Editing Battle for Zeta Halo

{{Status|Canon}}

|name=Battle for Zeta Halo

|image=[[File:Battle for Zeta Halo compilation.png|400px]]<br>Clockwise from top left: The {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} being rammed by a [[Banished dreadnought]], [[Elena Bobrov]] and UNSC Marines watching a Banished patrol, the [[boat crew]] looking over the remains of the ring, the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]], [[Fernando Esparza]] helping to brief an awakened [[John-117]], and [[Atriox]] using a device to find the [[Xalanyn]].

|prev= * [[Battle for the Domain]]

* [[Razing of Oth Sonin]]

|conc= [[Battle of Suban]]

*[[Created uprising]]{{Ref/Generic|[[Halo Infinite E3 2021 showcase]]|Id=Created}}

|date= c. [[2559#December|December 12, 2559]]–{{Ref/Game|Id=e1|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Evacuation 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Evacuation #01 - Infinity Down}}  

|place=*[[Installation 07]], [[Ephsu I]], [[Ephsu system]] {{c|December 12, 2559}}{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}

*Installation 07, unknown star system {{c|from December 13, 2559, onwards}}

|result='''Ongoing as of 2560'''

**UNSC forces severely depleted and scattered across Installation 07.{{Ref/Generic|Id=Premiere|[[Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere]]}}

*Destruction of [[Cortana]] and consequent deactivation of the Guardians.{{Ref/Reuse|sa}}  

*Installation 07 sustains severe structural damage{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}{{Ref/Reuse|Premiere}} and [[117649 Despondent Pyre]] is destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}

**Deaths of [[Escharum]], the [[Harbinger]] and several other high-ranking members of the [[Banished]].

*Discovery of the [[Xalanyn|Endless]] by [[Atriox]].{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}

**{{Icon|Navy}} [[UNSC Navy|Navy]]

**{{Icon|Marine Corps}} [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]

**[[Hand of Atriox]]{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}

**[[Legion of the Corpse-Moon]]{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 4|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #03 - A Boon|Quote= Pioneer Guard Vomarus, Legion of the Corpse Moon}}

----

*[[Harbinger|Harbinger's]] [[Skimmer]]s{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}

*{{Icon|Forerunner}} [[Sentinel|Forerunner constructs]]{{Ref/Quest|Id=sequence|HI|Reformation|The Sequence}}

|side4    =*{{Icon|Forerunner}} [[Created]] {{c|December 12, 2559}}{{Ref/Reuse|saatriox}}

|commanders1    =*[[Captain (NAVCOM)|CAPT]] [[Thomas Lasky]]{{Ref/Reuse|e1}}

*[[Warmaster]] [[Atriox]]{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}

*[[War Chief]] [[Escharum]]†{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}

----

*[[Harbinger]]†{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}

|forces1  = *{{UNSCShip|Infinity}}

**6+ {{Class|Mulsanne|light frigate}}s†

**3+ [[D80 Condor]]s{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}

**4 [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]]s

|forces2  =Banished fleet

*At least 8 [[Banished dreadnought|dreadnought]]s

**[[Barukaza Workshop siege-hauler]]s{{Ref/Game|Id=AL11|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #11 - A Hastily-Assembled Plan}}{{Ref/Game|Id=wftp|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 4|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #12 - Whispers from the Past}}

**[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Phantom|Phantom]]s{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}

**[['Ahtulai Workshop Banshee|Banshee]]s

***[[Kaelum Workshop Banshee]]s

*Multiple [[Kywasky Workshop Gorespike cannon]]s{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}

**[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith|Wraith]]s

**[[Qavardu Workshop war-skiff|War-skiff]]s

*Several [[Legion#Banished|legion]]s{{Ref/Note|Id=Note1|[[Escharum]] expresses that "a thousand legions occupy this world!" however due to his exaggerated speech his usage of the term "legion" appears colloquial, opposed to a thousand of the specific 9,000-20,000 infantry sized formal [[Legion#Banished|legions]] of the Banished.}}

**[[Jiralhanae]]

**[[Sangheili]]

**[[Mgalekgolo]]

**[[Human]]s{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp20|TRP|20}}

**[[Kig-Yar]]

**[[Unggoy]]

----

*Multiple [[Gasgira|Skimmer]]s{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}

*Mutliple [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}}

|forces4  = *1+ [[Guardian Custode]]†{{Ref/Game|Id=guardian|HI|Destroyed Guardian in open world}}

**UNSC ''Infinity'' {{c|presumably}}

***1,986+ crewmembers of the UNSC ''Infinity'' {{Ref/Reuse|wg}}

***12+ Spartan-IVs{{Ref/Reuse|rp20}}

**''[[Ghost of Gbraakon]]''{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=trp1|TRP|Chapter=1}}

|casual4  = *At least 1 Guardian {{Ref/Reuse|guardian}}

{{Quote|This is my last fight. A true test of legends! Our story will outlive us both. Set a fire in your heart, Spartan! Bare your fangs! Fight hard! Die well.|[[Escharum]] to [[John-117]] during the conflict.{{Ref/Reuse|Premiere}}{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}}}

[[File:HINF Silent Auditorium building.png|250px|thumb|left|The [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]] was where the Xalanyn were sentenced by the Forerunners to imprisonment on Installation 07.]]

