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{{ | {{Era|HCW}} | ||
{{Cleanup}} | {{Cleanup}} | ||
{{ | {{Outofdate|[[Halo: Broken Circle]] and [[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]}} | ||
{{ | {{Quad battle infobox | ||
|prev=[[Battle of | |prev=[[Battle of Mombasa]] | ||
|conc=[[Battle | |conc=[[Battle of Installation 05]] | ||
|next=[[Battle of Mare Erythraeum]] | |next=[[Battle of Mare Erythraeum]] | ||
|name= Fall of High Charity | |name= Fall of High Charity | ||
|image=[[File:H2A Great Schism.png|400px]] | |image=[[File:H2A Great Schism.png|400px]] | ||
|conflict= | |conflict=[[Great Schism]], [[Human-Covenant War]] | ||
|date=[[2552#November|November 3rd]], [[2552]] | |date=[[2552#November|November 3rd]], [[2552]] | ||
|place=[[High Charity]] | |place=[[High Charity]] | ||
|result='''Flood victory''' | |result='''Decisive Flood strategic victory''' | ||
*High Charity absorbed by the Flood | |||
*High Charity's population largely assimilated or killed | *High Charity's population largely assimilated or killed | ||
* | *Covenant leadership forced to flee | ||
'''Minor UNSC - Sangheili tactical victory''' | |||
* | *Sangheili contain the Flood for some time | ||
* | *Sangheili survive the initial phase of the [[Great Schism|Schism]] | ||
*John-117 returns to Earth | |||
|side1=*[[Covenant Empire]] | |||
|side2=*[[Covenant separatists]] | |||
**[[Fleet of Retribution]] | |||
*John-117 returns to | |||
|side1=* | |||
|side2=* | |||
|side3=*[[Flood]] | |side3=*[[Flood]] | ||
|side4=* | |side4=*[[United Nations Space Command]] | ||
|commanders1=*[[High Council]] | |commanders1=*[[High Council]] | ||
*[[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] | *[[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] | ||
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*[[Tartarus]] | *[[Tartarus]] | ||
|commanders2=*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]<ref>[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]</ref> | |commanders2=*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]<ref>[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]</ref> | ||
*Various other | *Various other Sangheili commanders | ||
|commanders3=*[[Gravemind]] | |commanders3=*[[Gravemind]] | ||
|commanders4=*John-117 | |commanders4=*John-117 | ||
*[[Cortana]] | *[[Cortana]] | ||
|forces1= | |forces1=*[[Jiralhanae]] | ||
*[[Unggoy]] | |||
*[[Kig-Yar]] | |||
*[[Yanme'e]] | |||
|forces2=*[[Sangheili]] | |||
*[[Mgalekgolo]] | |||
*[[Unggoy]] | |||
|forces2= | |||
|forces3=*[[Pod infector]]s | |forces3=*[[Pod infector]]s | ||
*[[Flood combat form|Combat forms]] | *[[Flood combat form|Combat forms]] | ||
Line 58: | Line 48: | ||
*[[Cortana]] | *[[Cortana]] | ||
*5+ [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] (formerly prisoners on High Charity) | *5+ [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] (formerly prisoners on High Charity) | ||
|casual1=* | |casual1=*High Prophet of Mercy | ||
*Heavy casualties for all species | *Heavy casualties for all species | ||
|casual2= *Large numbers of Sangheili, Mgalekgolo, and Unggoy | |||
|casual2= | |casual3=*Many Pod infectors | ||
*Large numbers of | *Numerous combat forms | ||
|casual3=*Many | *Some carrier forms | ||
*Numerous | *All Flood ships except [[Unidentified Flood-captured battlecruiser|one]] | ||
*Some | |casual4=*All Marine POWs | ||
*All | *Cortana stranded on High Charity | ||
|casual4=*All | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{Quote|Rise, pack brothers! Cast down the Elites!|Tartarus}} | {{Quote|Rise, pack brothers! Cast down the Elites!|Tartarus}} | ||
The '''fall of High Charity'''<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 63'' (Google Play edition)</ref> was a large battle for the control of the Covenant capital world [[High Charity]] among the [[Covenant]], the [[Sangheili]] and those loyal to them, limited [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] forces, and later, the [[Flood]]. The battle marked several significant events, including the start of the [[Great Schism]], [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]]'s pursuit of the [[Prophet of Truth]] to [[Earth]], and the Flood invasion and | The '''fall of High Charity'''<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 63'' (Google Play edition)</ref> was a large battle for the control of the Covenant capital world [[High Charity]] among the [[Covenant]], the [[Sangheili]] and those loyal to them, limited [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] forces, and later, the [[Flood]]. The battle marked several significant events, including the start of the [[Great Schism]], [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]]'s pursuit of the [[Prophet of Truth]] to [[Earth]], and the Flood invasion and infestation of High Charity. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
Line 82: | Line 70: | ||
