In the initial interaction with Koen about this issue, I was told specifically what I did wrong, we discussed it, and I agreed to follow what he said in the future. I also requested that this information be published to the guidelines, because it was my understanding (and the understanding of several other UNSC players) that the UNSC is supposed to know about the artifact. Additionally, I do not feel that we rushed the artifact, it was not secured at Kodiak until almost an hour into the round. I do not believe that securing the artifact as ODSTs without ONI presence violates any written guideline at the time this happened, but if I'm wrong, I'll gladly accept that this was wrong of me to do. I'm happy to play the game this way going forward, but I would like this guideline to be clarified for the sake of myself and other players. 

That said, I understand now that despite the lack of ONI presence, we should have attempted to hold Kodiak through a fight with the Covenant. Cole Protocol before it was confirmed that they landed and were attacking Kodiak was wrong, regardless of how many ONI personnel were present. I didn't mean to, but through my actions, I prevented a chance for RP/Action between the UNSC and the Covenant, which is the whole idea here. It was wrong, I feel bad about it, and I don't want to repeat that kind of mistake in the future. I volunteered to become an ODST Squad Leader so that I could help maintain good gameplay and help make rounds fun and exciting for everyone. I am regretful that I not only failed in that, but caused the opposite to occur.

If I were reinstated as an ODST, regardless of rank, I would carefully adjust how I play to prevent myself from causing a situation like this again. This is my first disciplinary action that I'm aware of, and I don't feel like what I did merits a full deWhitelisting. I would really appreciate reconsideration. I am sorry that I've created issues for other players, and work for staff. I appreciate your time and your consideration.