Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Deck 5 - Executive Officer's office]

NPC Ambassador Virahk Jarok - Romulan Free State
[USS Amalthea - Deck 5 - Executive Officer's office]

Jarok's face hardened and he gave Rayek a warning look. He would not sit here and be yelled at. Though instead of verbalizing his irritation he kept his composure. A moment later, Rayek was apologizing. Then he revealed a piece of information to him that the ambassador had not been able to get out of the Riov when he had questioned her about the reason for her presence here. Kemala t'Lhoell had been ... rather uncooperative in that regard. Now he knew why she was here. And he also learned that the man they were suspecting to be the assassin was a Tal'Shiar member. So Rayek's brother was. That didn't make it exactly easier, but the Tal'Shiar worked with the Free State and had lost most of its influence and power in the years after Hobus. So there might be a chance they would get to the root of the problem.

"If the Tal'Shiar is involved, it is even more important for us to work together. Perhaps it even would be better if my people take the lead in this investigation." He doubted Starfleet would be able to get past that wall of discretion surrounding the Tal'Shiar. It also seemed to Jarok that Rayek was emotionally compromised in this investigation of his own brother which wasn't a good foundation for a thorough investigation. "So, the Tal'Shiar wants you dead", Virahk reprised. "Why is that? As far as I know, you've been living in the Federation for over a decade now. Do you have any ties with the Tal'Shiar, currently or earlier? Have you yourself worked in the Tal'Shiar? If so, who was your handler?" Virahk was aware that Rayek most likely would be reluctant to answer those questions if he really had have any ties to the Tal'Shiar. Though if they wanted to find out the person responsible for this, those were very important questions.

At Rayek's question towards him, the ambassador answered readily. "He was assigned to me. That was shortly after I received my current - and my first - assignment as an ambassador. His record stated he had not long before started his career in ambassadorial service. At the time I was surprised that a man his age would be in this kind of position, but as I myself am an exception to the rule regarding my age I was rather pleased with it."

Rayek scoffed when the Ambassador suggested his people take lead in the investigation.  "No Ambassador.  It is one of your people that committed this act.  The Federation will work cooperatively with the Romulan Free State on this matter but this ship is our jurisdiction." Rayek stated firmly.

When Ambassador Jarok stated the obvious - that the Tal'Shiar wanted him dead, Rayek almost laughed.  Apparently, the man hadn't been paying any attention to his 'interview' the day previous when he admitted that fact to the Ambassador and his aide.  The only thing he hadn't said at the time was WHY he was wanted dead, or by who... though Tal'Shiar should have been an easy guess.

Now, with the Ambassador's direct questions regarding whether he had any ties to the Tal'Shiar, Rayek to decide whether to be honest, to lie or outright refuse to answer.   While Rayek considered the ramifications of each option, the Ambassador continued to answer his question about tr'Hei.

By the time the Ambassador was finished speaking, Rayek had made his choice.

"I say this to you only because you are the highest Romulan government official here in the Gamma Quadrant, and therefore when answering you, I am not breaking my oath by speaking secrets 'willy-nilly'.  Yes, I was a Tal'Shiar special operative.  My handler's name was Vandar, and I received missions on the order of the Praetor himself, because of my telepathic ability."

Now that the secret had been broached, Rayek opened up even more. "I served for a year and half, loyally despite constant threats and abuse from my handler, before being sent to Faicol-lhui for having failed to sabotage the first cooperative venture with the Federation since the Dominion War.  My father was arrested on trumped up charges because he also had the telepathic gene. 

After Hobus, those attempting to build the Free State government had me released to keep watch on Ambassador Kalavak during his tour of Federation worlds pleading our cause and gaining support for our refugees.  When the Ambassador died of illness, I received warning from a colleague that my former handler had risen to power in the Tal'Shiar, and had ordered my capture and execution.  Though I had done nothing to deserve such.  So I turned away from my own people to join Starfleet where I found acceptance. That is my story.  THAT is why I am on the Tal'Shiar's hit list."

His attention diverted at hearing a ping from his comm followed by the voice of the security officer on duty in the brig.  "Sir, the perp is awake."

Rayek immediately answered the call  "Acknowledged.  I'm on my way."

He stood up from his seat gesturing for the Ambassador to do the same. "I'm sorry, Ambassador.  I must attend this.  If you wish to assign one of your people to observe my interrogation of the perpetrator then I suggest you get on that promptly as I don't intend to wait for them."

Rayek ushered the Ambassador out of his office, physically if he had to, ensuring the door shut firmly and securely afterwards before starting on his way to the Brig.
 



NPC Riov Kemala t'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Sickbay - ICU]

Latihk tr'Kheiin
[USS Amalthea - Sickbay - ICU]

Latihk was relieved to hear that Kemala had come out of this unscathed. It satisfied him immensely. Similar as hearing that Rayek was well, too. When Kemala told him the minor injury he had contracted there was actually a little bit of a grin on Latihk's face as he huffed a hoarse chuckle. "A sprained ankle versus lethal poisoning ... I've so won", he murmured amused. It was this old game between them that they always tried to outcompete each other when they were young. Of course, that had not been the reason why he had saved Rayek. Not to 'win' the worse injury. He had seen his friend in danger and had acted to help him.

