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4
HALO: FIRST STRIKE
with danger at every turn—unknown enemy deployment, no
gravity, useless intel, no dirt beneath his feet.
There was no question, though: The space op was the toughest
duty, so Fred intended to volunteer for it.
Captain Keyes considered John's suggestion. "No, Master
Chief. It's too risky—we've got to make sure the Covenant don't
get that NAV data. We'll use a nuclear mine, set it close to the
docking ring, and detonate it."
"Sir, the EMP will burn out the superconductive coils of the
orbital guns. And if you use the Pillar of Autumn's conventional
weapons, the NAV database may still survive. If the Covenant
search the wreckage—they may obtain the data."
"True," Keyes said and tapped his pipe thoughtfully to his
chin. "Very well, Master Chief. We'll go with your suggestion.
I'll plot a course over the docking station. Ready your Spartans
and prep two dropships. We'll launch you—" He consulted with
Cortana."—in five minutes."
"Aye, Captain. We'll be ready."
"Good luck," Captain Keyes said, and the viewscreen went
black.
Fred snapped to attention as the Master Chief turned to face
the Spartans. Fred began to step forward—
—but Kelly beat him to it. "Master Chief," she said, "permis-
sion to lead the space op."
She had always been faster, damn her.
"Denied," the Master Chief said. "I'll be leading that one.
"Linda and James," he continued. "You're with me. Fred,
you're Red Team leader. You'll have tactical command of the
ground operation."
"Sir!" Fred shouted and started to voice a protest—then
squelched it. Now wasn't the time to question orders... as much
as he wanted to. "Yes, sir!"
"Now make ready," the Master Chief said. "We don't have
much time left."
The Spartans stood a moment. Kelly called out, "Attention!"
The soldiers snapped to and gave the Master Chief a crisp salute,
which was promptly returned.
Fred switched to Red Team's all-hands freq and barked, "Let's
move, Spartans! I want gear stowed in ninety seconds, and final