How I joined the Maquis - Seska, the Spy
Seska's first day in the Obsidian Order
Seska checked her appearance in the mirror for the fifteenth time before she was happy. It was her first day as a security operative in the Obsidian Order. The great Enabran Tain had chosen her from all the other students at the Bamarren Institute.
She had timed her walk from her hostel to the underground bunker. Seska had to leave at exactly seven-thirty to arrive at the office on time. Seska had high standards so she found it difficult to find a roommate she could tolerate. After checking herself in the mirror for the last time she left for work.
When she reached the bunker she couldn't find the entrance. She walked around the perimeter twice. There was no way that she was going to contact them and ask for help, she would find it herself or go home. Luckily another Operative arrived. He went straight to a tree and opened a panel. It was a box with coloured switches. Seska moved closer so she could see the sequence. He pressed the 'Red switch twice; Green once and the yellow switch three times. The ground started to shake then it sank to reveal a staircase. After he cleared the stairs, the ground returned to its normal appearance.
Today was her lucky day, Seska copied the same routine then walked down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, there was a large room with individual desks and chairs in lines. There was only one closed office which had to be Enabran Tain's.
There were about fifty young Operatives moving around the room with quiet efficiency. There was no raised voices or excitement. From that point, Seska knew that she'd found her home.
She walked over to the office and tapped on the door.
A deep voice shouted,"Come in!"
She turned the handle and pushed the door open. Tain didn't bother to stand, he sat behind his enormous desk and smiled at her. He looked like a gigantic toad.
"Probationer Operative, ready for duty Sir!"
"Are you ready to serve your country?" asked Tain.
"Yes Sir, willing and able," replied Seska.
"Are you willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done?"
"I am willing to die for my country," swore Seska.
Tain's smile was genuine this time, "I need live Operatives to do my bidding."
"I'll keep that in mind, Sir."
"Let's introduce you to your co-workers. We don't approve of Operatives socialising. When they see how useful you are, you will gain their respect."
He stood up and held the door for her. When he set foot on the main floor everyone stood still.
"Let me introduce you to our new recruit and brightest star, Seska."
The announcement met with a stony silence. Tain's laugh was genuine this time.
"Don't worry, they will thaw when you show them how well you can do your job."
Seska looked around at the expressions on their faces. She was quite sure that nobody wanted her there.
Tain stuck his head around the door, "Garak, brief Seska about your mission. I've decided that you will be her mentor.
Garak was annoyed, I don't want to train her - I'm quite happy to work alone.
"I apologise Garak, I didn't know that you have taken my place. Your feelings have no bearing on my decisions unless you want a new assignment in the Waste Ministry."
Garak bowed his head, "My apologies, I don't know what came over me."
Garak pulled a chair towards him, "Sit down, my dear. Let's start again, my name is Garak."
"I'm Seska, I work hard, learn quickly and I don't whine"
"I prefer to work alone but I am delighted to have the chance to work with such a bright star. Let's read the brief and plot your first assassination."
Seska retrieved a notepad from her bag,
Garak tutted, "I'm afraid that you will have to commit everything to memory. We don't want to leave any written records."
"Who is the target?"
"We have proof that a high-ranking official on the Detapa Council is a Romulan spy. He has been passing them information about our active operations in Romulus."
"Do you have a plan yet?" asked Seska.
"I had a few ideas in mind but now you're here to help me, we can be a little more adventurous."
"What's my role in your audacious plot?"
"Why the femme fatale of course."
Garak examined from head to toe insolently. "With the right clothes and accessories, you will look like a lady."
"Where are we going to assassinate our target?"
"He is attending a conference this week, organised by the Order. The delegates are staying at the same hotel."
Isn't a hotel too public for an assassination?"
"That is where you become involved. On the last evening of the conference, there will be a dinner. You will attend and encourage the target to drink to excess. Then you will accompany him back to his hotel room and seduce him. I will be waiting to execute him. Finally, the cleaners will call and erase any evidence of our work."
"I don't have any dresses suitable for a formal dinner."
"I will meet you tomorrow morning and take you shopping. Don't worry I have excellent taste and the Order will pay for it."
"What should I do for the rest of the day?"
"I have booked you an appointment with a hair stylist and a beautician. You will have to hurry or you'll be late."
Seska grabbed her bag and left.
Tain came out of his office, "Garak I would like a word."
