Editing 2558

{{Status|Canon}}

{{New content|Halo: Escalation|Halo 5: Guardians|Halo: Saint's Testimony|Halo 5: Guardians|Halo: Envoy}}

{{Infobox/Timeline/CE

'''2558''' was a year in the 2550s in the 26th century. It was the year the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} begins [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] deployments to [[Requiem]] in operations referred to as "[[Spartan Ops]]," beginning the [[Requiem Campaign]] in early February. The [[Battle of Ealen IV]] takes place in early March, the [[Ven III|Battle of Ven III]] takes place in early May, and the [[Oban|Battle of Oban]] takes place in mid-July.

*A simulated trial hosted by [[AI]]s [[Roland]] and [[Black-Box]] is held to allow [[Iona]] to attempt to prevent her [[rampancy]]-precipitated final dispensation. Afterwards, Iona is put into stasis while the simulation is examined by [[human]] scientists.<ref name="st24">'''[[Halo: Saint's Testimony]]''', ''page 24'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

*[[Avu Med 'Telcam]] is [[Assassination of Avu Med 'Telcam|assassinated]] by [[SPARTAN-G059]] on [[New Llanelli]].<ref name="ktb">'''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''', ''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''</ref>

'''February 1–7'''

*[[Gek 'Lhar]] escapes the [[ONI]] detainment center [[Midnight Facility]], resulting in several fatalities and a heightened threat condition at the facility.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/i-wish-343i-would-of-done-more-with-gek-lhar/89828287-a7a6-4b7d-ad31-a7f985eed1c0/posts?page=1#post12 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''I wish 343i would of done more with Gek Lhar'']</ref>

*The {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} Charity Fun Run from the ship's stem to her stern takes place.<ref name="packet">'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''' — ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]''</ref>

*[[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan]] [[Gabriel Thorne]] is assigned to [[Fireteam Majestic]].{{Ref/Reuse|packet}}

*UNSC ''Infinity'' leaves [[Earth]] orbit for her [[Requiem Campaign|second tour]] at [[Requiem]] with the intent to establish research facilities on the [[shield world]].<ref name="waypointLearn">[https://twitter.com/bsangel/status/696003177733206016 '''Twitter''': ''Today in Halo - 2/6/2558'']</ref>

*UNSC ''Infinity'' arrives at Requiem. [[Commander]] [[Sarah Palmer]], leader of ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Spartan Operations|Spartan]] contingent, sends various Spartan fireteams to its interior surface. [[Marine]], [[Army]], and [[Navy]] assets are also deployed.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointLearn}}<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[S1/Departure|S1E1 - Departure]]''</ref> At 0500 hours, [[Operation: LAND GRAB]] begins, involving [[Fireteam Castle|Castle]], [[Fireteam Domino|Domino]], [[Fireteam Ivy|Ivy]], [[Fireteam Crimson|Crimson]], and [[Fireteam Majestic|Majestic]]. [[Fireteam Crimson]] is then deployed to help Marines destroy power cores, intended for short-range wireless distribution. This is done to stop [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] from occuping building bases in the area. Crimson is ultimately successful. Majestic, likewise, is deployed to assist Marines in the initial assault on 'Mdama's Covenant forces in [[location REQ-931]] with the intent of securing a location for a research base.<ref name="briefing">'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''', ''Mission Briefing'' (variable between owners)</ref>  

*'''[[Operation: ALL-SEEING EYE]]''': Fireteam Majestic is deployed for a reconnaissance mission to identify a possible location for base establishment as well as to gather data on any of 'Mdama's Covenant forces present.{{Ref/Reuse|briefing}}

*At 1901 hours, [[War Games]] simulations aboard ''Infinity'' between numerous Spartan-IV fireteams conclude for the day.

