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"Your questions will have to wait, Doctor," Kurt replied. "We're running out of time. Lord Hood's reinforcements may
not get here. Every engagement with the Sentinels teaches them more. Soon we won't be able to stop them."
"I must insist," Dr. Halsey said. Her words were as placid as smooth water, but her steely eyes bored through Kurt's helmet.
Fred stepped closer to Kurt. "I agree with Kurt, ma'am. And if I might point out, with all due respect, you are not in any position to demand anything in this tactical situation—especially after you kidnapped Kelly, circumvented the chain of command, and left us in the middle of a critical mission on the Gettysburg."
Kelly looked between them, caught in a conflicting web of loyalties.
Dr. Halsey stood. "I have already explained my actions," she said. "And the discovery of this new Forerunner technology should outweigh any so-called breach of military protocol that may have been committed."
A frosty silence filled the hollow.
Dr. Halsey had no official rank, but had always wielded considerable influence over her Spartans.
That had to end.
Kurt valued her scientific expertise and intellect, but he couldn't have her issuing confusing or conflicting orders.
"Since you mention protocol…" Kurt deliberately turned his back to her and faced Blue Team. "1 want to clarify our chain of command. I understand Lord Hood gave you command of this mission," he said to Fred. "But I'm in charge of all USNC personnel on Onyx."
Kurt activated his friend-or-foe electronic tag, on extreme low power—just enough so they'd pick it up. On their displays appeared his green color-coded military ID number as well as the bars and star insignia of a UNSC lieutenant commander.
The Spartans straightened, their involuntary response when in the presence of an officer.
"I am therefore assuming command of this mission," Kurt said.
No one said a word for a moment… and then Fred snapped off, "Yes, sir."
Something was different in Fred's voice. A bit of the familiar-ity was missing, but there was something else: respect.
Kurt gave Blue Team a quick nod, and then turned to Dr. Halsey. "Ma'am, I want you to continue your analysis of the Zone 67 documents on the Forerunners. I expect an update on your progress in two hours."
Dr. Halsey arched an eyebrow. She said nothing and slowly sat down, returning to her computer.
Kurt inwardly sighed. That was one battle won today.
Olivia's green status light flashed twice—the signal for "friendly approaching."
A ripple crossed the entrance to the hollow, part shadow, part rock, and then the SPI camouflage resolved into Olivia. "Sentinel pair," she whispered. "Half a kilometer south, sir. Moving this direction in a search pattern."
Kurt said, "Everyone, get ready to move out. Kelly, limber up; you're our rabbit."
"Happy to oblige, sir." She made the two-fingered signal over her faceplate, the traditional Spartan smile.
The others nodded.
Kurt knew they'd follow him, into battle, and right to the gates of hell if he ordered it. He had a feeling it might come to that.