Chapter 12

December 6, 2167

0834 Hours

It'd been almost a week since the Spartans' first mission. Operation: Nightcrawler - as the Commission referred to it - was an overwhelming success. Despite several of them requiring serious medical attention, every last one of the thirty-eight villains had been apprehended. Most importantly, all of it was accomplished without a single Spartan casualty. As a result of their achievement, the remaining teams who didn't have the opportunity to join the Assault Group were positively ecstatic to enter the fray; and the Commission was more than willing to oblige.

There was, however, one last thing before they sent all of them on their merry way. A small ceremony of sorts, designed for a few key reasons. First, was to commemorate the Spartans for all of their hardships; especially those who didn't make it through the augmentations. Second, was to give them that extra morale boost for when they do head out into the larger world. Spartans don't actually need any form of motivation. The flesh could be melting from their very bones and they'd still carry out their mission with the same determination as they'd started with. Still, it wouldn't hurt to show them some support.

Which led into the Commission's final motive for setting up this whole ordeal…

Catherine Halsey stood with all of the poise and elegance that only a veteran scientist running off two hours of sleep over the past three days could pull off. She never was one for ceremonies or other such occasions. As far as she was concerned, it was a waste of time. There were plenty of other projects that she ought to be focusing on right now. But when it came to her Spartans, she'd always make an exception.

Director Kenzo herself stood in front of the three teams that made up the Assault Group: Foxglove, Legacy, and Mythic. All twelve of the augmented humans stood perfectly still in a single line, shoulder to shoulder with one another. The other teams that'd made up the Support Group stood behind them, equally motionless. All of the Spartans were still adorned in their SPI armor. For whatever reason, they preferred it over any other outfit that they'd been supplied with. For this occasion, however, they'd removed their helmets and held them firmly to their sides so that their faces could be seen.

"I know that I'm not the first one to say this, but I want you all to understand that everyone here believes this," Kenzo said. Even though she had to crane her neck, she made the effort to look at the dozen Spartans in front of her in the eyes. "You, Spartans, are everything we could've hoped for and so much more. Earlier this month, you made your first mark upon this world. Some may view it as a trivial accomplishment; the elimination of a single gang. However, for the people of Ryloth City, they'll be able to rest easy with the knowledge that they're home is that much safer. Although they won't know about you for some time, you all have become their heroes."

Despite their cool and collected demeanor, they radiated satisfaction. For most of them, the chance to become a Pro Hero was all they'd ever wanted. And through Halsey, and the rest of the Commission's personnel, they'd given them more than just a chance. Director Kenzo hadn't been lying, the Spartans' augmentations far exceeded everything they could've ever hoped for. There were so many feats she'd observed in the weeks after their recovery; all of it reminded Halsey of the ancient Greek texts she'd once read. About demigods, who could tear mountains asunder and decimate entire legions of treacherous horrors. She had little doubt that - with a handful of exceptions - they could take on any other Pro Hero in the world and come out on top. And this was all before they'd receive MJOLNIR.

After witnessing their capabilities, there were those in the Commission who were absolutely terrified at what they'd created. Catherine's blood boiled at that particular sentiment. She knew her Spartans. They'd storm the most treacherous gates of hell and lay siege to the highest towers of heaven if it meant saving a single person. Of course, it wasn't the betrayal of innocent people that those in the Commission were worried about…

"Never forget, however, everyone who worked tirelessly to make sure you got here," Kenzo continued. "From the instructors and the doctors, to the financial and logistical personnel. The cooks, cleaners, and tech experts who were able to keep away any prying eyes. Most importantly, your own fallen teammates, who helped shape you into the heroes you are today. It was through the support of everyone involved, that you stand where you are today. I ask that you remember all those in the Commission, who help you on your journey to saving this world."