*'''[[Operation: CHATTERBOX]]''': Fireteams Majestic and Crimson are deployed to locations [[Fortress (location)|REQ-814-B]] and [[location REQ-814-D|REQ-814-D]] to remove 'Mdama's Covenant forces in order to allow the UNSC to establish a base at [[REQ-626-C]]. Majestic begins by destroying one of their communications arrays at REQ-814-D.{{Ref/Reuse|briefing}}

*A monthly poker night takes place aboard ''Infinity'', with the grand prize of priority seating on all of the ship's internal shuttlecraft and [[tram]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|packet}}

*'''[[Operation: ACADEMIC]]''': Commander Sarah Palmer directs Fireteams Majestic and Crimson to Requiem with instructions to assault one of 'Mdama's Covenant outposts and recover [[Requiem slipspace artifacts|a Forerunner artifact]].{{Ref/Reuse|packet}} They are successful and the artifact is taken aboard ''Infinity''.<ref name="artifact">'''Spartan Ops''', [[S1/Artifact|S1E2 - ''Artifact'']]</ref> The device teleports [[Henry Glassman|Chief Engineer Henry Glassman]] to the surface of Requiem while he is investigating it.{{Ref/Reuse|artifact}}

*'''[[Operation: THREE-CARD MONTE]]''': Fireteam Majestic, with support from Fireteams [[Fireteam Tower|Tower]], [[Fireteam Castle|Castle]] ,and [[Fireteam Domino|Domino]], is tasked with a search-and-destroy mission against 'Mdama's Covenant outposts at locations REQ-822-A, REQ-822-B, REQ-822-C, and REQ-822-D.{{Ref/Reuse|briefing}}

'''Between February 11 and February 14'''<!--Though no date stamp is given after Infinity's initial foray on the 8th, the cinematics suggest that Spartan Ops Season One occurs over the course of a few days, perhaps a little more than a week.-->

*The [[Sahara-class prowler|prowler]] {{UNSCShip|Aladdin}} arrives at Requiem, carrying [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. Halsey is brought aboard ''Infinity'' and shown the mysterious artifact.<ref name="Catherine">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[S1/Catherine|S1E3 - Catherine]]''</ref>

*The Forerunner artifact scans ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s systems and begins transmitting data to the surface of Requiem,{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}} where the data is intercepted by [[Jul 'Mdama]]. Glassman is taken captive by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and is ordered to activate the [[Librarian]]'s shrine,{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}} though he is not successful.

*[[Carlo Hoya]] finds a classified transmission meant for Halsey and gives it to Thorne.

 

 

*Dr. Halsey begins dialog with an unknown party who shares her interest in the Librarian. The intelligence is actually Jul 'Mdama, the [[Supreme Commander]], who is manipulating Halsey into divulging vital secrets about the Forerunners.{{Ref/Reuse|Memento Mori}} Halsey is apprehended after her unwitting communication with 'Mdama is discovered. Spartan Thorne rescues Dr. Glassman and the pair escape custody, with Gek 'Lhar tracking them down.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[S1/Scattered|S1E6 - Scattered]]''</ref>

*Dr. Halsey learns that [[John-117]] is still alive. ''Infinity'' is boarded by 'Mdama's Covenant and [[Promethean]] forces<ref name="Invasion">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[S1/Invasion|S1E7 - Invasion]]''</ref> who capture the doctor. They take her to the [[Librarian's Rest|Librarian's "shrine"]], where 'Mdama awaits.<ref name="Expendable">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[S1/Expendable|S1E8 - Expendable]]''</ref>

*Gek 'Lhar catches up to Thorne and Glassman, and is killed when Fireteam Majestic arrive.{{Ref/Reuse|Expendable}}

*[[Admiral]] [[Serin Osman]], head of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], orders Captain [[Thomas Lasky]] to kill Dr. Halsey.{{Ref/Reuse|Expendable}} Commander Palmer is to execute the order.<ref name="Key">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[S1/Key|S1E9 - Key]]''</ref>

*Lasky sends Fireteam Majestic to rescue Dr. Halsey and stop Palmer.{{Ref/Reuse|Key}}

