From the introduction: 1.1 Welcome to Department Nine and Preliminary Briefing Congratulations on being hired to work for FATE's subdivision, Department Nine. As you by now know, FATE is responsible for the management and control of the destinies of every major lifeform on Earth, and has liaisons with extraterrestrial [REDACTED]. Many new applicants have substantial questions concerning the nature of FATE and why the division exists. These questions will be answered in the "Questions From New Recruits" section (see page [REDACTED]).