Welcome to The Antumbra Research Collective!
Congratulations on joining one of the most innovative research organizations in the world! At A.R.C., we believe that knowledge illuminates the darkest corners of the unknown, and we're thrilled to have you as part of our growing team.
Since our founding, we have been dedicated to advancing the frontiers of research and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. Our work is challenging, rewarding, and absolutely vital to the communities we serve. As you begin this exciting journey with us, you'll discover that The A.R.C. isn't just a workplace- it's a community of professionals united by a shared commitment to safeguarding what matters most.✲ A.R.C. has been helping keep communities safe for over 45 years - that's longer than most of our LV1 employees have been alive!
✲ Our employee retention rate is 94%* (*calculated among personnel who survive their first year of service).
What Makes A.R.C. Special?
Our Mission:
The A.R.C. exists to safeguard humanity's continued existence through the identification, containment, and neutralization of anomalous phenomena that threaten the natural order. We are the thin line between the known and the unknowable.Core Values:
We are guided by four core principles: Discretion in all our endeavors, Dedication to our vital mission, Precision in our methods, and unwavering Vigilance in our watch. These values shape every decision we make and every action we take.- Discretion: What the public doesn't know protects them
- Dedication: Some knowledge demands sacrifice.
- Precision: In our line of work, close enough isn't good enough
- Vigilance: The moment we stop watching is the moment we lose
Employee Benefits: We understand that exceptional work deserves exceptional rewards. That's why we offer one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the industry, designed specifically for the unique challenges and opportunities of our field.
For complete details about your benefits package, please see the "Benefits & Wellness" section.
At A.R.C., we believe that our greatest asset is our people, and we're committed to providing you with all the resources and support you need to thrive in your new role. This employee portal has been designed with you in mind. The navigation tabs provide easy access to essential information about your workplace, your colleagues, and the policies that keep us all safe and successful. We encourage you to review these resources regularly- they're here to ensure your comfort, confidence, and continued adherence to the standards that make A.R.C. the exceptional organization it is today.
Getting to Know Our Departments!
Your Guide to A.R.C.'s Specialized Teams
We know that starting a new position can feel overwhelming, especially in an organization as dynamic and multifaceted as ours! That's why we want you to feel prepared when you meet colleagues from different divisions. As a new member, you'll be working alongside some of the most dedicated and specialized professionals in the industry. To help you feel comfortable during your onboarding timeline, we've prepared this handy guide to introduce you to the various departments you'll encounter throughout your workday.
Understanding each division's unique role and operational requirements isn't just about good workplace etiquette- it's essential for maintaining the safe, efficient environment that makes our important work possible. Each of our branches has developed specific protocols and working methods that help them excel in their fields, and your awareness of these practices will ensure smooth collaboration and mutual respect among all personnel. By familiarizing yourself with each team's responsibilities and personnel, you'll be able to contribute to the positive, professional atmosphere that makes A.R.C. such a wonderful place to work.
Explore Our Divisions:
Anomalous Threat Evaluation and Response
"Vide, Judica, Responde" - See, Judge, Respond
As our largest operational division, A.T.E.R. personnel are the eyes and ears of the A.R.C., as well as the boots on the ground in the field. These agents conduct most, if not all, initial threat assessments and coordinate with specialized teams as situations develop. Our field agents are the first line of defense against uncontained anomalous phenomena, equipped with both cutting-edge technology and time-tested protocols for maintaining the public's consensus reality.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Initial anomaly assessment and classification
- Witness interviewing and situation management
- Evidence collection and documentation
- Coordination with specialized response teams
Facility for Incineration, Maintenance, and Unnatural Sanitation
"Purga quod Corrumpit" - Cleanse what Corrupts
Often underestimated but never undervalued, F.I.M.U.S. ensures the continued operational capacity of all A.R.C. facilities. Our maintenance staff is equipped to handle standard repairs alongside more unusual maintenance requests and specialized cleanup services for field operations.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Facility maintenance and custodial services
- Anomalous waste disposal and incineration
- Post-incident scene cleaning and restoration
- Specialized equipment sterilization
Liminal Orientation and Cartographical Unreality Specialists
"Longum iter ab domo" - A Long Way from Home
L.O.C.U.S. specializes in anomalies where location itself becomes the threat. Our teams map the unmappable, navigate the impossible, and ensure that places that shouldn't exist continue to exist in ways that don't affect places that should.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Surveying and mapping anomalous spaces
- Establishing safe pathways through unstable geography
- Spatial and temporal anomaly containment protocols
- Emergency extraction from non-standard locations
Memetic Evaluation, Neutralization, and Thought-Integrity Sector
"Exacutae mentes secare melius" - Sharp Minds Cut Better
M.E.N.T.I.S. handles the psychological and memetic aspects of anomalous phenomena, including artifact research and employee mental health maintenance. They develop our public-facing cover stories and ensure that sensitive information remains properly compartmentalized.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Psychological evaluation and support for field personnel
- Analysis of cognitohazardous materials and entities
- Creation of cover stories and disinformation campaigns
Observation and Mitigation of Mind-Influencing Threats
"Confido in vera cogitatione" - I Trust in True Thought
O.M.M.I.T. provides specialized intervention for personnel and civilians affected by cognitive anomalies. These highly trained specialists can identify and neutralize mental influences that compromise rational thinking or memory formation.
