ADVENT: Dossier
Grand Inquisitor Declan Rodgers
"The most reliable way to manipulate someone is to make them think they're smarter than you are."
- Declan Rodgers
Battlemaster,
I believe it is important enough to appraise you of a development as it relates to our espionage operations on Earth, as there is a growing possibility that they will be more effectively countered. Ever since the PRIEST Division was established, we were certain that there was an intelligence component to the organization which was not made public.
We were correct in this assumption. They are a group called the Inquisitors, a religious-inspired title like others in the PRIEST Division, and they have presumably been working in field operations and conducting interrogations on captured personnel. It isn't clear, but they were being used offensively instead of primarily directed towards counter-intelligence, oddly enough.
This directive appears to be changing after Elizabeth Falka has been (quietly) suspended from her position, from what we assume was the result of the Oversight Division acting on the accusations provided by Patricia Trask. This has resulted in a high number of individuals being suspended, being questioned, and in some cases some have not returned yet.
In the interim, the Acting Director of ADVENT Intelligence is Ian Powell, who is most notable for being the former Director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. Of slightly more interest is that he was the one who oversaw the Commander during his operations during the War on Terror. It is unknown if the Commander was the one to suggest this replacement, but the connection is too obvious to ignore.
However, the new Director is not the focus now. His promotion and subsequent actions have resulted in the Inquisitors becoming more involved, including the one in charge, Declan Rodgers, who holds the title of Grand Inquisitor.
Declan Rodgers appears to have a long and extensive history within the intelligence community. His time was primarily within the FBI, and he worked primarily on counter-intelligence operations through undercover methods. He has a near perfect success rate, and despite his physically unattractive appearance, he is one of the most intelligent individuals the FBI had, and was frequently an advisor to multiple planning meetings for other operations.
He is described as a highly focused and ruthless operative, willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve an objective. Rumors have it that in his operations he became trusted enough within a powerful cartel that he was invited to their most high-level meetings. You do not become that trusted in that particular criminal organization without doing questionable things yourself. I am inclined to believe this rumor because cross-checking Human records show that there was an event where the leadership of a number of Cartels was destroyed and those operating in the United States were shut down.
Suffice to say that this man is dangerous as well as intelligent. He is one of the most physically adept Humans we have managed to record, and this has likely been improved through genetic modification. His psionic capabilities are another enhancement, though we are still unsure of how powerful he is compared to other psions.
It also seems Chief Overseer Watkins also has a high opinion of Rodgers. He's been heavily included now that the Oversight Division is going after identified EXALT personnel in ADVENT. The tasks of the Inquisitors appear to be primarily determining the loyalty of EXALT personnel (though Chancellor Vyandar has not seemed to be affected right now).
But several intercepted memos indicate that the Inquisitors are going to be taking a new proactive approach to counter-intelligence under Rodgers, which appears to be something inspired by several new directives of Acting Director Powell, which is reorienting the entirety of ADVENT Intelligence towards something we have not determined yet.
ADVENT Intelligence is likely going to change soon, and the Inquisitors are working very hard to keep whatever that is under wraps.
While it is safe to say that the Inquisitors would be utilized this way regardless of who held the position of Grand Inquisitor, having someone like Rodgers overseeing it is not ideal, and if he could be removed it would significantly enhance our chances to penetrate further in ADVENT. He does have a brother and parents, but they are likely hidden as we have been unable to locate them. He has a wife which is under his personal protection, and penetration to get to her is unlikely without significant cost.
He appears to be anticipating something to try and remove him. We will need to be careful not to walk into any traps he lays, because they will exist. We underestimate him at our peril, but we must not let him proceed unimpeded.
- Zar'Chon'ravarian'vitiary
To: Elizabeth Falka
From: Akilah Kettani
Subject: Declan Rodgers
Director,
As requested, I have compiled some information and notes we have on Agent Rodgers following his psionic awakening (detailed reports are attached). The procedure went well and proceeded without incident, and upon awakening, we have successfully determined that Rodgers has an aptitude for telepathy, which is quite useful given what I suspect you intend for him.
His Trask Level is confirmed to be sixty-seven, well within a Magus-class, and what I suspect will be more than enough for his particular position. Training is commencing and he is adapting well on his own, and conducting his own tests. Given his clearance, he'd been granted access to the Experimentation Labs to conduct trials.
At his request we have provided him with all literature on psionics (specifically telepathy), which he is using to bring himself up to an appropriate standard as soon as possible. I believe that he will only require several months to master the basics, and in the interim can be utilized for whatever position you have in mind for him.
- Dr. Kettani
-REPLY-
To: Akilah Kettani
From: Elizabeth Falka
Subject: Declan Rodgers
Thank you for the update. He's progressing well it seems. Inform him that given the war he may be needed prior to finishing training. He's too good of an agent to keep out of the field for long periods of time. Monitor his mental state as well. Of all the disciplines, telepathy is the one most likely to induce issues. I doubt he'll be affected, but keep an eye on him just in case.
