As the hours crawled slowly by, Jacob Keyes took a small break from the bridge, looking to get a full stomach for the next three hours until they exited slip space. He found himself a small meal, politely declining the chefs bountiful offers. The Captain settled himself on a bench, away from most other people. He'd have gladly joined them to swap stories and whatnot, but for now, he needed to think. It had been a long time since he could clear his thoughts, even longer since he could relax, but he'd have to wait longer. He shouldn't keep the Autumn waiting any longer than needed. A ship without a Captain is never a good thing. He could be sure of that.
Sergeant Major Johnson grinned, cigar in his mouth, as he set the M90 aside. He'd love a chance later to get to use it. Looking to his right, he noticed a couple of Marine's talking in hushed tongue. With a grunt, Johnson got to his feet, alerting the two of his presence. They saluted as Johnson approached. "Put 'em down, boys." Johnson ordered. The Marines stowed a glance at each other before slowly letting their arms fall to their sides. "What were you girls whisperin' about?" He asked, taking a slow puff from the cigar. The first Marine opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. "Uh... sir... um... nothing, sir..." Johnson furrowed his eyebrows at the two. "Uh huh, sure. And I ain't smokin'. Whatever, carry on." Johnson ordered, shaking his head. "Fuckin kids and their secrets." He muttered to himself as he got back to the ground, picking up an MA5B.
"It's strange..." A feminine voice said slowly as the Captain found himself returning to his position on the bridge. "What is?" Keyes asked. "The Autumn isn't as... efficient as I was led to believe. This isn't a war ship. It's a cruiser." Keyes shrugged as he watched the vortex of space through the front of the ship. "Yes. And?"
"Noble Team brought me here to escape the Covenant. We both know they're right behind us, or in front, as they are faster."
"Cortana, get to the-" Keyes sighed, but was interrupted as the AI appeared, arms crossed. "Point? My point is; we have a small chance of surviving the coming slaughter. Was Noble Teams sacrifice in vain?" She asked. Keyes opened his mouth to reply, then hesitated. "I don't know." He finally replied.
"Bad dream?" Slade asked from nearby, his question directed at Cutter. He hadn't noticed Romero. Slade was leaning against the wall, a bar of chocolate in his hand, half eaten. Seems he'd found out where the vending machine is.