Halo: The Flood

by William C. Dietz

“Most of the crew—not to mention your fellow jarheads—will be leaving the ship in lifeboats. They’ll ride to the surface in air-conditioned comfort, sipping wine, and nibbling on appetizers. “Not you, however. Oh no, you’re going to leave the Pillar of Autumn by a different method. Tell me, boys and girls . . . How will you leave?” It was a time-honored ritual, and the ODST Marines roared the answer in unison. “WE GO FEETFIRST, SIR!”

One Marine said, “This duty station really sucks.” No one saw any reason to contradict him.

“Thanks,” Keyes said. “That thing works pretty well. Don’t forget to reload it.”

“Good. Now one more thing. I’m familiar with your record and I admire it. You are one helluva soldier. That said, you are also a freak, the last remaining subject in a terribly flawed experiment, and one which should never be repeated.”

“Can you find your way out?” Keyes inquired doubtfully. “The corridors of this ship are like a maze.” “It shouldn’t be too difficult,” the Master Chief replied. “All we have to do is follow the bodies.”

“Take a look around,” the instructor had advised. “Ask yourself if there’s anyone else who is better qualified to do the job. Not in the entire galaxy, but right there, at that point in time. If the answer is ‘yes,’ ask them to accept command, and do everything you can to support them. If the answer is ‘no,’ which it will be ninety-nine percent of the time, then take your best shot. That’s all any of us can do.”