| "Skyscrapers don't cast shadows that big." |

The Department of Extranormal Operations Headquarters, Arlington, 11:30 hours.

It was a busy day at the DEO’s headquarters. Agents, analysts, interns, reporters, security guards, everyone was on the move as the work day began. Light conversations over coffee, hushed discussions over the latest superhero fight, it seemed that activity followed you everywhere you went.

And to be fair, you were about to participate in an activity of your own.

You had worked for the DEO for ten years, give or take. You started after you finished college, drawn in by your love for the world of superheroes and the paranormal. Over time, you rose up the ranks, solving paranormal incidents, brushing shoulders with famous superheroes and supervillains and government officials, and making new friends and memories along the way. Now, you were a Senior Agent – one of the more experienced in the field, who was distinguished by long and faithful service. If you kept this up, you’d make it to the top ranks.

Today, however, was different.

The DEO was doing its enlistment drives as always, and they had found new members to welcome, train, and ultimately induct into their organization. Your role was to give them a tour of the facility, introduce them to what they would do, and overall just be their supervisor. Which was just fine with you; after all, you did this with your junior agents and interns either way. Now, here you were outside the lobby, checking your watch, waiting for the newest applicant to arrive.

And soon enough, she does - in a taxi, dressed prim and proper, coffee in one hand and suitcase in the other.

You recognize the woman: Lucy Lane, younger sister to Lois Lane, a woman with a colorful past, and now DEO hopeful. Whatever her past was, however, was no matter; after all, some of your agents also had colorful pasts before. What mattered was the present: whether she would pull in a good job, be kind, and avoid breaking the law. And judging by her appearance, she looked ready to change for the better.

She gives a warm smile, and extends her hand.

“Good morning, sir,” she says warmly, albeit a bit shyly. “I’m Lucy Lane. Sorry for the delay.”