She hesitates. She understands a strategic retreat; she'd be a fool and a poor soldier if she didn't. But she hasn't seen the signs of defeat, or just how bad it is. If the Covenant is moving in, they're going the wrong direction to meet them in battle.

In the end, she gives John her hand anyway, swallowing whatever protest she might want to make until she learns more. Then she sees it: the bones and tattered remnants of what should have been their fleet. It's a sobering sight, even for her. She takes it in silently.

It's frustrating. They'd fought, and fought well- and now, for what?