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ERIC NYLUND
179
John had never worked with the Admiral before, but his ac-
complishments during the battles for New Constantinople and
the Siege of the Atlas Moons were well known. Every Spartan
had studied Whitcomb's record.
John opened a COM channel to Lieutenant Haverson. "Move
up, sir. All clear."
"Roger," Haverson said. "On our way."
"I'm happy to see you, Chief," Admiral Whitcomb said, "so
don't take this the wrong way, but what the hell are you doing
here? Keyes had orders to take you on a mission deep into Cove-
nant territory."
"Yes, sir. It's. .. a long story."
The Admiral twisted the end of his mustache, glanced at his
wristwatch, and smiled. "We got the time, son. Let's hear it."
John sat on a rock and recounted to the Admiral what had hap-
pened since he had left Reach: the recovery of the NAV database
on Gamma Station, the Pillar ofAutumn's harrowing escape, the
discovery of the Halo construct and its eccentric caretaker, 343
Guilty Spark. He hesitated, then described his encounters with
the Flood and subsequent destruction of Halo, ending with his
capture of the Covenant flagship.
During the story, Lieutenant Haverson and the others from the
dropship arrived. They remained silent as the Master Chief told
the tale.
The Admiral listened without speaking a word. As John fin-
ished, the man gave a slow, low whistle and sat contemplating it
all.
"That's one hell of a tale. And if it had come from anyone but
you, I'd order a psych exam." He stood and paced. He stopped
and frowned. "I believe it all. . . but something still doesn't add
up." His face wrinkled as he thought. "Can't quite put my finger
on it, though."
"Sir," Lieutenant Haverson meekly said. "Pardon me for ask-
ing, but how is it you are alive? Here?"
The Admiral smiled. "Well, that's another long story, Lieu-
tenant. Let me give you the short-and-sweet version." He leaned
against the cavern wall and crossed his arms over his chest.
"The second those Covenant bastards entered the system I knew
Reach was history. The Covenant don't do anything halfway.