Halo: The Cole Protocol

Looking for the Cole Protocol, a military law of the UNSC? Halo: The Cole Protocol is the sixth novel based on the Halo Universe. It is written by Tobias S. Buckell. Cole Protocol will be the last novel under the contract with Tor Books and is scheduled to be released on November 25th, 2008.

Press Release
Halo: The Cole Protocol will be the sixth novel set in the Halo Universe. Tobias S. Buckell, author of Crystal Rain and Ragamuffin will write the novel, which reveals the location of the Spartan Gray Team and "takes readers into an unexplored conflict of the Human-Covenant War where unlikely alliances are formed and shattered..."

Plot
"...which reveals the location of the Spartan Gray Team and "takes readers into an unexplored conflict of the Human-Covenant War where unlikely alliances are formed and shattered..."

- The Cole Protocol Announcement

Observations from Cover

 * The Spartan is wearing the Mark IV MJOLNIR armor, indicating that he's being isolated for a long period of time. Also, the Spartan has a knife and shoulder devices (possible flashlight), which possibly means that the Spartan's choice of equipment was customised.
 * There is a Forerunner-looking structure in the background among the cliff. What appears to be an explosion is emanating from the structure, possibly revealing that Gray Team tried to destroy this structure, either because of the Covenant, Flood, possible Halo activation, or for some other reason.
 * There appears to be other objects in the sky possibly from an explosion or maybe just space junk.
 * There appears to be a planet or moon of a reddish colour up in the sky.
 * On the right side of the cover there is a mysterious glowing or sparkling object.

From The Author's Website
Halo: The Cole Protocol will be the sixth novel set in the Halo Universe. Tobias S. Buckell, author of Crystal Rain and Ragamuffin will pen the novel.

Bungie expatriate and Microsoft’s Franchise Development Director Frank O'Connor had this to say on the upcoming book, which is slated for a Fall 2008 release:

"Buckell continues an excellent tradition that’s now a solid aspect of the Halo novels, bringing a fresh new perspective to a limitless universe and bringing his prodigious writing talents to bear in ways that will surprise and engage fans of the series and newcomers alike."

- Frank O'Connor.