The Empire's secrecy machine is embodied, as you know from the Imperial Sourcebook, under the Ubiqtorate. The creation of technical, tangible items usually falls under the Analysis Bureau in its subsection called Tech. However, there exists a need for an entirely seperate section which is "black" in nature. That is to say, a section which is for the most part undisturbed by budgets, requests, demands, and other restrictive characteristics.
The Ubiqtorate, among it's described policies and modes of conduct, also contains arguably the most sensitive possession in the Imperial intelligence community. It serves as a dumping ground for projects and situations considered to be far to delicate and important for the general structure of Imperial Intelligence. This would include black operations of the highest order and matters which are deemed by the Ubiqtorate to be above the resources or competency of their subordinates. It also contains a dark, quiet, invisible corner which conducts research and development of sensitivity so great, it is determined that any project undertaken by this department, if compromised, could spell certain doom for the Empire. This little corner is called the Department of Critical Engineering, or DOCE for short...
Details on DOCE are slim indeed. This is by design. DOCE was created as a department that answers only to a special committee of Ubiqtorate members, to limit its discovery. This committee answers to the Emperor and his court of advisors. Down the line, DOCE is seperated into a different compartment, about seven. Each handles a particular project and only that project, and none know that any of the other compartments exist. The committee poses as a guidance and review board to each compartment, when in fact it also handles the assignment of projects and all which falls under that. This creates the illusion to each compartment that they are not part of a greater piece. This serves to contain any infiltration which could occur. If infiltration had ever occured, it is beleived that this system would operate perfectly.
Fortunately, the operational structure of one of these compartments is exposed for analysis. This compartment is structured almost identical to all other compartments, so it serves to be a fine example. Again, the only variations between compartments are the actual projects they conduct and the location in which they conduct them. In fact, location is a good place to start...
© 1998 Star Wars Supplement Resource Nealos