[Naked Crook]

Current Date: June 2520 ============================================================================== UNSC Marathon Class The Ulterior Motive - Currently in orbit of Reach ============================================================================== A man sat at a large desk. He had four ODSTs standing in front of him. All four of the ODSTs wore the rank insignia of Colonel. The man took a drag of a cigarette and looked at the ODSTs. Spender: Were you able to find him? Black 1: Oh yes...we found him. Spender: Where is he? Black 1: He is currently on Midnight, under the supervision of Section 0. According to the records that we were sent to recover, ONI Section 0 has him on standby in the city of Tribunal, inside of Operational HQ Omicron. Spender: Midnight? That is actually quite close. Black 1: Close? It is basically next door! It was actually kind of irritating that we had to go all the way to Reach, to find out that our target was on the planet that our base is orbiting... Spender: Life is full of small irritations... Black 1: Clearly... Spender: All of this aside, getting close to Tribunal is going to be...very difficult. ONI Section 0 has basically turned that small city into a fortress...and HQ Omicron sits right at the dead center. I want you to go down to Midnight...find a way to get to our target. Black 3: You want us to break into HQ Omicron? Find a way passed their defenses, all so you can have a chit chat with a deranged psycho? With all due respects sir...this is a lot of work for one man. Spender: I believe...I was giving an order Colonel...not making a request. I may be mistaken about that though. If you would like, I can repeat exactly what I said, word for word, and then we can spend some time evaluating the syntax of every word. Would you care for this? Black 3: I apologize sir... Spender: Rightly so... Spender paused as he took a drag of his cigarette. Spender: Find me a way to speak to our prospect. Find a way in. Even my clearance with ONI will only get me so far...defiantly not far enough to speak with our target. ONI has deemed him very volatile...and as such, for everyone's protection, has him under lock and key. How they have managed to keep someone like him under such restriction is beyond me. Black 2: If he is so volatile...why are we recruiting him? Spender: If I have said it once Colonel...I have said it a dozen times...this prospect is...very unique. He posses talents that are far outside the range of his desired skill set. He is, without a doubt, highly skilled. For us not to recruit someone like this into The Trust...would be a very stupid move to say the least. Black 1: Very well. We will find you a way in. We will be back ASAP! Spender: Good...is there anything else? ODST Black Team was silent for a moment. Black 4: Just out of curiosity...what about that other guy? Spender: I am not familiar with someone named "Other Guy". Black 4: Vernette... Spender: Ohhh...him. We will get to him. Right now, I am more interested in our current assignment. Vernette should not be too difficult to recruit. All he wants is to be taken seriously. We can do that with considerable ease. Black 4: Very well. Spender: Good. Dismissed. ============================================================================== UNSC Frigate Lunar Eclipse - Currently en route to Harvest - Two Weeks Later: ============================================================================== Several officers were sitting in the conference room. They sat around a large oak table that was rectangular in shape. One of the officers spoke up. Yates: Sir...you really believe that this guy is worth it? Do you honestly believe this guy is more valuable then ALL of our current assets? Section 0 has extensive expertise in every field...and you are saying that ONE MAN is better than all of them put together... Skinner: I do...I know it! We all saw the reports...this guy is brilliant! This man has an understanding of concepts and theories our best people are only scratching the surface of! This guy has what it takes to advance so many of our projects...and what is he doing? He is sitting around...on the most remote boondock planet within arms reach of our civilization! Hell...we might even be able to dodge the bullet with Korman Industries if we recruit this guy! I am sure this guy could do whatever Korman Industries could do! Yates: Personally...I think Korman Industries would be perfect to fill our needs. We don't need some...low level Commander who doesn't even know we exist! There are better people for the job... Skinner: Name me one person more suited than Preston Vernette! Yates: Well...off the top of my head...I can't Skinner: Awww...you can't name ANYONE? I expected as much! This guy has two...DUECE...double PhDs in Cybernetics AND Electronics. To top it off...he adds a bachelor’s degree in theoretical physics...for fun! This guy could LOOK at our prototypes and make them work out of his sheer willpower alone! Yates: You give this guy way too much credit... Skinner: Credit he deserves. Yates: You know what...fine. Let's find this guy...let's hope he has the magic touch to do everything we want him to do! When he falls through, and proves to everyone that he ISN'T "all of that"...then we can get back to business that matters...such as policing internal affairs...and assassinating rebels... Skinner looked at Yates. He raised an eyebrow. He was going to rebuttal but stopped when he heard a voice speak over the intercom. Helmsman: Excuse me...Admiral Skinner? I am sorry to interrupt, but you request to be informed when we are nearing Harvest? Skinner: Yes I did Lieutenant. Helmsman: Well sir...our total ETA is 10 minutes. We will be dropping out of slip space just outside the system in about two minutes. Skinner: Thank you Lieutenant. Skinner out! Skinner closed the comm line to the bridge. He looked at the officers he had gathered in the observation deck. Skinner: Report back to your stations. Dismissed! ============================================================================== Harvest - Capital City of Utgard - Residential District: ============================================================================== Vernette was sitting in his private study room, a room he usually used as his office when he was at home. He was busy typing away on his laptop. The room he was in was dimly lit by a lamp. His desk was clutter with various PDAs and data plans. Behind him was a large 90 inch holoscreen with several design blueprints on it. He did not take his eyes off of his laptop as he continued to work away. However, he was forced to stop when he heard a knock at his already opened door. He looked up to see a woman. Diana: What are you doing? Vernette: Working... Diana: Yeah...I can see that. You said the same thing an hour ago. Vernette: I know... Diana: Are