Over the ensuing two weeks period, the Master Chief and Lt. Cmdr. Palmer's days where filled with a rigorous training regime. Mornings kicked off with a vigorous workout regimen—jogging through the ship's corridors using the new found ability to increase the gravity on their bio-suits to push their endurance. Followed by engaging in sparring sessions both one on one and also with one on many. When Lt. Cmdr Palmer had first suggested this to the Spartan IV's it was received with mixed feelings. There where some that saw this as an opportunity to establish themselves by beating the Legendary Master Chief, others had seen the spars between the Chief and Palmer and where feeling hesitant.
In the heart of the Infinity's training facility, Master Chief John-117 stood at the center of the sparring ring, encircled by four Spartan IVs, all clad in their bio-suits. The hum of energy filled the air as they prepared to engage in combat.
"Alright, Spartans," John's voice boomed, commanding attention. "Let's see what you've got."
The Spartan IVs tightened their grips on their combat staves, their visors fixed on the legendary warrior before them. With a nod from John, the sparring session commenced.
The first Spartan lunged forward, aiming a swift strike at John's midsection. With fluid agility, John sidestepped the blow, countering with a precise jab to the Spartan's chest. The Spartan staggered back, momentarily stunned by the Chief's speed and precision.
Meanwhile, the other three Spartans closed in, attacking from different angles. John seamlessly transitioned from defense to offense, deflecting strikes with calculated movements and delivering powerful blows in return.
A flurry of strikes ensued, the sounds of metal clashing filling the training room. John moved with unmatched grace and efficiency, his movements a testament to years of combat experience and rigorous training.
Despite their coordinated efforts, the Spartan IVs found themselves outmatched by the Master Chief's skill and prowess. With each passing moment, John's movements seemed almost anticipatory, as if he could predict his opponents' actions before they even made them.
In a final display of agility and strength, John swiftly disarmed one of the Spartans, sending their combat staff clattering to the ground. With a swift spin, he delivered a decisive strike, sending the Spartan reeling backward and out of the ring.
The remaining Spartan IVs hesitated for a moment, their confidence waning in the face of John's unmatched skill. But the Chief wasted no time, pressing his advantage and launching into a series of lightning-fast strikes that left the Spartans no room to retaliate.
One by one, the Spartan IVs fell, each defeated by the legendary warrior in the heart of the training ring. As the dust settled, John stood alone in the center, his breath steady and his gaze unwavering.
"Good effort, Spartan's." he remarked, his voice carrying across the training room. "Continue to apply yourselves in your training and you will improve."
With a nod of acknowledgment, the Spartan IVs gathered themselves, their respect for the Master Chief evident in their expressions.
After a few more sparring matches Palmer and the Chief took time to give advise to the Spartan IV's to improve their combat efficiency, then they finished their cool down routine with some stretching exercises.
Following their training session, a hearty breakfast awaited them before their pilgrimage to the infirmary, where Noble 6 and Blue team's progress was subject to their meticulous scrutiny.
Dr. Mumbato marveled at the rapid recovery pace of Blue team and Noble 6, hinting that their release might be plausible by month-end if the trajectory held. After speaking to the Doctor John and Sarah would sit with Blue team and Noble 6 talking about the Spartan's recovery, current events, training and what missions are taking place.
After fireteam Titan finished their visit with their recovering Spartan family, the duo seamlessly transitioned to honing their marksmanship skills at the range, followed by dedicated sessions refining their telekinetic prowess. Sarah smirked as she remembered the first time they had spoken with the Air Boss about using their abilities to help with moving vehicles around the bay.
Commander Mochizuki was a Tall muscular man with short cropped ebony hair. He had seen combat on multiple worlds in both the war of insurrection and the Human/Covenant war. He had seen a lot of crazy stuff in his time, but seeing two giant Spartan's levitating mongooses, Warthogs and Scorpion tanks defiantly took the cake.
Lunch became a brainstorming session for their potential upcoming mission. Captain Lasky occasionally joined, sharing Navel insights and updates gleaned from any fresh intel.
Post-lunch, the pair delved into gravity-enhanced strength, speed, and endurance training—ramping up the gravitational pull on their bio-suits by a factor of 10. Weightlifting, sprints, and a rigorous 5-mile run pushed the boundaries of their physical capabilities.
