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- "In our world, the only crime in war is losing..."
- ―Riley Franklin
Riley Allen Franklin (SN:33956-85772-RF) was a Human special warfare operative serving within the United Nations Space Command (UNSC), and he was also an biochemically-augmented supersoldier of the ORION Program, where he became a first generation Spartan. Franklin would serve as a covert combat operative and a liaison for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI).
Franklin was an infantry officer in the UNSC Army, serving in the Army Rangers. After his brief service, Franklin was then recruited into the secretive ORION project where he became an elite augmented warfighter. Franklin was then recruited into Section One of Naval Intelligence, where he became an operations officer responsible for several high-risk, covert missions. Franklin led small teams, trained to infiltrate enemy lines and survive inhospitable conditions in hostile locations. Franklin would eventually join the ranks of the Asymmetrical Action Group (AAG), operating against the Covenant and the Insurrectionists. Franklin would become a Clandestine Special Officer for Section III of ONI, sent on covert, classified operations to secure and maintain humanity's power in the galaxy.
Franklin was a proficient marksman and is adept with CQC tactics. However, Riley specialized in intelligence gathering and unconventional warfare tactics within the field. Franklin had no qualms about working outside his missions' legal guidelines, engaging in unsavory and criminal activity. In the field, Franklin would also work with independent militias and mercenaries for his various operations. Franklin would also establish contacts and connections within the criminal underworlds, using their support and resources against the Insurrectionist militias and Covenant operations. Riley was considered to be one of ONI's most valued operatives and was integral in the expansion of ONI's sphere of influence throughout space.
In the latter years of the war against the Covenant, Franklin ceased all communications with Naval Intelligence after a mission to disrupt Covenant activities in the Inner Colonies. Franklin would drop off the grid, which led ONI to deem him "burnt" and a possible threat. Speculation is that Franklin had grown disillusioned with his military service, and his augmentations had a psychological impact on him, as well. In the Post-War Era, ONI sent their own team of operatives, even Spartans, to "recover or neutralize" Franklin, but their efforts were in vain. Speculation is rampant about Franklin's activities and his whereabouts.
Career Service Vitae (CSV)[]
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Biography[]
Early Life[]
Riley Allen Franklin was born on March 12, 2474, in the sprawling metropolis city of New Alexandria on the colony world of Reach. Born into the Franklin family, a respected family with a decorated lineage of military service that traces back to the earliest years of the 20th Century, Riley was thrusted with great expectations from his family. Riley's father, a decorated Marine Corps officer, and his mother, a retired Navy aviator, were adamant in instilling their five children (including Riley) strict discipline and intense focus to prepare them for the challenges to come in their lifetimes.
The bustling, industrial streets of New Alexandria, Reach (circa early 2480s).
In his youth, Riley was surrounded by the aesthetic and the allure of military life on Reach, as his family's military lineage would shape his childhood and adolescence. Riley was involved in military-focused youth programs and is often in attendance at military parades that involved his family from time to time. During primary school, Riley was an excellent student, as he excelled in mathematics and science courses. Franklin was also involved with sporting activities, as he was an active participant in youth basketball, and the cross running programs. Despite his sterling record, Young Riley was considered to be a renegade by his peers and family.
Riley had a reputation for being outspoken and stoking conflict with anyone he saw fit. Franklin wasn't afraid to argue with his teachers in his primary school and would get into altercations with other kids that had crossed him. Franklin was also more comfortable with the street kids of New Alexandria, rather than his elitist peers. Riley often engaged in delinquent behavior with his friends, ranging from typical pick-pocketing to vandalism. If it wasn't for his family connections, Franklin would've found himself in juvenile detention in his early youth.
At the age of fifteen, Riley was enrolled and sent to the Corbulo Academy of Military Science, on the colony world of Circinius IV. In those four years, Riley established himself as one of the top classmen at the academy. Franklin proved himself as one of Corbulo's top cadets, as he excelled in his academics and showed his tactical prowess during extensive field and classroom exercises. It was here he learned to focus his energy, hone his skills, and to either follow orders or be sure to hide the evidence. By his senior year, Franklin was one of the academy's class commanders and would graduate with honors. Afterward, Franklin would opt to join the UNSC Army, feeling the Army would help him thrive in his new life.
Operational History in the UNSC Armed Forces[]
After his graduation from the UNSC Army's basic training course at the Unified Combined Military Boot Camp and School of Infantry (SOI) on Earth, Franklin would be commissioned as a second lieutenant and would serve as an infantry platoon leader for the 1st Infantry Division in 2492. However, Franklin wanted to pursue a career within the UNSC Special Operations Forces, as he wanted to challenge himself, and he believed that the Special Forces would be able to give him that challenge. Franklin would then join the UNSC Army Rangers, and he passed right through their selection process and was assigned as a platoon leader in the 2nd Ranger Battalion.
