The Dawn of a New Era

[Chirakis 1]

The Dawn of a New Era 
Chirakis Kirel, Captain, SI-5

“We might have interesting visitors occasionally. We will ignore them. Security is advised. They know what to do.”
~ Captain Chirakis to Commander Coleridge

From her position in Command and Control, Kirel overlooked the commerce deck.  Civilians strolled casually through the area, patronizing bistros and restaurants, and browsing through stores. As far as they were concerned, all was well in the universe. Occasionally one of the clandestine surveillance team would pass by, impeccably blending with the others.

When she moved from command to Chief of Security, Kirel had essentially turned the department inside out and upside down.  During the first two months she assessed the quality of each officer, culled the best from the group and reassigned the others.  Though they were not aware of such training, the best began training as if they were candidates for SI-5.  From that group she chose a few for training in clandestine operations: how to blend with and monitor their surroundings. From her vantage point, Kirel spotted one of the latter enjoying Drankum’s Bar with a friend. Another strolled past stores, occasionally stopping to admire a dress.  Windows do make excellent mirrors.

Moving with the afternoon crowd, a tall Vulcan wandered past the stores and restaurants, pausing occasionally at a window to admire the merchandise, then moving on.  His finely tailored robes, embroidered with the insignia of a Vulcan house, spoke of a prominent businessman. One sleeve bore the crest of a distant Vulcan colony, and colonial colors draped over his left shoulder.  He would be addressed as Ambassador Sejak.  In reality, he was EnRiov Keshir tr’Aldani, the highest ranking and most powerful agent of the Tal Shiar, and a master of disguise.  His facial prosthetic was impeccable, his manner and accent flawless, and his Vulcan fluency testified to his expertise in deception. Even his daughter would not recognize him.

 A slight glance toward CnC and a respectful nod to Kirel elicited her nod.  They would dine together in the evening if possible and exchange information through a conversational dance while sipping the best Vulcan wines.  

A few minutes ago, Commander Coleridge had asked, “Based on your own… connections… where do you think this is heading?”  She had responded, “I will not speculate on that. It's best to allow things to flow toward you than to expect a certain thing to happen. However, I do have...  ‘connections’ that will inform us of progress.”

It was good to see a few of her ‘connections’ at work.