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{{disambig header|the [[Halo 4]] level|the Halo 4 [[achievement]]|Midnight (achievement)}} | {{disambig header|the [[Halo 4]] level|the Halo 4 [[achievement]]|Midnight (achievement)}} | ||
{{Level | {{Level Infobox | ||
|prev=[[Composer (level)|Composer]] | |prev=[[Composer (level)|Composer]] | ||
|next=*[[Halo 4 credits|''Halo 4'' credits]] | |next=*[[Halo 4 credits|''Halo 4'' credits]] | ||
*[[Epilogue (Halo 4 level)|''Epilogue'']] | **[[Epilogue (Halo 4 level)|''Epilogue'']] (Chronologically) | ||
|name= | |game=''Halo 4'' | ||
|image=[[File: | |name=Midnight | ||
|image=[[File:Midnight.png|300px]] | |||
|player=[[John-117]] | |||
|player=[[ | |date=July [[2557]] | ||
|date=[[ | |||
|place=Onboard ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', over [[Earth]] | |place=Onboard ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', over [[Earth]] | ||
|objective=Stop the Didact by destroying the Composer. | |objective=Stop the Didact by destroying the Composer. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Article Quote|With the Composer in the Didact's possession, Chief and Cortana must destroy the device before he turns it on his next target.}} | |||
'''Midnight''' is the eighth and final [[campaign]] level of ''[[Halo 4]]''. Completing the level on any difficulty awards the player the [[Midnight (achievement)|Midnight]] achievement. Killing three [[Promethean Crawler]]s with the [[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer|Gravity Hammer]] in one hit in the level unlocks the [[Chief, Smash!]] achievement.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/08/22/The-Halo-Bulletin-82212.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 8.22.12'']</ref> | |||
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
'''{''Cutscene''}''' | '''{''Cutscene''}''' | ||
''Fade in to [[Ivanoff Station]]'s hangar, where | ''Fade in to [[Ivanoff Station]]'s hangar, where a [[F-41 Broadsword]] is being moved by an overhead conveyor belt, stopping once it reaches the open doorway. A floor panel opens up underneath, revealing a [[gravity lift]] that floats a missile carrying a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon|HAVOK nuke]] up to the fighter. Once it reaches its underside, the fighter's clamps lock around it. The conveyor belt releases the Broadsword, letting float on its own. The fighter slowly turns, activates its thrusters, and blasts forward into space. Fade in black.'' | ||
''Fade in on the ''[[Mantle's Approach]].'' A few moments after it passes the camera, | ''Fade in on the'' [[Mantle's Approach]]. ''A few moments after it passes the camera, Master Chief's Broadsword speeds by in pursuit. Cut to inside the Broadsword's cockpit.'' | ||
* ''' | *'''Cortana''': "Approaching the Didact's ship in two hundred kilometers! Once we get onboard, we'll find the bridge." | ||
''A slipspace portal opens in front of the ''Mantle's Approach | ''A slipspace portal opens in front of the'' Mantle's Approach. | ||
* '''John-117''': "He's on the move again." | *'''John-117''': "He's on the move again." | ||
*'''Cortana''': "The fighter's shields aren't rated for slipspace!" | |||
* ''' | *'''John-117''': "No. But the Didact's are." | ||
''John pushes the throttle. The fighter boosts forward and approaches the Didact's ship. As it nestles on the top, the shields of the'' Mantle's Approach ''activate, and the enormous ship and Broadsword pass into slipspace together.'' | |||
===One Last Shot=== | |||
'''{''Gameplay''}''' | '''{''Gameplay''}''' | ||
''The Broadsword flies forward through an enormous chasm in the Forerunner ship. Streaks of stars can be seen in the sky from their slipspace travel.'' | ''The Broadsword flies forward through an enormous chasm in the Forerunner ship. Streaks of stars can be seen in the sky from their slipspace travel.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': '' | *'''Cortana''': (''mildly cracking from rampancy'') "Broadsword's hull integrity is stable. ''We'll be safe'' as long as we stay below the Didact's shields." | ||
* '''John-117''': "Where's the Composer?" | *'''John-117''': "Where's the Composer?" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Close. I should be able ''to guide us'' to it." | *'''Cortana''': "Close. I should be able ''to guide us'' to it." | ||
* ''' | *'''Didact (COM)''': "You have not been Composed. Such inoculation should not have been possible." | ||
* '''Cortana''': " | *'''Cortana''': "Looking ''onto'' his transmission... he's at the Composer. We can take them both out ''at once''." | ||
''The Broadsword encounters its first obstacles: large moving walls, and Forerunner | ''The Broadsword encounters its first obstacles: large moving walls, and Forerunner anti-air turrets. The Broadsword fires at them and at an orange beacon to unlock a gate.'' | ||
