Note: So I feel really really really bad about the long absence. Things have been... rough. Not going to get into specifics. I've been slowly chipping away at things, sadly one of them not being obsolete or wayward, just lost all motivations on that front. Been sitting on this incomplete chapter seven and the rewritten first chapter. Thought I'd wait to release that till I'm done with chapter four of the rewrite... still on two. Wanted to make a buffer and all that. But since I got a email saying that someone started following this after a long ass time something snapped in me... So might as well release this and not have it waste away on my harddrive...


Alnus Hill had changed drastically in the past two months. Ever since the Gate had been erected the emerald hill had turn to dirt with the legions of men that walked up the gentle slopes. Grass soon gave way to mud and blood as said legions died on it. More dirt was displaced as otherworldly men dug extensive trench networks into it.

Earth was ripped apart by artillery, while more bodies grind into the soil by tank treads. After a month the hill was bare of any plant-life. If a historian would ever seen it they would be reminded of the fields of Verdun. Once the bodies had been dumped in massive unmarked graves did the hill truly transform.

With the hill secured by the JGSDF it paved way for construction of a permanent military base. Government contracts had been passed out like candy to any firms that were willing to go to another world. For close to 24 hours these men and women worked turning the trenches into foundations.

Designing the base only took a few short days. It was agreed upon by those in command that they would take a page in history. A six pointed star fort with a moat was sufficient enough against a force of mostly melee fighters. With modern construction techniques and material the fortress would be mostly impregnable. Pillboxes, artillery emplacements, and machine gun nests where all built into the walls overlooking a two-story drop. No one in this world could ever hope to retake the Gate.

The Gate itself also had its own protection. Much like its sister on the other side a massive dome was constructed. White metal and concrete formed the protective barrier from outside threats. For Falmart it was against aerial threats like the Wyverns, on Earth it was much more complicated. The Government in their increasing paranoia feared that China or Russia would strike it using long ranged missiles. Paranoia that is increasing more so with China's blatant disregard for crossing into their waters, ones that have been internationally recognized.

The other part was to contain any breaches from either side. On Earths dome only a few simple HMG emplacements where used. On Falmarts it was much more. Remote mines, AT weapons, and more heavy anti-infantry weapons where all there to point in the other direction in a moments notice. If worst comes to worst planted charges had been placed that in theory could destroy the Gate. This was only in the worst case scenario as implementing it would strand over 26,000 personnel.

With defense taken priority for construction it fell onto firms back on earth to create prefabricated buildings. A good 80% of the buildings where simple prefabrication. The other 20% had to be built from the ground up. Once all that had been built and the power switched on Alnus Base was all intent completed.


It would never cease to amaze Mari at how much the base has changed in the short amount of time. Five days ago Third Recon set off on their supposed week long mission, scouting out one sector and win "hearts and minds" along the way. What had once been a skeleton of a building was now a fully operational hospital.

Once they had stepped through the doors did their senses been assaulted with the smell of fresh paint. Most the building still had HVAC technicians still working while medical personnel started stocking up the place. They even had to wait for one of the IT guys to set up the computer in the exam room.

There was a sort of excitement for her to be standing in a new hospital, especially given the circumstances. A modern hospital built on foreign land in a world that isn't even Earth. For a moment she could understand Itami's and Kurata's excitement for this world. But like all feelings of fantasy, they had to give way to reality.

"Date, November Tenth. Year, Twenty Twenty. Time is 10:56 AM." The Major droned on. "Subject Spartan has agreed to a medical examination under observation by myself and Second Lieutenant Yoshino Ayumi. The procedure will be conducted by Sergeant Kurokawa due to the language barrier. It will also be conducted in English. Translated transcripts will be made available."

She couldn't help rolling her eyes at that. The man quietly sitting on the exam table was probably reluctant doing this in the first place. Given the short time Mari talked with him the man had a lot to hide, probably for a good reason. If given his position she'd keep quiet too.

Major Yoshino, after giving her short speech, nodded for her to proceed.

"Alright mister Spartan," Mari took a few forms out of a folder with a pen and clipboard. "We need you to sign a few consent forms."

