Space Based Weapons?
When we arent busy covering up our activities, we are quite busy exposing other peoples activities. Case in point: NASA accidentally captures photo of a TIE fighter crossing the sun. Here is the photograph they dont want you to see!
Your Mandarin also has knowledge that the Senate is under the control of a Sith Lord.

The Mandarin, whose real name is 吏恆, joined the order in 1309, and introduced the Gormogons into England during the 18th Century.
The Mandarin enjoys spending time with his pet manticore, Βάρἰκος, or Barry (who can be found in the Bestiary). When not in the Castle…well, frankly, nobody is quite sure where he goes.
The Mandarin popularized the fine art of “gut booting,” by which he delivers a powerful kick to the stomach of anyone that annoys him. Although nearly universal today, the act of gut booting or threatening someone or something with a gut boot is solely due to him.