NEW FACTION:
ALIEN EXTERMINATING GLOBAL INTERCEPT SYSTEM (A.E.G.I.S.)
A supra-gubernamental organization dedicated to the localization and extermination of hostile extraterrestrial and extradimensional threats, AEGIS operates above the law-and most other factions.
+AGENDA: Detect, Intercept and Exterminate hostile extraterrestial and extradimensional threats, advise and coordinate local resources towards said goal when required.
+STRUCTURE: Intelligence-gathering, advising and direct-response group.
+SYMBOL: Half of a shield with a black background and gold trim, half on an atom structure and 'A.E.G.I.S.' in white running diagonally on the shield, with half of a globe on the right side.
+MOST COMMON ALLEGIANCES: AEGIS.
+REQUISITION LIMIT: 50 (Classified).
OVERVIEW:
Formed (in its home universe) in 1959 thru a secret (at the time) consortium, AEGIS was the response to the ever-more-real exposure that the 'foo fighters' were not only real, but desiring to do lots of harm. Using technology that (by terms of real Earth at the time) was incredibly advanced and recruiting 'GateKeepers' (people who could 'open gates' and draw energy from pocket dimensions and different planes), AEGIS soon grew beyond any boundaries set by local governments and obtained power enough to make their agents untouchable by the law (although they DID maintained a strict ethics code).
AEGIS (in its home universe) was disbanded at some point after 1969 and reformed as an underground organization, debreft of its power and much of its advancements, in the 80s. When the 'Invaders' came back in 2001, it took lots of guts, luck and sacrifice for the 21st-Century GateKeepers to win the fight. (Not surprisingly, the 60's GateKeepers, when they saw the 'GateKeepers 21' series and the fate that stood before them, were a lot less than thrilled).
In the madness of the 23 Hours and the aftermath, AEGIS approached the nation's governments and made the offer: to be placed as an agency again, with the same freedoms and powers it had in the 60s, in exchange of (slightly) easier breathing when it came to hostile aliens.
The governments accepted.
Even now, with the formation of the F-SWTI and many other agencies, AEGIS still holds a position of power because of its 'above-the-law' status (F-SWTI being essentially Interpol with a looser definition of 'excessive force', the Corporations sticking to their territories and the other agencies trying to hide the dagger) and large amounts of still-classified technology (AEGIS absorbed SHADO and X-COM soon after 'the offer').
Their ace in the hole remains being the 'GateKeepers'-not quite magical, not quite psionic, but easily replicating both kinds, GateKeepers are an odd variety.
Of course, many Factions stand against AEGIS, no matter how benevolent it is-not surprisingly, a good deal of them are alien-staffed (the agencys fault, putting 'Alien Exterminating' on the name), or are conspiracy theorists (like the AOH). The real surprise is that the Moon Kingdom truly dislikes AEGIS, going so far as to call a few Alternate Senshi that were recruited 'Traitors'.
It is also of note that AEGIS does NOT has a 'kill-all-aliens' agenda (and accepts aliens on its ranks), but it has a zero tolerance policy on hostile aliens, conspiracies and factions.
STRUCTURE:
AEGIS is structured in Branches, each with a clearly defined hierarchy. Each Branch if led by the Branch Leader, followed by the Executive Officer. Reporting to them are the Division Leaders and Team Leaders. Beneath them is all other personnel, arranged by seniority and security clearance (which, when possible, go hand-in-hand).
Each AEGIS Branch is divided in three Divisions:
Tactical (Field Agents and combat vehicle pilots),
Technical (Technicians and transport vehicle pilots) and
Intelligence (Standard gathering, undercover agents and Internal Affairs as well as procurement of gear, contacts and whatnot).
AEGIS' 'Leitmotif' are the GateKeepers, which compose a large part of their 'empowered' membership (in comparison to more 'standard' powered agent types (mages, psions, cyborgs)). There are 20 5-member GK teams in constant active service, with several 'standby' GKs and a large amount of trainees. Members are occasionally swapped between Branches to promote cooperation. Whenever a task force is fielded, GK teams lead. If several GK teams are fielded, the team with most seniority leads.
Rumours abound of a 21st GK team. In reality,
'Team 21' is AEGISspeak for their Black Ops group, which is completely split off from AEGIS, their agents recruited and trained clandestinely. Team 21 takes care of 'severe' problems with surgical strikes-and if any member is captured or killed, the official AEGIS statement is that they are unregistered GKs or vigilantes.
BASES OF OPERATIONS
Every base of operations is undercover, with a number of them performing some opeation to maintain as many operatives on the vicinity as possible. There are also many outposts, supply depots and safehouses located throughout Coreline. Even if numbered for the sake of identification, AEGIS tries to maintain descentralization.
+00: New York City, USA: Located in the Gramercy Park borough, the NYC Branch utilizes the many miles of abandoned subway tunnels for rapid deployment inside the city. It's also the only Faction that ventures into the Penitentiary sectors.
+01: Berlin, Germany: This is the only Branch with Alchemists in their staff. Located near the Berlin/Neo-Amestris border, this Branch's Intelligence division keeps tabs of the N-A military and an aliens living inside Neo-Amestris.
