John could tell they were Special Forces—Orbital Drop Shock Troopers. The ODSTs had the traditional tattoos burned onto their arms: DROP JET JUMPERS and FEET FIRST INTO HELL.
	“Helljumpers”—the infamous 105th. John had overheard mess hall chatter about them. They had a reputation for success … and for brutality, even against fellow soldiers.
...
	The two men flanking him grabbed John’s biceps. The one behind him tried to slip an arm around his neck.
	John hunched his shoulders and tucked his chin to his chest so he couldn’t be choked. He whipped his right elbow over the hand holding him, pinned it to his side, and then straight punched the man and broke his nose.
	The other three reacted, tightening their grips and stepping closer—but like the dropped pin, they moved slowly.