, I heard that from your Father as well.  And that may very well be but if I ask Telmuk, he will do this." Rayek answered confidently.

Her quiet, fearful words and her naive thoughts struck a guilty chord in him.  It bothered him that she trusted him and his father so innocently. When she thanked him for helping, Rayek glanced away.

At her question of his well-being and comment about his superiors, he nodded half-hearted, unsure what his superiors would think of any of this should they ever learn of it, but doubted it would be good even if it was all a ploy to gather evidence. "Hopefully they'll never learn of this."

He needed to go now before his guilt became to transparent.

"I'll be in touch tomorrow." he reassured Taheen then lifted one of her hands to his lips. It was an intimate gesture that hopefully would convey more passion than an actual kiss at the moment.

Afterwards he gave her a slight bow then turned to leave.

[Tess tLhoell]

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

==Taheen t'Raghaellh==

Taheen noticed something was odd about Rayek, but she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. She thought maybe the notion of going back on his superiors was upsetting him. Before she could inquire on that he promised to be in touch with her tomorrow and then lifted her hand to his lips - a gesture that indeed felt more intimate.

She watched him go and then returned back to the computer. She made a copy of the contact information on Lolir for herself before she made sure to reset everything to normal, making look everything how it was before. And she didn't forget to fulfil her promise to take care of the video feeds of the office.

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

MEANWHILE ...

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Hall of State - Praetor's office (night)]

==Praetor Chulan - Line of Tellus== ==Vandar - Tal'Shiar special operative==

                               

When Vandar came into sight of the guards standing outside the doors to the Praetor's office, they immediately saluted and opened the door for him. He was known and didn't need to go through the security measures Chulan usually was particularly concerned to be complied with. Ignoring the guards completely Vandar stepped through the door into the office. The Praetor sat at his desk and looked up warily but his features relaxed when he noticed his special spy, his expression even becoming openly curious.

"I didn't expect you so soon, Vandar", the Praetor greeted him while Vandar acknowledged his Praetor with the Romulan salute before taking a step closer to the desk. "You are not in the habit of showing up personally without something to tell."

The Tal'Shiar operative smirked. "Indeed, Fvillha."

Chulan leaned back and eyed him carefully. Though of course he would not ask him to continue. The Praetor didn't have to ask.

"The Uhlan already gathered valuable information." He pulled the computer chip out of a hidden pocket in his uniform and held it up for Chulan to see.  "It's not actual proof, though", he made sure to add. It was already not sitting very well with him to admit that Rayek had gotten that information quicker than most Tal'Shiar operatives would have been able to.

Chulan looked at the chip. "What is that?", he asked, not allowing too much excitement to well up yet.

"The Uhlan spoke to Senator Tocul's daughter. She revealed some things of value to us. But listen for yourself, Fvillha." Vandar stepped further forward and handed the chip to Chulan who put it into the device to play the record. Heard were now Rayek's and Taheen's voices, hushed and quiet while the Senator's daughter spoke about the conspirancy against the Praetor and the man named Lolir and how her father might be involved in this.

Chulan's expression darkened at what he heard. He fixed his eyes on Vandar. "Just as I thought", he growled. For a moment the Praetor seemed to mull over his own grim thoughts before he looked back at his spy. "I want proof of this and I want to know who that Lolir is!"

Vandar inclined his head submissively. "Daie, Fvillha. I will look for information on that man immediately."
He briefly thought about bringing up the thing with Kilmak, but he decided against it. He would set the trap for Kilmak before Rayek and he would present the traitor to the Praetor as being to his credit. It was custom among Romulans to outdo other Romulans. A great part of his advancement to the position he had now was by doing exactly that.

Offering the Romulan salute to the Praetor once more, Vandar turned around and left the State of Hall, disappearing into the darkness of the night.

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

[Romulus - Ki Baratan - Somewhere in the city (night)]

==Latihk tr'Kheiin==

The bottles clinked loudly as Latihk heaved the crate of Romulan ale in the trunk of his brand new hovercar. His parents had gave it to him as a surprise gift when he came back from his military service. He had been in town for three days already and now had learned that his mate Rayek had come back from service too. Definitely time to meet and chat, they haven't seen each other for five years. And he had to show off his new car.

