Editing Post-Covenant War conflicts
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{{ | {{Era|Post}} | ||
{{ | {{Articlename}} | ||
Following the [[Battle of the Citadel|end]] of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2552#December|2552]], a number of smaller conflicts and tensions arose: this cold time period was referred to as the '''post-Covenant War era''',{{Ref/Novel|Ren|Section=back cover|Quote=Find. Claim. Profit. In a post-Covenant War galaxy littered with scrap, it's the salvager's motto...}} or the '''post-war era''' for short.{{Ref/Novel|Id=SmokeAndShadow|SaS|Section=back cover|Quote=In a post-war galaxy littered with scrap...}} | Following the [[Battle of the Citadel|end]] of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2552#December|2552]], a number of smaller conflicts and tensions arose: this cold time period was referred to as the '''post-Covenant War era''',{{Ref/Novel|Ren|Section=back cover|Quote=Find. Claim. Profit. In a post-Covenant War galaxy littered with scrap, it's the salvager's motto...}} or the '''post-war era''' for short.{{Ref/Novel|Id=SmokeAndShadow|SaS|Section=back cover|Quote=In a post-war galaxy littered with scrap...}} | ||
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Humanity found itself facing renewed internecine struggle as well. While the [[Insurrection]] had ceased as a major conflict at the start of the Covenant War in [[2525]], some surviving [[Human colonies|colonies]] still harbored former [[Insurrectionist]]s as well as individuals sympathetic to the cause of colonial secession.{{Ref/Comic|Id=init3|HInit|Detail=[[Halo: Initiation Issue 3|Issue 3]]}} Some colonies, including [[Venezia]], cut off all ties with the UEG under the pretense that Earth had abandoned them during the war.{{Ref/Novel|Gla|Page=70}} Some rebel groups managed to obtain large amounts of Covenant and UNSC weapons and equipment circulating on the [[black market]].{{Ref/Novel|Gla|Page=448}} | Humanity found itself facing renewed internecine struggle as well. While the [[Insurrection]] had ceased as a major conflict at the start of the Covenant War in [[2525]], some surviving [[Human colonies|colonies]] still harbored former [[Insurrectionist]]s as well as individuals sympathetic to the cause of colonial secession.{{Ref/Comic|Id=init3|HInit|Detail=[[Halo: Initiation Issue 3|Issue 3]]}} Some colonies, including [[Venezia]], cut off all ties with the UEG under the pretense that Earth had abandoned them during the war.{{Ref/Novel|Gla|Page=70}} Some rebel groups managed to obtain large amounts of Covenant and UNSC weapons and equipment circulating on the [[black market]].{{Ref/Novel|Gla|Page=448}} | ||
In [[2559]], the [[Banished]] [[Attack on Installation 00|invaded]] [[Installation 00|the Ark]] which became the site of [[Second Ark Conflict|a protracted conflict]] between first Banished forces and forces from the long-lost {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.{{Ref/Game|HW2}} However, this conflict would later expand to include the [[Flood]],{{Ref/Game|Id=Nightmare|HW2|Detail=''[[Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare|Awakening the Nightmare]]''}}, surviving [[ | In [[2559]], the [[Banished]] [[Attack on Installation 00|invaded]] [[Installation 00|the Ark]] which became the site of [[Second Ark Conflict|a protracted conflict]] between first Banished forces and forces from the long-lost {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.{{Ref/Game|HW2}} However, this conflict would later expand to include the [[Flood]],{{Ref/Game|Id=Nightmare|HW2|Detail=''[[Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare|Awakening the Nightmare]]''}}, surviving [[Covenant loyalists]]{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}} and the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] as well as the Forerunner [[archeon-class ancilla]] [[Intrepid Eye]].{{Ref/Reuse|DW}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
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[[File:HM BetrayalOnTalitsa.jpg|thumb|225px|Spartans Buck and Agu betrayed by Crespo during the Operation: COALPEPPER.]] | [[File:HM BetrayalOnTalitsa.jpg|thumb|225px|Spartans Buck and Agu betrayed by Crespo during the Operation: COALPEPPER.]] | ||
{{Main|Draco III rebellion|Operation: COALPEPPER}} | {{Main|Draco III rebellion|Operation: COALPEPPER}} | ||
