Editing Halo: Anvil Accord

{{Title|''Halo: Anvil Accord''}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Novel infobox
|name=''Halo: The Third Life''
|variant=Anthology
|image=[[File:AnvilAccord Cover.jpg|300px]]
|author=
*[[Alex Wakeford]]
*[[Jeff Easterling]]
|cover artist=[[:Category:Images by William Cameron|William Cameron]]
|illustrator=
|editor=
|audio=[[Alex Wakeford]]
|publisher=[[343 Industries]]
|publication=[[2024#July|July 22, 2024]]
|media=Short story
|length=
|ISBN=
|series=[[Halo Waypoint Chronicle]]s
|preceded=''[[Halo: The Third Life]]''
|followed=''[[Halo: The Machine Breaks]]''
|multiseries=
|notable=
}}
'''''Halo: Anvil Accord''''' is a short story in the [[Halo Waypoint Chronicle]] series, released on [[2024#July|July 22, 2024]]. The story was released to coincide with the ongoing [[Anvil (Operation)|Anvil]] operation for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', and focuses on depicting a day in the life aboard the eponymous [[ANVIL Station]].{{Ref/Site|Id=Launch|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/anvil-operation-launch|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Anvil Operation Launch|D=02|M=07|Y=2024}}

==Official summary==
{{Article quote|[[2560#March|March 3, 2560]]. The [[human]] and [[Sangheili]] crew of Anvil Station mark the [[2553|seventh anniversary]] of the [[Human-Covenant War|Covenant War]]’s end as they weigh past burdens with hope for the future.{{Ref/Reuse|Launch}}}}

==Plot summary==
[[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] writes to [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] in a classified message dated [[2553#July|July 2, 2553]], expressing his regrets for the communication method, explaining that he prefers not to initiate formal diplomatic discussions yet to avoid early bureaucratic constraints. He reflects on his past difficulties in forgiving the Sangheili for their actions during the Covenant War, but admits that his recent experiences with the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} on [[Sanghelios]] have altered his perspective. 

Hood acknowledges that the ongoing [[post-Covenant War conflicts]] and the involvement of ''Infinity'' have further complicated matters for both parties. He envisions a future where the children of both their species will not be burdened by the past and may seek to forge a meaningful alliance seeing their mutual best, and emphasizes the need to start this process immediately.

Hood proposes repurposing Anvil Station, which had become obsolete after serving wartime as a repair and resupply outpost, through establishing a joint multispecies task force at this facility under [[Project CRUCIBLE]]. This project would focus on retrofitting and testing new prototypes while fostering multispecies collaboration through the involvement of skilled artisans, technical experts, and warriors. Hood calls for agreement to move forward with this plan and to start the process of selecting suitable personnel.

[[Seven]] years later on March 3, 2560 at 0900 hours, Dr. [[Luther Mann]] and [[Chief warrant officer|Chief Warrant Officer]] [[Dariya Voronkov]] examine a set of powered armor in Armor Bay G-11 at Anvil Station. Identified as [[ASSAILER-class armor]], it was recovered by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] during a recent operation. It resembles Sangheili combat harnesses and has been provided to Spartans for stress testing. The station’s personnel and resources have been deemed ideal for studying this new technology.

As they work, Sangheili [[Khar 'Tvorn]] approaches, dressed in a specialized craftsmen harness. Dr. Mann greets him in Sangheili, and 'Tvorn begins inspecting the armor. Mann explains that the armor was discovered during an operation on [[Venezia|Sqala]], where it was being used by Venezian [[Janissary|janissaries]] and independent contractors, both of whom little of known. Their next topic is the day's significance—the seventh anniversary of the Covenant War's end; Dr. Mann reflects on the war's impact, including the destruction of [[Verent|his own homeworld]]. 'Tvorn reveals that his people escaped the Covenant’s reach during its early years and have only recently returned to a [[Milky Way|galaxy]] where the Covenant has already fallen.