Walking from the back to the front of his car he got into the car. "Computer, call Rayek." The computer complied and shortly after that the connection was built. "Jolan'tru, pal! Remember me? Heard the news of you came back home. I gotta see you, mate! Let's meet at the Fire Falls!" The Fire falls was the spot they had been playing as youngs boys, explored the nature around them, although it's been said it was too dangerous for them to play there.

~~~~~~~~
Fvillha - Praetor
Daie - Yes, certainly
Uhlan - lowest military rank

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

Rayek was arriving at his room, which was clean and orderly now since he had cleaned up Vander's mess prior to returning the Senators manor earlier that evening, when Rayek's personal comm sounded.

Rayek frowned at the device a moment before answering.  "tr'Lhoell."

He was surprised and delighted to hear his friend's voice. "Latihk! Jolan'tru, my friend!" he greeted back though seconds after saying his friends name he wished he'd been more careful, since he hadn't swept the room for listening devices yet.

While he listened to his friend, Rayek pulled out his requisitioned scanner and began to scan the room.  Any devices found he would deactivate rather than destroy - with some work he could reuse them for his own purposes.  It mattered little to him whether they were left by Vandar or anyone else.

News of his return had traveled fast for Latihk to hear of it already but Rayek was glad.  "Yeah, give me a hour. I gotta finish up some work first."

Rayek knew that if he met before checking on this Lolir contact info then it wouldn't get done til morning and he was very much aware he only had 2 days remaining to gather the proof he needed.

After hanging up with Latihk, Rayek did a reverse search on the contact info provided for Lolir.  He memorized the information, then made a copy of the file for Vandar.  By rights he should contact Vandar first, and pass off the contact info on Lolir... but Rayek wanted to see his friend.  Rayek opted to hide the encrypted copy he made in the most vile place he could think of to piss off Vandar. It would likely earn Rayek another beating but picturing Vandar feeling along the inner rim of Rayek's urinal to retrieve the info chip was just too priceless to pass up.  Rayek used disposable gloves to place the chip.  He would call Vandar to retrieve later once he and Latihk were at the Fall.

With a smirk on his split lip, Rayek headed out to meet with his friend.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

==Latihk tr'Kheiin==

Latihk sat at the foot of the cliff on the floor with his back leaned against a rock as he watched the fiery spectacle in front of him. His car was standing a little off but still in eye shot, the crate of ale sitting beside him. He already had taken out one of the bottles and was sipping the blue liquid slowly while he waited.

He only arrived ten minutes ago and had been using the time Rayek had needed to make a side trip home to take a shower and change into fresh clothes and check in on Sanekha. She had been his crush before he had to leave for military service.

Romulus' beautiful moons were competing with the stunning beauty of the Fire Falls that glowed brightly that night.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

The Fire Falls wasn't stop on the transit system, so to make it to this meeting Rayek had to rent a vehicle.  He took the money from his account as cash then went to a lower caste rental shop to rent a hoverbike - paying cash and signing it out under an alias.

While he wasn't doing anything illegal going to the Fire Falls and it was unlikely that they would be doing more than drinking and reminiscing, Rayek was very much aware that he'd made an enemy of Vandar and that the man would use those closest to Rayek to get back at him.  These precautions were for Latihk's safety.

Since the communication device Vandar had given him was likely also a tracking device Rayek stopped at a community bathhouse on his way out of town and rented a change locker, securing the device there until morning.  He then drove out to the Falls to meet with his friend.

As he approached the cliffside lava falls, Rayek spotted a hovercar in the 'parking' area and after a glance about seeing no other vehicles, Rayek parked beside the car.  The Romulan Uhlan dismounted the bike and made his way along the path in the soft light of the magna flow towards the falls.

Spying a figure seated by the base of the cliff-face, Rayek made his way nearer.  He ignored the nervous thought that said he should scan the area for listening devices. By the elements he was getting to be paranoid.   As he got closer he recognized the features of his friend.

"Latihk! You're gonna share some of that I hope." he called out, then as he got closer he reached out a fist towards his friend to 'fist-bump' the other.  It was 'their secret greeting' something they'd picked up while playing his bootlegged copy of 'Mass Effect Fist Bump' in their teens.

He sat down afterwards, taking up a similar position as his friend and grabbed up one of the ales from Latihk's crate. "How long have you been back on planet?" he asked as he took a swallow letting himself relax for the first time since arriving on planet.  "It's good to see you, my friend."