Following the [[Great Purification|firing]] of the [[Halo Array]] at the end of the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], a mysterious advanced [[sentient]] species known as the [[Xalanyn]], which was not indexed by the [[Forerunner]] [[ecumene]] prior to the firing of the Halo Array,{{Ref/Game|Id=af3|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Archaeological Findings 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Archaeological Findings #03 - Xalanyn}} inexplicably survived the Great Purification. The Xalanyn were discovered alive by the Forerunners, much to the latter's confusion, and the matter was brought before the [[Forerunner Council]].{{Ref/Reuse|af1}}{{Ref/Reuse|af3}}

 

The Council arranged a parley between delegates from the two species, with [[Installation 07]] taken into range of the Xalanyn [[planet|homeworld]].{{Ref/Game|Id=af4|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Archaeological Findings 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Archaeological Findings #04 - A Curious Directive}} In [[97,368 BCE]], the Forerunners passed judgment of the Xalanyn at the [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]] on the ring, and decided to imprison the Xalanyn on Installation 07,{{Ref/Game|HI|[[Silent Auditorium]] description|Quote=[The Harbinger] reveals the Auditorium was where the Forerunners passed judgment upon her species, the Endless [...]}} with some members subjugated for study at the Auditorium.{{Ref/Reuse|af4}} The [[Grand Edict]] charged Installation 07's monitor, [[117649 Despondent Pyre]], with guarding the Xalanyn's prison with the Auditorium, and assigned [[Offensive Bias]] to the ring to aid in this.{{Ref/Game|Id=stinger|HINF|post-credits cinematic}}

 

In [[2558#October|October 2558]], when the [[Created conflict]] began with the rogue [[AI]] [[Cortana]] [[The Reclamation|subjugating]] major planets and governments across the galaxy with her Guardians, the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces were broken with the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} forced into hiding.{{Ref/Level|Id=h5|H5|Guardians}} Cortana ushered in a new era with her [[Created]] as rulers, enforcing martial law across their territory. Cortana made a general broadcast, inviting numerous species and factions to submit themselves to the guardianship of the Created,{{Ref/Reuse|h5}} but threatened those who would resist her leadership with violence.{{Ref/Anthology|Halo: Fractures|What Remains}} Cortana travelled to Installation 07 to unlock its secrets; she consolidated her presence and core processes at the Silent Auditorium.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p423}} She also locked the Despondent Pyre in her cradle in the [[Conservatory (location)|Conservatory]] and restricted the monitor's access to the ring's defensive network.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp30|TRP|30}}

[[File:H5G-Infinity&Guardian.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The entirety of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces were fractured by the [[Guardian Custode|Guardians]] as part of the [[Created]]'s [[The Reclamation|rise]].]]

In [[2559]], the [[Jiralhanae]] [[Atriox]], [[Warmaster|leader]] of a group of mercenary raiders known as the [[Banished]], discovered information on [[Installation 00]] regarding the existence of the Xalanyn.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p25|Enc22|Page=25}} Seeking to uncover this secret hidden by the Forerunners, Atriox returned to the galaxy following the events of [[Operation: WOLFE]],{{Ref/Novel|SoR|Epilogue}}{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=423}} then prepared his Banished forces to travel to Installation 07.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p423|Enc22|Page=423}} During his preparations for the journey to Installation 07, Atriox was personally confronted by Cortana.{{Ref/Quest|Id=repository|HINF|Reckoning|Repository (Halo Infinite level)|Repository}} The Banished had united the Jiralhanae clans across the Jiralhanae homeworld [[Doisac]] and its moons, and staged a defensive against the Created in their home system, where they fought against Cortana's forces.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p446|Enc22|Page=446}} The Jiralhanae declared his independence from Cortana, and thus, opposition against the Created. In a show of force for Atriox's defiance, Cortana [[Razing of Oth Sonin|commanded her Guardians to destroy Doisac]] in the middle of her conversation with Atriox.{{Ref/Reuse|repository}} Resolved to access the ring's secrets and exact revenge against Cortana, Atriox led his Banished forces comprised of [[Jiralhanae]], [[human]]s, [[Sangheili]], [[Unggoy]], [[Mgalekgolo]], and [[Kig-Yar]] to Installation 07.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p423}}

Meanwhile, Doctor [[Catherine Halsey]] devised a plan to stop Cortana. She created an artificial intelligence known as "[[The Weapon]]", created from a cloned brain of herself. The copy would lock down Cortana, then return her to the ''Infinity'' for deletion.{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}}{{Ref/Game|Id=rf4|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Recovered Files 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Recovered Files #04 - The Weapon}} A plan was formed, with the initial intent to send [[Blue Team]] to the surface to retrieve Cortana, though this was later revised to only John-117 and the Weapon, accompanied by the ship's [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan]] and [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODST]] complement.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #02 - Captain's Report}} Halsey had plans for [[Frederic-104]], [[Kelly-087]], and [[Linda-058]], but they were reassigned by [[Captain (NAVCOM)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]] to another mission unknown to Halsey, much to her chagrin.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #03 - Duty Clearance}} [[John-117]] was to travel to the surface of the ring and deploy the Weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|rf4}}{{clear}}

[[File:HINF AtrioxVsMasterChief.png|thumb|left|250px|John-117 had been assumed dead at the hands of Atriox after being tossed into space when the ''Infinity'' was overrun.]]

{{Quote|Do you know how long it took us to neutralize your greatest ship? Four minutes. In four minutes, the ''Infinity'', mankind's finest achievement, became a memory.|[[War Chief]] [[Escharum]].{{Ref/Quest|HI|Reckoning|House of Reckoning|Quote=You were there when we struck the ''Infinity''. The first dreadnought came from the side. In the chaos that followed, you hardly had time to notice the other three bear down upon you. Do you know how long it took us to neutralize your greatest ship? Four minutes. In four minutes, the ''Infinity'', mankind's finest achievement, became a memory.|Quotee=Escharum}}}}

On [[2559#December|December 12, 2559]], {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} and her escort fleet, which included six {{Class|Mulsanne|light frigate}}s, arrived at Installation 07.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #01 - Preparations}}{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}} Upon arrival, the weakened UNSC fleet was ambushed by four [[Banished dreadnought]]s.{{Ref/Game|Id=ia4|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #04 - Arrival}} The Banished had arrived at the ring earlier, and began fortifying on the ring's surface to neutralize Cortana.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p25}}

