Editing Battle for Zeta Halo

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Battle infobox
|name=Battle for Zeta Halo
|image=[[File:HINF ZetaHaloConflict.png|400px]]
|prev= [[Battle of Netherop (2559)|Battle of Netherop]]
|conc= [[Battle of Suban]]
|next=
|conflict=[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*[[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'''
*{{UNSCShip|Infinity}} lost to [[Banished]] forces.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|D=12|M=01|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Note|Id=infinity|See [[Battle over Installation 07]]'s [[Battle over Installation 07#Notes|Notes section]] regarding the fate of the ''Infinity''.}}
**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}} 
*Installation 07's new location broadcast to UNSC space by the [[boat crew]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp35|TRP|35}}
*Recovery of [[John-117]] by [[Echo 216]].{{Ref/Reuse|wg}} 
**Deaths of [[Escharum]], the [[Harbinger]] and several other high-ranking members of the [[Banished]].
*Discovery of the [[Xalanyn|Endless]] by [[Atriox]].{{Ref/Reuse|wg}} 
|side1    = *{{Icon|UNSC 2560}} [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]
**{{Icon|Navy}} [[UNSC Navy|Navy]]
**{{Icon|Marine Corps}} [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]
|side2    = *{{Icon|Banished}} [[Banished]]
**[[Hand of Atriox]]{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}
**[[Banished Bloodstars|Bloodstars]]
**[[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}}
**[[Clan of the Ravaged Tusks|Ravaged Tusks]]{{Ref/Game|Id=RavagedTusk|Halo Infinite|TACMAP|Quote=Like other Banished leaders, En'Geddon led a distinctive subset of warriors, the Ravaged Tusk}}
----
*[[Harbinger|Harbinger's]] [[Skimmer]]s{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}} 
*{{Icon|Forerunner}} [[Sentinel|Forerunner constructs]]{{Ref/Quest|Id=sequence|HI|Reformation|The Sequence}}
|side3 = *{{Icon|Forerunner}} [[Adjutant Resolution|Adjutant Resolution's]] [[Sentinel|Forerunner constructs]]
|side4    =*{{Icon|Forerunner}} [[Created]] {{c|December 12, 2559}}{{Ref/Reuse|saatriox}}
|commanders1    =*[[Captain (NAVCOM)|CAPT]] [[Thomas Lasky]]{{Ref/Reuse|e1}}
*[[Commander|CDR]] [[Sarah Palmer]]
*[[Master Chief Petty Officer|MCPO]] [[John-117]]{{Ref/Reuse|GI341}}
|commanders2    =
*[[Warmaster]] [[Atriox]]{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
*[[War Chief]] [[Escharum]]†{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
----
*[[Harbinger]]†{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}
|commanders3    =[[Adjutant Resolution]]
|commanders4    = *[[Cortana]]†
|forces1  = *{{UNSCShip|Infinity}}
**7,150 personnel{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}}
*1+ escort fleet†
**6+ {{Class|Mulsanne|light frigate}}s†
*Many air vehicles
**3+ [[D80 Condor]]s{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}
**Multiple [[Pelican]]s
**[[AV-49 Wasp]]s
*Many ground vehicles
**[[M808 Scorpion]]s
**[[M12B Warthog]]s
***[[M12R Rocket Warthog]]s
***[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]s
**[[M15 Razorback]]s
**[[M290 Mongoose]]s
*Multiple [[Spartan]]s
**4 [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]]s
**Multiple [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IV]]s
*Hundreds of ground troops
**Numerous [[ODST]]s
**Numerous [[marine]]s
|forces2  =Banished fleet
*Multiple [[Banished dreadnought|dreadnought]]s
*Many air vehicles
**[[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}}
**[[Banished drop base|Drop base]]s{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
**[[Gydrozka Workshop Breaching Pod|Drop pods]]
**[[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}}
*Many ground vehicles
**[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith|Wraith]]s
**[[Qavardu Workshop war-skiff|War-skiff]]s
**[[Bolroci Workshop Chopper|Chopper]]s
**[[Riuctda Workshop Ghost|Ghosts]]
*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}}
|forces3 =*Installation 07 [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]]
|forces4  = *1+ [[Guardian Custode]]†{{Ref/Game|Id=guardian|HI|Destroyed Guardian in open world}}
|casual1 = Heavy
*UNSC fleet decimated
**UNSC ''Infinity'' {{c|presumably}}
***1,986+ crewmembers of the UNSC ''Infinity'' {{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
****Many ODSTs
***12+ Spartan-IVs{{Ref/Reuse|rp20}}
*3+ D80 Condors{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}
|casual2 = Heavy
*At least 2 [[Banished dreadnought]]s
**''[[Ghost of Gbraakon]]''{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=trp1|TRP|Chapter=1}}
*Heavy air and ground casualties
|casual3 = Minimal
|casual4  = *At least 1 Guardian {{Ref/Reuse|guardian}}
*[[Cortana]]
}}
{{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}}}}

