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Chapter twenty – Halo Lighting System First Strike Games User Manual

Page 187

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CHAPTER TWENTY

TIME:DATE RECORD ANOMALY\Estimated 0610 hours,
September 23,2552 (Military Calendar)\ Aboard captured
Covenant dropship, Epsilon Eridani system, en route to surface
of Reach.

Polaski accelerated the captured dropship to its maximum

velocity—just under Mach 1. The craft arced up and joined the

long convoy of Covenant ships—troop transports, scavenger

drones, and Seraph fighters—as they descended from a higher

orbit down to the surface. The formation of alien vessels headed

straight toward Menachite Mountain.

Covenant communiques scrolled across a screen next to the

pilot's seat and then ceased.

"Incoming transmissions from the convoy . . . I guess they

don't like strays," Polaski muttered calmly, looking at the Cove-

nant calligraphy.

"They're not shooting," the Admiral said, gripping the back of

Polaski's seat. "We're fine. Just fly, Warrant Officer." He turned

to the Master Chief. "Get 'em ready, son."

The Chief nodded and moved aft to the rest of the squad. His

three Spartans as well as Lieutenant Haverson, Locklear, and

Sergeant Johnson stood over an array of weapons laid out on the

deck. Anton ticked off the inventory: "Shotguns, a fuel rod gun,

Jackhammer rocket launchers, plasma and HE pistols, and every

type of grenade—take your pick."

The Chief picked up five clips of ammunition for his MA5B

assault rifle, three frag grenades, and a shotgun for close work.

Nothing fancy—he wanted to keep it simple so he could keep

one eye on the rest of his team.