Taking the forms in hand his eyes quickly darted over the first page. Brows knitted slowly in a scowl, pages quickly flipped over. "This is all in kanji." he stated.

"Right," She sighed. "We don't have any translated in English."

That same scowl was thrown her way. "How do I know I'm not signing off on something I shouldn't?"

Mari didn't know why but being under his gaze was giving her chills. It was like how a predator looked at its pray before the kill.

"I-I know you don't really trust us." She had to clear her throat to get the stammering out. "But I assure you it is the standard medical consent form." Giving The Major steeled eyes she added "Right Major?"

Now that heated scowl was aimed at the older woman it was her turn to squirm.

"Y-yes, everything is in order. There is nothing to worry about." She tried to hid how uncomfortable she was under a fake smile, one hand rubbed at the cast she wore.

There was a long moment of silence in the small room. It was broken with a small huff from the man as he clicked the pen. "Which line do I sign?"

Mari let go the breath she unconsciously held. "First line right here is first, middle and last name. Line below that is date of birth. You can skip the rest since that is address and such."

Giving a slight nod the pen was put to paper. The sound of scribbling was fast as it blurred in his hand. Mari's eyes couldn't kept up at the motion of it all. In one second the pen was used then placed down on the clipboard. Taking it back from him she appeased their penmanship. Impressively it was clean and precised despite how fast it was.

"Wow, this is better than what some doctors..." Her words trailed off as she registered just what he put down.

On the line there was only two simple letters followed by numbers.

SB-312

Her lips pressed in a thin line. Following the next line was something a bit more interesting.

12/07/2529

Looking back up at the Spartan she asks "You put down a serial number?"

"Yes." he simply answered.

"That... isn't a name." Her one brow raised "You know that right?"

"I do."

"Then why didn't you write down your name?"

His shoulders rose a bit in a shrug. "Don't have one."

Now both brows where up. "You don't have a name?"

"Haven't for the longest time. Don't even remember it." He said this with indifference in his voice.

Looking at both Intelligence Officers they also had that look of surprise at what he said. Questions started to be raised in her mind. 'Why didn't he have a name? Did it serve some purpose? Anonymity? Possible for whatever organization he was from to deny his existence?'

She hummed in thought over this before she spoke again. "I don't think we could accept this signature as is. Maybe an alias?"

"Well I do have a few names people called me. Most are call signs, others well..." His face slightly skewed. "Been called some things behind my back that aren't appreciated."

"Such as?" The Major questioned.

Mari just wanted to bury her face in her hands at that. Of course the Major lacked tack towards him. Their head snapped in her direction giving off an even more heated gaze. Surprisingly however he answered.

"For one I've been called "Lord Death of Murder Mountain" after making a whole terrorist cell disappear." There was an audible gulp from the Lieutenant. "I've also been called "Parangosky's Personal Reaper", or in other cases "The Black Death". Not the most creative really." He gave a full shrug.

"Otherwise," He continued "Been officially called a few things. Lone Wolf, Helljumper, Specter, Ghost, and last call sign was Noble Six." He now looked right at Mari. "Take your pick."

Pursing her lips she entertained the thought. The names he listed off would have still been unacceptable, however they didn't have any idea for names at the moment. Out of all the ones he had listed "Noble" was a nicer sounding name. With that in mind she wrote that down next to his serial number in kanji.

Placing the paperwork away with a satisfied smile she asked "Alright with that out of the way can you please step over to the scale over there so we can take measurements?"

Complying with her request Noble leaned off the table towards the scale in front of them. Normally the balance scale would have been set outside the room down the hall, but Hazama had ordered the medical staff to give as much privacy as possible. Because of this and the camera equipment Lieutenant Yoshino set up made the small exam room cramped. This had forced the small group to have one person out along with the crate and suit Noble carried.

Noble himself took exception to that.

For five minutes Yanagida and him talked, the longer it took the more pale the First Lieutenant became. It was low enough that she couldn't hear, but could give a wild guess on what was said. So outside the closed door Yanagida stood next to it and the crate by his side guarding it like a hawk.