you ever going to STOP working? Vernette: I cannot answer that at the moment...get back to me in an hour. Diana: Preston...just take a break. One hour...then you can go back and do...whatever it is you are doing. Vernette: I would love to...but I have a meeting with HIGHCOM in three days...and I have to get this proposal done. I swear to God...those people are nothing but bureaucrats. All they ever want is more "proof on concept" and more "proposals" and more "detail". I have given these people enough detail to last them a lifetime...and they still cannot move forward with my proposed armament bill. All I am trying to do is usher in the next weapons grade technological revolution...and these assholes are too short-sighted to see that. They would much rather stay with the current military equipment they are using now! The only way to get these Insurrectionists under control is to hit them with better weapons then they can muster! Diana: Perhaps they are worried that your equipment will fall into their hands? Vernette: I don’t know...but that should not be a reason to delay these new designs any longer! Diana: I can only imagine how frustrating it must be... Vernette sighed. He placed his elbows on his desk and face palmed. Vernette: I have put forth a lot of solid designs for HIGHCOM...but they are failing to implement any of them. I hate to admit it...but even if I finish this round of proposals and design concepts...they are going to brush me off again. I think HIGHCOM believes that it can beat the insurrection by using what they have now. I don’t think they are willing to part with the expense. Diana: You cannot say that for certain... Vernette: I don’t know...I have kind of lost faith in HIGHCOM's ability to make rational decisions. Diana: Look...I think you need a break. Diana walked into Vernette's office. She walked behind his desk, and continued to walk until she was behind his chair. She draped her arms over his shoulders until her hands met halfway down his abdomen. Diana: You need to relax...and I know a great way that I can help you... Vernette: You don't say? What do you have in mind? Diana: Well...that's a secret. Let's just say...this kind of relaxation is reserved for the man lucky enough to put a ring on my hand. Vernette: Ohhh...you're talking about sex right? I can do that...if it weren't for the fact that our two children are still in the house...and it's not like we can throw them out... Diana: The door to this room locks... Vernette: You're right...it does lock... At that moment, Vernette heard the doorbell chime ring. Vernette: Son of a bitch... Diana: Forget it...ignore it... Vernette heard the doorbell chime again. Vernette: I better answer that...they won’t leave if I don’t... Diana: Fine...don’t be long... Vernette grinned as he walked out of his office. He walked to the front entrance and opened the door. He looked at the two men in black trench coats that stood before him. Vernette: Hi...can I help you? One of the men cleared his throat. Skinner: Commander Preston Vernette? Vernette: Depends on who is asking... Vernette tilted his head. He saw the Military insignias that were hidden by the large coats. He could see Skinner’s rank insignia as well. Vernette also saw the ONI Insignia on the necks of both men. Vernette: You guys are with the UNSC...you have military rank insignias on your uniforms. But...saying you are with the UNSC is too general...you guys are ONI... Skinner: May we come in? We would like to speak with you. Vernette: Look...with all due respect gentlemen...this is my home. If you wish to meet with me...do it at a time when I am officially on duty. It’s late...and I don’t like late night visitors. Have a wonderful evening. Vernette stepped back to close the door. Skinner put his hand forward and stopped the door from closing. Skinner: Commander! This is important! Vernette frowned. He reached to his side and pulled out his magnum, however, this action went unnoticed by Skinner and his associate as Vernette held the gun behind the door. Skinner: It is VITAL that we speak to you! We know about you...and we know about how long you have been trying to get HIGHCOM to approve your designs! We want to help you! Vernette stopped. He put his magnum back in his holster and opened the door again. Vernette: How? No...I have a better question...who the hell are you people? I want names! Skinner: My name is Vice Admiral Jeffery Skinner...and my associate is Rear Admiral Brandon Yates. Vernette: Wait...since when does it take TWO Admirals to recruit one man? Skinner: We are not just Admirals...we are a very interested party...and we are interested in your designs. We are interested in your expertise... Skinner paused. Skinner: Please...five minutes... Vernette hung his head. Vernette: Five minutes...but I will give you 10 if you wait here for a moment... Skinner: Fair enough... Vernette closed the door. Vernette walked back to his office. He saw his wife sitting on the couch. She was reading a book that was on one of Vernette’s shelves. She looked up at him and smiled. Vernette: I am going to need some privacy... Diana: What? Why? What’s going on? Vernette: I don’t know...but I have two high ranking members of the Office of Naval Intelligence standing outside...and they are very adamant about talking to me. I promised these guys 10 minutes. I have to hear them out...these guys are interested in my work...and I cannot pass this up. Diana: Alright...you don’t need to explain...I understand... Diana stood up. She walked up to Vernette. Diana: Take your time...I know how important this is for you...I can tell. Vernette: I really don’t deserve you... Diana: No...you don’t...but you got lucky all the same. Diana grinned as she walked out of Vernette’s office. Vernette turned around and walked back to the front entrance of his home and opened the door. He saw Yates and Skinner standing outside. Vernette: We can talk in my office...follow me. Skinner and Yates walked into Vernette’s home and followed Vernette back to his office. Vernette sat down behind his desk. Yates and Skinner stood, facing Vernette. Before Yates or Skinner spoke, Yates turned and closed the door to Vernette’s office. Vernette: Alright...what is it? Yates walked towards Vernette’s desk and put a data pad down on Vernette’s desk. Yates: Sign this...then we will answer ALL of your questions. Vernette: What the hell is this? Yates: A non-disclosure agreement. Sign it... Vernette: What the hell are we discussing? Yates: Sign it... Vernette: I demand SOME explanation! Yates: You want the general scoop? Fine. Yes...we are with ONI...but everything we do is HIGHLY classified. What we are discussing is HIGHLY classified. As a matter of fact...WE are HIGHLY classified. The only thing you are signing is a gag-order not to discuss what we talk about...that is it that is