Chapter 4 Soldiers Of Fortune
The Mother Of Invention: February 18, 2550
Dr. Leonard Church was not a happy man.
He was a man wrecked with grief, anger, and guilt. He was never given the chance to fight for his people, whereas so many others have, and died for their efforts. People he had loved, had fallen, in what might've been his place. Now all that he is left with, is their beautiful, and haunting memories.
But today, he smiled.
For all his lost efforts on the battlefield, he has found alternative solutions. When his strength had failed him, hit wits had taken the reins.
Now, they have been rewarded. He has spent the last two decades, perfecting his studies on AI theory, and he is certain they will be the key to winning this war.
The UNSC, has seemed to agree.
Project Freelancer has been approved. He has been preparing for this day his entire life, and already has more than a few candidates selected. As well as simulation troopers to help them advance. Carol- Agent Carolina has already shown a great deal of proficiency, imagine the marvels she can do with an AI.
"Director?" He was called.
'Hmm, Director…' He mused to himself, not quite a lofty title, but very fitting. One that he has well earned, given that he was the founder, and sole creator of the project.
"Director?" Called again from his musing, he decided to oblige.
"Yes, Counselor?" He responded in a deep southern drawl.
The Counselor of Project Freelancer, or rather Aiden Price. The Director did not care for the Counselor's sycophant attitude but understood that it came from a long experience of working as a psychologist. So as long as the Counselor respected his authority, the Director was willing to tolerate it.
"Sir, we have news of the AI that you have requested." He answered calmly, in a soothing tone.
The Director found it infuriating but didn't let it show. "Excellent news, Counselor, when will we receive them?"
"Sir," He started carefully. "You may wish to read the message yourself." Extending the tablet in his hand as he replied.
Rolling his eyes behind his shaded lens, the Director took the tablet from the Counselor, and began reading the message.
Dear Director,
Your request for multiple AI has been relayed to me. I agree that AI, are a valuable and tremendous resource. Which is why I find myself unwilling, to devote so many to the experiments of Project Freelancer.
I believe you are correct in your theory that AI can make an exceptional soldier, worth more than entire platoons. But they are capable of so much more, and they are not so easily expendable, certainly not to the extent that we could spare fifty, or even five.
I am not without compromise however, your request for an AI to begin your experiments, has been approved. I will personally see to its construction, with your own neural scans. But instead of the fifty you have requested, you will only receive one.
I understand that will be quite the downsizing but given that the nature of your project is in an experimental phase, I'm certain that you understand. I will also be providing you with one of the best soldiers the UNSC has to offer.
His efforts on and off the battlefield, have been instrumental in many great victories in this war. I am confident that with your efforts combined, something truly amazing can be created.
But know this, just as I'm obliged to give you one AI, if you manage to impress me, we can discuss allocating more AI to your project. However, if your experiment fails, the AI that has been granted to you, will be recalled, and your operatives will be relocated to the battlefield.
I do not expect this outcome, and foresee that you, Director, will do incredible things.
Do not disappoint me,
Dr. Catherin Elizabeth Halsey
All the Director could do, was to stare numbly at the screen. One? That's it? Has the past twenty fucking years of research, meant nothing!
No, not nothing. He took a calming breath. He has been authorized an AI for his experiments, now he must simply show it's effectiveness.
"Director?" The Counselor questioned, after a moment of silence.
"This is unfortunate Counselor. We will need more than one AI. Results will need to be more effective, and sooner than we have anticipated." He answered.
"Understood, sir."
"And Counselor," The Director started.
"Yes, Director?"
"Tell me more about this new soldier we will be receiving."
…
Reach: February 25, 2550
It's a little unnerving, having to look at her like this. It's not that she's suddenly the most terrifying thing in the world. She's always been that… No, it's not even because she's in charge of me now. It's not like I'm not used to her ordering me around. It's more like...
"Lieutenant Halsey."
"Dr. Halsey."
… that.