Latihk thought he saw something glistening in Kemala's eyes. She was upset. He wanted to console her, but felt restraint by his own state of condition right now and also he hated that Tess was there and would hear their private conversation. Perhaps he should just ask her to leave. Before he could verbalize any of those thougts, Tess herself interrupted them.



Tess had watched the quiet conversation between them silently from the corner of the room. She didn't try to eavesdrop but her focus was fully on the biobed monitor. As they talked, Latihk's oxygen levels continued to drop, his breathing rate increased, just as his pulse. It was time to interrupt there, as much as she hated it.

"I'm sorry", she said as she walked over to them. "But he really needs to put on the respirator again. And he needs some more rest." She looked to Kemala before she moved to put the respirator mask back on her patient. "You can stay if you want. I'll tell the nurses to grant you entry any time you want. But no talking for him for now. And it would be best for him to get some more rest."

Kemala couldn't contain her answering mirth at hearing Latihk's boyish competitive claim to have won.  She recalled so many such boastful comparisons growing up, having been watched  her brother and his one true friend compete during of her childhood.  It was reassuring that he did so even now.  Latihk was going to be alright.

And he was in good hands, which was proven when a short time later, Tess insisted that Latihk put back on his respirator and for him to rest.

Kemala smiled towards Tess when the doctor made it possible for her to have access to Latihk, even outside of normal visiting hours.    She inclined her head in a show of appreciation.

"I'll stay." Kemala stated, glancing to Latihk. "I'll make sure he rests and doesn't speak.  I'll read to him.  Last time we watched Fvienn, I discovered that reading Rayek's book of poetry puts not just Fvienn to sleep, but Latihk as well."


 

NPC Ambassadorial Aide 'Rhienn tr'Hei' (disguise of Telmuk tr'Lhoell, Tal'Shiar operative)
[USS Amalthea - Deck 16 - Brig]

NPC Lieutenant jg. Roberto Padrini (Medical)
[USS Amalthea - Brig]
 
Roberto looked up when he noticed the man moving. So he woke up now. Perfect timing. He watched in slight concern as the Romulan cried out in pain. Had he missed something? When he struggled to sit up, Roberto moved closer to help him with that but he then turned away, hiding his aching arm.

"Nobody tortured you", Roberto clarified. "It's possible you've sprained or contused your arm when you were stunned and moved here. I'm here to look after your well-being and to take DNA samples from you." He turned his back to Telmuk, regarding the guards. "Take off the cuffs for a moment so I can treat him properly."

There was slight hesitation but eventually one of them did what the CMO wanted and came in after deactivating the force field. He took off the cuffs and took a step back, remaining inside the cell while Roberto would treat him.

"Let me see", he said and reached his hand out to try and take hold of Telmuk's arm. If he let him, he'd start to palpate down his arm, squeezing slightly as he went until he reached the wrist so he knew where exactly he felt the pain.

When the doctor turned his back to him and called for his restraints to be removed, Telmuk realized that the doctor had no real training on how to handle prisoners.  That would make the escape of his cell so much easier.

He bode his time while the security detail considered the doctors orders. Telmuk noted one tapped the commbadge - obviously informing their Chief - his brother, Rayek - of his being awake.  He didn't have much time. 

After a moment, the guards seemed to be acknowledge the doctor's need to treat his patient and lowered the forcefield just long enough for one of them to enter before the field was raised again.  But during the process of doing so, Telmuk was in the mind of the guard working the controls, so Telmuk had the code to do so now.

The Romulan 'aide' maintained his timid demeanor while the guard unlocked his cuffs and stepped away.  Telmuk could see the guard being on the alert.  Taking him by surprise would be far more difficult than it would be to do so to the doctor.  So Telmuk held off on his attack until the doctor was nearly done palpating Rhienn's arm for injury.   

It was as the doctor reached his wrist that Rhienn gave a pained cry, as if in reaction to the palpation, to startle the Feds giving him few precious moments to complete his manuever.  Telmuk gripped onto the doctor's own wrist, twisting the joint to the point of near breaking, forcing the physician to move as guided. Telmuk drew him in closer and then spun the doctor around to stand in front of him as his shield against the guard who had pulled his phaser.   

Still holding onto the doctor's painfully flexed wrist, Telmuk now wrapped an arm about the doctor's neck tightly, locking his arm in position by tucking his hand into the tight collar of his black undershirt.  "Tell him to drop it.  Cause you and I both know in this hold if either you or I slump unconscious your neck is broken and you are as good as dead."

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Deck 5 - Executive Officer's office]

NPC Ambassador Virahk Jarok - Romulan Free State
[USS Amalthea - XO's office]

Jarok looked up from his mug when the doors opened and Rayek arrived. He nodded his head when Rayek apologized for the lack of uniform which of course was something noticed immediately upon his arrival. "Of course, Commander, I quite understand."

He observed the Amalthea's First Officer as he sat behind his desk. He seemed extremely stressed. Before Jarok could pose any of his questions, Rayek spoke first to say he was aware of it and also that he had questions of his own for him. That caused the ambassador to frown in surprise, which only escalated more on his face when Rayek revealed to him that his aide had been arrested for aggravated assault and attempted murder.

