Officially,
the Special Operations Division handles emergency situations and
serious threats to Romulan security. Unofficially, the division
controls all Tal Shiar operations outside of the Star Empire, particularly
operations directed against other interstellar powers. This is the
most secretive branch of the Tal Shiar in part that many of its
operations are technically illegal and in violation of several
treaties signed by the Star Empire.
The
information provided by Tal Shiar spies is used to plan the Star
Empire's military and strategic operations. It is Romulan nature to
seek ways to test an opponent's capabilities and resolve before
engaging in open conflict. The Special Operations Division seeks to
test other civilizations and determine their readiness to fight
against the Star Empire.
The
division works to weaken civilizations that are or may become threats
to the Star Empire, including the Klingon Empire, the Breen
Confederacy, the Taurhai Unity, and to a lesser extent, the United
Federation of Planets. It does so through clandestine means, usually
using undercover agents or brainwashing techniques to create sleeper
agents to carry out its bidding.
The
current Special
Operations Tribune,
Chairman
tr'cav'Sanalam, has
served as Special
Operations Tribune
since 2006.
Bottom
Line: Special
Operations is almost exclusively RPG divsion. Special Operations can
work with the Diplomatic Corps to establish cross-organization RPG.
RSE does not condone the "real life" espionage or sabotage
of any other fan organization, Trek-related or not.
The
primary task of Special Operations is gathering intelligence on
civilizations and species outside the Star Empire. The Tal Shiar
employs numerous agents for this purpose, and has placed spies on
countless worlds to gather information. Generally, these spies are
surgically altered to appear as non-Romulans, although it is common
for Tal Shiar operatives to pose as Vulcans on Federation worlds or on
regions near the Federation. It is not uncommon for Tal Shiar agents
to use the information they have gathered to blackmail key individuals
on other worlds, allowing them greater access to information or
possibly compromising that world's security.
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.