Garak smiled, "He could start to ruin Seska's reputation now that she'd left the office."
Garak marched into Tain's office and sat down without being asked.
"Make yourself comfortable," said Tain, knocking Garak's feet off his desk.
"Now you come to mention it, these chairs aren't comfortable."
"They are uncomfortable for a reason. I don't want to encourage anyone to hang around my office, especially you!"
"Point taken! I expect you want to know my opinion of your new pet."
Tain waited without saying a word. Garak would give him his opinion without any pressure.
Garak couldn't wait any longer, "She is too young; too trusting and too eager to please. When we fail to complete this operation, I will repeat, 'I told you so' until you dismiss her."
"I talked to her trainers at the Institute. They all agreed that she would make an excellent operative."
"We'll see - I'm taking her shopping tomorrow for an evening dress and accessories. I need some funds."
Tain unlocked a drawer in his desk and retrieved a large box of gold pressed latinum. He counted ten bars then passed it to Garak.
"I trust that this will be enough for the dressmaker. Bring the receipts back because I have to account for all expenditure."
Seska's second day in the Obsidian Order
Seska arrived at the shop to find Garak waiting for her. He wasn't a patient man.
"You're late - Tain will not tolerate operatives with poor time keeping."
Garak tapped the door three times. The lady, who opened the door was well dressed. The warmth of her greeting showed that Garak was a good customer.
"Mr. Garak, how nice to see you. Are you going to introduce me to your charming companion."
"Madam Zorah, I need your eye for fashion once again. I have to transform this schoolgirl into a femme fatale."
"Take a seat Elim, I will choose a few gowns and allow you companion to model them for you. Then you can choose the most suitable dress for your purpose."
"Make them provocative but not slutty."
"I have the perfect dress in mind. Come along dear and take off those dreadful clothes."
Madam Zorah returned to the changing room and handed a midnight blue, evening gown to Seska.
"Try it on and show Mr. Garak how lovely you are. I've included shoes and underwear."
When she was ready, Seska walked out to check with Garak that it was suitable.
Garak took one look and nodded, "You have outdone yourself again, Madam. Pack it up and charge it to the Order."
He handed Madam an envelope, "This is a little thank you from Tain. We always know that we can count on your discretion.
Madam Zorah slipped the envelope into her bag, "Always a pleasure Mr. Garak!"
Seska was buzzing with excitement about her first operation so she talked nonstop. Garak didn't say a word on their walk back to the bunker.
They arrived at the office in time for lunch. Garak gave Seska a folder of background information on Councillor Tamar.
"I want you to learn everything about our target. He is a politician so he is suspicious and cynical. If he suspects that you are a member of the Order, you will not survive the evening."
Seska's excitement fizzed out when reality reared its ugly head. She made herself comfortable and opened the first folder.
Before she left Garak gave her some advice, "Take the folders home with you. Memorise the information then burn them. Tomorrow, don't come to the office. Spend the day watching the State News programme and find out some of the most popular literature. He is an urbane, sophisticated man.
The third day - The Preparation
Seska spent the following day as Garak had suggested. In the early evening, there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" she asked as she eased her gun out of its holder.
"Elim Garak, I have a delivery for you."
"I'm sorry Garak, I'm not dressed yet."
I'm sure they didn't have separate changing rooms at the Institute," said Garak as he pushed past her.
Seska didn't say a word and disappeared into her bedroom. When she emerged she was dressed for the operation. Even Garak couldn't help noticing how beautiful she looked. He shook his head as he couldn't afford to be distracted.
Garak picked up two small boxes and handed them to Seska. When she opened them she found a diamond bracelet and ring.
"If you're going to mix with the elite of Cardassian society, you have to look the part. Of course, they have to be returned to the Institute tomorrow."
He took the bracelet from the box and fastened it around her wrist. He gave Seska the ring to wear on whichever finger she chose. Garak picked up her shawl and draped it around her shoulders.
"You can convince them that you are a lady. They're quite gullible.
"Am I going on my own or will I need an escort?"
"Ladies do not attend these functions by themselves. I will be taking you then I will receive a message ordering me to return to work. From that moment you will be on your own until you lure him back to his hotel room."
Garak was wearing his dress uniform as a Senior Operative in the Obsidian order.
Seska's First Operation - The Evening
Garak helped Seska out of the Official Transport. Seska didn't know what was worse; going to the function with Garak or becoming a murderer. She was well aware that Garak didn't like her and didn't want to work with her. She hoped that he would change his opinion when she showed how effective and reliable she was.
