#2550

Miranda Keyes, daughter of legendary parents Dr. Catherine Halsey and Captain Jacob Keyes, served aboard the outdated science vessel UNSC Hilbert during the Battle of Gamma Pavronis VII. Though the ship had no weapons capable of breaching the Covenant’s defenses, Keyes took a desperate gambit and rammed it into the enemy. The gamble paid off; the Hilbert penetrated the Covenant’s shields and was able to push the warship out of orbit, crashing it into the planet’s surface. Her crew escaped unharmed.

To commemorate her valor in battle, a ceremony was held in the city of Quezon on the planet Reach on April 5, 2550. At the ceremony, Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood personally awarded her the Silver Star, a UNSC commendation for extraordinary heroism, promoted her to full Commander, and placed her in command of the frigate UNSC In Amber Clad. Keyes and her ship were immediately returned to active duty, soon becoming embroiled in the Battle of Earth and playing a pivotal role in the combat over Mombasa, Kenya.