: There is plenty of scope for character conflict and its also not obvious how
: each character would act.

: For example: Serin Osman - she is head of ONI which is a major player and
: would oppose the Chief if he went against the UNSC's policies. Yet she has
: also been a victim of those policies. Halsey was convinced of the need
: for those policies but has come to regret her part in the Spartan program
: and is, currently, at odds with the UNSC. Does she still see the necessity
: of opposing the innies? Does she put that above temporary self-interest?
: Tom likes the Chief. He is captain of a major asset. Sarah likes Tom.
: Where does he jump? Will she follow or oppose? The Chief is known for his
: steadfastness. Does he stay loyal to his ideals or does he change?

I'm thinking more along the lines of what Sadie's Story and ILB were to the Halo universe. Think beyond existing significant story arcs, and bring us other characters and situations we can connect with (whether via short stories or series).

: I'm tired of boot-camp stories and honor-and-sacrifice stories.

Think beyond :)

: I kind of understand what you mean. I can't think of an example of a current
: Halo mystery that I care about. Except the mystery of what decisions the
: characters would make if they were treated as real people and not just
: plot puppets.

Indeed :)