The Spartan sets his feet on front to a stop, the unnatural sand not even rising into the air as his heels dig into it.

One of the tall machines leaps over him. The Master Chief ducks and breaks its' stance as he rolls forward, then leaps back towards Lethe... His back set on her, and his weapon covering her flanks.

May there be no mistake. He hates her. Moreso now because she is right.

As he fires, the drones retreat in movements meant to evade his reticule. Having learned of the intruders' tactic, the mechanized beings organize as if one, with the drones behind them, to form a phalanx with their shields of hard light.

With an eerie coordination, they run forward.