Mann, an expert in xenoanthropology, is fascinated by the idea that 'Tvorn’s people developed separately from the Covenant's later hierarchical structure, 'Tvorn elaborating that the Arbiter likely sent his people to Anvil Station to keep them away from current political conflicts, preserving their original perspective. Voronkov, bringing up her own experiences, shares that she lost her legs to a bombing run by [[Insurrectionist]]s, not Covenant forces. She recounts her long struggle with anti-rebel hatred and her eventual peace with the past, and notes that hatred is a part of human nature; even though the Covenant War has ended, conflict and hatred continue to shape the galaxy. Dr. Mann acknowledges that despite the war ending, conflict persists with new complexities and sides. He feels a sense of hopeful purpose at Anvil Station, choosing to honor a [[Henry Lamb|lost friend]] by continuing to contribute to the galaxy's future. The conversation returns to the armor, and 'Tvorn questions which group might have constructed it and what motivations might drive their actions.

Four hours later, Yshi ‘Nbara, at the Anvil Keep hangar bay, approaches her {{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}}, a [[Banshee]] variant designed for space combat; the biomimetic design, influenced by those ancient creatures, evokes a deep connection to her people's history. 'Nbara loves to fly, a passion instilled in her since she was a hatchling, inspired by tales of Sanghelios' legendary [[sky-chevaliers]]. These pilots of old rode atop 'sKelln, the formidable leather-winged predators. 

'Nbara is still getting acquainted with her fellow pilots in Harmony Wing, having only served with them for a few weeks. Although she is uncertain about how they feel, the shared purpose among the volunteers fosters a budding kinship. [[Spartan]] [[Natalie Kenzo]] jokes over their internal channel, offering to help 'Nbara into her Banshee, calling her "elder" despite the nickname usually being reserved for their wing leader [[Vran 'Mkoth]]. 'Mkoth, in turn, banters back, recalling how he helped Kenzo after a sparring match. Pilot Officer [[Syed Khan]] chimes in, humorously expressing concern that their bickering might lead to a crash before they even leave the hangar. Kenzo confidently responds that if that happened, Khan and 'Nbara would have to save the galaxy on their own, albeit with "way less style."

As ‘Nbara settles into her Banshee's cockpit, the craft's ergonomic design makes her feel at home. The holographic viewscreen syncs with her helmet's HUD and links her to 'Mkoth, Kenzo, and Khan. She powers up the craft by placing her hands on the spherical control grips, feeling the impulse drive hum to life. 'Mkoh initiates a comms check over their TEAMCOM channel; the three each respond in turn confirming their readiness. The anticipation builds within 'Nbara as preflight checks are cleared, and Anvil Control authorizes their departure. Though this is merely a routine patrol, it is during these moments that ‘Nbara feels most alive, in perfect harmony with her fighter and soon enough fellow pilots. With a green status light from 'Mkoth, their Banshees surge forward, slipping through the hangar bay's shield into the vast silent starry expanse.

Eight hours later, Spartan [[Adrian Vesco]] and Sangheili warrior [[Ovi 'Taar]] sit across from each other in Facility Commissary 3 "Shots Fired," known for its bass-heavy electronic music and popularity among training pairs. Vesco, already on his third [[hiskal]] pint, quizzes 'Taar about Sangheili finger count, only to be disappointed when 'Taar answers correctly, suggesting that [[Jacobs]], another Spartan, had already shared it. 'Taar, unimpressed by Vesco's humor, jests about the Spartan's weak wit, likening it to his weapon, prompting Vesco to retaliate using his superior carbine drill score. However, 'Taar admits he hasn't started the drills yet, humorously promising to try each finger on the trigger for Vesco's sake.

