(Mary, you do realize Hood is on Earth, right? Outpost Hood is the UAC outpost in UNSC territory, named after Admiral Hood, who served during and survived the Human-Covenant War. Admiral Hood is on Earth.)
*** Earth ***
Hood chuckled. "Whatever your reasons, I'm glad to have you on this." He slapped the folder on the table and slid it to Fayam. "Your target only identifies himself as Cerberus. He's been gathering the remnants of the Insurrectionists, along with anyone willing to take up arms against the UNSC, though for what purpose is largely unknown. Unfortunately, no one inside the UNSC has ever seen this guy, and I can't even count how many times we'd thought we'd taken him out, only to have him pop back up again. This mission is offering a rich reward if you kill him, but there's a 1.5 million bonus if you ascertain who's supporting him, where they're located, and what their purpose is. This will require some investigative work, and a degree of intrepidity in a possible clandestine infiltration - no one will think less of you if you feel you cannot accomplish this. However, we feel you are the best candidate for this because you have no prior ties to the UNSC - the Insurrectionists supporting Cerberus will be much less likely to suspect you. Are you up for this?"
*** Tomahawk Orbit ***
A UNSC Battle fleet arrived over Tomahawk, all of them transmitting IFF tags. The fleet was lead by the UNSC Raptor, and there were several construction tugs in the fleet. "This is Rear Admiral Scott of the UNSC Raptor - I have the Anti-Borg turrets. Where do you want them?"
*** Outer Space ***
As soon as the Faith was clear, the Iron Regent and her escorts fired on the Interdictor, targeting first the Gravity Well Projectors. The projectors took a fusillade of direct hits, and shut down. "K'torr to Anna, get clear! We'll keep them occupied!"
*** Indari Manor, Dragon'taan ***
"Poor baby," Maria commented as she scanned Raz. She grabbed a number of tools, then told Raz in his tongue, "Now hold still - these tools might cause a little discomfort, but they'll restore you to your original self, dear." She then began to operate the tools on Raz's wounds, closing them, healing them, correcting them, whatever was required.
*** Sol's Bar & Grille, Dragon'taan ***
"So... what's the lot of you doing on Dragon'taan?" Ann asked. "And what's the night life like here?"
"Yeah, not exactly liking the idea of other women feeding my son..." Kabier commented as Tyber fed. "Just... doesn't feel right."
*** Krystal's Mansion, New Cerinia ***
"You should have explained that to Voro. It was his idea to put Celina though school," Markus said. He came up behind Krystal and wrapped his arms around her. "What's wrong with Celina making friends?" he whispered in her ear. "It's more than you and I got to have. Let her socialize. Let her meet new people. Let her live a normal life while she still can." He tenderly kissed Krystal's neck.
*** Shaan's Cantina, Cloud City, Bespin ***
Next to the wolf like figure was another, but masculine. "Honey, who are you meeting here?" Ketorr whispered, making sure the metallic cross item was still clipped to his belt.