*The Librarian gives Dr. Halsey the [[Janus Key]], but Jul 'Mdama gets half of the key. Halsey gives Gabriel Thorne the other half before she is taken away.{{Ref/Reuse|Key}}

*Fireteam Crimson, as well as Fireteam Majestic and Commander Palmer, head to shut down two respective artifacts on Requiem that hold ''Infinity'' in place and are successful. While the shield world is destroyed, UNSC ''Infinity'' narrowly escapes the planet's slipspace conduit.<ref name="Exodus">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[S1/Exodus|S1E10 - Exodus]]''</ref>

*Dr. Halsey agrees to cooperate with Jul 'Mdama and his forces, stating that she wants revenge.{{Ref/Reuse|Exodus}}

*A "Saturday Night (Cage) Fight" is scheduled to take place aboard ''Infinity'', with the Spartans of [[Fireteam Sydney]] participating.{{Ref/Reuse|packet}}

*'''''Infinity'' Day''', marking the one-year anniversary of the flagship's commissioning ceremony. Festivities aboard the ship are to include a speech from Captain Lasky and ''Infinity''-themed cupcakes.{{Ref/Reuse|packet}}

*A chili cook-off organized by [[Jonathan Lowell|Master Chef Jonathan Lowell]] is scheduled to be held in ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s forward mess hall.{{Ref/Reuse|packet}}

*Captain Lasky and Commander Palmer are debriefed by the [[UNSC Security Council]] at [[HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6]]. The committee expresses misgivings of Lasky's handling of the [[Requiem Campaign]] and the failed assassination and escape of Dr. Halsey. [[Terrence Hood|Fleet Admiral Hood]] later tasks ''Infinity'' to escort him and the [[Arbiter]] on a diplomatic mission to [[Ealen IV]].<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref>

*Three ONI [[prowler]]s tasked to monitor the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' are destroyed. These losses are not reported to the UNSC Navy.<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14 (post 2969315)'']</ref>

*'''[[Battle of Ealen IV]]''': ''Infinity'' arrives at Ealen IV. Lord Hood meets with [[Thel 'Vadam]] and the [[Jiralhanae]] [[Chieftain]] [[Lydus]]. While negotiating, the delegates come under attack from [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant mercenaries]] working for a group of human insurgents, the [[New Colonial Alliance]]. The [[Spartan-IV]]s defend the ambassadors, who escape into a nearby parts depot.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}}

*[[Shipmaster]] [[Vata 'Gajat]] arrives on Ealen IV to personally oversee the attack, while the ambassadors escape through a series of tunnels leading to a fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge in. Captain Lasky orders Commander Palmer and the protection detail to escort the delegation to the redoubt, while he and Spartan [[Naiya Ray]] try to reestablish communications with the fleet above the planet.<ref name="HE2">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref>

*As [[Fireteam Jackknife]] arrive at the redoubt, Vladimir Scruggs betrays his team, killing them and the alien delegates' bodyguards. He then informs Commander Palmer that it is safe to bring the delegates into the redoubt.{{Ref/Reuse|HE2}}

*In orbit, the Sangheili and Jiralhanae ships begin to deploy forces against each other due to the ambiguity of the situation on the ground.{{Ref/Reuse|HE3}}

*After the ambassadors and their security detail arrive in the redoubt, Scruggs ambushes them and holds Hood at gunpoint. Palmer shoots Hood in the leg and, in the resulting confusion, confronts and kills Scruggs.{{Ref/Reuse|HE3}}

*With the mercenaries bearing on the site in force, the ambassadors escape to ''Infinity'' aboard a [[Covenant cargo tug]]. [[Paul DeMarco]] sacrifices himself to cover the ambassadors' escape with [[Cheru-pattern Tyrant|Covenant AA guns]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE3}}

*''Infinity'' rallies the Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets, prompting 'Gajat's fleet to retreat.{{Ref/Reuse|HE3}}

*A funeral ceremony is held aboard ''Infinity'' for the Spartans who died in the battle.{{Ref/Reuse|HE3}}