Evenings were designated for recovery and relaxation. Immersing themselves in the sauna and hot tub, they let the heat permeate their muscles, swapping roles for a brief massage session. Occasionally, ice baths offered a contrasting remedy to aid recovery and cool down.
The first of two surprises unfolded at the tail end of the first week. Captain Lasky ventured into the mess hall on S deck, a routine visit that had become familiar over the past week, his eyes scanning for his customary dining companions. This time, however, a specific agenda propelled him to find his two giant friends. Lasky was always a bit unnerved by the Spartan mess hall, with its larger, reinforced furnishings, it always gave him the sensation of dining with giants. Even for Captain Lasky, standing at 6 feet tall, he was always reminded of his youth attempting to sit at the "adults" table.
In the far corner, the Spartan pair occupied their usual table. As Captain Lasky approached, Palmer, seated facing him, offered a welcoming smile, gesturing for him to take his accustomed seat. "Good afternoon, Captain. How are things on the bridge this fine Sunday? John and I where just going over some of the old colonization maps of Centaurious III. They are almost 50yrs old be we figure they will at least give us something to work with." Palmer's voice carried a teasing undertone.
"John, Sarah, I come bearing a request from Lord Hood. He is asking that the two of you conduct a top-to-bottom evaluation of the Spartan contingent here on Infinity and then compile a comprehensive report on strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for maintaining and enhancing our capabilities." Lasky cut to the chase.
The Chief's eyebrow arched as he processed this new directive. "Hmm, I have been noticing a few things during our time here." Turning to Palmer, he continued, "Sarah, this could be an opportunity to implement some of the things we have been discussing this last week. What do you think?"
Lt. Cmdr Sarah Palmer pondered for a moment. The lack of motivation to improve and the emergence of a superiority complex among the Spartans had become very apparent to the pair over the last week.
"John is right; we've been noticing a few things that need fixing in the Spartan branch." Receiving a nod of agreement from John, the decision was made. "Please let Lord Hood know that Lt. Cmdr Palmer and Master Chief 117 are on the job." Sarah stated firmly.
The Captain's interest piqued by Sarah's first comment. "What do you mean by lack of motivation to improve and a superiority complex?"
"On multiple occasions, Sarah and I have noticed Spartan IVs belittling other service members in the gym, on the range, and in the hallways. It seems that a majority of the Spartan IVs feel that, after getting their augmentations, they are superior in every way to any other service members. The biggest rift I have noticed is between ODSTs and the Spartan branch, even though many of the Spartan IVs come from ODST." The Chief answered.
"Any idea's as to the cause of this animosity?" Lasky further inquired.
The Chief continued after taking a moment to contemplate the issue. "Some of the bad blood between ODST and Spartans is in part due to interactions I had in the past with them. The most recent was when High Command was testing Cortana's smart AI capability, and the ODSTs were ordered to stop me by any means necessary, including arming them with live armor-piercing rounds, mines, and a Hornet with air-to-surface missiles. I was forced to painfully disable the ODST's before taking down the Hornet. There has been animosity between Spartans and ODSTs since."
"I'm aware of this incident, Chief; I was not aware that Spartans on Infinity were making that worse. Sarah, do you agree with the superiority complex statement as well?" The Captain questioned.
"I do, Tom. I have been observing some of the Spartan IVs during our workouts and training, and to say that their efforts are less than impressive would be the understatement of the month. Watching them in the gym is akin to observing all those people who, after New Year's, rush to the gym and quickly lose motivation. They are not pushing their limits; I would argue that they aren't even maintaining their peak physical prowess."
"Well, this is definitely disconcerting to hear as the ship's Captain. What can be done?" Questioned Lasky, concern etched across his face.
"I recommend that we run all the teams through a Spartan Combine, including a series of war game training simulator runs, as well as several physical competitions that will set the bar for Spartan IV physical prowess. Then, a top-to-bottom testing of marksmanship. This will allow us to assess where each Spartan is, providing us with the highs and lows for the entire contingent. John and I can then sit down and establish Spartan minimums, much like the Marine Corps PFT (Physical Fitness Test), and have the Spartan IVs take the new standard test once every month to ensure that they are keeping up with their training. If they fall below the standards, we'll let the squad leaders, platoon leaders, and eventually the commander address the issue," Sarah stated with authority.
"As for how to mend the rifts between the Spartan IVs and the other branches, Sarah and I will come up with some ideas for our report." John finished, his mind already hard at work analyzing the problem.
