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	Formed in [[2811]] by ComStar founder [[Jerome Blake]] to help prevent leakage of technological information to the outside and to help thwart defection of ComStar personnel to the [[Successor State]]s, this secret intelligence network would locate threats to ComStar and eliminate them before any damage was done. As per Blake's proposal, operatives would work as undercover agents within the ranks of ComStar's technicians, as well as posing as citizens. Fear of ROM helped to ensure the quick adoption of the increasing mysticism of the ComStar Order by even its most skeptical members.<ref name=CSp16/>		Formed in [[2811]] by ComStar founder [[Jerome Blake]] to help prevent leakage of technological information to the outside and to help thwart defection of ComStar personnel to the [[Successor State]]s, this secret intelligence network would locate threats to ComStar and eliminate them before any damage was done. As per Blake's proposal, operatives would work as undercover agents within the ranks of ComStar's technicians, as well as posing as citizens. Fear of ROM helped to ensure the quick adoption of the increasing mysticism of the ComStar Order by even its most skeptical members.<ref name=CSp16/>
−	Due to the actions of the more militant and mystical Primuses that followed Blake, ROM also engaged in an extensive covert war to cripple technological advancement of the [[Inner Sphere]] outside of the halls of ComStar. Through sabotage and assassination with each House blaming the others, ROM swiftly increased the slide into [[lostech]] for many technologies taken for granted in the [[Star League era]], all in the name of ensuring ComStar's mission of being the sole protector of knowledge.	+	Due to the actions of the more militant and mystical Primuses that followed Blake, ROM also engaged in an extensive covert war to cripple technological advancement of the [[Inner Sphere]] outside of the halls of ComStar. Through sabotage and assassination with each House blaming the others, ROM swiftly increased the slide into [[lostech]] for many technologies taken for granted in the [[Star League era]], all in the name of ensuring ComStar mission of being the sole protector of knowledge.
	Like many parts of ComStar, ROM was splintered by the Reformation, however as the primary enforcers of the fanatical indoctrination of the old Order three fourths of the pre-Schism ROM assets defected to the Word of Blake. This sheer numerical advantage gave them an edge in the brutal covert war with their secular brethren and against the Great Houses. This edge allowed the Blakists to [[Battle of Terra (3058)|capture]] [[Terra]] and launch the [[Jihad]] and was further enhanced when Word of Blake elected to simply pump [[Siichin]] [[Biological Weapons|nerve gas]] into ComStar ROM's [[Cairo Castle Brian|Cairo base]], killing all present and preventing any insincere converts to the cause.<ref>''The Fall of Terra'', p. 9: "Homecoming"</ref>		Like many parts of ComStar, ROM was splintered by the Reformation, however as the primary enforcers of the fanatical indoctrination of the old Order three fourths of the pre-Schism ROM assets defected to the Word of Blake. This sheer numerical advantage gave them an edge in the brutal covert war with their secular brethren and against the Great Houses. This edge allowed the Blakists to [[Battle of Terra (3058)|capture]] [[Terra]] and launch the [[Jihad]] and was further enhanced when Word of Blake elected to simply pump [[Siichin]] [[Biological Weapons|nerve gas]] into ComStar ROM's [[Cairo Castle Brian|Cairo base]], killing all present and preventing any insincere converts to the cause.<ref>''The Fall of Terra'', p. 9: "Homecoming"</ref>

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{{InfoBoxOrganization | image = | Type = Intelligence agency | Founded = [[2811]]<ref name=CSp16>''ComStar'', p. 16</ref> | Dissolved = | Parent Organization = [[ComStar]] | Headquarters = [[Terra]] }} [[ComStar]]'s internal and external security force, '''ROM''' has a reputation as among the most elite intelligence agencies in the [[Inner Sphere]]. After the [[ComStar Schism]], both the secular ComStar and the [[Word of Blake]] maintained their own versions of ROM. The origin of the acronym is unclear; it might describe the three core ComStar branches dealing with intelligence (Rho, Omicron and Mu); see Notes below. == History == Formed in [[2811]] by ComStar founder [[Jerome Blake]] to help prevent leakage of technological information to the outside and to help thwart defection of ComStar personnel to the [[Successor State]]s, this secret intelligence network would locate threats to ComStar and eliminate them before any damage was done. As per Blake's proposal, operatives would work as undercover agents within the ranks of ComStar's technicians, as well as posing as citizens. Fear of ROM helped to ensure the quick adoption of the increasing mysticism of the ComStar Order by even its most skeptical members.