*Lasky and Hood discuss the likelihood of a severe security breach in the UNSC's organization, surmising that Scruggs could not have been the one who leaked the location of the negotiations.{{Ref/Reuse|HE3}}

*Lasky and Hood discuss enlisting [[Petra Janecek]]'s help in rooting out the spy who betrayed the Ealen IV delegation; flag officer is uneasy with Lasky's decision due to a conflict between Hood and Janecek.<ref name="HE4">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 4|Issue #4]]''</ref>

*Lasky and Ray leave ''Infinity'' abroad a prowler in order to recruit Janecek.{{Ref/Reuse|HE4}}

*Lasky and Ray meet with Janecek in [[Castiglione]] on [[Escala III]]. Petra agrees to help Lasky uncover the UNSC spy in return for information regarding the Master Chief.{{Ref/Reuse|HE4}}

*''Infinity'' is ambushed on a mission to rescue a damaged civilian [[freighter]], ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]''. However, they come under attack by automated craft supposedly originating from the long-lost {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.{{Ref/Reuse|HE4}}

*Petra Janecek, Captain Lasky and Spartan Ray travel to the Sangheili colony of [[Karava]] to uncover the identity of the UNSC [[Treason|traitor]]. Meeting Janecek's informant [[Zef 'Trahl]], they learn that the traitor is [[Daniel Clayton]], a former UNSC captain and the illegitimate son of ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s commanding officer (and Hood's mentor), [[James Cutter|Captain James Cutter]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE5}}

*The UNSC supposedly discover the whereabouts of ''Spirit of Fire'' using data from ''Pilgrims' Pride''. ''Infinity'' sets out to rescue the older ship. Upon arrival at the ''Spirit's'' supposed coordinates near [[Oth Lodon]], however, they find a [[Oth Lodon station|Covenant battlestation]] manned by the New Colonial Alliance. Having lured ''Infinity'' into a trap, Captain Daniel Clayton fires on the UNSC vessel with the station's [[energy projector]], killing executive officer [[Bradley|Commander Bradley]] and paralyzing Fleet Admiral Hood.<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 5|Issue #5]]''</ref>

*Clayton orders 'Gajat to stop the Spartans who are en route to the station, but 'Gajat decides to destroy ''Infinity'' instead. Fireteam Majestic and Commander Palmer board and secure the station, then destroy 'Gajat's [[Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette|corvette]] with the energy projector. Clayton is apprehended and transported to ''Infinity''.<ref name="HE6">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 6|Issue #6]]''</ref>

*The UNSC dispatch a trio of vessels to Oth Lodon to assist with repairs to ''Infinity'' and to monitor the captured space station.{{Ref/Reuse|HE6}}

*Lasky and Ray return to ''Infinity''. The captain insists that the recent ambush could have been avoided if he were present, though Palmer insists that Lord Hood is to blame.{{Ref/Reuse|HE6}}

*Hood visits Clayton and asks him why [[Admiral]] [[Mattius Drake]] wanted to destroy ''Infinity'' despite his attempt to [[Raid on UNSC Infinity|capture it]] [[2553#January|five years prior]]. Clayton tells Hood the New Colonial Alliance is stronger than before and have agents on every colony, as well as Earth. Hood orders Clayton's incarceration at ONI's [[Midnight Facility]], but Clayton insists that they will meet again and the UNSC will fall.{{Ref/Reuse|HE6}}

*Eight months after the attack on New Phoenix, the city is lifted from its quarantine. The [[President of the Unified Earth Government|President of the UEG]], Dr. [[Ruth Charet]], presides over the reopening of the city.{{Ref/Reuse|HE7}}

*Returning to New Phoenix, Spartan Thorne, accompanied by Grant, receives proper closure about [[Thorne family|his grandmother's]] death in the New Phoenix Incident.{{Ref/Reuse|HE7}}

*The {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} {{UNSCShip|Unto the Breach}} is commissioned.{{Ref/Reuse|htt}}

