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{{Title|''Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son''}} | {{Title|''Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son''}} | ||
{{Status|RealWorld}} | {{Status|RealWorld}} | ||
[[File:SaturnDevouringHisSon Artwork.jpg|300px|thumb|Keyart for the short story.]] | |||
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'''''Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son''''' is the fourth entry in the ''[[Halo Waypoint Chronicle]]'' series of short stories produced by [[343 Industries]]. The story was released on [[2023#October|October 31, 2023]] to celebrate Halloween. The short depicts an operation by a [[Spartan]] [[Flood containment Fireteam]], first hinted at in the final [[Halo Infinite Story & Intel|intel drop]] of ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' [[Season 04: Infection]], and to coincide with the [[Flood]]-themed customization of [[Season 05: Reckoning]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-championship-chronicles|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Championship Chronicles|D=24|M=10|Y=2023}} The short story was first teased at the Halo World Championships 2023, at the [[Canon Fodder]] Live panel on October on the first day of the tournament alongside several other stories.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=CFL|6NLZw-BL8hg|Time=27482|Halo|HaloWC 2023 Community Stage – Day 1 (Forge, Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, Keith David, Lore, Digsite +)|Detail=7:38:02|D=14|M=10|Y=2023}} | '''''Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son''''' is the fourth entry in the ''[[Halo Waypoint Chronicle]]'' series of short stories produced by [[343 Industries]]. The story was released on [[2023#October|October 31, 2023]] to celebrate Halloween. The short depicts an operation by a [[Spartan]] [[Flood containment Fireteam]], first hinted at in the final [[Halo Infinite Story & Intel|intel drop]] of ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' [[Season 04: Infection]], and to coincide with the [[Flood]]-themed customization of [[Season 05: Reckoning]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-championship-chronicles|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Championship Chronicles|D=24|M=10|Y=2023}} The short story was first teased at the Halo World Championships 2023, at the [[Canon Fodder]] Live panel on October on the first day of the tournament alongside several other stories.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=CFL|6NLZw-BL8hg|Time=27482|Halo|HaloWC 2023 Community Stage – Day 1 (Forge, Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, Keith David, Lore, Digsite +)|Detail=7:38:02|D=14|M=10|Y=2023}} | ||
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==Official synopsis== | ==Official synopsis== | ||
{{Article quote|[[2556]]. A partnership between the [[United Nations Space Command]] and [[Imbrium Machine Complex]] serves a vital role in rebuilding UNSC | {{Article quote|[[2556]]. A partnership between the [[United Nations Space Command]] and [[Imbrium Machine Complex]] serves a vital role in rebuilding UNSC fleets by mining the vast asteroid belt of a gas giant. | ||
When an unexpected discovery is made by a civilian survey team, the promise of a retirement-grade payday and the hubris of | When an unexpected discovery is made by a civilian survey team, the promise of a retirement-grade payday and the hubris of a UNSC captain results in an ancient terror being unleashed.{{Ref/YouTube|9H9Pj2YhpyQ|Halo|Halo: Saturn Devouring His Own Son - Audiobook|D=31|M=10|Y=2023}}}} | ||
==Summary== | ==Summary== | ||
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[[Julien Donney]], a former military serviceman, now works for the IMC after a brief wartime military career. Drawn back to civilian life after his four-year deployment, Julien found IMC's Survey & Securities contract appealing due to its blend of industrial labor and military procedure. Elvie became "home" for him, offering just enough danger, challenge, and substantial pay. Recently, Julien has been assigned to an enhanced security detail for a high-value discovery on a nearby asteroid. | [[Julien Donney]], a former military serviceman, now works for the IMC after a brief wartime military career. Drawn back to civilian life after his four-year deployment, Julien found IMC's Survey & Securities contract appealing due to its blend of industrial labor and military procedure. Elvie became "home" for him, offering just enough danger, challenge, and substantial pay. Recently, Julien has been assigned to an enhanced security detail for a high-value discovery on a nearby asteroid. | ||
As Julien prepares for the mission, his colleague [[Abe]], a seasoned veteran of IMC’s hazmat corps, informs him that a deep sweep at [[Site 22]] revealed a massive Grade-K deposit - possibly refined | As Julien prepares for the mission, his colleague [[Abe]], a seasoned veteran of IMC’s hazmat corps, informs him that a deep sweep at [[Site 22]] revealed a massive Grade-K deposit - possibly refined Forerunner alloy, a valuable and ancient material. [[Mox]], their group leader, confirms that the find is not just an inert cache, but possibly a whole ship, prompting IMC to deploy multiple hazmat squads to the site. Julien, though excited by the potential rewards, remains cautious as they prepare to investigate the discovery. | ||