In the post-war era the [[ODST]] squad [[Alpha-Nine]] was deployed on a number of operations against resurgent [[Insurrectionist]] factions. In [[2554]], they were deployed to repulse a violent [[United Rebel Front]] takeover attempt on [[Draco III]]. Although the insurgents were defeated the ODST known as [[ | In the post-war era the [[ODST]] squad [[Alpha-Nine]] was deployed on a number of operations against resurgent [[Insurrectionist]] factions. In [[2554]], they were deployed to repulse a violent [[United Rebel Front]] takeover attempt on [[Draco III]]. Although the insurgents were defeated the ODST known as the [[Rookie]] was killed in action. In the following year the URF captured the [[Huragok]] [[Quick to Adjust]] and his human handler [[Sadie Endesha]] on [[Talitsa]]. In August [[2555]], the still-active members of Alpha-Nine—now [[Spartan-IV]]s—participated in a mission to rescue the captives and ultimately succeeded, though the operation saw Spartan [[Michael Crespo]]'s defection and subsequent incarceration.{{Ref/Novel|Id=hnb|NB}} | ||
===Attack on the Spartan-IV training station=== | ===Attack on the Spartan-IV training station=== | ||
{{Main|Spartan-IV station terror attack}} | {{Main|Spartan-IV station terror attack}} | ||
On [[2554|March 29, 2554]], [[Rudolf Schein]], one of the recently inducted Spartan-IVs, who was secretly associated with the [[United Rebel Front]], murdered another Spartan trainee, [[Hideo Wakahisa]], during his attempt to recruit him on the [[ | On [[2554|March 29, 2554]], [[Rudolf Schein]], one of the recently inducted Spartan-IVs, who was secretly associated with the [[United Rebel Front]], murdered another Spartan trainee, [[Hideo Wakahisa]], during his attempt to recruit him on the [[Laconia Station|Spartan-IV training station]]. Realizing the discovery of his true loyalties was imminent, Schein had covertly installed several explosives throughout the station and slung a bandolier of grenades across his chest. However, Spartan Operations [[Chief of Staff]] [[Jun-A266]] managed to neutralize Schein by kicking him out into space, where he died before he could be recovered.{{Ref/Novel|Id=LL|Fra|Detail=''[[Lessons Learned]]''}} | ||
==Continuing Sangheili-Jiralhanae hostility== | ==Continuing Sangheili-Jiralhanae hostility== | ||
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[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|225px|thumb|Spartan-IV security detail escorting the delegates.]] | [[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|225px|thumb|Spartan-IV security detail escorting the delegates.]] | ||
{{Main|Battle of Ealen IV}} | {{Main|Battle of Ealen IV}} | ||
The Covenant had strategically settled Jiralhanae populations on resource-rich worlds as a planetary garrison force to protect the worlds from potential raids. While the Jiralhanae continued to inhabit these worlds after the dissolution of the Covenant, they were unable to mine or utilize the resources because of their own lack of sufficient technology. With the Covenant's supply chains gone, the Jiralhanae quickly found their supplies near depletion. This was one of the primary reasons for their raids on Sangheili colonies after the Human-Covenant | The Covenant had strategically settled Jiralhanae populations on resource-rich worlds as a planetary garrison force to protect the worlds from potential raids. While the Jiralhanae continued to inhabit these worlds after the dissolution of the Covenant, they were unable to mine or utilize the resources because of their own lack of sufficient technology. With the Covenant's supply chains gone, the Jiralhanae quickly found their supplies near depletion. This was one of the primary reasons for their raids on Sangheili colonies after the Human-Covenant war; despite quite literally living on top of plentiful resources, the Jiralhanae were entirely dependent on the already processed supplies of other races due to their technological backwardness. However, the Jiralhanae could not sustain themselves via raiding alone in the long term and their supplies began to wear thin, leading to an impending species-wide famine in [[2558]] and an increase in Jiralhanae attacks across Sangheili and [[Kig-Yar]] colonies as a result. During this crisis, the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Lydus]] and his [[Lydus' clan|clan]] were willing to initiate peace talks with [[Arbiter]] [[Thel Vadam]] and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], overseen by the [[UNSC]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=escalation1|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue 1]]''}} However, the negotiations were interrupted by Covenant mercenaries hired by the [[New Colonial Alliance]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE5}} | ||
===Ongoing battles=== | ===Ongoing battles=== | ||
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===Assault on Vadam=== | ===Assault on Vadam=== | ||
{{Main|Siege at Kolaar}} | {{Main|Siege at Kolaar}} | ||