UNSC Army Rangers deployed on an unknown Outer colony, circa 2492.
From 2492 to 2494, Lieutenant Franklin and his Army Ranger platoon were deployed on counter-insurgency operations in the Outer colonies. Franklin and his Army Rangers were often tasked with reconnaissance patrols, covert search and retrieval operations, and other covert unconventional warfare operations in the region. Franklin and his men were also dispatched to give support to joint intelligence-gathering and direct action operations with the clandestine elements of UNSC Special Operations.
During this period, Franklin would make himself known to Special Forces community for his ruthless actions and courage in battle. An example would be Franklin leading the defense of a vital commercial colony against rebel and mercenary attacks that sought to control the planet. Lieutenant Franklin rallied a resistance force and they managed to repulse the enemy forces long enough for reinforcements to arrive from nearby systems. Franklin also led his Army Rangers on missions to eliminate rebel strongholds in the Outer colonies. These missions were successful, although Franklin's platoon did suffer heavy casualties in the process. Franklin became known for his ruthless, all-or-nothing leadership style, and his vicious lethality in combat. However, Riley was also regarded for showing courage and valor in the face of adversity.
ORION Project[]
Induction and Augmentation[]
In early 2491, the Colonial Military Administration would relaunch the ORION Project, with Section III of the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) providing data and resources to support the program. With the success of their initial 65 test subjects in their training and their augmentations, ONI expanded its program. Franklin was among those that were approached for the program in 2494 and accepted their offer.
The official patch for the ORION Program Operators, circa 2498.
Riley and the other ORION volunteers were placed under their specialized training course for rigorous ORION combat testing. Initial testing in CQC and basic combat skills challenged Riley, but these challenges would allow Franklin to thrive in this harsh environment. Franklin would become a fast-rising candidate in the program, where the instructors and observers regarded the young operator as being among the most talented in the entire program. The ORION program would also shape his skills as a leader and a tactician, thanks to the new friendships made with other ORION candidates. Riley bonded with Karina Liberatore, sharing similar goals and struggles in their pasts. Both of them would form a bond that allowed them to open up to each other, and push each other to their limits. The two would meet with two other ORIONs, Daniel Contreras and Javier Rivas. Uneasy at first with each other, the four soldiers would eventually form a closer relationship with each other, as they would train together and get to know each other better.
One of ORION's principal goals was to implant their volunteers with an series of augmentations that would make them into the UNSC's first breed of "supersoldiers". Along with his fellow volunteers, Riley spent several months recovering from the procedures and growing accustomed to his improved strength and reflexes before being able to rejoin his fellow ORION operatives. After his recovery, Franklin was assigned to an ORION fireteam with his friends in ORION testing and training, as ORION was prepping and being briefed for their first operation as ORION operatives.
Operation: CHARLEMAGNE[]
In June of 2494, Colonel Robert Watts, a UNSC Marine officer, had defected and joined the Secessionist Union, and rallied the Insurrectionists on the colony of Eridanus II for an uprising against the planetary government. Equipped and reinforced by rebel sympathizers hidden in the Colonial Military Administration's ranks, along with support from criminals and arms dealers, Watts had orchestrated a methodical and thorough series of attacks involving terrorist bombings, political assassinations, and kidnappings that impacted Eridanus's shipping routes. With the help of CMA defectors and smugglers, Watts and the Insurrectionists were able to gather a sizable flotilla of starships, to blockade the planet. The Eridanus Government had officially requested aid from the Unified Earth Government in December of 2494. However, by January 2495, Colonel Watts and his forces established control of the colony.
Franklin (Left) and ORION operators in action on Eridanus II during CHARLEMAGNE, January 2496.
On January 12, 2496, Operation: CHARLEMAGNE was then launched, with the UNSC deploying a large battle group of the Naval starships to Eridanus II. The ORION task force operators were covertly deployed for the first time during CHARLEMAGNE, as they engaged Insurrectionist forces on the rural landscapes of Eridanus II, covertly and discreetly. During the operation, Franklin and his ORION fireteam were tasked with raids on Insurrectionist strongholds and supply depots on the ground. Franklin led his fireteam in multiple actions to liberate the planet from rebel control.
