The
Tal Shiar works constantly to create new technologies to assist it in
its work. This area is the responsibility of the Research and
Development Division, which designs and tests new devices intended for
use by Tal Shiar agents.
In addition, Research
and Development analyzes scientific data gathered by Tal Shiar
operatives, along with technologies from other civilizations, seeking
applications useful to the Tal Shiar and the Romulan Star Empire.
Research and Development also is devoted to the developing and
refining of new technologies and techniques for interrogation,
brainwashing, intelligence gathering, and psionic warfare. This
research includes interrogation, brainwashing, and
other techniques involving the study of the humanoid mind and psyche.
Research & Development trains Tal Shiar agents to be masters of both subtle and
brute-force interrogation techniques, allowing them to wring whatever
information they want from their subjects.
In
the RSE International, the Research and Development Division works
with the other four Tal Shiar divisions, as well as the Romulan
Information Network, creating, revising, and maintaining technical
information, schematics, and blueprints.
The
position of
Research and Development
Tribune is currently vacant.
Bottom
Line: Research
and Development is a mostly "real life" division, but can
obviously work in rpg scenarios. James Bond always needed Q's gadgets
and vehicles- likewise, Tal Shiar agents always need Research &
Development to aid and outfit them in their missions- be it new
weapons, vehicles, vessels, or techniques.
Rumor
has it the Research and
Development Division is far more concerned with producing results than
they are with observing proper safety precautions and testing
procedures. For this reason, and that the fact that their work is
highly classified, Research and
Development facilities are often located on distant space stations or
planetary laboratories, their locations a state secret known to only
the Tal Shiar and certain members of the Romulan Star Navy.
Among
the technologies worked on by the Research and
Development Division are weapon systems, defensive systems, cloaking
systems, and various types of espionage technology. Additionally, the Research and
Development Division oversee the construction of the covert fleets of
the Tal Shiar housed under Military Affairs.
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.
