: I certainly think there's more to it than that, but I don't know, John and
: Blue Team just peacing out seems like a big deal. They are the most
: valuable military assets the UNSC has right now, and I think they'd be
: mighty interested in getting them back.

... But it's not like Master Chief was ordered to do something he didn't like, went AWOL, and is chilling on the beaches of Harvest with a beer in his hand.

Hood ordered him to rest. Chief said no and kept on fighting for humanity. I'd hardly call that AWOL.

That's like your boss telling you you have a day off, but you say you'll come in and work for free on that day anyway. Why would you boss be angry or send a hit squad after you?

I don't think Chief goes AWOL until the events of Halo 5, or maybe shortly before.