After the Human-Covenant | After the [[Human-Covenant war]], many Sangheili still worshiped the [[Forerunner]]s as gods. A religious sect known as the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]], led by war veteran [[Field Master]] [[Avu Med 'Telcam]], took to believing that any tampering with Forerunner relics was heresy, just as most Sangheili did before the founding of the [[Covenant]]. As a result, 'Telcam and his followers grew angry with [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s government. After winning the favor of several [[keep]]s and mustering a small space fleet, the Servants led an uprising in the state of [[Vadam]]. They initially held the upper hand, but the tide turned when the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} arrived and intervened on behalf of the Arbiter, shooting down a rebel destroyer and firing a [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] round into massing rebel ground forces besieging 'Vadam's keep. However, the conflicts in Vadam led to other engagements throughout Sanghelios. Over the next few months, unrest on Sanghelios was put down though off and on fighting would continue for years and include a number of Sangheili worlds. | ||
===Other engagements=== | ===Other engagements=== | ||
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After the Treaty of 2552, the Office of Naval Intelligence, believed that keeping the Sangheili mired in internal dissent would leave them unable to threaten the weakened UNSC. This opinion contrasted with that of most of the Unified Earth Government, which believed a peace treaty was desirable. ONI took advantage of the Sangheili's unstable political situation, attempting to keep the Sangheili splintered and disorganized by inciting the Servants of the Abiding Truth to rebel against 'Vadam. ONI's aid allowed the Servants of the Abiding Truth to amass enough weapons to begin an all-out insurrection against 'Vadam and his allies in early 2553. When the fighting on Sanghelios started, ONI black ops unit [[Kilo-Five]] were ordered to keep the planet destabilized for fear that the Sangheili would oppose humanity if they were politically unified, and so they used their [[prowler]] {{UNSCShip|Port Stanley}} to destroy some of 'Vadam's cruisers. This caused a temporary stalemate, but the battle continued until 'Vadam and his allies emerged victorious. The Servants retreated off-world to [[New Llanelli]] to recover from their losses, putting the war on hold.{{Ref/Reuse|HTTW}} | After the Treaty of 2552, the Office of Naval Intelligence, believed that keeping the Sangheili mired in internal dissent would leave them unable to threaten the weakened UNSC. This opinion contrasted with that of most of the Unified Earth Government, which believed a peace treaty was desirable. ONI took advantage of the Sangheili's unstable political situation, attempting to keep the Sangheili splintered and disorganized by inciting the Servants of the Abiding Truth to rebel against 'Vadam. ONI's aid allowed the Servants of the Abiding Truth to amass enough weapons to begin an all-out insurrection against 'Vadam and his allies in early 2553. When the fighting on Sanghelios started, ONI black ops unit [[Kilo-Five]] were ordered to keep the planet destabilized for fear that the Sangheili would oppose humanity if they were politically unified, and so they used their [[prowler]] {{UNSCShip|Port Stanley}} to destroy some of 'Vadam's cruisers. This caused a temporary stalemate, but the battle continued until 'Vadam and his allies emerged victorious. The Servants retreated off-world to [[New Llanelli]] to recover from their losses, putting the war on hold.{{Ref/Reuse|HTTW}} | ||
In [[2553#March|March 2553]], [[Kig-Yar]] [[piracy|pirate]] [[Sav Fel]] stole a {{ | In [[2553#March|March 2553]], [[Kig-Yar]] [[piracy|pirate]] [[Sav Fel]] stole a {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}, the ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'', from the Servants of the Abiding Truth.{{Ref/Novel|TTW|Page=329}} Fel retreated with the battlecruiser to his manor on [[Venezia]], where he sold it to [[Insurrectionist]] [[Staffan Sentzke]], a commander in the [[Venezian militia]], who intended to use it to threaten [[Earth]] to learn about [[Naomi-010|his daughter's]] fate.{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Page=12}} The crew of ''[[Paragon]]''—led by [[Shipmaster|Shipmistress]] [[Chol Von]]—was hired by Avu Med 'Telcam to retrieve the vessel and arrived at the cruiser's [[Shaps system|location]] in April 2553, with Fel. While Von wish to capture ''Pious Inquisitor'' to use as a [[flagship]] in a united Kig-Yar navy,{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Page=139-140}} Kilo-Five intended to take control of the vessel and return it to Thel 'Vadam.{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Page=436}} Ultimately, Kilo-Five—along with Staffan—and the crew of ''Paragon'' both attempted to seize the battlecruiser at the same time and a skirmish occurred on the ship. During the firefight, [[Sometimes Sinks]], the eccentric [[Huragok]] that served aboard ''Inquisitor'', transitioned the ship to a location designated by Staffan.