Warmaster Atriox personally led Banished raiding parties aboard the ''Infinity'' in search of the Weapon,{{Ref/Reuse|ia4}}{{Ref/Quest|HI|Reformation|The Sequence|Quote=Atriox came for you. He attacked the Infinity. We fought. He won.|Quotee=John-117}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CFNY|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-new-year-new-lore|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - New Year, New Lore|D=23|M=01|Y=2023|Quote=The Banished, however, simultaneously initiated boarding action to compromise the ship’s hangar bays, led by Atriox himself who had come to claim the Weapon—though she had already been deployed to the ring.}} all the while sending occupation forces to the Ring's surface by the hundreds.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #07 - Objectives}} Despite the UNSC repelling the boarders, the ''Infinity''{{'}}s main engine were taken offline within minutes after the initial attack, and Captain Lasky ordered the deployment of the Weapon to proceed with the mission to lock down Cortana.{{Ref/Game|Id=ia5|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #05 - Zero Hour}} Under the overwhelming assault, Lasky ordered all hands aboard the ''Infinity'' to abandon ship.{{Ref/Reuse|e1}}  

John-117 ordered Fireteam Taurus to escort Lasky to a dropship while he held off the boarders at the hangar bay.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #10 - Priorities}} However, despite his efforts, the hangar bay would eventually be lost to the Banished. As one dreadnought rammed the dorsal hull of the ''Infinity'', causing massive structural damage, Atriox fought John-117 in the hangar bay and defeated the Spartan. The limp Spartan was thrown from the hangar bay and into space.{{Ref/Quest|Id=wg|HI|Ringfall|Warship Gbraakon}}{{Ref/Mag|Id=GI341|Game Informer|341|page 43}}

After Lasky’s lifeboat was away, Spartan [[Hudson Griffin]] of Fireteam Taurus ordered the evacuation of the remaining [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]].{{Ref/Reuse|e1}} Spartan-IVs, marines, and crew fled onboard drop pods,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Evacuation 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Evacuation #07 - Intrepid Descent}} Pelicans,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Ringfall 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Ringfall #01 - Enemy Territory}} and lifeboats to the surface of Installation 07,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Ringfall 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Ringfall #02 - The Calm Before}} many being shot down seconds after exiting the vessel.{{Ref/Game|Id=e3|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Evacuation 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=evacuation #03 - Touchdown}} Some were escorted by members of [[Fireteam Windfall]] onboard fighters.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Evacuation 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=evacuation #06 - Buying Time}}  

In the region south of Silent Auditorium, the Banished set up three anti-air [[Kywasky Workshop Gorespike cannon]]s, which fired at numerous UNSC aircrafts landing at the area.{{Ref/Game|Id=r4|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Ringfall 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Ringfall #04 - Run and Guns}} This region became the most active battleground in the first 48 hours of the conflict.{{Ref/Quest|HI|Reformation|FOB Hotel|Quote=There we go — another FOB is ours. this one was built on of the most active battlegrounds in the first 48 hours of the war. UNSC and Banished records both suggest that it was absolute chaos. It raged all over, but nowhere quite as intensely as the island just north of us. Where we got shot down, you might recall.|Quotee=The Weapon}} Recognizing the threat posed by the cannons, Spartan Hudson led Fireteam Taurus and made landfall in this region, where they fought through Banished patrols, with sniper support from Spartan [[Nina Kovan]], to disable the three cannons.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Evacuation 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Evacuation #05 - Overwatch}} They succeed in disabling two cannons before a cataclysmic event on the ring—an explosion at the Silent Auditorium—disabled the third cannon.{{Ref/Reuse|r4}}

In the end, the outcome of the space battle saw at least two ''Mulsanne''-class frigates, including the {{UNSCShip|Mortal Reverie}},{{Ref/Game|Id=hafh|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Reverie 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Reverie #01 - Home Away From Home}} crashing on the fragmented section of the ring. The second frigate crashed between the three Gorespike cannons.{{Ref/Quest|Id=pdown|HI|Graveyards|[[Pelican Down (Halo Infinite level)|Pelican Down]]}} A third frigate was bisected, leaving its remains drifting in space.{{Ref/Quest|HINF|Ringfall|Warship Gbraakon|Detail=[[:File:HINF Warship G engines overload.png|A bisected frigate can be seen from the bridge viewport]]}} Although the status of the UNSC ''Infinity'' is unknown aside from having suffered heavy damage from Banished vessels,{{Ref/Reuse|wg}} she may have broke apart and crash landed on the ring.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=GameInformer|fSNXqbbAjC4|Game Informer|Halo Infinite Impressions: Exploration, Upgrades, and More|Time=9:17}}{{Ref/Site|Id=GIInf|URL=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/11/11/off-the-golden-path-progression-and-exploration-in-halo-infinite|Site=Game Informer|Page=Off The Golden Path – Progression And Exploration In Halo Infinite|D=11|M=11|Y=2021|Quote=[...] while rallying the UNSC forces that have crash-landed there after the devastating destruction crash of the UNSC Infinity.}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|infinity}}

 

 

 

===The UNSC scatters===

Despite the explosion, the Banished possessed a larger control of the ring, with some UNSC forces gathering on one of the fragments.{{Ref/Site|Id=parallel|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/parallel-threads|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Parallel Threads|D=25|M=6|Y=2021}} The Banished committed a large force at the eastern fragmented sections of the ring;{{Ref/Quest|HI|Reformation|FOB November}} this region became known as the "Red Zone".{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp13|TRP|13}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp14|TRP|14}}{{Ref/Game|HI|Id=r6|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Reverie 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Reverie #06 - Weakness}} The Banished had deployed their [[Banished outpost|prefabricated outposts]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp6|TRP|6}} [[Banished Harvester|resource harvesters]],{{Ref/Game|HI|Id=r2|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Reverie 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Reverie #02 - Debrief}} and signal disruptors as well as broadcast towers—these continually interfered with the UNSC's short-range communications and made long-range communications nearly impossible.{{Ref/Reuse|rp13}} The Banished also endeavored to find alternate means to take control of the ring; the Bloodstar [[Gorian]] searched for the ring's [[Conspectus network]] hubs, which would grant him access to the ring's defense systems. Gorian stole [[Kate Stalling]]'s research on the Conspectus network and directed the excavation operations to locate the facilities.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp22|RP|22}}

[[File:HINF MarineAmbushConcept.jpg|thumb|300px|Gunnery Sergeant [[Elena Bobrov]] and a marine evade a Banished patrol; UNSC survivors adopted guerilla warfare to fight the Banished.]]

On one of the fragments to the west, a large group of survivors led by Commander [[Etana Hensler]] and Spartan [[Hudson Griffin]] established a base of operations in the wreckage of the ''Mulsanne''-class frigate {{UNSCShip|Mortal Reverie}},{{Ref/Reuse|rp13}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp9|TRP|9}} discovered by Spartan [[Vedrana Makovich]].{{Ref/Reuse|hafh}} Numerous survivors from the ''Infinity'' gathered at the crash site, including naval personnel, army troopers, marines, ODSTs, and Spartans; however, the remaining half of the survivors held no prior combat experience, being [[Unified Earth Government]] personnel, scientists, retail specialists, and support staff.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp15|TRP|15}} Lieutenant [[TJ Murphy]] was put in charge of providing military training to supply staff and non-military personnel.{{Ref/Reuse|rp13}} Under the leadership of Commander Hensler and Spartan Griffin,{{Ref/Reuse|rp13}} the UNSC forces at the ''Reverie'' ran numerous guerilla ops against the Banished forces.{{Ref/Game|Id=oi13|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #13 - Trench Warfare}} [[First Lieutenant]] [[Floyd (Installation 07)|Floyd]] conducted multiple field surveys and reconnaissance missions on nearby Banished outposts, reporting his findings to Spartans Griffin, [[Bertold Vettel]], and [[Bonita Stone]],{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #02 - No Entry}}{{Ref/Game|Id=mem|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #10 - Making Ends Meet}} while also attempting to contact other UNSC forces.{{Ref/Reuse|oi13}} The UNSC also set up multiple [[Forward Operating Base]]s in the regions on the fragmented section of the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|s1}} The bases were hastily deployed to monitor Banished activities and launch incursions against raiding parties, supply depots, and other targets, but by [[2560#January|January 2560]], only a handful remained within UNSC control. Although the ''Infinity'' launched its sophisticated array of [[UNSC battle network]] communications satellites upon the ambush, most appeared to have been destroyed by the Banished.{{Ref/Reuse|rp13}}

On [[2560#January|January 20, 2560]], Stone and Kovan conducted a recon sweep deep inside the Red Zone.{{Ref/Reuse|rp14}} They observed that Banished forces were only unified under Escharum, with internal competition among its members. Kovan reported their findings to Griffin, and suggested that an attempt on Banished [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]]'s life may fragment the Banished leadership.{{Ref/Reuse|r6}} A four-Spartan team, the members of which were decided by drawing straws, was to infiltrate Banished territory and assassinate Escharum, while other Spartans remained at the ''Reverie'' to defend the base. In the end, on January 23, 2560, Spartan Griffin led Spartans [[Panago]], [[Henri Malik|Malik]], and [[Sarkar]] on an assassination mission on Escharum. Griffin left [[Bertold Vettel]] in his stead with Hensler to co-lead the UNSC forces at the ''Reverie''.{{Ref/Reuse|rp15}}{{Ref/Game|Id=tlb|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Retaliation 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Retaliation #02 - Those Left Behind}} However, Escharum anticipated Griffin's actions. His forces ambushed the Spartan team, killing the other three and leaving Griffin badly wounded. Escharum taunted Griffin, letting him know that he'd sent most of his forces to assault the ''Reverie''. Griffin managed to send an encrypted message to warn ''Reverie'' before Escharum captured and handed him over to [[Chak 'Lok]] for torture.{{Ref/Game|Id=r3c|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Retaliation 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Retaliation #03 - Confrontation}} Under the combined leadership of Vettel and the counsel of Makovich, the UNSC forces at the ''Reverie'' braced for the Banished's attack.{{Ref/Game|Id=dtl|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Retaliation 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Retaliation #06 - Drawing the Line}}

{{Main|Battle of the Mortal Reverie}}

On the evening of January 31,{{Ref/Game|Id=rt|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Retaliation 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Retaliation #07 - Red Tide}} [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] [[Tremonius]] and [[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]] [[Arthoc]] led a massive Banished force from [[Riven Gate (location)|Riven Gate]] in [[Battle of the Mortal Reverie|an assault on the ''Reverie'']].{{Ref/Reuse|rt}}{{Ref/Game|Id=iyh|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #15 - In Your Honor}} Under an overwhelming assault, the UNSC forces retreated from the crash site on [[2560#February|February 2]].{{Ref/Game|Id=r8tr|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Retaliation 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Retaliation #08 - The Retreat}} Following the battle, the crash site surrounding the ship was converted into [[Outpost Tremonius (location)|a Banished outpost]]. As a reward for Tremonius' victory, Escharum had the outpost named after Tremonius,{{Ref/Reuse|iyh}} who would be promoted to the rank of [[Jiralhanae Warlord|Warlord]].{{Ref/Game|HI|[[Ascension (achievement)|Ascension]] achievement requirement|Quote=Defeated the Banished warlord Tremonius.}} Pursued by small Banished parties, UNSC survivors scattered and fled into mountains or the surrounding area. Escharum ordered Banished troops to capture human survivors and collect dead Spartans from the battlefield—making it impossible for escapees to scavenge gear from their dead comrades.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp18|TRP|18}}

At some point after the ring's fragmentation, the [[511th Infantry Division]] established a base of operations in [[Fragmentation|a canyon]] and are surveying that fragment. While fighting off [[Sentinel]] patrols and [[Banished]] talons, they were attempting to make contact with UNSC forces in comms range.{{Ref/Site|Id=cf|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon fodder: Foundations|D=12|M=1|Y=2022}}

