Sorry for the delay, explained at the bottom.
Alt kept a brave face, even if he didn't feel it. He was standing on the roof of the section three base. Stevens stood on the ramp as the ship rose into the sky, his father in all but blood gave him a wave just before the ramp closed and the Pelican flew off into the sky. He knew that they would talk frequently but for the first time in his life he wouldn't have his dad with him, he wasn't happy about that.
With a duffle bag over his shoulder carrying only his clothes and one picture. He let out one last sigh and turned around, two people were waiting for him. The first was the head scientist of the base and he thinks the one who is in charge. Doctor Halsey, the average highted brown haired woman who started to Spartan program and the one who wanted to kill and dissect him. Standing next to her was a farther larger and better built man, he had a stern face, short brown hair and hard eyes. This was Chief Franklin Mendez, he was the trainer of the Spartan program, the one who turned these guys into soldiers.
"Atlas, front and centre!" he shouted to Alt who guessed he was taking too long.
He walked forward until he stopped in front of the two "Project Atlas, I'm told that you'll be here for the next eighteen months" Halsey started "something that I did not approve of but that's ONI for you. I'll need to perform some test on you in the lab before you meet the Spartans" she said already half turning around to head back inside but Alt didn't move after her.
"I can't do that doctor" he said quickly and loud enough for her to hear.
Halsey stopped mid step and slowly turn to face "Excuse me" she asked with a small frown on her face.
Alt ignored her and turned back to Mendez "orders from Admiral Parangosky, I am to follow the orders of chief Mendez and only" he looked pointing at Halsey "Chief Mendez" based on the way his expression didn't change he was told beforehand as well.
She didn't immediately argue against it but she did pinch the bridge of her nose and let out an angry sigh "of course that's what she wants, right under my nose and unable to do anything about it" she muttered that last part but it was loud enough that even Mendez could hear her as well.
"Yes" Alt agreed "I believe it was because he didn't try to have me dissected" Halsey's head shot his direction with her mouth open, no doubt surprised that he knew that. To be fair to her however, Alt only knows about that because he overheard her talk about it. Though the doctor most likely thinks that Parangosky told him. He'll just let her think that.
However before she could go into a rant about privacy and protocol, that man stepped forward and looked down to Alt "I've spoken to Johnson for the last few hours" meaning this was when he was in town and then a police station "he's made me aware of the training you've already been through"
He turned around and started to walk back into the base, seeing that he wasn't stopping. Alt was quick to jog after him "from what he's said, you already have a good understanding of weapons and combat. What you lack his strategy, tactics and teamwork"
They walked down the smooth metal corridors of that base, there were many different people passing them as they walked, scientists, engineers, soldiers and the like. All of which starred at him in one way or another as they did so "yes, that's right" Alt confirmed for that man.
"Good, the Spartans have been trained in those qualities for years. It shouldn't be difficult to pass those skills onto you" he said as the two walked side by side "he also told me that you are capable of training and enhancing your... abilities" he added.
Alt wasn't told about that but he could understand it, he's lived with his powers for his entire life, he knows how they work or at the very least he knows how to use them. Training with them wouldn't be hard but he's never done it on his own before, though when the only other choice is do it with Halsey who wants to cut him open, it shouldn't be too hard "I can do that" he agreed.
"Good, cause I sure as shit can't train you in something I know nothing about" the two made into a small office that he guessed was Mendez's "before you meet the Spartans I wanted to go over a couple of things" he sat down behind the glass desk and Alt did the same opposite him. He glanced out the window behind him and saw the forest that the war game took place not even a day ago.
"And what are they?" Alt asked as he saw his bag down beside him.
Mendez placed both of his hands in front of him as he looked at the alien "the first thing I want you to know is that I didn't want you here. I've spent years turning the Spartans into a fighting force that can't be matched, I worry you being here will mess up years of mental conditioning but I have orders to follow so here you are" this was surprising to Alt, not that he felt this way but that he just came out and said it. Johnson always told him senior chiefs like Mendez didn't give a shit about tact but to see it himself was surprising. He was about to ask him whether or not him beating them in the wargame already ruined that but Mendez continued before he could "they're going to be training themselves harder then ever, they won't be able to stand that you're so much above them, even though they'll know that it has nothing to do with training" he listed.