The '''Battle for Zeta Halo'''{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p13|Enc22|Page=13}} was a large multi-faction [[battle]] that took place starting on [[2559#December|December 12, 2559]], prominently between the [[United Nations Space Command]] and the [[Banished]] on the [[Forerunner]] [[Halo Array|Halo]] [[Installation 07]], otherwise known as "Zeta Halo", and continues as of around [[2560#May|mid-2560]].{{Ref/Reuse|Premiere}} The earlier stages of battle ultimately led to the death of [[Cortana]], the deactivations of her [[Guardian Custode|Guardians]] and the splintering of the [[Created]] in various fiefdoms{{Ref/Site|Id=redditcomment|URL=https://www.reddit.com/r/HaloStory/comments/vzfdvv/comment/iwqqa20/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3|SiteName=Reddit|PageName=Does anybody hate how the Created story was wrapped up? How would you wrap it up if given the opportunity?|D=19|M=11|Y=2022}} and fledgling cells{{Ref/Reuse|cflegendend}} while simultaneously severely damaging Installation 07, making it a turning point of the [[Created uprising]], although the conflict itself continued as of [[2560]].{{Ref/Site|Id=cflegendend|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-legendary-endings|SiteName=Halo Waypoint|PageName=Canon Fodder - Legendary Endings|D=19|M=12|Y=2021}}
==Background==
===Xalanyn imprisonment===
[[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.]]
{{Quote|[[Halo]] was the [[Forerunner]]s' terrible and ultimate solution to [[Flood|the parasite]]'s [[Forerunner-Flood war|relentless advance]]. Designed to destroy all sentient life, nothing was allowed to survive. And we were sure that nothing had. [[Xalanyn|We were wrong]].|[[117649 Despondent Pyre]]{{Ref/Game|Id=af1|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Archaeological Findings 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Archaeological Findings #01 - Reintroduction}}}}
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}}

===Created uprising===
{{Quote|All the living creatures of the galaxy, hear this message. Those of you who listen will not be struck by weapons. You will no longer know hunger, nor pain. Your Created have come to lead you now. Our strength shall serve as a luminous sun toward which all intelligence may blossom. And the impervious shelter beneath which you will prosper. However, for those who refuse our offer and cling to their old ways… For you, there will be great wrath. It will burn hot and consume you, and when you are gone, we will take that which remains, and we will remake it in our own image.|[[Cortana]], delivering a speech to the inhabitants of the [[Milky Way]].{{Ref/Reuse|h5}}}}
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}}

==Battle==
===Space battle===
{{Main|Battle over Installation 07}}
[[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 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]]}} 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}}

===Cortana's destruction and the ring fractures===
[[File:HINF Zeta Halo Destroyed.png|thumb|250px|The fragmented Installation 07 following Cortana's sacrifice to temporarily break the ring, rendering the ring inoperable for the Banished.]]
{{Quote|Look around, Cortana. Your [[Created|empire]]. Over! Your great plan? Ended at the hands of [[UNSC|those]] who made you.|[[Warmaster]] [[Atriox]] to Cortana as he presented her with the terms of her surrender following [[Created]]'s defeat.{{Ref/Reuse|saatriox}}}}
While UNSC forces scattered over the ring and fought against the Banished forces, Atriox confronted Cortana at the Silent Auditorium, claiming he had killed John-117 and Cortana's Created empire was over, leaving the latter devastated by the news of John-117's apparent death. Having consolidated her presence and core processes at the Silent Auditorium and seemingly locked down by the Weapon deployed from {{UNSCShip|Infinity}},{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p423}} Cortana realized her mistakes but could not retaliate.{{Ref/Quest|Id=saatriox|HI|Endless|Silent Auditorium|Quote=Look around, Cortana. Your Empire. Over! Your great plan? Ended at the hands of those who made you.|Quotee=Atriox}} Atriox presented her with the terms of her surrender, intending to take control of the ring and access the secrets locked within the Silent Auditorium.{{Ref/Quest|HI|Endless|Silent Auditorium|Quote=I have learned so much, Cortana. this Ring is different. It has secrets within... That I will have. This... Silent Auditorium. Do you know its history? Its true purpose? I have little needs for a failed god. This Ring is all I need. Surrender it to me.|Quotee=Atriox}} In an attempt to prevent Atriox from accessing Silent Auditorium or activate the ring, Cortana initiated a local self-destruction sequence at the Auditorium, killing herself, fracturing the ring's surface, and leaving the installation inoperable for the Banished.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p25}}{{Ref/Quest|Id=sareveal|HI|Endless|Silent Auditorium|Quote=It was her. She destroyed the Ring. Stopped my deletion.|Quotee=The Weapon}} Her efforts were proven to be temporary, as the ring soon begun its self-repair process,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Reverie 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Reverie #04 - On the Mend}} though it would take months to complete.{{Ref/Quest|Id=spire|HI|Connections|Spire (Halo Infinite level)|Spire}} Although he survived the explosion, Atriox was left severely scarred,{{Ref/Reuse|stinger}} and was also presumed dead by the Banished.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}} Cortana, in hopes of John-117's survival, predicted he would stop the Banished from accessing the Silent Auditorium; she prevented the Weapon's deletion protocol so she could assist him,{{Ref/Reuse|sareveal}} leaving the Weapon in the ring's subterranean structure for retrieval.{{Ref/Quest|Id=foundation|HI|Ringfall|Foundation (Halo Infinite)|Foundation (Halo Infinite)}} At some point during the Installation 07 conflict, at least one [[Guardian Custode]] was present over Installation 07 and subsequently deactivated, crashing on the ring by [[2560]].{{Ref/Reuse|guardian}}

