A cell network was the term given to an Alliance Intelligence undercover operation on a given planet. Led by a case officer based at Sector Headquarters, and run by a network leader and various area coordinators, the majority of the cell were natives living as normal citizens with families and jobs by day, and as insurgents by night.[1]
On strongly pro-Imperial worlds with heavy surveillance, open resistance was nearly impossible, making recruitment and operations extremely dangerous. In such environments, cell networks were essential.[1]
To maintain secrecy, each cell typically consisted of three members. Most individuals knew only their direct contacts—two members linked downward, and one linked upward, whose identity was often kept hidden. Orders flowed down through the network, while information was sent upward via blind drops. The top cell communicated with an area coordinator, who relayed instructions from the network leader. For security, the network leader was kept isolated from the case officer, who oversaw the entire operation and monitored for Imperial infiltration.[1]
Cell networks varied in effectiveness. Some offered critical intelligence, while others contributed through minor sabotage or information gathering. Regardless of size or output, they were a vital tool in expanding the Rebellion and undermining the Empire’s control.[1]
Sources[]
- The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook
- The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition
- Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook
- Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook