Nathaniel “Nate” Cross

Nathaniel “Nate” Cross was born in 1976 and is a stoic, intensely intelligent computer engineer with an IQ of 186. A graduate of MIT in 1994, Nate was recruited by the CIA straight out of college and contracted in 2002 to create a sophisticated program to detect terrorism. The program, however, extended beyond its intended purpose, picking up on nearly all criminal activities. Under agency pressure, Nate modified the program to prioritize terrorism, but this choice left him morally conflicted.

Disillusioned by the agency’s ethics, Nate eventually left the CIA, distancing himself from the organization he now views as corrupt. With the wealth from his contract, Nate invested in multiple companies, amassing a fortune that has made him a billionaire with virtually unlimited resources. Now independent, he monitors his creation from afar, using his vast wealth to address the collateral consequences it exposes. He has also enlisted Caleb “Cal” Mercer, a former Navy SEAL and covert operative, to handle high-stakes, morally gray situations that arise from his program’s findings, allowing Nate to confront the dangers his program uncovers without compromising his own values.

Caleb “Cal” Mercer is a reserved, lethal operative, standing 6’1” with an unassuming build that belies his deadly skill. Born in 1970 to a hitman father, Cal was exposed to a dark world of violence and covert tactics from a young age. His father trained him rigorously, intending for Cal to carry on the family’s lethal trade. But in 1980, his world was upended when both of his parents were sentenced to death, leaving Cal alone at age 10.

A year later, Cal was adopted by the Rourke family, who provided him with a stable upbringing. Still, his early experiences shaped him deeply. He joined the military in 1987, and after years of distinguished service, earned a place on Navy SEAL Team 6 in 1997, where he developed expertise in all forms of combat and tactical operations. Cal served until 2014, when a severe injury—a gunshot to his back—forced him to retire.

Following his discharge, he found himself homeless and without direction until 2016, when billionaire Nathaniel “Nate” Cross discovered his situation. Recognizing Cal’s unique skills, Nate offered him a position to handle the hands-on, morally ambiguous tasks his powerful software uncovered. Cal now uses his extensive combat skills to do Nate’s “dirty work” while maintaining a quiet, focused demeanor. He has black hair, keeps a clean-shaven face, and rarely draws attention to himself, moving through his assignments with the calculated precision of a man who has lived through more than most would ever know.