The incredibly observant detective with a past.
A very withdrawn person. He often seems to be adrift in his own world, staring into space, thinking of his shameful heritage. He has a sense of humor and takes any chance he can to poke fun of people. But that is all smoke and mirrors, a defense mechanism he uses to separate himself from the grief and memories.
Carries a SS66 standard issue SR750 portable machine-gun rifle with the optional MicroMech 3bullet stabilizer (high grade weapon optic stabilizer. Keeps the integrated optical camera stable for 3 round bursts. Perfect for triple taps and moderate firefights. Insufficient for warfare). He also carries a concealed combat knife strapped to his lower right leg, above his ankle. Finally, he also caries an old fashioned Swiss army knife, an uncommon sight in this day and age.
Born 2233 to Alexander and Marjorie Payne. His father was a big time mobster who practically owned the entire New York state as the leader of The 10th Wonders. When Gene was only 5 he witnessed his father shoot and kill his mother because she was cheating on him at the time. Alexander Payne was never a hurtful father although he did neglect Gene in his adolescence. This left Gene to grow up on his own, with exception of his father subordinates who would protect him and teach him things.
When Gene was 15 he had escaped his fathers' home, neglectful parenting and the whores he would have to call his step-mothers. He joined the junior police academy, and when he turned 18 became a police officer. After 2 years, his record was impressive and he was promoted to detective at the age of 20. At this point he also met a light hearted girl named Penelope Irons, whom he would fall in love with and whom would serve to balance his emotions. Gene took up martial arts as a pastime and found hand to hand combat to be a very exhilarating sport. As a detective he had basic arms training in most common weaponry, but took a liking to long rang weapons, mainly because it's less action oriented, takes patience and skill. Needless to say he also quite enjoys fishing. He is a high grade sniper, reconnaissance and espionage expert and a tracker, which he credits to his observational skills which he honed as a detective. His early involvement and understanding of mob mentality lead him to be a prime candidate to join SS66 after the bombing in Seattle. He ended up getting the job and was partnered with Seya Myala.