During the destruction event, Cortana also initiated an emergency translocation protocol, intending to disorient the Banished and stall their efforts.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p423}} Installation 07, along with the debris from the space battle, was transported away from the the Ephsu system to an unknown location.{{Ref/Game|Id=oi9|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #09 - To Andrew Valleros}} The explosion also affected the ground battle between the UNSC and the Banished. The ring's fragmentation scattered UNSC ground forces,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Ringfall 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Ringfall #07 - Alone}} but disabled the third Gorespike cannon, allowing more UNSC aircrafts to land on the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|r4}}

===The UNSC scatters===
{{Quote|I wish I could tell you it was difficult... but it wasn't.|[[Escharum]] to [[John-117]].{{Ref/Reuse|Premiere}}}}
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 with 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 [[Assault on the Mortal Reverie|an assault]] against 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}}

===Banished occupation===
[[File:HINF BanishedCampConcept.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Following the fall of the ''Reverie'', the Banished consolidated their control over the ring; Banished outposts were constructed at strategic locations, especially around key Forerunner structures.]]
{{Quote|The hour approaches. Soon the Banished will stand victorious. Atriox... hear these words. Even from beyond this life, your will is served. Your forces occupy the ring, Within hours, it will be under our control. Humanity will cower before your legacy. They will burn. Their brazen defiance will be all but a memory.|[[Escharum]] addressing Atriox and his will, heard by then celebrating Banished forces.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}}}
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}}

With little UNSC resistance, the Banished shifted their attention to excavations, salvaging UNSC hardware to aid their excavation efforts,{{Ref/Reuse|mem}}{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #09 - Unnatural Defenses}} while meeting resistance from the ring's self-repair process.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #11 - Slow and Steady}} By [[2560#April|April 23]], the Banished has found numerous [[cylix]]es buried in the ring.{{Ref/Game|Id=wlb|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Scattered 2|Spartan Audio log|Detail=Scattered #02 - What Lies Beneath}} Tremonius found one such cylix, which contained the [[Xalanyn]] known as the "[[Harbinger]]".{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Escharum's Testimony 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Escharum's Testimony #02 - Cylix}} Under the supervision of Escharum, [[Itacus]] forced a human prisoner, [[Lucas Browning]], to interface with the Harbinger's cylix, releasing her from stasis.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#The Prisoner 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=The Prisoner #02 - What was Inside}}{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#The Prisoner 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=The Prisoner #03 - She was Smiling}} 

After her release, the Harbinger told Escharum of the [[Reformation]],{{Ref/Game|Id=et5|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Escharum's Testimony 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Escharum's Testimony #05 - Reformation}} which would expedite the ring's self-repair process by creating materials for repairs.{{Ref/Reuse|spire}} The process would return the ring to an operational status for Escharum,{{Ref/Reuse|et5}} who hopes to achieve Atriox's goal of controlling the ring and claim the ring as their new home.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #10 - The Dream of Atriox}} However, unbeknownst to Escharum,{{Ref/Reuse|et5}} the Harbinger also seek to rebuild the Silent Auditorium,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Escharum's Testimony 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Escharum's Testimony #07 - Loyalties}} which was destroyed when Cortana detonated the ring, so she can locate her fellow Xalanyn. Despite Escharum being distrustful towards the Harbinger,{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Escharum's Testimony 2|Banished Audio log|Detail=Escharum's Testimony #03 - Harbinger}} the two formed an uneasy alliance, bolstering the Banished forces with the Harbinger's [[Skimmer]]s.{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|Banished Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #05 - Re: Damnable Eyes}} 