''There is a loud crackle and the streaked sky above returns to normal. | ''There is a loud crackle and the streaked sky above returns to normal. Earth can be seen overhead.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "[[Čerenkov radiation|Cherenkov ''radiation'']] fluctuating! ''We're coming out'' of slipspace!" | *'''Cortana''': "[[Čerenkov radiation|Cherenkov ''radiation'']] fluctuating! ''We're coming out'' of slipspace!" | ||
* '''[[UNSC Fleet Command|Fleetcom Watch]] (COM)''': "At current velocity, hostile will achieve Earth orbit in approximately 4 minutes." | *'''[[UNSC Fleet Command|Fleetcom Watch]] (COM)''': "At current velocity, hostile will achieve Earth orbit in approximately 4 minutes." | ||
* | *'''Infinity Comm (COM)''': "Roger. Battle Group Dakota, close on the Forerunner vessel." | ||
* '''Cortana''': " | *'''Cortana''': "Infinity must have warned them!" | ||
* '''John-117''': "Sierra 117 to UNSC ''Infinity''. Captain | *'''John-117''': "Sierra 117 to UNSC ''Infinity''. Captain Del Rio, do you read?" | ||
* '''[[Thomas Lasky]] (COM)''': "Chief, it-it's Lasky. Is that you?" | *'''[[Thomas Lasky]] (COM)''': "Chief, it-it's Lasky. Is that you?" | ||
* '''John-117''': "Affirmative, Sir. Where's the Captain?" | *'''John-117''': "Affirmative, Sir. Where's the Captain?" | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "FleetCom didn't take too kindly to his abandoning you on [[Requiem]]. I'm afraid I'll have to do." | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "FleetCom didn't take too kindly to his abandoning you on [[Requiem]]. I'm afraid I'll have to do." | ||
* '''John-117''': "The Didact's got the Composer. We're in a Broadsword carrying a HAVOK-grade payload, on approach to deliver it." | *'''John-117''': "The Didact's got the Composer. We're in a Broadsword carrying a HAVOK-grade payload, on approach to deliver it." | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "Let's see if we can grease the wheels for you. All ships! Prepare to engage!" | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Let's see if we can grease the wheels for you. All ships! Prepare to engage!" | ||
''The Broadsword | ''The Broadsword manevers through a tight tunnel filled with spires. Walls inside shift to block its path. Outside, the Broadsword must unlock further gates and clear anti-air defenses.'' | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "Chief, the Battle Group's moving forward to engage, but at the rate the Didact's ship is advancing, he'll reach the wire in T-minus two minutes." | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Chief, the Battle Group's moving forward to engage, but at the rate the Didact's ship is advancing, he'll reach the wire in T-minus two minutes." | ||
* '''John-117''': "Commander, direct all your ships to the Composer." | *'''John-117''': "Commander, direct all your ships to the Composer." | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "Copy that, Chief." | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Copy that, Chief." | ||
''The next tunnel is larger, but has more anti-air turrets. The Broadsword clears these and moves on.'' | ''The next tunnel is larger, but has more anti-air turrets. The Broadsword clears these and moves on.'' | ||
* '''Fleetcom Watch (COM)''': " | *'''Fleetcom Watch (COM)''': "Orbital Defense Command, this is FleetCom. Hostile inbound. Proceed to Condition Red." | ||
* '''Orbital Defense (COM)''': "This is Earth Orbital Defense! | *'''Orbital Defense (COM)''': "This is Earth Orbital Defense! MAC defense ineffective against enemy vessel. It's still approaching." | ||
''The Broadsword flies through a series of laser gates, which move up and down and are lethal to touch.'' | ''The Broadsword flies through a series of laser gates, which move up and down and are lethal to touch.'' | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': " | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Infinity to FleetCom! Battle Group has reached Didact's ship." | ||
* '''Fleetcom Watch (COM)''': | *'''Fleetcom Watch (COM)''': Captain Lasky, you are clear to engage. | ||
''The Broadsword clears a chain of gates, then reaches a tunnel whose interior grows smaller and smaller. After flying through it, it arrives at the ''Mantle's Approach's'' main weapon''. | ''The Broadsword clears a chain of gates, then reaches a tunnel whose interior grows smaller and smaller. After flying through it, it arrives at the'' Mantle's Approach's ''main weapon''. | ||
=== | ===From the Cradle...=== | ||
''A tunnel at the center leads down to the interior of the ship, but begins to close off.'' | ''The new area is round and surrounded by larger anti-air cannons. A tunnel at the center leads down to the interior of the ship, but begins to close off.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "There it is... ''No, wait!''" | *'''Cortana''': "There it is... ''No, wait!''" | ||
'' | *'''John-117''': "''Infinity'', the Didact just closed off our entrance to the Composer." | ||
* ''' | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "We could try punching a hole in that hull plating, but ''Infinity'' won't be able to get a clear shot with all that flak." | ||
*'''John-117''': "We'll take care of the guns." | |||
* '''John-117''': "We'll take care of the | |||