"So they didn't know before hand?" Alt asked, he had to admit he was curious about whether or not the Spartans knew his history or not. Well more accurately if they knew about what he was.
Mendez shook his head "No, they didn't. But they will, if command is asking them to live with you then they have a right to know what you are. You'll be living with the Spartans, training with them, eating with him and sleeping with them" he said.
"How is that training going to work exactly?" Alt found himself asking.
Mendez didn't seem like an idiot so he must have known that he couldn't just start having spars with the Spartans as he must have made it clear by now that there is very little a Spartan, even all the Spartans together can do to him. The man himself was quick to answer "the training you do together will mainly be in the classroom, though I don't doubt they'll want to train more physically with you. You should expect them to want to train with and against you" he warned.
With that said, it seemed Alt couldn't do more than shrug "fair enough"
"So, he's going to be staying with us?" the voice of Sam said as he and many other Spartans stood in front of John.
"For the next eighteen months" he answered truthfully.
"I don't know about this" Linda said as she learned against the wall with her arms crossed, still not a hundred percent after being knocked out of that tree. Her augmentations where the only thing that stopped her spine from breaking "we've never had an outsider with us before"
Her voice wasn't necessarily hostile but there was tension in there that was easy to notice "I know, and no-one is saying that we need to see him as one of us. But we can and will at least be civil"
He got back from his summoning to the higher ups an hour ago, which was how much time was needed for the others to get the all-clear from medical and move back to the barracks. It was only a small gathering around him, he assumed that it was the ones that where the most unsure about Atlas staying with them. As of the moment it was Sam, Linda, Daisy and Jerome. The rest were spread about the hall. Some checking weapons, training or exercising.
Apart of him was glad that so many of his brothers and sisters where none pulsed on Atlas staying with them. Even those that where, they weren't worried per say, they just had some concerns about the dynamic that would be happening now "how would this even work?" Daisy asked placing her hands on her hips.
"We'll train together and he'll live here with us. From what Mendez said any physical training we'll do will take place if we ask for it. As far as Atlas is concerned he's here to understand command, tactics and teamwork" John told them, relaying the information he was told.
"It's not going to stop there" Sam said as he looked over his shoulder and saw many pairs who were sparring against each other "I just hate I wasn't there with you. I should have been"
"That wasn't your fault" Linda was quick to add.
"Not like it would have made a difference" Daisy said as well.
John looked at her with a small frown, he wanted to deny it but he just couldn't. He may have respect for Atlas or at the very least respect for what he can do but that didn't mean he was happy with how the exercise went. Atlas dismantled them, not just him but all of them. He did strategically, professionally, brutally. But no matter how badly they lost, neither him nor could any of them say no to him, he was too much of an asset to lose.
Though that wouldn't have stopped Sam from self-loathing. He wasn't a part of the exercise due to issues with the augmentations. Not enough to wash him out of the program but bad enough that he needed more time to recover. He still wasn't combat ready but he was good enough to be walking around with them.
Before the others could ask any other questions, the thick metal doors to the hall opened and Mendez entered with his usual stern expression. It only took an extra second to notice Atlas standing next to him "SPARTANS. COMMANDER ON DECK!" he shouted at the top of his lungs.
With the years of training honed into them, every Spartan immediately moved in sync and ran. They all stopped once two straight lines were formed in front of the Chief, their arms held in a salute. Mendez stood there for a moment while Atlas just stood there, looking at them all "At ease" he said.
Instantly, they all spread their legs and placed their hands behind them "I'm sure by now that 117 has made you all aware of a new change around this base" he started walking forward, starring at many of them as he did so "so I don't want to hear any shit from any of you! The Spartan program is playing host to Project Atlas!" he reached the end of the line and quickly turned around and started to walk back "he'll be here for the next year and a half. You don't have to like, but you will allow it. Understood!" he shouted.
"SIR. YES SIR" they yelled as one.
"Good! Get him a bunk" he said before walking past Atlas and closing the door.
There was a moment of silence as Atlas just stood there for a moment, his head moving side to side slightly as he starred at them all. John starred right back at him, most likely longer than he should have done. He knew the other Spartans wouldn't start talking, he was the leader and they'd wait for him to say something.