Their banter is a routine part of their visits to Shots Fired, a place where Spartans and Sangheili bond over drinks after their intense cooperative combat drills. These training exercises are designed to improve collaboration between the [[United Nations Space Command]] and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], aiming to enhance multispecies warfare effectiveness. Despite the rigorous drills, Vesco and 'Taar's lighthearted exchanges at the commissary arguably do more for cross-cultural relations than the actual training.

After ordering another round, Vesco challenges 'Taar to come up with a better joke. 'Taar initially offers an old joke about humans and spacecraft, which Vesco finishes before it's even fully told. Pressed for something original, 'Taar then delivers a dark joke about a glassed planet, which catches Vesco off guard with its sharpness. Vesco, impressed, acknowledges the joke's quality, only for 'Taar to reveal he heard it from Jacobs.

Two hours later, Spartan Commander [[Vinay Sahil]] observes Stationmaster [[Toda 'Murajai]], noting the Sangheili's visible concern. Despite 'Murajai's attempt to mask his worry with stoicism, Sahil, having worked with him for over [[2554|six years]], can easily read his emotions. The Stationmaster, standing in his study, is surrounded by holodisplays filled with strategic plans, deployment details, and conference notes; the station is in disarray after receiving a distress call two hours ago, forcing them to adjust their plans and prepare for a swift response. 

As 'Murajai resumes the audio feed of stationwide comms, Sahil places his helmet on the holotable. The station's personnel are frantically coordinating their efforts, with one individual complaining about the lack of real [[artificial intelligence]] to expedite calculations. Another voice mentions that they have just received permission to dock three fully loaded [[Condor]]s aboard the ''[[Sword of Conjunction]]'', along with additional wings, making their upcoming mission feel more promising. The atmosphere is one of intense preparation, with every moment filled with chatter and commands.

Sahil tries to reassure 'Murajai, noting that the personnel are well-prepared and ready for this moment. The station has spent years building strong relationships between its human and alien members, turning them into a cohesive unit. 'Murajai, however, is focused on a display listing the units chosen for long-range deployment, particularly [[Riftborn]] special operatives. He shares the same desire as any leader—to have more time for additional training and checks, but he understands the need to adapt and trust in his team's readiness.

Despite his concerns, 'Murajai acknowledges that they have prepared their forces to the best of their ability. He wishes for more actionable intelligence about the mission. but knows they must proceed with what they have. Sahil emphasizes the importance of faith—not in abstract concepts like the [[Covenant religion]]'s false promises of divinity, but their comrades, training, and everything they built together, distinct from what 'Murajai was accustomed yet disillusioned in. However, Sahil reminds him that their alliance is based on cooperation, not coercion, and that their warriors fight for each other, which could be crucial in the battle ahead.

Conceding to Sahil’s counsel, 'Murajai powers down the holotable. Sahil, with a kind but firm tone, orders the Stationmaster to get some rest. Amused, 'Murajai points out that Sahil lacks the authority to give him orders, but Sahil counters by referring to their flat team structure. As he prepares to leave, Sahil notes the stone tablets etched with the saga of 'Murajai’s clan and expresses curiosity about their stories. 'Murajai promises to share them after the mission and hints at the possibility of forging a new chapter together.

==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5
|title-1=Characters|
;Artificial intelligence
*[[Cortana]] {{Mo}}

;Human
*[[Babych]] {{1st}}
*[[Terrence Hood]]
*[[Jacobs]] {{Fm}}
*[[Natalie Kenzo]] {{1st}}
*[[Syed Khan]] {{1st}}
*[[Henry Lamb]] {{Mo}}
*[[Luther Mann]]
*[[Vinay Sahil]] {{1st}}
*[[Prentis]] {{1st}}
*[[Adrian Vesco]] {{1st}}
*[[Dariya Voronkov]] {{1st}}