all! Vernette: Fine... Vernette placed his thumb print down on the signature area of the data pad. The data pad flashed green. Yates: Now...was that so hard? Vernette dropped the data pad onto his desk. Vernette: Indulge me... Skinner: Tell me Commander...have you ever heard of ONI Section 0? Vernette: You mean that non-existent branch? I have heard rumors about it. It is supposedly some internal affairs division that deals with UNSC security and ONI stability. I think its bullshit to be honest. Skinner: I assure you Commander...Section 0 is not bullshit...Section 0 is very real. Vernette: Says who? Skinner: Says the two men who are standing right in front of you...both of whom WORK for Section 0. Vernette was silent. Skinner: I know exactly what you are thinking. You want us to prove it. Skinner grinned. Skinner: Have you heard of the Spartan-II project? Vernette: I have heard of it...not much...very little...close to none. I may, or may not have caught a glimpse at something that was classified. All I know is that the Spartan Program is not finished. Anything else on the subject is…a mystery to me. Skinner: The Class-I Spartans are not finished. However....Section 0 maintains full control of Class-0. Vernette: Section 0 has its own group of Spartans? Skinner: Our very own. In fact...we have two on our ship right now. Would you like to meet them? Of course this would be to set aside all of your doubts. Vernette: As a matter of fact...I would! I am very interested in seeing this! Skinner: We can have a pelican ready to pick you up at the spaceport in 2 hours. Please be prompt! When you arrive...just go to the courtesy desk and give them your name...and be sure to tell them that "perpetual security is eternal vigilance". I am sure you will be able to figure out the rest. Vernette: Understood...for the most part. Skinner nodded. Skinner: Good. We will see ourselves out. Have a wonderful evening. Skinner and Yates turned and walked out of Vernette's office. They left his home without saying another word. Vernette, on the other hand, sat at his desk in total awe. Vernette: I have to see this for myself. If these guys are for real...and they are interested in helping me...this could change everything! Vernette was silent for several moments. He broke out of his daze when he heard a knock at the door. He looked up and saw Diana again. Diana: I saw those two men leave...and you look like you have seen a ghost! What happened!? Vernette: I think my luck has turned for the best. Those two guys were indeed from ONI...and they are very interested in my work. They want me to meet with them in 2 hours...and I am considering going. Diana: ONI? You have always distrusted ONI for their secretive nature. You always told me that ONI was obscure...too opaque. Vernette: This was before they have actually proven to be collectively smarter than HIGHCOM! This is my chance to actually get my designs implemented. I doubt I will join them...I could never see myself working for them...but I will collaborate with them to get my ideas off the ground! These guys have influence...and I want to capitalize on that! Vernette stood up. Vernette: Look...Diana...I have to do this. I have to meet these guys. I doubt I will be back by morning...so don't wait up! Vernette grabbed his naval uniform jacket that was hanging on a hook behind him. He put the jacket on and began to do up the buttons. Diana: Just be careful...and keep your wits...this is too good to be true! Vernette pulled his magnum out. Vernette: Don't worry...I always have my wits with me...and my wits are fully loaded! Diana: It is all I can ask. ============================================================================== Harvest - Capital City of Utgard - Downtown District - Highway 912 – 1 hour and 45 minutes later: ============================================================================== Vernette was driving his car down the highway, heading to the downtown spaceport. The traffic was moderately light due to the time of the evening nearing midnight. Vernette: How the hell do these guys operate without gathering any attention? Surely SOMEONE at HIGHCOM knows about Section 0. The fact that it is REAL...I cannot believe it. How do they have Spartans? Where did they come from? How the hell do they keep that from the rest of the UNSC? How the hell do these guys have something that the rest of the UNSC has not even finished? Vernette shook his head. He had so many questions. He looked at the highway exit signs, and followed them towards the Spaceport. He took the next exit. It was not long until Vernette had pulled his vehicle up to the Spaceport. He parked his vehicle in a handicapped parking spot. As he stepped out, one of the spaceport officers walked up to Vernette. Officer: Excuse me sir...you can't park there...you are going to have to move your vehicle! Vernette looked at the officer and reached into his jacket and pulled out a small leather wallet and opened it. He showed the officer his UNSC credentials. Vernette: My credentials beg to differ. The officer took a deep breath and walked away. Vernette: Yeah...you walk away. I am sure they brewed some fresh coffee in the staffroom. Vernette put his credentials away and walked into the spaceport. He looked around and saw a lineup at the courtesy desk. Vernette sighed and walked past the line-up, cutting right to the front. Vernette looked at the receptionist, and then at the man speaking to the receptionist. Vernette glared at the man. Vernette: Take a walk Copernicus... The man looked at Vernette and frowned. The receptionist also frowned. She looked at Vernette. Receptionist: Excuse me sir...you are going to have to go to the back of the line... Vernette rolled his eyes and pulled out the leather wallet from his jacket again. He showed his UNSC identification. Vernette: Commander Preston J. Vernette...I am allowed to cut the line. Receptionist: I am sorry sir...I did not know this was a military concern. How can I help you? Vernette: I was told to come here... Receptionist: One moment sir... The receptionist began to type. Receptionist: Yes...I have an administrative notice in the system. However... Vernette: Yeah, yeah... perpetual security is eternal vigilance... Receptionist: Thank you sir... The receptionist turned and walked away to a small staffroom that was behind the desk. She came back a moment later with small rectangular black box. Receptionist: Here you are sir. Have a great day! Vernette nodded and walked off with the black box in hand. He walked to a secluded part of the spaceport and found a table. Vernette placed the box on the table and opened the box. Inside was a black keycard with the ONI logo on it. There was a note inside that said Gate 21. Vernette took the card and the note and pocketed them both. He closed the black box and left it on the table. Vernette