The Syndicate was a mysterious group featured in The X-Files TV show. They were also known as The Elders, The Consortium, and The Group. Because of their presiding over the cover-up of extraterrestrial life, they were the dark force opposing the X-Files investigators. They were meant to recall the government of Vichy France during World War II, in that they collaborated with the invading alien forces much as the French did with the Nazis out of pure self-interest.