Halo Lighting System First Strike Games - Manual (Page 96)

92 HALO: FIRST STRIKE
core Marine like Johnson, could endure. And as much as he didn't
want to admit it, his original orders, given only a week ago, felt
as if they'd been issued a lifetime in the past. Even John felt the
temptation to stop and regroup before continuing.
"What's on this ship," Haverson said, "can save the human
race. And wasn't that the goal of your mission? Let's return to
Earth and let the Admiralty decide. No one would question your
decision to clarify your orders given the circumstances—" He
paused, then added, "and the loss of your entire team."
Haverson's expression was carefully neutral, but the Chief
still bristled at the further mention of his team—and at the at-
tempt to manipulate him. He remembered his order sending
Fred, Kelly, and the others to the surface of Reach, thinking that
he, Linda, and James were going on the "hard" mission.
"Listen to the El-Tee," Locklear said. "We deliver a little
something for the R-and-D eggheads and maybe buy some shore
leave. I vote for that plan." He saluted Haverson. "Hell yeah!"
"This isn't a democracy," the Master Chief said, his voice both
calm and dangerous.
Locklear twitched but didn't back down. "Yeah, maybe it isn't,"
he said, "but last time I checked, I take my orders from the Corps—
not from some swabbie. Sir."
The Sergeant scowled at the ODST and moved to his side.
"You better get it together, Marine," he barked, "or the Chief'11
reach down and pull you inside out by your cornhole. And that'll
be a sweet, sweet mercy ... compared to what I'm gonna do to
you."
Locklear contemplated the Sergeant's words and the Master
Chief's silence. He looked to Polaski and then to Haverson.
Polaski stared at the Marine with wide eyes, then turned away.
Haverson gave him a slight shake of his head.
Locklear sighed, eased his stance, and dropped his gaze.
"Man, I really, really hate this shit."
"I hate to interrupt," Cortana said, "but I find myself agreeing
with the Lieutenant."
The Chief clicked on a private COM channel. "Explain, Cor-
tana. I thought our mission was what you were built for. Why are
you backing out now?"
"I'm not 'backing out,' " she shot back. "Our orders were