walked further into the spaceport and found Gate 21. Waiting by the gate was two men in black suits. They were unmarked suits. Vernette walked up to the men and looked at them. The men looked back. Without saying a word, Vernette pulled out the keycard and showed it to the two men. One of the men pulled out a PDA from his pocket and gave it to Vernette. Vernette inspected the PDA and saw a card slot at the bottom of the PDA. Vernette inserted the card into the PDA and the PDA flashed green. Vernette handed the PDA and card back to one of the men. Covert Agent: Commander Vernette...please come with us. The two men led Vernette into Gate 21. Vernette followed, eventually being led to a Pelican with two Marines guarding it. Covert Agent: We will be taking you to the UNSC Frigate Lunar Eclipse. Please step aboard the Pelican. Vernette nodded and walked onto the Pelican. The two marines and two Covert Agents followed. Vernette sat down and watched as the rear hatch closed. He could feel the Pelican lift off. Vernette patiently waited as the Pelican made its way to the UNSC Frigate. It was not long until the Pelican was docked in the hanger bay of the UNSC Frigate Lunar Eclipse. Vernette looked at the rear hatch open. Vernette stood up and walked out of the Pelican. He immediately saw the difference of the interior ship design. The walls were a matte black, with the floors being a glossy black tile. Vernette paced around the hanger bay, taking in the sight. Vernette: Classy... Vernette turned when he heard a familiar voice behind him. Skinner: I would say fitting. Vernette walked up to skinner and extended his hand. Vernette: Admiral... Skinner: Commander... Skinner shook Vernette’s hand. Skinner: To be honest...I am surprised you showed up...given the circumstance. Vernette: There is no way I wouldn’t show up! Skinner: Well...we have much to discuss... Vernette: Sir...if I may... Vernette paused. Vernette: The Spartans...I need to see this. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: I really need to see this. Skinner: Very well...first stop is the armory then. Skinner and Vernette walked out of the hanger bay. As they walked, they discussed other matters. Skinner: Commander...while we are walking...I just want to ask you a few things. Vernette: Fair enough. What is on your mind? Skinner: Your expertise...how extensive is it? Vernette: What do you mean? Skinner: I have read your weapon proposals Commander...and they are nothing short of amazing! Our best minds were unable to make heads or tails of anything you put forward to the UNSC, specifically to HIGHCOM. Vernette: Yes...HIGHCOM has been blocking everything! They find excuses to deny my proposals the green light. Skinner: What if I told you that I could green light ALL of your proposals RIGHT NOW...if all you had to do was tell me that the contents of your hardware upgrade proposals is NOT the upper limit of your expertise. Vernette: I would say...how high do you need that upper limit to be? Skinner: Well...that all depends. There is a lot we want to do...and how much we can do is limited by what you can give us in terms of your expertise. Look Commander...I have been in this game for a long time. You are hiding your hand. You have a poker face on right now. You have your foot in the water. Your mind is busy assessing the pros and cons of giving Section 0 your expertise. Vernette: Let me put it this way...chances are...whatever you need, I can do. I have learned never to tip my full hand when dealing with people. The question is...why does Section 0 need my expertise? I am sure there are other branches of ONI that are interested...and sooner or later the UNSC is going to allow me to proceed when they realize the insurrection is not to be trifled with. You have made it clear you value what I can do...but what can you offer me in return for my expertise? Skinner: Whatever you are making, whatever your annual salary is...I will quadruple it on the spot...and that is for starters. Section 0 has a very...VERY large war chest. I can give you your own staff...your own command...your own resources, assets. I can give you the finest labs, the most brilliant minds, the most skilled Agents...all at your beck and call. Hell...I can give you whatever you want! Are you in the market for a new sports car? It can be yours...and you can drive it to the most prestigious bank, as fast as you want, where you will deposit your insanely large pay checks! All I want in return is your expertise. Vernette: Hmmm... Vernette paused. Vernette: I do fancy the notion of driving sports cars to deposit insanely large pay checks in the bank...but...I care more about doing good rather than doing bad and being handsomely rewarded for it. Skinner: I am pleased to hear this. I am very pleased to hear this! I can assure you...your work with us will help us usher in a swift end to the Insurrection! I can have some contract drafts drawn up, and I can have you instantiated into Section 0 by the end of today! Vernette: Hold on...I did not say that I have accepted...just that the offer interests me. Skinner: Are you going to accept? Vernette: I want to see more of your ship...I need to think about it. But first...I need to see that you guys are the real deal... Skinner: You want to see the Spartan? The duo stopped in front of the armory. Skinner: They are both in there. You are free to check them out. Vernette nodded and walked into the armory. He saw the two Spartans conversing with each other. They both stopped and looked at Vernette when they heard the doors open. Vernette: No way...unbelievable... Skinner: Yes way...and very believable... Nikolai: Admiral Skinner... Skinner: Nikolai...I want you to meet Commander Preston J. Vernette...he is an exciting new prospect in ONI. Nikolai looked at Vernette and nodded. Nikolai: Commander... Skinner grinned. He then looked at the other Spartan. Skinner: Cameron? Cameron: Yea Admiral? Skinner: Are you going to greet the Commander? Cameron looked at Vernette. Cameron nodded. Cameron: Commander... Vernette: Incredible! Skinner: Class 0 is our pride and joy...perfect in every way! Vernette: How many of them are there? Cameron: There are 75 of us...each of us capable of what the next is. Each of us is capable of feats hundreds, if not thousands of times beyond what a normal human is capable of. Nikolai: In all respects...we are simply better than most normal humans. Vernette: Is that so. Nikolai: Yes...it is. We are faster...stronger...more versatile...we can survive environments that could kill you... Cameron: Niko...you are talking down to your superior officer...if I were you...I would be careful. Don’t let your training go to your head. The Commander is here for a reason...and that means that he is better then you at something...so show a little bit of respect... Nikolai scoffed and