777: Additional RP Server - paehhos︱rehabilitation-centre

Into the rehabilitation centre the tall Khellian matriarch walked. She approached the front desk, gave her name and the name of the resident she was visiting and got her pass. Unlike most of the happy families and friends visiting the centre, her business he was anything but lighthearted. As they passed the communal mess hall they saw all sorts of people mingling together. A few seemed to be families, parents getting visits from their partners and children, others were meeting relatives for the first time. It seemed all so lovely, Rilek thought as she clicked the ends of her metal finger guards together. Very soon, Rilek reached the door that read Valak i-I'Ramnau tr'Khellian. Rilek straightened out her long green dress and black pinstripe blazer to ensure she looked as sharp as ever. As the Khellian matriarch, they couldn't have a single hair out of place. Rilek headed inside without even chiming the buzzer.

At the time of Rilek's arrival, Valak was sitting on the sofa enjoying the free video games! As per regulation, the games had to be pre-approved by the facility so Valak was playing a classic game that apparently had terran origins -- Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg. What made the game so fun was all of the different types of eggs, somehow, Valak felt at home looking at them. Today, Valak was dressed in a brown suit. He wasn't exactly sure what business his sister had to discuss, but she said business so Valak was dressed for business. He was wearing a pair of round glasses with his black hair grown out quite a bit. He looked less egg-shaped and more.... shaped. As soon as he heard the door open he paused the game and stood up to greet his beloved sister! "Rh'vaurek -- err, Rilek. Jolan tru," Valak rushed over to see his much taller sibling. Rilek was well over a foot taller than the short egg Romulan. "You look radiant today, I appreciate you coming to visit me."

"I am going to make this visit brief," Rilek glanced down at her much shorter brother and clicked her finger guards together. Without another word, they made their way to the kitchen area where Valak had prepared some snacks for the two of them. A big bowl of popcorn and a large bottle of what appeared to be a fizzy drink of some sort.

"The 2 litre machine was broken so I had to get 1 litre," Valak pointed to the bottles. "And the popcorn has mollusk salt on it, your favourite," He said with his wide doe eyes that made him look pathetic in Rilek's opinion. Everything Valak did just screamed try-hard. He had always been like that.

Rilek didn't comment, but she did grab the bottle and bowl and bring them both to the table. Valak had intended the bottle be shared (poured into cups), but Rilek popped open the cap and began just drinking it directly from the bottle. Not even offering it to Valak. It was doubly impressive since Rilek had her finger guards on. Valak was both scared and in awe at his sister's dexterity with the accessories.

"O-Ohh umm," Valak shuffled over to the table and took a seat across from Rilek. His eyes looked down at the bowl of popcorn and then up at Rilek. He was trying not to look so nervous, but he was so nervous. "What is the matter, dearest sister?" Valak asked, taking a deep breath as he braced himself for the answer.

"Our house has committed unspeakable atrocities. It is the shame of the Khellians and as the matriarch, I am left to absorb all the blame. I cannot continue like this, Valak," Rilek put the bottle down and grimaced. She put the cap back on and pushed the bottle to the side of the table so she could grab a handful of popcorn and start munching. Valak was not eating, but Rilek was because she was not going to stay long so might as well enjoy the free snacks. "The Asenths are back."

"The Asenths?" So this is what it was? Was Rilek worried about their former 'ally' house coming back to bite them? It made sense considering what Valak knew about the house. "How unfortunate, dear sister. They are like Cardassian voles, you crush one, the come back stronger. They are our beasts of burden," Valak snarled, knowing very well who he was repeating and what he was saying when he used that term. "Their former head, Terrh is a foolish man, his child Jinsol is no better. Jinsol and Rai might as well be competing for ugliest Khellian reject at this point," Valak said off handedly, clicking his tongue and shaking his head.

Rilek hid her disgust at Valak's words. It only further confirmed her reasons for coming to visit him. They kept a poker face though, munching the popcorn as Valak spewed his nonsense. "Bold of someone who handed our family to an Asenth to begin with," Rilek retorted, eyes narrowing as she stared right into Valak's round almond-shaped eyes.