<ref name=CSp16/> Due to the actions of the more militant and mystical Primuses that followed Blake, ROM also engaged in an extensive covert war to cripple technological advancement of the [[Inner Sphere]] outside of the halls of ComStar. Through sabotage and assassination with each House blaming the others, ROM swiftly increased the slide into [[lostech]] for many technologies taken for granted in the [[Star League era]], all in the name of ensuring ComStar mission of being the sole protector of knowledge. Like many parts of ComStar, ROM was splintered by the Reformation, however as the primary enforcers of the fanatical indoctrination of the old Order three fourths of the pre-Schism ROM assets defected to the Word of Blake. This sheer numerical advantage gave them an edge in the brutal covert war with their secular brethren and against the Great Houses. This edge allowed the Blakists to [[Battle of Terra (3058)|capture]] [[Terra]] and launch the [[Jihad]] and was further enhanced when Word of Blake elected to simply pump [[Siichin]] [[Biological Weapons|nerve gas]] into ComStar ROM's [[Cairo Castle Brian|Cairo base]], killing all present and preventing any insincere converts to the cause.<ref>''The Fall of Terra'', p. 9: "Homecoming"</ref> The Jihad would wreak havoc as both sides of the sundered ROM, but again the secular branch would suffer the most damage. While ComStar would ultimately survive the Jihad, as part of the [[Republic Formation Treaty]] the secular Order was forbidden to operate its own armed forces or intelligence agency in return for its role in the new [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Though a number of ex-ROM members would attempt to retire, the bulk of the survivors of the disbanded agency would join the [[RAF]]'s newly formed [[Department of Military Intelligence]].<ref name=FM3085-176>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 176: "Republic of the Sphere - The RAF - Administrative Divisions - Department of Military Intelligence"</ref> ===Known Operations=== * [[Operation HOLY SHROUD]] ([[2838]] - [[2843]]): During the [[Second Succession War]], ROM assassinated over 300 of the best scientific minds in the Inner Sphere in order to ensure ComStar's continued technological superiority over the [[Successor States]]. The Great Houses blamed the killings on each other rather than ComStar. * [[Operation HOLY SHROUD II]] ([[2979]]): A similar effort to its predecessor, this operation was largely unsuccessful offensively due to improved counterintelligence by the Successor States. However, the involvement of ComStar remained undetected. ====Word of Blake==== * March 14, [[3074]]: ROM uncovers the presence of [[Hideoshi Yamika]], chief researcher for [[Buda Weapons]], on [[Luthien]] and leaks the information to the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', leading to the successful conclusion of the [[Battle of Skytower City]].<ref name=JTPL-10/11>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 10–11: "Light Machine"</ref> == Command Structure == ROM reports directly to the [[Primus of ComStar]] or the Blakist [[Ruling Conclave]] via the <span id="Precentor ROM">'''Precentor ROM'''</span>, who oversees the operations of the State Administrators, one for each Great House and major faction, who control and report on the day to day operations of ROM agents in their respective jurisdictions. == Branches of ROM == Much like the [[Com Guards]], the secular and Blakist ROM share a common origin. While the Blakist ROM has retained its traditional watchdog role and the branches associated with it, the secular ComStar had disbanded its versions and added a new branch not shared by their fanatical brethren focused on the Clan threat. === Counterintelligence (Mu/Delta) === The foundation upon which ROM was built, counterintelligence is charged with locating and eliminating infiltrators from Successor States and, after the Schism, agents from the opposing faction. Under the reign of [[Raymond Karpov]] counterintelligence received almost carte blanche to employ whatever means it feels justified to ferret out enemy agents, both factions considering such strong arm brutality worth the price of maintaining their internal security, employing among the most fanatical members of ROM. === Diplomatic Operations (Rho/Gamma) === Representing the Order's public face, the Diplomatic Operations Branch is devoted to public relations and selling the party line of its faction, pre-Reformation it was the Blessed Order's neutrality, after-wards the good intentions of each faction. Despite its soft image, due to its attendance at almost every diplomatic function across Inner Sphere, this branch is also highly adept at intelligence gathering. === Covert Operations (Rho/Rho) === Originally intended to offer advance warning of Great House efforts to infiltrate the Order, under the aegis of Primus Karpov Covert Operations swelled into a brutal suppression of Great House technology. While the Blakist version maintains its role of assassination and misinformation against their so-called heretical brother and all major and minor factions in the Inner Sphere, the secular version has focused primarily against [[Free Worlds League]] and the Word of Blake. === Information and Analysis (Mu/Mu) === With operatives stationed at every HPG facility, Information and Analysis screens all messages transferred on the HPG network for political, technical and military info of benefit to each respective faction, giving ROM an unrivaled advantage over every other intelligence agency across the Inner Sphere. === Clan Liaison/Clan Overwatch (Rho/Chi) === A specialized variation of Covert Operations exclusive to the secular ComStar, this branch maintains and supports ROM's intelligence and sabotage operations in the Clan-occupied territories. Its original title found to be