Most
Romulans come into contact with the Internal Security Division. It
monitors the population, ferreting out signs of disloyalty and
arresting those who are or may become threats to the security and
peace throughout the Star Empire.
Internal
Security operatives have broad discretionary powers when it comes to
defining what constitutes disloyalty, as well as what is considered a
"threat to the Empire." Occasionally, they overlook offenses
that might otherwise result in the offender disappearing into the
night, never to be heard from again. This practice also makes it
difficult for disloyal citizens to be certain where and when the Tal
Shiar will act, since experience has proven that operatives are
everywhere. This atmosphere makes all citizens alert for any signs of
disloyalty.
Although
they have many operatives in place to monitor for signs of disloyalty
among the population, the citizens of the Empire are Internal
Security's greatest resource.
The
position of
Internal Security Tribune is currently vacant.
Bottom
Line: Internal Security is mostly an RPG division, but also attempts
to facilitate Tal Shiar presence at conventions and gatherings.
Loyal
Romulans report any signs of treason or disloyalty among their
neighbors, friends, and associates, allowing Internal Security to take
action to correct the situation. Offenders are typically sent to a Tal
Shiar controlled reeducation center for "conditioning and
treatment" to remove any disloyal tendencies, allowing them to
return to Romulan society as loyal and productive citizens. Anyone who
questions the Tal Shiar's decision is likely to be labeled a
collaborator or an accomplice and taken into protective custody as
well.
Some
Romulans think Internal Security has too much power and find their
tactics unnecessarily brutal; that they posses sweeping discretionary
power and persecute citizens of the Star Empire who speak their mind,
as well as conduct political witch hunts. They accuse Internal
Security of arresting individuals on a whim and detain citizens indefinitely,
they employ ruthless methods of interrogation, ranging from simple
torture to sophisticated holographic deception.
The
Tal Shiar is the feared and secretive Romulan Intelligence Service
& Secret Police, which exists to ensure the loyalty of all
citizens of the Star Empire, as well as to protect the Star Empire
from all threats, both internal and external. The Tal Shiar has broad,
sweeping powers, and its area extends to all areas of life within the
Romulan Star Empire.
The
Tal Shiar is considered above the law in many ways. In order to ensure
the loyalty of all Romulans, the Tal Shiar does not answer to anyone
except the Praetor and Subpraetor. The Tal Shiar sets its own budget,
and chooses and trains its own personnel. This secrecy allows the Tal
Shiar considerable freedom to carry out its objectives.
The
Tal Shiar expects and receives the cooperation and obedience of the
Romulan citizenry. Citizens are to be ever vigilant for signs of
disloyalty or treason, and to report the offender to the Tal Shiar.
Most people are afraid to voice opinions against anything the
government tells them. Speaking out in any way is often taken as a
sign of disloyalty and one never knows where the Tal Shiar spies are
hiding.
Agents
of the Tal Shiar also receive full cooperation from the government and
military in carrying out their work, albeit somewhat grudgingly. An
agent can commandeer whatever he or she considers necessary to
complete his or her mission, up to and including Romulan military
resources and vessels. An agent's orders are to be followed
immediately, without question- and such questioning can be taken of
signs of disloyalty.
The
Tal Shiar carries out hundreds if not more operations daily,
protecting the Star Empire from all the threats internal and external,
gathering information and developing new technologies and techniques
for protecting the citizenry.
The
Tal Shiar is a constant presence in Romulan life. Every Romulan knows
agents of the Tal Shiar are watching at all times, and act
accordingly. However, not everyone actually encounters the Tal Shiar.
For many loyal citizens, it is merely a presence, but rarely taking
action.