;Sangheili
*[[Ovi 'Taar]] {{1st}}
*[[Khar 'Tvorn]] {{1st}}
*[[Vran 'Mkoth]] {{1st}}
*[[Toda 'Murajai]] {{1st}}
*[[Yshi 'Nbara]] {{1st}}
*[['Ookol]] {{1st}}
*[['Toizari]] {{1st}}
*[[Thel 'Vadam]] {{Mo}}

|title-2=Species|
*[[Human]]
*[[Forerunner]]s {{Mo}}
*[[San'Shyuum]] {{Mo}}
*[[Sangheili]]
*[['sKelln]] {{Mo}}

|title-3=Organizations|
*[[Anvil Initiative]]
**[[Wing]]s
***[[Amity Wing]] {{1st}}
***[[Harmony Wing]] {{1st}}
***[[Sympathy Wing]] {{1st}}
*[[Banished]] {{Mo}}
*[[Covenant]] {{Mo}}
**[[Covenant remnants]] {{Mo}}
*[[Created]] {{Mo}}
*[[Insurrectionist]]s {{Mo}}
*[[Sky-chevaliers]] {{Mo}}
*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
**[[Riftborn]] {{1st}}
*[[Unified Earth Government]]
**[[United Nations Space Command]]
***[[UNSC Army]] {{Mo}}
***[[Office of Naval Intelligence]] {{Mo}}
***[[Spartan Operations]]
****[[SPARTAN-IV program]]
***[[Project CRUCIBLE]]
*[[Ussans]]
*Venezian [[Janissary|Janissaries]] {{Mo}}

|title-4=Locations|
*[[Installation 00]]
*[[Milky Way]]
**[[ANVIL Station]]
***[[Shots Fired]] {{1st}}
**[[Hellas]] {{Mo}}
**[[Nysa]] {{1st}}
**[[The Refuge]] {{Mo}}
**[[Urs system]]
***[[Sanghelios]] {{Mo}}
**[[Venezia]] {{Mo}}
**[[Verent]] {{Im}}

|title-5=Events|
*[[Created uprising]] {{Mo}}
*[[Blooding Years]]
**[[Siege at Kolaar]] {{Im}}
*[[Human-Covenant War]] {{Mo}}

|title-6=Weapons|
*[[Covenant carbine]] {{Mo}}
*[[M5 Talos]] {{Im}}

|title-7=Vehicles|
;Covenant
*{{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}}
*{{Pattern|A'uzr|sword frigate}}
**''[[Sword of Conjunction]]'' {{1st}}

;Human
*[[AC-220 Vulture]] {{Mo}}
*[[AV-14 Hornet]] {{Mo}}
*[[Condor]] {{Mo}}
*{{Class|Infinity|supercarrier}}
**{{UNSCShip|Infinity}} {{Mo}}

|title-8=Technology and equipment|
*[[Artificial intelligence]] {{Mo}}
*[[Firebase]] {{Mo}}
*''[[Hiskal]]''
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
**[[ASSAILER-class armor]]
*[[Saga wall]]
*[[Sangheili harness]]
**[[Combat harness]]
*[[War Games]] {{Mo}}
}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HINF AssailerHelmet Render.jpg|The [[ASSAILER-class armor|Assailer helmet]].
File:Enc22 AnvilStation.jpg|ANVIL Station.
File:HINF - Event - Anvil Key art (no logo).jpg|An image used in the story.
File:HINF Anvil Logo.jpg|The ANVIL Initiative logo.
</gallery>

==External links==
*[https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-anvil-accord Halo: Anvil Accord]- The official Waypoint post in which the short story was released for free.
*[https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/2024_0715-waypointchronicles-anvilaccord-r04-f169517f3f014adfa64b299d587496e3.pdf Official ''Halo: Anvil Accord'' PDF] - The PDF of the short story released on Halo Waypoint ({{file link|Anvil Accord.pdf|Archived copy}}).
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbvG6vTlTaQ Halo: Anvil Accord | Audiobook] - The audiobook narrated by Alex Wakeford.

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Navbox/Media/ShortStories}}
[[Category:Halo Waypoint Chronicles|Anvil Accord]]
[[Category:Canon]]