X-Factor: Structure

The X-Factor team is, first and foremost, a team. Every member is expected to function at top capacity, and in cooperation with others. To this end, there is very little traditional hierarchy.

Instead, every member is assigned duties which occupy their time while they are on base. These are varied and fit each member's particular strengths. They may be tasked with training others in any variety of skills, with intelligence and analysis, with administrative duties, or with some other necessary duty. Area Heads are responsible for assuring that all work in their area is completed appropriately and are encouraged to delegate. This includes such things as the accurate training and certification of agents, the routine maintenance of XF equipment and resources, and ongoing jobs such as data analysis and medical care. Area Heads have the authority to assign and discipline those under their jurisdiction as necessary.

Each mission is led by an assigned team member, chosen especially for the circumstances and their particular abilities. Occasionally, the mission leader is dictated by the government official who provides them with intel and information. On other missions, the team leader is chosen by consensus. Mission leaders have authority to deal with issues that occur during or are related to the mission they are heading.

In return for their funding, the government expects results. Their official contact is a man known to the group only as Carpenter. Although experts are occasionally sent to aid X-Factor in missions or training, Carpenter remains something of a mystery. He works in the upper echelons of the CIA and keeps a watchful eye on the team. He feeds them regular missions and intelligence, and they feed him regular reports. Carpenter is the only 'ranking authority' that X-Factor has.

Though the X-Factor team does not have official permission to use their resources and abilities to solve other situations, it is generally understood that the government will continue to turn a blind eye so long as these activities neither threaten their secrecy or the agenda of the United States.