As a result of CHARLEMAGNE, the UNSC succeeded in regaining control of Eridanus II from the insurgents. However, Colonel Watts and several of his rebel soldiers were successful in escaping to Eridanus's asteroid belt, where they escaped capture and continued to operate against the UNSC. Meanwhile, the ORION Project, having completed both insertion and extraction during the operation without being seen by any survivors, fueled a wide range of conspiracy theories and media speculation. As the legend of these supersoldiers grew, it proved very helpful to the Office of Naval Intelligence's propaganda efforts in the following decades. For Franklin and his team, due to their exploits, the unit was converted into a combat tracker team. Riley and his unit would prove to be a valuable asset in counter-insurgency, intelligence gathering, direct action, deep reconnaissance, and any other unconventional warfare operations.
Operational History in ORION[]
After the success of Operation: CHARLEMAGNE in 2496, ORION operatives were found to be an effective tool in combating the Insurrection. Consequently, during the remainder of that year and in the subsequent years too, ORION operatives were assigned to numerous other classified missions. Delta was dispatched to such covert operations. After their defeat on Eridanus II, Insurrectionist groups had reorganized themselves into a guerrilla force, willing to conduct terror tactics (terror bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, etc.). By early 2498, to subdue these new threats, several fireteams of the elite ORION operators were deployed throughout the Outer Colonies to combat and neutralize Insurrectionist activity.
For several years, Riley Franklin and his fireteam would conduct numerous covert, special warfare operations within the Outer colonies, against the Secessionist Union and other Insurrectionist factions. These ops included direct action, reconnaissance, HVT ops, counter-terrorism, intel-gathering, and other clandestine operations on various colonies. Franklin and his team were proven to be just as effective, if not more so, as the typical UNSC Special Forces, such as the Rangers, Raiders, and Force Recon. The unit would be engaged in several successful combat missions in various colonies, such as Eridanus II, Madrigal, Harvest, and even some Inner Colonies.
During this period in his service, Franklin would emerge as one of ORION's best operatives in the field, where his exemplary leadership and efficient lethality was showcased in the field. Franklin led his team on various missions in the Outer Colonies, where he became known for his ability to complete any mission at any cost. Franklin also proved himself as an elite warfighter, as he excelled in close-quarter combat situations and showed proficiency in special weapons tactics and fieldcraft. Franklin also showed tactical prowess in combat, and even developed his interrogation skills during these operations. However, it would be his ability to covertly insert himself in hostile zones and efficiently eliminates threats without alarm that would showcase his talent as a soldier. Riley's talents would attract the attention of the upper echelons of Naval Intelligence.
Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE[]
In 2502, new tactics were formed when it came to combating the Insurrection. Instead of using great amounts of resources fighting the rebels in large-scale theaters of combat, a new emphasis was focused on the clandestine assassinations of key figures in the Insurrection movement. With the success of Operation: VERITAS, they were able to conduct such an operation, under the codename KALEIDOSCOPE. In this operation, Franklin was detached from his group to undergo solo assassination missions, as to maintain covertness and quick mobility.
Riley Franklin on a covert assignment during Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE, circa 2500s.
Franklin was deployed to various Outer colonies, tasked with the elimination of rebel leadership and the acquisition of intelligence on the activities of the Insurrection movement, mainly focusing on the Secessionist Union. Franklin would prove himself one of the most efficient and hyper-lethal operatives, not just in ORION, but throughout UNSC Special Operations.
During this operation, Franklin would silently infiltrate rebel encampments and outposts, assassinate numerous rebel officers, uncover valuable intel, and rescue captured UNSC personnel and local CAA/CMA officials from imprisonment. Franklin would also infiltrate many local communities that sympathized with the Insurrection's cause, and was able to accomplish his objectives while utilizing an unwitting civilian population in his efforts. Franklin also provided support for other ORION operators also operating in his area.
Riley's exploits became heralded and inspiring stories within the Special Forces community, and nightmarish tall tales for the locals and rebels on various worlds. Franklin would also develop connections with the criminal underworld in the Outer colonies, connections that would prove to be valuable in the future for the ORION operator. By the operation's conclusion, Franklin was responsible for the "neutralization" of over thirty Insurrectionist HVTs and credited with the dissolution of various rebel networks and cells throughout the Outer colonies.
KALEIDOSCOPE proved to be a successful operation for the UNSC, as rebel factions had collapsed and dissolved in droves. This included the Secessionist Union, as their leader, Jerald Ander, and their vital military officers had been killed or, had simply, disappeared. Franklin was noted for his effectiveness and success in dismantling Insurrectionist activities, neutralizing key figures in the Secessionist Union, and uncovering a deep relationship between Insurrectionists and the criminal underworld of the Outer Colonies.
