Office of Interstellar Intelligence


The Office of Interstellar Intelligence (OII) is a partially autonomous government intelligence agency tasked with Sol Central Governmental (SCG) state intelligence affairs. They are responsible for gathering, processing, and analyzing interstellar security information to provide intelligence to SolGov.

 Despite their service to SolGov, their partial autonomy and many of their controversial operations have rendered the public suspicious of the OII.


HISTORY

Founding: Seeing the need for a more efficient, organized agency to maintain intelligence affairs in Sol, the Sol Central Government founded the OII in the wake of the Sol Ministry of Intelligence. Unlike the Office of Civil Investigation and Enforcement, the OII does not answer to the SCG Security Council, and rather answers directly to the interests of the SCG Senate. The public regards the OII as a shady organization largely uncontrolled by the central government. As such, the public is highly suspicious of the OII, despite the fact it exists solely for their mandate of state security.


Gaia: The OII remained largely uninvolved (at least directly) in the Gaia Conflict, and instead maintained surveillance on internal Sol systems in case Terran forces decided to take advantage of the conflict. They were directly responsible for profiling possible Terran agents operating within SolGov. There was some controversy during this, as this was considered one of the times the public held OII's autonomy in high regard. If the OII saw a threat to the state, it didn't look the other way when removing a possible foreign agent.

Today: The OII is as shrouded as ever. There is quite some gossip on Sol core worlds if the OII actually still exists or not, but this is a subject for debate amongst them. The OII's Terran Insurgency Adjunct (TIA) Department monitors possible Terran insurgents or agents operating within the jurisdiction of the Sol Central Government. The government has reduced OII's autonomy recently. OII resources complain about the lack of efficiency in government meddling, often citing the Ministry's downfall as an example of inefficient bureaucracy. Although SolGov now closely monitors the OII, they are still shrouded in mystery only OII leaders fully understand.


OII AND THE SEV TORCH

The OII defines the SEV Torch as a region under the perview of the External Threat Adjunct (ETA) Department. The SEV Torch Region, codenamed "Slice-SB", is assigned two supervisors who are responsible for allocating information and resources to do several things, such as screening incoming data, monitoring the command and security departments' status, and preventing potential intelligence leaks. The OII generally doesn't make itself known to the crew of the SEV Torch. OII rarely visits the SEV Torch; however, the OII closely monitors the vessel. When an operative of the OII visits the Torch, it is usually preceded by a fax from the SCG Ministry of Intelligence, the former intelligence ministry that now exists as the government's  money funnel to the OII. The crew of the Torch considers OII visits serious and are instructed to treat them as members of senior command until the OII has completed its mission on the Torch.

OII AND THE OCIE

There exists a very heated rivalry between the two organizations. OCIE agents usually envy the OII due to their advanced technology and generous budget. The OII utilizes this rivalry to further their agenda. As OII leaders typically do not involve the organization in any affair they don't see necessary, they anonymously feed the OCIE information that can assist in the OII's agenda. For example, making an arrest in internal government space would count as something the OII would make aware to the OCIE anonymously; however, dealing with a fugitive operating outside of SolGov territories and perview would fall under the OII jurisdiction. In rare cases, primarily matters of state security, the OII will deploy their own operatives to deal with threats. Outside of this, the rivalry between the OCIE and OII is strong, but very heartfelt. They traditionally pull nasty pranks on each other every April 1st, June 28th, and September 21st. These pranks are usually harmless, but they are exactly what you would expect from the capability of two spy agencies. Nevertheless, OCIE and OII agents will usually have a rivalry in the rare case they are on the field together, and they will probably find excuses to prove themselves against the other.

TECHNOLOGY AND BUDGET

The OII has several research installations riddled throughout obscure areas in Sol space. At these installations, equipment is manufactured and researched, to assist with information retrieval and assisting operatives on the field. For these and other purposes, the OII is granted a very generous budget. The OII's budget is a point of rivalry between the OCIE and OII. Weapons technology used by the OII is extremely advanced, and is usually pulse laser weaponry. There are all kinds of neat things OII operatives will employ on the field, as well.

OPERATIVE STANDARDS

OII operatives are given a badge, their equipment, and then trusted with their own skills pertinent to the mission. It is important to note that operatives and probes do not have a uniform requirement, which adds to the operative autonomy. As their operatives are highly autonomous, they can also in some cases be extremely unprofessional. However, this is not to be confused with lack in efficiency and skill, as OII operatives are among the most elite in the government. It is important to note that OII operatives operating externally will usually not be given a badge, as there will be a risk of capture involved, and if an enemy were to know how important an asset/region is to the OII, it could be a catastrophic mistake. Internal threat operatives are allowed to carry their badges for use as credentials in finishing their mission.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE POSITRONIC UNION

The OII is highly suspicious of the Positronic Union and their agenda. While not much is known about OII operations involving the Positronic Union, internal sources are aware of the disdain the OII carries for the Positronic Union, and will likely scrutinize persons they suspect to be operating in the Union's interests.

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

The OII is divided into several positions.

