Analysis Bureau (Imperial Intelligence)

Media functioned as a specialized unit within Analysis, dedicated to the processing of public scandocs, newsdocs, holos, comlinks, beamcasts, and all other forms of media present within the Galactic Empire. This unit's objective was to uncover hidden meanings or patterns that might reveal insights into enemy plans and operations. By leveraging Sector Plexus and the Imperial CompLink, Media conducted a preliminary review of all media circulating within the Empire, simultaneously. Although their routine focus was on a smaller, more manageable segment of the Empire, they made professional assessments regarding the necessity of continuous monitoring for new media sources.

Signal focused on the examination of communication channels through which information was transmitted. This involved the sampling and verification of carrier wave codes, CompLink protocols, scandoc scan rates, and holo image packs, with the aim of detecting any concealed vital information. Signal analyzed line noise to discern patterns indicative of deliberate encoding rather than random errors. Broadcasts and beamcasts were scrutinized to ensure consistency between primary and backup information, and discrepancies, if any, were carefully evaluated.

Signal gained notoriety for its tendency to overanalyze, often employing complex mathematical methods to extract nonexistent meanings from random data. Nevertheless, it was Signal that uncovered Leia Organa's possession of the Death Star plans through analysis of unshielded ELEL (Extremely Low Energy Level) transmissions originating from her vessel, the Tantive IV.

Originating from the Cryptanalysis Department of the SBI, this division held responsibility for all aspects of code decryption. All coded communications identified by Media and Signal were forwarded to the Cryptanalysis branch. Known as "lignyots," the agents of Crypt developed a reputation for eccentric and unconventional conduct. They frequently sent scandocs containing simple codes to other branches, which, if not promptly deciphered, would morph into unflattering holos. On other occasions, they attempted to breach the security of inter-branch communications, fabricating provocative messages on secure channels.

They often changed the location of their office entrances or entirely relocated their facilities, leaving behind only cryptic scandocs hinting at their new whereabouts. All communications from the new branch office to the Sector Plexus were invariably routed through numerous intermediaries, making successful tracing virtually impossible.

Their behavior resulted in complaints from other bureaus to the Ubiqtorate, who viewed it as an opportunity rather than a problem. Whenever Crypt engaged in unusual activities, another branch was assigned to investigate the matter as if it were an instance of enemy-generated activity. However, Crypt's antics subsided after one of their branch offices was relocated, discovered, and eliminated by Assassination within eight days.

Tech served as the division within Analysis responsible for scrutinizing enemy hardware, determining its functionality, and developing methods to equip Intelligence with superior technology. Tech operated with a generous budget and a team of highly skilled personnel whose moments of inspiration could translate into innovative technological advancements. However, the administration, composed of scientists and technologists from within the branch, often struggled to prioritize projects that fell outside their specific areas of expertise.

Tech excelled at analyzing enemy equipment but struggled to produce its own. When presented with hardware and tasked with understanding its workings, Tech scientists consistently outperformed others. However, the process faltered when they were required to define their own goals and success criteria for projects.

Interrogation was tasked with managing enemy agents captured by Imperial Intelligence. Unlike their counterparts in the Imperial Security Bureau, Interrogation did not rely on excessively brutal methods, as this was believed to diminish their effectiveness in extracting information from prisoners. They operated with a broader objective, assuming that the Rebellion would actively attempt to render any divulged information useless. Unless the captured agent was believed to possess vital information, interrogation was kept to a minimum.

Extensive psychological evaluations were conducted on prisoners, and direct neuroprogramming was employed on susceptible individuals. These techniques were undetectable by all but the most advanced medical probes, which were scarce and under Imperial control. Although costly, these reprogrammed Rebels proved highly reliable as double agents, providing Infiltration with some of its most effective operatives.

The Rebellion eventually became aware of these reprogrammed agents, prompting Interrogation to modify its approach. They began releasing more Rebels than before, including some who were valuable to the Rebellion, while only reprogramming a select few. As suspicion fell upon all released prisoners, the Rebellion faced a dilemma regarding whether to accept any, all, or none of them. This uncertainty significantly impacted morale at certain Rebel bases.

The second modification involved performing image surgery on a reprogrammed agent, followed by Infiltration briefing him and facilitating his integration into the Alliance as an unknown recruit. While this method was time-consuming, no agent infiltrated in this manner had ever been discovered.