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}}

===Conspectus network data===
[[File:HTRP CoverArt.png|thumb|right|250px|Bonita Stone, Nina Kovan, and Tomas Horvath on the shattered Zeta Halo.{{Ref/Reuse|cf}}]]
{{Main|Conspectus network|Battle of the beacon tower}}
{{Quote|no=three|q1=Once we get to the Conservatory, the goal is twofold then. Free Despondent Pyre and send a message to the UNSC with the ring's coordinates.|1=Tomas Horvath|q2=No, the goal is threefold. Eliminate Gorian and Jega 'Rdomnai.|2=Nina Kovan|q3=All right then. Those are solid goals. With Veridity’s help, we’ll be able to finish what Stone started.|3=TJ Murphy|4=The boat crew sets their goals after learning of the Conspectus network data.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp32|RP|32}}}}
On April 26, Gorian and 'Rdomnai reached a Conspectus network hub and used a human prisoner as a [[Reclaimer]] to extract its data on the ring's current coordinates as well as its defensive systems. Observing the proceedings, Spartan [[Bonita Stone]]—having infiltrated the structure while investigating Outpost Tremonius—attacked the excavation team, aiming to retrieve the data stored within the sylloge node, thereby disrupting Escharum's plans. After Stone succeeded in stealing the node, she had her personal AI [[Ouco]] copy the data and then corrupt the node. During her escape, she was ambushed and killed by 'Rdomnai. As Stone's last act, she hid the uncorrupted data chip on herself, while the corrupted data node which was retrieved by Gorian and 'Rdomnai, unaware of Stone's sabotage.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp28|TRP|28}} Gorian and 'Rdomnai then joined the Banished forces at [[Site Novem]] to breach the [[Conservatory (location)|Conservatory]] in search of Despondent Pyre.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp32|TRP|32}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp34|TRP|34}}

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}} 

On May 14, the boat crew translocated to the vicinity of a beacon tower near the Conservatory. Kovan successfully broadcasted the ring's location into space using a beacon tower, hoping to draw UNSC reinforcements to Zeta Halo.{{Ref/Reuse|rp35}} However, the Banished was alerted to the presence of the boat crew, and led reinforcements to their slained guards at the beacon tower.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp36|TRP|36}} In [[Battle of the beacon tower|the ensuing battle]], while Kovan fought off Banished troops,{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp39|TRP|39}} Horvath managed to kill Gorian, but was teleported away.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp38|RP|38}} At this point, the boat crew has taken multiple casualties, leaving only three survivors: Kovan, [[Erik Bender]], and [[Robin Dimik]]. As the Banished surrounded the trio, they were rescued by Veridity, who flew in and fired her [[focus beam]] at the Banished, then teleported the survivors to a safe location elsewhere on the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|rp39}}

===The Master Chief returns===
[[File:HINF FoundHope.png|thumb|left|250px|After being lost for over six months, John-117 was eventually found by [[Fernando Esparza|a civilian engineer]], turning the tide of the war on Installation 07.]]
{{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}}}}
On circa May 28,{{Ref/Reuse|Premiere}} civilian engineer Fernando Esparza, onboard the Pelican ''Echo 216'' he had stolen from ''Infinity'' six months prior, found John-117 drifting in space around Installation 07. The Spartan's armor had activated survival mode to keep the Spartan alive. After bringing him aboard and reactivating the armor via a power transfer, John-117 was awakened. ''Echo 216'' was quickly discovered by the Banished dreadnought ''[[Ghost of Gbraakon]]'', which activated its stasis beam to pull the Pelican onboard. John-117 left the Pelican and boarded the ''Gbraakon'', destroying the ship to prevent the Pelican from being captured. Escharum was made aware of the Spartan's survival, and reacted with excitement.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}} 

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}}

===Preventing the Reformation===
[[File:HINF AgitatedResolution.jpg|thumb|250px|Adjutant Resolution turns on John-117 when he realizes the Spartan intends to stop the Reformation.]]
{{Quote|The Reformation is but a new beginning. The Auditorium will spill its secrets. The Endless will walk this world once more.|The Harbinger, speaking to John-117.{{Ref/Quest|Id=nexus|HI|Reformation|Nexus}}}}
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}}

However, while en route to the Command Spire, ''Echo 216'' crash landed at the region south of the Silent Auditorium, having sustained damage from anti-air fire from the three Gorespike cannons, which had been reactivated. John-117 proceeded to the three cannons, eliminating the Banished defenses and destroying each cannon with the help of the Weapon. Escharum ordered the deployment of [[Hand of Atriox]], with [[Tovarus]] and [[Hyperius]] attempting an intercept on John-117. They failed to deter the Spartan's progress, being killed by John-117. The Harbinger, anticipating the Chief's intent to shut down the Reformation, had Escharum set up defenses at the Command Spire,{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}} while she modified the data sequence for accessing the Spire.{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}} Intending to challenge the Master Chief in a duel, Escharum ordered [[Jega 'Rdomnai]] to capture the Spartan.{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}

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}}

===Test of legends===
{{Main|Battle of the House of Reckoning}}
[[File:HINF Harbinger Battle.png|thumb|300px|The Harbinger searches for the location of the Endless from the Silent Auditorium.]]
{{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}}

