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{{Title|''Halo: Silentium''}} | {{Title|''Halo: Silentium''}} | ||
{{ | {{Era|RW}} | ||
{{Novel infobox | {{Novel infobox | ||
|name= | |name=Halo: Silentium | ||
|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Original|content1=[[File:Silentium_cover_front.jpg|300px]]|title2=2014 re-release|content2=[[File:HS Coverart 2014.jpg|300px]]}} | |||
|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Original|content1=[[File: | |||
|author=[[Greg Bear]] | |author=[[Greg Bear]] | ||
|publisher=[[Tor Books]] (2013)<br>[[Simon & Schuster]] (2019) | |publisher=[[Tor Books]] (2013)<br>[[Simon & Schuster]] (2019) | ||
|publication=[[2013|March 19, 2013]] (original)<br> | |publication=[[2013|March 19, 2013]] (original)<br>March 26, 2019 (2019 edition) | ||
|media=Print (paperback, hardcover); audiobook | |media=Print (paperback, hardcover); audiobook | ||
|length=336 pages (original)<br>320 pages (2019 edition) | |length=336 pages (original)<br>320 pages (2019 edition) | ||
|ISBN=[[Special:BookSources/0230758320|0230758320]], [[Special:BookSources/978-0230758322|978-0230758322]], [[Special:BookSources/978-1982111779|978-1982111779]] | |ISBN=[[Special:BookSources/0230758320|0230758320]], [[Special:BookSources/978-0230758322|978-0230758322]], [[Special:BookSources/978-1982111779|978-1982111779]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
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==Official summary== | ==Official summary== | ||
{{Article | {{Article Quote|In the last years of the [[Forerunner]] empire, chaos rules. The [[Flood]] — a horrifying shape-changing parasite — has arrived in force, aided by [[Mendicant Bias|unexpected allies]]. Internal strife within the [[ecumene]] has desperately weakened Forerunner defenses. Too little, too late, the legal [[rate]] of [[Juridical]]s is only now investigating possible crimes by the [[Faber|Master Builder]] and others. Evidence-gathering agents known collectively as [[Catalog]] have been dispatched to collect testimony from the [[Librarian]] and both Didacts: the [[Ur-Didact]], treacherously abandoned in a Flood-infested system, and the [[IsoDidact|Bornstellar Didact]], who accompanies the Librarian as she [[Conservation Measure|preserves specimens]] against the dire possibility of [[Halo Array|Halo]] extermination. | ||
Facing the imminent collapse of their civilization, the Librarian and the Ur-Didact reveal what they know about the relationship between the long-vanished [[Precursor]]s and the Flood. The Precursors created many technological species, including humanity and the Forerunners. But the roots of the Flood may be found in an [[Forerunner-Precursor war|act of enormous barbarity]], carried out beyond [[Milky Way|our galaxy]] ten million years before… Because of that barbarism, a greater evil looms. Only the Ur-Didact and the Librarian -- husband and wife pushed into desperate conflict -- hold the keys to a solution. Facing the consequences of a mythic tragedy, one of them must now commit the greatest atrocity of all time — to prevent an insane evil from dominating the entire universe."''<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765323982/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=heaprcom05-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creativeASIN=0765323982 '''Amazon.com official book description''']</ref> | Facing the imminent collapse of their civilization, the Librarian and the Ur-Didact reveal what they know about the relationship between the long-vanished [[Precursor]]s and the Flood. The Precursors created many technological species, including humanity and the Forerunners. But the roots of the Flood may be found in an [[Forerunner-Precursor war|act of enormous barbarity]], carried out beyond [[Milky Way|our galaxy]] ten million years before… Because of that barbarism, a greater evil looms. Only the Ur-Didact and the Librarian -- husband and wife pushed into desperate conflict -- hold the keys to a solution. Facing the consequences of a mythic tragedy, one of them must now commit the greatest atrocity of all time — to prevent an insane evil from dominating the entire universe."''<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765323982/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=heaprcom05-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creativeASIN=0765323982 '''Amazon.com official book description''']</ref>}} | ||
==Plot synopsis== | ==Plot synopsis== | ||