'Doubtful anyone would make off with any of it given how heavy it must be.' She thought.

The balance scale creaked as Noble stepped on, followed by the clank of the bar. Carefully nudging away at the counter weight till it finally balanced out.

"Huh," She jotted down the results as she spoke. "108.6 kilograms. Normally that would be considered overweight for a man of your size but," Mari took a quick glanced at the lean muscle he sported. "In my professional opinion I don't think that's the case."

Now pulling out the measuring device built in she commanded "Now please straighten your back."

Placing the rod just enough to rest on his head she got his height. "205.7 centimeters."

Mari gave a playful smirk "Ever thought about playing for a basketball team?" She couldn't help but joke about how tall he was. Even the tallest service member they had in this operation topped out at 6'5". The man was just an anomaly as she was given her height at 6'3". Her own father called her "Bean Sprout" and "Bean Poll" growing up because of her sudden growth.

"No." He simply answered.

"Shame," She motioned him back onto the table, "Giving your build and stature you would be a shoe in for the NBA."

Noble leaned back onto the exam table, itself groaning under the added weight. "You entertain the idea yourself?"

Mari couldn't help but let out a small giggle "Funny enough I did once." Breaking out the blood pressure cuff she continued on. "Was part of a club back in high school for most of it. Was the tallest out of anyone."

The cuff barely wrapped around the arm making her shake her head at that. "Needless to say I won most games."

The room fell silent for a bit, she listen to his heart rate as the cuff constricted against his arm. At least it tried to. Just pressing down gently with the stethoscope showed just how hard the muscle was. Her eyes widen just a bit in surprise, even with Shino and the others that worked to tone their muscles would never reach what Noble had.

Air hissed out of the cuffs, and with the crack of Velcro she nodded. "120.5 over 78.5. Heart rate 100 Bpm."

"Healthy as a horse." The Major commented loud enough for the three to hear.

"I would say more than that." Mari commented back.

Taking the otoscope out she asked Nobel "Your right ear, is the damage only external?"

He gave a curt nod. Extensive burn scarring ran over where his right lobe would be. In its places was just a hole with some cartilage remaining. Ghastly as it looked it was only one of many scars that riddled his body.

Leaning in with the tool she was again surprised at what she found. Just past the entrance was a ring of scar tissue that opened up to a very healthy canal. Beyond that she had a good view of the ear drum. A silvery sheen covered it with metallic circuitry spider-webbing from it.

"Did you have surgery to repair your hearing?"

Nobel was quiet for a short time, then with a low sigh he answered "It wasn't for repairs."

Mari raised a brow "Cybernetic augmentation?"

"Yes." His curt answer had an edge to it. "Details on it are classified as tier zero."

The otoscope came out fast, Nobel shaking his head. "You can look at it and make assumptions. Just can't say anything on it." He looked into the camera with that same steel glare. Once more the Lieutenant squirmed while the Major just sighed.

"Hazama told me what would happen if we learn anything that's "Tier Zero"." The Major looked him right in the eyes with a bit of fire behind it.

Mari couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Major, I would like to continue with the examination, without my patient being agitated."

The look on the Majors face soured even more. As her mouth open to retort it snapped shut, in part due to Nobel's own glare. Though not aimed at Mari she could still feel an undercurrent of killing intent. Shivering slightly at just the thought of what would happen if Major Yoshina continue to antagonize him.

Moving on to his left side his ear was fully intact. Examining further showed the same inner workings, and the same implants.

"Well, I'm not an expert in implants," She gave him a small smile "But I would say it looks healthy enough."

"Should be." Nobel nodded.

For the next few minutes they went over other mundane things. Questions on medical history was hampered by the mans strict adherence to protocol. Even simple questions of "What are you allergic to?" was in his words "Classified". She didn't show it but Mari became more frustrated, bedside manners and professionalism won out.

"Any major past injuries we should know about?"

Dumb as it may be given the scars over his body there was a need to know such things. It was something needed for insurance company records, or if there would be any complications to health down the line. Surprisingly he did answer to this.

