Post #277: Reforming the Shadow

Posted on Fri Jun 20th, 2025 @ 6:46pm by Admiral Sam Fernley & Sira Talan

1,054 words; about a 5 minute read

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Sam Fernley had never aspired to the rank of Admiral, he'd just wanted to do the best job he could. His time working undercover operations against corrupt elements within Starfleet had brought him up against Section 31, he'd spent years going after that organizations more unsavoury elements, the ones who didn't listen, who didn't follow protocol. And now here he was in command of that very organization, the irony wasn't lost on him nor was the opportunity it presented, Section 31 had a record, it wasn't brilliant when you stacked it against the rules but it was relatively successful and if anything was capable of going toe to toe with the Tal'Shiar it was them, but if you could tweak the operational parameters, the protocols and make it what it could be well the potential was there and right now the deep cover operatives were all that they had when it came to intelligence gathering. So step one of Sam's master plan brought him somewhere he'd never normally be seen a club, if the information in the files he had was accurate then someone on his list of operatives was here. He found himself a table in a secluded corner where he could keep the rest of the club in view and picked up a menu.

Sira had kept a low profile since the attack on the Federation, knowing that if she was activated it was important that she maintain her cover. So she had smiled and shown a friendly face, making friends as they came in for distraction or a stiff drink. The Obsidian Flame wasn't just a cover, though. She found herself actually enjoying serving drinks and meeting new faces... which was strange for her. She had spent her life moving from place to place, one mark after another- and yet... it was a nice feeling, for now. She glanced up from the bar where she was restocking bottles when she noticed a new face enter and take a seat in a far corner. She grabbed a few napkins and a water, and made her way over to the table.

"Greetings, Admiral," she said, noting the pips on his collar. She carefully placed the napkins and glass of water in front of him. "Can I get you anything stronger?"

"Andorian brandy if you've got it." Sam said with a slight smile. Sira nodded.

"Of course, I will get that right now," she said, and headed for the bar. She quickly poured the glass, and when she returned to the table, set it carefully down on a coaster for him.

"Thank you." Sam said before putting the latinum that equated to the price on the table for Sira to collect, the top chip of the pile wasn't actually latinum but had a symbol known only to section 31 etched on it.

Talan scooped up the payment smoothly, her expression smooth and uninterested. She smiled politely and retreated to the bar. She jotted down a note on a scrap of paper, taking precaution that she wasn't seen, and quickly palmed it. Grabbing up a pitcher of water, she made her rounds, and eventually ended back at the Admirals table. After topping off his glass she left once more, leaving the paper under one of the napkins at his table.

"Mira, I am taking a break" she said, feigning weariness.

"Okay, sounds good," the other woman behind the bar said. Without another word the club owner left the establishment. She knew the Admiral would follow, she had let him know the deck and room number of the small storage room she rented where they could meet privately.

Sam had to be a little careful, being an Admiral meant he was a tad more conspicuous than the average rank and file officer, he waited a few moments before downing his drink and leaving, making his way slowly and carefully to the location he'd been given he stepped inside and waited for the door to close. "You know the drill." he said "Whatever the equivalent of name, rank and number is for section 31."

Sira took a moment to examine the man before her before speaking. She knew enough to know that he was what he appeared, but it wasn't normal to be approached in public, risking her exposure. Finally she pushed off from the wall upon which she has been leaning and spoke.

"My name is Lieutenant Sira Talan, code number 4457114.25. I was formally the member of unit Echo-12, but I believe that I am the only one still alive. My handler hasn't checked in with me in almost two weeks, so I have remained undercover until such a time as I receive orders." She sighed. "I'm assuming you're the new head, but are you my handler now as well?"

"Head yes." Sam said "Handler no, you will have a handler but it won't be me, an Admiral visiting a nightclub on the regular is going to attract attention and that doesn't help that which we do. In terms of what I want you to do, it's pretty much business as usual - that promenade out there is going to be the engine room of the Federation's economy so eyes and ears open, we need to know what's going on, who's coming and going, what their business is and what if any threats they pose. This is likely the most dangerous region of space in the whole galaxy so be careful."

Talan nodded, what he said made sense.

"I will do so. I'm in the perfect position to hear about whatever is happening. I'll be ready," she said confidently.

"Good." Sam said "And one other thing we're not the Tal Shiar so no going off and doing your own thing, that may have been the way before but it's not the way now."

"I'm good with orders," the woman said honestly. "I will make sure to listen and gather what news I can."

"All right." Sam said "Dismissed." Sira nodded, and without another word, exited the storage room. She felt like the Admiral was a no-nonsense leader, and she had to admit it was nice. She hoped that it meant she would be in touch with a handler soon.

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Lieutenant Sira Talan
Undercover
Owner of the Obsidian Flame
Section 31

Admiral Sam Fernley
Director of Fleet Security
Starbase Obsidian

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