But Halsey never really turned her back on the UNSC to begin with. If this logic is to be followed, then you could essentially call the crew of the Spirit of Fire traitors, since they fled the Battle of Arcadia to chase after one meager scientist. Beyond that, Palmer's hatred of Halsey clearly runs deeper. If what you're saying was true, then wouldn't pretty much anyone who knew even the smallest bit about Halsey be acting the same or similarly? Also, isn't it obvious to anyone who even slightly analyzes what happened on Requiem why Halsey "defected?" Thorne could easily attest to the fact that Halsey thought she was being rescued, and willingly kept a piece of Forerunner tech out of Covenant hands. Then Palmer runs in and, rather than try and rescue Halsey, shoots the woman in the flipping arm! It is Palmer's fault that Halsey is now with Jul 'Mdama and willingly cooperating with him.