He was just about to but Atlas stepped forward first "so... Hello" he said with a small shrug.
That was when he moved, John stepped forward out the line and moved towards him. While John did tower over Atlas by at least two feet, he couldn't help but feel so small next to him. He starred at him and vice versa for a moment. Then he reached out with his hand "it's good to meet you" he said.
Atlas didn't waste any time and gripped John's hand "You too, I look forward to training with you" he had a small smile on his face as he spoke.
0800 hours, February 19th, 2510 (Military Calendar) / Personal Log, Senior Chief Petty Officer Franklin Mendez / Section Three Military Complex, Planet Reach / Subject Topic: Overview, Project Atlas
Times almost up. Atlas has been here for the scheduled time and now it's time for us all to see if he's ready for active service. He just turned sixteen the other day and now he's not only legally allowed to join the army but he may also be ready for it as well.
It was much harder to get to this point then I would have thought, but I guess that's my fault. I made the mistake of thinking that Halsey was able to put her thirst for knowledge aside for a little while but she seems incapable of even that. You'd think that if anyone would cause problems it would be Atlas himself or the Spartans but no. They seemed to get along quite well all things considered, sure at the start even I could see the awkwardness around everyone.
But that only seemed to last a couple of days, I don't know if it's because the Spartans are too professional to let personal feelings get in the way or if it was Atlas' charisma that allowed him to be so likable. And I'm not kidding when I say that, Atlas's ability to so easily get along with anyone is an amazing thing. It's like he knows exactly what to say to people to get them to lower their guards or to make himself easy to get along with.
It wasn't until then I realized just how good of a spy this kid could be, you can say whatever you want about spy craft, that you need to be a good shot, need to hack computers, need to be able to scale walls. That's all bullshit, to be a good spy you only need one thing, you need to understand people. If you can understand someone, you can manipulate them. I don't know, even to this day if Atlas had special training from one of the ONI spooks or if it was just a natural understanding of humans but I'm sure as shit not going to complain about it.
But enough about the hypothetical plans Parangosky has for him, it's been eighteen months now and Atlas has flown through the Spartan program with flying colours. He's been apart of every lesson and even if Halsey didn't want him there, she at least had enough self-preservation in mind to treat him fairly, knowing full well what might happen to her if she tried to sabotage Atlas in any way, I mean look what happened to Stevens.
And I know that the physical aspects are something Atlas would handle himself, that didn't mean the Spartans wouldn't want to be a part of it. Whenever he did train with his abilities many of the Spartans where present, no doubt wanting to see them for themselves. Though I don't think anyone predicted that they would soon be helping him with them, it wasn't just observing. After a week or so the Spartans where actively trying to help him get a better understanding of his limits.
From what I've been able to gather, the Spartans started to request more physical training from Atlas, things like sparing, weightlifting, running, that kind of stuff. And while Atlas blew them all out of the water, they managed to critique him. Seems that with all the training he went through, Atlas was never able to get a real technique to himself. In the spars they could see that, yes, he can fight but there was no skill, just brute forcing it and hoping for the best. Yeah, he could lift heavy weights but when it came to something even he struggled with. He didn't know how to bend his knees or back properly.
When I sent a message to Johnson, asking about it. He said that the lessons he gave Atlas mainly focused on weapons and vehicles. Later down the line he did start to give him some fighting lessons, but it was only the basics. How to throw a punch, a stance, a jab, that kind of stuff. So, I just backed off and let it happen, give them all something to bound over. And they have to be fair.
Don't get me wrong, the Spartans don't see Atlas as a Spartan himself but I do think they see him as a friend at the very least. Something I completely agree with, it would be stupid to think that the Spartans and Atlas would not work together a lot during their careers. Them getting to know each other now and even building a friendship is ok in my book, I already know the Spartans would not be well received by the rest of the UNSC. I know the ODSTs are not going to like them, sure they won't like Atlas either but what the hell could they do against him? The Spartans don't have that luxury, they're too human, too easy to betray and sabotage. It felt good knowing that they got along, that they may even have each other's back later down the line.
But back to the matter at hand, Atlas was here to learn some things and he has. That kids mind is something else, the way he can process information is amazing. At the base we have a simulator called the Warfront, in which you overlook a holographic battle and issue commands to your forces. Basic command and control stuff. The Spartans have been using it for years, they've aced the machine and most other simulations. The only times they falter is when the size of the battles increase, the sheer scope of the wars gets bigger and bigger. We do this because we wanted them to know failure, to know that when you fall you always have to pick yourself back up.
Atlas took that concept and shoved it back in are faces. This. This is what caused Halsey to get scared, I never thought I would say that but it's true. For the first year, Atlas was a pain to her, he didn't fall for her bullshit and didn't take crap from her. Something that annoyed her to no end, personally I think that the Spartans getting along so well with him is what annoyed her the most. But when he started to use the Warfront, that was when Halsey really started to get on edge. He failed the first few times, it was expected, everyone missing the first couple of shots.
But as he got a better understanding of tactics and strategy, not only from the Spartans but myself as well. He started to get better, a lot better. It was an amazing thing. One by one he started to beat the Spartans scores, until after a week, one week and he took the top spot from John. That surprised me and pissed off Halsey, John and the other Spartans took it on the chin. But that's not the bad part, the bad part was that no matter how big we made the Warfront battles, he didn't fail.
It got to the point where Halsey and Deja worked all night on it. Adding to it, modifying it. I'm not going to go into the specifics that I don't even understand but what's important is that on its hardest difficulty, the Warfront gives you thousands of troops and you had to take and defend city the size of Reach's capital. Now the hardest difficultly is giving you millions of troops, tanks, ships, everything an army could need and you had to defend a country, a whole country. Any one person doing this would have been overwhelmed issuing commands to so many in seconds, hell, I think the only one who could manage this would be a Smart A.I.
But Atlas, he fucking did it. That is was scared Halsey so much, that this alien has a mind that can process information as fast as an A.I. his hands moved over the hologram so quickly and he spoke so fast that only Deja could understand him. We all saw it, myself, Halsey and all the Spartans were gathered as he did it. We could all see it, every force that the Warfront sent his way was destroyed and the country was defended.
Let me explain this again, over the course of seven hours. Atlas ordered and commanded millions of individual troops, tanks, ships, everything. Not against the same thing but thousands of different scenarios. He had to defend against ground troops, traps, drones, everything. That is what has Halsey so scarred, the fact that this alien has a mind so much more powerful than hers. She knows that in time the knowledge he'll get will surpass her by so much.
I've made a note to keep an extra eye on her, I don't know if she'll try something but better safe than sorry. I know that she'll be able to do very little to him but she really doesn't trust him, even after all this time she can't see him as anything more than a weapon to used and pushed aside, a weapon that needs to be controlled. She can't see him as a kid... well, I guess he could be a man now.
Either way, I can now say in good conscious that Atlas is ready for the evaluation scheduled for the end of this month.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Franklin Mendez / signing off
1200 hours, February 16th, 2510 (Military Calendar) / Personal Log,Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 / Section Three Military Complex, Planet Reach / Subject Topis: Overview, Project Atlas
We're three days away from Atlas's last scheduled day here. I'm surprised that I find myself saddened by it. I think Atlas left an impression on all of us to be perfectly honest, I can confirm it was tense at first, even awkward. But that didn't last long, Alt (what he asked us to call him) decided that he would be friendly to us. Which is something we haven't had from those not our own.
Atlas has proven to my satisfaction that he is capable of planning and completing missions. It is my belief that when you take into consideration his abilities, Atlas' potential goes far past the entire Spartan program but so does the danger. The Spartans are capable of many different things but we're still human, a contingency can be placed to deal with us should we go rouge. As far as I am aware no such plan exists for Atlas, while after spending so much time with him, I do find it very hard to believe he would turn traitor. A deterrent would need to be put in place.
I would like to state that after my observation of his skills and personality. I believe that his potential would be wasted in hunting down insurrectionists, from what I have seen Atlas would be far better served as a commander and front lines fighter then a spy. The Spartans are the most elite of the UNSC soldiery, however if Atlas is beside us, we become an army without equal. It is unknown to me what ONI intends to use Atlas for specifically though I can say with certainty that the Spartans and Atlas should only be paired together for the direst of situations. I hope it never comes to that.
I would like to say that Atlas has my full confidence for the evaluation scheduled for the end of this month.
Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 / signing off
1000 hours, February 19th, 2510 (Military Calendar) / Personal Log, Atlas / Section Three Military Complex, Planet Reach / Subject Topis: Overview, Project Atlas
Not going to lie, I'm kinda nervous and not just about the test but everything. Sure, the evaluation is gonna be a challenge but it's what comes after that gets to me. Once I pass this test, that's it. Project Atlas comes to an end and the protocol takes over. I become an active member of the UNSC or is it ONI? Who am I kidding, it'll be whatever it needs to be at the time.
I know this is something I've been training for my whole life but I guess that's why I'm so nervous, if I fail then what then? It's not like I'll be allowed to do something else. ONI won't let me have the free will to choose my life and I get that, I still want to do this, I still believe in the cause it's just...(sigh) I don't know.
Let's move on from that, I've been with the Spartans for a while now and to be honest it's not bad. In a way it was nice, it was a little awkward at first but that didn't last for long, only a couple of days. Once that was all done and we got to know each other closer, I found myself really liking them. There was no bullshit with the Spartans (Sorry dad) there was no bullying, no drama, no lying. All the Spartans are up front with you from the start and I love that. It was really nice to take a break from that after all the regular school stuff.
Not that it was completely peace full, this place was just full of surprises. When Parangosky said I would be working all day every day she wasn't lying or exaggerating, if I was a regular person I wouldn't have been able to do this. I'll say this though, these Spartans are damn monsters for living like this for who knows how long. And yeah, I was supposed to be here to learn about tactics and the like but I guess the Spartans wanted to do some more.
First chance they got, a lot of them asked me for a spar. I didn't want to come off as rude so I said yes and from there, I spent like three hours a day in ring. It wasn't hatful or anything, I fact they were really helpful in teaching me how throw really punches, I had no idea I was doing wrong all this time. I think it started there, the friendship. I really appreciated them helping me and I think they thought the same about me allowing myself to be a test subject.
They didn't need to hold back against me like they did each other. With me they could bring real firearms and sharp knifes into the spars and use them as they would against an enemy. Not to mention how I could keep up with that and even helped some of them during the more intellectual parts of the program.
A couple of months in I could her Mendez and Halsey talking about me. Well, Mendez was talking and Halsey was ranting about me, saying that I was manipulating everyone but that just wasn't true. Even Mendez was saying that I was charismatic but even then, I don't really agree with. At the end of the day, I'm just polite, that's all it really takes. I'm not some master manipulator, I'm not incredibly charismatic, I like to think that I'm just a nice person.
Which is not something that I can say for Halsey, I have to say. I've never really hated someone before but she is really pushing it. Seriously I had no idea someone could hate someone so much without any real reason. I can't even be in the same room as her with a condescending look or tone every minute or so and not even that, she always without fail calls me it. Never him, just it. I cannot tell you how much that woman pisses me off. How can someone so smart be so fucking petty (Sorry dad)
It's ridicules, even I have a tough time remembering how many times she's tried to perform some type of test or exam on me. Oh and by the way, out of the hundreds she's asked me to do, ninety nine percent of them have already been done before and the one percent would involve killing me. That womans got issues, when I leave this place, she is someone I never want to see again. Fucking psychopath (Sorry dad)
Speaking of dad, I speak to him a few times a week. Not in person of course, he's on the other end of UNSC space doing God knows what for ONI, being honest I can't help but think that somethings off with him. He talks just fine and he says everything's fine but it's... I don't know what, it's like he's so stiff. Like has a gun to his back when he talks, not exactly like that of course but he just seems so uptight.
I shouldn't worry, he's a grown man, he knows how to look out for himself. I should wrap this up now. I only have another hour or two before this test takes place and I've been told I need to back my bags because I'll be going off world in order to do it. I'll need time to say goodbye to everyone"
Atlas / signing off
Alt stood on the roof of the section three base, his bag swung over his shoulder. His back to the Pelican. In front of him was John, Mendez and a handful of others who wanted to see him off "thanks for working with me John, I'm grateful" he said reaching out with his hand.
"It was no problem Alt, it was... good to have you here" he said and while a regular person wouldn't be able to see it, a small smile came onto John's face "good luck on your upcoming mission" he added.