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Over a thousand years earlier, shortly before the Ur-Didact went into exile, he and the Librarian gathered together at their estate on the world of [[Nomdagro]]. An associate of Haruspis visited their home and helped guide the Ur-Didact in the [[Cryptum]]'s preservation process. After the Didact's exile, things continued to deteriorate on the Forerunner political scene. To remain seen as an asset to the Master Builder, the Librarian proposed an expedition to a local galaxy known as [[Path Kethona]] to learn about the Flood's origins. Legend dictated that 10 million years ago, ancient Forerunners journeyed to Path Kethona, but actual records detailing this journey had long since vanished. The Old Council approved of this venture and the ship ''[[Audacity]]'' was constructed for the long journey to Path Kethona. The crew consisted of the Librarian, a Builder named [[Keeper-of-Tools]], a [[Miner]] named [[Clearance-of-Old-Forests]], and two Lifeworkers named [[Chant-to-Green]] and [[Birth-to-Light]]. Arriving at Path Kethona, the crew of ''Audacity'' would find it seemingly completely devoid of life. However, they discovered that Precursor architecture existed this far out of the Milky Way. Amongst the artifacts was a vast fleet of ancient Forerunner vessels of war. The Librarian and her crew scanned the Forerunner vessels and found nothing of true interest; any records inside had been destroyed thousands of years ago, as they were uploaded in binary. | Over a thousand years earlier, shortly before the Ur-Didact went into exile, he and the Librarian gathered together at their estate on the world of [[Nomdagro]]. An associate of Haruspis visited their home and helped guide the Ur-Didact in the [[Cryptum]]'s preservation process. After the Didact's exile, things continued to deteriorate on the Forerunner political scene. To remain seen as an asset to the Master Builder, the Librarian proposed an expedition to a local galaxy known as [[Path Kethona]] to learn about the Flood's origins. Legend dictated that 10 million years ago, ancient Forerunners journeyed to Path Kethona, but actual records detailing this journey had long since vanished. The Old Council approved of this venture and the ship ''[[Audacity]]'' was constructed for the long journey to Path Kethona. The crew consisted of the Librarian, a Builder named [[Keeper-of-Tools]], a [[Miner]] named [[Clearance-of-Old-Forests]], and two Lifeworkers named [[Chant-to-Green]] and [[Birth-to-Light]]. Arriving at Path Kethona, the crew of ''Audacity'' would find it seemingly completely devoid of life. However, they discovered that Precursor architecture existed this far out of the Milky Way. Amongst the artifacts was a vast fleet of ancient Forerunner vessels of war. The Librarian and her crew scanned the Forerunner vessels and found nothing of true interest; any records inside had been destroyed thousands of years ago, as they were uploaded in binary. | ||
Eventually, the Librarian, Keeper and Chant discovered | Eventually, the Librarian, Keeper and Chant discovered a planet with [[Path Kethona Forerunner|a civilization of primitive Forerunners]] confined to the planet and lacking any form of advanced technology; however, the planet's ecology was completely based upon Forerunner genetics. The crew landed on the planet to encounter the natives in person. An old female named [[Glow-of-Old-Suns]] took the Librarian to a valley where microbiological growths recorded the locals' history - essentially an organic analog to the [[Domain]]. By accessing this information reserve, the Librarian would learn that Warriors drove the Precursors to Path Kethona during the Forerunners' [[Forerunner-Precursor war|genocidal campaign]] against their creators ten million years earlier, and that the planet's inhabitants were descendants of Forerunners exiled there as punishment for refusing to partake in the destruction of the Precursors. | ||
Back in the present, the Ur-Didact emerges from a [[stasis bubble]] on a broken-down Builder hulk drifting in a [[Burn]] (a Flood-infected star system). Also on-board is a former Promethean named [[Sharp-by-Striking]], another Catalog and a Builder named [[Maker-of-Moons]]. Sharp lost favor with Faber and Maker was going to give Catalog testimony against Faber, so all three found themselves on the broken ship as well. Their destination is a Flood-infested world called [[Uthera Midgeerrd]]. Eventually a Precursor artifact composed of slithering [[star road]]s appears and threatens to destroy the ship. The Ur-Didact, willing to confront whatever lies in the Precursor artifact, remains on the ship while the others escape; only Catalog stays to accompany him. | Back in the present, the Ur-Didact emerges from a [[stasis bubble]] on a broken-down Builder hulk drifting in a [[Burn]] (a Flood-infected star system). Also on-board is a former Promethean named [[Sharp-by-Striking]], another Catalog and a Builder named [[Maker-of-Moons]]. Sharp lost favor with Faber and Maker was going to give Catalog testimony against Faber, so all three found themselves on the broken ship as well. Their destination is a Flood-infested world called [[Uthera Midgeerrd]]. Eventually a Precursor artifact composed of slithering [[star road]]s appears and threatens to destroy the ship. The Ur-Didact, willing to confront whatever lies in the Precursor artifact, remains on the ship while the others escape; only Catalog stays to accompany him. | ||
