Ridge Runners had to be natural Leaders who could, when necessary, be followers. They had to be able to work independently or in large groups. They had to be a diplomat or an assassin at a moment's notice, whichever the situation called for. A Ridge Runner was the smartest, quickest, very best trained, and the most mentally stable person who could get any assignment done. Even if it cost them their own life, they would find a way to succeed. A Ridge Runner was a one-man army that included a medic, diplomat, sniper, scout, tracker, weapons expert, martial arts master, General and private, all rolled into one. Simply stated, A Ridge Runner was the very best, of the best. But first, one had to be trained. One who knew the world outside the complex. One who was actually born there. Unfortunately, the only viable candidate was a six- or seven-year-old boy who was very uncooperative. Luckily, they had his dead mother available to make him cooperate and do his training. It may take decades before he was ready. But time was on their side.