The security door to the council room slid open and an aging man entered silently. Hidden scanners immediately zeroed in on his infrared signature and matched his bioscan to a database, before deactivating the automatic countdown that would have otherwise terminated the man's life without mercy.
He moved to the head position at the table, typed in his alpha-numeric access code, and held his gaze steady while his retina was scanned for a match. When the holographic display lit up in front of him, he activated several functions before settling back into the comfortable chair to wait. He did not have long to wait before several other Lane Hackers entered the room and took their places at the table, each submitting to the same security protocols. Several more holographic displays activated, revealing the forms of operatives located across Liberty and the Independent Worlds. When each position at the table was filled, Senior Professor Moriarty allowed himself a slight smile, startling the nearest Hackers who had never before witnessed such a display of pleasure from the man known throughout the faction for his calm, though lethal, demeanor.
"Hackers, let us begin. I am delighted to witness this day in the history of our movement, a day long awaited by your predecessors who have passed from active service to our Roll of Honor. Today, The Lane Hackers are ascendant in Liberty, and Ageira is fraught with disunity, impending disaster, and impotent rage against us, though this last is entirely usual.
"Due to your vital efforts, we have recently completed multiple operations designed to marginalize our enemies, strengthen our alliances, and enhance our technological and financial resources. The deployment of the Vindicator fighter is a triumph of our research and development divisions, and further innovations are awaiting final testing.
"Our ranks have swelled with impressive and accomplished recruits from the deepest echelons of Liberty's corruptocratic, monopolistic corporations and government institutions.
"In short, today is the finest day to be a Lane Hacker that I have yet had the privilege to witness. I now invite each of you to submit a verbal report of your recent activities, missions, or accomplishments in order to establish a complete picture of our recent triumphs. Once everyone has delivered their input, I have a crucial announcement about the future of our faction.
