The intelligence review is a regular meeting at this point. The goal isn’t to talk large-scale strategy for the war - that’s already been decided - but to incorporate new findings into that larger picture.
Senior military leaders - all True Atlantean, of course - attend, either in person or by proxy through one of their Blood adjutants. Members of the intelligence service own and run the meeting. Senior Blood agents from allied surface nations have already given their reports and are here to represent their homes and answer questions. Almost a dozen languages can be spoken in this room, so well-vetted translators are present. The room is physically segmented into air and water chambers in such a way that everyone can see and hear the speakers.
Saito, after calling the meeting to order, commences with the agenda.
“First, our recent high-profile spy.”
Mina summarizes her report. “An American superhero was brought here by a Reformist member of our ninja corps. He has personal ties, or a personal interest in, one of the senior humans working at the Surface Science Center. He has been observed collaborating with Nautilus and his heir, and they seem to be working on a new invention. We are confident we have him marked, and can move to counter any meaningful action he takes - on your orders, of course.”
Saito adds the intelligence agency’s early conclusions. “We believe this spy, named Snow, will be targeting the human population of the empire. The invention may be some kind of personnel carrier for use underwater. We will continue to monitor the situation and upgrade our perimeter defenses as necessary.” He turns his attention to another agent. “I believe this brings us to the Chinese delegation.”
The Blood rises and nods. “We received reports of a drug that could induce a state of ennui or despair, with addictive properties. We received authorization to pursue the matter, as this drug might help pacify the humans and make them resist removal from the Empire. Since then, we have obtained samples. We were analyzing the makeup when the original manufacturer contacted our shell group with an offer to sell it to us in quantity.”
Saito has heard this detail, of course, but sees eyebrows raise and skins discolor around the room. He smoothly slides into the moment of doubt. “We have no evidence that this other agency knows of the empire’s involvement. We believe it’s tied to a previously active supervillain with an expansive intelligence operation of his own, so we can make no promises. I’ve personally assigned agents to confirm the details.”
The Australian agent goes next. “The surface attack will be easier with groups such as the Halcyon Heroes League fragmented or absent. But recently a similar group, the Beauty Boyz, has started recruiting new heroes. I have to imagine other superhero organizations elsewhere are similarly growing their numbers. We gathered intelligence on the Australian supervillain community, but I’d like to ask what we’re doing about this?”
Saito nods. “The plan is to stir up supervillain attacks near to the time of the attack, to keep these hero teams from interfering until it’s too late. Your intelligence reports will assist us in that endeavor.”
Other reports are summarized, and other questions are asked and answered.
Saito feels good about almost every part of this. Young Leo Snow’s mission has finally been exposed - contact Ji-a Lee - and he now has agents monitoring her. The boy himself is now boxed in by ninja observers. The only nagging doubt he harbors is the source of the control drug. While it’s useful, it’s almost too useful. Plus, its mysterious manufacturer identified members of his intelligence apparatus.
Perhaps this deserves some personal attention.