"Just one." He tapped at a very large pockmark on his right chest. "High caliber HE round penetrated my armor effectively destroying my right lung."

All three women were shocked at the mans words.

"Your lung was destroyed?" Major Yoshina slowly questioned. "From a high explosive round?"

Mari shook her head a bit. Military medical training covered gunshot wounds, taking a hit from an explosive round was as close to a death sentence as one could get. Taking one to the chest and having a major organ damaged to the point of it being non-functioning?

"How did you survive?"

Both Mari and The Major turned in surprise at the meek voice. Lieutenant Yoshino ignored the stares of the two, only focusing on the man sitting before her and the camera.

Nobel leaned back with a sigh. "Acted as fast as I can. Was the only one on the op so had no one else. Used up all the Biofoam I had to fill in the cavity left by what was a lung."

"What is Biofoam?" Mari asked.

"Biomedical foam is the official name, but everyone just shortens it." Nobel paused in thought. Lips tightened a bit before relaxing again. He continued on with his explanation.

"As the name suggest it's a foaming agent used in first aid. The polymer used has antimicrobial, coagulant, and tissue regenerative agents. When used in my case the foaming agent fills in the space and seals it off from further hemorrhaging."

Upon hearing this she couldn't help but be impressed with this future medical technology. "Huh, almost sounds like what the United States is developing."

"Unsurprising," Major Yoshina nodded. "I take it that is its origins?"

Nobel only gave a slight shrug. "It's been around for centuries. Most pharmaceutical companies produce it, and it's OTC-legal. I wouldn't doubt that it did."

"Still you had your lung destroyed." Mari stated.

"Which was replaced after the mission was completed."

"By cybernetics?"

His face tighten again in contemplation. No doubt in her mind on whether to tell them or just say it's classified again. To her surprise he answered.

"Flash clone replacement, followed by re-augmentation." His tone was low on the last part.

Major Yoshina leaned in with interest. "Can you tell us what a flash clone is?"

Nobel huffed in annoyance. "Considering its use in both civilian and military applications, I can."

For once the Major's face brighten as Nobel gave his explanation.

"Flash cloning is a process in which a sample of the patient's DNA is used to clone a replacement organ. It undergoes rapid maturation until it's full development. This process is widely used throughout the UEG replacing the need for organ donors."

"Thus eliminating wait times and organ rejection." Mari pondered out-loud.

"That was the idea." Nobel nodded. "Human life expectancy drastically improved because of it."

"Has flash cloning been used to make a full person?" The Major asked with great interest.

Noble grimaced at the notion. In a flat tone he answered "Yes."

Major Yoshino threw up both hands. "Okay, touchy subject I take it?"

"There is both an ethical and moral reason, along with legality of it." All three nodded along as he continued.

"We have a set of laws called The Mortal Dictata Act. It is to enshrine both the individuality and value of human life. Unlike past human rights acts that have been bastardized over the centuries, this charter was created to remind us, humanity, of our basic morality to each other.

"Not one individual shall be create or enslaved for the convenience of another. Not one individual shall be experimented on without explicit consent. Not one individual shall be discriminated against based on their genome or genetic profile both altered and unaltered."

He then sighed. "Cloning a human is one thing, utilizing the process of flash cloning on a cloned embryo is another thing altogether."

Mari was confused "Meaning?"

"Meaning that there are complications to it." His look was neutral as he explained "Scientist don't know why but flash cloning a human being, a whole human being, causes them to go through a process called metabolic cascade failure."

Those words ran through her mind. Looking back on her biology studies she could infer just what it was. Her eyes shot wide and her mouth opened in an "Oh" at just the mental image of it. The two Intelligence officers had yet to grasp at what it entailed. Major Yoshina looked at her with a face that asked for an explanation.

"The clones suffer organ failures?"

Nobel shook his head. "More than that. Neurological diseases happen one after another in rapid succession. Cell degradation happens along with other genetic disorders. The body practically falls apart within a year."

"And yet this doesn't happen to an individual organ when it goes through the same process?"

Nobel shrugged "Again scientists don't understand why that is. And they never will since the UEG put down that line of research."