Intelligence Probe: Absolute most basic of positions, this position doesn't even get a badge. They are humans (VERY rarely IPCs) off of the street that the OII trains, promises a paycheck, and deploys into a region that the OII has insufficient information on. This is a controversial position, but very essential to the operation of the OII. Probes generally operate within cells. It is theorized that the OII has some probes in place about the SEV Torch, but this is unconfirmed. Very little room for advancement exists from this position, as it isn't even an entry level position, rather a high-risk position in its own bubble. However, some probes are marked as promising and may be chosen for the rigorous training from intelligence probe to Security Operative. It is suspected that the OII is operating with some probes on the Torch, but unconfirmed.

Security Operative: The second most basic of positions, but the most elite. When there is an intelligence hole to be plugged, this is the position that is sent. When there is a threat operating outside of the SCG, the security operative is the one that deals with it. Besides their tactful manipulation of the OCIE, the security operative is the OII's front line in matters they consider worth their attention. Security Operatives are, for the majority, IPCs. IPCs are generally preferred over humans for this position, but there exist some scenarios. A security operative is a role that can be filled in by LVL 2 Supervisors in some cases.

Operational Operative: A very rare position, usually always human. Operational Operatives are usually deployed to regions defined by the OII, and are only deployed when a piece of OII technology needs to be repaired. Basically, they are the IT department of the OII. However, due to their technical acumen, they may be chosen to be deployed on specialty missions.

Supervisor (LVL 4): A common position. All positions that are not the above are considered LVL 4 Supervisors. The name is very misleading, as this position generally doesn't have supervisory responsibilities. Anyone who isn't a field operative in the OII is considered this positions. Scientists operating in an OII research and development facility would be considered LVL 4 supervisors, as would a janitor. Some LVL 4 Supervisors may actually be assigned to supervise a group, such as a lead scientist in a laboratory. It is important to note that they still hold the same rank structure position, however, just with supervisory responsibilities and say.

LVL 4 Supervisors are generally laboratory employees.

Supervisor (LVL 3): A huge leap from the previous level, this position is granted more resources and access to information that can help them with their job. LVL 3 Supervisors are generally commanders or second-in-command in OII facilities. If not that, they are assigned to listening posts as their workforce. They can also be assigned to intelligence hubs, but they would have nearly the same pull and weight as a janitor would in a LVL 4 facility.

LVL 3 Supervisors are generally listening post employees, laboratory facility commanders, and intelligence hub probes.

Supervisor (LVL 2): A very prestigious position. These supervisors are assigned with supervising a region. A region, as defined by the OII, can be anything. A slum on a planet could be a region, the planet itself can be a region, and the SEV Torch is a region. There can be up to three LVL 2 Supervisors responsible for a region, but usually just one. This depends on the intrigue level of the region. This position is 50/50 IPCs and humans. LVL 2 Supervisors are given access to certain resources and information that would usually get someone shot for knowing too much, and they are the most trusted of individuals. It is important to note that LVL 2 Supervisors can act in the status of a Security Operative when they see necessary.

LVL 2 Supervisors are generally Security Operatives and regional supervisors, and also Head Office employees.

Supervisor (LVL 1): There are speculated to be only a couple dozen LVL 1 supervisors in the OII. This position is highly autonomous and given access to most, if not all of the OII's resources that they can move around as they see fit. They are responsible for the cleaning and sanitization of state information, and are usually assigned as Head Office supervisory staff, and in some cases, fill in the spot for a regional supervisor. The SEV Torch, for example, would have a LVL 1 Supervisor attached to the information incoming from the mission.

LVL 1 Supervisors are generally directors, Head Office supervisors, regional supervisors, and counter-insurgency operatives.

CELL SYSTEM

The OII uses something they refer to as the 'cell system' while on missions. The cell system is employed by intelligence probes and security/operational operatives alike. This consists of operatives/probes that have no correlation or knowledge of each other meeting in a room with code names. It is imperative that operatives/probes know as little about each other as possible while on a mission. From here, they are assigned their mission and individual assignments.

CONTACT SYSTEM

On mission, cells are given a contact. This is usually a LVL 3 supervisor (always human) and the cell members must report everything pertinent to the mission to them. Operatives/probes can signal their contact, and the contact will meet them individually on the operative's terms.

VARIABLES OF ASSIGNING AN IPC OPERATIVE

There are a few important variables that must be taken into account while assigning an IPC operative. Some include: 'does this mission have a high EMP threat level?' 'what are the risks of capture?' et cetera. It is for the reason that IPC deployments are high-variable that they will often be assigned to internal missions rather than external missions.


DEPARTMENTS

The OII has departments that are responsible for each conceivable situation the OII will be involved in.


External Threat Adjunct (ETA): The second largest department of the OII is responsible for monitoring not only threats external to the SCG that may threaten the SCG, but threats internal to the SCG that may be an external threat. It is noted that monitoring of the SEV Torch falls under the ETA. The ETA will also deploy assets for intelligence retrieval in non-SCG areas. Basically, this department exists as the front-line external affairs department. Operatives in this department may undergo assignment concerning their own interests, as well as pick up missions from the TAA, TIA, and PAA. Security Operatives in the External Threat Adjunct are, for the majority, human.