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After his impressive work during KALEIDOSCOPE, including the rescue of ONI agents from a safehouse on Gao, the Office of Naval Intelligence were eager to recruit Franklin into the agency, to work as a forward operator for the ultimate intelligence-gathering force within Section One. Franklin accepted their offer to join, surrendering his former rank and history of special ops military service for a new life in ONI. Franklin would soon join the ranks of a clandestine operational unit composed of lone field operatives, tasked with high-risk intelligence-gathering and counter-insurgency operations.
Soon after his recruitment, Franklin underwent training at "The Farm" in Camp Peary on Earth. This training was to demonstrate to the Naval Intelligence superiors, that he had the adequate skills to successfully perform in the field as an operative of ONI's Section One. The training course at The Farm tested individuals with navigating through obstacles, stealth actions, interrogation, excessive & non-lethal force, and bypassing surveillance. In the end, thanks to his skills and talents, Franklin was able to complete his intense training and he was welcomed into ONI/Section One.
Covert Operations in the Outer Colonies[]
For the next eight years, Franklin lived a series of assumed identities to achieve "sensitive" objectives wherever he is needed, often operating autonomously. Franklin's mission profiles included counter-insurgency, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, information warfare, and anti-proliferation of high-grade weapons. Franklin has also been involved in multiple actions to assassinate Insurrectionist leadership, from militia commanders to corrupt colonial politicians that support the rebels. These missions expanded beyond the Outer Colonies, and into the Inner Colonies, as well. Riley demonstrated efficient lethality and constant success during his time as an ONI paramilitary operative. It was described that Riley not only survived but also excelled in the field of covert operations through his hard work, insatiable curiosity, and brutal honesty. He even proved that he can handle the cutthroat politics of ONI's "work culture". Franklin would rise in the ranks of Section One, and would even be leading his own ops, as well. He would even still collaborate with his old ORION colleagues, including Karina Liberatore who had also joined Naval Intelligence after KALEIDOSCOPE. Riley would also lead small strike teams, trained to infiltrate enemy lines and survive inhospitable conditions in varied hostile locations.
When Operation: TREBUCHET was launched, Franklin was set to lead a covert team of ONI assassins and operatives on missions to neutralize Insurrectionist leadership in the Outer Colonies in support of TREBUCHET.
Early Years of Human-Covenant War[]
In February of 2525, the Unified Earth Government lost contact with the Outer Colony of Harvest. In response, the unarmed scout ship, the CMA Argo, was sent to the planet to investigate. When transmissions from the scout ship suddenly ended, the Harvest situation was deemed highly important and a Colonial Military Administration battle group was dispatched to Harvest, fearing that Insurrectionist forces had taken control of the agriculture world. Upon arriving at the system, the Battle Group was immediately attacked by the Covenant, a religious hegemony of multiple alien species, with only one CMA starship escaping destruction and limping back to Reach, with a dire warning of a hostile alien threat. In November of 2525, the United Nations Space Command was then ordered into full alert. In response to this alien threat, CENTCOM moved to create a massive battle group to retake Harvest.
At the time, Riley was still engaged in anti-Insurrectionist operations with his task force. However, Franklin monitored the situation and kept pace with ongoing developments.
Service in Asymmetrical Action Group[]
Operation: BLACK ZERO[]
Post-War Activities[]
Created Crisis[]
Personality and Traits[]
Mental and Physical Overview[]
Riley Franklin was known for being a charismatic, philosophical, and observant individual. Franklin takes great pride in his lineage of soldiers, and he believes that every soldier must fight for the greater good. Riley has no interest in glory. If he fights, it is because he believes he is capable of provoking positive change. Franklin loves a good challenge, any kind of challenge whether it is risking his life as usual or trying to convince a lady for a date. Franklin is regarded as being "laid-back" and can settle well in most social situations, as he can meld well with a wide range of people. Riley also demonstrates leadership qualities that instill confidence in those that served under him, and he is not above a rogue move or an unholy alliance in the name of getting the job done. To those that know him, Franklin is known for being driven by the roots of his moral fiber in doing what he believes is right. This pushes him through even the toughest circumstances.
In combat, Franklin is a peerless special weapons expert, known for excelling in a fluid and volatile environment. Riley is versed in a wide range of fieldcraft and tactical capability. Riley also proved to be a capable intelligence analyst, specializing in information ops and unconventional warfare ops. Though fully aware and confident of his abilities, Riley understands that his survival has often been a gift of chance. He knows he is human and fallible, and he is careful. Riley often takes a methodical approach to most tasks - planning first before action. Franklin's skills and calm temperament, as well as his dedication to duty, ensured that he kept a clear head under pressure and was always prepared, regardless of circumstances, while thriving on the battlefield. Franklin became known as one of ONI's legendary scalpels, who used the latest high-technology and espionage techniques to infiltrate sensitive locations, retrieve information, and execute black operations, thus distinguishing himself with acts of gallantry and intrepidity.
