Once Axel had entered the Mess Hall everybody of course was a little shocked since he never ate in the Mess Hall with everyone.
Following behind him was his assistant Taylor who has just been promoted from Crewman to Petty Officer Third class. Not to be confused with an actual Officer, a Petty Officer was an Enlisted rank and not an Officer Rank.
Axel and Taylor had grabbed their Lunch and headed to an empty table greeting all the people around them. Once they got to the table they both sat down and started to enjoy their Lunch while also talking about each other's past.
For Axel he was quite surprised to hear that Taylor was also in an orphanage when he was younger but he was never adopted into a family. Because of this he had to move all over the city to survive until a recruiter came to his orphanage to recruit some young men between the ages of 17-19.
Taylor was 17 and he didn't have a plan for his future and he certainly didn't want to stay at the orphanage so he joined the UNSC as Crewman recruit.
From their he went to Basic Training and had showed his dedication and hardworking ability as he outshined all other recruits in his Training Division. Because of this he was promoted from Crewman Recruit to Crewman, skipping directly over Crewman Apprentice.
He received Special Duty Orders and was chosen to be the Assistant to the renowned genius, Axel Woods. This news filled him with excitement, as it was a rare opportunity for someone of his rank. Special duty assignments were usually reserved for emergency situations, like war, where immediate action was required.
Axel intentionally selected someone young and open-minded, rather than someone with years of experience, because he wanted to have a good working relationship. This doesn't mean he wouldn't be able to get along with someone older, but it would just be easier with someone younger.
However, that was only one aspect of his decision. The other factor was Taylor's impressive results on the Physical exam. His scores were ideal for Axel's future plans of genetically enhancing humans to increase strength and abilities.
Besides fulfilling certain criteria, such as high scores, someone must also possess strong character to be considered for genetic alteration by Axel. He wants to ensure that those who undergo the process will be able to maintain control of themselves in the future.
Despite the potential consequences, Axel will inevitably be chosen to lead the resurrected Spartan Program in a number of years. As he takes control, he will modify the genetic code from the original program, ultimately creating an unprecedented type of soldier whose actions and values will greatly influence their future as a Spartan and their longevity in the program.
A person with a strong moral compass and good character could withstand the demands of being a Spartan for 25 years. However, someone with a negative character would not be able to endure the constant battles and ridicule from regular soldiers for very long.
However, someone of good character would likely have more resilience and be able to withstand stress for a longer period of time. This is because their innate nature is already virtuous, making them less susceptible to the negative effects of stress compared to someone with a flawed character.
As Axel and Taylor finished their lunch, Axel leaned back in his chair, his thoughts lingering on the future of the Spartan Program. He knew that the Top Brass only needed time before they figured out that they needed the Spartan Program and he would be the only logical choice for them to choose to lead it.
"Well Taylor" Said Axel as he got up with his plate in hand as all the food was already eaten by him. "Let's go and learn more about the staff"
"Aye, Sir" Said Taylor as he got up and followed Axel who went to talk with the other staff members in the mess Hall.
Meanwhile on Reach, Dr. Halsey who was recruited by ONI to be a civilian Consultant was sitting in her Office bored out of her mind.
"If only I could see him again" Said Halsey as she was referring to her Friend Axel who was the only one whom she could talk to equally.
Her time spent here was filled with boring work so she often wrote in her own personnel journal about her thoughts and concerns, as well as pen important research notes.
All she could do was wait until the next time she sees him.