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justified because of the value of the intel. Still, if they wanted to crucify him, all they had to do was check the time logged on his Prowler's engines and do the math.

Hood waved his hand. "That's hardly the issue."

"I think it is," Ackerson snapped. "Reach is gone. There's nothing between Earth and the Covenant now except a lot of vacuum—that and whatever secrecy we can preserve."

"We'll review Section Three's practices later, Colonel." Ad- miral Hood turned to Wagner. "I've read your report, Lieu- tenant. It is extremely detailed, but I want to hear it from you. What did you see? Are there any details you thought too sensi- tive to include in your report? Tell me everything."

Wagner took in a deep breath. He had prepared for this and he related, as best he could, how the Covenant ships appeared in the system, the valiant efforts of the UNSC fleet defending Reach, how they failed and were systematically destroyed.

"When the Covenant slipped onto the surface of Reach with their tactical forces and took out the orbital-gun generators— that was the end. Well, I saw only the start of the end. They glassed the planet, starting with the poles."

Wagner, who'd two years ago had a third of his body burned by Covenant plasma and not once screamed or shed a tear, paused and blinked away the moisture blurring his vision. "I trained at the Naval Academy on Reach, sir. It was the closest thing I had to a home in the Outer Colonies."

Hood nodded sympathetically.

Ackerson snorted. He pushed away from the table, got up, and moved to Wagner's side. "Save the sentimentality, Lieutenant. You say they glassed Reach. Everything?"

Wagner detected anticipation in the Colonel's tone—as if he wanted the Covenant to have destroyed Reach.

"Sir," Wagner replied. "Before I jumped to Slipspace, I wit- nessed the poles destroyed, and approximately two thirds of the planet's surface was on fire."

Ackerson nodded, seemingly satisfied with this answer. "So everyone on Reach is gone, then. Vice Admiral Whitcomb. Doc- tor Halsey, too." He nodded and added, "Such a tremendous waste." There was no sympathy in his voice.

"I could only speculate, sir."

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Halo Lighting System Games manual 102

Games specifications

Halo Lighting System Games have revolutionized the way players experience immersive environments in video games. Known for their cutting-edge lighting technologies, the Halo Lighting System enhances gameplay by creating lifelike visuals that cater to both aesthetics and realism. As a staple in the gaming industry, this lighting system plays a critical role in visual storytelling and seamless gameplay.

One of the primary features of the Halo Lighting System is its dynamic lighting capabilities. This technology allows light sources to adapt in real time to various environmental conditions. Whether it is simulating the flicker of a campfire or the harsh glare of a sunlit landscape, the dynamic lighting system provides an unparalleled sense of depth. These lighting variations impact not only shadows but also the overall mood of a scene, contributing to the narrative in significant ways.

Another key aspect of the Halo Lighting System is its integration of global illumination. This technique mimics the way light interacts with surfaces and reflects throughout the environment. By utilizing advanced algorithms, the system calculates how light bounces off multiple surfaces, providing a richer visual experience. This realism immerses players further into the game world, making every environment feel lived-in and authentic.

Moreover, Halo Lighting System supports physically-based rendering (PBR). This technology ensures that materials in the game react to light as they would in the real world. Metals shine, skin reflects light differently than fabric, and water appears fluid and reflective. This level of detail increases the believability of the visual elements, allowing players to fully engage with the game.

The characteristics of the Halo Lighting System extend to its performance optimization. Developers have tailored the system to ensure it runs efficiently across various hardware configurations without sacrificing quality. This balance allows a wider range of players to enjoy visually stunning experiences without being hindered by technical limitations.

In conclusion, Halo Lighting System Games stand out due to their innovative dynamic lighting, global illumination, and physically-based rendering technologies. These features combine to deliver breathtaking visuals and realistic environments that engage players on multiple levels. As gaming technology continues to evolve, the Halo Lighting System remains at the forefront, setting new standards for visual fidelity in the gaming industry. With each new installment, it pushes the envelope further, promising even more immersive experiences for players around the world.