[color=violet]”It is possible your intuition is correct, Spartan.”[/color] The Major answered to Ryker. [color=violet] “ONI has accepted that as a possibility as well. Should you arrive to find the situation is drastically different from our predictions and are unable to contact us, then you should exercise your best judgment to act in the interests of the UNSC and Swords of Sanghelios. But, the evidence we have does lean more strongly towards rebels being the guilty party. Shih, if you please.”[/color]

The AI brought up a different set of images, this time close-up shots from multiple angles of the weapons recovered from the attack, two plasma rifles and an energy sword, as well as detailed shots of some of the plasma damage on the walls. [color=lime]“The markings were found on the energy sword, and were not prominent. Based on previous patterns where it has been seen, it may be a custom of this particular Brute clan to mark trophies they take, perhaps as an insult to the previous owner. They could have been mistaken for battle damage, and the rebels may have not realized they planted marked weapons. If we are right, their goals with the attack were still successful. We may be careful and methodical in our investigations, but the court of public opinion is not so patient. Tensions on the planet are already rising as the colonists blame each other. The rebels may be taking the strategy of driving a wedge between us and the public.”[/color]

[color=violet]”Whether it is rebels you find or another threat, it is still our job to act. Aegis is not merely a strike team. You all were not just chosen for your combat ability, but also your loyalty, judgment, and adaptability. In this mission, and others, you will be called upon to go into uncertain situations that are too dangerous or time-sensitive for traditional espionage. You will need to investigate on your own and act in the best interest of our respective governments.”[/color] Major Robinson added.