*War photographer and journalist [[Benjamin Giraud]] is hired by ONI's Senior Communications Director [[Michael Sullivan]] to write an in-depth profile on the Master Chief. After a time, Giraud starts to sense something is off and began finding hints of cover-ups, then resolves to establish the truth and perhaps discredit the dark rumors associated with John-117.<ref name="htt">'''[[Hunt the Truth]]'''</ref>

*Human-Sangheili peace talks on [[Biko]] are [[Raid on Biko peace talks|violently disrupted]] by [[Sapien Sunrise]], a reactionary anti-alien movement. John-117 arrives to stop the terrorists, killing 19 bodyguards, nine of whom are confirmed Sapien Sunrise members. The Spartan escorts Outer Colonies ambassador [[Richard Sekibo]] and all but three of the alien diplomats off-world, though Sekibo soon dies from his injuries. The event is covered up by the UEG to make the Master Chief seem responsible for the attack. However, the Spartan is soon vindicated.{{Ref/Reuse|htt}}

*Roughly a month after the events at Oth Lodon, ''Infinity'' is fully repaired.{{Ref/Reuse|HE7}}

*Around this month, the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] enter into a temporary alliance with the Banished.<ref>''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'', Chapter 3</ref>

*A UNSC [[spy drone]] investigates a former Covenant [[bioweapon]] research laboratory on [[Ven III]].<ref name="HE11">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|Issue #11]]''</ref>

*Spartans Ray and Thorne are assigned to a secret mission to capture [[Ayit 'Sevi]] (whose identity is withheld from them), a Sangheili in possession of the bioweapon unleashed on Ven III.{{Ref/Reuse|HE11}}

*Arriving at Ven III, ''Infinity'' is met by the [[Kig-Yar pirate queen]]'s fleet and an [[Space warfare|orbital engagement]] ensues.{{Ref/Reuse|HE12}}

*One of ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Longsword]] fighters destroys the pirate hideout with two HAVOK missiles.{{Ref/Reuse|HE12}}

*Ray pursues the Sangheili agent and disables his Ghost outside the base. Before she can take any further action, a [[prowler]] lands nearby and [[ONI]] agents lead 'Sevi inside under Admiral Osman's orders.{{Ref/Reuse|HE12}}

*Thorne is rescued by Fireteam Majestic and Palmer, and returns to ''Infinity''.{{Ref/Reuse|HE12}}

*Lasky and Palmer speculate that ONI intentionally had ''Infinity'' get involved in the mission so the Kig-Yar pirates would be eliminated, after HIGHCOM failed to get involved six months ago. They conclude that the incident with the bioweapon was set up by ONI and the Sangheili agent was working for them.{{Ref/Reuse|HE12}}

 

*In the next days, more people on Sandholm die from the hemorrhagic fever, including Sandholm's doctor. Sandholm's communication repeater is damaged from a sandstorm.{{Ref/Reuse|Oasis}}

*[[Oban]] is [[Battle of Oban|attacked]] by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and his Promethean allies. Spartans and UNSC Marines successfully defeat 'Mdama's forces in [[Saviron]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE13}}

*Captain Lasky and Commander Palmer discuss 'Mdama's assault on Oban. Lasky points out Palmer's frustration to find Dr. Halsey and reveals he wants Halsey back in custody. Palmer objects to having Halsey brought back and expresses her to desire to eliminate Halsey instead.{{Ref/Reuse|HE13}}

*Dr. Halsey and Jul 'Mdama use a [[Requiem communication artifact|Forerunner artifact]] to trap ''Infinity'' in an uncharted system, preventing the ship from making slipspace jumps. Halsey intends to force the UNSC to give her their half of the Janus Key by luring them on a local planet using an energy source emanating from the surface. Aboard ''Infinity'', Commander Palmer decides to lead a Spartan team to investigate the source of the signal on the planet.{{Ref/Reuse|HE13}}

*The crew of UNSC ''Infinity'' track the source of interference to an island on [[Aktis IV]]. Commander Palmer and Fireteam Majestic eliminate a small group of 'Mdama's Covenant forces protecting a Forerunner structure on the island.<ref name="HE14">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue #14]]''</ref>