+02: Shanghai, China: Problems arise with this Branch because of the large amount of surveillance the remains of the Chinese Government have deployed. It is, however, given more leeway than other Factions because of 'past deeds' (it stopped a Cylon invasion, for one). It is the only Branch that doesn't uses GateKeepers, all potentials transported off-country.
+03: London, Britain: This base is located in one of the less 'Steampunked' districts, right under the Harlington-Straker Studios (a little 'leftover' from absorving SHADO).
+04: Moscow, Russia: Not unsurprisingly, the Moscow Branch is the one with the most numerous (and heavily armed) Tactical Division (since it has a large, hostile-filled area to cover). It is also the one with the most supernaturals on staff (Metuselahs and the like).
+05: Paris, France: Located under a music conservatory, it differs from other Branches in that its Technical Division is mostly composed from extraterrestrials (Fraals, Aleerin and otherS). A good deal of AEGIS technology has (at least) started on this unofficial 'Shop'.
+06: Calcutta, India: This Branch has the largest Intelligence division of them all, making it the unofficial 'Eye' of AEGIS.
+07: Rome, Italy: This Branch has had a few 'crashes' with Iscariot, and probably will in the future. It has the most heavily reinforced perimeter of them all, because of that.
+08: Los Angeles, USA: Located inside (and under) the old Fox Plaza building, it is also the location of the 'AEGIS Network', a security company that is one of AEGIS' major revenue bringers.
+09: Pacific Ocean: Located on an island (classified coordinates), the Pacific Ocean Branch is in charge of two things: Technology testing and docking facility for the 'Skydiver' submarines (attack subs with fighter-launching capabilities, another SHADO remnant).
+10: Cairo, Egypt: Not much is known about the Cairo Branch, and all AEGIS members just say it's a 'normal place' (not unsurprisingly, since Cairo is -for some reason- a low-activity area). Many conspiracy theorists believe that Cairo is the main training facility and headquarters of 'Team 21', but there is no evidence to support this claim (nor mysterious activity).
+11: Tokyo, Japan: This Branch is the one that most closely resembles the 'original' (60's) AEGIS, has the most poweful GateKeepers and is in the most contested location among several hostile Factions. Located under Tategami High School (an AEGIS-funded and staffed school), the Tokyo Branch has been known to field several vehicles and devices that, even if high-tech, look as if they were made in the 60's (and probably were). This has proven effective a few times before as both an element of surprise and a measure against hackers.
Conspiracy theorists also believe Tokyo Branch to be deeply involved with Team 21. Again, there is no evidence of this face.
+12: Sydney, Australia: The Sydney Branch has the biggest repository of X-COM weapons and equipment of them all. Most of the Tactical Division is also former X-COM personnel, and not unsurprisingly, a good deal of them dislikes taking orders from the GateKeepers.
+MoonBase: Not truly a Branch, but another 'souvenir' from SHADO, the Moonbase wields several long-range starfighters and cruisers and a hefty bunch of nuclear missiles. One of the chief reasons the Moon Kingdom is so hostile towards AEGIS (or so is believed) is that all it takes is one BRanch CO going nuts to turn the Kingdom into a nuclear wasteland.
RESOURCES:
AEGIS has access to high-tech weapons and equipment, drawing benefit from various patents and affiliated companies like the AEGIS Network. Standard-issue equipment for AEGIS agents is one sidearm or power focus device, communications device, AEGIS I.D. card and vehicle. Additional equipment-heavier weapons, armor, 'refinements' for the vehicle-can be requested n a case-by-case basis (and AEGIS will carefully assess the situation to see if the request is acceptable).
Team 21 agents are given a similar kit, but generally aiming for 'low profile' (no I.D. Card, a high-powered but not uncommon weapon, vehicles with no 'refinement' options, etc).
INVOLVING THE HEROES:
AEGIS (for its most part) is a 'goody-two-shoes' alien hunting agency. Think of X-COM or Torchwood with some 60's spy movie flashiness (well, maybe not *that* much) and super-powered agents and you'll get the gist of it.
If the heroes are to be opponents of AEGIS, the three ways it might happen are that:
A) The Heroes are part of an alien conspiracy (or have been framed to look that way),
B) The Heroes are actively against AEGIS (wanting retribution for some slight, reckoning for a hurt friend, etc),
C) The Heroes witness (or prevent) an attack by Team 21.
AEGIS is not an agency without the occasional rogue agent, as well, and what they take with them can attract other, more villainous Factions.
The Heroes might also be recuited by AEGIS, either because of their 'special skills' (training, powers) or (more probably) they are approached after they survive (and stop) an alien attack. They might be assigned to a specific Branch or remain mobile, going to whatever Branch needs it most at a given moment.
USING AEGIS:
The GM can use AEGIS as either an ally or an opponent.
With feelers out for any hostile aliens and conspiracies (as well as people who can combat them), it's not hard to guess that they might be interested in the heroes if they become involved with either.
If the heroes work for some other organization, AEGIS might have a file on them. If they are 'independent contractors', AEGIS will try in earnest to to recruit them (or at least warn them of the latest Big Bad that might be interested in offing them).
When it comes to Team 21, you're one of them or you're not. And if you're not, you might as well have a 'SILENCE ME' sign on your back.