walked off. Skinner: Well...he is in a fine mood. Cameron looked at Vernette. Cameron: I apologize sir...I take full responsibility for his actions. Vernette: You are apologizing for him? Cameron: I am...well...I am considered to be their leader. I proved to be the best of the Class 0s...I had the best leadership skills...and the coolest head. The brass picked me to keep the others in line. They all report to me. Vernette: Ohhh...well...don’t worry about it. I can’t please everyone all the time. Cameron: Nikolai is one of our most skilled...but he has always been a little short with people. ONI sometimes calls it a character flaw. Vernette: Character flaw? Skinner: it is not that big of a deal...it is not that important. Vernette looked at Skinner. Vernette: I think it is important. If I am going to be working with these guys...I need to know what the deal is. Skinner: We can discuss it later... Vernette: With all respects sir...I think we need to discuss this now. Cameron looked at Skinner. Cameron: Sir...I think it is fair that the Commander knows... Vernette: Need to know what? Skinner sighed. Skinner looked at Vernette. Skinner: Class 0 Spartans, some of them anyway, have a minor character flaw. Some of them can very aggressive...very confrontational. Section 0 was more concerned about genetic compatibility and less about mental stability. There are a few that turned out essentially perfect...but a majority of them can be uncooperative at times. Vernette was wide eyed as he looked back at Skinner. Vernette: That is a pretty disturbing design flaw... Skinner: Not so much considering that Class 0s, when unleashed on an enemy, are very effective and willing to follow orders. A bit of aggression can be tolerated. Vernette: That is very careless. Something as big and as fast as a Spartan should not be allowed to take matters into his own hands...and they certainly should not be allowed to run around totally out of control. Cameron chimed in, and looked at Vernette. As he did, Skinner and Vernette looked at him. Cameron: I have always been forced to agree with that stance Commander... Vernette looked back at Skinner. Vernette: See? Skinner looked at Vernette. Skinner: Commander Vernette...whatever your feelings are...you are here to elevate the current state of military technology...not play commentator to all of our executive decisions. Let me just be clear about this. Vernette nodded. Vernette: Very well Admiral, consider the matter dropped. Skinner sighed. Skinner: This little meeting took up more time than it should have. Commander, I have much work to do. I can contact you later with further details about your recruitment. For now...I have much to catch up on. If you could be so kind as to see yourself out...as in...see yourself to the hanger bay and return to Harvest...it would be very much appreciated. Vernette raised an eyebrow. Cameron: Admiral Skinner...I can continue to show the Commander around... Skinner looked at Cameron and shook his head. Skinner: No Cameron...that will not be necessary. However, if you wish to walk and talk with the Commander back to the hanger bay...you are free to. Cameron: Very well. Skinner: If you will excuse me... Skinner turned away and left Vernette and Cameron by themselves. Vernette looked at Cameron. Vernette: Is this typical for your working conditions? Cameron: More often than not...yeah... Cameron paused. Cameron: Between you and I sir...Admiral Skinner can be quite...short...with people. He is like that with everyone. If he needs you, he will be nice...but once you fall under his command...he can be...what’s the word? Both you and I have one... Vernette nodded. Vernette proceeded to walk out of the armory and proceed back to the hanger bay. Cameron followed. Vernette: You don’t seem so bad Cameron...not unlike Nikolai... Cameron: I turned out perfect...it is why I am the ranking Spartan for Class 0. Vernette: Interesting... Cameron: Not really...it is not hard to stand out when the general level of competence is beneath you. Vernette: I would not call a Spartan incompetent...short tempered perhaps, but not incompetent. Cameron: Nikolai, and most of the other Class 0’s are…disturbed. There are problems with Class 0 that ONI hides. They are not the perfect soldiers ONI intended to be. They are close, but they are not perfect...and this disturbs me. Someone as powerful as a Spartan...needs to be perfect...or there is going to be trouble. Vernette: Cameron...there is something else...isn’t there? Cameron: Well...you saw how Nikolai was...he isn’t all bad, when all things are considered. There is one Class 0 worse than he is...and I am very concerned about him. Vernette: Who is it? Cameron: His name is Lucien...Lucien-Z002. (Z as in Zed) Vernette: Zed? Cameron: Zed... Vernette: North American Union? Cameron: Greater Toronto Area... Vernette: Canadian AND a Spartan? Strange...didn’t think you guys were like that. Being a weapon of war isn’t a very passive-aggressive way of life... Cameron: Sir...about Lucien... Vernette: Sorry...continue. Cameron: Lucien is a little different. His methods are...unsettling...and his ambitions are...out of line...but with very good reason. Vernette: Clarify... Cameron: Lucien knows he is a Spartan...but...some of the things he does... Cameron paused. Cameron: A few weeks ago...I was running drills with Lucien...just a standard sweep and elimination simulation, with Insurrectionists as our targets. Lucien was killing them with his bare hands...and he was enjoying it...a lot...he was enjoying it too much. This is but one example of such behavior. I have reported this to Skinner, but it has been dismissed as an “acceptable level of hatred for the enemy”. Section 0 refuses to even touch this. Vernette: Wow... Cameron: That’s not all. Remember those ambitions I told you about? Lucien fancies himself as a naval commander as well...and I would be lying if I said that he didn’t have the aptitude for it. In fact...he is far more qualified than any other naval officer I have seen in my life. It is simply natural for him. Vernette: How could you make such an evaluation? Cameron: because...on his spare time...he ran the command officers exam simulation... Vernette: Oh yes...the simulation with no apparent way to win. I don’t believe in that crap...there is always a way to win...you just need to find it. Cameron: Yeah...well...he almost won! He scored a 98 percentile on it. We checked the logs, we checked every system...he did not cheat, and he did not alter the system! He simply figured it out. We don’t know how! Vernette: Hold on...you are complaining about this guy because he is good at command? Cameron: No...I am complaining because he posses skills and attributes that are being coupled with psychotic behavior! If Lucien ever went rouge...could you imagine the fallout? Vernette: I see your