The Prophet of Regret's wayward [[Battle of Earth|mission]] to Earth brought High Charity, John-117 and the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} to Installation 05. The subsequent assassination of Regret by John-117 on November 2, 2552, shocked the entire Covenant ruling structure. The Sangheili-controlled fleet's attempt to kill John-117 from orbit had failed and instead threw him into the clutches of the Gravemind, located deep underneath the [[Library]] of Installation 05.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret]]''</ref> With the Gravemind already plotting its way off of the Halo, this would set the tables for the invasion by both the Flood and the "Demon". | The Prophet of Regret's wayward [[Battle of Earth|mission]] to Earth brought High Charity, John-117 and the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} to Installation 05. The subsequent assassination of Regret by John-117 on November 2, 2552, shocked the entire Covenant ruling structure. The Sangheili-controlled fleet's attempt to kill John-117 from orbit had failed and instead threw him into the clutches of the Gravemind, located deep underneath the [[Library]] of Installation 05.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret]]''</ref> With the Gravemind already plotting its way off of the Halo, this would set the tables for the invasion by both the Flood and the "Demon". | ||
It would be [[Tartarus]], however, who put the final pieces of the puzzle into place—some of them inadvertently. After the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] successfully acquired Installation 05's [[activation index]] from the Library, [[Tartarus]], on the order of the [[Hierarch]]s, attempted to execute him by firing a burst from his [[Fist of Rukt]] at the Arbiter and knocking him into the depths of the Library—and into the Gravemind's lair. Tartarus then took the Index and [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson]] as prisoners back to High Charity where the Hierarchs waited.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> | It would be [[Tartarus]], however, who put the final pieces of the puzzle into place—some of them inadvertently. After the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] successfully acquired Installation 05's [[activation index]] from the Library, [[Tartarus]], on the order of the [[Hierarch]]s, attempted to execute him by firing a burst from his [[Fist of Rukt]] at the Arbiter and knocking him into the depths of the Library—and into the Gravemind's lair. Tartarus then took the Index and [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson]] as prisoners back to High Charity where the Hierarchs waited.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> | ||
=== | ===Gravemind=== | ||
With the index in the hands of the Covenant, and as ignorant as they might be to the true purpose of the Halos, they were fully intent on firing them - an act that would prove fatal to the Gravemind should it occur. As such, the Gravemind knew that it must not be activated, and for that it brought John-117 and the Arbiter together. After persuading the Arbiter of Halo's true power, it sent John-117 to High Charity and the Arbiter to the local installation's [[Control Room]] - the two most likely places for the Index to be. It then prepared to bring the other part of its plan into action - the invasion of [[High Charity]].<ref name="gm">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> | With the index in the hands of the Covenant, and as ignorant as they might be to the true purpose of the Halos, they were fully intent on firing them - an act that would prove fatal to the Gravemind should it occur. As such, the Gravemind knew that it must not be activated, and for that it brought John-117 and the Arbiter together. After persuading the Arbiter of Halo's true power, it sent John-117 to High Charity and the Arbiter to the local installation's [[Control Room]] - the two most likely places for the Index to be. It then prepared to bring the other part of its plan into action - the invasion of [[High Charity]].<ref name="gm">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> | ||
==Battle== | ==Battle== | ||
===Opening skirmish=== | ===Opening skirmish=== | ||
{{Quote|The Demon has infiltrated the Council Chamber?! Protect the Hierarchs! Seal the exits!|Tartarus commanding his Jiralhanae on loudspeakers. | {{Quote|The Demon has infiltrated the Council Chamber?! Protect the Hierarchs! Seal the exits!|Tartarus commanding his Jiralhanae on loudspeakers.<ref name="gm"/>}} | ||
By the time John-117 arrived at High Charity, the [[High Charity defense fleet]] was in chaos. Sangheili and Jiralhanae-controlled ships engaged one another among the vast number of ships protecting the city. Unrest had begun within the city, with numerous [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]] rioters attempting to access the [[Council Chamber]] while being held back by [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsmen]]. Within the Council Chamber, Truth, with Mercy next to him, was giving a speech to the Covenant acknowledging the release of the Flood and announcing Tartarus' successful acquisition of the "sacred icon". As Truth's speech drew to a close, John-117 was teleported into the room by the Gravemind, appearing right beside the Unggoy who was filming the speech. He acquired the Unggoy's [[Type-33 needler|Needler]] and aimed it at the Hierarchs, but the Honor Guardsmen protected the Prophets in order for them to escape. | By the time John-117 arrived at High Charity, the [[High Charity defense fleet]] was in chaos. Sangheili and Jiralhanae-controlled ships engaged one another among the vast number of ships protecting the city. Unrest had begun within the city, with numerous [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]] rioters attempting to access the [[Council Chamber]] while being held back by [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsmen]]. Within the Council Chamber, Truth, with Mercy next to him, was giving a speech to the Covenant acknowledging the release of the Flood and announcing Tartarus' successful acquisition of the "sacred icon". As Truth's speech drew to a close, John-117 was teleported into the room by the Gravemind, appearing right beside the Unggoy who was filming the speech. He acquired the Unggoy's [[Type-33 needler|Needler]] and aimed it at the Hierarchs, but the Honor Guardsmen protected the Prophets in order for them to escape.<ref name="gm"/> | ||