The IMC team boards a Pelican dropship en route to Site 22. Despite the routine descent turbulence, Julien is high-spirited, lost in [[Errant Vee]]’s latest album. Mox interrupts Julien’s reverie, ordering the team to gear up. As they exit the dropship, they are greeted by a star-filled vista with the gas giant's bright blue hue and the asteroid’s gray-brown surface. They spot [[EM-120 auger]]s, crucial mining tools, some of which have been shut down around the landing zone. Julien, Abe, and Mox join a group of BXR miners and engineers at the cave's entrance, discussing the mysterious find; the BXR foreman explains that the object, seemingly rock-wrapped and ship-like, could be a retirement-grade find due to its immense value. | The IMC team boards a Pelican dropship en route to Site 22. Despite the routine descent turbulence, Julien is high-spirited, lost in [[Errant Vee]]’s latest album. Mox interrupts Julien’s reverie, ordering the team to gear up. As they exit the dropship, they are greeted by a star-filled vista with the gas giant's bright blue hue and the asteroid’s gray-brown surface. They spot [[EM-120 auger]]s, crucial mining tools, some of which have been shut down around the landing zone. Julien, Abe, and Mox join a group of BXR miners and engineers at the cave's entrance, discussing the mysterious find; the BXR foreman explains that the object, seemingly rock-wrapped and ship-like, could be a retirement-grade find due to its immense value. | ||
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Julien's curiosity draws him to the cave as protocols and procedures are brought up. Mox assigns the IMC team positions around the site, preparing for further exploration. Inside the cave, Julien notices strange ripples on the object's alloy. Abe, equally perplexed, confirms the anomaly. Soon after, the construct's silvery surface begins to peel away, revealing the interior of what seems to be a Forerunner vessel. Enamored by the sight, the team is instructed by Mox to proceed with an initial clearance sweep. Julien, however, is increasingly uneasy, questioning whether they should proceed without further backup. Mox, undeterred, reminds him that this is their job and that the potential payday is too big to pass up. | Julien's curiosity draws him to the cave as protocols and procedures are brought up. Mox assigns the IMC team positions around the site, preparing for further exploration. Inside the cave, Julien notices strange ripples on the object's alloy. Abe, equally perplexed, confirms the anomaly. Soon after, the construct's silvery surface begins to peel away, revealing the interior of what seems to be a Forerunner vessel. Enamored by the sight, the team is instructed by Mox to proceed with an initial clearance sweep. Julien, however, is increasingly uneasy, questioning whether they should proceed without further backup. Mox, undeterred, reminds him that this is their job and that the potential payday is too big to pass up. | ||
In the ready room of {{UNSCShip|Saturn}}, a {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}, the painting [[Wikipedia:Saturn Devouring His Son|Saturn Devouring His Son]] hangs within a protective container, depicting the Roman god Saturn devouring one of his children, a gruesome image reflecting the ancient myth where Saturn, fearing a prophecy that one of his sons would overthrow him, consumes his offspring upon birth. The artwork shows Saturn gripping the bloodied partially consumed corpse with ghostly white fingers, his frenzied eyes bulging in shock as if caught in the act. [[Lieutenant]] [[Shafiq]], observing the painting, comments that he thought Saturn swallowed his children whole. Captain [[Pedro Alvarez]], still facing the painting, explains that while the myth suggests so, [[Wikipedia:Francisco Goya|Francisco Goya]], the artist, interpreted the horror differently, depicting the children being devoured piece by piece. | In the ready room of {{UNSCShip|Saturn}}, a {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}, the painting [[Wikipedia:Saturn Devouring His Son|Saturn Devouring His Son]] hangs within a protective container, depicting the Roman god Saturn devouring one of his children, a gruesome image reflecting the ancient myth where Saturn, fearing a prophecy that one of his sons would overthrow him, consumes his offspring upon birth. The artwork shows Saturn gripping the bloodied partially consumed corpse with ghostly white fingers, his frenzied eyes bulging in shock as if caught in the act. [[Lieutenant]] [[Shafiq]], observing the painting, comments that he thought Saturn swallowed his children whole. [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Pedro Alvarez]], still facing the painting, explains that while the myth suggests so, [[Wikipedia:Francisco Goya|Francisco Goya]], the artist, interpreted the horror differently, depicting the children being devoured piece by piece. | ||
