Imperial Naval Intelligence

The Office of Imperial Naval Intelligence (INI), despite its "Naval" designation, is responsible for the bulk of domestic and foreign intelligence gathering for the Empire. With thousands of operatives embedded throughout the galaxy, INI serves a vital role in keeping the Emperor and his government informed of the changing course of galactic affairs.

In recognition of its importance Imperial Naval Intelligence is led by a Director who ex officio is a member of both Imperial High Command and the Imperial Privy Council. The current Director of Imperial Naval Intelligence is Fleet Admiral Johann von Moekith, IPC, HC, EOE, IIM (III), GSE, GIOM, COV, CC.

The Office is subdivided into several sub-directorates, which often cooperate on intelligence gathering assignments. The most visible of these is Fleet 0, the INI's fleet size collection of capital ships, corvettes, and other auxiliary vessels. Part of this naval force is the Imperial Royal Squadron, a group of 5 scarlet-coloured capital ships that often accompany the Emperor himself. While, the Imperial Royal Guard often operates as an autonomous organisation, it's commander, currently Rear Admiral Boran Althos, is nominally under the command of the Director of Imperial Naval Intelligence.

The Imperial Directorate for Science and Research is another critical department of the Office that focuses mainly on weapons development, and will often cooperate with its civilian counterpart, the Imperial Science Bureau. The DSR also dedicates significant resources that may aid intelligence and military efforts to other fields as diverse as bioengineering, communications, particle physics, anthropology, and language research. Much of its research takes place within the confines of the Imperial Military Sector of the Deep Core, especially on its primary headquarters on The Shard. The DSR is led by High Director Prof. Dr. Weilin Xu, who holds a rank equivalent to Admiral in the Imperial Navy.

The Shard also serves as the primary headquarters of the Imperial Directorate for Special Operations, with a smaller operations facility on Imperial Centre that serves as a decoy. The DSO is the most secretive arm of the INI, and is responsible for the Office's most clandestine activities, including covert intelligence gathering, assassination, sabotage, and political subterfuge. The identity of its director and members is a closely guarded secret.