''The Broadsword destroys a beacon at the center of the arena, which shuts off the lasers forming hazards on the floor. It then destroys the energy inside one of the cannons.'' | ''The Broadsword destroys a beacon at the center of the arena, which shuts off the lasers forming hazards on the floor. It then destroys the energy inside one of the cannons.'' | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "Whatever you're doing's working! Clear up the approach and ''Infinity'' could drop in to punch a hole for you." | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Whatever you're doing's working! Clear up the approach and ''Infinity'' could drop in to punch a hole for you." | ||
''The Broadsword shuts down the second gun.'' | ''The Broadsword shuts down the second gun.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Two cannons ''neutralized. Two to'' go!" | *'''Cortana''': "Two cannons ''neutralized. Two to'' go!" | ||
''The Broadsword takes out the third cannon.'' | ''The Broadsword takes out the third cannon.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Only ''one gun'' left." | *'''Cortana''': "Only ''one gun'' left." | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "Copy, Cortana. Weapons, prepare firing solution! We promised to get the Chief inside that ship, and I am not about to let that man down!" | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Copy, Cortana. Weapons, prepare firing solution! We promised to get the Chief inside that ship, and I am not about to let that man down!" | ||
''The Broadsword destroys the final cannon.'' | ''The Broadsword destroys the final cannon.'' | ||
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''John and Cortana's Broadsword zooms out of the firing area.'' | ''John and Cortana's Broadsword zooms out of the firing area.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "That's the last one. | *'''John-117''': "That's the last one. Infinity, you're clear." | ||
''Cut to the | ''Cut to the Infinity, positioning itself to face the Didact's ship.'' | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "Roger that, Chief. You might want to back up a little. Main battery, fire!" | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Roger that, Chief. You might want to back up a little. Main battery, fire!" | ||
''The | ''The Infinity fires twin fore weapons, which strike the front of the'' Mantle's Approach ''and create a neat hole leading to the interior. Chief's Broadsword flies back to enter the ship.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "Clean hit. We're proceeding to insertion." | *'''John-117''': "Clean hit. We're proceeding to insertion." | ||
* '''Lasky (COM)''': "Acknowledged. We'll be on station if you need us. Make sure you give the Didact our regards. ''Infinity'' out." | *'''Lasky (COM)''': "Acknowledged. We'll be on station if you need us. Make sure you give the Didact our regards. ''Infinity'' out." | ||
''The fighter curves around and dives inside the still-burning hole. Inside it's dark and a tight fit. A wall tries to close to block the Chief's way.'' | ''The fighter curves around and dives inside the still-burning hole. Inside it's dark and a tight fit. A wall tries to close to block the Chief's way.'' | ||
*'''Cortana''': "Chief, look out! | |||
* '''Cortana''': "Chief, look out! | |||
''The Broadsword spins out of the wall's way. More walls start closing in to stop their fighter. Cut to the Broadsword's cockpit. John can see the tunnel growing tighter and tighter.'' | ''The Broadsword spins out of the wall's way. More walls start closing in to stop their fighter. Cut to the Broadsword's cockpit. John can see the tunnel growing tighter and tighter.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "I don't think this is going to end well!" | *'''Cortana''': "I don't think this is going to end well!" | ||
''Cut to black as the fighter crashes. Fade in and pan back to it, as John jumps out.'' | ''Cut to black as the fighter crashes. Fade in and pan back to it, as John jumps out.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Now what do we do?" | *'''Cortana''': "Now what do we do?" | ||
''John turns around and carefully removes the warhead from the missile. He then locks | ''John turns around and carefully removes the warhead from the missile. He then locks onto the back of his armor and grabs his battle rifle.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "Plan B." | *'''John-117''': "Plan B." | ||
''As John walks away, cut to black.'' | ''As John walks away, cut to black.'' | ||
=== ... | ===...To The Grave=== | ||
'''{''Gameplay''}''' | '''{''Gameplay''}''' | ||
''John heads down a tunnel; moments later his HUD tints purple and begins to flicker with static. Cortana's image appears on a side screen. | ''John heads down a tunnel; moments later his HUD tints purple and begins to flicker with static. Cortana's image appears on a side screen. | ||
* '''Cortana''': | *'''Cortana''': (voice squeaking and distorted) "Chief, <small>''I know I'm supposed to know what to do, but...''</small> | ||