The Captain connects the painting’s historical context - relating to the [[Wikipedia:French Revolution|French Revolution]], the [[Wikipedia:Peninsular War|Peninsular War]], and the [[Wikipedia:Spanish Inquisition|Spanish Inquisition]] - with their own recent events, using the art as an icebreaker to gain insight into the Lieutenant's thinking and tactical acumen. The discussion is abruptly cut short by an alert. Alvarez, straightening his uniform, leads Shafiq to the bridge, where the Lieutenant quickly assumes his station analyzing tactical displays. At the central holotable, the ship’s AI avatar, [[Lycaon]], appears. Represented as a man in a white-gold toga with a wolf's head, he informs them that garbled distress messages have been received from Site 22, and contact with the onsite team has been lost. | The Captain connects the painting’s historical context - relating to the [[Wikipedia:French Revolution|French Revolution]], the [[Wikipedia:Peninsular War|Peninsular War]], and the [[Wikipedia:Spanish Inquisition|Spanish Inquisition]] - with their own recent events, using the art as an icebreaker to gain insight into the Lieutenant's thinking and tactical acumen. The discussion is abruptly cut short by an alert. Alvarez, straightening his uniform, leads Shafiq to the bridge, where the Lieutenant quickly assumes his station analyzing tactical displays. At the central holotable, the ship’s AI avatar, [[Lycaon]], appears. Represented as a man in a white-gold toga with a wolf's head, he informs them that garbled distress messages have been received from Site 22, and contact with the onsite team has been lost. | ||
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Realizing he must take control, Alvarez issues the codephrase "actiones secundum fidei," shutting down Lycaon. He then orders an alert and the deployment of a Hazop group to support Fireteam Leviathan, preparing to form a defensive perimeter. The bridge crew hesitates momentarily before following orders. As Alvarez settles into his command chair, he is haunted imagining the Flood dragging a victim into the cave, feeling Saturn's own eyes on him as if caught in his barbaric act - reflecting how the Flood, like the god, devour. | Realizing he must take control, Alvarez issues the codephrase "actiones secundum fidei," shutting down Lycaon. He then orders an alert and the deployment of a Hazop group to support Fireteam Leviathan, preparing to form a defensive perimeter. The bridge crew hesitates momentarily before following orders. As Alvarez settles into his command chair, he is haunted imagining the Flood dragging a victim into the cave, feeling Saturn's own eyes on him as if caught in his barbaric act - reflecting how the Flood, like the god, devour. | ||
Julien, uncertain if he has been infected, watches in disbelief as UNSC forces assault Site 22 with overwhelming force, treating the area as if it were behind enemy lines. A squadron of [[ | Julien, uncertain if he has been infected, watches in disbelief as UNSC forces assault Site 22 with overwhelming force, treating the area as if it were behind enemy lines. A squadron of [[Cyclops]] exoskeletons and several [[Hellbringers]] lay waste to everything, indiscriminately incinerating both infected and potential survivors to prevent any chance of Flood hosts escaping. The initial discovery had required an unusually large staff, giving the parasite ample time to spread and increase its numbers before the UNSC could act. Julien, his sidearm depleted, reluctantly grabs a laser cutter, feeling a creeping sense of hopelessness as he surveys the chaos around him. | ||
Amid the turmoil, Julien spots Fireteam Leviathan, underscoring the severe situation but, knowing their nature and history, giving him a flash of hope; Spartans are only sent into scenarios with no expectation of civilian survival. As the battle escalates, Julien's equipment struggles to cope with the relentless heat and firepower. His brief glimmer of hope fades when one of the Spartans is overwhelmed by the parasite. The Spartan, once a symbol of strength, becomes twisted by the infection. Despite the MJOLNIR's attempts to neutralize the threat, the supersoldier's visor shatters and it succumbs to the parasite's control. | Amid the turmoil, Julien spots Fireteam Leviathan, underscoring the severe situation but, knowing their nature and history, giving him a flash of hope; Spartans are only sent into scenarios with no expectation of civilian survival. As the battle escalates, Julien's equipment struggles to cope with the relentless heat and firepower. His brief glimmer of hope fades when one of the Spartans is overwhelmed by the parasite. The Spartan, once a symbol of strength, becomes twisted by the infection. Despite the MJOLNIR's attempts to neutralize the threat, the supersoldier's visor shatters and it succumbs to the parasite's control. | ||