point... Cameron: But...none of this concerns you and your situation... Vernette: Well...I may be the new guy on the block...but I already have a few cards in my hands. If ONI wants me...then I can force a re-evaluation of Lucien...I can have whatever I want! Cameron: You would do that? Vernette: You seem concerned about it...might as well help you...after all...if I am going to join Section 0...we need to be able to work together and help each other...what better way to prove this to you? Cameron: Commander...I appreciate this... Vernette: I will talk to Skinner ASAP! Vernette and Cameron, at that moment, walked into the hanger bay. The duo was met by Rear Admiral Yates. Yates: Commander... Vernette: Commander...what can I do for you? Yates: I am just here to inform you, that we are going to contact you... Yates looked at his watch as he spoke. Yates: Later on today it seems... Vernette looked at his watch and saw that it was long past midnight. Vernette shrugged and looked back at Yates. Vernette: What will this contact concern? Yates: We will have your official recruitment documents. We will ask to meet with you to seal the deal. Vernette: Any specific time? Yates: 2:00 pm...local time...on the dot. Vernette: Understood. Yates nodded and walked off, leaving the hanger bay. Cameron looked at Vernette. Cameron: I look forward to seeing you again sir! Vernette: Likewise Cam...can I call you Cam? Cameron: Sure! No harm in that. Vernette: Perfect. Also...FYI...most of my friends, especially in the military, usually just call me by my last name...I don’t really have a short name...kind of hard to shorten the name Preston I find...nothing really sounds good...so...I usually am fine with people calling me Vernette...without the rank prefix... Cameron: it is not really in my nature to address my superior officers in a social fashion...but I will keep it in mind. Vernette nodded. He stepped onto the waiting pelican. The Pelican hatch sealed, and after the pre-flight sequence, took off, passing through the security barrier, of the hanger bay door, and proceeded to take Vernette back to Harvest. ============================================================================== Harvest - Capital City of Utgard - Residential District - 2 hours and 30 minutes later: ============================================================================== Vernette’s car pulled up to the front of his house. He stepped out of his car and walked into his home. All of the lights were off, as the entire house was asleep. Vernette walked through the house, proceeding to his office. He walked into his office and turned on a desk lamp. Vernette sat down at his desk and leaned back in his chair. He sighed. Vernette: A Spartan...I actually saw a full...a complete and ready Spartan. What have I got myself into? Why do I feel so anxious? Vernette gazed off. He looked around his room, eventually stopping when he saw a book on his couch. The book was open, with its spine facing upwards. Vernette stood up and walked over to the book and picked it up. He turned it around and saw that it was a blank page with a single title. Vernette recognized the book. He recognized it as a book that he used to read when he was in the orphanage when he was young. He took it with him when he left the orphanage. Vernette read the title out loud. Vernette: La Vita Nuova... Vernette turned the page. He read the passage out loud to himself. Vernette: In that book...which is my memory, on the first page, of the chapter, that is the day when I first met you...appear the words “here begins a new life”. Vernette paused. He put the book down on his desk. Vernette: I must have read this book a thousand times...how fascinating that something written over a thousand years ago can have such...relevance... Vernette put both of his hands on his desk and leaned forward. He sighed. He closed his eyes and hung his head. Vernette: I totally need to sleep on this decision... Vernette took his holster off his hip and hung the holster up on a hook that was in a wardrobe closet in his office. He walked back over to the sofa and collapsed on it. ============================================================================== Midnight – ONI Section 0 Operational Headquarters Omicron - ONI Section 0 Military District of Tribunal: ============================================================================== A Spartan was sitting in an armory, an armory located in a high security military installation used for training Class 0 Spartans. The Spartan had a magnum in his hands. He kept ejecting the clip and inserting it again. He repeated this processes, slowing speeding up until he crushed the gun in his hand and tossed it aside. The damaged gun hit the ground and broke into several pieces. The clip that housed the bullets had broken and the bullets scattered on the ground. The Spartan was breathing heavily in frustration. However, he stopped when he hears a door open behind him. The Spartan turned and saw an ONI Naval Officer, accompanied by four ODST enter the armory. The officer looked at the Spartan. The Officer took a long drag of a cigarette before he said anything. Spender: Lucien-Z002? The officer exhaled the smoke as he spoke. Lucien: Yes? Spender: My name is Vice Admiral Constantine Spender... Lucien: Good for you... Spender: I have come a long way to see you. Lucien: Have you now? How nice. Are you interested in how effectively...and violently...I dispatch enemy combatants? Spender: As a matter of fact...yes... Lucien: You...and the rest of ONI. Some complain, some praise...which one are you? Spender: Praise... Lucien: Than you are no different than Admiral Skinner...in that respect I have met you before...and I am now disinterested in this meeting. Spender: You are very to the point. Tell me...did you apply such ridged authority during the command officer’s exam? Lucien stood up and looked down at Spender. Lucien: You have my interest again...tell me what I want to hear... Spender: Hmmm... Spender took a drag of his cigarette. Spender: Such a fantastic mind...obscured behind such a devastating weapon... Spender laughed a bit. Spender: You are capable of so much more... Spender paused. Spender: I trust you agree? Lucien: I do...I do agree... Spender: Do you feel satisfied in Section 0? Do you feel satisfied in your role as an attack dog? Lucien was silent. Spender: I don’t think so. Your anger...your impatience...it is palpable... Spender grinned. Spender: That is a very powerful emotion. You truly hate it here... Lucien: I do... Spender: You want something else from life...you want authority...you want to exceed the boundaries placed before you by bureaucrats and doctors... Lucien: What are you getting at? Spender: I represent an organizational division of Section 0 that...prefers...members like you. To me...you will be more than a