Hidden Among Us

An old RCA tube TV sits on a metal rolling cart, similar to the ones used in kindergarten for movies. Suddenly, in the dark, desolate office, it turns on. At first, there’s a white static screen, and then an image of a woman flickers in and out of existence. The screen turns a solid blue before revealing the woman in her entirety.

She's middle-aged, with long natural red hair pulled into a ponytail, wearing a thick pair of silver glasses and a lab coat. She smiles politely and begins to speak.

"Hello, my name is Vanessa Abernathy, and if you're watching this, then congratulations! You have been selected for employment at the Supernatural Capture And Destruction unit, affectionately referred to as S.C.A.D.

For those of you not familiar with this unit, please allow me to spend the next few minutes explaining it."

An image of a large, impressive office building in Washington, D.C. appears on the screen.

The title: Founding and Development flashes briefly.

"S.C.A.D was founded at the end of the 16th century, once there was a profound fear/curiosity about supernatural beings growing. The inciting incident was a sighting of a circular creature with a snake-like mouth and tongue rolling after a rat in 1665. Since then, extensive research and investigations have been performed. During these endeavors, it was discovered that these creatures have existed for potentially thousands of years, causing irrevocable damage to humanity along the way.

Various leaders across the United States, and eventually, worldwide, came together as a unified front and pooled their funds to build an organization. Its mission is dedicated to the research, capture, and destruction of these 'Cryptids'. It has Greek roots, and it means 'hidden secret'. A term coined by the lead scientist and initiative founder, Grier Higgins."

What We Do Here flashes on screen before turning into a detailed list on a wall. The section is narrated by Vanessa.

Objectives:

1. Locate Cryptids:

"With the professional assistance of Gathering personnel, and a state-of-the-art mapping system, Field personnel are to pinpoint the location of various Cryptids worldwide. This is the absolute, primary objective of S.C.A.D. Once one is located, move on to the next step."

2. Capture Cryptids

"Gathering personnel safely transports the Field personnel to the location marked on the mapping system. Once on site, Trapping personnel will assume full control of the situation. Using the latest in Cryptozoology technology, the 'Trappers' will capture the creature in accordance with company policy. After the creature is properly contained and the supplies are disposed of, move on to the final step."

3. Destroy and Dissect Cryptids

"Technically speaking, this step contains two sections; however, are considered crucial--and complementary--to each other. Field personnel not only locate and assist in capturing the creatures, but they also provide the greatest service of all: complete and total destruction. Using weapons provided by Gathering or Trapping personnel, Field personnel are to ensure the termination of said creatures. Multiple methods of injury or dismemberment are encouraged due to the complex body structures. Once death is confirmed, the remains will be taken to a secure location for dissection. This procedure will allow the Field personnel to examine the remains thoroughly.

After the procedure, the findings will be recorded on an encrypted laptop and sent off to our Corporate Department. The remains will be broken down using hazardous chemicals under the direct supervision of our Science Division, to which Field personnel report."

Vanessa pops onto the screen as the video continues.

"I hope all of this answers most of your primary questions regarding S.C.A.D. If it doesn't, please reach out to your corresponding supervisor for more information."

A large red title that says Rules and Regulations pops up. Several images of humans kicking creatures, whispering secrets, or drinking chemicals.

Do's & Don't's

Do: Show up for assigned shifts wearing proper attire. First impressions are very important, so being punctual and in appropriate clothing shows Corporate that you take your position seriously.

Don't: Wear casual clothing or show up late. Violation of the above will result in disciplinary actions to be determined by the supervisor.

Do: Efficiently perform all assigned tasks. While your supervisor may assign you tasks that are unreasonable or seemingly impossible, you must do everything in your power to accomplish them. No questions asked.

Don't: Question the tasks assigned. This will be considered challenging an authority figure and will result in automatic termination of employment.

Do: Keep your assigned station clean. Cleanliness is important as it keeps various unknown pathogens at bay. Plus, it makes everything look shiny and brand new.

Don't: Be a slob! It causes smells, vermin, and is a bio-contamination risk. Violation of this will result in disciplinary actions to be determined by the supervisor.

Do: Assist other personnel as requested. While it may not be 'your' job, assisting others shows that you are a team player who wants to get the job done correctly.

Don't: Refuse to help. This shows a lack of teamwork and willingness to complete important tasks. Violation of this will result in automatic termination of employment.

Do: Reduce the Cryptid population. These creatures are a scourge on the face of Earth that requires complete eradication. By performing assigned tasks, following policies, and helping others, over time, they will disappear.

Don't: Withhold information about, refuse to terminate, or otherwise spare the life of a Cryptid. Violation of this will result in termination of employment and personal life. Details to be determined by the supervisor.

The screen turns blue before flashing back to Vanessa.

"If you have watched for this long, then congratulations! You have graciously and valiantly accepted your employment for S.C.A.D. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you! Without our workers in various sections, we could not fix the mistakes made by nature. I look forward to meeting you for Orientation! Until then, this is Vanessa Abernathy, Vice President of Science and Research, signing off."

One final red screen pops up: Disclaimer!

Attention Employees:

S.C.A.D is not liable for any death, torture, dismemberment, or psychological trauma succumbed to while employed. Contracts regarding such events will be provided at Orientation and thoroughly explained. Note: any family or spouse lost or killed during service will receive a proper burial, but the company is not liable for their fate. They were aware of the risks and signed on the dotted line regardless.

Thank you, and welcome!