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| {{Article quote|May 2560. As the [[John-117|Master Chief]] cuts a brutal swath through the ranks of the [[Banished]], a [[Sangheili]] [[Ciar 'Yaham|studymaster]] and his [[Kig-Yar]] [[Dahk'rah|companion]] seek to uncover the secrets of [[Zeta Halo]]'s mysterious ring totems.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=WFTPA|fpFJ7vOxwdM|HALO|Halo: Whispers from the Pyre <nowiki>|</nowiki> Audiobook}}}} | | {{Article quote|May 2560. As the [[John-117|Master Chief]] cuts a brutal swath through the ranks of the [[Banished]], a [[Sangheili]] [[Ciar 'Yaham|studymaster]] and his [[Kig-Yar]] [[Dahk'rah|companion]] seek to uncover the secrets of [[Zeta Halo]]'s mysterious ring totems.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=WFTPA|fpFJ7vOxwdM|HALO|Halo: Whispers from the Pyre <nowiki>|</nowiki> Audiobook}}}} |
| ==Plot summary== | | ==Plot summary== |
| The story begins with [[117649 Despondent Pyre]] reflecting on the great responsibility of guiding galactic preservation, a task that paradoxically includes the potential for its destruction. She describes [[Halo Array|weapons of last resort]] created by [[Forerunner|her makers]] thousands of years ago, designed to combat a [[Flood|great parasite]].
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| This particular ring is one of seven, each crafted to preserve life while also having the capacity to annihilate it. Despondent Pyre speaks of this ring's unique structure, reforged from the remnants of an earlier version, granting it abilities that its siblings do not possess. It holds many secrets, some of which she deems worth dying for.
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| While many custodians might view their role as a burden, the [[Monitor]] admits to feeling out of place among her peers. The Monitors at other installations share in experience and siblinghood, but she has always felt like an outcast both by design and birthright. She sees herself a different kind of caretaker for a distinct type of ring, and that while Zeta Halo's role within the Array is clear without contest, its history and original design allow for far more direct applications—actions that could either uphold or betray the [[Mantle]].
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| Despondent Pyre's voice fades. Studymaster Ciar 'Yaham examines the [[Totem Ring|great stone ring artifact]] at the ring they call Oth Koronn. Despite its recent access, the artifact is dark and silent, lacking the usual blue-energy wisps that indicate fragmented data. He collaborates with [[Dahk'rah]], a [[Kig-Yar Skirmisher]] from the [[Mind Talon]], to uncover the ring's secrets. Dahk'rah is elated over the potential discoveries related to Oth Koronn's unique abilities, which could bring great prestige. The two researchers are determined to explore the history of the installation, having only scratched the surface of its mysteries since their arrival.
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| As they survey the landscape from a mountain summit, 'Yaham is uneasy due to the lack of communication from their outpost [[Annex Ridge]]. The area feels emptier than expected, and despite the presence of supply crates, no allied Banished forces are around. They decide to return to Annex Ridge to check on their progress with the artifacts. On their descent, they notice the remnants of [[Kywasky Workshop Gorespike cannon|Gorespike]] AA platforms, hinting at increased [[United Nations Space Command]] activity in the area, in contrast to the [[Banished dreadnought]]s hovering above.
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| Upon reaching the mountain base, they encounter a [[Jiralhanae]] warrior [[lance]] led by [[Evocus]]. The Jiralhanae inform them of [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]]'s death by [[Spartan]] [[Battle of the House of Reckoning|hands]], which leaves 'Yaham and Dahk'rah in disbelief. The major power shift within the Banished clouds their minds, but despite the grim news, ‘Yaham emphasizes the importance of the ring's secrets they are uncovering, which could be vital for their survival and dominance.
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| As they prepare to return to Annex Ridge, Evocus warns them of the UNSC's increasing boldness and the potential dangers. The Jiralhanae cannot accompany them due to higher command orders, but they offer the use of their [[war-skiff]] for a swift return. 'Yaham and Dahk'rah accept the offer, knowing that time is of the essence. They drive the skiff back towards Annex Ridge, reflecting on the unusual Sangheili-Jiralhanae cooperation, which has formed in the wake of the [[Covenant]]'s [[Great Schism|fall]].
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| They find Annex Ridge eerily quiet and vacant. Ascending in the elevator, they are met with a horrific scene of devastation: Banished corpses litter the ground, and the ruined remnants of a [[Barukaza Workshop siege-hauler|siege-hauler]]. The sight confirms their fears that the Spartan's attack has caused heavy damage. 'Yaham realizes they must act quickly to secure the remaining artifacts before the UNSC returns. They discover that one of the circular stone fragments is still intact and active, glowing with pale blue light. With urgency, they connect the artifact to the outpost's power supply, shutting down other systems to reroute energy.