John-117 soon eliminated the Honor Guardsmen in the room. Tartarus publicly announced to the city that the "demon" had infiltrated the Council Chamber, and promptly sealed the exits. Multiple [[lance]]s of Unggoy and Jiralhanae soon entered in an attempt to kill the intruder but the Spartan prevailed. After clearing out the Covenant in the chamber, John-117 inserted [[Cortana]] into High Charity's security systems so she could open the doors to the room. She then opted to remain in the system as she felt it would provide her the greatest opportunity to aid him. With the Index clearly in the possession of the Prophet of Truth, the Spartan chased after the fleeing Prophet. He fought his way out onto the balcony formerly used to torture [[Thel 'Vadamee]], engaging many Covenant troops and defenses including [[ | John-117 soon eliminated the Honor Guardsmen in the room. Tartarus publicly announced to the city that the "demon" had infiltrated the Council Chamber, and promptly sealed the exits. Multiple [[lance]]s of Unggoy and Jiralhanae soon entered in an attempt to kill the intruder but the Spartan prevailed. After clearing out the Covenant in the chamber, John-117 inserted [[Cortana]] into High Charity's security systems so she could open the doors to the room. She then opted to remain in the system as she felt it would provide her the greatest opportunity to aid him. With the Index clearly in the possession of the Prophet of Truth, the Spartan chased after the fleeing Prophet. He fought his way out onto the balcony formerly used to torture [[Thel 'Vadamee]], engaging many Covenant troops and defenses including [[Type-42 plasma cannon|plasma cannons]] and a [[Jiralhanae Captain]]. Cortana used her access to High Charity's systems to reverse a [[gravity lift]] on the balcony which allowed the Spartan to travel to a lower level of the tower. As the Master Chief traversed a series of corridors, Cortana informed him that there were Marine [[Identification friend or foe|transponders]] somewhere below his position. After clearing out a two-tiered room of a [[pack]] of Jiralhanae, Cortana activated another gravity lift. The Spartan was carried downwards into a large prison area. After a prolonged battle that saw the Master Chief defeating waves of Covenant entering from various doors, the Spartan was successful in rescuing five Marines who joined him in his hunt for the Prophet. The Covenant refused to give up the prison without a fight, however; more troops, including Unggoy [[Unggoy Heavy|Heavies]] with plasma cannons, descended from the gravity lift the Chief used to enter the prison. The UNSC force was successful in repelling the attack, and left the prison.<ref name="gm"/> | ||
===The Great Schism begins=== | ===The Great Schism begins=== | ||
[[File:H2A-Brutes vs Elites.jpg|thumb|250px|Former Sangheili Honor Guardsmen fight with the Jiralhanae on ''High Charity''.]] | [[File:H2A-Brutes vs Elites.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Former Sangheili Honor Guardsmen fight with the Jiralhanae on ''High Charity''.]] | ||
{{Quote|The Elites have failed to protect the Prophets, and in doing so, have put all our lives at risk. Let no warrior forget his oath, "Thou, in faith, shall keep us safe, whilst we find the Path". With my blessing, the Brutes now lead our fleets! They ask for your allegiance, and you shall give it.|Prophet of Truth making announcements throughout the city | {{Quote|The Elites have failed to protect the Prophets, and in doing so, have put all our lives at risk. Let no warrior forget his oath, "Thou, in faith, shall keep us safe, whilst we find the Path". With my blessing, the Brutes now lead our fleets! They ask for your allegiance, and you shall give it.|Prophet of Truth making announcements throughout the city<ref name="gm"/>}} | ||
Soon after the Marines were rescued by the Master Chief, the Prophet of Truth declared that the Jiralhanae were now in charge of all Covenant fleets. The Jiralhanae within High Charity, under the secret order of Truth, instigate a citywide attack on the Sangheili, and the conflict that was already occurring within the | Soon after the Marines were rescued by the Master Chief, the Prophet of Truth declared that the Jiralhanae were now in charge of all Covenant fleets. The Jiralhanae within High Charity, under the secret order of Truth, instigate a citywide attack on the Sangheili, and the conflict that was already occurring within the defence fleet spread into High Charity itself. The Kig-Yar and [[Yanme'e]] remained loyal to the Jiralhanae-led Covenant while the majority of the [[Mgalekgolo]] remained loyal to the Sangheili. The Unggoy were present on both sides, as they generally remained loyal to whoever was commanding them. The Jiralhanae focused on attacking Sangheili in the [[Tower Districts|towers]] of the city, then spread out to the [[Lower districts|lower levels]]. Meanwhile, the fighting above and around the city continued, with the Jiralhanae and [[San'Shyuum]] [[Prelate]]s initially winning the battle against the Sangheili.<ref name="shadow of intent">'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'''</ref> | ||