For a moment, Jarok couldn't speak.  "I don't think I understand what you are saying, Commander", he finally said. "It must be a misunderstanding. Mr tr'Hei has been working in his position in ambassadorial service for many years. As far as I am aware, he passed all internal and external checks without objections, ever." He really was completely surprised by the mere notion. Rhienn, who always was so soft-spoken, calm and prudential, was accused of committing an aggravated assault and attempted murder? Surely, Jarok wasn't naive enough to believe a man wouldn't be capable of such perfect deception, but he always thought he was a good judge of character. Besides that, an aide in ambassadorial service who was charged with these kind of offenses was a big problem for the reputation of the Freestate's diplomatic department. That concerned Jarok greatly, as it could potentially destroy the work of many many months.

Rayek studied the Ambassador's reaction to his statement.  It seemed genuine - but then he'd also been fooled by someone who'd had the intent to kill him.  He was disappointed in himself for not having seen this coming -  and morally Rayek was divided. 

He'd had the means to see through the aide's deception this entire time with his telepathic ability; if only he'd used it.  But to suspiciously search through another thoughts and memories without permission was a violation of their mental privacy.  Rayek knew this.  Still, he considered doing exactly that as he listened to the Romulan Ambassador claim that this was a misunderstanding.

"There is little to misunderstand about a poisoned blade being thrown towards another with harmful intent.  There were several witnesses."

Rayek raised his hand to forestall any questions.  "Allow me a moment to explain the prior situation further, then at the end if you have question.  Those that I can answer, I will."

He waited for the Ambassador's acceptance before beginning.

"Earlier this evening, your aide and Miss t'Raghaellh came to my quarters so that Miss t'Raghaellh could issue Challenge to me.  It appeared that my father had arranged an engagement between her and I without my knowledge and she stated she wanted ritual battle to restore her honor.   It was stated at the time to be to First Blood, so I convinced my wife to allow the Challenge to go ahead." Rayek tried to relate the events leading up to the incident clearly and without opinion but given his personal involvement it was difficult.

"When we arrived however, it was your aide that was dressed for participating in the Challenge.  He was wearing the traditional robes and had the honor blade on him."  This fact, Rayek realized then, was key.  The man had intended to strike him down with the poisoned blade during the Challenge all along.  Taheen had disrupted the plan with her change of heart and Challenge to Tess. 

Hidden from the Ambassador's view by his desk, Rayek clenched his fist in anger at how close it had come to Tess being the one struck down by the poison blade.  Had she not kicked blade away who knows what might have happened.  Rayek took a moment to compose himself before continuing.

"When we questioned her reason for choosing a substitute to fight in her place - Taheen changed her mind again and Challenged Tess instead of I.   Against my wishes, Tess agreed.   It was to this Challenge that you and, to my understanding, every other Romulan on the ship, received an invitation to watch.  I believe, Taheen felt a witnessed Challenge would pressure me to abide by her conditions which I had stated outright that I would not agree to - regardless of the outcome."

"Taheen took the honor blade from your aide and faced my wife in combat.  During which Tess, managed to kick the blade out of Taheen's hand and win the Challenge."

But that wasn't the end of the story. "As I was celebrating my wife's success, your aide walked over and picked up the blade that had been kicked out of Taheen's hand - the blade that he had initially worn to face me.  It was that blade that he threw towards me;  but which struck...Captain Aefau instead - who immediately afterward showed signs of severe poisoning."

Rayek fixed his gaze on the Ambassador.  "You claim that tr'Hei has worked for the Ambassadorial service for several years.  Perhaps that is so, however, my sister claims that he is our younger brother, Telmuk tr'Lhoell.   I've ordered a full medical work-up and DNA testing to determine who exactly he is - and will be questioning him as to what his true purpose is here in the Gamma Quadrant and on the Amalthea."




NPC Riov Kemala t'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Sickbay]

Latihk tr'Kheiin
and
Captain Tess t'Lhoell

The warmth started to travel from his hand up his arm, reaching his heart. For a moment he cherished that feeling of inner warmth before it continued to travel up up neck and finally reaching his face. The heat coming from the firefalls increased, becoming more intense by the second. He turned towards the mighty cliff, lifting his hand up to shield his eyes from the intensifying brightness of the fire. It felt like if he didn't move, he'd burn up, but he couldn't. His feet were planted to the ground. He took in a deep breath ...


Latihk's eye fluttered open. There was no fire. No firefalls, no heat. No home. Instead a sterile room lit by cold white light. The contrast couldn't have been starker. Finally he registered the warm hand cupping his face. He turned his head slightly and was rewarded with the most welcome sight he could have wished for. The area around his mouth felt disgustingly moist and without taking his eyes off Kemala, he reached his hand up to pull the respirator mask off his face. It became notably harder to breathe, but not so bad that it would concern him.

"It would be better to leave that on for a while longer."

He tried to come up with something to say, but his mind was racing as he recalled the last moments he remembered. The challenge. Rhienn; no, Telmuk. Rayek. The blade. He still didn't understand what had brought him down. Had he been struck so bad?

"That bastard", he brought out hoarsely.



Tess had been watching from a distance even as Kemala had brought to her attention that Latihk seemed to wake. She kept her eyes on the biomonitor. As long as there didn't show up anything harming she would let him wake up. She watched as he opened his eye and it seemed he needed a moment to register where he was.