Spartan. All you need to do is walk away from Section 0...righty here and right now. Lucien: This must be some sort of test... Spender: The only thing being tested is your commitment to what you think is important. So...what will it be? Keep doing what you are doing now...or grow as a person? If you say no, I will walk away...you will never see me again. Lucien: So my options are to ditch ONI...or stay with ONI? Spender: Essentially...yes. Lucien: And if I ditch ONI...I will be allowed to grow beyond a simple-minded killing machine? Spender: Yes... Lucien: Then the choice is obvious... Lucien paused. ODST Black Team all looked at each other. They didn't say anything, but they all knew this guy was, in no uncertain terms, nuts. Lucien: Lead...and I will follow... Spender: Good...very good. I am pleased to hear this! Spender paused. He grinned. Spender: I have a ship in orbit...waiting to take us away from Midnight. Once we depart...we can begin our new co-operation. Lucien: When do we leave? Spender: Immediately. Lucien: Where are we going? Spender: Well...I will need to make a detour. Some news has come to my attention...only minutes before I arrived here. The news concerns someone that ONI has recruited...his skills are something we desire to have. First we go to Harvest...we find this individual...and then we return to our dry dock. Lucien: Fair enough. If I may ask...who are you trying to recruit on Harvest? Spender: His name is Preston Vernette...Commander Preston Vernette to be more precise. From what I understand about him, he has a very creative mind...and a way of thinking that flies circles around anyone else in ONI. If Section 0 feels the need to hunt someone down by name...there MUST be something interesting. I want to get to him before Section 0 does. Lucien looked at Spender. He tilted his head to the side. Lucien: You said you work for some...division of ONI. Is it normal for a division of ONI would be competing for talent? Technically...you guys are all on the same side. Spender: It is very complicated...but I can, and will, explain on our way to Harvest. Spender looked at the exit to the armory, and then back at Lucien. Spender: Shall we? Lucien: Lead the way! Spender nodded. He walked out of the armory with Lucien in tow. Lucien: So...tell me more about this Commander Vernette you are after. Spender: Commander Vernette is a specialist in weapons technology, cybernetics, and electronic engineering. This guy knows what he is doing when it comes to weapons technology. Recently...he has been trying to spearhead some sort of armament ill to the UNSC...proposing experimental upgrades to several ships, all in the name of combating the Insurrection. I used some of my UNSC connections to analyses some of this guys weapon proposals...and these proposals are quite good...but the only reason the UNSC cut them down was because of the cost associated with the upgrades. To use a metaphor...Vernette is trying to pull the teeth from a bear’s mouth and replace them with machine guns...and he cares very little for how difficult it will be for the people involved. Lucien: So why would you want to recruit someone who cannot budget himself. Spender: Because we have a very large budget...and it goes unregulated. Lucien: Why do I feel that this guy is going to be a problem? Spender: I do not know why you feel this way...but I feel this way as well, and that, I know why... Lucien waited. Spender: Preston Vernette is a very stubborn man. He has...misguided principles which make him hard to sway. His stubborn nature makes him very difficult to predict and control. Lastly...he can be a real asshole at times. He is arrogant at times...and not a people person. We really have nothing to offer him...at least nothing that ONI Section 0 has not already offered. Lucien: This sounds familiar... Spender: Oh? Lucien: This Preston Vernette strikes me as the kind of man that is brave with his own life...but can be moved when dealing with the lives of others. Spender: Go on ... Lucien: Men like Preston Vernette have one, and only one weakness...their loved ones...their friends...the people they care about. Spender grinned. Spender: You are good with strategy! I did not think about this. Hopefully...Preston Vernette has SOMEONE we can use against him... Lucien: I suggest we learn of this possibility ASAP... Lucien and Spender left the Class 0 training facility and walked into a courtyard where a UNSC Pelican was waiting. Lucien looked at the Pelican. As Spender walked into the Pelican, he turned as he did not hear Lucien get on the Pelican. Spender looked at Lucien with a confused look on his face. Lucien: Before I leave...I need to know for sure...by working with you...I am totally ditching Section 0? Never again will I be under the command of Section 0. Spender: In the short term...no...but my long term goals involve a position of power in Section 0. You may find yourself in Section 0 again sometime in the future...but it will be my Section 0. Lucien: Fair enough. So long as I answer to someone who recognizes my potential...I can work with them. Lucien stepped onto the Pelican. The rear hatch closed and the Pelican lifted off, returning to orbit, and docking in the hanger bay of a UNSC Frigate. Spender: Like I said...our destination is Harvest. Getting there won’t take long...but learning Preston Vernette like the backs of our hands will take some time. We must be patient. ============================================================================== Harvest - Capital City of Utgard - Residential District - 7 hours later: ============================================================================== Vernette was lying down on the sofa in his office, asleep. He awoke to someone shaking him. Vernette saw his wife standing over him. Diana: You know...the bed is usually more comfortable than a couch... Vernette sat up. He groaned. Vernette: What time is it? Diana: Quarter to 10 in the morning... Vernette: I got back home just short of 3 am... Diana: Really? How did it go? Vernette: Well...these guys are for real. Some of the things I saw...you wouldn’t believe me...on the other hand, I shouldn’t say anything...chances are that stuff is really classified. Diana: Hmmm...I bet. Vernette: While we are talking about ONI...I have a meeting with them today at 2:00 pm... Diana: So I am guessing you are going to be pre-occupied with that? Vernette: Yeah...story of my life... Diana: Hmmm...well...I will leave you to that. I, on the other hand, have to take the kids to school in about half an hour. We can talk more later... Vernette: Yeah...defiantly... Diana walked out of Vernette’s office. Vernette looked around and rubbed his eyes. He was still slightly tired, but he knew the morning fatigue would ware off. Vernette: Alright...ONI... Vernette thought about his upcoming meeting with ONI