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

==Latihk tr'Kheiin==

When Latihk heard the familiar voice calling his name he turned his head in the direction it came from and laughed cheefully at his friend's comment. "You think I invite you here without offering your something to drink? I retained my manners, just so you know!", he remarked with a grin and lifted his hand balled to a fist to greet Rayek like they had used to when they had been teens.
It really was special with the two, Latihk being born the exact same day and year as Rayek, which was how their mothers had gotten to know each other and became friends in the first place - and their sons growing up together. Latihk's father was a very successful and rich salesman on Romulus and throughout the subject worlds of the Romulan Empire. Which meant he was often away for several months or even years before he returned back home. Rumors said Latihk was the result of a liaison of tr'Kheiin's wife with another Romulan but steps never had been made to prove if it was true or not. Those rumors didn't apply to Latihk's two younger sisters.

"You've got to catch up", Latihk grinned as he tapped his half empty bottle of ale with his finger while Rayek sat down beside him. In response to his question he said: "Only a week. I think my mother spoke to yours and she told her that you had been meeting with her today." He took another sip and at Rayek's remark that it was good to see him again he reached his hand out to pat his friend's shoulder and give it a firm squeeze. "Good to see you too. We have a lot to catch up. Now, fill me in. What's the news?" He glanced over at his friend, noticing the fresh cut on his lip. "Only arrived today and gotten into a fight, eh? Not even embarrassed to show it off, you really haven't changed", he grinned.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

Rayek grinned at Latihk's soft somewhat challenge. "Catch up? You've barely taken a sip!" Rayek stated as he raised his bottle in salute to his friend and then began to down it, swallow after swallow.  The alcohol would hit hard in a couple of minutes but for now Rayek had a clear head as she downed the last of it without pause and waved the empty bottle in front of his friends face.

"Who needs to catch up?" he laughed, stressing the 'who' in his question.

Rayek set the empty bottle back into the crate and took out a second bottle, and opened it but didn't drink immediately.  He had a big decision to make and he wanted a somewhat clear head to think about what he wanted to do.

As yet Latihk didn't know about his position with the Tal'Shiar but Rayek knew his friend wouldn't approve.  So Rayek was reluctant to tell him, but they'd told each other pretty much everything since they were children.  Latihk was the one person Rayek trusted outside of family.

But things were very different now... with his ability... his secret assignment to the Praetor.  These were things he could NEVER tell anyone - even his closest friend. To do so would put a target on this back and well as Latihk's.

When Latihk brought up the fight, Rayek seemed surprised.  He'd all but forgot about the encounter with Vandar.  He touched his lip where it was cut and gave a slight shrug before answering.

"Actually I returned little over two months ago, having been released from my 5 years early, because I extended my service...  this time with the Tal'Shiar."

Rayek watch Latihk closely for a reaction.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

==Latihk tr'Kheiin==

When Latihk saw that Rayek started to down the whole bottle he quickly lifted the one in his hand to his lips and began to do the same, swallow after swallow, always glancing over at his friend to see who would be quicker to empty the drink. Latihk only downed the last sip seconds after Rayek had finished off the bottle. Gasping for air from having tried to take as large gulps as he could, he laughed. "Still not a chance against you!"
He put the empty bottle back into the crate just like Rayek had done and took out another one. While he was opening it he listened to Rayek's words. At the mention of Rayek having joined the Tal'Shiar he faltered as he was about to take a first sip of the new drink and met Rayek's eyes.

Oh no really? You can't be serious.

Out loud he said nothing yet. Tal'Shiar. The most feared organization within the Empire, interfering with everyone and everything, without asking for permission of course. Latihk didn't like his friend being part of them. Being in the military there have always been quarrels between the military men who said the Tal'Shiar interfered with their business and the Tal'Shiar saying the same about the military. But somehow Latihk had known that the possibility had been there for his friend to decide joining that organization.

Averting his gaze Latihk took a long slow gulp from the bottle as he stared off into the orange light of the Fire Falls before them. "They're a bunch of pompous buggers", he mumbled, knowing with his best friend he didn't have to mince matters and that he could speak his mind openly. He never would have said such openly on the street. "You don't fit in there, Rayek." Now he looked back at him. "You would have done fine in the military."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