* '''John-117''': "We'll have to deploy the warhead manually. How and where?" | *'''John-117''': "We'll have to deploy the warhead manually. How and where?" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''I always know what to do. I '''always know''' what to do! ...Just give me a second.''" | *'''Cortana''': "''I always know what to do. I '''always know''' what to do! ...Just give me a second.''" | ||
* '''John-117''': "Keep scanning for the Composer. We'll figure it out along the way." | *'''John-117''': "Keep scanning for the Composer. We'll figure it out along the way." | ||
''John's HUD turns back to normal. He then engages several enemies. | ''John's HUD turns back to normal. He then engages several enemies. Promethean Knights are encountered in the next room.'' | ||
* '''Didact''': "Where reason does not stop you, perhaps force can at least delay you." | *'''Didact''': "Where reason does not stop you, perhaps force can at least delay you." | ||
''More Knights are fought in a room with two doors.'' | ''More Knights are fought in a room with two doors.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "I recommend entering the doorway to your left." | *'''Cortana''': "I recommend entering the doorway to your left." | ||
''John jumps down a shaft, his descent slowed by a | ''John jumps down a shaft, his descent slowed by a gravity lift. | ||
* '''Cortana''': "I won't leave you! I promise! '' | *'''Cortana''': "I won't leave you! I promise! (''in the background simultaneously'') ''I will always take care of you.''" | ||
''John lands and Cortana's face returns to his HUD.'' | ''John lands and Cortana's face returns to his HUD.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Still good ''for something'', <small>I guess</small>. I detected an energy signature ''up ahead''. I think it's a transit system like ''on Requiem''. Find a way to ''acc''ess it." | *'''Cortana''': "Still good ''for something'', <small>I guess</small>. I detected an energy signature ''up ahead''. I think it's a transit system like ''on Requiem''. Find a way to ''acc''ess it." | ||
''John goes down the hallway to find a room with a large chasm. The platform at the end has an activation port. John's visor flickers purple again.'' | ''John goes down the hallway to find a room with a large chasm. The platform at the end has an activation port. John's visor flickers purple again.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "I'll try to route us to the Composer. ''Put me'' in the system." | *'''Cortana''': "I'll try to route us to the Composer. ''Put me'' in the system." | ||
''John plugs her into the system. Cortana briefly appears then fades to a glowing sphere, flickering white and red. | ''John plugs her into the system. Cortana briefly appears then fades to a glowing sphere, flickering white and red. | ||
* '''Didact''': "Is this the secret you've kept from me? This... evolved [[ancilla]]?" | *'''Didact''': "Is this the secret you've kept from me? This... evolved [[ancilla]]?" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''Didact knows'' I'm in the system. Hurry! ''Go!''" | *'''Cortana''': "''Didact knows'' I'm in the system. Hurry! ''Go!''" | ||
''John passes through the opened portal to another room. This hallway is filled with | ''John passes through the opened portal to another room. This hallway is filled with Crawlers.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''Portal...''" | *'''Cortana''': "''Portal...''" | ||
* ''' | *'''Didiact''': "I sense your malfunctioning companion, Human. And yet, she eludes me." | ||
''John passes through the portal at the end to another room with several portals.'' | ''John passes through the portal at the end to another room with several portals.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''Can't fight...'' '''''Didact'''''... ''and...'' '''''myself'''''... ''si-mul-ta''-neously! ''Opening another portal... | *'''Cortana''': "''Can't fight...'' '''''Didact'''''... ''and...'' '''''myself'''''... ''si-mul-ta''-neously!'' Opening another portal..." | ||
''John travels higher up into the room until he reaches it. The next room is an armory. A whispering Cortana can be heard in the background | ''John travels higher up into the room until he reaches it. The next room is an armory. A whispering Cortana can be heard in the background.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''I'm sorry'', I can't control what my processes are doing. ''The stronger threads'' keep reprioritizing <small>themselves over me</small>. | *'''Cortana''': "''I'm sorry'', I can't control what my processes are doing. ''The stronger threads'' keep reprioritizing <small>themselves over me</small>." | ||
* '''John-117''': "What about the Didact?" | *'''John-117''': "What about the Didact?" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "I can't hide much longer... I'll try to move you to the Composer again." | *'''Cortana''': "I can't hide much longer... I'll try to move you to the Composer again." | ||
