Mind Games (Highlights - Meeting Latihk at the Firefalls - yr 2385)
Posted on Fri Jan 20th, 2023 @ 12:53am by Lieutenant Commander Rayek trLhoell
4,694 words; about a 23 minute read
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."
"Jolan'tru, pal! Remember me? Heard the news of you coming back home. I gotta see you, mate! Let's meet at the Fire Falls!"
Rayek 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.
Uhlan Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Romulus - just outside Ki Baratan - Fire Falls]
The Fire Falls wasn't a 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."
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.
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 he 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 should NEVER tell anyone - even his closest friend. To do so would put a target on this back and well as Latihk's.
"Good to see you too. We have a lot to catch up. Now, fill me in. What's the news?" Latihk said as he glanced over at his friend, noticing the fresh cut on Rayek's lip. "Only arrived today and gotten into a fight, eh? Not even embarrassed to show it off, you really haven't changed", he grinned.
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.
~~
"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 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?"
~~
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."
~~
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.
~~
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 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."
~~
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 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."
Rayek wanted to tell his Latihk about his ability, but he told himself that he dare not because it could put his friend at risk... which was likely true enough; but the real reason that he said nothing at Latihk's challenge was that he didn't want to risk losing the one good friend he had. The prejudice regarding telepathy was strong... possibly stronger than friendship.
Rayek didn't respond in answer to Latihk's suggestion to tell him 'just one thing'. He merely shook his head and reached for another bottle. "Nevermind."
When talk turned to women and Rayek's lack of interest in them, Rayek didn't know how to describe their lack without making himself sound ... a bit pervy.
"It's hard to explain but they are just ... so similar - to each other and to... me. We're a people of clones." he stated in almost disgust. "It's like fantasizing about myself."
Rayek recalled in his youth his one treasured blackmarket item. It hadn't been his Xbox though that had been a close second. It had been a scanned copy of several old Earth periodicals archived that Rayek had used to learn to read Federation Standard. Among the electronic periodicals had been one that was Rayek's favorite - an archive of all 'Sports Illustrated' periodical... including the swimsuit editions.
Upon finding that gem of a file during his research break at school, Rayek had been so effected by the images that he'd walked 'funny' as his younger sister had described it later - all the rest of that day.
Thankfully the discussion moved on a little later ... to his work. But even that topic got him emotional... questioning what to do about Taheen. He was surprised by Latihk's response. "Rayek, mate ... I understand what you are thinking but don't put your reputation on stack for a girl you don't even fancy."
"So I should only care what happens to those closest to me? Look out for only me and mine? Best friends included of course. But wouldn't the Empire be better served by people that looked out for one another?" he asked rephrasing an idea that his father would say he'd gotten from his interest in all things Terran. His words slurred a bit as he spoke. He'd definitely drank those two ales too fast.
~~
Rayek's cagey response made Latihk call out in triumph. "Ha!", he grinned at him. Of course he would put that as the confirmation that he had been right.
While he then listened for Rayek's explanation about his problem with Romulan women he drank more of the ale, feeling the alcohol affecting him for a while already. He didn't care.
Turning to look at his friend he rolled his eyes with a grin. "Don't tell me you still have that penchant for Earthers? I thought you're over that", he teased, slurring slightly.
He knew of his friend's obsession with Terran things he already had from an early age. When they had been thirteen he remembered having gotten his hands on a Terran game console called Xbox. They have played a game he couldn't recall the name of. He had to admit that it had been fun. It even had been his console until it had been discovered and confiscated. He and his parents had been in real trouble about it which didn't deter Rayek to get one himself and keep playing. He even had learned to read that odd scripting which he claimed was English.
He also remembered how his friend would talk to him about Terran women. Latihk himself didn't find them very appealing. Though even now when they were grown up men that penchant of his friend hadn't fade.
