Orders From the Top

Prologue

(November 9th, 2545) [ONI Captain Zinth POV]

**Captain Zinth puts down the files he was recently given in relation to the next assignment they had received, before letting out an annoyed sigh. Looking out the window of his office as he sees squads of ONI Paramilitary forces running drills outside his office. Hearing a ring from his door as he looks towards it, before opening the door with the use of one of the controls on his desk.** Enter.

ODST: *walking into the room as he salutes Zinth, with his helmet in his arm.* Sir. You requested my transfer?

Zinth: *nodding as he kicks his feet up.* I did, so I could take that talent of yours and put it to use.

ODST: *nodding as he looks to Zinth.* Pardon, sir?

Zinth: I've read your file... you fought well in the battle of Instillation Zero Four, and got lucky. *motioning to a few scars on his armor.* Let me guess... *smirking a bit.* You get beaten up by a Grunt, Aoric?

Aoric: *shaking his head.* Negative, took on a few Elites with my squad. Lost some good friends trying to get back to friendly lines.

Zinth: *nodding, before leaning forwards as he gets serious and takes his feet off the desk.* Now, back to business. You know why you were transferred here?

Aoric: *shaking his head.* Aside from a few stares from Spooks, and the explanation given to me was I'd be meeting my new squad here, Sir.

Zinth: Well, it's partly true. You're getting your new squad, but not from us. *motioning him to take a seat as Zinth pours himself a drink.* Now, tell me what you know about "Project: Freelancer" Mr. Church.

Aoric: *shrugging as he tries to think, but clearly taking his time to see if there's anything her can remember.* Some project from about a decade ago, nothing having been reported in a while, Sir.

Zinth: *nodding.* Well, let me give you a rundown then. *pulling one of the files he was looking over, before handing it to Aoric to read. Making sure to watch each of Aoric's reactions* Long story short, it's a research program set up to study skilled agents with experimental A.I. submitted by one "Leonard Church" recently. *hands on his desk.* Now, ONI wants to approve this, but I want to bring in an ace of our own with this program. *watching his eyes.* I want you to be that ace in the hole, with your record and skill for only... What, two years?

Aoric: *his helmet not hiding much, with his emotions clearly not an issue on the mission as he watches Zinth.* Orders?

Zinth: *smiling slightly at the remark.* Good, your orders are to report on this new program. Attempt to inform me on what the hell happens with it, and attempt to get us as high class intel you can. The closer you get to Leonard, the better.

Aoric: *nodding.* Understood.

Zinth: *smirking.* A man on a mission, I like it, Gunnery Sergeant. *offering him several papers.* We have forged documents to get you into the program, as well as a few modifications to what you'll be deployed with. *the files before him being the transfer files he was expecting. Detailing his new name, date, occupation, and everything he'll need to seem like a normal person with a military background.* Now, your new gear is waiting for you... "Raider".

**Aoric nodding as he gets up, but not moving just yet.**

Aoric: With your permission, I'd like to keep my rifle with me.

Zinth: *shrugging as he nods.* Sure, why not. I'm sure that "Scythe" of yours will work greatly for this mission.

Aoric: *saluting Zinth, before heading out to prepare for his deployment.*