"It would be better to leave that on for a while longer", she said gently when he pulled the mask off his face. She glanced up at the monitor, the readings immediately showing a slight dip in his blood oxygen levels, breathing frequency and pulse. He ignored her. Tess stayed calm and left them alone for a bit, though she kept an eye on the readings.

Kemala was overjoyed when Latihk first opened his eyes.  She smiled so happily.  Her smile turned a bit wry when the first thing he did was pull off his respirator mask - thankfully with his other hand.  She agreed with Tess that it was probably best to leave it on, but Kemala wasn't about to pester Latihk with such advice.  He had survived so much already - he knew how to look after himself.

There was so much she wanted to say to him - things that she'd been able to whisper to him while he was unconscious but that now that he was awake she found it so much harder to speak.   She was uncertain about what it was that they were to one another.  While she was silent, his first words upon waking were not quite what she would have expected. 

While she had sat the Latihk holding his hand, Kemala had purposely avoided thinking about what her younger brother had done, and how she'd ordered him incarcerated.  All her focus she kept on Latihk, otherwise the stress of worrying over two would have made her ill. 

Latihk's first words however, open the flood gates of her thought. Telmuk's attack made no sense to Kemala.  Why would he try to kill his own brother? Obviously on the order of the Tal'Shiar... but why would he agree to such a thing?  She wouldn't have believed it possible if she had not witnessed herself. 

She swallowed back the feeling of nausea as it rose in her throat, and gave Latihk's hand a squeeze.  "Do not dwell on it.  You are receiving treatment from Tess herself," Kemala pointed out.  In the month they have been aboard the Amalthea, Rayek couldn't say enough about his wife's talents and skills.  "...and he - is locked up."




NPC Ambassadorial Aide 'Rhienn tr'Hei' (disguise of Telmuk tr'Lhoell, Tal'Shiar operative)
[USS Amalthea - Deck 16 - Brig]

NPC Lieutenant jg. Roberto Padrini (Medical)
[USS Amalthea - Sickbay]

There wasn't much that needed to be done for Taheen. Padrini soon finished treating her. Just as he nodded at the Security guards to take her back to her quarters now, he overheard the call coming in at the reception desk. He only paid extra attention to it, because he recognized Rayek's voice.

"I will take care of that", Roberto said quickly to the nurse. He was curious to know what exactly was going on there. Grabbing a medical kit he headed straight out of the sickbay and to the brig.

Telmuk's return to consciousness had come swiftly but he made certain almost immediately that those watching him were unaware.   He kept his breathing rate slow and steady as if in unconsciousness, while he used all his senses to take stock of where he was and his situation.   From the minds of his two guards, he gleaned that he was in the Amalthea's brig, being held while an investigation was underway to determine if he had accomplices. 

A slight shift of his body position, informed Telmuk that he was bound and lying in a semi- prone position on a hard cot or bench.  It seemed that prisoner standards were the same throughout the galaxy.

The sound of a door opening drew his attention and he brushed over the mind of the newcomer.  Ah!! The doctor come to do DNA testing at Rayek's bidding.  So his brother had doubts that it was really him. 

What was even more interesting to note from the man was that he held a deep-seated hatred for his brother - and pretty much all things Romulan because of that.   That could be useful.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

NPC Rahul Skuyanhjin
Ra'hul was relieved when Rayek confirmed that he could leave. Though, before he could do so, his brother-in-law held him there a moment longer along with the doctor to direct words of thanks to them. It was an almost solemn moment which made the Ba'ku pull himself together a little and take a moment to recognize the words. "That really went without saying", Ra'hul replied and lowered his head briefly in a gesture of accepting his thanks.

A short moment later, he was then accompanied by a young man and brought back to his quarters.


NPC Lieutenant jg. Roberto Padrini (Medical)
Roberto caught Rayek's fierce glance towards him in response to his question. Finally a reaction the medic was able to relate to. Who wouldn't be furious about what just had happened? He knew from the tricorder reading that the other tr'Lhoell was okay except for being stunned so he had no reservations to leave him in security's custody.

While Rayek issued orders to the security team about how to handle Telmuk and spoke to his brother-in-law, Roberto returned to Taheen who was flanked by two security officers by now. He checked her once again with the tricorder to make sure the suture was holding since he had to interrupt his work so suddenly. It needed some more work which could be finished in the sickbay.

He was just about to leave when Rayek held him up, together with Tess' brother. He listened to Rayek's words and felt sickened by them. What a hypocrite! Feigning thankfulness when he could have prevented this whole ordeal in the first place. It was disgusting. "There's got to be somebody who acts like a sane person around here", was Roberto's blunt reply. Without really waiting for Rayek's reaction to this he turned away to add some information to the different tricorder readings he had taken. That would make the paperwork later easier and quicker.

Just as he was done, Rayek asked him to inform him of Captain Aefau's condition. He nodded briefly at that, overhead that Rayek's sister seemingly was about to head to the sickbay, too, so he waited for her to walk with her together. Though, he left her before they reached the main sickbay, to do some work in the medical lab.

The stark difference between the two men's reactions and replies highlighted to Rayek just how much the physician despised him.  Even when Rayek was trying to be grateful and appreciative of the man and the things he did, it was thrown back in his face in spite.  Padrini's attitude was abysmal but the man kept his position because he was an excellent doctor - and could be relied on in any situation regardless of his personal feelings.  Today proved that.

