Lasky discovers that he has a severe allergy which would allow him to be medically discharged from service, which leaves him contemplating his future. It is revealed that his brother Cadmon was killed in combat against insurrectionists. Lasky and Silva meet outside the academy grounds and, while discussing his future, share a kiss. In the meantime, cadet Sullivan has decoded classified combat footage which shows UNSC troops, insurrectionists, and Spartans fighting together against a new, unseen foe. An alarm is sounded at the academy, and as the cadets attempt to evacuate via a space elevator, several Covenant vessels appear in the sky, destroying the elevator. An Elite appears out of the smoke as UNSC forces begin to defend the academy.