That's where the last reason for the ceremony came into place: to remind the Spartans who they worked for. It wasn't so much a threat, as it was meant to be a reminder of what their relationship was. The Commission had provided them with everything they'd needed to become the greatest heroes of their age. All it'd cost was kidnapping them from their homes, enduring six years of brutal training, undergoing the most invasive physical augmentations ever performed, and then losing dozens of their brothers and sisters in arms to said augmentations. It wasn't totally unreasonable to assume they'd harbor some sort of animosity towards the ones that'd put them through all of that.

Not even Halsey was sure if they'd eventually turn their backs on the Commission. She'd assured the members of the Board numerous times that there was no reason to question the Spartans loyalties, but that was simply to dispel any notion of uncertainty. If it did ever come to that… Halsey knew she wouldn't blame them.

In the meantime, however, there was still work to be done.

"Now then, with all of that said, I believe it's time we turned to the meat of this gathering," Kenzo said as she motioned to Catherine. "Report to Doctor Halsey. She'll provide each of your teams with the dossiers that contain necessary information for your new missions. Once again, congratulations, Spartans."

One by one, the teams came to her for their assignments. Their faces might've been passive, but the way they carried themselves was clear: they were yearning for a chance to get out into the world. They'd all been given a task of extraordinary difficulty, but it was here that Catherine had the utmost confidence. Whether it be neutralizing more gangs, spying on suspected MLA assets, or hunting down turncoat Pro Heroes, it didn't matter. They'd be ready.

It may take some time for them to realize, but she was already well aware of just how capable they were. There was only one thing left to do now, to ensure their total dominance in the field. She'd speak with Doctor Shield later today. It didn't matter what she had to do, her Spartans were going to receive their MJOLNIR armor before the end of winter.

December 8, 2167

2205 Hours

Yagi Toshinori, otherwise known as "All Might", watched the television with only a vague interest. He was already aware of what the news anchor would report: no new information regarding the situation had arisen, but they'd keep the public informed. He'd already heard the same thing on several other channels throughout the evening. A whole week after "The Raid", as people were now calling it, and yet no new discovery had been made about the group who'd conducted it. The police were adamant that it was just a team-up between underground heroes. Nothing out of the ordinary.

That didn't stop the public's interest. Especially when several of the villain's confessions had gone viral. Their reports ranged from something out of a sci-fi epic all the way to the supernatural. A few of them explained that the heroes were clad in strange space-age bullet-proof armor. Some didn't have the chance to see their attackers; one moment they're hearing screaming and gunfire, and the next, they're being thrown around like a ragdoll. Others - those who were quite visibly traumatized - said that there were no heroes at all. Instead, they explained that they were demons who'd crawled from the depths of hell to punish them for their crimes.

Obviously, this had piqued Yagi's curiosity, as well as the curiosity of numerous other Pro Heroes. Being good friends with many officers, he was made privy to the criminal's injuries. Even with all of his experience, he found that it was… disturbing. Some of them better resembled a crumpled pretzel rather than a human being. He could easily determine which of them had been shot and which had met them in hand-to-hand combat. Those with bullet wounds had fewer injuries.

Concussions, hemorrhaging, ruptured organs, and broken bones were among the most common. It was especially concerning when one considered just how much stronger humans were today compared to what they were before the age of Quirks. Injuries that would've put a person in the ICU before, wouldn't even warrant a doctor's visit in the modern day. Whoever these mysterious new heroes were, they'd proven that they were a number of things: strong, stealthy, well equipped, but most unfortunately, brutally vicious.

As Yagi prepared himself for an early night, he made a mental note to stop by his old sidekick's agency on his way to Might Tower.

Perhaps I should visit Sir Nighteye again. He was right about Young Mirio; he's an exceptional candidate for One for All. At the very least, I just need to find someone to pass it on to before it's too late.

Author's Note: I'm so sorry for this being late. I really don't have a good reason. This chapter was oddly difficulty for me and I don't know why. I'll still be trying to keep uploads to Wednesdays, just because I find that having a set schedule works well for me on projects.