Succession
12:00PM, September 20th, 2022 in Washington, D.C.
A large boardroom with the acronym L.A.R.C.S engraved on the wall near the door, with a holographic projector in the middle of the table. Over the course of a few minutes, several people walk into the room in similar formal clothes. After their initial greetings, the meeting begins.
"As you all know, this meeting is due to the current situation in regards to the S Ranks of this organization."
The man at the end of the table speaks, with his voice and body language being the only expressions he can make due to his ability.
"The people in that rank are some of the most powerful and well known Agents within the L.A.R.C.S of America. Just the possibility that one of them could arrive is enough to prevent all kinds of crimes and other threats."
The invisible man explains.
"Unfortunately however, three years ago one of them disappeared after facing a Level 1 Threat near Lake Michigan."
The projector in the table's center activates, showing an image of the S Rank Agent being referred to.
"Oman Jones, aka Attrition, was the youngest S Rank before his disappearance, and was the only Agent within that rank to focus on the Midwest. With him gone, people in that region have less reassurance when large scale threats occur, especially given how popular Oman was."
The invisible man sighs out of exhaustion and nostalgia before the image disappears.
"The purpose of this meeting is to find a method of assigning a successor to his position. Of course, doing that will be easier said than done given the standards that come with that rank, but it's not impossible."
A debate sparks among the executives, as the question of whether or not Oman could or should be replaced is brought up. Various ideas are also mentioned, such as simply promoting the best A Rank in the Midwest or calling for an S Rank in Canada to help fill in the gap. Roughly fifteen minutes pass before a conclusion is reached.
"The idea of promoting the next best agents in the Midwest is good, but not quite enough."
The invisible man speaks again, preparing to state his idea.
"I propose an apprenticeship of sorts. We could gather various agents in the region, send them to learn from and train with the other S Ranks, and then see how the experience has helped them improve."
While everyone listens, several executives seem ready to object to the idea. The invisible man picks up on this and elaborates.
"Even if the Midwest doesn't get another S Rank Agent for several more years, it'd at least give the general populace an idea as to what it takes to make it that far, as well as giving people the chance to meet some of the most influential people in America."
Another debate starts, though this one ends much sooner. One of the executives then asks an extremely important question.
"While this idea could work, I have one question. This group of agents would need someone to help guide them. Sure they'd be getting training and information from the best agents in America, but they'd need someone to point them in the right direction in between...a tour guide of sorts. It'd need to be someone with experience in the field."
The invisible man smiles in response, though nobody but him is aware of his facial expression. Instead, the pleasure in his tone expresses his feelings.
"I already have someone in mind to help with that. You're all familiar with Mr. Gallagher, correct?"
The projector activates, seemingly calling the person in question rather than displaying an image of him. Some executives look concerned and surprised, while others seem annoyed or tired.
A moment later, a voice comes from the projector.
"Whoever's calling, get to the point and tell me what you want."
The invisible man speaks, explaining the situation and his proposal to the person on the other end of the call. Afterwards, the invisible man asks a question.
"So, would you be willing to do I and everyone else in this country a favor?"
The person on the other end takes a deep breath before responding in a slightly annoyed yet determined tone.
"Fine. I'll make it happen."