"I was leading them on. I was hoping them being named head of house would make you angry enought to come back and claim your place," Valak did a very defiant inhale and crossed his arms. He was not here to argue with his sister, but he would if that's what this 'business' entailed. "But I understand, you didn't want that. I was angry at the time, but now seeing how strong you have become I think it was the best decision," Valak said, hoping a little flattery would bring down the tensions.

"Save the sweet talk, Valak," Rilek snapped, stopping her munching to slap her hand on the table. She knew what Valak was going to do and she wasn't going to let him deflect from the issue at hand. "Back on topic. The Asenths are back and I believe amending the ties between our houses is long overdue. The Khellians have manipulated and used the Asenths for our own political gains and it is only right to offer reparations," Rilek didn't care if Valak didn't agree and she had a feeling he would not.

"... Reparations," Valak sighed, looking away when he said the word. The idea of giving anything back to anyone made Valak's anger fume. He spent his whole life fighting for what he wanted, his military career, his family, to keep his beloved Star Empire alive. He would be dead before he let anyone take what he felt he rightfully deserved from him. "What can we give the Asenths? Who is still alive? Terrh? Jinsol? Don't tell me you're letting them move in with us. Terrh should be in here with me, he murdered people. He killed numerous people, one being his conspirator, and he tried to kill another. He had a child with a Vulcan as well, he is a man without honour and his kids were all ugly too. Jinsol was the ugliest," Valak stopped himself before he rambled too much, but he had so much hatred for the Asenths. They had only caused the Khellians stress and for so many years he thought the Khellians should have just murdered them all. "And Jinsol, oh Jinsol, my former colleague. A sell out to the Republic. Disgusting. And very stupid."

"Those are some big words coming from a man as small as you," Rilek squinted her eyes and pretended to 'pinch' Valak with her two fingers. "Jinsol and Terrh are both well over a foot taller than you and if I recall.. Jinsol got better marks than you in school. Weren't you jealous of them?" Rilek asked whilst shaking her head.

"I am not. I would never be jealous of an Asenth. The crimes of that house outnumber even those of ours," Valak shook his head and grabbed the bowl of popcorn to munch on. "I don't see why we owe them anything," Valak snarled and munched aggressively.

"And one more. Kakabam. The son of the Vulcan and Terrh you had mentioned," Rilek told Valak, grabbing the bottle of soda and drinking it once again. The two aggressively ate and drank for a minute more before resuming their conversation. "So. I will get straight to the point," Rilek put the bottle down and sealed the cap. "I want to start a new age for the Khellian house. One that is built on honour and honesty. What better way to move forward and show that we want to welcome others than welcoming those we have harmed and giving them what we had stolen from them all those years ago?"

"I object! Rilek, that's ridiculous! We are not handing anything over to those Asenths, especially the Vulcan," Valak raised his voice and slapped the table.

"Oh? But you were fine with welcoming Tavaen and his family. And if I recall he also has mixed Vulcan children," Rilek responded with an unamused expression. Valak fell silent for a moment as he pondered his sister's words. Rilek was right, Valak had no objections to Tavaen returning to the family.

"Tavaen is a Khellian, his family are Khellians. The same blood runs through our veins," Valak had to take a few moments to come up with a response, but he was going to stand by his words.

"So are the Asenths. Kakabam has our house's famous golden eyes, Jinsol has the freckles that are so prevelant among us," Rilek mentioned. Although the Asenths had married into the Khellian house generations ago, the Khellian genes were still there. They just had a different name, but they were essentially all one family at that point. "This is not up for debate," Rilek stated. "Lastly, along with welcoming and recognising those we have wronged, I am also going to eliminate those who bring our house's reputation down," Rilek stood up, grabbing the bottle of soda and pushing in her chair. "Which is you. Valak. As of today, Stardate 91509.4, you are no longer a member of the Khellian house. You will be wiped from our family registrar. All of your items will be either donated or given to Kakabam and Jinsol to do with as they see fit," Rilek told Valak with a Vulcan-like monotone. No sass in her voice at all. She sounded very professional. "And do not try and contact anyone else from my family, I have told the centre to block any communications you try to send to anyone in the Khellian house. Jolan tru, Valak."