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*[[Bitterness-of-the-Vanquished]] {{1st}} | *[[Bitterness-of-the-Vanquished]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Boundless (Forerunner)|Boundless]] {{Fm}} | *[[Boundless (Forerunner)|Boundless]] {{Fm}} | ||
*[[Carrier-of- | *[[Carrier-of-Immunity]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Catalog]] {{1st}} | *[[Catalog]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Celebrator-of- | *[[Celebrator-of-Birth]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Chant-to-Green]] {{1st}} | *[[Chant-to-Green]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Clearance-of-Old-Forests]] {{1st}} | *[[Clearance-of-Old-Forests]] {{1st}} | ||
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*[[Flood]] | *[[Flood]] | ||
*[[Forerunner]] | *[[Forerunner]] | ||
**[[ | **[[Path Kethona Forerunner]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Human]] | *[[Human]] | ||
*[[Pheru]] {{Mo}} | *[[Pheru]] {{Mo}} | ||
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*[[Large Magellanic Cloud]] {{1st}} | *[[Large Magellanic Cloud]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Tarantula Nebula]] {{1st}} | **[[Tarantula Nebula]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Omega Halo]] | *[[Omega Halo]] | ||
*[[Orion complex]] | *[[Orion complex]] | ||
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*''[[Audacity]]'' {{1st}} | *''[[Audacity]]'' {{1st}} | ||
*{{Class|Despair|fighter}} | *{{Class|Despair|fighter}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Fast frigate]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Forerunner cruiser]] | *[[Forerunner cruiser]] | ||
*[[Forerunner dreadnought]] | *[[Forerunner dreadnought]] | ||
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*[[Sentinel]] | *[[Sentinel]] | ||
**[[Aggressor Sentinel]] | **[[Aggressor Sentinel]] | ||
*[[Shield world]] | *[[Shield world]] | ||
*[[Slipspace bubble]] | *[[Slipspace bubble]] | ||
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==Production notes== | ==Production notes== | ||
The novel was originally set to be released on January 8, 2013,<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/11/Tor-Books-Reveals-Title-Cover-Art-And-Release-Date-of-Third-Halo-Novel-By-Greg-Bear.aspx '''Tor Books reveals title, cover art, and release date of the third Halo novel by legendary science fiction author Greg Bear''']</ref> but the release was later delayed to March 19. | The novel was originally set to be released on January 8, 2013,<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/11/Tor-Books-Reveals-Title-Cover-Art-And-Release-Date-of-Third-Halo-Novel-By-Greg-Bear.aspx '''Tor Books reveals title, cover art, and release date of the third Halo novel by legendary science fiction author Greg Bear''']</ref> but the release was later delayed to March 19.<ref name="delay"/> For the last three months of the novel's writing process, Greg Bear worked closely with 343 Industries Franchise Writer [[Jeremy Patenaude]] to incorporate story elements from ''Halo 4'' and other fiction and to ensure that the stories fit together seamlessly.<ref name="sparkast">[http://waypointassets.blob.core.windows.net/mobilecontent/legacysupport/content/assets/en-us/podcast/343Sparkast_017.mp3 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''343 Sparkast 017'']</ref><ref>[http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=6817 '''Greg Bear Discussion Board''': ''Halo: Silentium'']</ref> A number of additional references to previous continuity were also included to the novel as a result of this collaboration. Greg Bear jokingly noted that he and Patenaude bonded as "blood brothers" and stated that he calls Patenaude "boss".<ref name="sparkast"/> | ||
