They knew that the military’s most valuable assets had an alarmingly short life span despite highly enhanced skills and training. Auerbach knew that many were troubled and more than the average percentage were disturbed. Both men were increasingly bothered by the idea that a segment of the population was not free to live as they chose in a democracy. They approached a pair of very wealthy philanthropists who were sympathetic to those views. They were also troubled by the military’s absolute control over these dangerous beings. Colonel Rik Heron was their choice to run the Foundation from the beginning. He had a unique way with even the most disturbed Altered soldier and he had the natural charm to work with both the civilian government and the military. However, Heron’s ambitions seemed aimed only at becoming part of Joint Command. None could envision his stepping away from the military. Then, he and Major Vincent Greven thwarted a military coup and the Colonel profoundly changed. The betrayal of the military and Greven’s disappearance blunted his driving ambition. When Heron nearly died during a routine military exercise, the Benefactors of the Foundation knew that they had to make the offer before the man destroyed himself. Heron was surprised and impressed by the plan, but he was still trapped in limbo over Greven absence. Fate was kind to them all. Greven returned form the other dimension. He and Heron defeated a threat to world security and became international heroes. Under the glare of all the publicity that followed, and a changed in the men’s personal relationship, it was easy for them to find a way to partially retire and run the Foundation. They even managed to forge a good, working relationship with Joint Command.

FADR was thus free to explore the origins of the Altered Program and research better ways to complete the manifestation process and treat injured soldiers. The military benefited from these advances and the new training and physical testing methods they developed. Vincent Greven even showed an unknown culinary gift that vastly improved field rations. It is an organization filled with great promise for the future. However, all must guard against the paranoia and ambitions of some in Joint Command.