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ERIC NYLUND
293
Haverson looked up and slicked the sweat-drenched hair from
his face. "What can I do for you, Chief?"
The Master Chief eased into the copilot's seat. "Dr. Halsey
gave me something to pass on to ONI Section Three: her analysis
on the Flood."
Haverson's eyebrows shot up.
He opened his belt compartment .. . and hesitated. Which
data crystal? The one only containing Dr. Halsey's Flood analysis
and possible inoculation? Or the one containing the source files
for her conclusions, the one she said would kill Sergeant
Johnson?
While John felt justified in gambling his life and the lives of
the other Spartans, that was his choice as their commander to
make. That wasn't the case for the Sergeant.
It was a biological fluke that had spared the Sergeant from the
Flood. A one-in-a-billion shot, the doctor had said. But it was a
billion-to-one shot that he could save billions of lives. So the
mathematics of the situation were almost even.
What had Dr. Halsey said about saving every person, no mat-
ter what the cost?
No—John had sworn an oath to protect all of humanity. His
duty was clear. He reached for the crystal containing the com-
plete files and handed it to Lieutenant Haverson. "She said it
would help fight the Flood, sir. I'm not exactly sure what she
meant."
"We'll see, Chief. Thank you." Haverson took the crystal and
peered into his depths. He shrugged. "With Doctor Halsey, who
can tell?"
The COM channel clicked, and Cortana announced, "Ten
minutes until we reach the drop zone. Make final preparations to
launch Blue Team. You'll only get one shot at this."
"Roger that, Cortana," the Chief replied. "Spartans, on deck!"
Haverson tentatively extended his hand. "I guess this is it,
Chief."
The Chief gently shook the Lieutenant's hand. "Good luck,
sir."
John moved back though the dropship—almost running over
Sergeant Johnson, who was dragging the arc welder down the
gangway.