After the others left, Rayek and his Security team continued to gather evidence.   One of the first things that Rayek did was call on the Beta shift Science lab techs to run intensive scans on the blade to determine the exact poison that was used, and had them forward all information on the poison and its effects to Sickbay.  Maybe something in there would help in Latihk's treatment.

Then with the exact make-up of the poison now know, Rayek sent the ship's rover security teams to do a deck by deck intensive scan for any other trace of the substance.  Lastly the holodeck program was saved and uploaded to Rayek's PADD for review. 

Surprisingly, several times throughout the investigation, a number of the ship's Romulan complement arrived at the Holodeck, being stopped at its entrance by the Security securing the scene.  They inquired about the Challenge.  The first to arrive after the incident was Phara t'Movel. 

Rayek questioned the woman himself as to how she even knew about the Challenge. Phara pointed out the message she and every Romulan received from Taheen.   When asked how she knew Taheen,  Phara denied knowing her at all and remarked how she'd come to give her support to Tess. 

To be honest, Rayek was operating almost on automatic throughout most of it.  His mind still churned heatedly every time he thought about the incident.  It was only when Tess commed to give him an update on Latihk that the red haze lifted from his mind temporarily. 



(Kemala t'Lhoell)
[USS Amalthea - Sickbay]

[USS Amalthea - Sickbay]

Captain Tess t'Lhoell
Tess was made aware of the Romulan Riov demanding to be given information on Aefau's condition. She exited the CMO's office she'd been speaking to Tamo'nar in for a moment to ask if he and Fvienn were alright, and noticed not only Kemala had arrived but also Taheen - accompanied by two security guards. No surprise.

"I will take care of this matter", she told the nurse who rightly had refused to give any information on the patient. Tess wouldn't fault her for that. "Thank you." She then turned to Kemala, just as Roberto entered the reception area.

"Do you need assistance?", he asked Tess.

She shook her head. "I'm fine. I'd be grateful if you'd see to Ms. t'Raghaellh."

Roberto nodded. "Sure. Commander tr'Lhoell asked to be informed of Mr. Aefau's condition."

"I will take care of that." She then turned to Kemala while Roberto walked over to Taheen. "Riov t'Lhoell", Tess spoke, addressing her formally since they weren't alone. "If you will follow me, please."

She waited for Kemala to join her and then led her away from the reception area, down a slightly curved hall way to one of the separate ICU bedrooms. Tess opened the door and went inside. Latihk still was connected to the ventilator. His skin didn't look as pale and grey anymore but had regained some color. He had his eyes closed and his chest was heaving slowly.

"He will be okay", Tess assured her. "He was very lucky he was able to receive immediate medical attention." A minute or two later and the damage to his organs, especially his heart and brain, would have been extensive. Her gaze wandered up to the biobed monitor. The poison was now completely gone from his system. The blood flow was almost back to normal and the oxygen levels neared normal as well.

Kemala followed the Amalthea's Captain through the Sickbay reception area and into a private ICU room where Latihk was hooked up to a ventilator.   She immediately moved to his side and covered his pale grey hand with hers giving it a slight gentle squeeze as if doing so might let him know that she was there with him.

Kemala listened to Tess' comment of how lucky he was, and nodded in agreement and understanding.  She didn't say a word, merely held Latihk's hand trying her best not to show the true depth of her worry in front of the doctor that had just said that he would be okay.

As much as she liked Tess, Kemala was grateful when the Captain stepped away to give her some privacy.

"You idiot.  When saving someone, you aren't supposed to take the hit yourself - that's just stupid." Kemala offered her wisdom quietly.

She sniffled then, fighting the tears that stung at her eyes.  She was scared by how weak and sickly he looked.  "Don't you dare do something so reckless again.  I can't lose you." she whispered, still holding onto his hand.

Tess gave Kemala a moment with Latihk and stepped away into the far corner of the room. She used that moment to contact Rayek.  "t'Lhoell to Commander tr'Lhoell. Rayek, I'm here with Kemala and Latihk. We've stabilized him for now. He will be okay. Are you alright? And Ra'hul? I've spoken to Tamo'nar a couple of minutes ago. Fvienn is fine."

While she spoke she glanced over to Kemala, signalling her availability should she ask her any questions or make other comments.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

Rayek was relieved to hear that Tess had been able to stabilize his friend.  Rayek distanced himself a few meters from the remaining security that were finishing up on site with him.

"Thank you, e'lev - for saving his life.  I am quite familiar with the poison that was used.  That you were able to stabilize him..  is nothing short of remarkable.  I know that being practicing physician is not your position anymore, but it remains your true calling."

Then to express his sincerity Rayek thanked Tess in Rihan.  "Hann'yyo hwiiy."

Anything more Rayek might have wanted to share was interrupted by an overlapping comm from the Security at the door.

"Security Team Beta Three to Commander tr'Lhoell.  Ambassador Jarok is here outside the Holodeck. He's here about the Challenge invitation and is wanting to speak to you, sir."

Rayek grimaced. Of course, Taheen would have especially sent an invite to him.  Rayek sighed, before tapping his comm in a sequence that kept Tess' comm open while answering the new comm. "Have the Ambassador escorted to my office.  I'll meet him there in five minutes. tr'Lhoell out."