I've never had to be so formal to my own mother before. It's kind of hard to take someone seriously when they used to tell you bedtime stories. Then again, I can only imagine what this must be like for her.
I'm sure we made quite the sight, the frail, old doctor, and her son, the giant terrifying, super soldier spartan.
Think they'll make a show about it? Miranda always did love trash tv.
"Have you been briefed?" She asked, ever the professional.
"I read the summary. You need me to test the efficiency of AI's and soldiers in combat. Please tell me you're not going to drill Cortana inside my head?" I asked, only half joking.
"You wish," Answered a much more playful, and youthful version of my mom.
"Speak of the Devil, and she shall appear" I muttered to myself.
Cortana, my mom's favorite daughter, sorry Miranda. She's my mom's proudest creation, which I'm sure has nothing to do with her being a younger, more intelligent version of herself… I gotta admit though, she is impressive, I've never met an AI with so much, well, humanity. Plus, it's kinda nice to be the older brother.
"Sorry soldier boy, but I do my best work, off the battlefield." She's still as smug, and snarky as the original though.
"You are going to be partnered with an AI, and yes, a neural implant will be required. However, the AI will be based on someone else's mind." My mom informed me.
"Whose?" I asked.
"That would be mine, Lieutenant." Answered a man, with a deep southern accent.
Turning back, I see a tall man with a goatee, wearing reflective glasses and a black and grey uniform.
"SPARTAN-B312, allow me to introduce the Director of Project Freelancer, Dr. L-"
"That is fine, Dr. Halsey." Interrupted the Director. "After all, our operations will rely on great deal of discretion. I'm told you are not unfamiliar with such projects."
"I see." She remarked. "The Alpha AI has been constructed, per your request. You may see him now, if you wish, but we will begin the implantation shortly."
"Of course, Dr. Halsey." He answered, looking a little bothered. I suppose I would be too if I only had a few minutes to see my 'kid' for the first time. "I suppose, I will leave you to your own reunion."
He left the room, an air of determination in his stride.
"He seems nice." I said casually.
"Of course, he does." Cortana answered back cheekily. "He hasn't ordered you to do anything yet."
"So, this implantation process," I changed the subject before mom could kill me with her glare. "How exactly does it work?"
"First, I drill a hole into your head," My mother started. "Then I give you the morphine."
"Uhh," I reply uncomfortably. "I'm pretty sure you got your order backwards…"
"I know what I said." She answered.
She's probably joking… I hope.
But seriously how bad could it be?
…
Very, very bad.
"Lieutenant? Lieutenant, can you hear me?" Mostly I just hear this ringing sound, but I can tell I haven't heard this guy before.
"Yeah." I answer someone. "I hear you, barely."
"Well Lieutenant Halsey," I hear a snarky voice reply. "You've won the grand prize for our gameshow, 'Head Trauma', the Alpha AI of Project Freelancer. How do you feel?"
"Like I've been beat to death with my own skull." I answer, a little bit snarky myself.
"Right, well given your skull is my new apartment, I'm happy to say, that's physically impossible." What?
"What?" I ask out loud.
"Oh right, we haven't been properly introduced." Suddenly a white hologram of a spartan wearing white, Mark VI MJOLNIR armor, appeared.
"Hi, I'm the Alpha AI of Project Freelancer, and as of today, your new partner."
Huh.
Wasn't expecting that.
…
That was how I joined Project Freelancer, and met the 'man' who would one day be, my best friend.
Or you know, second best friend.
Okay, without naming places, he's definitely on the top ten list.
Probably.
I was later introduced to all the current recruits in the program, they were skilled, but wow. They had their issues. It's a good thing they have a great mental health program. I think they do anyway, I haven't actually had to go in. Cause you know…
I'm not crazy.
But we can talk more about my 'Adventures In Project Freelancer' another day.
Until next time.
This is Lieutenant Nathan J. Halsey, Agent California, SPARTAN-B312, of the UNSC, signing off.
Journal Entry: 004