''After stocking up, John passes through the portal and arrives at the previous room.'' | ''After stocking up, John passes through the portal and arrives at the previous room.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Portal ''open! Far side'' of the room!" | *'''Cortana''': "Portal ''open! Far side'' of the room!" | ||
''John reaches the portal, but the next room is not the Composer.'' | ''John reaches the portal, but the next room is not at the Composer.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "Where are you? | *'''John-117''': "Where are you? | ||
* '''Cortana''': "The Didact's ''cloaking'' the Composer from me! | *'''Cortana''': "The Didact's ''cloaking'' the Composer from me!'' | ||
''Promethean troops arrive.'' | ''Promethean troops arrive.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''Reinforcements! Hold them off'' while I locate the Composer." | *'''Cortana''': "''Reinforcements! Hold them off'' while I locate the Composer." | ||
''An infinite wave of Crawlers charges the player from the bridges.'' | |||
'' | *'''Cortana''': "I'm taking control of the local defense turrets." | ||
''Two nearby turrets slowly charges and fire at the Crawlers. Their beams are powerful, but are slow to charge and have a limited turn radius. Cortana finishes and her image appears for the player to reclaim her.'' | |||
* '''Cortana''': " | *'''Cortana''': "''I've got it. I locked him'' out of the system but I don't know for how long!" | ||
''John retrieves Cortana and runs down a bridge to the portal at the end. Turrets lining the bridge assist him.'' | ''John retrieves Cortana and runs down a bridge to the portal at the end. Turrets lining the bridge assist him.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''The Composer's'' on the other side of this portal." | *'''Cortana''': "''The Composer's'' on the other side of this portal." | ||
''John teleports and walks into a gravity lift, which takes up several stories. His HUD flickers purple again.'' | ''John teleports and walks into a gravity lift, which takes up several stories. His HUD flickers purple again.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "How do we get over there?" | *'''John-117''': "How do we get over there?" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''Conveyor lift'', end of the ramp. If we time it right, ''our momentum'' should carry us through ''the low gravity''." | *'''Cortana''': "''Conveyor lift'', end of the ramp. If we time it right, ''our momentum'' should carry us through ''the low gravity''." | ||
''At the end of the platform is a [[man cannon]]. John runs into it, and he shoots forward through a tunnel to float into a large room. In its center is the machine channeling the Composer. John HUD flickers during the trip.'' | |||
''At the end of the platform is a [[man cannon]]. John runs into it, and he shoots forward through a tunnel to float into a large room | |||
* '''Cortana''': "''Chief, once that warhead is primed'', the window for getting out of here is going to be pretty slim." | *'''Cortana''': "''Chief, once that warhead is primed'', the window for getting out of here is going to be pretty slim." | ||
* '''John-117''': "I know." | *'''John-117''': "I know." | ||
'' | ''Machines in the enormous room begin to lower and withdraw.'' | ||
* '''Didact''': "And so, you come at last." | *'''Didact''': "And so, you come at last." | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Activity! ''Significant slipspace event, building under the Composer''." | *'''Cortana''': "Activity! ''Significant slipspace event, building under the Composer''." | ||
* '''John-117''': "He's powering it up." | *'''John-117''': "He's powering it up." | ||
''John lands on a platform with a hallway leading further in. After he passes through the door, he sees | ''John lands on a platform with a hallway leading further in. After he passes through the door, he sees a orange energy shield now surrounding the Didact and his machine. The shield is projected by two beams at opposite ends of the room.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "The Didact's shielded himself ''inside the Composer''. The nuke won't do us any good unless we can ''disable that barrier. Find me a terminal''." | *'''Cortana''': "The Didact's shielded himself ''inside the Composer''. The nuke won't do us any good unless we can ''disable that barrier. Find me a terminal''." | ||
''' | ''John plugs her into a terminal at the end of the platform. Cortana's image appears, now flickering badly. | ||
*'''Cortana''': "I've got to do something you're not going to like." | |||
* '''Cortana''': "I've got to do something you're not going to like." | |||
''Cortana screams and her body contorts in pain. Each time she steps to the side, another Cortana comes out of her and disappears into the terminal. John then retrieves her.'' | ''Cortana screams and her body contorts in pain. Each time she steps to the side, another Cortana comes out of her and disappears into the terminal. John then retrieves her.'' | ||
*'''John-117''': "What did you just do?" | |||
* '''John-117''': "What did you just do?" | |||