Primary Responsibilities:
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[Classified Information]
Additionally, O.M.M.I.T. interviews are comprehensive and non-negotiable- full cooperation ensures the best outcomes. Disorientation, confusion, and lack of fine motor skills after these meetings are normal and should not last any longer than 24 hours.
Surveillance, Computing, and Intelligence Operations
"Videre omnia, scire nihil" - To See All, To Know Nothing
S.C.I.O. manages all technological infrastructure, digital surveillance, and information gathering operations. They maintain our secure networks, monitor global communications for anomalous activities, and provide technical support for certain field operations.
Primary Responsibilities:
- IT infrastructure and cybersecurity
- Intelligence gathering and analysis
- Global anomalous activity monitoring and pattern recognition
- Digital forensics and electronic evidence recovery
Violent Engagement, Neutralization, and Aggravated Tactical Operations
"Venamur enim venatores" - We Hunt the Hunters
V.E.N.A.T.O.R. provides armed security and tactical support for high-risk operations. These personnel are extensively trained in both conventional and unconventional combat situations and serve as protection for other A.R.C. teams during dangerous field work.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Armed response to hostile anomalous entities
- Protection of field teams during high-risk operations
- Tactical support for containment breaches
- Training of other A.R.C. personnel in combat readiness
The Essential Guide for All Personnel!
At A.R.C., safety is our top priority. The following protocols have been developed through years of operational experience to ensure the well-being of all personnel.
These protocols exist to protect you, your colleagues, and the important work we do at A.R.C. Following these guidelines ensures that everyone can perform their duties effectively while maintaining the secure environment necessary for our operations. When in doubt, always ask for clarification from your supervisor or department specialists.
General Facility Safety
Access Restrictions
- All personnel must remain within their assigned operational zones during standard work hours.
- Basement access below Ground Level is strictly forbidden under all circumstances.
- Elevators will automatically restrict access to unauthorized floors. Attempting to override this system will trigger security alerts.
- Maintain clean workspaces and dispose of materials only in designated containers.
- Interns are forbidden from accessing stairwells during their first 90 days of employment; access is granted only in the event of a fire.
- If you see F.I.M.U.S. personnel sealing off sections of the building, please find alternate routes without inquiry.
- Work in adequately lit areas whenever possible, and report any areas where lighting appears to be malfunctioning immediately.
Information Security
- S.C.I.O. monitors all employee communications. Personal conversations are subject to review and redaction.
- Personnel are forbidden from discussing work details with friends, family members, or external medical professionals, even in hypothetical or "what if" scenarios.
- Any employee caught taking notes, photographs, or recordings without prior approval will be immediately transferred to the Special Projects Division.
Equipment and Materials
- Handle all materials using designated protective equipment, even for routine-seeming tasks.
- Store sensitive materials only in approved containers and designated areas.
- Do not touch, move, or examine any equipment you haven't been specifically trained to handle or use safely.
- Never attempt to assist with specialized cleaning or maintenance operations that you do not have experience with.
- Do not adjust, relocate, or power down any equipment displaying warning lights, strange smells, apparent sentience, or unusual operational sounds.
Additional Safety Guidelines
The following specialized protocols address specific situations that may arise during your employment at A.R.C.. Please review each section carefully, as these guidelines complement our general facility safety measures and ensure comprehensive protection for all personnel.Emergency Response Protocols
Immediate Response
- Training exercises may occur without advance notice- participate as directed.
- Follow all instructions from V.E.N.A.T.O.R. or A.T.E.R. personnel instantly and without question, regardless of clearance level or division.
- When evacuating, walk quickly but calmly and do not panic. Always keep your gaze on the floor in front of you and ignore any noises you may hear other than commands given by authorized personnel.
- Debriefing following any drill, evacuation, or other unusual event is mandatory and should be approached cooperatively.
Emergency Alert System
All emergency codes will be preceded by flashing lights, and three ascending chimes followed by an announcement over the PA system, clearly stating "This is not a drill."
Emergency code meanings and protocols are designated for Level 3+ personnel only to ensure streamlined response coordination. When emergency codes are announced, please promptly follow the instructions given and remember that your supervisors are here to guide you through any situation!
Attempting to interpret codes is inadvisable, highly dangerous, and one of the many leading causes of workplace accidents in our sector.
Professional Conduct
Behavioral Standards
Professional conduct is the cornerstone of our workplace environment, and all employees are to be mindful of others productivity during business hours. Please be mindful that sound carries differently throughout our facility, and what may seem like normal conversation volume to you might be disruptive to colleagues working in adjacent areas. When moving between floors or departments, maintain a steady walking pace and always avoid lingering in transitional spaces such as stairwells, elevator lobbies, or corridor intersections.
