2558 A.D S-117 - John

"Cortana. I am the best there is… why am I babysitting?" I ask my SMART Ai. Her real identification name is Samantha but I've had three Cortana's, I'm not learning new names.

"To teach the Spartan-6 class, "Sixers" as we are calling them" She replies in her soothing voice "One of your group of 20 is genetically yours and Kelly's son, isn't that exciting. He will be a part of the Titus program, the ones who train on Sanghelios."

"Great, another weapon for the UNSC to use during times of peace" I reply bitterly "How old are they anyway?"

"Biologically? 10. Actually? 6-1/2."

Great, child weapons.

"So, what's their focus?"

"CQC and short range weaponry. Their class 4 augmentation will make you guys look like ragdolls."

Great, indestructible child weapons.

'Well, lets meet the kids."

4 hours later, Gym, mid morning

"Alright squad, everyone getting this?" 20 acknowledgement lights blink, good. "For the next 4 years, Kelly and I will be conducting your advanced CQC and weapons training. Kelly has CQC and I have weapons, understood?" Again, 20 lights blink at me "Once you are ready you will be genetically altered to be quite simply… better. You'll also get your new armour variants. I believe its a hard light system with no real plating, good luck. Mess at 5:30, training starts at 7. Understood?" 19 acknowledgement lights blink. "T-254, did you not understand?" I ask sharply, strolling over to him "No dad I don't understand. Why are we being taught this before augmentation? Why not afterwards once we've become used to it?" He replies, looking straight at my visor "Because I learnt the hard way and now so do you. Dismissed" The twenty candidates turn sharply and march out into the courtyard.