A cell was a small organizational unit, a subset of the whole, either in physical objects, or in concepts and organizations.
Vulcan operative Menos was assigned by the Ministry of Security to infiltrate a cell of synthetic biotoxin smugglers, but ultimately turned on the Ministry, after he had learned and became very proficient at the smuggler's craft, before amassing a large fortune. (ENT: "The Seventh")
Resistance cell[]
Resistance cells were key components to a successfully structured resistance organization. According to Kira Nerys, these cells were "autonomous groups of ten to twenty people." This was done in order to decentralize the movement's operation, due to the fact that "smaller groups are safer," because "[t]hey're harder to track down." She continued, "[t]hat way if anyone gets captured, their ability to compromise the organization is limited. They can't be forced to name names that they don't know," which, in turn, lessens the risk of the entire movement being wiped out in a single attack. (DS9: "When It Rains...")
The Obsidian Order was organized much like a resistance movement, having its operatives grouped into cells. (DS9: "When It Rains...")
During the Dominion occupation of Deep Space 9 in 2374, members of the crew and a group of civilians formed a resistance cell. Founded by Major Kira Nerys and Constable Odo, it eventually grew to incorporate Jake Sisko, Rom, Leeta, and Quark. The cell performed attacks against the Cardassians and the Jem'Hadar on board the station, notably trying to prevent or delay the Dominion destroying a minefield at the entrance to the Bajoran wormhole. The resistance was dissolved when the Federation reclaimed the station during Operation Return. (DS9: "Rocks and Shoals", "Sons and Daughters", "Behind the Lines", "Favor the Bold", "Sacrifice of Angels")
Groups making use of cells[]
- Alsaurian resistance movement
- Bajoran Resistance
- Cardassian Rebellion
- Iden's Rebellion
- Maquis
- Suliban
- Terran Resistance Forces
- Unimatrix Zero
- World War II