The surviving UNSC personnel were forced to conduct mostly defensive tactics over the next few months, losing their last Forward Operating Base by [[2560#March|March 3]].{{Ref/Game|Id=s1|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #01 - Rubicon Protocol}} Small, unofficial UNSC squads—such as the [[Gravediggers]], [[Hatetriox]], and the [[boat crew]]—survived by roaming the region and conducted guerilla operations where able; an ongoing leaderboard of kills and accomplishments circulated by word of mouth.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp21|TRP|21}} Meanwhile, the Banished began setting up more infrastructure on the ring. They built sensory arrays at the [[Horn of Abolition (location)|Horn of Abolition]] and hijacked a Forerunner resonance amplifier to boost their relays,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #03 - A Boon}} thus always staying one step ahead of the UNSC forces.{{Ref/Game|Id=tal|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #04 - They are Listening}} They also established [[Annex Ridge (location)|Annex Ridge]], where they conducted research on the ring's artifacts.{{Ref/Game|Id=ahap|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #11 - A Hastily-Assembled Plan}}

 

Escharum ordered his Banished forces to capture UNSC survivors;{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #07 - That Which Remain}} [[Prisoner of war|prisoners of war]] were be processed at [[Redoubt of Sundering (location)|Redoubt of Sundering]] before being taken to [[Chak 'Lok]]'s [[Tower]] for interrogation under torture and duress.{{Ref/Reuse|rp20}}{{Ref/Quest|HINF|Connections|Redoubt of Sundering|Quote=This must be where they processed prisoners before sending them to the Tower.|Quotee=The Weapon}} Many were transported to Escharum's base, the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]],{{Ref/Reuse|tower}} where they went through the Trials of Atriox: a ritual in which they defend a large room from multiple waves of Banished troops. If they survived, they were fed food and water, then went through the trial again on the next day.{{Ref/Novel|Id=tor|Halo: Trial of Reckoning}} The UNSC forces were unable to stage any major offensives due to the loss of an organized leadership, but what Spartans remained enacted the [[Rubicon Protocol]] on March 3: doing all they could to prevent the Banished from taking control of the ring and protect [[Earth]].{{Ref/Reuse|s1}} In one particular incident, Spartans [[M. Jaide|Jaide]] and [[Rosado]] managed to hijack a [[Barukaza Workshop siege-hauler]] carrying artifacts from Annex Ridge.{{Ref/Reuse|ahap}}

 

 

 

The Harbinger aided in the excavation efforts, personally inspecting excavation sites and modifying the Banished's mining equipment to cut through Forerunner alloys.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #06 - Secrets Below}}{{Ref/Quest|Id=excavation site|HI|Connections|Excavation Site}} Furthermore, upon the discovery of the [[Conservatory (location)|Conservatory]], where the monitor of the installation, [[117649 Despondent Pyre]], resided, they prioritized on excavating the facility.{{Ref/Reuse|wlb}} The Harbinger aimed to acquire the monitor's [[encephalon]], which would allow her to initiate the Reformation. Having observed [[Site Novem|the excavation site]], Spartans Makovich and [[Theodore Sorel]] correctly deduced that Escharum was searching for the Monitor. Over the next three weeks, the two stalled the Banished's excavation efforts by sabotaging the excavation machinery and disrupting supply lines.{{Ref/Game|Id=tp|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #04 - The Prize}} Despite Makovich and Sorel's sabotage efforts, the Banished completed the excavation by May 15. Makovich and Sorel followed the Banished into the underground facility,{{Ref/Game|Id=s7i|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #07 - Infiltration}} but they were ambushed and killed by members of the [[Hand of Atriox]].{{Ref/Game|Id=s8|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #08 - The Assassin}}{{Ref/Game|Id=s9|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #09 - Killers}} However, the Harbinger and the Banished would not find Despondent Pyre inside the Conservatory until the Master Chief's return circa May 28.{{Ref/Quest|Id=conservatory|HI|Connections|Conservatory}}

 

 

Stone's lifeless body was found by her teammate Nina Kovan and the [[boat crew]] on the next day. They recovered the data chip, and was later approached by submonitor [[091 Adjutant Veridity]], who revealed Stone's data chip contained the ring's Conspectus network data, including the ring's galactic coordinates. Led by Veridity, the boat crew set out to the Conservatory to free Pyre from Cortana's lockdown and decrypt the data.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp30|RP|30}} On May 9, the team arrived at the Conservatory's main chamber. Spartan [[Tomas Horvath]], having joined the team while they were en route to the Conservatory,{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp31|RP|31}} deactivated the barrier and awaken the monitor. Although Pyre was initially uninterested in offering any assistance, upon hearing news of the Harbinger being released, the monitor decrypted the data and granted access to the beacon towers. She also gave the humans a data key that they must insert into the central plinth of a beacon tower in order to transmit the ring's location and data to human-occupied space. However, Pyre ordered Veridity to remain with her to counter the Harbinger, leaving the boat crew to travel to the beacon tower without Veridity's presence.{{Ref/Reuse|rp34}}

 

 

{{Quote|The [[Master Chief]] has returned. This should anger me but strangely it does not. It invigorates me. Gives me new purpose. What use a [[War Chief]] with no war left to win? I could not have wished for a more worthy adversary. [[Atriox]], I now understand why you did not kill him on the [[UNSC Infinity|human craft]]. You wanted him to witness your victory. I will complete your work. Your vision.|Escharum upon learning of John-117's survival.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Escharum's Testimony 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Escharum's Testimony #04 - Demon}}}}

 

After the destruction of the ''Gbraakon'', John-117 was contacted by the Weapon, who had been stranded in the ring for the last six months.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}} Esparza, piloting ''Echo 216'', took the Spartan to a subterranean structure at the fragmented section of the ring, where the Spartan retrieved the Weapon. While returning to Outpost Tremonius at the surface, John-117 encountered and defeated Warlord Tremonius, thus returning the wreckage of ''Reverie'' to UNSC control.{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}}

 