John-117 and the rescued Marines made their way through corridors full of battling members of different species as the Covenant fragmented around them. Many former Sangheili [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsmen]] reacquired the armor that they lost during the [[Changing of the Guard]], fighting against the Covenant and the Prophets that they once protected. Swarms of Yanme'e flitted through the corridors, providing aerial support for the Jiralhanae as they led [[Kig-Yar]] against the Sangheili. The human force sometimes opted to watch as the two sides fought rather than becoming directly involved. As the Master Chief and his Marines entered the first [[Valleys of Tears#Valley of Tears A|Valley of Tears]], they witnessed brutal up-close fighting between Jiralhanae and Sangheili soldiers, while a lone Mgalekgolo attempted to fend off surrounding Jiralhanae and [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s. Above these combatants, aerial conflict between [[Sangheili Ranger]]s and Yanme'e raged. Taking advantage of the in-fighting Covenant, the UNSC team was able to traverse through the environment module. As they made their way into one of the city's [[Hanging Gardens#Hanging Gardens A|Hanging Gardens]], the crack of a [[slipspace]] rupture filled the air as the [[UNSC In Amber Clad|UNSC ''In Amber Clad'']] emerged, passing over the humans and crashing into a tower ahead of their position, although it would be a while until the humans knew the truth around the frigate's arrival. | John-117 and the rescued Marines made their way through corridors full of battling members of different species as the Covenant fragmented around them. Many former Sangheili [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsmen]] reacquired the armor that they lost during the [[Changing of the Guard]], fighting against the Covenant and the Prophets that they once protected. Swarms of Yanme'e flitted through the corridors, providing aerial support for the Jiralhanae as they led [[Kig-Yar]] against the Sangheili. The human force sometimes opted to watch as the two sides fought rather than becoming directly involved. As the Master Chief and his Marines entered the first [[Valleys of Tears#Valley of Tears A|Valley of Tears]], they witnessed brutal up-close fighting between Jiralhanae and Sangheili soldiers, while a lone Mgalekgolo attempted to fend off surrounding Jiralhanae and [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s. Above these combatants, aerial conflict between [[Sangheili Ranger]]s and Yanme'e raged. Taking advantage of the in-fighting Covenant, the UNSC team was able to traverse through the environment module. As they made their way into one of the city's [[Hanging Gardens#Hanging Gardens A|Hanging Gardens]], the crack of a [[slipspace]] rupture filled the air as the [[UNSC In Amber Clad|UNSC ''In Amber Clad'']] emerged, passing over the humans and crashing into a tower ahead of their position, although it would be a while until the humans knew the truth around the frigate's arrival.<ref name="gm"/> | ||
[[File:Hanging gardens A.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A Special Operations Sangheili faces off with a Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman.]] | [[File:Hanging gardens A.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A Special Operations Sangheili faces off with a Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman.]] | ||
Fighting through dueling [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen]] and [[Special Operations Sangheili]] in the Hanging Gardens, the Spartan and his Marines entered the [[Mid Tower]], where more fighting between aerial Covenant units was taking place. Even as the Prophet of Truth delivered reassuring announcements through the city's loudspeakers, the Jiralhanae within the city began to make headway against the Sangheili, forcing them out of the second [[Hanging Gardens#Hanging Gardens B|Hanging Garden]] and back towards the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]. John-117 arrived in the garden just in time to see several Jiralhanae slaughtering a group of panicking Unggoy. The Sangheili-led Covenant made a firm stand against the Jiralhanae in the second [[Valleys of Tears#Valley of Tears B|Valley of Tears]], deploying a unit of [[Special Operations Unggoy]] and Sangheili into the area. The bridge leading into the Mausoleum saw some of the most intense fighting, as the Sangheili, along with Mgalekgolo and heavy weapon-wielding Unggoy battled to deny the Jiralhanae entrance to the Mausoleum. Despite their efforts, a group of Jiralhanae managed to make it through and fighting spread to the central chamber of the Mausoleum itself. A massive battle between the Jiralhanae, a number of [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]]s and another Mgalekgolo pair occurred around the sarcophagus that once housed the [[Arbiter body