- Director Falka
To: Elizabeth Falka
From: The Commander of XCOM
Subject: Declan Rodgers
Director Falka,
I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help here. If you're asking if I know who Rodgers is, I do. But I also know the names of quite a few good agents. Rodgers and I never intersected because we were both focused on completely different areas. I was in the Middle East, and he was likely somewhere in America. I've heard enough stories from reliable sources that if you're asking if he'd be a useful asset, he is.
But I don't have details beyond that. I would reach out to Ian Powell, since I know he would be more familiar with Rodgers than I am.
- The Commander of XCOM
To: Elizabeth Falka
From: Ian Powell
Subject: Special Agent Rodgers
Director,
I will admit to being pleasantly surprised you reached out to me, given that Special Agent Rodgers was not part of the organization I oversaw. While I believe that my colleague could give you more details, I presume you are reaching out to me for my own impression of the man. Declan Rodgers was one of the best Special Agents the United States ever produced from a purely operational standpoint.
You would likely not guess that if you just saw him, but that is in fact, one of his strengths. I've met the man several times, and while I know for a fact that his capabilities are extremely suited for field work, I would personally not recommend that be all he is used for. To be frank, it would be a waste of his more important talents.
He is an excellent organizer, strategist, and handler. He has a talent for constructing operational plans that I've rarely seen elsewhere. More to the point, he is completely focused on achieving the overall objective no matter what, quite similar to the Commander in many respects. While I know that he would be a highly effective Intelligence agent for ADVENT, I believe he would be more useful in charge of his own department.
If you are unsure, ask him. He will likely tell you the same thing.
- American Intelligence Director Powell
To: Saudia Vyandar
From: Elizabeth Falka
Subject: Grand Inquisitor Candidates
Chancellor,
After completing my search for candidates, I think that I have identified the one who will serve best. He comes very highly recommended from everyone whose worked with him, and most useful, he has a proper mindset for our objectives. I've attached a more complete report on his history, but after completing a thorough search, I will be putting Declan Rodgers as the nominee for Grand Inquisitor.
A condensed version of his history is that he is a highly skilled FBI Special Agent specializing primarily in undercover operations and has additional talent in organization. Having spoken with him, he's stated that he is more than willing to give up field operations to oversee a department of his own. His accomplishments include a near-perfect operational record, several cartel bosses killed personally, bringing down said cartels and information provided leading to mass arrests, and a number of illicit businesses and trades dismantled.
It seems prudent to have this individual utilizing the Inquisitors, and adding psionics to his arsenal of tools. Watkins has already given his own approval, and all that is needed is yours and this can proceed. Given the infancy and likely importance of the Intelligence Branch in the future, I would prefer to have this finished sooner than later.
- Elizabeth
-REPLY-
To: Elizabeth Falka
From: Saudia Vyandar
Subject: Grand Inquisitor Candidates
You have my approval. Good work.
- Chancellor Saudia Vyandar
Transcript of recording between Intelligence Director Elizabeth Falka, and Agent Declan Rodgers
[Elizabeth Falka]: "Come in, take a seat."
[Declan Rodgers]: "Director, a pleasure to finally meet you."
[EF]: "Likewise. Your reputation precedes you."
[DR]: "And interestingly, I cannot say the same about you, Director. What can I do for you?"
[EF]: "I wanted to speak. It's one thing to hear from others, and another to meet in person."
[DR]: "It is a better way to know someone. Reports can only convey so much. They lack nuance."
[EF]: "Useful for hard information, yes. They paint a very impressive picture of yourself."
[DR]: "I've done my best, Director. Nothing more."
[EF]: "That is apparent. But I'm curious as to your reasons. You're an ideal agent, but have a certain drive that is only instilled in people with certain backgrounds or experiences, none of which you appear to have."
[DR]: "Would you believe me if I said I enjoyed it?"
[EF]: "I would not necessarily be surprised."
[DR]: "I'll elaborate, Director. I enjoy it when people underestimate me. Everyone in my life before I joined the FBI, and it's served me well."
[EF]: "A tactic I approve of."
[DR]: "I might as well exploit it. I can't change how I look."
[EF]: "A positive outlook."
[DR]: "No benefit to the alternative."
[EF]: "Indeed. Your psionic training is proceeding well from what Kettani has shared."
[DR]: "Psionics will revolutionize the field of espionage, Director. It's important that I can utilize it appropriately."
[EF]: "That it will. From what I know about you, I suspect you're already conceptualizing ways to utilize it."
[DR]: "As are you, I believe."
[EF]: "Of course. You know of the branch of the PRIEST Division that will be the arm of ADVENT Intelligence, yes?"
[DR]: "Yes, though few details have been shared. I've been assuming I will be a part of it."
[EF]: "It would be pointless to put you somewhere else. However, given your record and experience, I think utilizing you as an agent isn't ideal. I need someone to manage the Inquisitors, and I think that you're a suitable candidate."
[DR]: "I'm honored, Director."
[EF]: "I'll take that as interest in the position."
[DR]: "Correct, Director."
[EF]: "Excellent. You will need to still be approved, but I suspect that Watkins or the Chancellor will not take issue with your appointment. You will be given control over organizing the Inquisitors as you see fit – within reason of course, and with my approval. Though I don't believe that you'll be overly radical."