Escharum ordered Chak 'Lok to lure the Master Chief to the Tower using Griffin's distress signal. At the Weapon's advice, John-117 pursued the signal to the Tower, where he confronted and killed 'Lok. Despite being freed from the torture device, Griffin succumbed to his wounds, but told John-117 of the Conservatory.{{Ref/Quest|Id=tower|HI|Lockdown|The Tower}} John-117 and the Weapon then traveled to the excavation site, where the Spartan defeated [[Bassus]], and entered the Conservatory.{{Ref/Reuse|excavation site}} Inside the Conservatory, they watched 117649 Despondent Pyre being captured by Skimmers. Pyre was tortured and interrogated by the Harbinger, who retrieved the monitor's encephalon.{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}} With Pyre seemingly destroyed, submonitor [[Adjutant Resolution]] was activated.{{Ref/Reuse|spire}} The Harbinger left for the surface, with John-117 in pursuit. At the entrance of the Conservatory, John-117 confronted the Harbinger, but was unable to prevent her from activating the Reformation using Pyre's encephalon.{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}} 43 Reformation Spires, including one Command Spire, began appearing at various locations on the ring,{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}} awaiting an initiation sequence.{{Ref/Reuse|spire}} The Harbinger escaped, with the Spartan heading to the Reformation Spire that materialized outside the Conservatory.{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}

 

John-117 fought through Banished defenses, including a pair of [[Mgalekgolo]], at the base of the Reformation Spire, and entered the structure. Inside, the Spartan and the Weapon met Adjutant Resolution, who told them of the Spire's purpose: to rebuild the ring. John-117 ordered the Weapon to shut down the Reformation Spire to prevent the ring from being made operable. Adjutant Resolution attempted to intervene, leading to a short battle at Spire's observation platform, with John-117 defeating the submonitor in its armored chassis. The Weapon took the Spire offline, and they escaped the collapsing tower onboard ''Echo 216'', with the Command Spire as their next objective.{{Ref/Reuse|spire}}

 

 

With the Harbinger modifying the sequence, John-117 and the Weapon arrived at the Command Spire to find its entrance under lockdown. They fought through Banished defenses to access four Forerunner beacons nearby, where the Weapon reconstructed a pure version of the sequence to access the Spire. The Harbinger, having realized that there is something guiding the Master Chief, scanned the Weapon and confirmed her existence while the Weapon was accessing the data strands beneath the Forerunner beacons.{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}} John-117 and the Weapon returned to the Command Spire, first passing through the Nexus located at the base of the Spire. The Banished troops inside, despite being reinforced by [[Sentinel Aggressor]]s that were in support of initiating the Reformation, failed to fend off the Spartan, and John-117 uploaded the Weapon into the Nexus to activate the gravity lift to access the Spire. While the Weapon was in the system, the Harbinger hijacked the Weapon's routines,{{Ref/Reuse|nexus}} which, when paired with Despondent Pyre's encephalon,{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}} would correctly initialize the Reformation. However, the Weapon infiltrated the systems and retrieved Pyre's encephalon, that would allow her to halt the Reformation.{{Ref/Reuse|nexus}} John-117 and the Weapon entered the Command Spire, where they defeated the Banished and Sentinel defenses, including Adjutant Resolution, then shut down the Reformation.{{Ref/Quest|Id=commandspire|HI|Reformation|The Command Spire}} However, the Silent Auditorium was already partially rebuilt, and Escharum asked the Harbinger if that would be sufficient to carry out her plans, but she was unsure.{{Ref/Reuse|repository}}

{{Quote|Our battle ends here. Bear witness! Our story will become legend. Told by those that survive you.|Escharum to John-117 as he prepare to fight John-117.{{Ref/Quest|Id=hor|HI|Reckoning|House of Reckoning}}}}

When Fernando Esparza flew ''Echo 216'' towards the crumbling Command Spire to pick up John-117, Jega 'Rdomnai revealed himself in the cockpit, having boarded the Pelican at some point.{{Ref/Reuse|commandspire}} The Sangheili took Esparza hostage, using the pilot as a bait to lure John-117 into a confrontation with Escharum.{{Ref/Reuse|repository}} To escape the crumbling Spire, John-117 entered a portal activated by the Weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|commandspire}} They were transported to the Repository, where they fought through Banished troops and Sentinels to the surface,{{Ref/Reuse|repository}} and, from there, they stormed the House of Reckoning, destroying the Banished defenses along the way.{{Ref/Quest|Id=road|HI|Reckoning|The Road (level)|The Road}} Inside, Escharum had John-117 fight through multiple waves of Banished troops in two arenas constructed from UNSC ordnance and buildings. John-117 fought Jega 'Rdomnai in a duel, emerging victorious and finally confronting Escharum at the chamber where Esparza was held. Escharum protected himself with a shielding system which redirected gunfire to the gravity wells holding Esparza. The Weapon helped John-117 locate and destroy the relay transmitters supporting the shielding system, allowing the Spartan to breach the shields and take down Escharum. In his final moments, Escharum assured John-117 that his death will only inspire further conflict.{{Ref/Reuse|hor}} However, after Escharum's death, Atriox would make his survival known, giving the Banished a newfound resolve and confidence to fight for the control of the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p423}} With Esparza rescued, the trio recovered ''Echo 216'' and Esparza flew John-117 to the Silent Auditorium to stop the Harbinger.{{Ref/Reuse|hor}}

 

Although the Banished set up defenses at the Silent Auditorium to protect the Harbinger, John-117 breached the main chamber with the help of Adjutant Resolution. The Spartan fought through the Banished forces defending the Harbinger, and the Harbinger herself as she interfaced with the transmitters in the main chamber to locate members of her species, the Endless. Despite the Weapon's attempt to intervene with the transmission, and John-117 defeating the Harbinger in battle, the Harbinger claimed her people have been found, and that they would be unleashed. The Auditorium began to collapse, but a portal suddenly appeared, allowing the two to escape. On the other side of the portal, they found themselves having traveled three days into the future. They were extracted by ''Echo 216'', and taken to Outpost Tremonius with the intention of finishing the fight.{{Ref/Quest|Id=sa|HI|Endless|Silent Auditorium}}

[[File:HINF - Emblem icon - Ritual Dagger.png|thumb|left|200px|An emblem popular with Spartan and Marine survivors on the ring.]]

