It is 2553, and the three-decade-long Covenant War that defined a generation has suddenly drawn to a close.Yet in the remotest parts of human space, tensions remain that threaten to overflow into another full-scale conflict.Beneath the surface of the planet Gao lies a vast cavern system renowned for its therapeutic effects and rumored miraculous cures.But now Gao natives are turning up brutally murdered down there-violent acts that happen to coincide with the recent arrival of a UNSC research battalion protected by Spartan Blue Team, led by the renowned Spartan-II Fred-104.Maverick detective Veta Lopis of the Gao Ministry of Protection is only trying to do her job as the Special Inspector assigned to catch a serial killer-one who is possibly hiding within the Spartan ranks-but she never anticipates the situation spiraling out of control into an all-out crisis.When Gao is revealed to harbor ancient Forerunner technology that could solidify the UNSC's military supremacy for centuries to come, Insurrection loyalists within the planetary government will do anything-even align with a vicious faction of what remains of the Covenant-to ensure that never happens...