"I can see why." Mari shook her head. The ethical and morality of creating a person like that was monstrous. Inflicting that sort of life on what would essentially be an infant to a slow short agonizing death.

"And this Mortal Dictata Act was put into place by the UEG because of it?" The Major asked.

"Not the sole reason. The act itself is an extension of Unified Interstellar Law and the UN Genetic Rights Act. Due to unfortunate loop holes that companies exploited it had to be extended to the colonies." He again shook his head. "Humanity had a lot of growing pains back then."

The Major folded her arms under her chest "I take it you had interest in history?"

"A bit." Nobel truthfully told. "History, both governmental and military, was required for all Spartans."

A slight smile crept the side of his mouth. "It reminds us on what we fight for."

"Your loyalty to the UEG?" Major Yoshina asked accusingly.

"My loyalty to humanity." Nobel shot back. "I and others swore an oath to defend Earth and all her colonies. Not to one person or one nation but to all, unlike you."

Anger can be seen boiling on the Majors faces as it became red. Just before she could retaliate Mari had jumped to intervene. Clapping both hands together she proclaimed "Okay! We got a little side tracked there. Now I have a few more things to do and ask before we can wrap up here."

Major Yoshina huffed, eyes scrunched shut while pushing up her glasses, fingers pinching the bridge. "Continue."

It was only a few more minutes of testing, with it a few more surprises. The eye sight testing just showed how well the man could pick out details. Mari even had him stand all the way to one corner while holding an index card on the other side. Years of note taking had caused her to learn how to write small, maximizing space on the page.

"Can you read this sentence?"

Without missing a beat he recited "She sells sea shells by the sea shore." He then gave a slight smirk and a raised his right brow. "Really?"

She mirrored his looks with an added shrug "First thing that came to mind."

Tossing the card aside she added "Your eye sight is way more accurate than a regular person. Though given what you have said before and my own thoughts, I would chalk it up to whatever the UNSC has done to you."

Nobel's face turned back to the usual neutral expression. "And you would be correct."

"Okay I want to ask one more thing." He nodded for her to continue. "I've noticed some sort of metallic plate where the base of the skull and axis meet. Just out of curiosity I was wondering what it is, if it's alright with you?" Mari shrugged after asking.

He reached back rubbing the hexagonal plate. Lips tighten into a line as his gaze moved upwards, the right side of his mouth tightened in a silent hum. A few taps could be heard before letting out a low sigh.

"What it is is both classified and not classified." He huffed a laugh at the look she gave him. "It's called a Neural Interface. Standard neurological implants all UNSC personnel get when they join."

Both she and the rest looked at him quizzically as always. Again the meeker of the three spoke up again. "They implant chips in you?"

Nobel didn't turn his attention to her, whether out of wanting to not frighten her again or anything else was Mari's guess, but he answered "Yes."

"The basic functions for the neural chip is for IFF purposes. Any UNSC sensors or motion trackers will pick up basic information, names, ranks, and bio-readings."

"So it's mostly a transmitter?" Major Yoshina questioned.

The Spartan nodded. "And a bit more. For War Games it can simulate sensory inputs to make it more authentic."

"Sounds like it could be abused if someone where to hack it." The Major commented.

"Centuries of refinement of the technology have made such concerns a distant past. Having any grade implant is safe."

Mari nodded at this. "Still what you have looks invasive. Is it a permanent thing that all personnel live with?"

Nobel leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees, both hands clasped together. "Again it's a yes and no answer."

"No a standard neural chip is small and sub-dermal. Five minutes under the knife with local anesthetics and done. All enlisted have them and once their contract is up they have the option to keep or remove it. Surprisingly most keep theirs since there is a civilian market for getting neural implants. Especially with the war."

Reaching back up again to tap on the plate. "This however is a Neural Lace. A much more invasive, but more advanced form of neural interfacing. Officer, special forces, some vehicle operators, and pilots get them. They allow us to accesses data networks, operate systems, or coordinate with other commanders with mental commands."

Mari couldn't help but shake her head with a smile. "Sounds like something out of a cyberpunk anime Kurata would watch."