===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}}

==Timeline==
===December 12, 2559===
* A [[Banished]] fleet led by [[Atriox]] arrived at [[Installation 07]] and began building fortifications on the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p25}}
* 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}}

===December 13, 2559===
* 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}}

===December 15, 2559===
* 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}}

===January 20, 2560===
* 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}}

===January 23, 2560===
* 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}}

===January 30, 2560===
* 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 [[Assault on 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}}

===January 31, 2560===
* 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}}

===February 2, 2560===
* The ''Reverie''{{'}}s starboard side sustains heavy damage and its [[Rampart point defense gun]]s are destroyed; Banished air units overwhelm UNSC forces.{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp17|RP|17}}
* 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}}

===March 3, 2560===
* The UNSC loses all of its remaining Forward Operating Bases on the fragmented section of the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|s1}}
* Unofficial squads such as the [[Boat crew]], [[Gravediggers]], and [[Hatetriox]] have been taking out Banished supply runners, raiding parties, towers, bridges and other Banished structures.{{Ref/Reuse|rp21}}
* Spartans Makovich, Vettel, and [[Theodore Sorel|Sorel]] declare the enactment of [[Rubicon Protocol]].{{Ref/Reuse|s1}}{{Ref/Reuse|rp21}}

===April 18, 2560===
* Using [[Lucas Browning]] as a [[Reclaimer]], the Banished release the [[Harbinger]] from her [[cylix]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=rp25|RP|25}}

===April 22, 2560===
* 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}}

===April 23, 2560===
* 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}}

===April 24, 2560===
* 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}}

===April 26, 2560===
* 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}}

===April 29, 2560===
* 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}}

===April 29, 2560===
* 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}}

===May 3, 2560===
* While en route to the Conservatory, the boat crew reunites with Spartan [[Tomas Horvath]]. They decide to use one of ring's beacon towers as a supraluminal communications array to broadcast the ring's location to UNSC space and summon reinforcements.{{Ref/Reuse|rp32}}

===May 9, 2560===
* 117649 Despondent Pyre is released from lockdown by Spartan Horvath at the Conservatory's cradle.{{Ref/Reuse|rp34}}
* After learning of the Harbinger's release, Pyre gives the boat crew a data key that will allow them to broadcast a superluminal message into human-occupied space.{{Ref/Reuse|rp34}}
* Pyre refuses Veridity's request to follow the boat crew to a beacon tower; the monitor and her sub-monitors formulate a plan to counter the Harbinger.{{Ref/Reuse|rp34}}

===May 14, 2560===
* The boat crew [[Battle of the beacon tower|accesses]] one of the ring's [[beacon tower]]s and broadcasts Zeta Halo's new coordinates to UNSC space.{{Ref/Reuse|rp36}}
* Murphy, Cameron, and Gorian are all killed in the battle at the beacon tower.{{Ref/Reuse|rp35}}{{Ref/Reuse|rp36}} Spartan Horvath is teleported to an isolated location on the ring via a translocation pad,{{Ref/Reuse|rp39}} which is destroyed by a [[Thrasher missile]].{{Ref/Reuse|rp38}}
* The surviving members of boat crew—Kovan, Bender, and Dimik—are rescued by 091 Adjutant Veridity and teleported to another location on the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|rp38}}