He closed the comm to the security team then continue his comm with Tess. "It seems. I have to go explain the current situation to the Ambassador and then see if he's willing to answer a few questions about his aide.  I'll check in when I'm done."

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

Unexpectedly Rayek was shoved hard from the side, out of the path of the incoming blade, just a second before he anticipated its impact.  The shove had been so sudden and forceful that Rayek didn't have the reflexes swift enough to adjust his footing to compensate, and instead ligaments tore.  Pain flared in his ankle and it gave way; unable to support his weight, Rayek found himself collapsing to the ground.  His head struck the arena floor with a dull thud and his vision darkened for a second or two.   

When it cleared, Rayek looked about in a semi-daze to see where the new threat had come from.  What he saw chilled him. 

Latihk stood shaking where Rayek had been but moments ago.  An emerald green stained his friend's shoulder where the thrown knife blade had struck.   The wound itself was positioned in a rather unconcerning area. It was something that any doctor on the ship could deal with; but the shaking that seemed to overtake Latihk almost immediately was what filled Rayek with dread.   "Poison." he tried to forewarn but his words was barely audible even to himself.  The fall had knocked the wind out of him.

Around him, everyone was in movement while he tried to assess the scene.  Tess ran to his side, but with a waved hand he urged her to see to Latihk first.  Kemala had rushed to Latihk and was cradling his friend's head in her lap urging him to breathe.  Ra'hul, who had passed off Fvienn to Tamo'nar was rushing to aid Padrini with holding down the struggling aide who had thrown the poisoned knife.   

Was that really Telmuk!?   Rayek stared uncomprehendingly towards the pinned Romulan. 

To his relief, Tess had called for a site-to-site transport and within a heartbeat both she and Latihk were gone. 



(Telmuk as Rhienn)

The moment he let fly the dagger, he spotted the blackmarketeer, Aefau, moving to intercept.  No. NO. NO!!  Fvadt!  Why did it seem everyone was willing to sacrifice themselves for his brother?!  It was like the Elements were conspiring to keep Rayek alive.

Telmuk watched, with mixed feelings, as his brother was shoved out of the way.  Aefau was struck with the blade in the shoulder.  What a waste.  But maybe all was not lost.  Rayek's head had struck the ground hard and for a moment he didn't move.  Maybe it would be enough to do the job?

With his attention focused on the two Romulans in front of him, Telmuk only had a moments warning of the doctor rushing him from behind when he heard the man shouting Tess' name.   The movement of the medkit passing by him on the floor, drew his suspicious attention - thinking it some sort of weapon - and kept him from turning to face the doctor.  The attack came from behind and Telmuk was shoved to the ground. 

Tal'Shiar training should have made it easy for Telmuk to get loose from the human, but in his fall he too had struck his head on one of stone blocks that made up the fighting arena.   He tasted coppery blood in his mouth and it seeped down into his eyes blinding him.  Dazed, he silently cursed the Elements for their favoring his brother. 

A moment later... and another was aiding the doctor in holding him down.  Telmuk struggled for a minute trying to throw them off but combined they had the advantage.  He continued to try until Security arrived.  Fvadt!  He was out of time.

There was only one thing left for him to do. Follow Tal'Shiar protocol and end his life before he could be captured. 



(Kemala t'Lhoell)

Kemala had wasted no time in getting to Latihk's side after he was struck by the blade.  She was concerned by how quickly he had collapsed afterwards.  His shaking and difficulty in breathing wasn't normal and though no one said it, Kemala suspected the blade had been poisoned.  It was the only think that made sense. 

She lifted his head onto her lap and stroked at his head as she fought back worried tears.  "You have to keep fighting to breathe.  Don't give in.  I need you to keep breathing."  she encouraged even as Tess arrived beside them.   She looked to Rayek's wife pleadingly. 

Kemala watched as the Captain and former doctor scanned Latihk with a medical tricorder.  The call for a site-to-site transport to Sickbay was a relief.  But that unfortunately didn't include her.  She was left sitting on the arena grounds covered in Latihk's blood.

She looked around.  Telmuk was effectively pinned down by Rayek's brother-in-law, Ra'hul, and the doctor who had treated him after the shuttle explosion, Padrini.  Rayek, on the other hand, hadn't gotten up from where he'd been shoved down and his gaze looking about seemed slightly unfocused.   With a shaky sigh, Kemala rose to her feet and moved to her elder brother's side.   

"You can't stay out of trouble for a moment, can you?" she joked, trying to use humor to deflect the overwhelming seriousness of the situation.  Their younger brother had just tried to kill Rayek.  How was that possible!?   "Come on.  I'll help you up.  You need  to get to Sickbay as well."

With Rayek doing his best to assist, Kemala managed to get him to his feet, just as the doors to the Holodeck opened.  In rushed a team of five Starfleet security.  Kemala smirked.  Better late than never.  That seemed to be Starfleet's motto.

She pointed towards where Telmuk was still struggling pinned by Ra'hul and Padrini.  "Take that man into custody.  He attempted to kill Commander tr'Lhoell but instead has poisoned Captain Aefau.  His name is Telmuk tr'Lhoell and he's our younger brother."  Then realizing the implications of what that meant, she added a warning.  "I would stun him and check him for a poison capsule.  He's likely a Tal'Shiar agent with orders to suicide if captured."

