A/N: So I'm replacing the first chapter because I had a shiny idea and ran off with it. Then I stopped, took a moment, stepped back, considered, and began again. Short first chapter; the next, things begin to happen and it's all shiny and exciting. So here's the new first chapter of my new amazing story now even better.


February 12, 2559

HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-Six

Australia, Earth

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Dr. Miranda Sanders was almost shaking. Almost, but not quite.

The doors slid apart and she stepped out, and found herself in front of the head of ONI, Serin Osman, and the rest of the UNSC brass as well. She couldn't detect any emotions on Serin's face, which hopefully meant that she had a chance.

She took a deep breath and began her presentation, tapping on her data pad to bring up footage of the Spartan-IVs fighting on Requiem. "As everyone knows, the newest generation of Spartan soldiers are impressive. Using existing military personnel and mild genetic modifications, they are undeniably powerful. The addition of previous Spartan generations to the program has only made them more effective. But the Sangheili traditionalists are gaining ground, and there are reports of increased Jiralhanae and Kig-Yar movements. They're exceptional, but soon exceptional won't be enough. Even the second-generation Spartans could barely go hand-to-hand with Jiralhanae."

Serin leaned forward, and Miranda felt her heart beginning to race. The women stared at each other, one impassive and the other frightened, and then the admiral asked, "Are you suggesting we do what Halsey did? Kidnap children, indoctrinate them, modify them?"

Miranda shook her head hurriedly. "No, no. Although, sadly, children are the most… modifiable…" She couldn't help the shudder that passed through her at that; the stories of the Spartan-II project were terrible. "We can't do that. So we'll have to go with second-best: Volunteers. Preferably in the sixteen-to-eighteen range. Still genetically malleable, and willing. With new protocols, we could produce soldiers whose skills rival or even surpass the Spartan-IIs." She brought up the list of procedures. "We would have to genetically screen everyone, of course. Genetic defects like being prone to heart disease could cause fatal complications later."

Serin nodded slowly and leaned back. One of the others asked, "What would their training be like?"

"They'd receive specialized training according to their combat proficiencies, as decided in their third year of training." She brought up the list of specializations. "INFILTRATOR-class Spartans will have active camouflage technology, as well as sniper rifle training and hacking experience. ENGINEER-class Spartans will carry heavy weapons, turrets, and modification kits into the field. VANGUARD-class Spartans will carry close-quarters weapons, have more powerful shields, and will be able to clear rooms in seconds. SENTINEL-class Spartans will carry the latest plasma and beam-based weaponry into battle. ADEPT-classes will have a number of neural implants and augmentations that improve their perception and reaction times; they will be expert tacticians, and, with permission, will work closely with AIs. Each specialization will receive MJOLNIR armor tailored to their unique needs."

Serin leaned forward again. "You're still suggesting we use children, Doctor."

Miranda shook her head. "The first round of augmentations remain viable until twenty or so, ma'am. I'm merely suggesting we begin with teenagers. My suggested training schedule recommends a year of training before the first augmentations, and then two more years before the second round of augmentations. Another half-year of training before receiving armor. Another year of training after that before deployment."

"That's a lot of time to wait before we have your Spartans, Doctor."

"It's worth it to have a group of soldiers who can do almost any mission. And in time, we may be able to make some of these genetic modifications standard for all troops."

Admiral Serin Osman considered, then nodded. "Okay. You'll get your funds. You'll get whatever you need. But I want to see results."

"Yes, ma'am," Miranda said, her fear of ONI overshadowed by her joy at success. And then she had one more request to make: "Admiral, as you know, the Sangheili recently announced their use of cabals — the specialized fighting units comprised mainly of women that perform black ops. I would like to have a few of them to help train the Spartans, as well as whatever Second- and Third-generation Spartans you can spare."

Once again, Serin nodded. "Like I said, Doctor. You'll get whatever you need."