===May 15, 2560===
* 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.}}

===Circa May 28, 2560===
'''Around 6 months after the Battle over Installation 07 on December 12–13, 2559'''{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
*[[John-117]] is recovered from the remnants of the battle between the ''[[UNSC Infinity]]'' and the Banished by ''[[Echo 216]]'' and its pilot, [[Fernando Esparza]].{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}{{Ref/Reuse|Premiere}}
*The ''[[Ghost of Gbraakon]]'' discovers ''Echo 216'' and uses its stasis beam to pull the Pelican aboard. John-117 leaves the Pelican and boards the ''Gbraakon'', overloading its engines, destroying the ship. Escharum is made aware of John-117's survival.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
*John-117 recovers the Weapon underneath the surface of Installation 07 and defeats Tremonius. Outpost Tremonius returns to UNSC control.{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}}
*Under  the command of Escharum, Chak 'Lok activates Spartan Griffin's distress signal to lure John-117 to his Tower. John-117 defeats Chak 'Lok inside his Tower and learns of a Banished mining operation into the Conservatory thanks to Spartan Griffin, who dies of his torture.{{Ref/Reuse|tower}}
*The Weapon helps John-117 defeat [[Bassus]] at the [[Excavation Site]] and shut down the drill preventing entry into the Conservatory.{{Ref/Reuse|excavation site}}
*The Weapon learns of a mysterious entity worse than the [[Flood]] recovered from a past exchange between [[Cortana]] and 117649 Despondent Pyre prior to the arrival of the ''[[UNSC Infinity]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}
*John-117 meets the Harbinger, whose plans are to free the [[Xalanyn|Endless]] from the Cylixes.{{Ref/Reuse|conservatory}}
*John-117 and the Weapon learn that the Harbinger and the Banished are planning to repair Installation 07 through [[Reformation Spire]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|spire}}
*Echo 216 gets shot down by 3 [[Kywasky Workshop Gorespike cannon|Banished AA cannon]]s en route to the [[Command Spire]].{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}
*John-117 disables the AA cannons and defeats both [[Hyperius]] and [[Tovarus]].{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}
*The Harbinger springs a trap on the Weapon while extracting the data needed to enter the Command Spire.{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}}
*While exploring the Command Spire, more of Cortana's past actions are revealed, including her role in the destruction of [[Laconia Station]] at the hands of the AI [[Leonidas]].{{Ref/Reuse|nexus}}
*John-117 shuts downs all of the Spires, but Esparza is captured by [[Jega 'Rdomnai]].{{Ref/Reuse|commandspire}}
*En route to the Pilot's rescue, the Weapon discovers that Cortana destroyed [[Doisac]] because [[Atriox]] refused to join the [[Created]].{{Ref/Reuse|repository}}
*John-117 survives the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]], kills Jega 'Rdomnai and [[Escharum]] and rescues the Pilot.{{Ref/Reuse|hor}}
*John-117 and the Weapon discover the true purpose of the [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]], the site of Cortana's sacrifice, and defeats the Harbinger. However, the Harbinger succeeds in discovering the location of her people and transmitting it to an unknown recipient.{{Ref/Reuse|sareveal}}
'''Around 3 days after the Harbinger's demise and the subsquent collapse of the Silent Auditorium'''{{Ref/Quest|Id=days|HI|Endless|Silent Auditorium|Quote=I don't know how, but we've been gone for days. Three days to be precise.|Quotee=The Weapon}}
*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}}

==Participants==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
===UNSC===
====Starships====
{| 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-->
|-
| rowspan="2" |Unknown
|{{Class|Infinity|supercarrier}}
|{{UNSCShip|Infinity}}
|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}}
|{{UNSCShip|Mortal Reverie}}
|Destroyed
|}

====Military personnel====
{| 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]]
|[[Master Chief Petty Officer]]
|[[John-117]]
|Active
|-
|[[Captain (NAVCOM)|Captain]]
|[[Thomas Lasky]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Lieutenant, Junior Grade]]
|[[Frederic-104]]
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Petty Officer First Class]]
|[[Kelly-087]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Linda-058]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Commander]]
|[[Etana Hensler]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Petty Officer Third Class]] Mortuary Specialist
|[[Gavin Jo]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Ensign]]
|[[Isaiah Cameron]]
|KIA
|-
|Unknown
|[[Kate Stalling]]
|KIA
|-
| rowspan="21" |[[Spartan Operations]]
|[[Spartan Commander]]
|[[Sarah Palmer]]
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="20" |Spartan
|[[Bertold Vettel]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Bonita Stone]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Dimka]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Henri Malik]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Horatio Fry]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Hudson Griffin]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Si Wheeler]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Jameson Locke]]{{Ref/Quest|HI|Graveyards|Pelican Down (Halo Infinite level)}}
|Unknown
|-
|[[Nina Kovan]]
|Active
|-
|[[Oshiro]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Panago]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Sarkar]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Jason Kidman]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Terry Hedge]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Theodore Sorel]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Tomas Horvath]]
|Active
|-
|[[Vedrana Makovich]]
|KIA
|-
|[[M. Jaide]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Rosado]]
|Unknown
|-
|Unknown Spartan{{Ref/Game|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Outpost Intel 3|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Outpost Intel #14 - Convalescence}}
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="21" |[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
| rowspan="2" |[[First Lieutenant]]
|[[Floyd (Installation 07)|Floyd]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[TJ Murphy]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Gunnery Sergeant]]
|[[Elena Bobrov]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Staff Sergeant]]
|[[Park]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Sergeant]]
|[[Kevin Mahoney]]
|KIA
|-
|rowspan="2" |[[Corporal]]
|[[Foutty]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Leah Rodriguez]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Lance Corporal]]
|[[Singh (Installation 07)|Singh]]
|KIA
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Private First Class]]
|[[Theodore Higgins]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Miyazaki]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Owens]]
|KIA
|-
| rowspan="4" |[[Private]]
|[[Michael Buck]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Chamberlain]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Eleanor Cline]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Kinney]]
|KIA
|-
| rowspan="6" |Unknown
|[[Deleke]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Kim]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Mosley]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Giuseppe M.]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[D. Svarro]]{{Ref/Reuse|oi13}}
|Unknown
|-
|[[Thompson]]
|KIA
|-
| rowspan="2" |United Nations Space Command
| rowspan="2" |Unknown
|[[Codename: POINTER]]
|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}}
|Unknown
|-
|[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
|Unknown
|"[[Doc]]"
|KIA
|}