As if her words were the prompt for action, she saw her younger brother bite down in an exaggerated snap.  "Telmuk! No!"

Her words were echoed by Rayek who also shouted "Telmuk! Don't do it!"  and another voice who encouraged him to live  - much like how she had encouraged Latihk earlier. 

Rayek tried to hobble towards the pinned Romulan, but would have collapsed again if not for her steadying him. Kemala watched her younger brother with baited breath for any sign of reaction to the poison he'd just tried to use.

Security was quick to respond to the man's sudden action.  With precise aiming, they stunned Telmuk, who was still held down by Padrini and Ra'hul.  But had they managed to stun him in time?  Or was poison coursing through his body even as he lay unconscious?
 

(Taheen)
Taheen watched the chaos unfold in the coliseum as she struggled to sit up after the doctor left her side to tackle down Rhienn.   She didn't understand what was going on. 

It was only as security arrived and Kemala briefed them on the situation that Taheen got any sort of explanation.   Rhienn was actually Telmuk??  And he was the Tal'Shiar agent sent to assassinate Rayek??  His own brother?? 

Taheen heard the loud clack of teeth as Rhienn bit down hard almost immediately after Kemala gave her warning to the security team.  That he was trying to take his own life, filled Taheen with panic.  No!  What he'd done was wrong, but he didn't deserve to die.  She wanted him to live!   Taheen called out in an attempt to get him not rethink his suicide attempt.

"No! Rhienn... I mean Telmuk... Don't! Spit it out! We have so much still to talk about. You can't die on me yet!"

For a moment, before the whine of phasers stunned him, Taheen saw Telmuk turn his head to look towards her.  He opened his mouth, as if to speak but fell unconscious from the combined effect of three phaser shots before he could speak a word.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

With his attention on watching Tess' assured victory, Rayek only distantly heard Padrini's judgement of Rihan customs. It didn't surprise him at all that the man didn't understand or respect his people's ways.  Once more, reality fell short of Federation ideals for tolerance of diversity.   

But then the Romulan heard Tam'onar words to Ra'hul.  Rayek looked over towards the Son'a a bit surprised, but  acknowledged the older man's words with a nod.  "Thank you.  I did attempt to dissuade her, but she choose to accept the Challenge that Taheen issued..."

It was just after Rayek had pointed out tr'Hei to his sister that Tess made her move - hooking Taheen's ankle and taking her down.  Rayek's attention was drawn and riveted to his wife as she placed her blade against her opponent's neck.   He was oblivious to all else.   Tess has won!

"It's over!  She won!  Tess won!  Way to go, e'lev!"


(Telmuk as Rhienn)
The moment he'd tried to avoid was unavoidable.  Kemala had recognized him and called him out.  He glanced briefly towards her in alarm and then to their elder brother.  But judging from Rayek's excited shouting, the traitor hadn't heard their sister's question to him.  This would be Telmuk's last opportunity to fulfill his mission.

Without answering, Telmuk quickly strode into the fighting area - to a casual observer it might seem that he as the officiant was moving toward the pair to announce the winner; but he stopped before reaching them and bent down to retrieve Taheen's dropped honour blade.  The blade that he had laced with poison earlier.


(Kemala t'Lhoell)
It was Telmuk.  She was certain of it.  He'd looked right at her and then Rayek briefly before striding off towards Tess and Taheen.

She didn't look away from him even when Latihk murmured at her ear quietly.  "I don't understand how he's here... but that's my younger brother.  The officiant that Rayek named tr'Hei - that's Telmuk.  I'm positive."



(Taheen)

Taheen couldn't comprehend how this had happened.  She was the stronger and more trained of the two of them, right?!  How had she ended up like this? 

She felt the press of Tess' blade against her neck and knew she'd lost.  Her heart felt heavy at hearing the cheers from Rayek.  It seemed this was the will of the Elements after all. 

Taheen let out a sigh of defeat as she heard Telmuk's footsteps approaching, obviously to make the announcement official.   

No.  She would announce it herself!  Taheen lifted her head to expose her neck more in show of submission, then spoke out clearly the proper words to end the Challenge. "I am defeated.  Tess, you have the blessings of the Elements upon you.  Our issue is no more."

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

Rayek could 'read' from Taheen's stance that she was about to attack and it took a conscious effort not to leap into the midst of the two to intercept the slash before it happened.  As it was Tess just narrowly avoided the blade.   This was hard for Rayek to watch.  His cheers faded and he merely focused on the combatants.

Tess' spin kick connected with the blade and sent it clattering to the floor several feet away.  Though it wasn't a 'win', it certainly bettered Tess' overall chances.  Rayek fist-pumped in silent reaction. 


(Telmuk as Rhienn)
Telmuk on the other hand, was disappointed that Taheen hadn't landed her first strike and that Rayek's wife had managed to retaliate so swiftly.  She was a better melee-martial arts fighter than he would have suspected for a Federation Captain.

His attention to the fight was diverted when the holodeck doors opened to allow entrance to three others... well four technically, if the infant was counted.   The doctor, and two of Tess' siblings along with Rayek and Tess' son.  What were they doing here?!

In the guise of Rhienn, Telmuk answered the Ba'ku's question.  "A ritual combat Challenge that Captain t'Lhoell agree to.  Any interference on her behalf will result in her immediate forfeiture.  Do not interrupt."