confusing, the branch was renamed after the [[Great Refusal]] with its focus redirected towards the Inner Sphere based [[Crusader Clans]]. ===<span id="Blake's Wrath">Blake's Wrath</span>/<span id="Light of Mankind">Light of Mankind</span> (Delta/Epsilon) === Blake's Wrath and its renamed Blakist counterpart Light of Mankind represent each ROM's elite ground-based special forces. Made up of the Com Guards' elite and trained in conventional and [[BattleMech]] combat, every member is also highly adept at covert operations. === Valkyrie/Purifying Light (Delta/Xi) === ROM's elite aerospace special forces, Valkyrie and the Blakist Purifying Light is manned by the top three percent ranked kill ratio of Com Guard and [[Word of Blake Militia]] [[aerospace fighter]] pilots and receive the best anti-[[WarShip]] and WarShip defense training in the Inner Sphere. === ComStar Security/Word of Blake Security (Mu/Iota) === This defensive branch is charged with protecting both each respective organizations high-ranking officials and the HPG stations under their control. === Internal Obedience (Rho/Omicron) === Internal Obedience was set up during the reign of [[Conrad Toyama]] to enforce the proper doctrinal mindset and devotion to the Blessed Order among its members. The secular ComStar has disbanded this branch, while the Word of Blake has maintained it, albeit under considerable strain due to the different views of its various sects. === Spiritual Enlightenment (Mu/Psi) === This branch maintained the overall religious indoctrination preached by the old Order. Again, while the secular ComStar had no need for it, the Word of Blake ROM has maintained it, creating subdivisions catering to the codes of conduct and political views of each sect. ==Branch Insignia Gallery== <gallery> Comstarrom.png|ComStar ROM insignia Comstarrom-counterintellence.png|ComStar ROM, Counterintelligence insignia Comstarrom-diplomatic.png|ComStar ROM, Diplomatic Operations insignia Comstarrom-covertoperations.png|ComStar ROM, Covert Operations insignia Comstarrom-informationandanalysis.png|ComStar ROM, Information and Analysis insignia Comstarrom-clanoverwatch.png|ComStar ROM, Clan Overwatch insignia Comstarrom-blakewrath.png|ComStar ROM, Blake's Wrath insignia Comstarrom-valkyrie.png|ComStar ROM, Valkyrie insignia Comstarrom-security.png|ComStar ROM, ComStar Security insignia </gallery> <gallery> Wordofblakerom.png|WoB ROM insignia Wordofblakerom-counterintelligence.png|WoB ROM, Counterintelligence insignia Wordofblakerom-diplomaticoperations.png|WoB ROM, Diplomatic Operations insignia Wordofblakerom-covertops.png|WoB ROM, Covert Operations insignia Wordofblakerom-informationandanalysis.png|WoB ROM, Information and Analysis insignia Light of Mankind (Word of Blake) logo.png|WoB ROM, Light of Mankind insignia Wordofblakerom-purifyinglight.png|WoB ROM, Purifying Light insignia Wordofblakerom-security.png|WoB ROM, WoB Security insignia Wordofblakerom-internalobedience.png|WoB ROM, Internal Obedience insignia Wordofblakerom-internalenlgihtment.png|WoB ROM, Spiritual Enlightenment </gallery> ==Notes== * According to former [[Line Developer]] [[Herbert A. Beas II]], it's possible that ROM stands for "Rho, Omicron, Mu", which are the basic branches of ROM as described above: {{Quote|Fun bit from behind an old curtain (IOW, back when I was dev, during the Jihad arc): At the time, there was no official answer to this, beyond a few sourcebooks saying "the answer is lost to time" as a kind of red herring/loose thread by a writer who really didn't care to deal with it either way. Then, in some piece of Jihad-era [[BattleCorps]] fiction (by either [[Kevin Killiany]] or [[Phaedra Weldon]], I think), a group of WoB characters are sitting around talking, and ask one of their members which part of the Order they worked for. The answer was "Rho, Omicron, Mu." Now, the author's intent was just a way of having the character recite the Greek letters to spell out ROM. The author considered nothing deeper than that. Then I read it. And double-checked the old sub-department definitions. It just so happened that those three sub-department designators fit the whole organization's operations to a "T," and there was nothing saying they couldn't have been the very first three components of modern ROM. Whether this serendipity actually WAS the original creators' intent or not may never be clear, but in my none-too-humble opinion, I daresay that the author of that BattleCorps dialog hit the nail on the head and answered the age-old "What does ROM stand for?" question without even knowing it. Because, ever since then, without ever codifying it anywhere else for "in-universe" reasons, I have effectively considered that incidental remark in a small piece of fiction to be the (understated) canonical definition of ROM. So, in essence, the agency was named for the Greek designations of it three foundational sub-departments.<ref>Herb Beas' [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/general-discussion/what-does-rom-stand-for/msg1867237/#msg1867237 BattleTech forum post] about the meaning of ROM</ref>}} ==References== <references/> ==Bibliography== * ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]'' * ''[[A Guide to Covert Ops]]'' * ''[[Intelligence Operations Handbook]]'' * ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Luthien]]'' [[Category:Intelligence Agencies]]

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