Internal Threat Adjunct (ITA): The smallest department of the OII. The ITA is responsible for monitoring threats inside of SCG's purview, but is generally not needed as this would partially supplement the OCIE. This is also the department responsible for the manipulation of the OCIE, and will feed them information anonymously in order to accomplish OII goals, without the OII having to dispatch a security operative of its' own. Also concerned with handling and directly dealing with orders/instructions from the TIA. Security Operatives in the Internal Threat Adjunct are majorly IPC.

Research and Development Adjunct (RDA): Responsible for the research and development of new technologies to the OII for use on the field. Exclusively human and LVL 3-4 Supervisors. The RDA is dominated by IPCs due to their information processing abilities.

Terran Insurgency Adjunct (TIA): The OII's second most active department. The TIA is responsible for flagging and monitoring Terran activities INTERNAL to the SCG. Usually fed information from both the ITA and ETA. This department is pending review as to its' future, as it works very closely with the TAA and reports directly to them in most aspects.

Terran Affairs Adjunct (TAA): This department of the OII is responsible for monitoring the Terrans outside of SCG space. This department is concerned with reporting and processing of information obtained from the ETA regarding possible Terran affairs.

Administrative Adjunct (AA): The second smallest department of the OII. Department Managers are a part of this Adjunct, as well as some supervisors in the respective departments. Responsible for managing each department. 50/50 IPCs and humans.

Positronic Affairs Adjunct (PAA): This department is responsible for the intense monitoring of the Positronic Union. Suspected members/supporters of the PU are usually on a watchlist until the OII determines them not a threat to state security. Receives and processes information gained from their sources, as well as the ETA.

Information Analysis Adjunct (IAA): This is the department responsible for deciding what gets done with information, and directly reporting threats to the government. They are also responsible for directly overseeing the analysis and decryption of information obtained by separate departments. As such, this is the largest department. Also responsible for screening people. This is the OII's all-IPC department, much due to IPC information processing ability and analysis abilities. While it is not unheard of for a human to be present in this department, they often find the work overwhelming (or get intimidated by the sheer presence of IPCs)


RECRUITMENT

Candidates and joining: Membership to the OII is open to humans and IPCs. Human subspecies are unwelcome and rejected automatically. Human candidates undergo extensive background checks and record checks, and are highly scrutinized by the IAA before even allowed to train. Human candidates must be SCG citizens, and are rejected if there are any connections the IAA determines to be a threat, the person is either rejected or assigned as an intelligence probe. IPCs don't undergo as much scrutiny, but are rejected if there are any ties at all to the Positronic Union, or any non-SCG organization for that matter. Interestingly, the majority of the OII is IPC.

Standards for recruitment are extremely high. You will never see an "OII now hiring" poster on the street. Citizens of the SCG are placed on a cadre depending on the OII's interest. Recruitment operatives of the OII, usually LVL 3 Supervisors, will approach the candidate and attempt to recruit them. OCIE agents who the OII believe to be unhappy with their work conditions are hired, ex-military are sometimes hired, and sometimes promising citizens or government employees are recruited.

IPC Membership: The OII targets general-purpose IPCs for positions. There are several variables with IPC operatives, and they must be shackled with an OII-specific shackle to ensure their loyalty to the state. IPCs are regarded as efficient operatives, and are given a lot of freedom in their work. The OII believes that a non-general purpose IPC, even one geared towards general investigation, can be a subpar operative. OII operatives are expected to be able to adapt to any situation, and general purpose really helps this. IPCs are usually never Operational Operatives, but are usually LVL 2-4 Supervisors or Security Operatives.

Human Membership: Humans are generally hired for intelligence probe, operational, and supervisory positions. It is not unheard of for the OII to recruit humans for security operative positions, but they are definitely a minority. It is also noted that human operatives are used while dealing with external affairs always. The risk to deploying an IPC operative on an external/undercover mission can be too risky, as a smart interrogator/captor need only switch their shackles out and get all the information they need. This, by contrast, makes humans better at withstanding interrogations.

Training: Not much training is needed, as the OII generally targets people who have already had high levels of experience in the field. However, the OII does exist a training processing facility, where new and existing operatives can visit to enhance their skills, ranging from skills they can use on the field, skills that can enhance interrogation resistance, et cetera. Interrogation resistance is a very big skill that is honed into human operatives, as this is relevant information for them.

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

The OII is theoretically under the direct purview of an individual on the Senate, but they are really just a figurehead to assist the OII in obtaining resources for their needs. In reality, the OII is directly managed by a triumvirate of directors responsible for three different areas of the OII. Director A is responsible for research and development, while director B is responsible for intelligence gathering, and director C, in a purely administrative role, is responsible for the different adjuncts. It is speculated that there is a master individual even above the directors, but this is information that will likely stay in the hands of OII operatives.