*Upon discovering an artifact within the structure that is seemingly compatible with the Janus Key, the UNSC half of the Key is brought down to the island. Having created the artifact to fool the UNSC at the suggestion of Halsey, Jul 'Mdama's forces prepare to ambush the UNSC aircraft carrying the Janus Key to take it for themselves.{{Ref/Reuse|HE14}}

*[[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|A rogue splinter group]] of 'Mdama's Covenant shoots down the UNSC aircraft and takes the Janus Key half for themselves, with its leader, [[Sali 'Nyon]], inciting a rebellion among 'Mdama's forces.{{Ref/Reuse|HE14}}

*Jul 'Mdama's concealed fleet emerges from Aktis IV's foam ocean and [[Battle of Aktis IV|engages]] ''Infinity'' and the UNSC ground forces. The Spartans and Dr. Glassman barricade themselves in the Forerunner structure.{{Ref/Reuse|HE14}}

*The Spartans and Dr. Glassman use the local [[teleportation grid]] to escape the besieged Forerunner structure. Palmer, Ray, and Thorne take a portal to the jungle, intending to locate Halsey, while Grant leads the rest of Fireteam Majestic and Dr. Glassman to the other end of the island where UNSC reinforcements have been deployed.{{Ref/Reuse|HE15}}

*With Sali 'Nyon's rebellion ongoing in 'Mdama's Covenant ranks, one Sangheili of 'Nyon's faction becomes disillusioned with the rebellion, steals 'Nyon's half of the Janus Key, and offers it to 'Mdama's forces. Dr. Halsey personally travels to the planet to claim the Key.{{Ref/Reuse|HE15}}

*Commander Palmer's team observe the Sangheili defector in the jungle and wait for Dr. Halsey to arrive in order to ambush her.{{Ref/Reuse|HE15}} A firefight subsequently ensues between the Spartans and Halsey's Sangheili escort.<ref name="HE16">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue #16]]''</ref>

*Sali 'Nyon's rebellion is stopped by Jul 'Mdama and his forces, with 'Nyon captured and all his followers killed.{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}}

*Palmer captures Dr. Halsey, but the doctor clouds Palmer's judgment momentarily and escapes. Palmer gives chase, only to be incapacitated by a {{Pattern|Za'zayara|Harvester}}. Halsey contacts Jul 'Mdama and is picked up by a Phantom.{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}}

*Aboard ''Infinity'', Lasky converses with Palmer concerning the events on Aktis IV while two ONI agents demand an audience with her. Palmer informs Lasky that because of her failure, Halsey and 'Mdama are now in possession of both halves of the Janus Key.{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}}

*Jul 'Mdama and Dr. Halsey recombine the halves of the Janus Key, pinpoint the location of the Absolute Record, and set course there.{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}}

 

*The UNSC ''Infinity'' undergoes a full retrofit above [[Earth]] while undergoing repairs following the events at Aktis IV. Several modules constructed for its developing sister ship, the {{UNSCShip|Eternity}} among other resources are redirected to supplant the ''Infinity'' and her subsystems. The ''Infinity'' returns to service after a month in drydock.<ref>''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 42-43</ref>

*A shipment of a Warthog, three Mongooses, and five Pelicans is received on Meridian from a dealer nicknamed [[Bozo]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Glassed]]'' - [[Mission Intel]]</ref>

*Admiral Serin Osman briefs ONI officers about [[Operation: ATHENA]]. A five-member team consisting of Spartan Palmer, Spartan Thorne, Spartan [[Tanaka]], [[Ayit 'Sevi]], and Dr. Glassman is assembled to infiltrate Jul 'Mdama's fleet and relay the location of the Absolute Record for UNSC reinforcements.<ref name="HE19">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|Issue #19]]''</ref>

*The team stows away aboard 'Mdama's Covenant assault carrier ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' just before the fleet makes the jump toward the Absolute Record.{{Ref/Reuse|HE19}}