armor|armor of the Arbiter]]. Despite the odds, the Master Chief succeeded in eliminating all Covenant between him and the Prophet of Truth, although all of his accompanying Marines died in the process. | Fighting through dueling [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen]] and [[Special Operations Sangheili]] in the Hanging Gardens, the Spartan and his Marines entered the [[Mid Tower]], where more fighting between aerial Covenant units was taking place. Even as the Prophet of Truth delivered reassuring announcements through the city's loudspeakers, the Jiralhanae within the city began to make headway against the Sangheili, forcing them out of the second [[Hanging Gardens#Hanging Gardens B|Hanging Garden]] and back towards the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]. John-117 arrived in the garden just in time to see several Jiralhanae slaughtering a group of panicking Unggoy. The Sangheili-led Covenant made a firm stand against the Jiralhanae in the second [[Valleys of Tears#Valley of Tears B|Valley of Tears]], deploying a unit of [[Special Operations Unggoy]] and Sangheili into the area. The bridge leading into the Mausoleum saw some of the most intense fighting, as the Sangheili, along with Mgalekgolo and heavy weapon-wielding Unggoy battled to deny the Jiralhanae entrance to the Mausoleum. Despite their efforts, a group of Jiralhanae managed to make it through and fighting spread to the central chamber of the Mausoleum itself. A massive battle between the Jiralhanae, a number of [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]]s and another Mgalekgolo pair occurred around the sarcophagus that once housed the [[Arbiter body armor|armor of the Arbiter]]. Despite the odds, the Master Chief succeeded in eliminating all Covenant between him and the Prophet of Truth, although all of his accompanying Marines died in the process.<ref name="gm"/> | ||
===Invasion of the Flood === | ===Invasion of the Flood === | ||
[[File:H2A - Tartarus smashing Flood.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus and the Honor Guard defend the Prophets from the Flood.]] | [[File:H2A - Tartarus smashing Flood.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Tartarus and the Honor Guard defend the Prophets from the Flood.]] | ||
{{Quote|This isn't good. I'm getting confirmed reports of Flood leaving In Amber Clad's wreckage. Lets get the Index and find a way out of here, before things get really ugly.|Cortana to John-117 as he leaves the Mausoleum tower. | {{Quote|This isn't good. I'm getting confirmed reports of Flood leaving In Amber Clad's wreckage. Lets get the Index and find a way out of here, before things get really ugly.|Cortana to John-117 as he leaves the Mausoleum tower.<ref name="gm"/>}} | ||
Even as John-117 closed in on the Prophet of Truth, the truth about the ''In Amber Clad'' soon made itself known; the UNSC frigate had become infested by the [[Flood]] while over [[Installation 05]]'s [[Quarantine Zone]]. With the ship having deployed most of its forces onto the surface of the ring to aid in the push through the Quarantine Zone, the Flood easily overwhelmed the under-strength ship and the [[Gravemind]] himself used the ship to deliver himself onto High Charity. Swarms of [[Pod infector]]s seeped out of rents in the frigate's hull while the ship's remaining [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] were used to deploy Flood forms across the city.<ref name="hc">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[High Charity (level)|High Charity]]''</ref> As the Flood threat became apparent, the ships crewed by [[San'Shyuum]] [[Prelate]]s began to depart from the ongoing naval battle around High Charity to descend to High Charity's lower stalks in order to rescue the San 'Shyuum from the city. | Even as John-117 closed in on the Prophet of Truth, the truth about the ''In Amber Clad'' soon made itself known; the UNSC frigate had become infested by the [[Flood]] while over [[Installation 05]]'s [[Quarantine Zone]]. With the ship having deployed most of its forces onto the surface of the ring to aid in the push through the Quarantine Zone, the Flood easily overwhelmed the under-strength ship and the [[Gravemind]] himself used the ship to deliver himself onto High Charity. Swarms of [[Pod infector]]s seeped out of rents in the frigate's hull while the ship's remaining [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] were used to deploy Flood forms across the city.<ref name="hc">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[High Charity (level)|High Charity]]''</ref> As the Flood threat became apparent, the ships crewed by [[San'Shyuum]] [[Prelate]]s began to depart from the ongoing naval battle around High Charity to descend to High Charity's lower stalks in order to rescue the San 'Shyuum from the city.<ref name="shadow of intent"/> | ||
{{Quote|The Great Journey waits for no one, brother...not even you.|Prophet of Truth talking to Mercy as the latter suffers from a Pod infector. | {{Quote|The Great Journey waits for no one, brother...not even you.|Prophet of Truth talking to Mercy as the latter suffers from a Pod infector.<ref name="gm"/>}} | ||
Shortly after the battle in the Mausoleum, [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]] made it to his escape [[ | [[File:H2A-CortanaAndJohn.jpg|left|thumb|250px|John and Cortana discuss their options for destroying Halo and the Flood.]] | ||