"You just gotta wait", he told his friend, his tongue feeling heavier by the minute. "Once our glorious Empire spread out over the whole galaxy Earth will be under our rule too and you can pick any Terran woman you like." He took another swallow. "Bad taste is allowed after all. But before you crop your ears because you think you then look a little less Romulan tell me so I can get you back to your senses", he smirked at Rayek teasingly.
When Rayek suggested the Empire would be served better if people looked out more for one another, Latihk gave his friend an incredulous look. He grew up in a society that taught you to be suspicious and distrustful of everyone. Even in some families you couldn't be sure to be deceived or being outdone. So Rayek's suggestion of a society where everyone looked out for one another seemed more than odd to him, he had no understanding of how that could ever work. "I wouldn't know how", he stated. "I think our Empire is so successful because everyone tries to be the best, so we just have the best in every position." He downed the rest of the ale in the bottle he held in his hand and leaned over to put it aside, his motions slightly uncoordinated. "Hell, I'm happy if I bring about my career and don't have to look out for others to get along." Pulling out another bottle he glanced over at his friend. "But of course there are exceptions."
~~
Latihk's cry of triumph almost made Rayek rethink his silence. He could speak up now and have Latihk be eating crow, but that niggling fear that his friend wouldn't be as accepting as he hoped, kept Rayek's mouth shut.
As the talk moved to women and Rayek's lack of interest, Rayek flushed a sickly olive in embarrassment at the remind of his youthful fantasies. "So not funny..."
It was Rayek's turn to punch his friend in the arm in payback for the sadly accurate reminder. He however laughed along with Latihk when his friend suggested all Rayek had to do was wait until the Empire had taken over the galaxy to have his pick of Earth women.
"Damn your right I should have stayed with the Star Navy. Made that dream a reality that much sooner" and just to shock his friend, "Actually I heard of this black-market doctor that will remove forehead ridges instead. I could pass as a Vulcan. I hear the humans find those emotionless bastards highly attractive."
It took a lot of effort to say that with a straight face and not gag.
But when he talked about a society of people helping people, that's where he really lost his friend. The idea was too foreign. Rayek sighed.
He opened his third bottle - this should be his last or he'd be passing out. He raised it towards Latihk. "To friendship... even if you know nothing about me, I will always look after you - cause it's the right thing to do!" Rayek raised the bottle higher in salute before attempting to down the bottle in a single go.
At Lahitk's laughing comment and then threat to not share his ale, Rayek laughed as well. "Yes, I'm kidding. By the Elements! I can't believe you took that seriously. Your shocked look was priceless though."
His salute to friendship had prompted a sort of 'confession' from Latihk, something that the man would definitely not normally say or do, but that Rayek knew deep down that's how his friend truly felt. The ale was just allowing him to finally say it. "Yeah, I feel the same. You are as close, if not closer than family." he commented leaning against his friend.
He tried to take another swallow but came up with just a dribble left in the bottle he held in his hand. "Damn... that was my last.. I gotta learn to pace myself."
For a moment Rayek reveled in the buzz he was feeling. His senses felt in overdrive. The warm air moving around them was like a caress. The smell of the molten lava tickled his nose with a slight scent of sulfur in the air. The hiss and creak of the lava as it touched on rocks below was a strange melody. The orange glow from the lava moved in waves across his vision before he dizzyingly leaned back and stared up at the stars above.
"Hey, Latihk, remember when I said there was stuff you didn't know about me? I don't want that. I don't want there to be secrets between us. So I gotta tell you something I found out not that long ago... I'm a telepath."
~~
"Yeah ... right ...", he chuckled, thinking it was another attempt from Rayek to fool him. "Man, you've got some nerve ... Good nobody's here to hear you and think you're actually meaning that." He laughed as he nudged his friend's side playfully.
~~
Rayek didn't laugh back though, he just shrugged and went back to drunkenly star-gazing. Ale usually made him very mellow and apparently sentimental. He sighed.
Perhaps it was better that his friend didn't believe him. It would be less risky for both of them if Latihk could say with honesty that he didn't know Rayek's secret.
END SCENE
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