{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Page=336}} With eight of the Kig-Yar dead and Kilo-Five approaching the bridge, Von had her remaining crew detonate the ship's [[plasma turret|plasma torpedo]] reserves, choosing to destroy ''Pious Inquisitor'' over leaving it to the humans.{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Page=442}} Von and her remaining crew managed to escape in time, along with Kilo-Five. While Staffan and Sinks escaped in the Spirit with the [[slipspace drive]] that Sinks had installed earlier,{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Page=457}} the UNSC presumed Staffan dead and thus believed that the Venezian threat was neutralized as they no longer had the power to glass planets.{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Page=458}} | ||
===Trouble on Gao=== | ===Trouble on Gao=== | ||
{{Main|Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE}} | {{Main|Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE}} | ||
[[File:HM-Gao.png|thumb|200px|Mark-G313, Fred-104 and Veta Lopis fighting off the Keepers of the One Freedom on Gao.]] | [[File:HM-Gao.png|thumb|200px|Mark-G313, Fred-104 and Veta Lopis fighting off the Keepers of the One Freedom on Gao.]] | ||
After [[Blue Team]]'s return in UNSC-controlled territory following the end of the Covenant War in March 2553, the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] assigned the Spartans to new deployments. [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|One of these missions]] involved protecting a [[717th Xeno-Materials Exploitation Battalion|UNSC research battalion]] on the planet [[Gao]].<ref name="Azure Noir">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/ | After [[Blue Team]]'s return in UNSC-controlled territory following the end of the Covenant War in March 2553, the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] assigned the Spartans to new deployments. [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|One of these missions]] involved protecting a [[717th Xeno-Materials Exploitation Battalion|UNSC research battalion]] on the planet [[Gao]].<ref name="Azure Noir">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-azure-noir '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Azure Noir'']</ref> Following the reassignment of the Spartan-IIIs who had been part of the team since the [[Onyx Conflict]], the Spartan-IIs of Blue Team—[[Frederic-104]], [[Kelly-087]] and [[Linda-058]]—were deployed on the outer fringes of human-occupied territory to eliminate lingering pockets of the previous war for many years. The nature of these missions remained highly classified.<ref>'''Halo Waypoint''': ''[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/frederic-104 Frederic-104]'', ''[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/linda-058 Linda-058]''</ref> | ||
{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
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===Sedra and Alpha Shard=== | ===Sedra and Alpha Shard=== | ||
[[File: | [[File:HM-AlphaShard.png|thumb|225px|Randall Aiken and Jameson Locke on Alpha Shard.]] | ||
{{Main|Terrorist attack on Sedra City|Mission to Alpha Shard}} | {{Main|Terrorist attack on Sedra City|Mission to Alpha Shard}} | ||
On [[2556|February 7, 2556]], an [[Locke's team|ONI team]] led by [[Jameson Locke|Lt. Commander Jameson Locke]] was dispatched to the distant [[human colonies|human colony]] [[Sedra]] to investigate [[terrorism|terrorist]] activity. The investigation led them to the [[Sedra City|capital city]] where a [[Sangheili]] [[terrorist]], managed to unleash a powerful [[bioweapon]] that randomly broke down human DNA. A subsequent investigation revealed that the substance used to create the bioweapon originated from a [[Alpha Shard|surviving fragment]] of [[Installation 04]], propelled through slipspace into orbit around a red giant star. With no support from UNSC, as it would have been a violation of peace treaty, the Locke's team were forced to cooperate with the [[Sedran Colonial Guard]] on a mission to capture the smugglers who mined the element and destroy the deposits with a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]. However, what was to be a swift operation quickly turned into a desperate battle for survival after the group was attacked by [[Lekgolo]] swarms that resided on the Halo fragment. The mission ended with the destruction of the bioweapon's deposits, but at the expense of the lives of almost all the joint team, including the former SPARTAN-II [[Randall-037]], with Lt. Commander Locke and Private [[Talitha Macer]] being the only survivors.