The preliminary cover art for the novel, illustrated by [[Nicolas Bouvier|Nicolas "Sparth" Bouvier]], depicts a vast Forerunner structure with a [[Cryptum]] floating in the center and several ships flying by, while the final cover art depicts the Ur-Didact observing a hologram of a Cryptum and his wife, the [[Librarian]]; the preliminary cover image remains in the background, although the Cryptum in the background is absent. The original cover illustration was used to promote the novel without giving spoilers as to the appearance of the Forerunner characters, which was not revealed until ''[[Halo 4]]''. The final cover art was done as a collaboration between Sparth and ''Halo 4'' concept artist [[Gabriel Garza]].<ref>[http://sparth.tumblr.com/post/37282071285/greg-bear-silentium-book-covers-we-actually-had '''SPARTH''']</ref> | The preliminary cover art for the novel, illustrated by [[Nicolas Bouvier|Nicolas "Sparth" Bouvier]], depicts a vast Forerunner structure with a [[Cryptum]] floating in the center and several ships flying by, while the final cover art depicts the Ur-Didact observing a hologram of a Cryptum and his wife, the [[Librarian]]; the preliminary cover image remains in the background, although the Cryptum in the background is absent. The original cover illustration was used to promote the novel without giving spoilers as to the appearance of the Forerunner characters, which was not revealed until ''[[Halo 4]]''. The final cover art was done as a collaboration between Sparth and ''Halo 4'' concept artist [[Gabriel Garza]].<ref>[http://sparth.tumblr.com/post/37282071285/greg-bear-silentium-book-covers-we-actually-had '''SPARTH''']</ref> | ||
==Promotion== | ==Promotion== | ||
On February 11, 2013, an announcement was released on [[Halo Waypoint]] that in the weeks leading up to the release of ''Silentium'' Tor Books and 343 Industries would be sending out encrypted communications via halowaypoint.com bulletins and forums, which will allow fans to unlock additional content. There will also be embedded data in the text of the ''Halo: Silentium'' paperback and e-book editions.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/02/11/Halo-Fans-Can-Unlock-Additional-Content-and-Gain-XP-with-the-Release-of-Halo-Silentium.aspx '''Halo Waypoint Blogs''': ''Halo Fans Can Unlock Additional Content and Gain XP with the Release of Halo Silentium'']</ref> Players can unlock this content in the [[Halo Waypoint#Classified|Classified menu]] at Halo Waypoint. The unlocked contents are 20,000 experience points for multiplayer and an audio video called "''Rebirth''", a story narrated by Greg Bear and acts as an epilogue for ''Silentium''. It tells the story of [[Riser]] and his last encounter with the IsoDidact. Days after, a new code was revealed, adding 50,000 XP, a new emblem (Overachiever), and 5 additional minutes to Epilogue "Rebirth", which consist of a trial made | On February 11, 2013, an announcement was released on [[Halo Waypoint]] that in the weeks leading up to the release of ''Silentium'' Tor Books and 343 Industries would be sending out encrypted communications via halowaypoint.com bulletins and forums, which will allow fans to unlock additional content. There will also be embedded data in the text of the ''Halo: Silentium'' paperback and e-book editions.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/02/11/Halo-Fans-Can-Unlock-Additional-Content-and-Gain-XP-with-the-Release-of-Halo-Silentium.aspx '''Halo Waypoint Blogs''': ''Halo Fans Can Unlock Additional Content and Gain XP with the Release of Halo Silentium'']</ref> Players can unlock this content in the [[Halo Waypoint#Classified|Classified menu]] at Halo Waypoint. The unlocked contents are 20,000 experience points for multiplayer and an audio video called "''Rebirth''", a story narrated by Greg Bear and acts as an epilogue for ''Silentium''. It tells the story of [[Riser]] and his last encounter with the IsoDidact. Days after, a new code was revealed, adding 50,000 XP, a new emblem (Overachiever), and 5 additional minutes to Epilogue "Rebirth", which consist of a trial made by the Forerunners survivors to Mendicant Bias after the latter's defeat against Offensive Bias. | ||
Similar to the preceding novels, a sneak peek of the first two chapters of the novel was released on Halo Waypoint and Tor.com on March 13, 2013.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/03/13/Silentium-Sneak-Peek.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Silentium Sneak Peek'']</ref> | Similar to the preceding novels, a sneak peek of the first two chapters of the novel was released on Halo Waypoint and Tor.com on March 13, 2013.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/03/13/Silentium-Sneak-Peek.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Silentium Sneak Peek'']</ref> | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
===Miscellaneous=== | ===Miscellaneous=== | ||
[[Wiktionary:Silentium|"Silentium"]] is [[Latin]] for "silence", "stillness", "inactivity" or "cessation", which reflects the effect of the Halo Array's galaxy-wide activation on the Forerunner civilization and life in the galaxy. It is also the last word in the novel, appearing as a line spoken by 343 Guilty Spark as the Halo Array fires and he forgets his humanity.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 330''</ref> | |||