*As the words fell upon Valak's pointy little ears, his eyes and mouth hung open in shock. He... .Was no longer a Khellian? No longer Rilek's brother? Or Tavaen's grand nephew or however that relation was? He was so stunned he didn't even think to run after Rilek as she made her way out the door with the lorge bottle of soda in hand. 'Jolan tru, Valak'... no house.... This was a fate worse than death. He was houseless and most painfully.. alone.*

Down the corridor from where Valak and Rilek had stayed, was a suite for a different pair. The suite was large and had a beautiful garden just beyond the sliding glass door. It was a suite reserved only for those who had earned the privilege to spend a night or two with their loved ones without seeing any gates or fences. Access to the suite was only for the resident approved and their guest(s). The suite featured a large master bedroom with a kitchen and living room section. Just beyond the glass door was the garden that not only was filled with beautiful flowers, but provided a nice view of the forest beyond. The goal was to simulate a life on the outside, away from the guards and rules of the centre. And it was in this suite that Miral and Lhi were reuniting! Miral had been working hard the past year to order more seeds for the community garden and quickly rose through the ranks to become the head of agriculture. As a rehabilitation centre, the focus was on helping residents find hobbies and nurture skills that would be useful once they were released -- if they were ever released. Miral was one of the few who did have a release date because he showed remorse during his trial. Until that day came, Miral and Lhi had agreed to keep their meetings to video chat or visits whenever Lhi had shore leave. The sun was shining and the bedroom was filled with light.

"Deletham, it's time to wake up," Miral gave Lhi a light kiss on the cheek and ran his fingers gently along his lover's artificial ear. The night before, Lhi had proudly spoken about how he had a new ear and it did look rather cute on him. Miral did not mind Lhi's imperfections, he thought his liberated Borg partner was beautiful with or without an ear. What mattered was Lhi's kind heart and loving personality, that was his true beauty.

Lhi slowly opened his eyes and smiled when he saw his fiance laying beside him. He cherished ever moment he spent with Miral in person. They never had more than a couple days at a time, but it was something. That visit, Lhi had already spent two days with Miral. They had toured the facility, visited the community garden, Miral even showed Lhi a few new recipes he had perfected. Lhi showed Miral pictures of 777 and they even got to 'tour' the station via the facility's holodeck. Lhi rested his hand on top of Miral's and opened his mouth as if to laugh, but no sound came out. "Good morning, e'lev."

"Deletham, my most precious Deletham," Miral pulled Lhi into his arms and embraced him. "I'm sad this is our last day together. I wish you could stay longer," Miral sighed.

"I know, me too," Lhi let himself melt in Miral's embrace, closing his eyes again and breathing slowly. "I'll be back soon," Lhi still didn't know Miral's release date, but he knew it was far away. Years, probably. Maybe even decades. He would wait however long it took. "You need to get back to work and I need to spend time with my family. My mother missed me.." Lhi stated, thinking about how all three of his parents had returned to Mol'Rihan and were waiting for him at home. Although it was sad to leave Miral, he also wanted to spend time with his mother.

"And I will still be here," Miral reluctantly loosened his grip on Lhi so his fiance could get up. "Do you need help getting dressed or anying?" Miral asked as he always did.

"I'm fine, I'll wear a dress," Lhi slid out of bed and skipped over to the closet where he had put his clothes. Just as he said, he had a pretty orange mini-dress with a fluffy blue knit cardigan to wear that day! He was engaged to Miral so he wasn't too self-conscious about changing in front of him. Miral got up and got dressed as well. "You can help me with my hair though," Lhi said when he finished zipping his dress up. He grabbed a hair tie from the dresser and turned around so Miral could assist with the braiding.

