DEFCON is an abbreviation for Defense Condition. It represents the threat or readiness currently facing the personnel aboard an Imperial station or planetary base in the context of the Royal Guard. There are five DEFCON levels:
DEFCON 5: The ship is running fine, and no enemies are around, but you should always be on high alert to protect your VIP. Your pike should be away unless the VIP is in danger, and whenever you're standing still, you should always have your arms crossed.
DEFCON 4: There is a possibility for an attack, and enemies can still be on the ship. You should constantly check your surroundings and be prepared for an attack on you or your VIP. Your pike will only be out if you encounter enemies, and you will still cross your arms when standing still. You should still be standing in the same places as on DEFCON 5.
DEFCON 3: We are now under attack. You should always be on high alert and have your pikes out anywhere on the ship except for the Bridge. During DEFCON 3, you will not be crossing your arms, and your position should be changed. The highest-ranking Royal Guard will organize defensive positions. If there is no VIP to guard, you should be on the Bridge, but you can also be sent to the Engine Room to help defend.
DEFCON 2: DEFCON 2 means that enemies have entered the Bridge or Engine Core. Your pike should always be out, no matter where you are in the ISD. Protect your VIP at all costs.
DEFCON 1: You must now evacuate the ISD with your VIP, but if your VIP wants to stay and defend the ISD, then you will stay with your VIP even if it means death.
When there are more than 2 Royal Guards on, no matter the DEFCON level, if a threat is present to your VIP, only the 2 highest ranking Royal Guards should ignite. The other Royal Guard shall body-surround the VIP and make sure they are not harmed.
The Royal Guard is an elite regiment designed to protect The Emperor, Lord Vader, and other individuals of great importance to The Empire. The Royal Guard includes two sub-branches: Shadow Guards and Saber Guards.
On Ship, Royal Guards report to the Bridge and their current VIP's location. On the Bridge, they hold a defensive position and block/choke any attackers. If needed, Royal Guards can assist at the Engine Core.
Off Ship, if there is a VIP, Royal Guards protect their VIP with their life. They are to complete orders given to them by their VIP even if it sways from Ground Command. Royal Guards hold a defensive line with Inquisitors, if their VIP is absent and prevent fire from reaching troopers.
Shadow Guard is an elite sub-battalion of the Royal Guard. They specialize in secretive assassinations and are extremely Force-sensitive, being able to fight the likes of Jedi and live to tell the tale.
Saber Guard is another elite sub-branch of the Royal Guard. They specialize in interrogations of The Emperor's most hated enemies. They are minorly force-sensitive and with their dual sabers, are a foe to be reckoned with in close-quarters combat.
Any VIP under the direct protection of a Royal Guard may be arrested by Imperial Security Bureau personnel. In such cases, the Royal Guard must stand down and comply with any orders given by the arresting ISB personnel.
In cases where the Royal Guard in question is failing to comply with Imperial laws, it is recommended to call in Shock to assist with the arrest of both the Royal Guard and the VIP.
It is important to note that the authority to arrest a VIP under Royal Guard protection is limited to ISB personnel. Junior Agents or above are authorized to conduct such arrests if they have probable cause for suspicion and jurisdiction to start a case. If personnel are directly and openly acting hostile towards ISB staff during the arrest, ISB personnel (restricted to Junior Agent+) may assume temporary command of the minimum necessary force to neutralize the threat (Activating Dark Trooper Units or Requesting a Death Trooper Squadron).
In situations where the Royal Guard is acting within their authority, and the VIP is not suspected of any crime, it is recommended to seek approval from Senior High Command before proceeding with an arrest. This will help avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain order within the Empire.
Due to the nature of the Royal Guard, Imperial Security Bureau personnel cannot assume temporary command of Royal Guard personnel. Their actions speak for the Emperor.