===References=== | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
{{Ref/Sources}} | |||
*The Ur-Didact exclaims "And loose damnation on the stars?" in retort to the IsoDidact's statement that using the Halos may be the Forerunners' only chance to stop the Flood.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 224''</ref> This is a reference to a line spoken by [[Cortana]] on the level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]'' in ''[[Halo 3]]'': ''"For a moment of safety, I loosed damnation upon the stars."''. | *The Ur-Didact exclaims "And loose damnation on the stars?" in retort to the IsoDidact's statement that using the Halos may be the Forerunners' only chance to stop the Flood.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 224''</ref> This is a reference to a line spoken by [[Cortana]] on the level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]'' in ''[[Halo 3]]'': ''"For a moment of safety, I loosed damnation upon the stars."''. | ||
*During his final conversation with 343 Guilty Spark, before deploying the Halo Array, the IsoDidact asks the monitor ''"Tell me, Chakas, if this was your choice, after all we have seen and survived... would you fire the rings?"''<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 314''</ref> This references a statement made by Guilty Spark to [[John-117]] in the opening cinematic of the level ''[[Two Betrayals]]'' in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'': ''"Last time, you asked me, if it were my choice, would I do it? Having had considerable time to ponder your query, my answer has not changed."'' | *During his final conversation with 343 Guilty Spark, before deploying the Halo Array, the IsoDidact asks the monitor ''"Tell me, Chakas, if this was your choice, after all we have seen and survived... would you fire the rings?"''<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 314''</ref> This references a statement made by Guilty Spark to [[John-117]] in the opening cinematic of the level ''[[Two Betrayals]]'' in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'': ''"Last time, you asked me, if it were my choice, would I do it? Having had considerable time to ponder your query, my answer has not changed."'' | ||
**However, despite the second half of 343 Guilty Spark's comment suggesting he responded in the affirmative, in ''Silentium'', Spark does not actually reply to the IsoDidact's question. | **However, despite the second half of 343 Guilty Spark's comment suggesting he responded in the affirmative, in ''Silentium'', Spark does not actually reply to the IsoDidact's question. | ||
*The novel describes a gathering of the Halo installation monitors aboard a Lifeworker vessel over the lesser Ark before the deployment of the Halos. This was first shown in the [[Terminal | *The novel describes a gathering of the Halo installation monitors aboard a Lifeworker vessel over the lesser Ark before the deployment of the Halos. This was first shown in the [[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|terminals]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''. | ||
*The description of the Halo Array being launched from the lesser Ark via a portal closely echoes the [[:File:Array.png|depiction]] of the event from ''[[Origins]]''. However, ''Origins'' shows all seven of the final Halos entering the portal, whereas in ''Silentium'' there are only six, as [[Installation 07]] had been deployed years earlier.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 315''</ref> | *The description of the Halo Array being launched from the lesser Ark via a portal closely echoes the [[:File:Array.png|depiction]] of the event from ''[[Origins]]''. However, ''Origins'' shows all seven of the final Halos entering the portal, whereas in ''Silentium'' there are only six, as [[Installation 07]] had been deployed years earlier.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 315''</ref> | ||
*The Didact's pose in the cover art (with his hands closing around his Cryptum) foreshadows the manner in which Precursor [[star road]]s destroy planets. | *The Didact's pose in the cover art (with his hands closing around his Cryptum) foreshadows the manner in which Precursor [[star road]]s destroy planets. | ||
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File:Halo Silentium Cover.jpg|The preliminary cover for ''Halo: Silentium''. | File:Halo Silentium Cover.jpg|The preliminary cover for ''Halo: Silentium''. | ||
File:Silentium preliminary coverart.jpg|Full preliminary cover illustration. | File:Silentium preliminary coverart.jpg|Full preliminary cover illustration. | ||
File: | File:Halo Silentium carousel main.png|Full final jacket artwork. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
