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104
HALO: FIRST STRIKE
significant number of Spartans went groundside to defend
Reach's orbital guns."
"Then they're dead," Ackerson said. "Halsey's freaks have fi-
nally lost their luster of invincibility."
Admiral Hood set his jaw. "Doctor Halsey," he said slowly
and with deliberate control, "and her Spartans deserve the ut-
most respect, Colonel." He turned to face him, but Hood stared
through Ackerson. "And if you wish to keep your newly ac-
quired position on the Security Council, you will show them that
respect, or I will personally kick you from here to Melbourne."
"I merely—" Ackerson said.
"Those 'freaks,' " Hood said over his protest, "have more
confirmed kills than any three divisions of ODSTs and have gar-
nered every major citation the UNSC awards. Those 'freaks'
have personally saved my life twice, as well as the lives of most
of the senior staff here at HighCom. Keep your bigotry in check,
Colonel. Do you understand?"
"My apologies," Ackerson muttered.
"I asked you a direct question," Admiral Hood barked.
"Sir," Ackerson said. "I understand completely, Admiral. It
will not happen again." His face burned bright red.
Wagner, however, didn't think this was the color of shame. It
was anger.
"The Spartans," Hood whispered. "Doctor Halsey.
Whit-comb. We lost too many good people on Reach. Not to
mention dozens of ships." He pursed his lips into a razor-thin line.
"We should send a small recon force to see what's left," Gen-
eral Strauss suggested.
"Not wise, sir," Ackerson replied. "We must pull back and re-
inforce the Inner Colonies and Earth. The new orbital platforms
won't be online for another ten days. Until then, our defense pos-
ture will be far too weak. We'll need every ship we've got."
"Hmm," Admiral Hood said. He placed both thumbs under
his chin as he considered both positions.
"Sir," Wagner said. "There is one additional item not covered
in my report. It didn't seem exceptionally important at the time,
but if you're debating a recon mission, I thought it might be
pertinent."