"Ah, he won't need it" a deep voice said from behind the Spartan leader. Alt smiled as the huge Spartan George came over and smacked Alt's shoulder with a chuckle, while something that would have broken the bone of a regular human, Alt didn't even flinch "gonna miss you little man" he added.
Alt let a tired smile came onto his face at the nick name but just did what he always did, he smacked George's shoulder right back with enough force to knock the larger man to the ground "I'm sure we'll see each other soon" he commented to the downed man.
George let out a pained chuckle as she starred at the sky from the ground "good...one" he wheezed in pain.
Alt looked over John's shoulder and the two other Spartans present "and you two, look after this one. That luck of his won't hold forever" he commented with a nod to John.
Both Sam and Kelly chuckled at his words before walking forward "Don't worry, he'll always have us to watch his back" Sam said with his hand extended, something Alt quickly took and shook.
"That goes the same for you as well" Kelly added shaking his hand as well "you may be able to lift mountains and outrun bullets. But don't get cocky and watch your own back"
Alt gave a small laugh at her "understood ma'am" was all he said.
"Tick-Tok Atlas" Mendez said interrupting the goodbye "You have The Shadow in orbit and I don't think you should keep Parangosky waiting" he added.
Now that was a surprise to Atlas, The Shadow was Admiral Parangosky's personal flag ship and wherever that ship went the head ONI went with it. Which only meant one thing, whatever this test was. She was going to oversee it personally, something that did make him a little nervous, but he should be surprised. He supposed that this test would be an important moment for ONI, a lot of resources have been spent on him and he had a lot of potential. The argument could be made that he would be doing more work than the Spartans would.
"Understood sir" he reached out with his hand "thank you for your training, sir" he said.
Mendez reached forward and shook the hand "thank you for being so well behaved and pissing off Halsey. It was fun watching her squirm" he added with a small smirk.
Atlas laughed himself before giving one last look at the Spartans, gave them a nod which they returned and then turned to leave. He walked up the ramp of the ship and gave a final look over his shoulder as the ramp closed behind him.
The ride upwards into orbit was fine, nothing of importance happened until they reached The Shadow. The ship itself was an Epoch-class heavy carrier though he could tell it was heavily modified no doubt to help it stay hidden, advanced stealth fields and the like. The Pelican entered the ship through the captain's personal hanger, Alt waited for the ramp to lower and was surprised by what he saw.
It wasn't Parangosky like he had expected, it was a woman. She was tall, well built, brown hair tide in a tight bun behind her head and she stood in a strong stance with her back straight "you're late" she commented as he walked towards her.
"Excuse me?" Alt found himself asking surprised by the bluntness of the woman.
"You're late" she said again "come with me" she added before turning around to leave. Alt found himself starring at her as she walked away for a moment but then had to jog to keep up with her. When he did the two walked in silence, the woman starring at the data pad in her hand. He himself just looked around the ship, it felt a lot darker than it needed to be. He couldn't help but wonder if that was intentional on Parangosky's part, help unnerve people or something like that.
They walked for a few minutes until she reached a door, it was the first time she looked up from the pad and pressed a button on the side of the door. They waited in silence for a moment before a small green light appeared on the holographic screen and the door opened. The two entered and it was easy for Alt to see that it was an office, it wasn't terribly furnished which he wasn't surprised by, she was the head of spies after all.
When he walked in, she looked up from the computer at her desk "thank you Serin, you may go" she said.
His escort, now named Serin left the office without looking back. Though he did stare at her as she left, finding himself unable to look away from the woman who dismissed him so easily, that's never happened before. "Atlas, how are you feeling?" Parangosky asked as she typed away on her computer.
The sound of her voice brought him back to the moment and he turned to the Admiral "well enough, ready to get started" he answered honestly.
"Good" she said looking up from the screen and nodded to the chair in front of her, he walked forward and sat down opposite her. He didn't say anything first, knowing full well that he was here to listen and not much else. After another moment he started to think if this was some kind of mental attack or something. Something to put him on edge, he had to admit, if that was the case it was working. Three minutes later she looked up at him "you've really surprised me" she commented.
Alt tilted his head at her "ma'am?" he asked.
She looked at him closer before leaning back in her chair "did you know that when you were first found I was about to agree to have you dissected. Stevens was the only thing that stopped me" she admitted.
