The blade slid in and out three times in quick succession; each piercing the heart and lungs of Tavorr Shien. Tavorr’s eyes went wide and she could feel the warm, green blood flow from the wounds in her back. She slowly turned and looked at her assailant.

It was Hren. Her friend… her partner… her love. She gasped for air, the punctured lungs no longer capable of exchanging air. “H-… Hren… wh… why?” The light of her life started to slowly fade from her eyes. Hren simply watched, no expression on his face. “Because you are a traitor. And the Empire will tolerate your actions no longer.” Realization fought with darkness in her face as she slowly reached out to Hren. He stepped back and wiped the blade off on a towel that hung by the sink. Tavorr sank to her knees, and then fell forward onto the floor. Hren knelt down and checked for a pulse. None. He stood up and turned off the shower, then left the bathroom and got dressed.

“The Tribunal and Operational Review Committee have found no excessive actions were taken by Centurion Jox Drunis. As usual, Tal Shiar agents acted in the best interest of the Empire and it’s people; and the Centurion relieved the Empire of a grave threat. Centurion Drunis is commended for his actions and initiative; and is a testament to the undying loyalty to Empire of that organization. This hearing is closed.” The Military Justice officer stood and a chime sounded signaling an end to the proceedings.

Jox Drunis stood up tall and proud, and bowed as the Justice and Associate Justices left the bench. He then looked down at his Advocate and said “I appreciate your time, Suvu.” The Advocate gathered up her PaDD and stylus and said “Anything for my dear friends.” Her voice was icy, but that was her norm. One didn’t become a Tal Shiar Advocate for being ‘nice’. She turned and said “You are free to go, Centurion. Until next time.” and she inclined her head and walked to the doors of the courtroom and out.

Drunis took a breath and then followed. As he stepped through the door, a familiar figure stood waiting for him, hamds clasped behind her back. “Congratulations.” She said with a knowing smile.

Drunis stepped up to her and came to attention. “Commander Ves. I didn’t realize you were coming.” Hesptek Ves was the Commanding Officer of the Tal Shiar vessel Raven, and a kind of mentor to Drunis. Ves smiled and said “Stand easy, Centurion. And why wouldn’t I be? I had to make sure justice was served.” She turned and began walking, not looking to see if he followed.

He did.

“You know,-” Ves said with a somewhat disturbing smile, “- You didn’t have to kill her. She could have proven useful in the future as an informant.” Drunis shrugged slightly. “She was a true believer. She wouldn’t have betrayed her people. Knowingly, that is. No… far more efficient to eliminate the threat. I take it the rest of the network has been dealt with?” Ves nodded. “Indeed. All ships with the defectors have been seized or destroyed. Fifty-five adults and seventy-one children were detained. We executed the adults. The youths will be sent to re-education centers for processing. The operation was a success, and is now officially complete. Congratulations.” Drunis nodded once. “Thank you, Commander.” They stepped into a room and onto transporter pads. In a swirl of lights, they disappeared.

They materialized in the transporter room of the Raven. “Come.” Ves said, and she led Drunis to her office. “Sit.” she commanded and Drunis did as he was ordered. Ves sat behind her desk and said “The inquest drew some unwanted attention to you. We are standing you down from active assignments for an unspecified period. You are still Tal Shiar, and you will retain your current clearances and accesses, but I am transferring you to a Fleet vessel until such a time as you are able to credibly deny your association with us again.” Drunis expected as much. From the moment he decided to kill Tavorr, he knew that his position within the secret imperial security force would be tenuous at best. One does not kill the daughter of a Romulan politician without facing consequences… no matter how much said politician would have been embarrassed by the actions of such a daughter. “I understand, Commander. Where will I be serving next?” Ves looked down at a PaDD and said “IRW Rovarran. Chief of Weapons Control.” Drunis nodded. At least it was a Security role. “Thank you. I will do my utmost in the role, Commander.” Ves nodded. “I have no doubt. Good luck, Centurion. And I will reach out from time to time. See how you are doing.” Drunis stood and said “Not necessary, Commander; but appreciated. If there is nothing else?” The Commander shook her head. “Dismissed, Centurion.” and Drunis turned and left.

The next several hours were spent packing and making the necessary travel arrangements. When everything was done, he looked at his now empty room. Nodding to himself, he picked his travel bag and walked out the door.

Instead of going to the shuttle bay, he went up a deck to the Commanding Officer’s suite. He knocked, not pressing the chime. The door slid open and a feminine hand reached out slowly and grabbed him by the front of his uniform. Ves smiled and said “I knew you would want to prolong your departure…” and the door slid closed.

Three hours later, Drunis stepped into a shuttle and sat down in the pilot’s chair. He slid the craft out of Raven’s shuttle bay and soon jumped to warp. As soon as he was at cruising speed, he activated the comms and tapped in a security code. Soon a face appeared. =×= Admiral. It is done. =×= The Admiral nodded. =×= Good. Ves was a cancer to us. We are better off without her tainting the organization. And the body? =×= Drunis nodded once and said =×= Here with me. I will ensure the family gets the deliveries over the next few weeks. That should curtail any further complications. =×= The Admiral nodded again and said =×= Well done. Continue on your new assignment. We will be in touch. =×= and the screen went blank. Drunis made sure the course was correct and then stood up and retrieved a large knife.

He had packages to prepare.

Drunis, Tal Shiar