Captain Lasky gave a node of acknowledgement before rising and heading back to the Infinity's Bridge.
"So, I think that we should request a meeting with all the department leads from the Marines, Force Recon, Pilots, and ODST. We can then sit down and get ideas for the Combine events, as well as hearing their insights into where their personnel are seeing issues regarding the interactions between their branches and the Spartan branch. We should also see if they have any idea's as to what they feel may be causing resentment between the branches, and any insight into possible ways to mend the fences so to speak." Sarah stated emphatically as she and the Chief rose from their table, walking to the chow hall exit.
The Chief remained silent for a moment gathering his thoughts. "I think that we have an opportunity that rarely comes around. In my time in combat I have noticed that more often then not one of the greatest causes of deaths is the lack of training to adapt to unforeseen situations. Many times when and enemy would show up that a squad had not engaged before they would wait and hope that a Spartan would show up to eliminate the threat. I think that if we can change that and give all the experienced training usually reserved for Spartans, All would be better prepared to adapt when the need arises.
"I like it. How would you suggest we implement this training?" Sarah questioned
After taking another moment to think on it the Chief replied. "What if we where to create small mixed groups made up of two Spartans, Four Marines, Four ODST's, Two Pilots and Four Recon Marines. Then we would train them together and have them also train each other in their area's of expertise. Then at the end of training this joint unit would have a final test that could only be passed as a unit. We could even call the test the Agoge to tie it back to the original Spartans."
Palmer took a thinking pose and let the idea marinate in her mind. Militaries for hundreds of years had these types of teams and the benefit of having non Spartans trained in ways to better work with them and vis-a-verse-a could defiantly turn the tide in a battle. "I like it. Lets get a sense for how the department heads feel about it, then work on the finer points."
The following day, the Spartan duo orchestrated a meeting with various department heads, Captain Lasky, Dr. Mumbato, and Admiral Osman (Spartan-019), who insisted on having a representative present. The scheduled time was 1900hrs (7 pm). Palmer and the Chief adhered to their morning routine, this time paying closer attention to Spartan IVs and their interactions with others both durning training and down time. Visiting Noble 6 and Blue team, they briefed them on their latest assignment from Lord Hood and sought any insights they could offer.
"Agoge! Chief, really? You always did love those stories Déjà would tell us about the ancient Greek Spartans. If I remember correctly, it was one of the only times she could get you to pay attention during the first few months," Linda teased, sitting on her medical bed with a big smile.
Laughter erupted from the recovering Spartans. It was heartening to see his family on the mend and laughing, even if it was at his expense, the Chief thought to himself. "If memory serves me correctly, Linda, you were the one who literally fell asleep in class during the lesson about land nav, then got lost during the test." the Chief responded good-naturedly.
Another round of laughter ensued, and Linda blushed as the other Spartan IIs recounted their memories of the event. "He was like that even before he became a Spartan," Brice (Noble 6) chimed in. "Growing up, the school had these multi-tier islands, and usually, they would have two teams fight to claim them, like a brutal game of capture the flag. John would take on both teams by himself and the crazy thing was that he usually won. I can't tell you how many times the parents of the other kids would call the house and complain that John was being to aggressive." A small smile graced his lips, a mix of happy and bittersweet memories.
"When we first arrived at Reach for Spartan training, he was like that as well. It was only after our squad lost at the obstacle course when he finished first that he truly started to become the leader he is today." Fred added giving Brice all the details of the aftermath of their squads loss.
Over the next hour, the evolved Spartans delved into their thoughts on both the Agoge and strategies for mending the rift between Spartans and other branches.
By lunchtime, the Chief and Palmer had a robust list of ideas for Agoge, along with some tentative plans to foster ship-wide camaraderie, aiming to bridge the gaps between branches. After consulting with Blue Team and Noble 6, they embarked on a scouting mission, seeking diverse perspectives. What they discovered exceeded their initial expectations, and after engaging with individuals and gathering input, their mission gained depth and breadth.
1900 arrived swiftly, ushering the Chief and Palmer into one of Infinity's larger meeting rooms. Usually reserved for Captain Lasky's monthly staff meetings, the room boasted a breathtaking view of Earth, transitioning from night to day. As the duo prepared their materials and reviewed their notes, Captain Lasky and Roland joined, the latter materializing in his customary WWII bomber jacket.
