The Analysis Bureau

The Analysis Bureau is the technical and data-processing arm of Imperial Intelligence. It is responsible for handling the enormous volume of raw information that flows into the organization from tens of millions of sources across the galaxy. Its personnel search that material for patterns, anomalies, and indicators of enemy activity, then pass the resulting assessments to the Intelligence Bureau for further evaluation and prediction.

In addition to pure data analysis, the Bureau examines, copies, and in some cases improves upon useful technologies recovered from hostile or foreign sources. It also develops selected systems of its own for the use of Imperial Intelligence.

Structure

The Analysis Bureau is divided into several specialized branches:

• Interrogation – Conducts the systematic questioning of captured personnel and other individuals who hold information of value to Imperial Intelligence. Its methods emphasize controlled, long-term results over immediate coercion.
• Tech – Responsible for the examination of enemy hardware, the determination of how that hardware functions, and the development of superior equipment for Intelligence use. Tech maintains a substantial budget and a staff of highly skilled scientists and technologists.
• Cryptanalysis – Handles all code-breaking work. Evidence of coded communication discovered by Media or Signal is transferred to Cryptanalysis for decryption and analysis.
• Signal – Examines the technical channels through which information is transmitted. Signal samples carrier waves, protocols, scan rates, and other transmission characteristics in search of hidden or compressed content.
• Media – Processes the full range of public and semi-public media within the Empire, including scandocs, newsdocs, holos, comlinks, and beamcasts. Media personnel search this material for patterns or hidden meanings that may indicate enemy plans or operations.

Function within Imperial Intelligence

The Analysis Bureau does not set strategic priorities or conduct field operations. Its value lies in the volume and quality of the processed information it supplies to the rest of Imperial Intelligence. By converting the continuous flood of raw data into usable intelligence, the Bureau enables the Intelligence Bureau to make accurate predictions and allows the Bureau of Operations to act on a solid foundation of fact.

Through the combined work of its technical and analytical branches, the Analysis Bureau ensures that little of significance escapes the notice of those charged with the security of the Galactic Empire.