Rayek looked towards Rahul with a worried expression.  "He's right.  We can't interfere." he confirmed the aide's answer before expanding on the why.  "The situation is too involved to explain fully but the sum of it is that Tess is fighting to keep our marriage intact." 


(Taheen)
Tess' kick had knocked away her blade but Taheen was confident that she didn't need a weapon to defeat the Federation Captain.  She resettled into a fighter' stance and then moved in to attack again this time with her bare hands. 

She was slightly distracted by the arrival of Tess' family and her medical colleague.  These were not the ones she had hoped would arrive to witness your defeat of Tess.  Where were Kemala and Aefau, who would understand the meaning of this Challenge and be able to put pressure on Rayek to abide by its ruling?

As if on cue the holodeck doors opened once more.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

From Rayek's perspective, there didn't seem to be any reaction by Tess to his comm.  She neither allowed him in her mind nor replied.  A furrow of concern formed on his brow as he watched Tess present herself before Taheen.  Was she upset at him for this turn of events?

It was only when she turned to look to him and offered a slight smile that Rayek's worry lessened.  He felt her reassurance reach out to him though she still kept her mind distant.  He nodded back in acceptance. 

"I-jol au, e'lev. Be careful." he near silently murmured to her through the comm.

He moved back, motioning to the aide to join him off to one side - in order to give the combatants space. 

"You researched this type of Challenge... Is there some manner of time-limit that the bout is held to if they are too evenly matched?" Rayek inquired of the aide as the two women prepared themselves.


(Telmuk as Rhienn)
Telmuk's palms itched as he walked over to stand beside his brother.  He made sure his mental walls were strengthened, uncertain if Rayek would be trying to glean information on how skilled Taheen was from him.   

The Tal'Shiar agent was unhappy.  His plans once more were falling apart; and he had no one to blame but himself.  If he'd only been more thorough with the shuttle explosion, this would all be over.   There had been plenty of opportunity on the Station to get rid of his brother... but Telmuk had used the excuse of 'studying' Rayek's habits to delay doing what was needed.  Now hesitation and the heroic actions of a single Vulcan had led to this. 

Thinking ahead, Telmuk tried to prepare for other potential opportunities.   The poisoned blade would of course be blamed on Taheen, but maybe if he timed it right, Telmuk could influence Taheen to lash out at Rayek as well when the irate husband confronted her about his wife's poisoning.

Rayek's question about a time-limit drew his attention from his predictive thoughts on what was to come next.

"No disrespect intended to your wife, Commander, but I suspect this will be over quick. You, better than most, can appreciate the difference in training between the former Empire which Taheen grew up under - and what Starfleet officers undergo."



(Taheen)
This was it!  Her moment to show Rayek how poorly he had chosen when he let himself be led astray by foreigners.   All she had to do was defeat the Federation officer and then Rayek would come to his senses!  Taheen believed that fervently.   

Because of her Vulcanoid hearing, she was aware of the conversation between the two men.  It meant a lot to Taheen that Rhienn answered so confidently about her skills.   The aide had helped her beyond measure in explaining her rights and about the Challenge process; without him she would likely still be hiding away pining for what was taken from her. 

After she returned to the Romulan Republic with Rayek, she hoped she could still keep in communication with the Free State aide.   She'd grown rather fond of the man.  That he had been willing to face Rayek in combat on her behalf was more that she would have ever believed.  She wondered if in some way he liked her.

She glanced towards the Coliseum entrance wondering if she should delay.   No, there was too strong of a chance that someone might postpone the challenge if it was not already in progress when they arrived.   She would just have to hold off on delivering the winning strike until it could be witnessed.

"I too am ready." she announced.

Rhienn took on the role of officiant.  "The fight will begin on my mark, and continue until one combatant is defeated or admits defeat."

He let his words settle for a moment, raising an arm overhead; then called out "BEGIN!" as he dropped his arm signaling the start of the combat.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Amalthea - Holodeck]

Rayek couldn't believe his ears when Tess accepted.  "What!?" He stared at her gape-mouthed like a fish for a moment.  But when she took his hand and asked him quietly to trust her, his shock deflated.  He'd asked that same thing of her many times in the past and she'd always trusted and supported him.  It was his turn to do the same. 

His hand gripped hers tightly a moment before he nodded.  "Of course, e'lev.  You've got this." he encouraged her.



Taheen watched the exchange somewhat sourly, but was satisfied that Tess had agreed.  Taheen intended to prove to all that she was the better choice for Rayek. 

"You can don the traditional garb, if you like.  But it's not required." Taheen stated as she indicated the same doorway Rayek had been directed towards.



Telmuk was incensed at what was transpiring.  He'd worked hard at manipulating Taheen to agree to this challenge.  How could she ruin this for him!?  "No!  This isn't what we discussed!" 

Hearing his own voice raised in agitation, Telmuk realized he needed to calm himself and come up with a better plan.  He took a step away and let out a long huff of frustration before trying again; speaking more calmly this time towards Tess.  "Captain, you are under no obligation to go through with this.  The challenge was issued initially to Rayek - it should be him who fights."

But it seemed no one was listening to him.  Even Rayek, who he would have thought would argue hard to protect his wife was seemingly okay with the challenge continuing... but then none of them knew about the poison.