* '''Cortana''': "I ejected my rampant personality spikes into the system. If I do that at each of those beams, ''the copies'' can overwhelm the Composer's shielding." | *'''Cortana''': "I ejected my rampant personality spikes into the system. If I do that at each of those beams, ''the copies'' can overwhelm the Composer's shielding." | ||
''John rides a man cannon to another platform.'' | ''John rides a man cannon to another platform.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Get ready!" | *'''Cortana''': "Get ready!" | ||
''After fighting through many Prometheans, John reaches the platform's terminal.'' | ''After fighting through many Prometheans, John reaches the platform's terminal.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "<small>''Now!''</small> Before the Didact <small>''sends reinforcements''</small> | *'''Cortana''': "<small>''Now!''</small> Before the Didact <small>''sends reinforcements''</small>." | ||
''John plugs her in and Cortana splits herself again.'' | ''John plugs her in and Cortana splits herself again.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "That's it. It's working." | *'''Cortana''': "That's it. It's working." | ||
''One beam powering the shields shuts off. John rides to another platform.'' | ''One beam powering the shields shuts off. John rides to another platform.'' | ||
* '''Didact''': "You humans sought the Didact; you will have him." | *'''Didact''': "You humans sought the Didact; you will have him." | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Chief, ''his ship's in range!'' Once the barrier | *'''Cortana''': "Chief, ''his ship's in range!'' Once we get the barrier ''down'', you need to ''get the nuke'' in there ''fast!''" | ||
''More Prometheans pour in to stop the two of them.'' | ''More Prometheans pour in to stop the two of them.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "''Hurry, run, go! Merge me into the vessel!''" | *'''Cortana''': "''Hurry, run, go! Merge me into the vessel!''" | ||
''John plugs her into the terminal. Cortana splits herself one more time, then turns to see the shield disappear.'' | ''John plugs her into the terminal. Cortana splits herself one more time, then turns to see the shield disappear.'' | ||
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'''{''Cutscene''}''' | '''{''Cutscene''}''' | ||
''The shield around the Composer flickers out, but the beam of the weapon itself is active | ''The shield around the Composer flickers out, but the beam of the weapon itself is active Cut to the Didact, fully armored and standing in front of the beam.'' | ||
*'''Didact''': "And yet, still you fail." | |||
''With a wave of his hand, the Composer activates and fires at Earth, seen in the slipspace portal above. The beam strikes [[New Phoenix|in the North American southwest]].'' | |||
''With a wave of his hand, the Composer activates and fires at Earth, seen in the | |||
''Didact rises into the beam itself, while enormous energy from it is seen surging below the machine.'' | ''Didact rises into the beam itself, while enormous energy from it is seen surging below the machine.'' | ||
''Cortana turns to face John. John tries to | ''Cortana turns to face John. John tries to retrive her but the terminal suddenly disintegrates, knocking out John's shields.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "Cortana!" | *'''John-117''': "Cortana!" | ||
'''{''Gameplay''}''' | '''{''Gameplay''}''' | ||
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''John stands up and retrieves his weapons. As he runs down the platform, he can hear Cortana whispering in the background. The phrases play at random.'' | ''John stands up and retrieves his weapons. As he runs down the platform, he can hear Cortana whispering in the background. The phrases play at random.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': | *'''Cortana''': (whispering) "Save me." | ||
* '''Cortana''': | *'''Cortana''': (whispering) "Destroy it." | ||
* '''Cortana''': | *'''Cortana''': (whispering) "Take it to the core. ''Destroy it.''" | ||
* '''Cortana''': | *'''Cortana''': (whispering) "I always take care of you." | ||
* '''Cortana''': | *'''Cortana''': (whispering) "We will light this." | ||
* '''Cortana''': | *'''Cortana''': (whispering) "Place the bomb in the core." | ||
''John | ''John arrives another platform and fits off more Prometheans. Midway through, his HUD flickers more violently than more.'' | ||
*'''Cortana''': [rampant] "'''''Prime the nuke'''''... '''''Sa-a-a-ve them'''''. '''''Destroy the Composer'''''." | |||
''The current objective notice appears on John's HUD, but rather than an objective, it is a message from Cortana: "It's alright. But you must hurry…" John reaches the gravity lift at the end and is lifted to the light bridge. He runs down it to reach the machine at the end.'' | ''The current objective notice appears on John's HUD, but rather than an objective, it is a message from Cortana: "It's alright. But you must hurry…" John reaches the gravity lift at the end and is lifted to the light bridge. He runs down it to reach the machine at the end.'' | ||
