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ERIC NYLUND
277
NAV station. She crossed her arms over her chest much as he
had, and minute red symbols raced over her glowing lavender
skin. "Status is nearly identical to my last report five minutes
ago, Admiral. Tests on Ascendant Justice's reactor and the Get-
tysburg's engines are in synch, and will be completed in forty
minutes."
"Hurry," the Admiral growled. "I don't want to get stuck with-
out power when unfriendlies show up. I want to get under way to
Earth. Weapons status?"
"Aye, sir," Cortana said. "Plasma turret one is obliterated; no
possibility of repair. Plasma turrets two, three, and four are re-
paired, and although I'm waiting for power to test them, I have
run three hundred twelve virtual test-firings without incident.
Turrets five, six, and seven, however, require parts Governor
Jiles does not have in his inventory. Two Archer missile pods on
the Gettysburg have been refilled. That gives us sixteen missiles
hot and ready to go, sir."
"I'd like to know where Jiles got those missiles," Lieutenant
Haverson muttered. "They're UNSC military contraband."
"He is zpirate, Lieutenant," Cortana said.
"Good work," the Admiral told Cortana. "Keep me posted."
He turned toward the Chief. "You had something, Master Chief?"
Before the Master Chief could speak his mind, Haverson
said, "Admiral." He pointed at the forward screens and at the
Chiroptera-class ship accelerating away from the Gettysburg's
launch bay. "I thought Jiles was staying on board to oversee
repairs."
"So did I," the Admiral said. "Cortana, did you catch Jiles
leaving on surveillance?"
"No, sir, but you might be interested in this." On the screen a
grainy video appeared of Locklear, Dr. Halsey, and a Spartan on
a gurney boarding the ship. "Locklear left them at the ship, sir.
Doctor Halsey and SPARTAN-087 departed."
"Cortana," the Admiral barked. "Hail that ship. Now."
"Hailing."
Governor Jiles appeared on forward screen number one. "Ad-
miral," he said with a nervous smile. "I just saw my ship leave
the launch bay. Perhaps you can explain why you commandeered