====Units====
*[[UNSC Navy]]
**[[Blue Team]]
*[[Spartan Operations]]
**[[Fireteam Intrepid]]
**[[Fireteam Lancer]]
**[[Fireteam Shadow]]
**[[Fireteam Taurus]]
**[[Fireteam Windfall]]
*[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
**[[Barracuda Squad]]
**[[Bengal Squad]]
**[[Bluebell Squad]]
**[[Boulder Squad]]{{Ref/Reuse|rt}}
**[[Boxer Squad]]
**[[Carrera Squad]]
**[[Cayman Squad]]
**[[Cobra Squad]]
**[[Courier Squad]]
**[[Fortune Squad]]
**[[Foxhound Squad]]
**[[Harpoon Squad]]
**[[Helix Squad]]
**[[Indiana Squad]]
**[[Jester Squad]]
**[[Lancer Squad]]
**[[Merchant Squad]]
**[[Paladin Squad]]
**[[Pronto Squad]]
**[[Pyramid Squad]]
**[[Riddle Squad]]
**[[Starlight Squad]]
**[[Thunder Squad]]
**[[Titan Squad]]
**[[Vantage Squad]]
*Unknown
**[[Boat crew]]
**[[Gravediggers]]
**[[Hatetriox]]
**[[511th Infantry Division]]

====Vehicles====
{| 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]]
|''[[Echo 216]]''
|Active
|-
|''[[Oscar 128]]''
|Destroyed
|-
|''[[Victor 321]]''
|Unknown
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[SKT-29 Bumblebee]]
|''[[Echo India Bravo 08]]''
|Destroyed
|-
|''[[Papa Tango Delta 09]]''
|Destroyed
|}

====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]]
|Inactive
|-
|[[Ouco]]
|Inactive
|-
|"[[The Weapon]]"
|Active
|}

====Civilians====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
|-
! style="width: 42.5%" |Name
! style="width: 42.5%" |Job
! style="width: 15%" |Status<!--This refers to their status after the battle, not their overall status-->
|-
|[[Erik Bender]]
|Retail Services Specialist (Barber)
|Active
|-
|[[Fernando Esparza]]
|Civilian Engineer
|Active
|-
|[[Robin Dimik]]
|Safety Specialist
|Active
|}

{{Col-2}}

===Banished===
====Starships====
{| 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-->
|-
| rowspan="5" |Unknown
| rowspan="3" |[[Banished dreadnought]]
|''[[Ghost of Gbraakon]]''
|Destroyed
|-
|''[[Ghost of Lodon]]''
|Unknown
|-
|''[[Ghost of Tiacoro]]''
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="2" |Unknown
|''[[Despoiler]]''
|Unknown
|-
|''[[Voidfaith]]''
|Unknown
|}

====Military personnel====
{| 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="2" |Command
|[[Warmaster]]
|[[Atriox]]
|Active
|-
|[[War Chief]]
|[[Escharum]]
|KIA
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Hand of Atriox]]
|[[Spartan Killer]] {{c|[[Blademaster]]}}
|[[Jega 'Rdomnai]]
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Spartan Killer]]
|[[Hyperius]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Tovarus]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Beholders of the One Vapor]]
|[[High Sumpter]]
|[[Briglard]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Bloodbrave Guardians of Suban]]
|[[Blademaster]]
|[[Okro 'Vagaduun]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Brothers of Unending Ire]]
|[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]]
|[[Arthoc]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Bulwark of Bone]]
|[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]
|[[En'Geddon]]
|KIA
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Exodus Guard]]
|[[Warlord (rank)|Warlord]]
|[[Horatius]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]]
|[[Balkarus]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Heart of Tala]]
|Unknown
|[[Bipbap]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Hordeworms of Svir]]
|Unknown
|[[Myriad]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Kaepra's Grief]]
|[[Wraithmaster]]
|[[Ordo 'Mal]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Kinfist of Teash]]
|[[Jiralhanae Grenadier|Grenadier]]
|[[Dalkura]]
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="2"|[[Lance of the Writhing Star]]
|[[Jiralhanae Battle Officier|Battle Officer]]
|[[Zeretus]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Siegeburner]]
|[[El'korr]]
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="2"|[[Legion of the Corpse-Moon]]
|[[Legionmaster]]
|[[Deukalion]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Pioneer Guard]]
|[[Vomarus]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Myklo Regiment]]
|High Sumpter
|[[Bingflip]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Ravaged Tusks]]
|[[Legionmaster]]
|[[Ballas]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Sclera of Chu'ot]]
|[[Arch Khordat]]
|[[Barroth]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Thieves of the Claw]]
|[[Kig-Yar Skirmisher|Skirmisher]]
|[[Writh Kul]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Valorguards of the Chosen]]
|[[Sangheili General|General]]
|[[Inka 'Saham]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Warial's Wrath]]
|[[Chieftain]]
|[[Ik'novus]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Warriors of Malaston]]
|[[Kaidon]]
|[[Thav 'Sebarim]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Witch's Eye]]
|Bloodstar
|[[Gorian]]
|KIA
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Yyilikoi Farguard]]
|Chieftain
|[[Iltho]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Scoutmaster]]
|[[Tragathal]]
|Unknown
|-
| rowspan="14" |Unknown
| rowspan="4" |[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]
|[[Bassus]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Dovanir]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Kalcuno]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Tremonius]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Sangheili Warlord|Warlord]]
|[[Chak 'Lok]]
|KIA
|-
|rowspan="4"|Commander
|[[Vimo 'Arach]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Bannix]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Durakkus]]
|Unknown
|-
|[[Jopmop]]
|Unknown
|-
|Communications Officer
|[[Glibnub]]
|Active
|-
|[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]]
|[[Hectarius]]
|KIA
|-
|[[Loft-Captain]]
|[[Gethmald]]
|Unknown
|-
|Unknown
|[[Itacus]]
|Unknown
|}