later on in the day. Vernette: Do I want to join Section 0? Do I really want to work with these guys? It seems so good...gaining everything...losing nothing. These guys want the Insurrection done with, and I agree with that. HIGHCOM has done nothing but put up walls...and have done nothing but push me back and deny my proposals. Vernette chuckled. Vernette: I look at how well armed Section 0...not to mention those damn Spartans...they must limitless resources. The increased pay is nice...the knowledge that I am actually contributing something is nice. Yeah...I think I like these guys...I think I am going to like this job. I cannot wait to draft my letter of resignation to the UNSC R&D Department...I am going to love writing that letter... Vernette sat down at his desk and turned on his laptop. He began to draft a letter of resignation from the UNSC R&D Department. He spent quite a bit of time perfecting the wording of the letter, ensuring that it said everything that he ever wanted to say to his superiors, both at HIGHCOM and in the R&D Department. Vernette spent a few hours writing the letter, only because he had so much to say. When he was fully satisfied with what he had written, he looked over at his clock. Vernette: Shit...10 to 1...ONI should be contacting me in a little more than an hour. I should be ready to get the hell out of here at a moment’s notice. Vernette rubbed his chin. He felt that he had a morning’s growth. Vernette: Better clean myself up. I would rather not look like a totally unkempt drunk. Vernette stood up and left his office. He proceeded to clean himself up, making himself look more professional and kempt. It was not long before Vernette returned to his office, in full uniform. He walked over to the wardrobe cabinet and grabbed his holster and strapped it on around his waist. Vernette looked in a mirror and straightened up his jacket and touched up his hair a bit. He stopped midway through when he heard his communicator on his desk beeping. Vernette turned to look at the communicator. He then turned and looked at his clock. It was 2:00 exactly. Vernette: Never early...never late...simply on time. Vernette walked over to his desk and grabbed the communicator. He put it on his ear and tapped the button to activate it. Vernette: Vernette here. Yates: Commander Vernette... Vernette: If I am to make a guess...Admiral Yates? Yates: Correct. Vernette: You guys are really on the ball about this whole...”we will contact you at 2:00 pm sharp”. It is like you were waiting by the uplink...ready to transmit. Yates: I assure...that was not the case. We are simply VERY good at delegating the correct amount of time to everything, being sure to stay 100% on schedule. Precision is our game. Vernette: Well...with that said...where do you wish to meet to...finalize my obligations? Yates: We have an ONI listening post on Harvest. Are you familiar with outpost Stalingrad? Vernette: Yes...I am. You mean...Section 0 uses Outpost Stalingrad as a beachhead? Yates: Very astute. Be there in 1 hour. Security will be briefed on your impending arrival. Yates out. Yates closed the comm. Line. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: Fair enough Admiral...see you there. Vernette scoffed. Vernette: What a charming man. Vernette shrugged and left his office. He proceeded to leave his house, and proceed to the car that was in his driveway. Vernette pulled the car out of his drive way and sped down the street, anxious to get his business with Section 0 started. ============================================================================== Harvest - Capital City of Utgard – Military District - 1 hour later: ============================================================================== Vernette’s car pulled up to a large metal gate. Vernette look at a large metal sign that stood near the gates. It said “Fort Loki – UNSC Military Base” There were several UNSC marines standing guard. One of the marines walked up to Vernette’s car and tapped on the window. Vernette rolled down the window and looked at the Marine. Marine: Credentials... Vernette reached into his jacket and pulled out an identification card. The marine took the card and put it into the bottom of a PDA. The PDA beeped and the Marine nodded. Marine: Commander Preston J Vernette? Vernette: Yes. Marine: You are being expected it seems. Vernette: That is what I was told. Marine: Are you currently carrying any firearms? Vernette: Two M6C Magnums...and an M90 in my trunk. Care to see? Marine: That won’t be necessary sir. The Marine paused. Marine: Are you currently in possession of any electronic devices or aides? Vernette: I have my PDA with me...my military issued comm uplink, and my augmented reality sunglasses... Marine: May I see your glasses? Vernette: Certainly... Vernette took his sunglasses off and handed them to the marine. The marine looked at them. He then held them close to his eyes and looked through them. He saw that they were currently active, and tied directly into the GPS system that was equipped on Vernette’s car. Marine: Very good...thank you sir. The marine handed the glasses back. Marine: Make and model of your PDA? Vernette: Iconia Digital Assistant 8600 series... Marine: 8600 series? Vernette: Correct. Marine: May I see? Vernette nodded. He pulled his PDA out of his pocket and handed it to the marine. The marine inspected the PDA. Marine: Sir, for security reasons, I am going to have to ask you to keep this device disabled while you are here...that is, unless I received clearance from my CO. You will have to speak with Admiral Skinner about that. Vernette: Fair enough. The marine turned the PDA off. He handed it back to Vernette. Marine: Thank you sir...you may proceed. The large metal gate opened. Vernette drove his car into the military base, around the building, and right into the parking lot. Vernette: Geeze...have not seen security this tight since my honeymoon... Vernette walked towards the main entrance. He walked inside and walked down the main hallway. He walked into the main commons area and was met by Yates and Skinner, as well as several ONI Agents who were dressed in black. Yates looked at Vernette. Yates: One minute and 13 seconds...that is precisely how long we have been waiting for you to show up. Vernette: I would have been here one minute and 13 seconds earlier had your butler known that a game of 20 questions has a time and a place. Yates: Excuse me? Vernette: The Marine out front was not briefed on my arrival. Yates: Ohhh? Vernette: I thought precision was your game? I guess even the best scalpel has imperfections. Yates: Are you questioning my ability to properly delegate tasks to the people under my command? Vernette: I was just interrogated at your front door...so...yeah... Yates frowned. He stepped forward and was going to speak but Skinner stopped him.