Project Bronze Eclipse
An intelligence unit under the Department of Homeland Security tasked to gather information about psychics and psionic organizations. The operation is somewhat small and specialized, but has the backing of other teams networked to DHS to call when needed, particularly the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Intelligence Branch.
This division had its roots in such infamous military programs like the CIA's Stargate Project, Project Blue Book, or even the First Earth Battalion.
In the 1990's, the disparate programs coalesced under the FBI as Operation Bronze Eclipse. In practice, most "serious" agents considered the program to be a publicity stunt due to the popular television series of its time, the X-Files. It was also where the Bureau seemed to put its "wackos" and insubordinates whom they didn't want to fire, retire, or dismiss, and it was literally little more than an underfunded office or two in a dark basement what exercised little actual function. After September 11, 2001, the unit was one of those transferred under the newly created Department of Homeland Security, but it remained nugatory.
Government interest in the study of Psionics has increased lately among those who also champion a lot of conspiracy theories. Who is suddenly interested in psychic powers and for what reason is currently unknown. Depending on the level of interest and funding, this group has gone through (and continues to go through) a number of name changes. The veteran members and those they have come in contact with still refer to the group simply as "Bronze Eclipse".
Other Organizations
This government organization often works in conjunction with the civilian organization, the Institute for the Scientific Study of Psionic Phenomena (a.k.a. the Psionic Institute). Psionic Institute Scientists often consult on certain Bronze Eclipse investigations, by Bronze Eclipse agents often contract with the SSPP when security and protection might be required during experiments and investigations conducted by Institute scientists and technitians.
Yet, despite these collaborations, there are those in each organization that question and conflict with the other. Some scientists argue that Bronze Eclipse seeks to weaponize psionics or "shoot first and ask questions later" before a particular phenomenon is still being investigated. On the other hand, Bronze Eclipse agents often express alarm at what they may consider reckless behaviors that endanger national security. And some are suspicious of some Psionic Institute scientists for withholding information or obstruction of certain ongoing investigations.
Bronze Eclipse, as an agency, does not work with Verne Corporation. On occasion, Verne may poach agents, but Verne has a strict policy about doing all of its Project Pixie work in-house. There are several in the Bronze Eclipse agency that are suspicious of Pixie employees whose operations are much more clandestine. Some cases of cover-ups and conspiracies exist in which Verne may get investigated from time to time by B.E. agents.
Structure
Agents report to the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis via the Deputy Under Secretary for Intelligence Enterprise Operations (Current and Emerging Threats Center)
Culture
Over the decades, the organization has seen changes in funding and personnel. Those overseeing and working in the agency have ranged from the obsessive and nearly delusional to legitimate, curious, and grounded. Emphasis has likewise shifted in priority, but has included security concerns, conspiracy theories, and investigations.
Today, it could be considered that all of these philosophies and focuses exist in the agency in some kind of unstable equilibrium. Those who encounter a Bronze Eclipse agent could get any kind.
Public Agenda
Project Bronze Eclipse attempts to carefully tread between being a transparent, non-secretive government agency and an organization easily dismissed as frivolous or fringe. In addition, the information it gathers has to be carefully controlled so as not to frighten the public, fuel conspiracy theories, impede sensitive investigations, or threaten national security.
Assets
Unlike other security and surveillance government agencies, Bronze Eclipse agents may have access to specialized (often classified) equipment and weapons to help them deal with unique, atypical entities and individuals who possess psionic powers.
Examples include:
History
This division had its roots in such infamous military programs like the CIA's Stargate Project, Project Blue Book, or even the First Earth Battalion.
In the 1990's, the disparate programs coalesced under the FBI as Operation Bronze Eclipse. In practice, most "serious" agents considered the program to be a publicity stunt due to the popular television series of its time, the X-Files. It was also where the Bureau seemed to put its "wackos" and insubordinates whom they didn't want to fire, retire, or dismiss, and it was literally little more than an underfunded office or two in a dark basement what exercised little actual function. After September 11, 2001, the unit was one of those transferred under the newly created Department of Homeland Security, but it remained nugatory.
In recent times, there is a renewed interest in psionics, but it is not clear by whom and to what extent Bronze Eclipse plays a part.
Territories
Technological Level
Bronze Eclipse is more concerned with security and safety in an executive capacity than in a scientific one. Investigations assess how much of a threat entities and individuals may or may not be. If deeper, in-depth information is required, the agency will most often contract with the Institute for the Scientific Study of Psionic Phenomena (a.k.a. the Psionic Institute) for expertise on the subject.
Vanguard of the Fifth Front
Extra-physical Threats Center,
Office of Extra-normal Activity, Office of Paranormal Activity, Operation Bronze Shield (briefly)
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