{{Ref/Film|Id=hnf|HN}} | On [[2556|February 7, 2556]], an [[Locke's team|ONI team]] led by [[Jameson Locke|Lt. Commander Jameson Locke]] was dispatched to the distant [[human colonies|human colony]] [[Sedra]] to investigate [[terrorism|terrorist]] activity. The investigation led them to the [[Sedra City|capital city]] where a [[Sangheili]] [[terrorist]], managed to unleash a powerful [[bioweapon]] that randomly broke down human DNA. A subsequent investigation revealed that the substance used to create the bioweapon originated from a [[Alpha Shard|surviving fragment]] of [[Installation 04]], propelled through slipspace into orbit around a red giant star. With no support from UNSC, as it would have been a violation of peace treaty, the Locke's team were forced to cooperate with the [[Sedran Colonial Guard]] on a mission to capture the smugglers who mined the element and destroy the deposits with a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]. However, what was to be a swift operation quickly turned into a desperate battle for survival after the group was attacked by [[Lekgolo]] swarms that resided on the Halo fragment. The mission ended with the destruction of the bioweapon's deposits, but at the expense of the lives of almost all the joint team, including the former SPARTAN-II [[Randall-037]], with Lt. Commander Locke and Private [[Talitha Macer]] being the only survivors.{{Ref/Film|Id=hnf|HN}} | ||
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==Spartan Ops== | ==Spartan Ops== | ||
[[File:HM SpartanIVs. | [[File:HM-SpartanIVs.png|thumb|225px|Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer with some other Spartan-IVs.]] | ||
{{Main|Spartan Operations}} | {{Main|Spartan Operations}} | ||
Following the Covenant War, a rising number of Spartan-IVs were also deployed to quell [[Covenant remnants|Covenant]] and [[Insurrectionist]] threats on [[human colonies]] and exotic worlds, as part of what is collectively referred to as the Spartan Ops program.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-spartan-strike/windows '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Spartan Strike''] ("''...the historic first missions of the Spartan Ops program...''")</ref> These missions consisted in suppressing revolts, civil unrest and uprisings; assassinating insurrectionist leaders; exploring uncharted space and worlds; halting criminal activities; providing security to UNSC bases, ONI classified sites, colonies and civilian populations; and escorting scientific expeditions. Such Spartan deployments have been sent to [[Cascade]], [[Talitsa]], [[Terceira]], [[Thales]], [[Trevelyan]], [[Installation 03]], [[Gaenir Beta]], [[Charion VI]], and [[New Caracas]]. Several MJOLNIR [GEN2] armors have been field-tested in such operations.{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Detail=Armors}} [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-III]] and Spartan-IV personnel have also been employed as part of the post-war [[Headhunters]] during classified missions.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/ | Following the Covenant War, a rising number of Spartan-IVs were also deployed to quell [[Covenant remnants|Covenant]] and [[Insurrectionist]] threats on [[human colonies]] and exotic worlds, as part of what is collectively referred to as the Spartan Ops program.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-spartan-strike/windows '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Spartan Strike''] ("''...the historic first missions of the Spartan Ops program...''")</ref> These missions consisted in suppressing revolts, civil unrest and uprisings; assassinating insurrectionist leaders; exploring uncharted space and worlds; halting criminal activities; providing security to UNSC bases, ONI classified sites, colonies and civilian populations; and escorting scientific expeditions. Such Spartan deployments have been sent to [[Cascade]], [[Talitsa]], [[Terceira]], [[Thales]], [[Trevelyan]], [[Installation 03]], [[Gaenir Beta]], [[Charion VI]], and [[New Caracas]]. Several MJOLNIR [GEN2] armors have been field-tested in such operations.{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Detail=Armors}} [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-III]] and Spartan-IV personnel have also been employed as part of the post-war [[Headhunters]] during classified missions.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder: Have S'moa'']</ref> In [[2556]] Spartan-IV [[Fireteam Apollo]] was deployed to the exclusion zone around the debris of [[Installation 04]] near [[Threshold]] in violation of the [[Treaty of 2552]] as part of a salvage [[Operation: SHELL GAME|operation]].<ref name="loot3">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #3]]''</ref> | ||
===Draetheus V=== | ===Draetheus V=== | ||