Shortly after the battle in the Mausoleum, [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]] made it to his escape [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]] on the [[Far Tower]] and handed the Index over to [[Tartarus]] to commence the [[Covenant religion#The Great Journey|"Great Journey"]]. Tartarus prepared to take the Index along with [[343 Guilty Spark]] and [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] prisoners [[Miranda Keyes|Commander Keyes]] and [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Major Johnson]] to Installation 05 to activate the Halo. Before they could leave, however, Pod infectors attacked them. Tartarus and [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen]] tried to defend the Prophets of Truth and [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], but one of the Pod infectors got through their screen and landed on Mercy. When Tartarus tried to remove the infector, Truth ordered him to let the Prophet die so Truth himself could be the sole [[Hierarch]] ruling the Covenant.<ref name="gm"/> | |||
John-117 arrived just in time to see the three Phantoms depart from the Far Tower, two of them departing High Charity for Installation 05 while the third, Truth's, headed into the city. It didn't take him long to find the place where the Prophet of Mercy lay, struggling with the Pod infector and nearing death. In his interrogation of the Prophet, he learned that the Prophet of Truth was intending to make his way to Earth. The Chief then killed the Pod infector, killing the frail Prophet in the process. Cortana determined that Truth was heading towards the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] which stood in the middle of the city. Cortana stated that she could detonate ''In Amber Clad''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s reactors if it was needed to destroy the Halo installation. Cortana determined that she could not trust the fail-safe detonation of ''In Amber Clad'' to any copy of herself and so she had to remain behind. As the Chief prepared to move, a Flood-controlled Pelican crashed nearby, spilling Flood combat forms onto the Far Tower. As John-117 moved back into the Mausoleum tower, Cortana informed the Spartan that there was a [[High Charity conduit|conduit]] connecting to the Dreadnought nearby. While John-117 fought his way through the city which was by this point rapidly falling to the Flood and was beginning the process of becoming a Flood [[Flood hive|hive]], Cortana was forced to contend with a fragment of the ancient [[Forerunner]] [[Ancilla]] [[Mendicant Bias]] to delay the launch of the Dreadnought. John-117 barely made to the Dreadnought in time through the [[High Charity conduit|conduit]]. Before he left, the Chief promised to come back for Cortana.<ref name="hc"/> | |||
John-117 arrived just in time to see the three Phantoms depart from the Far Tower, two of them departing High Charity for Installation 05 while the third, Truth's, headed into the city. It didn't take him long to find the place where the Prophet of Mercy lay, struggling with the Pod infector and nearing death. In his interrogation of the Prophet, he learned that the Prophet of Truth was intending to make his way to Earth. The Chief then killed the Pod infector, killing the frail Prophet in the process. Cortana determined that Truth was heading towards the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] which stood in the middle of the city. Cortana stated that she could detonate ''In Amber Clad''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s reactors if it was needed to destroy the Halo installation. Cortana determined that she could not trust the fail-safe detonation of ''In Amber Clad'' to any copy of herself and so she had to remain behind. As the Chief prepared to move, a Flood-controlled Pelican crashed nearby, spilling Flood combat forms onto the Far Tower. As John-117 moved back into the Mausoleum tower, Cortana informed the Spartan that there was a [[High Charity conduit|conduit]] connecting to the Dreadnought nearby. While John-117 fought his way through the city which was by this point rapidly falling to the Flood and was beginning the process of becoming a Flood [[Flood hive|hive]], Cortana was forced to contend with a fragment of the ancient [[Forerunner]] [[Ancilla]] [[Mendicant Bias]] to delay the launch of the Dreadnought. John-117 barely made to the Dreadnought in time through the [[High Charity conduit|conduit]]. Before he left, the Chief promised to come back for Cortana. | |||
===Closing=== | ===Closing=== | ||
{{Quote|This crisis will not be the end of us. It is but one last hurdle before the Journey and salvation!|Prophet of Truth as he retreats to his Dreadnought.<ref name="hc"/>}} | |||
[[File:H2A - Cortana watching dreadnought.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Cortana watches as the Forerunner Dreadnought departs High Charity, with both Truth and John-117 bound for Earth.]] | |||