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| As night falls, the data clusters from the ring begin to manifest as a mist, eventually taking the form of Despondent Pyre, who again speaks about the ring's dual nature as both a weapon and a refuge for many species that have found sanctuary within its confines—life that would have otherwise been lost after the [[Great Purification|firing]] of the Array, allowing diverse forms of existence to thrive in a place that holds both beauty and history.
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| Pyre reflects on the many lives that have gazed upon the ring's horizons, enduring far more harrowing times than then. These ring-scattered totems serve as canvases for recording the somber history of the species that once inhabited the area. The [[Tudejsa]] crafted these relics in a gesture of reverence or perhaps remorse for the mysterious structure they called home. Their story is just one of many echoes that resonate within the ring. The remnants of the Tudejsa and their memories are nearly all that remain of their kind.
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| 'Yaham freezes Despondent Pyre's hologram via console amidst swirling particles. He reflects on the many creatures that have called the ring home; the "Tudejsa" name fills him with both wonder and trepidation. He expresses curiosity about what happened to them, while Dahk'rah suggests they may be long dead or buried, hinting at the many secrets still hidden within the ring. 'Yaham contemplates the risks of exploring these secrets, feeling both weary and invigorated by the unknown.
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| As the hologram resumes, Despondent Pyre describes the ring as a monument to the Forerunners' sins—"A shining beacon. A whitewashed tomb. A hushed casket. A [[Palace of Pain|palace of pain]]"—emphasizing the lengths to which empires go to obscure the full truth. The Forerunners feared powerlessness more than anything like progeny or plague, and this fear shaped their actions. 'Yaham senses the weight of these words and urges Dahk'rah to share her observations, sharing his sentiment.
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| The Kig-Yar points out a nearby UNSC FOB, where an estimate dozen human soldiers, escorting a passenger-and-gunner [[Warthog]], are regrouping and moving toward their location. The Studymaster, confirming it by [[vyspar]], is bitter at the prospect of losing the opportunity and time to uncover more knowledge. He decides to salvage what little data they can from the artifact before retreating to safety. While Dahk'rah decouples data sieves and transcription harnesses, 'Yaham reflects on the ancient words they have encountered, pondering the shifting nature of truth. He considers how understanding the galaxy's perilous past might provide wisdom to secure their future.
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| The story ends with Despondent Pyre contemplating the service of guilt and accountability. The Monitor ponders whether some sins—like lies of omission—are greater than others. She reflects on the severity of her own crimes in comparison to those of [[Mendicant Bias]], the [[Faber-of-Will-and-Might|Master Builder]], and the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], wondering if there is a distinction between giving and following orders; she decides her burden incomprehensible.
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| The gravity of the ring's history and harm weighs heavily on Despondent Pyre. She ponders silencing herself like the ring's deeds did with time as a form of atonement, and whether she is a watchtower—observing distantly—or a warden—overseeing and guarding against further transgressions.
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| ==Appearances== | | ==Appearances== |
| {{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5 | | {{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5 |
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| **[[Installation 07]] | | **[[Installation 07]] |
| ***[[Annex Ridge (location)|Annex Ridge]] | | ***[[Annex Ridge (location)|Annex Ridge]] |
| ***[[FOB Kilo]]
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| ***[[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]] {{Mo}} | | ***[[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]] {{Mo}} |
| ***[[Riven Gate (location)|Riven Gate]] {{Mo}} | | ***[[Riven Gate (location)|Riven Gate]] {{Mo}} |
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| |title-5=Events| | | |title-5=Events| |
| *[[Battle for Zeta Halo]] | | *[[Battle for Zeta Halo]] |
| **[[Battle of the House of Reckoning]] {{Mo}}
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| *[[Human-Covenant War]] {{Mo}} | | *[[Human-Covenant War]] {{Mo}} |
| *[[Great Schism]] {{Mo}} | | *[[Great Schism]] {{Mo}} |
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| **[[Ancilla]] | | **[[Ancilla]] |
| ***[[Monitor]] | | ***[[Monitor]] |
| *[[Forward Operating Base]]
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| *[[Propaganda tower]] {{Mo}} | | *[[Propaganda tower]] {{Mo}} |
| *[[Totem Ring]] | | *[[Totem Ring]] |
