What is The Alliance?
 

The Alliance is the parent of SD-6 — an even greater, and more powerful enemy. It is chaired by co-founder Alain Christophe (CIA, retd. 1989). It was originally composed of 12 freelance agents — former intelligence officers and disenfranchised, wealthy men from the UK, Russia, Sudan, Libya, China, Ethiopia, the US and Canada. Each oversees a separate "SD" cell in their part of the world.

It presently numbers 10 directors. Former members include SD-9 head Edward Poole, who was expelled for his treachery, and Canadian member Jean Briault, assassinated in 2002 by Arvin Sloane, in a move to balance a tie-breaking vote regarding the stance of the Alliance against its adversary, "The Man."

When the Alliance directors became wary of Sloane's loyalties, its members threatened to "silence" his ailing — now, deceased — wife Emily, upon their learning of her security breach. In their eyes, Sloane's mercy-killing of his spouse could also be viewed as a move of greed, elevating him above his formerly precarious situation.