As she was wearing high heels, Seska walked up the steps carefully. The host nodded to them. He couldn't hide his contempt and fear of Garak.
Garak whispered in Seska's ear. "It's amazing how many people fear the Obsidian order. One might believe that they don't want to attract our attention."
Seska smiled and looked around her, "I think you're right. Whenever I look at someone they move or bow their heads."
"Our target is over there drinking Kanar like water - I'll introduce you," whispered Garak.
"Councilor Tamar, we met last year at the charity fundraiser, last year," said Garak.
"Ah Mr. Garak, you must send my regards to Tain. He is a legend in Cardassian political circles."
"Can I introduce my charming escort, Seska?"
"Mr. Garak, it seems that you have the fortune to meet beautiful women. You must let me into your secret."
"Seska my dear, could you find us some glasses and a fresh bottle of Kanar."
As soon as Seska went to fetch the drinks, Garak started his plot to force her out of the order.
"Don't tell anyone that she is a professional escort. It's an expensive agency but as you can see they only use the most cultivated beautiful women."
When Seska returned, she poured the drinks and handed them out. A waiter came over and passed Garak a slip of paper.
He read it and made his excuses, "I must apologise, Tain has ordered me to return to work. Could you look after my companion for the rest of the evening, Councilor."
"I'd be delighted Garak, if the lady doesn't object?"
"I am grateful Sir, you will save me from an evening of boredom."
Tamar stood up and offered Seska his hand, "I believe that is the bell for dinner."
Garak kissed Seska on the cheek, "I will see you later, don't fail me."
Tamar was an entertaining companion. Seska forgot for awhile that she was working. They had to listen to a lot of boring speeches. Tamar kept up an amusing commentary about the speakers.
After dinner, they sat at a table and talked about books, art, and music.
"My hotel is close, would you like a nightcap before you go home,"
"I'd enjoy a walk after sitting down for so long - lead the way."
The fresh air seemed to multiply the effects of the alcohol. Tamar was a little unsteady on his feet. He put his arm around Seska to steady himself or so he claimed. If the circumstances had been different Seska would have enjoyed meeting Tamar again but she had a job to do.
Seska took the hotel key from him because he couldn't hold the card without dropping it on the floor. When the door was finally open he collapsed on the bed and started to snore. She checked the bathroom and the balcony for Garak but she was on her own. Should she kill Tamar herself or wait for Garak?
This could be a test. Tain was well known as a devious manipulative man who tormented his operatives. He had been head of the Order for twenty years which was a miracle for a leader in Cardassia.
Seska liked Tamar, he was witty, charming and powerful. She had killed remotely before but not personally. She scanned the room for weapons. She decided that smothering him would be most effective and cleaner. There was a suitable pillow on the bed lying next to him.
Garak had rented a room in the opposite hotel. He was watching Seska's every move. He had a wager with Tain that she wouldn't kill him herself but wait until Garak arrived. He would wait for a little while longer.
Seska knew that she had to hurry or he would start to come around. If she wanted to keep her job she had to stop thinking so much and act. Garak would be the first one calling for her dismissal.
Tamar started to groan and move around. Seska picked up the pillow and held it just above his face. Garak left his room to walk over the road to complete the operation.
Seska pressed the pillow into Tamar's face and kept the pressure on when he started to struggle. Tears slid down her face. She couldn't wipe them because she needed both hands. Finally, he began to struggle less.
Seska opened the door when Garak knocked. Tamar was dead and the pillow was still over his head so she didn't have to look at him. Something broke inside her. She started to gag so she rushed into the bathroom and was violently sick.
"The first one is always the worst perhaps you should consider undercover work. Tain has a mission that would suit you. We need someone to infiltrate the Maquis. You will to transform you into a Bajoran woman. We need you to seduce a Maquis terrorist who has been making himself a nuisance on the Borders."
Seska washed her hands and face, "You bastard, you never had any intention of killing this man."
"Tain ordered me to leave you to kill this man by yourself. It was a test of your killer instinct. Don't worry you are a textbook sociopath with psychopathic tendencies."
"I would like to be considered for the Maquis infiltration."
Seska was willing to do anything to get away from this repulsive reptile. She believed that women excelled at revenge. She would find Garak again to kill him. This time, there would be no regrets.