Sully's illicit intelligence video shows Hastati Squad that their world is even more complicated than they knew. Lasky’s collapse at the end of his brilliant field maneuver turns into a pivotal choice for him, and just as he and Chyler realize what that choice might mean for their relationship, the academy is shaken by the first blow of a terrifying invasion.

While Corbulo Academy is being destroyed by the Covenant invasion, the surviving cadets fight bravely alongside their only hope: The Master Chief.

After a terrifying night of combat and loss, Lasky makes a life-or-death decision to help the Master Chief... but will it be enough to save them all from the Covenant?