Rayek held eyes with Latihk a moment before his friend spoke. He wasn't surprised at Latihk's negative comment. It would have surprised Rayek more to hear words of approval from the man.

Rayek shook his head at his friend's comment that he didn't fit in, that he'd have done better in the military.  "Perhaps, and if my application hadn't been screened in that's likely where I would have remained.  But this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

He refrained from adding to his comment that now that he was among them, with his gift, there was no way he'd ever be let out.  That would just raise questions and Rayek hadn't yet decided whether he should or would tell his friend about his gift.  He wanted to believe that it would make no difference but this was telepathy.  His own reaction if the roles had been reversed would not have been pleasant. But then Latihk was a better person than he.

Rayek lifted the bottle in his hand and took a swallow. "What of yourself?  What plans do you have or are you going to live with your parents forever?"

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

==Latihk tr'Kheiin==

Latihk glanced over at his friend when he commented on how he had to accept the position. "Rh'e? Then tell me what was so irresistible about that?"

Then his friend jibed about him probably living with his parents forever. Latihk grinned and punched Rayek's shoulder playfully. "Shut up", he smirked. Only now that he had done the mandatory five years of military service he was allowed to marry and have a family. "Remember Sanekha?" She had been Latihk's crush before he had to leave for service. "Went to her house to see her. I'm gonna date her tomorrow." He grinned. "Currently I'm waiting for my assignment, should get note in a couple of weeks."

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

rh'e (or rha) - indeed, is that so, oh yeah?

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - just outside of Ki Baratan -  Fire Falls]

Rayek shook his head at Latihk's question.  There was no way he could explain but he would try.

"My last assignment.  I was on the ChR Hathan.  A good ship.  Decent crew - corrupt Riov.  We all knew it but to speak out against him would have been a death sentence so for months we kept silent.  We lost some crew in a skirmish against some pirates that the Captain had been protecting but were now not giving him his proper cut, so we took on some new crew at our next port.   One of them must have been a Tal'Shiar operative... but in less than a week afterwards he was replaced, a new 'Riov was sent to us and the entire crew reprimanded for not reporting the Captain's corruptness to the authorities earlier.  That one operative... made a difference to an entire crew.  If not that entire sector we were assigned.  Things improved there afterwards.  I'd have thanked the man if I knew who he was."

Rayek took another swallow of his ale, slowly this time, savoring its' taste.  So strong.  He'd be feeling this come morning.

"That was six months ago. When I got back I just had to try, y'know?  See if I could be that person to make a positive difference."

Hearing about Latihk's date Rayek laughed. So his cover story was entire plausible... good to know.

"Sanekha?  Yeah, I remember you being a complete goof around her at graduation."  It had been embarrassing actually.  Still Rayek smiled, happy for his friend. "She actually said yes to a date?  Good for you! I pity her."  Saying that Rayek, expected another punch.

He paused to take another swallow of ale, his thoughts turning to Taheen.  He wondered if he would have ever considered dating her if not because of this mission.  They were a good match theoretically.  Both currently from highly placed families.  Taheen was sure to do well as an officer in the military ... if her fathers treachery didn't bleed over into his family.  Which he knew first hand did happen.  Maybe when he offered up his final proof and report he could note how helpful Taheen had been - even if it had been under false pretenses.  Hmm yeah not likely.  It would be best if she reported him in herself - then it would clear her of any wrong doing.  He let out a sigh.

"There's something wrong with me, Latihk.  Today, I kissed a girl who by all standards should have been a perfect match for me.  I felt nothing.  I'm supposed to feel something right?  When you think of Sanekha.. you get giddy right?  your heart races... Your palms sweat...there are signs, yes?"  he questioned not really expecting an answer but hoping.

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

==Latihk tr'Kheiin==

Latihk took long gulps from his ale while he listened to his friend and once he was finshed he looked at Rayek with a frown on his face that made the v-ridge on his forehead look more prominent than ever with the strange light of the fire falls casting a deep shadow. A Romulan speaking of wanting to make a positive difference by fighting up corruptive Riovs ... Who was not corrupt in the Romulan fleet? Or at least manipulative. Who would say no to an advantage that others didn't have? Who cared if it was illegal or not?

Latihk couldn't think of anything better than to make fun of his friend. "You want to be the person who makes a positive difference? With being in the Tal'Shiar?" Latihk started to actually laugh now. "Will you start to suppress your emotions and meditate now too?", he grinned. Saying that to any Romulan would be a major insult but here it was mockery between friends. And maybe the alcohol was affecting Latihk a little bit already.