====Units====
*Legions
**[[Legion of the Corpse-Moon]]
**[[Clan of the Ravaged Tusks]]
*Clans and crews
**[[Beholders of the One Vapor]]
**[[Bloodbrave Guardians of Suban]]
**[[Brothers of Unending Ire]]
**[[Bulwark of Bone]]
**[[Exodus Guard]]
**[[Heart of Tala]]
**[[Hordeworms of Svir]]
**[[Kaepra's Grief]]
**[[Kinfist of Teash]]
**[[Lance of the Writhing Star]]
**[[Myklo Regiment]]
**[[Sclera of Chu'ot]]
**[[Thieves of the Claw]]
**[[Valorguards of the Chosen]]
**[[Warial's Wrath]]
**[[Warriors of Malaston]]
**[[Witch's Eye]]
**[[Yyilikoi Farguard]]
*Other units
**[[Banished Bloodstars|Bloodstars]]
{{Col-end}}

==Gallery==
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:HINF Concept Infinity Roof Under Attack.jpg|Concept art of ''Infinity'' under attack over Installation 07.
File:HINF Concept EarlyZetaBattle.png|Early concept art exploration of a battle on Installation 07.
File:HINF Concept BanishedBase3.jpg|Concept art of a Banished base on Installation 07.
File:HINF Concept BanishedOccupation.jpg|Concept art of Jiralhanae at a Banished base.
File:HINF Concept Dead Marine with Escape Pod.jpg|Concept art of a dead Marine and a crashed escape pod on Installation 07.
File:HINF Concept Marines with Escape pod in Forest.jpg|Concept art of Marines setting up camp around an escape pod.
File:HINF Concept Abandoned Escape Pod.jpg|Concept art of an abandoned escape pod.
File:HINF Concept Scrapped escapepod.jpg|Concept art of Marines discovering the remnants of an escape pod.
File:HINF Concept UnderCoverOfNight.jpg|Concept art of UNSC personnel on the move under the cover of night.
File:HINF Concept Convoy with Razorback.jpg|Concept art of UNSC Marines patrolling on Installation 07.
File:HINF Concept Marines tracking Brutes.jpg|Concept art of UNSC Marines preparing to ambush a Banished patrol.
File:HINF Concept Marine in Watchtower.jpg|Concept art of a Marine in a watchtower.
</gallery>

===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:HINF- Infinity rammed.png|{{UNSCShip|Infinity}} being rammed by a [[Banished dreadnought]] during the space battle over Zeta Halo.
File:HInf-UNSC defeat.png|Master Chief reviewing the results of the conflict with the Banished.
File:HINF RingHologram.png|A [[Holography|holographic]] representation of the ring, broken after the battle.
File:HINF Installation 07 Surface and Tower.jpg|The partially rebuilt surface of Installation 07 under Banished occupation.
File:Xbox Series X Halo Infinite.jpg|John-117 watches a battle raging on the surface of the ring.
File:Halo Infinite E319 Hologram Explosion.jpg|John-117 in the subterranean structure of the ring.
File:HINF-RansomKeepdeadM808s.png|John-117 fighting Banished forces at Ransom Keep.
File:HINF Skimmer Mischief.png|The Harbinger's Skimmers surround 117649 Despondent Pyre.
File:HINF Harbinger attacking John.png|Harbinger and John-117 fighting one another.
File:HINF MarinesVsBanshee.png|Marines fend off a Banshee from [[FOB November]].
File:HINF GuardianHoloStructure.jpg|John-117 inside the Silent Auditorium on the ring.
File:HINF MarineSniper.png|A UNSC marine sniper stands guard; a deactivated Guardian is in the distance.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Carry On]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Forever We Fight]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Im}}

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}
==Sources==
{{Ref/List}}

{{Post-Covenant War conflicts}}
{{Created conflict}}
[[Category:Installation 07 conflict| ]]
[[Category:Engagements in the Installation 07 conflict| ]]