'''{''Cutscene''}''' | '''{''Cutscene''}''' | ||
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''John cautiously walks down the bridge, keeping an eye out for the Didact. Looking into the beam, he sees the Didact inside vanish. He continues to walk forward, then turns and aims his weapon when he hears the Didact speak.'' | ''John cautiously walks down the bridge, keeping an eye out for the Didact. Looking into the beam, he sees the Didact inside vanish. He continues to walk forward, then turns and aims his weapon when he hears the Didact speak.'' | ||
* '''Didact''': "You persist too long after your own defeat." | *'''Didact''': "You persist too long after your own defeat." | ||
''John levels his weapon, but can't see the Didact anywhere. Seemingly alone, he cautiously backs away then continues down the bridge. Behind him, the Didact floats down.'' | |||
'' | *'''Didact''': "Come then, Warrior. Have your resolution." | ||
''John turns to fire on him but the Didact telekinetically bats him away. John's battle rifle falls off the bridge and the nuke falls toward the end of it.'' | |||
''John turns to | ''John skids to a stop, turns to look at the Didact, then at the nuke. He charges toward the latter, but the Didact again telekinetically stops his lunge. The Forerunner lifts him midair and floats John towards him, removing his helmet as he does so.'' | ||
*'''Didact''': "So misguided." | |||
* '''Didact''': "So misguided." | |||
''The Didact floats John off the edge of the bridge. John is unable to do anything to free himself. His shield flickers from the constraint.'' | ''The Didact floats John off the edge of the bridge. John is unable to do anything to free himself. His shield flickers from the constraint.'' | ||
* '''Didact''': "Humanity's imprisonment is a kindness." | *'''Didact''': "Humanity's imprisonment is a kindness." | ||
''He tightens his fist, and John begins to choke. Hearing a strange whispering, the Didact looks and sees multiple Cortanas rising from his light bridge.'' | ''He tightens his fist, and John begins to choke. Hearing a strange whispering, the Didact looks and sees multiple Cortanas rising from his light bridge.'' | ||
* '''Cortana(s)''': "In that case, you won't mind if we return the favor." | *'''Cortana(s)''': "In that case, you won't mind if we return the favor." | ||
* '''Didact''': "Your compassion for mankind is misplaced." | *'''Didact''': "Your compassion for mankind is misplaced." | ||
* '''Cortana(s)''': "I'm not doing this for mankind." | *'''Cortana(s)''': "I'm not doing this for mankind." | ||
''The | ''The Cortanas leap into his armor and form chains of light that hold down his arms. The Didact loses his grip on John, who falls and manages to catch the edge of the light bridge. He looks up.'' | ||
'''{''Gameplay | '''{''Gameplay''}''' | ||
''John struggles to climb up the edge. His shields are down and don't recharge. After looking down at the Composer's energy below, he pulls himself up and pulls out a pulse grenade. The Didact is still struggling to free himself.'' | |||
''John | ''John dashes toward him and plants the grenade in his chest. The Didact breaks free and punches him away at that moment, but the chains still impede his legs, keeping him from reaching John. The Didact again strangles John using the constraint field, and the Spartan is about to lose his breath when the pulse grenade detonates. The Didact reels from the blast and falls off the bridge, dropping into the swirling energy below.'' | ||
''John | ''John looks down at him then groans as he crawls to the HAVOK bomb. He tires and eventually can only pull himself with his arms. Grabbing the nuke and priming it, he looks up at the beam firing on Earth and decides there's no time to escape. With a loud cry, John punches the bomb to make it immediately explode. Fade to white as the nuke detonates.'' | ||
'''{''Cutscene''}''' | '''{''Cutscene''}''' | ||
''John comes to inside | ''John comes to inside a purple bubble, which seems to be made out of hard light. He looks around him then stands on his feet.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "Cortana? Cortana, do you read? Cortana, come in." | *'''John-117''': "Cortana? Cortana, do you read? Cortana, come in." | ||
''Johns turns around and sees Cortana striding towards him. Her body is made out of hard light, and she's now as tall as a real human being. The two of them | ''Johns turns around and sees Cortana striding towards him. Her body is made out of hard light, and she's now as tall as a real human being. The two of them walks towards each other.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "How...?" | *'''John-117''': "How...?" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Oh, ''I'm'' the strangest thing you've seen all day?" | *'''Cortana''': "Oh, ''I'm'' the strangest thing you've seen all day?" | ||
* '''John-117''': "But if we're here-" | *'''John-117''': "But if we're here-" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "It worked. You did it. Just like you always do." | *'''Cortana''': "It worked. You did it. Just like you always do." | ||
