Ben Read 1

AI-generated concept art of Project: Pureheart/Project: Pulsar supporting character Ben Read, an agent of INTERCEPT

Ben Read began his career as an NYPD detective, quickly rising to join the Organized Crime Control Bureau (OCCB). Known for his sharp instincts and unorthodox methods, he became partners with pre-accident Johnny Rush, forming a formidable duo in the fight against New York City's sprawling criminal underworld. Together, they dismantled high-profile syndicates, earning both accolades and notoriety within the department.

During his time with the OCCB, Read was known for his snarky demeanor and rebellious attitude toward authority. He frequently clashed with superiors over procedural rigidity, earning him admiration and reprimands. His behavior—while effective in producing results—marked him as a maverick, a double-edged sword in law enforcement.

The turning point in Read's career came in the wake of the assassination of INTERCEPT's former director by the global criminal organization DOOMSDAY. The chaos left INTERCEPT scrambling to recruit capable agents to rebuild and counteract the looming threats. Recognizing Read's talents and resourcefulness, the agency approached him with an offer to join their ranks.

Initially hesitant, Read accepted the role, intrigued by the opportunity to operate globally and make a broader impact. However, his transition to INTERCEPT was anything but smooth. His rebellious streak and disdain for authority, particularly toward Chief Director John Bullitt, often put him at odds with the agency's leaders' tendency to act on impulse, coupled with his trigger-happy nature, led to frequent collateral damage, exacerbating tensions between him and Bullitt.

Despite his reckless tendencies, Read's commitment to justice remains unwavering. He consistently rises to the occasion in critical situations, risking his own life to protect the innocent. His ability to maintain composure under extreme pressure and his knack for devising unconventional strategies have proven invaluable during high-stakes missions. However, his chain-smoking habit, penchant for risky behavior, and reputation as an occasional womanizer paint a picture of a flawed yet profoundly human character.

Within INTERCEPT, Read's interactions with his fellow agents are marked by admiration and frustration. His antisocial tendencies make him a challenging team member, but his undeniable skills and unwavering dedication to the mission earn him reluctant respect. The tension between Read and Bullitt is a constant undercurrent, with their clashing personalities often leading to heated exchanges. Yet, when the stakes are highest, Read and Bullit's team set aside their differences, united by their shared goal of protecting humanity.

Read's reputation is one of contradiction—he is a man whose flaws are as pronounced as his virtues yet whose commitment to justice makes him a critical asset in the fight against the world's greatest threats.

Civilian Name: Benjamin McCarthy Read

Type: Human

Height: 189cm (6ft. 2.4in.)

Weight: 90.3kg (199 lbs.)

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Occupation: Detective First Grade - New York City Police Department Organized Crime Control Bureau (formerly), agent - Inter-Agency Counterespionage and Peacekeeping Taskforce (INTERCEPT)

Unique Skills/Expertise: disarm opponent, disguise, double-handed combat (duel wielding pistols), driving, intimidation, investigation, marksman, mechanics, quick-draw (0.45), speed-load, streetwise, unarmed combat (Boxing, Krav Maga), weapons master (handguns, shotguns, submachine guns, assault rifles)

weapon smithing

Forte in Sports: Competitive pistol shooting, boxing

Likes: Classic Rock Music, breaking rules (for justice), taking down crime bosses

Dislikes: Bureaucracy & Paperwork, John Bullitt, Rich, Corrupt Elites, Being Called Reckless

Base of Operations: New York City, New York, US; sometimes temporarily reassigned to Los Angeles, California, US

Hobbies: Gun Collecting & Customization, Classic Muscle Cars & Motorcycles

Favorite Food: Greasy cheeseburgers, spicy wings

Disliked Food: Vegan or health food, overly sweet desserts

Identity: Secret

Preferred Weapon of Choice: IWI Desert Eagle .50 AE, Mateba Autorevolver 2006M, Kimber 1911 Custom TLE/RL II, Smith & Wesson M&P9, Sig-Sauer P226, SIGM400 rifle, SIg-Sauer MCX Rattler assault rifle

Gear: Standard-issue INTERCEPT tactical uniform, Lvl II Kevlar vest, 1970 Oldsmobile 442

Alignment: Chaotic neutral

Courtesy: https://seaart.ai/

Profile first drafted and story edited by hand by @dangerman-1973

Profile enhanced with https://app.grammarly.com/ and https://chatgpt.com/