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Captain Alvarez reviews the horrifying scene unfolding on the holotable and tactical displays. The previously minor infestation, which started from unarmed miners, has grown massively, threatening to overwhelm the UNSC and spread from the surface of Site 22 to the ''Saturn'' and beyond, potentially endangering all life in the galaxy - a nightmare scenario. Alvarez feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, knowing that it will be his legacy to have unleashed this plague upon the galaxy. He envisions a future where his name is synonymous with galactic disaster, depicted in history's annals in the exact grim manner as the Saturn painting aboard. | Captain Alvarez reviews the horrifying scene unfolding on the holotable and tactical displays. The previously minor infestation, which started from unarmed miners, has grown massively, threatening to overwhelm the UNSC and spread from the surface of Site 22 to the ''Saturn'' and beyond, potentially endangering all life in the galaxy - a nightmare scenario. Alvarez feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, knowing that it will be his legacy to have unleashed this plague upon the galaxy. He envisions a future where his name is synonymous with galactic disaster, depicted in history's annals in the exact grim manner as the Saturn painting aboard. | ||
Having seen even humanity's heroes and symbols of hope - Leviathan - be taken and twisted by the Flood, the Captain realizes that they truly have no other viable options left, so takes drastic action: The ''Saturn'' will implement CORRUPTER and Upsilon protocols, which involve a drastic measure to prevent the Flood's spread. He issues a final, evacuation command to ground units from Site 22 within | Having seen even humanity's heroes and symbols of hope - Leviathan - be taken and twisted by the Flood, the Captain realizes that they truly have no other viable options left, so takes drastic action: The ''Saturn'' will implement CORRUPTER and Upsilon protocols, which involve a drastic measure to prevent the Flood's spread. He issues a final, evacuation command to ground units from Site 22 within seven minutes while the frigate prepares to launch its [[Shiva-class nuclear missile]]s at the site. He avoids making eye contact with Lycaon, his last words to UNSC forces a somber wish - "Good luck, and Godspeed." When the timer runs out and the site is nuked, Julien reaches Abe, "[opening] his mind." | ||
In the aftermath, Captain Alvarez stands gazing out at Site 22's smoldering remains. The scene is bleak, with only a few dropships having managed to escape the destruction. The rest are presumed lost or transformed by the devastating detonation of the Shivas. Alvarez reflects, realizing that the bottle of | In the aftermath, Captain Alvarez stands gazing out at Site 22's smoldering remains. The scene is bleak, with only a few dropships having managed to escape the destruction. The rest are presumed lost or transformed by the devastating detonation of the Shivas. Alvarez reflects, realizing that the bottle of Titan Smoke he had been saving for his retirement won't be celebratory one; his twilight years in the service have ended in what he views as a significant failure, and he mentally prepares for the court-martial he anticipates. | ||
Despite Lycaon remaining unresponsive, Alvarez is confident that the technicians back at base can restore his functionality. Overwhelmed by his actions, he contemplates various desperate options, including initiating Final Dispensation to escape or facing the impending trial and accepting the consequences. He instructs his XO to take over the bridge and heads to his quarters. There, he plans to open the bottle of Titan Smoke and consider his next steps, possibly making a final decision after consuming most of the drink. | Despite Lycaon remaining unresponsive, Alvarez is confident that the technicians back at base can restore his functionality. Overwhelmed by his actions, he contemplates various desperate options, including initiating Final Dispensation to escape or facing the impending trial and accepting the consequences. He instructs his XO to take over the bridge and heads to his quarters. There, he plans to open the bottle of Titan Smoke and consider his next steps, possibly making a final decision after consuming most of the drink. | ||
Julien | Sometime after the nuke, Julien sees fleeing others, destruction, and a [[Condor]] arriving. His consciousness is overwhelmed by a torrent of violent images and the need to consume, culminating in a frenzied pursuit. Despite mental resistance and the cries of those he harms, the Flood drives its relentless quest for unity. Ultimately, he boards the Condor, leaving behind a trail of devastation as he departs, driven by an insatiable desire to become one with everything. | ||
==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
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{{Navbox/Media/ShortStories}} | {{Navbox/Media/ShortStories}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Short stories]] | ||
[[Category:Canon]] | [[Category:Canon]] | ||