*Jul's fleet exits slipstream space near a gas giant. While reaching their destination, multiple slipspace portals appear and damage several ships of the fleet, including ''Breath of Annihilation''.{{Ref/Reuse|HE19}}

 

*The UNSC ''Infinity'' receives a full systems upgrade as well as scheduled maintenance. In the process, several modules from the incomplete {{UNSCShip|Eternity}} are used to supplant those on the ''Infinity'', leading to the replacement of several non-essential weapon systems.<ref name="wf infinity">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', ''pages 42-43''</ref>

'''Before October 23'''

*ONI agent [[Maya Sankar]] is paired with the AI [[Black-Box]] and reassigned to Conrad's Point under the cover identity of "FERO" (her alter-ego as an Insurrectionist demagogue). Her mission is to infiltrate the [[New Colonial Alliance|NCA]] forces in control of the colony and investigate the nature of the anomalies.{{Ref/Reuse|htts2e1}}<ref>'''Hunt the Truth''', ''Season 2 - Failed Transmission''</ref>

'''October 23'''

*[[Blue Team]] is deployed on a mission to recover the ONI research vessel ''[[Argent Moon]]''. After being contacted by [[Cortana]], John-117 decides to go to [[Meridian]] in search of her, using the ONI [[Winter-class prowler|prowler]] ''[[ONI Acrisius|Acrisius]]'', disobeying orders to return to ''Infinity''. The other members of Blue Team follow him. Blue Team is subsequently declared AWOL.{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

'''October 24'''

*'''1100''': Fireteam Osiris arrives in [[Pelican]] [[Kilo 97]] at Meridian.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HBBAG|BatB|Detail=Adjunct - [[Glassed (short story)|Glassed]]}}

*Blue Team heads to [[Meridian Station]] and is recorded though several means.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBCAtGvTi-Y '''YouTube''': ''Halo 5 Trailer: A Hero Falls LIVE ACTION TRAILER'']</ref>{{Ref/Note|Despite various trailers and media showing Blue team running through Meridian while parts of the Guardian wake at 0833 hours, this has become impossible due to the release of the short story Glassed as featured in the Adjunct of the Halo: Battle Born re-release in 2024.}}

*Fireteam Osiris is deployed to [[Meridian]] to apprehend the AWOL [[Blue Team]].{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}} The team arrives to find residents under attack by [[Promethean]] constructs. Osiris helps defend the colony and gains the favor of [[Governor Sloan]], who points them in Blue Team's direction. Osiris confronts Blue Team outside a buried Forerunner [[Guardian]], but John-117 subdues Spartan Locke and Blue Team boards the construct. As the Guardian emerges, causing untold damage to the colony, Osiris backtracks to the colony's [[space elevator]] and manages to escape the catastrophe. Meanwhile, the Guardian departs via [[slipspace]] to the Forerunner world of [[Genesis]].{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*In the aftermath of the Meridian Guardian, five more human colony worlds experience a Guardian emergence, bringing the total to eleven.{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*Aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, the AI [[Roland]] deciphers the destination coordinates of the Meridian Guardian. Dr. Halsey deduces that Osiris can follow Blue Team by inputting those coordinates in a dormant Guardian, one of which can be found on [[Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*The Meridian Guardian arrives at Genesis. As more Guardians arrive, some inadvertently bringing along [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] vessels in their wake, Blue Team is attacked by the Forerunner entity [[Warden Eternal]], who decides Blue Team is a threat to Cortana. Blue Team defeats the Warden and makes contact with Cortana. She explains how she survived the [[New Phoenix Incident]] and has been convinced by the Warden that she is the [[Reclaimer]], and that it is the "[[Created]]" (artificial intelligences), not humanity (the "Creators"), who are the true inheritors of the Forerunners' [[Mantle of Responsibility]].{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*[[Evelyn Collins]] and [[Cale|Doc Cale]], survivors of the Guardian emergence on Meridian search Meridian Station for rations and supplies.<ref name="WR">''[[Halo: Fractures]]''. ''[[What Remains]]''</ref>

