Inspection

Posted on Mon Oct 27th, 2025 @ 2:49pm by Major Reilan & S'Ranya & Undersecretary D'Darra

Mission: Episode 3: Conflicts of Interest
Location: Romulan Embassy- Earth
Timeline: Mission Day 1 at 0000

The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the muted hum of city life beyond the embassy’s walls. The Romulan Embassy on Earth had been built to impress, an angular structure of dark stone and polished metals, a stark contrast to the softer, more organic forms of human architecture. In its central courtyard, a contingent of Romulan Embassy Guards stood at perfect attention, their uniforms pristine, their posture unyielding. The ceremony of inspection was both a formality and a statement; discipline and precision were at the heart of Romulan strength, even here, so far from home.

Ambassador S’Ranya strode out onto the courtyard’s polished stone with the measured grace of someone who had done this many times before. She was dressed in a sharply tailored Romulan suit in deep charcoal, its structured shoulders and high collar lending an air of severity. Though simple in design, subtle embellishments along the sleeves and chest signified her rank, an unmistakable reminder of her authority.

At her side, a step behind as protocol dictated, Undersecretary D’Darra carried a slim data tablet, her gaze flicking from the screen to the guards before them, then back to the Ambassador. D’Darra, ever the consummate professional, had already calculated the exact amount of time this inspection should take. She knew S’Ranya had back-to-back meetings after this, one with Federation diplomatic liaisons, another with the D’Darra and the embassy chef to discuss details of the reopening gala. Time was not a luxury they could afford to waste.

“Ambassador,” D’Darra murmured, keeping her voice low, “we are precisely on schedule. If we remain efficient, we will have six minutes to spare before your next engagement.”

S’Ranya did not acknowledge her immediately. Instead, she focused on the first row of guards before her. The ceremonial review was more than a display; it was an assessment, an unspoken message to both allies and enemies that Romulan discipline did not falter, even on foreign soil.

She stepped forward, her sharp eyes scrutinizing each officer in turn. Their uniforms were flawless, their boots polished to an obsidian gleam, their expressions impassive. Yet, she looked beyond that—seeking the minute details that might betray weakness: the slight twitch of a hand, the briefest flicker of unease behind their gazes.

As she passed, she spoke, not loudly, but with the quiet authority that commanded attention. “Name. Rank. Posting.”

Each soldier responded crisply, their voices unwavering.

“Centurion Narec. Embassy Guard Division. Assigned to external perimeter defense.”

“Centurion Vekar. Embassy Guard Division. Interior security detail.”

She continued down the line, listening to each answer, evaluating posture, tone, and confidence. Behind her, Major Reilan observed in silence. The young Tal Shiar officer had taken over security operations at the embassy, and S’Ranya knew he was watching just as closely as she was, though perhaps with different criteria in mind.

Midway through the inspection, she paused in front of one of the younger guards. His response was precise, but his breathing was just a fraction too controlled, an effort to keep himself in check.

S’Ranya narrowed her eyes slightly. “You are new to this post,” she stated, more than asked.

“Yes, Ambassador,” the centurion confirmed.

She considered him for a moment, then turned her head slightly. “Major Reilan.”

Reilan stepped forward without hesitation, his sharp, analytical gaze already assessing the soldier. He had an instinct for weakness, an asset in his line of work, though one that often made his presence unsettling.

“This one will be reassigned to internal postings until he has acclimated,” S’Ranya said. “A perimeter post requires composure.”

Reilan gave a curt nod. “I’ll see to it.”

D’Darra, standing just within earshot, checked the time. She was not one to rush the Ambassador, but neither was she keen on falling behind schedule.

“Ambassador,” she prompted, “we should move to the final row.”

S’Ranya did not acknowledge the urgency, but she did not delay unnecessarily either. She moved with purpose, completing the inspection with the same unyielding scrutiny. When she reached the final guard, she clasped her hands behind her back and turned to face them all as a unit.

“This posting is not a courtesy,” she said, her voice carrying across the courtyard with the weight of command. “You are the first and last line of defense for this embassy. You will conduct yourselves accordingly, without failure, without hesitation.”

A moment of silence followed before the assembled soldiers struck their fists to their chests in salute, a sharp and unified display of Romulan discipline.

D’Darra took a measured step closer. “Ambassador, your next engagement awaits.”

S’Ranya exhaled slowly. She had always despised being rushed. But she knew D’Darra was right, efficiency was a necessity.

With one final glance over her guards, she gave a curt nod. “Dismissed.”

As the formation broke and the soldiers returned to their stations, she turned on her heel and strode toward the embassy’s inner halls. D’Darra matched her pace, already reviewing the next item on the schedule.

Behind them, Reilan lingered just a moment longer, his sharp gaze following the newly assigned guard as he disappeared into the ranks.

The inspection was complete, but the real work was only beginning.