This brief story outlines the transition of the AOL X-Files Sim Group, now known as "the Underground," into privatization and now into the 'net.
November 17, 1995
7:03 am
Vic stood aside as Assistant Director Skinner exited the BullPen and headed for the elevator. Bewildered, he entered the quiet home of the X Files Division.
"What was Skinner doing down here?"
Special Agents Abigail Beck and Michael O'Leary looked up from the table simultaneously. That they weren't in their offices, but rather out here in the BullPen, was odd enough. That they had personnel packets spread out before them was cause for alarm.
"Sit down, Vic" Michael said with his customary easy professionalism. Vic did as he was instructed, though he was developing a strong desire to stand with his hands clasped behind his back, military "at-ease." He had learned in the Army that this position conveyed a subconscious sense of ease in superiors. And occasionally it lessened a butt-chewing.
"You know those rooms down the hall they've been renovating?" Abbe asked. Vic nodded, not understanding where this was leading.
"We thought they were converting them to file storage..." Michael began.
"But they're really offices." Abbe finished. The thought that Abbe and Michael were telepathically sharing their thoughts briefly crossed Vic's mind. "Our offices."
"The X Files gets new offices?" he asked in amazement.
"Well, not everyone" Michael frowned. Here comes the bomb, Vic thought. "Abbe and I are now the Senior Agents in Charge of the X Files Division, Special Operations. With all of the new personnel who are less experienced that have been getting assigned down here lately, Skinner thought we should have a section that has some special skills and some experience with unexplained phenomenon."
"Congratulations," Vic smiled, offering his hand to Michael "When do you two get reassigned?"
"Oh," Abbe beamed, hiding a laugh, "You're coming with us."
"Huh?"
"Skinner's letting us pick our team," Michael said, standing up. "We want you and Ken as Special Agents in Charge."
"You're kidding, right?"
"We need you in there, Vic" Abbe said quietly. "You've got leadership training, plus you're up to speed on the military. We could definitely use that in the new section."
"Where do I sign?" Vic chuckled.
*****
Many of the agents were not selected for the new Special Operations section because of lack of experience, disciplinary problems, or because the 'old' division needed leadership, too. By the time word of who was selected reached the BullPen, the new section was starting to settle into their offices. The 'old' section was left confused, saddened, and in some cases, angry. They couldn't understand why the division had been split. But they vowed to continue...
*****
The new offices were impressive, to say the least. There were four small offices, apparently for the SACs, one person per office. There were ten larger offices, designed with two occupants in mind. The central room was set up as both a briefing area and a functional working space; no more crowding into an office or finding an open spot in the BullPen. A complete kitchen occupied the breakroom, and Abbe had already arranged for the tables to be removed and the hot tub installed. This was still the basement, and it was even more removed from the rest of the FBI than the old offices, but it was new and very functional.
The agents were beginning to think they had been moved off of the "FBIs Most Unwanted" list until they got their first case. Then they realized that the new offices were just to keep them from complaining.
Somebody had to take care of the really nasty cases...
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