"I would love to," As soon as Miral had pulled his shirt on and straightened out his messy hair, he got to work braiding Lhi's hair. The two spoke about plans for the rest of the day, Miral was going back to work and Lhi's parents had planned a theme park trip. Miral braided slowly as if that would make time stop and he and Lhi wouldn't need to part. Unfortunately, the time did come and Miral finished the braid. "How did I do?" He asked, taking a step back.

Lhi made his fast breathing sounds as the closest thing to laughter as he and Miral talked. His smile was radiant as he watched his older lover's hands work through his hair in the mirror. When Miral was done, Lhi pulled his braid over his shoulder and tilted his head to the side so he could see his new ear and the braid. "Fantastic! I look so good!" Lhi said with a brief moment of elation before he touched the other implants on his face and looked down.

Catching this action, Miral turned Lhi so he was facing him and gently kissed each one of his implants on his face and the one on the right side of his head. "Yes, you do look beautiful. Everywhere," He said with a serious tone, his sky blue eyes looking at Lhi. "Have fun with your parents today, okay? You can tell me all about it on video tonight," Miral said before giving Lhi a loving kiss on the cheek and then a more passionate one on the lips. He made sure not to let it last too long or he and Lhi would be there all morning. "The centre staff say you can stay here as long as you need to pack up your stuff. If you need anything you can call them on the console or you can call me," Miral instructed, giving Lhi a loving hug before grabbing his small bag of his belongings and heading out of the room.

As Miral was walking down the corridor, Valak was also exiting his room. Although Rilek did not end up staying the night (as he had hoped, he booked a whole 2 bedroom suite just so they could hang out), Valak had remained in the room because he didn't want to return to his quarters in the main area... and he had a plan. He quickly stepped back into the room so Miral wouldn't know he was there. Once he assumed the former tal shiar XO had passed, he emerged from his lonely suite and headed down the corridor to where Miral and Lhi's suite was.

Lhi was humming to himself as he was putting the last of his belongings into his rolling luggage. He also checked the transport tags on his alcove to insure that it was tagged in the right spots so it could be beamed back to his father's van. Lhi was a slow worker, he liked to take his time. Once that was all done, Lhi grabbed his PADD and headed out the door! His mind was filled with recollections of his passionate nights with Miral, the fun they had foraging and bird watching too! He was also thinking about the theme park! There were accessible rides that were safe even for liberated Borg! He was so excited, just bouncing along.

And Valak emerged from his suite and walked calmly down the corridor. Like a good tiny egg, he greeted Lhi with a friendly wave and a smile. "Jolan tru," He said as he approached the liberated Borg. "Going home?"

Lhi stopped his humming when someone approached him and waved right back. How friendly this very short egg-shaped head guy was being! Miral had spoken about Valak, but Lhi being the carefree guy he was, did not put that information together to see this was that guy. "Jolan tru! Yes! I'm gonna visit a theme park with my family!" Lhi said enthusiastically with a bright smile.

"Oh, that sounds so lovely," Valak said as he looked Lhi up and down, sizing him up. The liberated Borg was much taller than he had anticipated, and he probably had that Borg strength too. But something caught his eye.. "Oh, is that the suite you just stayed at?" Valak said, pointing to the suite doors that Lhi had just walked out of. Lhi turned his head to look back, and that's when-- SNAP!

Lhi opened his mouth to scream as a sharp pain rushed up his spine right before he heard and felt the loud thud of his body hitting the floor. A second later he heard a mechanical clacking noise and that's when he saw the other end of his cable lying beside him, unhooked. Slowly, Lhi's hearing and vision began to fade, he could hear shuffling and felt a light sensation before all sensations ceased. He could not see, hear, or feel.

Valak was quick to snatch up Lhi's PADD and headed into the suite. From the suite, he headed out to the open air garden and then-- to freedom! He didn't stop to look back, he had his eye on the prize, he was escaping!!!