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===Mission to the Korinth Prior system=== | ===Mission to the Korinth Prior system=== | ||
{{Main|Mission to the Korinth Prior system}} | {{Main|Mission to the Korinth Prior system}} | ||
Using the data taken from the ''Ace of Spades'' and Little Bit, the ''Taurokado'' was able to locate the debris field of [[ | Using the data taken from the ''Ace of Spades'' and Little Bit, the ''Taurokado'' was able to locate the debris field of the [[Etran Harborage]] in the [[Korinth Prior system]] and undertook a mission to investigate.{{Ref/Reuse|Renegades}} ''Taurokado'' conducted scans which showed that this debris field was composed of 94% naturally-occurring materials and 4% [[Forerunner]] materials, with 2% untraceable, and that of detritus size, 9% neared the scale of small lunar satellites while 84% were the size of the ship or smaller. ''Taurokado's'' sensors also revealed that low-level shielding sporadically surrounded structures of Forerunner origins.<ref name="lootcrate4">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #4]]''</ref> | ||
At 0924 hours (MST), ''Taurokado'' commenced site surveys of identified Forerunner structures. Fireteam Apollo was deployed to investigate a number of these structures. At one, designated "Site 012", Apollo uncovered configurations matching the [[Sarcophagus]] at [[Onyx]]. At "Site 042" they confirmed that the debris had formerly been a [[shield world]]. Apollo also found evidence of Forerunner {{Class|Sojourner|dreadnought}}s and a [[Flood]] infestation at "Site 029" and "Site 021", respectively. At "Site 037", Apollo recovered identifiable [[human]] materials. Analysis confirmed that these had belonged to the ''Spirit of Fire'', including war materiel and [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battleplating]]. However, no evidence of survivors was detected by either Apollo or ''Taurokado''.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate4}} | At 0924 hours (MST), ''Taurokado'' commenced site surveys of identified Forerunner structures. Fireteam Apollo was deployed to investigate a number of these structures. At one, designated "Site 012", Apollo uncovered configurations matching the [[Sarcophagus]] at [[Onyx]]. At "Site 042" they confirmed that the debris had formerly been a [[shield world]]. Apollo also found evidence of Forerunner {{Class|Sojourner|dreadnought}}s and a [[Flood]] infestation at "Site 029" and "Site 021", respectively. At "Site 037", Apollo recovered identifiable [[human]] materials. Analysis confirmed that these had belonged to the ''Spirit of Fire'', including war materiel and [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battleplating]]. However, no evidence of survivors was detected by either Apollo or ''Taurokado''.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate4}} | ||
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===Alliance with Spark=== | ===Alliance with Spark=== | ||
[[File:RenegadesArt.jpg|thumb|200px|343 Guilty Spark in his new form has found his place among the crew of ''Ace of Spades''.]] | [[File:RenegadesArt.jpg|thumb|200px|343 Guilty Spark in his new form has found his place among the crew of ''Ace of Spades''.]] | ||
With the ''Taurokado'' busy investigating the debris field, the ''Ace of Spades'' made its way to [[Geranos-a]] where they discovered and investigated the wreckage of the ''Rubicon'', salvaging many things from it, including the [[armiger]] of [[343 Guilty Spark]]. Spark was able to access the database of the ''Ace of Spades'' and became determined to continue his mission to find the [[Librarian]] using the ''Ace of Spades''. With the ''Taurokado'' and {{UNSCShip|Bad Moon Rising}} approaching, Spark helped the ''Ace of Spades'' escape into [[slipspace]] with the intention of taking the ship to [[ | With the ''Taurokado'' busy investigating the debris field, the ''Ace of Spades'' made its way to [[Geranos-a]] where they discovered and investigated the wreckage of the ''Rubicon'', salvaging many things from it, including the [[armiger]] of [[343 Guilty Spark]]. Spark was able to access the database of the ''Ace of Spades'' and became determined to continue his mission to find the [[Librarian]] using the ''Ace of Spades''. With the ''Taurokado'' and {{UNSCShip|Bad Moon Rising}} approaching, Spark helped the ''Ace of Spades'' escape into [[slipspace]] with the intention of taking the ship to the [[Etran Harborage]] to get an [[upgrade seed]]. To get the crew to cooperate with him, Spark promised to allow them to salvage the [[Forerunner]] technology present on the [[shield world]], unaware that it had been destroyed by the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} in [[2531]]. | ||
