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Conversations from the Universe

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Conversations from the Universe.

Conversations from the Universe, also known as the "Esoteric" manual[1], is a booklet included in the Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition. It contains various conversations, letters and logs from characters in the Halo universe.

Overview[edit]

Conversations From the Universe originated as a booklet included in limited edition copies of Halo 2 alongside a Covenant-themed manual. The booklet was later made available for download as a digital PDF on the Xbox website[1], before being posted in their entirety on Halo Waypoint.[2]

The Conversations hint at several plot threads and mentions, for the first time, that were later picked up on years after their introduction. Such examples include;

  • The first and only mention of the existence of the Sharquoi until later confirmation in a Canon Fodder and the focus of the 2016 novel Halo: Envoy.[3]
  • Hints at other visitors to Installation 04 by 343 Guilty Spark, later depicted in the terminals of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.
  • Some of the first usage of Covenant species' proper names (Sangheili instead of Elite, Unggoy instead of Grunt etc.) - until this point, Halo media had typically referred to the Covenant as Elites, Grunts, Jackals and Hunters.

The Conversations[edit]

343 Guilty Spark's Log

>>> 343 GUILTY SPARK - EXTRACTED/TRANSMITTED/VOLUNTEERED FROM LOG >>>

Revolution 56-11.333: Ho hum. Eons of inactivity and perfect stability. Then everything happens all at once.

A primitive, hegemonizing swarm calling itself The Covenant has landed on installation 4. Apparently seeking something specific. Exploring! Meddling! I've seen it all before. They'll record what they see and they'll leave.

Detail species NA Covenant/collective religious
sect/tech level 4 spacefaring/tech familiar

Revolution 56-11.334: Oh dear. Containment protocols appear to have been violated.

The interlopers appear to have accidentally released the Flood infection forms. This situation is rapidly deteriorating. Most of these interlopers appear to contain ample calcium stores. And they've brought plentiful means for the Flood to escape containment and spread. How impossibly thoughtless. I suppose I'll have to activate the facility.

Revolution 56-11.335: Thank goodness. A Reclaimer is here. And what perfect timing. I am sure he will assist me cleaning up this irritating mess.

Revolution 56-11.336: The Reclaimer has proven to be less than helpful. Obstinate, in fact. And of course, there is no precedent for this situation. Ho-hum. As usual I shall have to rely on my own better judgement. Perhaps the Reclaimer simply requires persuasion.

Detail visitor Reclaimer/AI companion/Obtuse
purpose/mission

Revolution 56-11.337: Well, my judgement seems to have failed me for once. The Reclaimer has initiated a reaction in the engine system of a very dirty spacecraft. Data suggests it will destroy installation 4 utterly. I believe discretion might be the better part of valor. I have attempted to fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my ability.

Revolution eta-condition: Well, everything is in a terrible state. The installation is ruined. I am stuck here in the middle of nowhere with only impulse propulsion, and the only good news is that the Flood breach has been halted, albeit inelegantly.

Detail Installation 4 destroyed/nuclear
reaction/Flood containment achieved by Reclaimer
Revolution eta-condition: Excellent! I believe I see assistance approaching...<ends>

Trivia[edit]

  • C. Errera, the soldier who picked up the conversation between two Grunts, is a reference to Claude Errera, one of the lead founders of halo.bungie.org. He later appears directly in the canon in Halo: Reach, where random Army troopers recruited under the "Fireteam" mechanic may have his name.

Sources[edit]

External links[edit]