Halo Lighting System First Strike Games - Manual (Page 292)

288 HALO: FIRST STRIKE
an alternative explanation. The timing between that explosion
and the radiation flare was only forty-seven milliseconds. Since
the crystal had unusual space- and time-bending properties, the
missing fragments may have been 'squeezed' out of the ship and
into Slipspace."
Haverson asked incredulously, "You mean pieces of the great-
est scientific discovery in human history are"—he nodded past
the walls of the Gettysburg—"lost in Slipspace?"
"Yes," Cortana replied. She shrugged. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant."
"At least the Covenant can't get to it anymore," Admiral
Whit-comb said. He flicked the plastic bag with his thick finger.
"Or if they do, they're only going to find a bunch of busted
fragments."
"I just wish I knew why Locklear did it," Haverson said.
Everyone was quiet. John and the other Spartans shifted un-
easily in their heavy MJOLNIR armor.
Sergeant Johnson cleared his throat. "The boy was a little on
edge. After all he'd been through, you'd expect that. But he was
an ODST—tough as nails and twice as sharp and used to getting
pounded. He wouldn't crack. He had a reason."
"Doctor Halsey," Haverson remarked and narrowed his eyes.
"She had to have set this up."
John started to defend Dr. Halsey, but he stopped himself
from arguing with an officer. Yes, her actions were inexplicable:
She had exfiltrated Kelly, left them when they needed her the
most, and given Locklear the alien artifact. John still wanted to
trust her, though. Perhaps whatever she was up to was for the
greater good.
"Let's not start this," the Admiral said. "I don't want anyone's
perceptions colored by us discussing the 'whys' and 'what ifs' of
this situation. Save it for the debriefing they're going to give us
when we get back." He cast a sideways glance at the bar and un-
consciously smacked his lips. "From here to Earth it should be
smooth sailing, and we can finally relax."
"Permission to speak, Admiral," the Chief said.
"Granted. Speak your mind."
"I don't wish to contradict you, sir, but perhaps it shouldn't be
smooth sailing. And maybe we shouldn't relax."
Admiral Whitcomb leaned forward. "I have a feeling I'm not
going to like this. .. but explain yourself, Chief."