*[[John-117]] is declared [[KIA]] by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]. ONI Section II Press Secretary Lieutenant [[Penelope Boren]] delivers the news of his supposed death to the public; in the announcement, she notably misspeaks the Master Chief's date of death as being October 27, ''2560'' instead of 2558. [[Michael Sullivan|Commander Michael Sullivan]] later sends a message to [[Serin Osman|Admiral Serin Osman]] apologizing for the mistake.<ref>[http://huntthetruth.tumblr.com/post/130137892268/message-from-cdr-sullivan '''Hunt the Truth''': ''MESSAGE FROM CDR SULLIVAN'']</ref>

*''Infinity'' arrives at [[Sanghelios]], which is besieged by the remaining members of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]. [[Fireteam Osiris]] lands on the planet to make contact with [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], and rescues him from a assassination attempt by 'Mdama's forces. Coordinating with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], Osiris locates a Forerunner [[Constructor]], then aids in the Swords' assault on the [[Sunaion]], the final stronghold of 'Mdama's Covenant on [[Sanghelios]] while the Constructor reactivates the Sanghelios Guardian. Despite heavy resistance from [[Promethean]] forces and the Warden Eternal, Osiris boards the Guardian just before it enters slipspace. Meanwhile, the Arbiter's forces eradicate the remnants of 'Mdama's Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*[[Fireteam Osiris]] arrives at [[Genesis]] aboard the [[Sanghelios]] [[Guardian]], fighting through confused troops of 'Mdama's broken Covenant and aggressive Prometheans alike to reach [[Blue Team]] with the help of Genesis' [[monitor]], [[031 Exuberant Witness]], who opposes the [[Warden Eternal]] and [[Cortana]]'s plans to subjugate the galaxy under the [[Mantle]]. Before Osiris and Blue Team can coordinate a plan, Cortana teleports Blue Team to her inner sanctum.{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*[[John-117]] and Blue Team fend off a series of attacks from the Warden Eternal and confront Cortana. She reveals her intention to use the Guardians to enforce the Mantle and asks John to join her. He refuses, and she imprisons Blue Team within a [[Cryptum]] while she begins her campaign to establish the [[Created]]'s control of the galaxy.{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*After Thel's victory against Jul's Covenant, a Guardian shuts down one of Sanghelios' hemispheres. Thel's forces hides on Nuusra.<ref name="HBB1">'''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''', ''Chapter 1'''</ref>

*As the Guardians depart Genesis, Fireteam Osiris attempt to free Blue Team. Although Cortana still controls Genesis, her imminent departure causes her to disconnect from the installation, giving 031 Exuberant Witness a window to retake it. Osiris helps the monitor regain Genesis and prevent Cortana from leaving with the Cryptum. Blue Team is liberated and returns with Osiris to Sanghelios, where they and the [[Arbiter]], [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]], and [[Sarah Palmer|Spartan Palmer]] plan how to stop Cortana and the Guardians.{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}{{Ref/Reuse|HBB1}}

*Cortana arrives in [[Earth]] orbit aboard a Guardian, while the other Guardians and [[Created]] begin shutting down communications and electronic infrastructure on all [[human colonies]]. As Cortana's Guardian uses an EMP weapon to disable all of Earth's infrastructure and defenses, the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} makes an emergency slipspace jump and goes on the run.{{Ref/Reuse|h5g}}

*[[Installation 00]]'s failsafe measures prevent Cortana and her allies from being able to access the installation, closing the [[Portal at Voi|Portal]] on Earth in the process.<ref name="Mythos202">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 202''</ref>

*Spark is assigned as Bastion's caretaker, leaving the ''[[Ace of Spades]]'' and making a slipspace jump with the shield world to avoid being found by Cortana or her Guardians.<ref name="PoL">'''Halo: Point of Light''', ''Chapter 42''</ref>

 

 

 

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