When the ''Ace of Spades'' returned to the debris field on June 29, it was to find [[Gek 'Lhar]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|his forces]] working to salvage Forerunner technology from the wreckage. As the ''Ace of Spades'' dodged 'Lhar's forces, the [[UNSC]] unexpectedly returned to the system with a massive fleet. The UNSC fleet unleashed a massive nuclear bombardment upon the debris field in an act of asset denial, blowing the Etran Harborage debris field to bits and disrupting its gravity with the system's dwarf star. Anything that wasn't destroyed by the bombardment would likely be pulled into the star, eradicating the remnants of the Etran Harborage completely. Rather than fight, Gek 'Lhar fled to slipspace the moment the UNSC fleet opened fire while Spark managed to get the ''Ace of Spades'' out in time. | When the ''Ace of Spades'' returned to the debris field on June 29, it was to find [[Gek 'Lhar]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|his forces]] working to salvage Forerunner technology from the wreckage. As the ''Ace of Spades'' dodged 'Lhar's forces, the [[UNSC]] unexpectedly returned to the system with a massive fleet. The UNSC fleet unleashed a massive nuclear bombardment upon the debris field in an act of asset denial, blowing the Etran Harborage debris field to bits and disrupting its gravity with the system's dwarf star. Anything that wasn't destroyed by the bombardment would likely be pulled into the star, eradicating the remnants of the Etran Harborage completely. Rather than fight, Gek 'Lhar fled to slipspace the moment the UNSC fleet opened fire while Spark managed to get the ''Ace of Spades'' out in time. | ||
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On September 1, 2557, the ''[[Ace of Spades]]'' arrived at [[Earth]] with the cloaking technology from the [[upgrade seed]] making the ship completely undetected on approach. The ship landed at [[Mount Kilimanjaro]] while Spark used his fragment to infect and shut down the ONI facility at the [[Voi]] while also using his fragment to search for data on [[Catalog]] who had been hounding ONI since [[2552]]. Before turning herself in for review, the AI [[Thea]] happened to detect the ''Ace of Spades'' and sent a quick warning seconds before the facility completely shut down. The AR team and [[Fireteam Apollo]] managed to blow their way out of Hanger One and headed for Kilimanjaro to stop the crew and Spark. | On September 1, 2557, the ''[[Ace of Spades]]'' arrived at [[Earth]] with the cloaking technology from the [[upgrade seed]] making the ship completely undetected on approach. The ship landed at [[Mount Kilimanjaro]] while Spark used his fragment to infect and shut down the ONI facility at the [[Voi]] while also using his fragment to search for data on [[Catalog]] who had been hounding ONI since [[2552]]. Before turning herself in for review, the AI [[Thea]] happened to detect the ''Ace of Spades'' and sent a quick warning seconds before the facility completely shut down. The AR team and [[Fireteam Apollo]] managed to blow their way out of Hanger One and headed for Kilimanjaro to stop the crew and Spark. | ||
Spark led the ''Ace of Spades'' crew into Mawenzi where Rion's touch as a [[Reclaimer]] allowed them access into a Forerunner installation inside of the mountain where Rion deactivated a [[hard light]] barrier protecting a [[Lifeworker]] pod on a platform and activated a hard light bridge to the platform. Before Rion could deactivate the barrier around the pod, Spark finally admitted the truth to her: that [[John Forge|her father]] had died sacrificing himself to destroy [[ | Spark led the ''Ace of Spades'' crew into Mawenzi where Rion's touch as a [[Reclaimer]] allowed them access into a Forerunner installation inside of the mountain where Rion deactivated a [[hard light]] barrier protecting a [[Lifeworker]] pod on a platform and activated a hard light bridge to the platform. Before Rion could deactivate the barrier around the pod, Spark finally admitted the truth to her: that [[John Forge|her father]] had died sacrificing himself to destroy the [[Etran Harborage]]. Enraged at Spark keeping the truth from her, Rion attacked the armiger before she decided to deactivate the barrier and end their deal and alliance. However, before the crew could leave, Agent [[Hahn]], [[Fireteam Apollo]] and the AR team arrived in the facility and blocked their exit. Spark deactivated the light bridge on Rion's request before he entered the column of light surrounding the Lifeworker pod, but the ''Ace of Spades'' crew were left outnumbered and with no means of escape as the ONI forces worked to bring the light bridge back online. | ||