It didn't take long for Flood-infested ships to start launching from High Charity, intending to spread the infection to the warring ships in the airspace around the city. At least one Sangheili, [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree|Voro 'Mantakree]], managed to negotiate a temporary truce between the Jiralhanae and Sangheili ships in order to focus their efforts on preventing the Flood from escaping.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 197''</ref> This truce was short-lived, as the Jiralhanae began to target Sangheili ships again before all of the Flood had been wiped out. At some point during the battle, the [[CAS-class assault carrier|assault carrier]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' [[Glassing|glassed]] part of High Charity in an attempt to combat the Flood aboard it. | Since the Forerunner Dreadnought served as the power source to High Charity, most of the lighting shut down as a result of the Dreadnought leaving the city's power grid. The Flood spread virulently through the High Charity, the Covenant's holy city already ravaged by civil war between the Jiralhanae and Sangheili. As Flood forms swarmed the Tower Districts, the Covenant forces led by the Jiralhanae were overrun after the Sangheili were wiped out.<ref name="hc"/> After the Tower Districts fell, the Flood moved on to the city's many other levels, quickly overwhelming the remaining populace despite fierce resistance.<ref name="shadow of intent"/> The large body count from the battle only fueled the Flood's progress and they soon spread all over the city, including the docks where countless ships were trying to evacuate from the doomed city.<ref name="shadow of intent"/> The air soon became saturated with [[Flood spore]]s and [[Flood blister|blister]]s began to grow throughout the station. Mere hours after the Flood arrived, High Charity had completely fallen.<ref>'''Halo 2''', Legendary Ending</ref> It didn't take long for Flood-infested ships to start launching from High Charity, intending to spread the infection to the warring ships in the airspace around the city. At least one Sangheili, [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree|Voro 'Mantakree]], managed to negotiate a temporary truce between the Jiralhanae and Sangheili ships in order to focus their efforts on preventing the Flood from escaping.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 197''</ref> This truce was short-lived, as the Jiralhanae began to target Sangheili ships again before all of the Flood had been wiped out. At some point during the battle, the [[CAS-class assault carrier|assault carrier]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' [[Glassing|glassed]] part of High Charity in an attempt to combat the Flood aboard it.<ref name="shadow of intent"/> | ||
Eventually the Sangheili ships were successful in defeating the Jiralhanae, many of whom retreated to follow Truth's Dreadnought to Earth. The Sangheili subsequently set up a naval blockade around High Charity and Installation 05, with the aim of preventing the Flood from leaving the [[Coelest system]]. Despite their efforts, at least [[Indulgence of Conviction|one]] Flood-infested [[ | Eventually the Sangheili ships were successful in defeating the Jiralhanae, many of whom retreated to follow Truth's Dreadnought to Earth. The Sangheili subsequently set up a naval blockade around High Charity and Installation 05, with the aim of preventing the Flood from leaving the [[Coelest system]]. Despite their efforts, at least [[Indulgence of Conviction|one]] Flood-infested [[CCS-class battlecruiser|cruiser]] managed to escape, and it was pursued by the [[Fleet of Retribution]] to [[Earth]].<ref name="fg">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref> | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
==Aftermath== | |||
Tartarus eventually arrived at Installation 05's [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]] with Miranda Keyes and 343 Guilty Spark, and began the firing sequence for Installation 05. However, the Chieftain was confronted by the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] and Sergeant Johnson. The Arbiter attempted to convince Tartarus about the true purpose of the Halo Array but the Jiralhanae refused to listen, forcing Thel, Sergeant Johnson and a group of Sangheili to engage him while the firing sequence initiated. Tartarus was eventually slain and the firing sequence was aborted by Miranda Keyes, putting all remaining Halo installations into standby mode, readying them for a final activation from [[Installation 00]].<ref name="gj">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> | Tartarus eventually arrived at Installation 05's [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]] with Miranda Keyes and 343 Guilty Spark, and began the firing sequence for Installation 05. However, the Chieftain was confronted by the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] and Sergeant Johnson. The Arbiter attempted to convince Tartarus about the true purpose of the Halo Array but the Jiralhanae refused to listen, forcing Thel, Sergeant Johnson and a group of Sangheili to engage him while the firing sequence initiated. Tartarus was eventually slain and the firing sequence was aborted by Miranda Keyes, putting all remaining Halo installations into standby mode, readying them for a final activation from [[Installation 00]].<ref name="gj">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> | ||