The remaining attendees filtered in, and Palmer was surprised to see Jamison Locke present as Admiral Osman's representative. With everyone assembled, Palmer initiated the meeting, outlining Lord Hood's concerns about Spartan readiness and inter-branch camaraderie. Murmurs rippled through the group, and some, like Commander Umar of the ODST detachment, expressed irritation at the existing rift.
Captain Martinez, representing the Marine Force Recon contingent, noted less friction between Recon and other branches, but welcomed increased camaraderie and cross-training. Lt. Colonel Aikawa, overseeing all Marines on Infinity, observed negative qualities among Spartan IVs, reinforcing Palmer's point. To emphasize their argument about Spartans not pushing themselves, Palmer questioned Dr. Mumbato about non-combat treatments for Spartan IVs.
The doctor revealed treating five Spartan IVs in the last six months for injuries sustained during training in the hard light simulator. Palmer then contrasted this with her and the Chief's numerous visits for various training-related injuries, highlighting the physical toll of their rigorous sessions, including a memorable scenario that left her with fractured ribs.
There were nods of approval from almost all present. The training sessions of The Master Chief and Cmdr. Palmer were well-known by a wide variety of personnel on Infinity.
"So what do you suggest to increase Spartan readiness and encourage better inter-branch camaraderie?" Captain Lasky spoke for the first time.
Palmer turned to the Chief gesturing for him to take the lead.
John, stepped forward and pressed a button on the table. A training layout came to life displayed over the center of the table.
"This is what Cmdr. Palmer and I have come up with to motivate the Spartan IV's to take their training seriously and encourage better inter branch moral, as well as making our units work better together in the field. First I suggest that as a proof of concept Cmdr. Palmer and I would take a group made up of the following; two Spartans, four Marines, four ODST's, four Pilots and four Recon Marines. We will then run them through a comprehensive training program that teaches tactics for fighting as a mixed group down to surviving as the sole survivor against superior numbers and or enemies. Then at the end will be a test we have dubbed Agoge that can only be passed if they can come together as a effective team."
"After fine tuning the training and getting the majority of personal through the training the Agoge would then become the minimum standard of readiness." Sarah concluded
The Agoge will be a test taken every quarter. It will consist of the following:
1. A Full Physical by the ship's medical staff, including a Cybex Test and Wonderlic test on the initial test and every 5 years after.
"This is to ensure that our personal are in peak physical condition and are not struggling with injury, reflex degradation, or diminished cognitive acuity. As you all know, the effects of battle can go beyond just physical injury. With this requirement, we hope to extend and enrich the combat effectiveness and lifespan of our warriors," The Chief continued. "After getting a clean bill of health from the medical staff, the Agoge will begin."
"These mixed groups will be required to score a passing grade on each event or fail the entire Agoge and be remediated to their immediate supervisor. Multiple fails will result in increasing disciplinary action. Any questions?" The Chief finished. "Events would include; Force on Force tactics, weapons understanding and proficiency, understanding Enemy tactics/bio/weaknesses & strengths, Survival in hostel terrain & Escape and evade tactics.
Surprisingly, it was Commander Umar who spoke first. "Cmdr. Palmer, Master Chief, don't you think that this is a little extreme? I commend you on wanting to increase the readiness and cohesion of our personal, but I fail to see how this won't break more warriors than it will push to succeed.
"You are quite correct, Commander. This will push a number of personal to quit or request assignment elsewhere. But let me ask you this: Would you want someone unwilling to push themselves to their limits and beyond join ODST? In the 20th century, the United States Navy had a branch of special forces operators known as the Navy Seals. They had to complete a training course known as 'BUDS,' and that course had a 70% - 85% dropout rate. The Marine Force Recon of the time had a 50% dropout rate, and Army Rangers, the predecessors to the ODSTs, had a 65% dropout rate. Cmdr. Palmer and I have concluded that one of the main issues with the Spartan IV program is its lack of any measurable attrition rate. If you are accepted into the program, you're given augmentation that instantly makes you a super soldier with the latest in high-tech weapons, armor, and training." The Master Chief made his point.
This caused all those present to momentarily take a step back and re-evaluate what they had experienced and what they were being told.