''Cortana smiles. John looks around the bubble curiously.'' | ''Cortana smiles. John looks around the bubble curiously.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "So how do we get out of here?" | *'''John-117''': "So how do we get out of here?" | ||
''Cortana looks down at the floor a little gravely.'' | ''Cortana looks down at the floor a little gravely.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': "I'm not coming with you this time." | *'''Cortana''': "I'm not coming with you this time." | ||
* '''John-117''': "...what?" | *'''John-117''': "...what?" | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Most of me is down there. I only held enough back to get you off the ship." | *'''Cortana''': "Most of me is down there. I only held enough back to get you off the ship." | ||
* '''John-117''': "No. That's not-! We go together." | *'''John-117''': "No. That's not-! We go together." | ||
* '''Cortana''': "It's already done." | *'''Cortana''': "It's already done." | ||
* '''John-117''': "I ''am not'' leaving you here." | *'''John-117''': "I ''am not'' leaving you here." | ||
* '''Cortana''': "John..." | *'''Cortana''': "John..." | ||
''Cortana walks up to him and touches his breastplate. The spot glows in response.'' | ''Cortana walks up to him and touches his breastplate. The spot glows in response.'' | ||
* '''Cortana''': '' | *'''Cortana''': "(''sighs'') I've waited so long to do that." | ||
''John looks away.'' | ''John looks away.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "It was my job to take care of you | *'''John-117''': "It was my job to take care of you." | ||
*'''Cortana''': "We were supposed to take care of each other. And we did." | |||
''John looks up. Cortana sadly smiles.'' | ''John looks up. Cortana sadly smiles.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "Cortana- please..." | *'''John-117''': "Cortana- please..." | ||
''Cortana begins to back away, out of the bubble.'' | ''Cortana begins to back away, out of the bubble.'' | ||
* '''John-117''': "Wait." | *'''John-117''': "Wait." | ||
* '''Cortana''': "Welcome home, John." | *'''Cortana''': "Welcome home, John." | ||
''Cortana steps out of the bubble and vanishes. Cut to John, staring at where she was as the Didact's ship crumbles around him. Fade to white, then cut to black.'' | ''Cortana steps out of the bubble and vanishes. Cut to John, staring at where she was as the Didact's ship crumbles around him. Fade to white, then cut to black.'' | ||
''Cut the debris field left of the ''Mantle's Approach'', gradually coming into focus. Next cut to John, floating above Earth, not moving at all. A searchlight shines on John's body, who looks up slowly to see an approaching Pelican.'' | |||
* The | *'''Pelican pilot (COM)''': "''Infinity'' Actual? Pelican Nine Sixer. We found him." | ||
''The Pelican's back door opens. Cut to aboard the'' Infinity, ''where SPARTAN-IVs and Marines stand in formation to await Master Chief. They turn and salute as John steps out of the Pelican.'' | |||
''Establishing shot of the'' Infinity. ''Cut to John standing at a window, looking down at Earth below. Thomas Lasky comes from behind.'' | |||
*'''Lasky''': "Mind if I join you?" | |||
*'''John-117''': (''turns to see him'') "Not at all, Sir." | |||
*'''Lasky''': "At ease, Chief. It feels kind of odd for you to call me ''Sir''." | |||
''The two face out towards Earth''. | |||
*'''Lasky''': "Beautiful, isn't she? I don't get to see her often enough. I grew up on [[New Harmony]]. Attended [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science|Corbulo Military Academy]]. Never saw Earth in person until I was an adult, but... I still think of her as home." | |||
''John says nothing. Lasky breaks their silence.'' | |||
*'''Lasky''': "You don't talk much, do you? (''John does not respond.'') Chief, I won't pretend to know how you feel. I've lost people I care about, but... never anything like you're going through." | |||
*'''John-117''': "Our duty, as soldiers, is to protect humanity. Whatever the cost." | |||
*'''Lasky''': "You say that like soldiers and humanity are two different things. Soldiers aren't machines. We're just people." | |||
* | |||
''John turns to look at him, then turns back. He does not respond.'' | |||
*'''Lasky''': "I'll let you have the deck to yourself." | |||
* | |||
''Lasky walks away. John looks to see him go.'' | |||
*'''John-117''': "[[Shutdown|She said that to me once]]. ...about being a machine." | |||
* | |||
''John continues to watch Earth's surface.'' | |||
''Cut to black. Credits roll.'' | |||
=== | ==Trivia== | ||
*Unusually, [[UNSC Fleet Command|FLEETCOM]] is written as "Fleetcom" in subtitles when they're speaking but as "FleetCom" when being spoken to. | |||
*While this level takes place in July, one can clearly see snow all over Canada and the north part of the USA. This is probably a mistake by the developers. | |||
== Sources == | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | |||
{{ | {{Level|H4}} | ||
[[Category:Halo 4 Campaign]] | |||
[[Category:Halo 4 | |||