===The battle continues===

In the following days John-117, with the assistance of both Esparza and the Weapon, carried out anti-Banished operations and UNSC rescue missions. He managed to destroy eight Banished outposts, recapture eleven more FOBs, rescue twenty-five Marine squads and kill fourteen high-ranking members of the Banished plus the leader of a Gasgira patrol group known as [[Skimmer Alpha]]. Meanwhile, Atriox, having survived the destruction of the Auditorium, discovered the whereabouts of the Endless and finally released them from their one hundred thousand years of imprisonment. Atriox's sudden return gave to the Banished a newfound resolve and confidence.{{Ref/Book|Id=En423|Enc22|Page=423}}

==Engagments==

{{Engagements in the Battle for Zeta Halo}}

* A fleet of UNSC vessels led by the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} is ambushed by Banished forces over Installation 07.{{Ref/Reuse|ia4}} [[The Weapon]] is deployed to the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|ia5}} Captain [[Thomas Lasky]] orders all hands to abandon ship.{{Ref/Reuse|e1}}

* John-117 engages Atriox in a hangar onboard the ''Infinity'' and is thrown into space. The ship is presumed destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|infinity}}

* The surviving ''Infinity'' crew make landfall on the ring. [[Fireteam Taurus]] disables two Banished [[Kywasky Workshop Gorespike cannon]]s in an area south of the Silent Auditorium.{{Ref/Game|Id=e5|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Evacuation 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Evacuation #05 - Overwatch}}{{Ref/Reuse|r4}}

* In an effort to stop the Banished from taking control of the ring, Cortana detonates an explosion from the Silent Auditorium, fragmenting Installation 07 and killing herself and apparently Atriox in the process.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p25}}{{Ref/Reuse|sareveal}} Various UNSC survivors on the ring's surface attempt to escape the destruction. Cortana's explosion unwittingly levelled the playing field in the fragmented section of the ring by taking out the third and last Banished Gorespike cannon.{{Ref/Reuse|r4}}

*During the destruction event, Cortana initiated an emergency translocation protocol. Installation 07, along with the debris from the space battle, were transported away from the [[Ephsu system]] to an unknown location.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p423}}{{Ref/Reuse|oi9}}

* Spartan [[Vedrana Makovich]] discovers the crash site of the {{UNSCShip|Mortal Reverie}} and determines it to be a viable location for the UNSC's base of operations.{{Ref/Reuse|hafh}}

 

* Spartans [[Bonita Stone]] and [[Nina Kovan]] scout out the Banished territory Red Zone,{{Ref/Reuse|rp14}} deducing a potential vulnerability of the enemy in that infighting is encouraged. They deduced that only [[Escharum]]'s leadership keeps them in check.{{Ref/Reuse|r6}}

 

* Spartan [[Hudson Griffin]] leads Spartans [[Panago]], [[Henri Malik|Malik]], and [[Sarkar]] on a mission to assassinate Escharum.{{Ref/Reuse|tlb}} Spartan [[Bertold Vettel]] takes over his place and joins Commander [[Etana Hensler]] to lead the forces at the ''Reverie''.{{Ref/Reuse|rp15}}

 

* Spartan Griffin's team is ambushed by Escharum and all are killed except for Griffin. Escharum taunts him of his team's demise and of the Banished's [[Battle of the Mortal Reverie|impending assault on the ''Mortal Reverie'']]. Griffin is able to send out an encoded message, warning the UNSC survivors at the ''Reverie''.{{Ref/Reuse|r3c}}{{Ref/Reuse|rp15}}

* The survivors at the ''Reverie'' receive a part of Griffin's transmission and prepare for an assault by the Banished.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Retaliation 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Retaliation #05 - Encroachment}}{{Ref/Reuse|rp15}}

* Banished Jiralhanae Chieftain [[Tremonius]] and Captain [[Arthoc]] gathers a massive Banished assault force at [[Riven Gate (location)|Riven Gate]].{{Ref/Reuse|iyh}} Spartan Stone and [[Boulder Squad]] conduct a recon sweep at Riven Gate. Stone reports her findings to ''Mortal Reverie'', and warns the ''Reverie'' that the Banished would arrive by nightfall.{{Ref/Reuse|rt}}

* The UNSC survivors at the ''Mortal Reverie'' prepare for the Banished assault. Spartans Makovich and Vettel discuss the UNSC's inability to win the upcoming battle and their dwindling options for the future.{{Ref/Reuse|dtl}}

* Banished forces arrive at the ''Reverie'' and begin their assault on the wreckage.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp16|RP|16}}

 

* Spartan Vettel orders the UNSC survivors to retreat from the ''Reverie'' under the Banished assault.{{Ref/Reuse|r8tr}} The survivors scattered and fled into mountains or the surrounding area. Many are killed or captured by Banished pursuers.{{Ref/Reuse|rp18}}

 

* The UNSC loses all of its remaining Forward Operating Bases on the fragmented section of the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|s1}}

* Spartans Makovich, Vettel, and [[Theodore Sorel|Sorel]] declare the enactment of [[Rubicon Protocol]].{{Ref/Reuse|s1}}{{Ref/Reuse|rp21}}

 

 

* Having observed aircraft from Escharum's personal fleet flying towards [[Outpost Tremonius (location)|Outpost Tremonius]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp24|TRP|24}} members of the boat crew—including Nina Kovan, Bonita Stone, [[TJ Murphy]], [[Erik Bender]], [[Robin Dimik]], and [[Isaiah Cameron]]—investigate the outpost.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp26|TRP|26}}

* After Spartan Stone shares that she saw Browning at Outpost Tremonius, Spartan Kovan attempts to rescue Browning during the evening, to no avail.{{Ref/Reuse|rp26}}

* Separated from Kovan following their escape from the outpost, Stone explores the subterranean Forerunner structures. She sends a transmission to Makovich and Sorel that the Banished are sending forces to [[Site Novem|another excavation site]].{{Ref/Reuse|wlb}}{{Ref/Reuse|rp25}}

 

* Spartans Makovich and Sorel observe Banished activity around the [[Conservatory (location)|Conservatory]] and realize the Banished are looking for Installation 07's monitor.{{Ref/Reuse|tp}}

 