When Rayek commented on Sanekha, Rayek's expection was right - he received another punch. "Shut up", Latihk laughed. "She's the luckiest female around here getting to go out with me, alright." With a grin he made a gesture with his hand that indicated for that statement not to be open for discussion - and spilled some of this ale while he did so.
Glancing back at Rayek - and finishing off the second bottle of ale while he did - he frowned once more. "There definitely are signs...", Latihk mumbled. He thought of kissing Sanekha now. Kissing her thoroughly. "I don't get it! How can you have been five years in military service and feel nothing when a girl kisses you after all the months?!" He looked at Rayek with a puzzled grin. Actually Latihk had been very unsuccessful to find some female company while he was in service. He now craved it all the more. Apparently there were very few Romulan women who could tolerate a goof who embarrassed himself all the time around them.
Back then when they had been teens they had been each other's wing mans, but on his own Latihk was quite the clumsy type when it came to women. Which was why he felt like the boss after Sanekha agreed to date him.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - just outside of Ki Baratan -  Fire Falls]

Rayek rolled his eyes at his friend as Latihk laughed.  However when Latihk suggested he was anything like a Vulcan and Rayek's eye roll became a death-glare.  "Remind me again why I bother to call you friend?" he said sullenly taking another swallow of ale.

The conversation moved on and Rayek got Latihk back somewhat with his comments about Sanekha, though it earned his a punch in the shoulder which he took with good humor.  Despite his earlier question, there was no doubt in Rayek's mind about his friendship with Latihk.  Friendships were rare, friendships of the depth that they shared bordered on the infinitesimal.

When Rayek posed his pensive questions about relationships, he'd half hoped that Latihk would jovially laugh and tell him that he felt the same at times; but that didn't happen.  Instead his friend made him feel all the more self-conscious by sounding incredulous at the thought of his not feeling anything.

"I don't know maybe its' because I know the kiss was meaningless - that I was just using her to get intel on her Father."

[Tess tLhoell]

[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]

==Latihk tr'Kheiin==

Latihk grinned at his friend despite the death glare he was receiving at his comment. He knew it wouldn't harm their friendship. "Because I know too damn much about you that you couldn't allow for yourself to have me being your enemy", Latihk grinned and nudged his friend's foot with his playfully.

Putting the empty bottle aside Latihk leaned over to grab the third one and as he opened it he looked over at Rayek who tried to explain his concern. That was when Latihk got it that his friend tried to have a serious conversation on that matter. He frowned as he thought about what Rayek had told him, the bottle of ale untouched in his hands. "Well ... I really don't know why you are worrying then", Latihk said quietly as he looked at his friend. "If it was just a job and you only used to her to get information isn't it better then to not feel anything when kissing her? If it was meaningless to you you aren't supposed to feel anything. Feelings might only endanger your task."

It was obvious that his friend talked about a job for the Tal'Shiar and Latihk couldn't help but being curious. "Intel on the father, eh? Do I know him? Or her?", he asked casually as he took the first sip of the bluish liquid in the cooled bottle.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - just outside of Ki Baratan -  Fire Falls]

Rayek looked over towards Latihk feigning a sour expression.  "True enough. Though you don't know everything." Though it was meant to be said in humor a trace of something serious carried in his tone.  He playfully kicked back at Latihk's foot when the man nudged his.  But his aim and reflexes were crappy when he was drinking so the nudge was left unanswered.

Another swallow of ale and Rayek knew he should slow it down, but it had been years since he'd seen Latihk and Rayek wanted to celebrate. It was good to not have to be cautious around someone.

When Latihk finally took him seriously and suggested that not caring was a good thing. He considered for a moment then nodded, "You have a point. Didn't consider that but it's the fact that even if I was trying to be serious about a relationship...  none of the women I meet hold any interest."

When his friend focused on the 'mission' aspect of his dilemma, Rayek nodded slowly.  Latihk had always been a bit nosy.  "Oh yeah - well, you'd know OF him.  And she's one of Kemala classmates. And the intel so far... it's serious."

Rayek raised his bottle and downed the last of his 2nd bottle.  Not so much in celebration anymore.

"I'd be surprised if he isn't executed for treason. I'm wondering do I dare vouch for her and risk my own reputation since all she is wanting to do is look after her father."