[DR]: "I'll do my best to not cause conflict, I can promise that."
[EF]: "Good. You'll be hearing from me shortly."
[DR]: "Thank you, Director. You will not regret this decision."
THE PRIEST DIVISION | ADVENT INTELLIGENCE
INTELLIGENCE BRANCH | INQUISITORS
FOR INTERNAL DISTRIBUTION AND USAGE ONLY
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN ARREST, PROSECUTION, AND SENTENCING
Inquisitors,
As of the installation of current Acting Director Ian Powell of ADVENT Intelligence, there will be a number of changes in the direction and usage of this organization to better utilize our capabilities in the service of ADVENT. After consulting with the Acting Director, I agreed that his approach is the one we should orient ourselves towards due to the growing threat the aliens pose.
Recent information regarding the espionage capabilities of the Ethereal Collective, and the Zararch specifically showcase that without proper adaptation, they will eventually penetrate ADVENT to a degree that could cause significant harm to the organization. Recent assassinations such as the Japanese Imperial Family were carried out by a new type of espionage unit; Zararch defectors have revealed heavy civilian penetration in many ADVENT territories, and mechanical units designed to look and act like Humans.
Left unchecked these threats will continue to grow, and we will become reactive to when they act. This has been deemed unacceptable, and our current efforts insufficient, especially with the revelation that the former XCOM Overseer of Psionic Operations Patricia Trask has defected to the Ethereal Collective. We should assume that most, if not all information on our psionic program at this moment is compromised, and that the Zararch will exploit this.
Internally, ADVENT is facing a growing issue of internal low-level leakers and investigative activists, especially with the recent announcement of sanctions against non-compliant nations in Africa, Europe, and South America. It is unknown how many are alien operatives, moles, traitors, or pawns of the Ethereal Collective, but it is clearly an attempt to capitalize on the international media storm instigated by the traitor Patricia Trask.
These actions threaten the internal stability and integrity of not only ADVENT Intelligence, but ADVENT as a whole. These actions give away information critical to our plans, systems, protocols, and operations. It has and will lead to the deaths of soldiers and operatives. It will be exploited against us in ways we will not be able to fully predict. These individuals pose just as much of a threat to our operations as the aliens hiding among us and our citizens.
They will be made an example of and purged from ADVENT forever.
Acting against the interests of ADVENT is acting against the interests of Humanity as a whole. Such actions against us are classified as treasonous and will be punished accordingly. At this stage of the war we cannot have undivided loyalties.
Effective immediately all Inquisitors which have been deployed to assist in global operations are being recalled to be utilized in assisting the Oversight Division in purging ADVENT Intelligence, and all other ADVENT institutions of alien spies, alien sympathizers, information leakers, double agents, traitors, nationalists, and saboteurs.
It is unknown how long this operation will take, but we have been instructed we will have as much time as we need to ensure that our critical organizations are free of alien and foreign influence. This will begin in conjunction with new protocols for ADVENT Intelligence personnel specifically which will immediately strengthen the integrity of our institutions. More on these protocols will be shared shortly, but they involve blood and genetic testing, telepathic confirmations, and new internal monitoring programs.
Following the completion of this operation to the satisfaction of Acting Director Powell and Chief Overseer Watkins, the focus of the Inquisitors will shift to local (ADVENT territory) counter-intelligence with limited psionic support for field operations. This will involve assisting the creation of civilian programs designed to limit infiltration, identity theft, and alien penetration.
We will be taking a similar approach to the civilian population in purging the cities of alien influence be they in the form of alien spies, alien sympathizers, alien pawns, anti-ADVENT activists, national activists, and organizations (activist or otherwise) with a focus on disrupting ADVENT military and civilian operations will be investigated and appropriately purged.
These operations will come in conjunction with an immediate increase to the size of the Inquisitors, many applicants are in the process of being recruited and trained at this moment for the division to appropriately scale as this new phase begins. When the first phase finishes, we expect the Inquisitors division to triple in size.
Similar to the first phase, there is no set timetable on how long this operation will take to complete. Given the sheer size and scope of what we are intending to accomplish to such a high standard, full completion is not expected for a minimum of one year, with priority investigation. Major cities of ADVENT will be prioritized, eventually phasing to smaller cities, towns, and finally rural areas.
Upon completion of this operation to the satisfaction of Acting Director Powell and Chief Overseer Watkins, we will reexamine the direction and usage of the Inquisitors and may reorient our focus once more to direct intelligence support and operations. In the interim psionic support for intelligence and military operations will come from the Military and Peacekeeping Branches of the PRIEST Division, and as stated earlier, when phase two of this operation begins, it is likely that there will be a small team utilized for high-priority missions for the ADVENT Military and ADVENT Intelligence.
I have high expectations that we will be able to complete this mission efficiently and successfully. Do not forget that failure here will not merely mean a failed mission, it will put the very integrity and stability of ADVENT at risk. This is our most important assignment, and once long overdue to properly conduct. It is a significant responsibility, but I am confident in the abilities of each and every one of you to carry it out successfully.
Specific directions will be provided shortly.
- Grand Inquisitor Declan Rodgers