[b]October 26th, 15:00
Lundgrau Special Operations Center, Utah[/b]

[hr]

Twenty three men and women sat around the conference table, another fourteen listening in through the phone at the center on speaker. Each of them was brought to the company a skill or knowledge that marked them out as invaluable in some way. Biochemists, physicists, engineers, two lawyers and an account, not to mention the top members of his security staff physically present. Raymond stood at the head of the table, arms folded behind his back as he allowed them all a moment to get acquainted after informing them that they were all now part of a new department. They didn't know the details quite yet, but that would come very shortly. For now, he wanted them to be comfortable with each other, because a good number of them would be seeing a lot of each other.

"I trust you all have had enough of introductions, so if we're all ready I'll move to the task at hand and explain why you are all here."

The room went silent as he spoke, an effect that came from being the most powerful person in the room and holding the fate of their jobs in his hands.

"As we are all aware, the world is changing, and in some ways it is not for the better. The rise of powered individuals such as Lady Arcana, Aquaman and Celerity have been lauded as a new age of vigilantism, but let us not ignore the consequences of such a rise. With new and greater heroes, there will always be more powerful criminals to face them. We have the late Asad to look to as our most prominent example. Through arcane means he created weapons that punched through our most advanced tanks as if they were paper. Weapons that spit starfire to melt people and vehicles. Many of the Lundgrau family lost their lives during the costly intervention in Arabia earlier this year, and I have resolved that such must not ever be allowed again."

He took a moment to pause, catch his breath and ensure they were all still with him. All of them to a man. That was good, he needed them to be on board with this, and moreso he wanted them to be inspired. Most of the people he assembled were career Lundgrau, more than one had family overseas in the intervention and that was something he took into consideration quite carefully.

"Lundgrau Applied Sciences continues to push the envelop when it comes to technology, and our recent acquisitions of Asad's magitech have proven more than enough to inspire them further… But as a few of you know, being members of LAS, there is only so much they can do. More than that, there is only so much they can do [i]publicly[/i]."

Now that raised some eyebrows for sure, and he did his best to hide the smirk that was slowly forming.

"That is what all of you are here for. I have created a new department of Lundgrau Intelligence Services, an off the books organization that answers only to me and my inner circle. Let it be said now that anyone who is uncomfortable with such arrangements should leave now. I will not hold it against anyone who does not wish to partake in black operations. Anyone who wants to leave will retain their current position and will not be asked of this any further."

With a gesture, the security officer at the door opened it, holding it for any who wished to leave. For their credit, none immediately rose from their seats. They all talked among themselves for a moment of course, as he had just told them they would be involved in something that would answer only to him, and not be official in any way. That always implied something illegal or immoral. After a few minutes he looked up, seeing all of them still sitting and waiting for him with a look of determination on each of their faces. Better than he hoped. Far better in fact.

"Well, have to say I'm pleasantly surprised that everyone is still here. Today marks the establishment of the Metaphysical and Arcane Studies Committee. Let's get to business, there is much to discuss."

At those words, the doors sealed and the room went dark to the world.