Smith gauged each person in the room, listening patiently to everyone’s own introduction. Learning nothing he did not already know, but it would be beneficial for them to get to know each other. A veteran detective, a politician, an army sergeant, a priest, a psychologist, and a policeman. He made a few comments as they went around, and bowed his head respectfully when Crowley offered to say a prayer, though he had never been a very religious man himself. 

He gave a nod to Javier, and thanked them all again for their participation. He indicated the computers before each individual, flipping open his own. “These are yours to keep so long as you remain under the employment of the BUC. Your individual passwords are located on the underside of your name cards, though you may change them as you see fit. These computers are all on the same secure network that you may access at any time, anywhere. These are solely for work purposes, all internet searches are anonymous and cannot be traced. You are free to use your own electronics for personal purposes, they will be able to connect to this building’s network which is for your convenience and that of guests. You may take these with you when you leave here today. The database on each includes a detailed job description which I will go over with you today, but you may refer to at any time, as well as a detailed map of the building and services.”

He picked up the stack of papers beside him and passed them around the table. “Please sign this, it is an agreement to keep confidential everything you learn of this organization and in this organization and a list of your rights as an employee here.” He waited as the stack was passed around and returned to him with two left over, and once everyone had signed the document he moved on.

“As you may already know, the Bureau of Unconventional Crime is an internationally independent group that specializes in the investigation of particularly difficult cases worldwide. We have permanent and temporary bases in many different countries, the Minneapolis base is an example of a permanent base. 

“As one of our investigative teams you each have access to all B.U.C. case files and records, most of which you can access through your computers. By the way, all saved data and internet histories are backed up to the main hard drive in our Center of Operations. In the event your computer is lost or stolen you will be able to remotely access an internal self destruct to protect any information stored on it. Please do not hesitate to use this mechanism if you believe your computer has been compromised.

“Moving on…” Smith seemed to refer to some notes on his laptop screen, “While I shall assign you to different tasks, your general purpose here is to gather and analyze information regarding certain cases. These cases are submitted to us from various governments and federal organizations and you are liable to be working on more than one case at a time. Field work requires that you be in good physical condition, able to be on your feet for an extended period of time, able to traverse distances on foot... Some specialized work will require honed skills.

“Mendez, Crowley, and Cooper; since you have had previous combat training I would like you to report to the training ground on floor 36 tomorrow morning, there are a few skills you may need to know. All of you are free to use the gymnasium at your leisure.

“Concerning your living arrangements, you are of course free to come and go as you please, but all outside guests are unauthorized unless you have received prior consent from myself or Miss Hamill, whom you met when you entered the building.”

He paused, took a sip from the steaming coffee mug, tipping it back all the way to drain it and placed it back on the table with a flourish. He closed the laptop and rose from the chair. “Now, if you will all follow me I would like to show you where you’ll be working.”

The Center of Operations was located on the twenty-first and twenty-second floors. They stepped out from the elevator onto the former and were greeted with a large room that must have spanned nearly the width of the building. Individual office spaces lined the walls and above them was suspended a viewing deck on the upper floor with stairs leading up to it. The center of the room was dominated by a computer station and desks. There was a kitchenette located on one side and bathrooms on the other. There were enough sofas placed in strategic locations for the whole team to each have one to themselves. In fact, as a whole, the C.O. seemed to have almost been designed for its occupants to live relatively comfortably for some time. Office supplies, printers, copiers, two 3D printers, miniature lab stations. Anything you might think you would need could be found. There were even drawing pads, and a couple of easels with blanks canvases along with an array of water-color and acrylic paints. And a ping-pong table. 

Smith led them up the stairs and it was revealed that beyond the overlook which spanned half the room was a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a lovely view of what remained of the sunset. The luxurious carpet was color-coordinated to match the furniture.

“I believe a comfortable working environment greatly aides productivity. At least, it beats a cubicle.” Smith chuckled. “You’re all free to come and go from here as you please, but be aware that no one besides yourselves, Miss Hamill, and I are authorized to use this part of the building. You’ve all received the elevator key required to access this floor. Do not lose it.”

They adjourned to the same board room, where Smith provided them each with a carrying case for the laptops. He checked his watch and let out a long low whistle. “Well it’s late. You’re all dismissed and you may explore the building as much as you like. Save for you three,” he indicated Javier, Daniel, and Alexandria, “I’d like everyone to report to the Center of Operations tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM. Thank you all for your patience, and have a good night.”