A redacted history of Vordai's career, restricted to Level 4 Clearance only, showed that Vordai was actually an Uhlan of the Tal Shiar. Throughout her career, she held an unremarkable, impeccable record. There were no arrests, no suspicious activities, and never once did she find herself under investigation specifically. Her psychological profile at the time suggested that she would continue to serve in the loyal and competent traditions of her family, if in a different branch.

Audio Recording of Debriefing on Mol'Rihan

Audio Recording of Defection Debriefing Subject: Vordai i-Ra’tleihfi t’Krediv

The recording begins with the sound of crackling static. As it clears, a faint shuffling sound of fabric upon fabric can be heard. Perhaps someone shifting in their seat. The interrogator’s voice is cold, unfriendly and unexpectedly deep.

“So, we have one Subcenturion Vordai I-Ra’tleihfi t’Krediv here. Defecting from the Romulan Star Empire to the Romulan Republic. This … interview… will serve as a debriefing.”

After a moment of silence, the cold voice begins again.

“Do we have your name correct, Vordai?”

The Subcenturion’s response is prompt, her tone full of gentle, mild amusement. Her voice is smooth, a mezzo in pitch, not too high nor particularly deep. An ordinary voice. A forgettable voice.

“Yes. I wasn’t aware we were on a first name basis, Riddor.”

“Oh, yes. We’re going to be good friends, Vordai.”

“As you say.”

“Where were you born?”

“Ra’tleihfi. Romulus.” The humor fades, leaving a tone of impatience.

“Tell us about why you joined the Tal Shiar.”

“Because I wanted revenge. The military killed my mother with their antics, but it was the Tal Shiar that ordered her there.”

“I don’t understand, you wanted revenge on the Tal Shiar so you joined them?”

“Yes.”

“Could you clarify that?”

“No.”

“And yet you’ve served… honorably… all these years.”

“I changed my mind,” she says simply. There’s the rustle of fabric on fabric again. Somone’s shifting position. The silence stretches and eventually, she continues. “I felt my loyalties to my fellow Romulans outweighed my desire for personal revenge.”

“I see.” Pause. “Why did you decide to defect to the Republic?”

“Because I was tired of grey.”

“No, really.”

“Yes, really.”

“You’re telling me that you left your career, your family–”

“My brother defected first and my parents are dead.”

“Is that why you defected? To join your brother?”

“Hardly.”

“Then answer the question.”

“All right. I defected because I was tired of yes meaning no. Of skies that were grey. Tired of the eye of the storm. Just tired.”

“And you think we’ll be better?”

“You’re certainly more idealistic. You can’t be worse.”

“Idealistic. Odd coming from a member of the Tal Shiar.”

“Former.”

“No such thing. Once intelligence, always intelligence.”

“then hire me.”

“Ha! As if.”

“It’s not your call, is it? You’re stuck here, doing interviews and debriefings while someone else is going to listen to this and make the decision. That’s fine. Let them listen. I, Vordai I-Ra’tleihfi t’Krediv hereby renounce my loyalty to the Tal Shiar and the Romulan Star Empire. I wish, wholeheartedly, to serve the Romulan Republic. In whatever way my skills can be of use.”

The speech is said in an impassioned tone of voice, determined and unwavering. For once, amusement, irritation, none of that matters. Every so often a thump can be heard, possibly an accompanying hit of the fist on the table that is surely there.

“Very pretty.” Slow applause. “I guess we’ll have to see if you’re being forthright with us then. Because with that little speech we can certainly blackmail you.”

“Only if I’m ashamed of it.”

“You really do have to have the last word.”

“Goodbye, Riddor.”

“…Goodbye, Vordai.”

Audio ends.