Five days after departing from High Charity, the Forerunner Dreadnought arrived in the [[Sol system]],<ref name="bnet">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16989 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 01/23/09 '']</ref> along with the remaining Jiralhanae-held ships from the battle around High Charity. As the Dreadnought approached Earth John-117, who had stowed away as it left High Charity, informed [[Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood]] of his presence aboard the ship.<ref name="gj"/> At some point during the Dreadnought's journey, the Spartan attempted to assassinate Truth, but he was unable to do so<ref>'''[[Halo: Uprising]]'''</ref> and is forced to leave the Forerunner Dreadnought as it entered Earth's atmosphere, landing in the jungles of [[Tanzania]], [[Africa]]. | |||
Five days after departing from High Charity, the Forerunner Dreadnought arrived in the [[Sol system]],<ref name="bnet">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16989 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 01/23/09 '']</ref> along with the remaining Jiralhanae-held ships from the battle around High Charity. As the Dreadnought approached Earth John-117, who had stowed away as it left High Charity, informed [[Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood]] of his presence aboard the ship. | |||
The Flood gained full control of High Charity and the Gravemind took up residence in the fortress, turning the city into a massive [[Flood hive]]. Cortana, who was stranded in High Charity's computer systems, was questioned by the Gravemind who interrogated and tortured her.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''Human Weakness''</ref> This drove her to the point of [[rampancy]], but she managed to send a message to Earth and hold onto [[Activation Index|an important secret]].<ref name="fg"/> Although the Forerunner Dreadnought decoupled from the city, the Flood managed to transport the High Charity to Installation 00 via slipspace during the [[Battle of the Citadel]] by using the city's backup reactors. The city crashed on to the surface, spreading Flood infection and adding chaos to the final battle of the Human-Covenant War.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> After Truth's death, John-117 [[Raid on High Charity|returned]] to the city to rescue Cortana, destroying the city by overloading its reactors, which caused it to go critical and detonate.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Cortana (level)|Cortana]]''</ref> | |||
The Flood gained full control of High Charity and the Gravemind took up residence in the fortress, turning the city into a massive [[Flood hive]]. Cortana, who was stranded in High Charity's computer systems, was questioned by the Gravemind who interrogated and tortured her.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''Human Weakness''</ref> This drove her to the point of [[rampancy]], but she managed to send a message to Earth and hold onto [[Activation Index|an important secret]]. | |||
Many years after the destruction of High Charity, rumors about the fate of the holy city, and the possible survival of the Flood within the wreckage were dismissed by [[Voridus]] and other members of the [[Banished]] as old Covenant propaganda while making their way towards the ruins of the city to search for salvage to aid in their ongoing [[Second Ark Conflict|conflict]] against the forces of the [[UNSC Spirit of Fire|UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'']] on the Ark. Unfortunately for the Banished, the threat soon proved real, with surviving Flood from High Charity's wreckage pouring out after the Banished breached a section of the [[containment shield]] with a [[Banished Scarab|Scarab]]. After a brief struggle, Voridus and [[Pavium]] were able to destroy a [[proto-Gravemind]] moments away from it becoming a [[Gravemind]] and the installation's [[Sentinel]]s soon arrived, once again quarantining any remaining Flood inside High Charity's remains.<ref>'''Halo Wars 2''', ''[[Awakening the Nightmare]]''</ref> | |||
Many years after the destruction of High Charity, rumors about the fate of the holy city, and the possible survival of the Flood within the wreckage were dismissed by [[Voridus]] and other members of the [[Banished]] as old Covenant | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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File:H2A-In Amber Clad In High Charity.png|The Flood-controlled ''In Amber Clad'' glides over ''High Charity'' on a deliberate collision course with the city below. | File:H2A-In Amber Clad In High Charity.png|The Flood-controlled ''In Amber Clad'' glides over ''High Charity'' on a deliberate collision course with the city below. | ||
File:Master Chief Takes on Brute.jpg|John-117 engages a [[Jiralhanae Captain]] in combat. | File:Master Chief Takes on Brute.jpg|John-117 engages a [[Jiralhanae Captain]] in combat. | ||
File:Death of Mercy.jpg|The [[Prophet of Mercy]] is killed by a [[Pod infector]]. | File:Death of Mercy.jpg|The [[Prophet of Mercy]] is killed by a [[Pod infector]]. | ||
File:Ship8.jpg|The Forerunner Dreadnought leaves High Charity while the ships from the defense fleet continue to engage in combat. | File:Ship8.jpg|The Forerunner Dreadnought leaves High Charity while the ships from the defense fleet continue to engage in combat. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | |||
{{Human-Covenant War}} | |||
{{ | [[Category:Covenant Victories]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:UNSC Victories]] | ||
[[Category:UNSC | |||