After giving them a moment to ponder the Chief's perspective, Palmer stepped forward again. "To address the concern about increasing inter-branch camaraderie, we believe that having them work and train together it will not only allow for the groups to share experience and tactics used against enemies but also foster better relations when all receive the same training, instead of like now there is a general concessions that Spartan's get all the best training, gear and intel while the other branches get the left overs. The Chief and I spent the majority of the day yesterday speaking with specialists from each branch stationed here on Infinity. We aim to implement cross-branch training, wherein the best from each branch collaborates to create a training regimen that integrates all branches. Participants will switch roles, fostering a better understanding of and anticipation for their comrades' tactics, strengthening weaknesses, and optimizing their strengths. We will also initiate an annual challenge where teams from different ships and bases compete against each other to determine the best."
Commander Umar sat back in his chair, arms crossed, a thoughtful expression on his face. His concern for the potential toll on the Spartans was evident. As the Chief and Palmer outlined their reasoning, he remained contemplative, perhaps considering the parallels drawn with elite military units. However, the idea of significant Spartan attrition still left him uneasy. He did however find the idea of an annual computation between the Ships and bases operators struck a cord with his competitive nature.
Lt. Colonel Aikawa, responsible for all Marines on Infinity, frowned slightly, absorbing the information. The negative qualities observed among Spartan IVs had caught her attention, and the proposed changes might address these concerns. She considered the potential impact on her Marines and the broader implications for ship-wide cohesion. She was also tempted by the idea of getting her people better training and possibly newer gear, Marines where known for getting the hand me downs from the other branches and had a reputation for improvising, adapting and over coming because of it.
Captain Martinez, representing the Marine Force Recon contingent, showed a measured nod of approval. The concept of rigorous testing and cross-training seemed to align with his military mindset. While recognizing the challenges, he appeared open to the idea, understanding the potential benefits for enhancing combat effectiveness.
Dr. Mumbato, responsible for the medical well-being of the Infinity's personal, appeared thoughtful. The emphasis on regular medical check-ups seemed to align with her concerns about the health of all those aboard. Her support would likely hinge on the medical staff's ability to handle the increased workload associated with the proposed testing regimen. Maybe she and her staff could be part of the collaboration creating the training and include training for the medical staff as well as training the operators in battlefield medicine to improve their survivability if injured in combat.
Captain Lasky, who had been listening intently, leaned forward, his fingers steepled. The historical comparison seemed to resonate with him, but the challenge was evident in his eyes. He was torn between the necessity for readiness and the potential risks involved. The UNSC had invested no small amount into the Spartan branch, He wasn't sure how the Admiralty & Lord Hood wold react to Palmer and the Chief's suggestions. His next move would likely depend on the reactions of the other department heads.
Captain Lasky stood, drawing the attention of all present. "Cmdr. Palmer, Master Chief, I would like to thank you both for your hard work on this. You have put together, in such a short period of time, a game plan that is quite impressive. I would like to give everyone here time to consider everything you have proposed. We will adjourn until 1700 two days from now. Master Chief, Cmdr Palmer, would you like to give any final thoughts?"
Palmer shook her head, then looked to The Master Chief as he stepped forward once again. "Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of the proposals laid out today. We understand that the changes we propose are substantial, and we appreciate the gravity of the decisions that lie ahead.
As Spartans, we draw inspiration from the ancient Greek Spartans' unwavering devotion to training and protecting their people. Their commitment to excellence and readiness in the face of adversity serves as a timeless example. We stand here not just as soldiers but as guardians, bound by a duty to protect humanity.
In the military, we often speak of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values are the bedrock of our service, guiding us through the darkest hours. Our proposal seeks to uphold these values. The Agoge, with its rigorous tests and challenges, is a call to honor—the honor of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits, embracing discomfort for the greater good.
Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. We ask you to consider the courage it takes to face the unknown, to venture into uncharted territory. Change is daunting, but it is through adversity that we forge the strongest bonds and discover our true capabilities.
Commitment binds us together. It is the promise we make to each other and to those we serve. A crusty old Master Sergeant once reminded me that people need heroes to give them hope. The proposed changes are not merely an experiment but a commitment to ensuring that every Spartan, and every member of every branch, stands ready to face any threat head-on. Many look at what I have done and think I am some great warrior; I have never seen myself as great. I simply did what I had to do to protect humanity. Cmdr. Palmer and I feel that this training will instill this mentality into the next generation of operators, whether they're Spartans, ODST, Force Recon, Navy, Marines, or Army. We each have the makings of greatness within us.
We understand the concerns raised today, and we respect the weight of the decisions before us. We invite you to join us in this endeavor, to honor the legacy of those who came before us and to strengthen the bonds that tie us together as defenders of humanity.
Thank you.