"So you can interface with computers?" Lieutenant Yoshina asked with glee.

Nobel gave a curt nod her way. "Yes. I've known a few scientists that have specialized neural lace's allowing them to either remote operate computers or hard link with them."

"Take it yours could do the same?" The Major gestured to his neck.

"Mine's... Special." His eyes became a bit cold again. "All I'll say is that mine is specialized for what I do."

Sensing the tension again Mari had to steer the conversation in another direction. "So is a neural lace more invasive?"

"Yes. Unlike a chip that can be easily extracted, the lace is connected directly with both spinal cord and brain."

"So can it be taken out if the person wishes it?"

Nobel shook his head. "Too much of a risk for brain or nerve damage. Though 26th century medicine may seem like a miracle to all of you, it still has limits."

The Major's eyes widen a bit, along with absently rubbing the back of her head where a neural lace would be implanted. "That's really a commitment there for an officer to get one. And there's no way to opt out of getting one?"

"Why would we?" The Spartan questioned.

For a moment Mari just stared at him before it clicked. This UNSC used this sort of thing for centuries, it was probably just the norm to even get something like that. Still to have something like that jammed into your head for life didn't sound appealing.

"So you're stuck with it forever huh?"

"Till the day I die..." The words trailed off from his lips. Cool eyes now replaced with a haze. It became apparent that his whole demeanor shifted, and so suddenly too.

For awhile things got quiet. The lieutenant shuffled nervously with her gaze down to the floor. Major Yoshina too became a bit nervous as the man sitting before her just looked on with a thousand yard stare. Mari herself just started to worry.

"Nobel?" She called calmly. "Nobel are you alright?"

As if a switch was flipped his eyes refocused. Blinking only once re replied with a simple "Yes".

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Sergeant Kurokawa. Just... Remembered something." He waved his hand at the thought. "It's nothing to worry about."

She highly doubted that statement. Her studies in medicine covered a bit of psychology, especially with her joining the JGSDF. Given what his line of work is supposed to be it wouldn't be far fetch to say he was suffering from some form of PTSD. Just that little moment alone was telling.

Still the thought of referring him to a psych evaluation would be tough. He wasn't willing to talk about aspects of himself if it pertained to sensitive information. Even doing the basic medical evaluation seemed like it was pushing it. But this was still something to note down.

Mari gave a a reassuring nod as she jotted down in her notes. 'Possible psychological evaluation?'

"And with that your medical exam is complete." Smiling brightly she added "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

He slid off the table with a huff. "Not as quick as past examinations. Though those where conducted by A.I."

"And how long does that take?"

Nobel shrugged "Two minutes tops in the scanner."

Mari placed both hands on her hips "So doctors get replaced by machines then?"

"Just for me Ma'am." He gave a small smirk. "Grunts still get the bedside treatment. I get the express treatment and shove my ass back out the door."

Turning away from her and back out the door she was left a bit dumbfounded. 'Guess they treat special forces differently in the future.' Mari shook her head at the thought.

"Well Major I have to send this in to higher ups. You should be getting a copy within the next hour or two."

The Major only gave a nod. "Pack the camera up Lieutenant Yoshina. Don't want to fall behind and miss the physical."

With fast precision the camera and tripod was packed away leaving her behind. Once things quiet down she sat on the table to collect some thoughts. A part of her was fascinated by some of the advancements in medicine Noble described. Other things he said though did made her very worried.

Not only that but looking over his past injures etched in his skin made hers crawl. It had to have been years worth of fighting to accumulate all that, coupled with the surgical scars. The way they crossed over the skin made it look like he was cut into pieces and stitched back together.

'Maybe they did just that?' A shiver ran down her spine like cold water was pored down it.


Note 2: So yeah that's what I had for this before depression took total control back in October of 21. Just felt like everything I was writing had no direction and one person pointed out at times I just rushed things. They're not wrong in that because at times I feel like I'm just making filler so I have to keep moving.

Anyways anyways anyways, for the rewrite it be it's own thing, will put (OLD) in the title once I put it up... If I put it up any time soon...

Depression is a bitch