Keep personal workspaces organized and avoid leaving items unattended in hallways or break rooms, as misplaced objects may need to be collected by security for proper disposal. Remember that some areas of the building have specific atmospheric requirements, so please respect all posted signage regarding air circulation and ventilation protocols.
Social Protocols
Our company functions best when everyone understands their role in the larger picture, so we encourage positive workplace relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Employees from different divisions should limit detailed discussions about their respective work duties, as project confidentiality helps maintain our competitive edge in the industry.
When interacting with personnel of higher clearance levels, please remember that they may have access to information that affects scheduling and protocols, so defer to their guidance on matters of timing and procedure. Cross-departmental friendships are welcomed, though we recommend keeping social gatherings to public areas of the facility during business hours.
While workplace romance is not strictly prohibited, such relationships require disclosure to Human Resources and may result in enhanced monitoring of both parties' activities and access privileges - after all, we want to ensure everyone's personal happiness doesn't interfere with our collective success!
Reporting Requirements
Looking Out for Yourself and Your Colleagues
At A.R.C., we recognize that our unique work environment can present extraordinary challenges to both mental and physical well-being, and being proactive about your own health and observant of your colleagues' welfare isn't just policy- it's how we protect each other.
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen or hope they'll resolve on their own; early intervention through our M.E.N.T.I.S. division can provide you with specialized support, medical evaluation, and tailored treatment options that standard healthcare providers simply cannot offer. Remember, seeking help demonstrates professional responsibility, not weakness, and the sooner you report concerns about your own well-being, the more resources we can deploy to ensure your safety and continued effectiveness.
We understand that reporting concerns about colleagues can feel uncomfortable or even intrusive, and it's natural to worry about "getting someone in trouble" or second-guessing whether something is worth mentioning. However, at A.R.C., reporting unusual behavior is one of the most caring things you can do for a teammate. Our work environment can be uniquely stressful, and sometimes colleagues need additional support that they might not feel comfortable requesting themselves.
These reports help us connect people with M.E.N.T.I.S. resources like specialized counseling, medical attention, or protective protocols that can make all the difference. Think of it this way: if you were struggling and showing signs of stress, wouldn't you want someone to care enough to make sure you got help? Your observations often provide the early warning system that helps us support our team members before small issues become critical situations. You're not reporting to punish—you're reporting to protect and assist. Remember, all reports are handled with complete confidentiality and professionalism by M.E.N.T.I.S. personnel, and your concern for a colleague's welfare is valued and appreciated, never criticized.
When in doubt, shout it out- early intervention saves lives.
Self-Reporting Requirements
All personnel must immediately report any of the following symptoms or experiences:
- Persistent sensations of being observed when alone in secure areas
- Recurring dreams or visions featuring locations not previously visited
- Involuntary knowledge of information outside your clearance level
- Physical symptoms with no identifiable medical cause (unusual marks, temperature fluctuations, sensory changes)
- Hearing voices, sounds, or music with no identifiable source
- Temporary loss of time or memory gaps exceeding 15 minutes
Colleague Observation Protocol
Report immediately if you observe colleagues exhibiting:
- Uncharacteristic personality changes or behavioral patterns
- Showing unusual interest in or avoidance of specific areas, objects, or projects
- Displaying signs of extreme fatigue despite adequate rest
- Making references to events, people, or places that don't align with documented reality
- Exhibiting protective or possessive behavior toward research materials
- Speaking to unseen individuals or responding to unheard communications
Why Our Teams Love It Here!
At our company, we believe that exceptional employees deserve exceptional benefits.
This comprehensive overview outlines the many advantages of being part of our dedicated team. We've carefully designed our benefits package to support not only your professional growth but also your personal well-being and that of your loved ones.
From competitive compensation to unique perks you won't find anywhere else, we're committed to making your employment experience both rewarding and secure.
Employee Benefits and Perks
- Competitive Salary Package- Starting wages 15% above industry standard, with automatic cost-of-living adjustments and performance bonuses based on compliance ratings!
- Comprehensive Health Coverage- Full medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus our exclusive on-site medical facility staffed 24/7 for immediate care and regular wellness screenings!
- Career Advancement Opportunities- Clear promotion pathways with quarterly performance reviews and skills assessments to help you reach the next clearance level in your desired division!
- Generous Paid Time Off- 3 weeks vacation, 10 personal days, plus additional recovery time as needed following certain workplace incidents or exposure events!
- Life Insurance Coverage- Comprehensive policy covering accidental death, dismemberment, temporal relocation, and disappearance, with extended benefits for beneficiaries during investigation periods!
- Free On-Site Amenities- Most facilities come equipped with a cafeteria, fitness center, library, and recreational facilities available during designated hours with proper supervision!
- Employee Assistance Program- Confidential counseling services, stress management resources, and memory support services available through our dedicated wellness team!
- Recognition Programs- Monthly employee appreciation events, service awards, and special recognition for outstanding discretion and loyalty to company policies!
- Family Support Services- Dependent care assistance, family counseling, and our exclusive next-of-kin notification and support program for enhanced peace of mind!