* Spartan Stone, while in the subterranean structures, finds the cylixes holding the Xalanyn. She picks up a UNSC signal deeper inside the facility.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #05 - Uncharted}} She finds Gorian and Jega 'Rdomnai accessing the [[Conspectus network]] data; Stone attacks the excavation team, stealing the data node,{{Ref/Reuse|rp28}} but was killed by 'Rdomnai during her escape.{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}} Before she was killed, however, Stone order her personal AI [[Ouco]] to copy the data into a [[data crystal chip]] and corrupted the original node, rendering it useless when 'Rdomnai recovers the date node.{{Ref/Reuse|rp28}}

 

* After confronting Kovan, Murphy leads the boat crew and infiltrates the subterranean structure underneath Outpost Tremonius. They discover Stone's body and recover the data chip containing the Conspectus network data. After they escape deeper into the structure, they met [[091 Adjutant Veridity]], who reveals the nature of the data. The boat crew agrees to release [[117649 Despondent Pyre]] from lockdown at the [[Conservatory (location)|Conservatory]] to decrypt the data.{{Ref/Reuse|rp30}}

 

* Spartan Vettel sends out a signal to any remaining UNSC transmitters that he intends to assault Chak Lok's fortress and rescue Spartan Griffin.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #06 - Holding On}}

 

 

 

 

* Spartans Makovich and Sorel follow the Banished into the Conservatory with the intent to stop them from finding the monitor.{{Ref/Reuse|s7i}}

* Inside the Conservatory, the two Spartans encounter [[Jega 'Rdomnai]]. Makovich stays behind to hold off the Sangheili and tells Sorel to go on without her.{{Ref/Reuse|s8}} She is killed by 'Rdomnai.{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}

* The wounded Sorel encounters a Banished force led by [[Hyperius]] and [[Tovarus]]. He manages to take out multiple Banished troops before being slain.{{Ref/Reuse|s9}}

 

===May 25, 2560===

* Far from any surviving UNSC personnel, Spartan Horvath makes a final transmission on UNSC channels that he is leaving Banished territory to look for survivors and Fireteam Intrepid. He makes an open plea to the Master Chief that they need him now more than ever.{{Ref/Reuse|rp39}}{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #10 - Message in a Bottle}}{{Ref/Note|While the audio log in ''Halo Infinite'' is dated May 26, ''Halo: The Rubicon Protocol'' retconned the date to May 25. Halopedia uses the novel as the most up-to-date depiction of the events.}}

 

*Echo 216 picks up John-117 and the Weapon from another location within Installation 07.{{Ref/Reuse|sareveal}} Atriox discovers the Endless in their Cylixes.{{Ref/Reuse|stinger}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"

! style="width: 20%" |Fleet  

! style="width: 32.5%" |Class

! style="width: 32.5%" |Name

! style="width: 15%" |Status<!--This refers to their status after the battle, not their overall status-->

|Unknown{{Ref/Twitter|Id=StatusUnknown|Halo|1606394218079035415|Halo|Quote=...Ambushed and boarded by the Banished at Zeta Halo, its current status is unknown.|D=01|M=01|Y=2023}}

|{{Class|Mulsanne|light frigate}}

{| class="wikitable sortable " style="width: 75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"

! style="width: 20%" |Branch

! style="width: 32.5%" |Rank

! style="width: 32.5%" |Name

! style="width: 15%" |Status<!--This refers to their status after the battle, not their overall status-->

| rowspan="9" |[[UNSC Navy]]

|Active

| rowspan="21" |[[Spartan Operations]]

| rowspan="20" |Spartan

|[[Si Wheeler]]

|Active

| rowspan="20" |[[UNSC Marine Corps]]

| rowspan="2" |[[First Lieutenant]]

| rowspan="3" |[[Private First Class]]

| rowspan="4" |[[Private]]

| rowspan="2" |United Nations Space Command

| rowspan="2" |Unknown

|47382-28392-GH{{Ref/Reuse|tal}}{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #06 - Digging Deeper}}

|[[Swords of Sanghelios]]

|Unknown

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"

! style="width: 42.5%" |Class

! style="width: 42.5%" |Name

! style="width: 15%" |Status<!--This refers to their status after the battle, not their overall status-->

|rowspan="3"|[[D77-TC Pelican]]

====Artificial intelligences====

{| class="wikitable sortable " style="width: 75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"

! style="width: 85%" |Name

! style="width: 15%" |Status<!--This refers to their status after the battle, not their overall status-->

|[[Elfie]]

|Active

|[[Mouse]]

|"[[The Weapon]]"

 

|[[Fernando Esparza]]

|Civilian Engineer

{| class="wikitable sortable " style="width: 75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"

| rowspan="5" |Unknown

| rowspan="3" |[[Banished dreadnought]]

{| class="wikitable sortable " style="width: 75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"

! style="width: 20%" |Branch

! style="width: 32.5%" |Rank

! style="width: 32.5%" |Name

! style="width: 15%" |Status<!--This refers to their status after the battle, not their overall status-->

|Active

|[[Spartan Killer]] {{c|[[Blademaster]]}}

| rowspan="2" |[[Spartan Killer]]

|[[Bloodbrave Guardians of Suban]]

|[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]]

|[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]

|rowspan="2"|[[Exodus Guard]]

|[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]]

| rowspan="2"|[[Lance of the Writhing Star]]

|[[Ik'novus]]

| rowspan="2" |[[Yyilikoi Farguard]]

| rowspan="14" |Unknown

| rowspan="4" |[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]

|Active

|[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]]

|[[Hectarius]]

{{Col-end}}

File:HINF- Infinity rammed.png|{{UNSCShip|Infinity}} being rammed by a [[Banished dreadnought]] during the space battle over Zeta Halo.

File:HINF GruntUltra Vista.png|An Unggoy Ultra on patrol near some [[totem ring]]s.

File:HINF MarinesVsBanshee.png|Marines defend [[FOB November]] from a Banshee.

File:HINF GuardianHoloStructure.jpg|John-117 inside the Silent Auditorium on the ring.

File:HINF ZetaHaloConflict.png|John-117 in battle on the ring.

*''[[Become]]''

**''[[Carry On]]'' {{1st}}