SECTION V


    REACH


    CHAPTER THIRTY


    0000 Hours, August 29, 2552 (Military Calendar) / narrow-band point-to-point transmission: origin UNKNOWN; termination: Section Three, Omega secure antenna array, UNSC HQ Epsilon Eridani System, Reach Military Complex


    PLNB Priority Transmission XX087R-XX


    Encryption Code:GAMMA


    Public Key:N/A


    From:CODENAME: COALMINER


    To:CODENAME: SURGEON


    Subject:PROGRESS REPORT/OPERATION HYPODERMIC


    Classification:EYES ONLY TOP SECRET (SECTION III X-RAY DIRECTIVE)


    /file extraction-reconstitution complete


    /start file


    Secured space-dock repair bay. Corvette Circumference undergoing final stealth upgrades. Shipyard records successfully altered.


    Queries detected from transient AI. Operation deemed AT RISK of being uncovered.


    As per contingency plan TANGO: ship registration numbers scrambled; hard isolated from dockside computer network; counterintrusion software implemented; Alpha security protocols enacted onboard.


    Just as you called it, sir. Don’t worry—as far as the station computers are concerned, Circumference never even existed.


    /end file


    /scramble-destruction process enabled


    PressENTER to continue.