Alt had his eyes widened for a moment "no...I... I didn't know that" he said.
"I'm glad I didn't" she was quick to add "you... you've done really good work and I look forward to seeing what you can do now that the law won't hold you back"
"You care about the law?" he found himself asking before he could stop himself.
She let out a small chuckle at his question though she didn't address it. Out of the corner of Atlas' eye, he could see some printer spitting out a sheet of paper. The admiral stood up and moved over towards it "nearly two decades, millions spent and hundreds of resources. On you" she turned towards him, walking back forward and placing the sheet in front of him "now it's time to see if the investment pays off"
Alt looked closer at the paper and knew immediately what it was, a ten-year employment contract but something was off with it, reading through it he understood why. This wasn't with the UNSC, it was or ONI. He nodded in understanding, so Parangosky wanted to be the only one who could give him orders. When he looked up at the admiral, she could tell he understood that "it was considered that you would be with the UNSC and in truth you'll be working with them a great deal, think of this as a failsafe. As you can see in the contract, you'll be largely independent. The only person you'll be taking orders from is me. If you like you could defer to the judgment of the senior ranks but at the same time, if their orders go against your own, you can just tell them to fuck off" she added not so tactfully.
A small smile came onto his face at her words, that was when it occurred to him "but you're giving this to me now, before the Atlas Protocol is put into place. Meaning whatever this test... it's a mission isn't it?" he asked. ONI has done a lot of bad shit, most of it completely against the law, if Parangosky wanted to do something there was very little others could do to stop her. So, if she was giving him a contract, effectively making him an employee, she was getting ready for questions to be asked and she needed to prove to a lot of people that this was all legal. Yeah, if she wanted to she could just not bother and then deny everything, but it's been said enough times that she wanted him in front of everyone.
"Yes, it's a mission. You've said that you want to convince the insurrectionists that what they're doing is wrong. Now you have a chance" she pressed a button on her desk and a hologram of a world came into view above them. It was good looking world but nothing about it seemed special "this is Eridanus II, it has a very strong insurrectionists presence and so far all attempts at stopping it has failed. For all intents and purposes, the entire planet is there's. The UNSC wants to send in a fleet to deal with the threat but I've delayed that action in favour of another. You"
Alt took a moment to process what he was just told, his heartbeat started to increase and he tried his best to get in under control "how long do I have?" he asked.
"You leave in one hour, around a day to reach the planet and the UNSC fleet arrives a week after you. It'll be up to you whether or not they'll need to fight the planet for control when they get there, or it'll be a peaceful take over" she informed him.
"Who do I go after?" he added, needing to know who to start with in order to complete this mission.
"The leader of these rebels is a former UNSC colonel by the name of Robert Watts. From what we know he's stationed within the planet's capitol city within the council building" the hologram of the planet changed to a lay out of the city and from there the large council building.
Atlas slowly nodded as he starred at the building, he understood the plan. He would go in and do everything he could to convince the insurrectionists that they were wrong and tell them how they could do it better. If he failed in this then he would have to eliminate them, if he didn't then a war would erupt in a city and thousands maybe even millions would get caught in the crossfire "How do I get there?" he asked.
"A light corvette is being prepared for you. You will not be alone though" she added and Alt looked up at her with a raised eyebrow "Serin will be your handler on this mission"
"I didn't know I needed one" he added as he crossed his arms.
"You do, at least for your first few missions. From there, if you prove you can handle it. Then you can climb the ranks like everybody else" she explained.
Alt let out a hum "well, at least smiles can keep me company if nothing else" he said already deciding on a nick name for his escort. Leaning forward and reaching for a pen. Signing the contract in front of him.
When it was Parangosky stood up and reached out with her hand "Atlas, welcome to ONI" he didn't say anything back, but reached out and shook his boss's hand.
Ok all, we'll call it here and I'm sorry for the delay but I had a 2 week break in Africa volunteering and I had to do 'A New Guardian' first. Anyway, let me know what you all think and what should happen for the next chapter. Should Atlas be able to convince the Interactionists the change or will it come to war? I'll see you all in the next chapter.
P.S: I'm in a rush today so I don't have a lot of time for proof reading so sorry if there's a bunch of mistakse
Next update: Return of Hope.
