[Naked Crook]

Jennifer: Understood sir...The King Raven will link up with you at the fallback zone, and I will hit the surface and see if I can help the situation down there, patch up our people, and keep them on their feet. Jennifer paused. Jennifer: And Admiral... Jennifer paused again. Jennifer: Thanks... Jennifer closed the comm line. She looked at her communications officer. Jennifer: Lieutenant...inform Commander Burke that he is to assume command of The King Raven immediately. Inform him that I will be hitting the surface. The communications officer nodded. Communications Officer: Yes Ma'am. Good luck down there. Jennifer nodded. Jennifer: THis will be the last group of Pelicans leaving The King Raven...so...any marines and emergency responders that are ready to go at this instant are to gather in the hanger bay right away. Communications Officer: Yes Ma'am. I will signal every squad, and relay your instructions. Jennifer nodded. SHe walked off the bridge of The King Raven, and made her way to the hanger bay. As she approached hanger bay 1, walking down the corridor, she her someone call her name. Burke: Jennifer! Jennifer stopped. She turned and saw Burke running down the corridor, trying to catch up with her. Jennifer: David...what are you doing here? Burke: What am I doing here? What are you ding here? Jennifer...you cannot be serious about going down there! Jennifer: David... Burke: No...Jennifer...listen to me. It is far too dangerous down there. Your place is here, on The King Raven...on the bridge...commanding this ship! Jennifer: David...I... Burke: If anything...I should be going down there. I should be the one going... Jennifer: Why? Burke: Because... Burke paused. Burke: Because... Burke paused. Burke: Your death would have an unacceptable impact on...certain people. Jennifer: What are you talking about? Burke: Look...Jennifer...let me be blunt about this; I am fully aware of your ongoing relationship with Preston Vernette. You two keep it on the down low...but he and I are best friends...we frequently confide in each other. He has spoken about you in ways that... Burke paused. Burke: In ways that were identical to the way he spoke about his first wife...before she was killed. Jennifer hung her head. Burke: Jennifer...I have known Preston Vernette for a long time...and let me tell you...the years following his wife's death were some of the darkest years for him. I saw a transformation in him that, as a friend, I considered to be terrifying. However...recently...I have seen a more...positive change in his life after you two...started spending time together. Burke paused. Burke: If you died...I cannot even begin to describe what it would do to him. Burke paused. Burke: You can't go...it is too dangerous. You are the acting CO of this ship...and that makes me the acting first officer. As first officer...I am well withing my right to tell you that... Jennifer raised her hand. Jennifer: David... Burke paused. Jennifer: You have not told me anything new. I know the risks...and I know the dangers. However...I have an obligation to render aid to people who are in need. I cannot ignore that. You should be able to understand that...we are in the same line of work. Burke: I know...but... Jennifer: But nothing. David...I am leaving you in command. If you are so concerned about my safety...than I am sure you will do everything in your power to ensure that you spend as little time preparing for a counter-attack, and making sure that things move along as quickly as possible. I trust that you will handle the command of this ship in a manner most befitting someone who is unwilling to accept delays, slow-downs, and excuses that would lead to the UNSC being unable to mount an effective counter-attack. I am confident that you will demonstrate exemplary command ability...just to make sure that you can come back to San Angeles to engage The Covenant...and save our asses at the 11th hour. Burke sighed. Jennifer: Am I right? Burke: Yes... Jennifer nodded. Jennifer: Good luck... Burke nodded. Burke: Stay safe down there...Captain. Jennifer nodded again. She turned, and proceeded into the hanger bay. She joined the Marines and emergency responders who had athered, and she departed with these soldiers, to the surface of San Angeles, en-route to Regional HQ Bravo. Burke, on the other hand, accepted the situation, and proceeded back to the bridge of The King Raven. THe moment he walked onto the bridge, he sat down in the command chair. Burke: Status? Helm Officer: Sir...The Mind's Attrition is standing by, ready to link up with us, and rendevouz with Admiral Harrison and what is left of his fleet. Burke: Understood. Link up with The Mind's Attrition...and take us out. The King Raven came about. It had left ELO, and proceeded to link up with The Mind's Attrition. The King Raven was ready to follow The Mind's Attrition's lead. Meanwhile: Tye sighed. After he was finished speaking with Sergai, he turned and continued walking. He stopped when he saw Jacob emerge from one of the roof's rooftop staircases access doors. Tyber: Jacob! Good to see that you are still alive. It was my understanding that you managed to lead the last of our soldiers to this location. Good job...you saved quite a few lives. I am impressed. It took a lot of guts to run through that hell down there.