Riley Franklin in action, circa 2546.
Physically, Franklin was well-built and gifted a tall frame. Franklin is described as having piercing green eyes, and darkish brown hair. Riley knew how to keep himself in excellent shape with a strict diet and a borderline-obsessive workout routine. The ORION augmentations that Riley underwent would enhance his physical talents. Franklin is measured at 180.34 cm. (5'11) and he weighs about 89.3 kilograms (197 lbs.). As Franklin aged, his hair began to gray and the side effects of the augments began to take their toll on his mental and physical health. Even so, Riley Franklin would continue to operate well as a covert warfare agent in the field. Riley would be seen as an instructor and mentor for the younger field agents in Naval Intelligence in the latter years of his career, due to his experience and skillsets. The slowdown of Franklin's physical abilities would force the operative to adopt alternative methods of combat, to remain functional at the highest level in the field.
Skills and Abilities[]
Riley Franklin in the field, armed with a Colt Blaster HDW Mk.15, circa 2530.
- Augmented Physical Abilities: Riley had undergone ORION physical augmentations, which significantly improved his strength, speed, stamina, and endurance. These traits enhanced physical abilities would enable Franklin to overcome and endure harsh combat environments and increase the scope of his capabilities as a soldier. Even with some of the mental and physical side effects that became more prominent with time, these augmentations would help maintain Franklin's durability and sustain a long military career.
- Special Weapons Expert: In part to his special warfare training, Franklin became an expert in various weapon systems, especially when it came to rifles and small arms. The operator possessed adept marksmanship skills with the MA5 series, BR55 and BR85 rifle series, and the Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR). Franklin is also skilled with the M7 SMGs and the series of M6 sidearms. Franklin also learned to utilize weaponry that was used by hostile forces in the field, whether it be human or alien alike.
- Specialized Reconnaissance Specialist: During his time in the ORION project, Franklin would learn to obtain, distribute, and share vital combat and battlefield information on the enemy and combat circumstances and environment, and weather conditions. Riley would refine his understanding of special reconnaissance with the help of his friend and an ORION operative, Daniel Contreras, as he learned from Contreras the nuances of special reconnaissance tactics.
- Unconventional Warfare Tactics Expert: Franklin became a guerilla warfare specialist, known for utilizing hit-and-run ambushes and quick raids on enemy strongholds and encampments. Franklin was also known to utilize local, independent militias and bands of mercenaries in his operations. Franklin was also not afraid of seeking assistance and resources from human criminal enterprises, as well. Franklin has even worked with Insurrectionists in rare situations.
- Counter-Terrorism: Franklin underwent various forms of Counter-Terrorism training during his time in the UNSC Army Special Forces, the ORION project, and Naval Intelligence. Franklin specialized in techniques and strategies that are used to combat terrorism. Franklin would also specialize in counter-insurgency tactics to complement his counter-terror tactics and techniques in the field.
- Clandestine Tradecraft: As the nature of Franklin's job relies on stealth and non-detection, he is highly adept at blending into shadows and moving silently. With expertise in fieldcraft, Franklin proved capable of infiltrating hostile areas without raising an alarm. Franklin utilized techniques, methods, and technologies for espionage and generally, as part of the activity of intelligence assessment. Franklin specialized in black bag operations, wetwork, and surveillance.
- Information Operations: Undergoing training at the ONI Training Farm on Earth, Franklin specialized in the integrated employment of electronic warfare (EW), computer network operations (CNO), psychological operations (PSYOP), military deception (MILDEC), and operations security (OPSEC), in concert with specified supporting and related capabilities, to influence, disrupt, corrupt or usurp the adversarial decision making while protecting his own.
- Interrogation: Franklin proved skillful in eliciting useful information during Interrogations. During his training ONI training on Earth, Franklin learned various interrogation techniques. However, some of his skills were obtained during his time in ORION and Army Rangers. Franklin also underwent resistance to interrogation (RTI) testing, and Riley was the only candidate in his class to escape the facility and evade capture. Routinely subjected to physically and mentally uncomfortable scenarios, Riley prides himself on high tolerance and tactical awareness.
- Extreme Environment Survival: Franklin trained in hostile conditions during his time in ORION and Naval Intelligence. He became skilled in navigating such treacherous environments. Franklin also learned how to adapt to changing environments in the field during his service, as well.