Spark's entry into the column awakened a [[mind transfer|personality imprint]] of the [[Librarian]] stored within the pod. The Librarian greeted Spark by his original human name of [[Chakas]] and expressed regret for the pain she had caused him and marvel over the being he had evolved into. The Librarian revealed to Spark the awakening of both her imprint and [[Ur-Didact|the Didact]] at [[Requiem]] but wouldn't go further into details about it. Spark expressed his desire to bring his friends [[Riser]] and [[Vinnevra]] back, but the Librarian reminded him of what Spark had gone through as Chakas, bearing the essence of [[Forthencho]], Lord of Admirals. The Librarian revealed to Spark that his friends were at peace, their gene song quiet and cautioned him against going to the [[Domain]] to be with them as he would only find echoes of them. The Librarian refused to join Spark using an armiger and instead helped him understand that he had found the friends he had been searching for so long amongst the ''Ace of Spades'' crew. | Spark's entry into the column awakened a [[mind transfer|personality imprint]] of the [[Librarian]] stored within the pod. The Librarian greeted Spark by his original human name of [[Chakas]] and expressed regret for the pain she had caused him and marvel over the being he had evolved into. The Librarian revealed to Spark the awakening of both her imprint and [[Ur-Didact|the Didact]] at [[Requiem]] but wouldn't go further into details about it. Spark expressed his desire to bring his friends [[Riser]] and [[Vinnevra]] back, but the Librarian reminded him of what Spark had gone through as Chakas, bearing the essence of [[Forthencho]], Lord of Admirals. The Librarian revealed to Spark that his friends were at peace, their gene song quiet and cautioned him against going to the [[Domain]] to be with them as he would only find echoes of them. The Librarian refused to join Spark using an armiger and instead helped him understand that he had found the friends he had been searching for so long amongst the ''Ace of Spades'' crew. | ||
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{{quote|Time was your ally, but now it has abandoned you... The Forerunners have returned.|The [[Ur-Didact|Didact]]{{Ref/Level|Id=h4for|H4|[[Forerunner (level)|Forerunner]]}}}} | {{quote|Time was your ally, but now it has abandoned you... The Forerunners have returned.|The [[Ur-Didact|Didact]]{{Ref/Level|Id=h4for|H4|[[Forerunner (level)|Forerunner]]}}}} | ||
===Requiem=== | ===Requiem=== | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4 John-117 Didact first encounter.jpg|thumb|300px|The Didact immobilizes John-117.]] | ||
{{Main|Battle of Requiem}} | {{Main|Battle of Requiem}} | ||
By [[2554]], [[Jul 'Mdama]] had already gathered formidable numbers of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|followers]] and a powerful fleet which discovered Requiem, but were unable to enter the thoroughly sealed shield world. In orbit above the planet, however, was the wreckage of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, carrying the legendary [[John-117|Master Chief, SPARTAN John-117]], and his [[Rampancy|deteriorating]] [[smart AI|AI]] companion [[Cortana]], drifting in space since the end of the Covenant War in 2552. Upon discovering the derelict vessel in [[2557#July|July 2557]], 'Mdama's Covenant forces attacked the ''Dawn'' in hopes of deterring any potential efforts by the humans to access the shield world. During the ensuing skirmish, Requiem's automated systems pulled both the ''Dawn'' and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant force surrounding it through the world's outer shell and down to the planet's surface.{{Ref/Level|Id=h4dawn|H4|Dawn}} | By [[2554]], [[Jul 'Mdama]] had already gathered formidable numbers of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|followers]] and a powerful fleet which discovered Requiem, but were unable to enter the thoroughly sealed shield world. In orbit above the planet, however, was the wreckage of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, carrying the legendary [[John-117|Master Chief, SPARTAN John-117]], and his [[Rampancy|deteriorating]] [[smart AI|AI]] companion [[Cortana]], drifting in space since the end of the Covenant War in 2552. Upon discovering the derelict vessel in [[2557#July|July 2557]], 'Mdama's Covenant forces attacked the ''Dawn'' in hopes of deterring any potential efforts by the humans to access the shield world. During the ensuing skirmish, Requiem's automated systems pulled both the ''Dawn'' and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant force surrounding it through the world's outer shell and down to the planet's surface.{{Ref/Level|Id=h4dawn|H4|Dawn}} | ||
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===The Conduit=== | ===The Conduit=== | ||
[[File:HSS-Cinematic-Holdouts.jpg|thumb|250px|UNSC Marines fighting Prometheans in New Phoenix.]] | [[File:HSS-Cinematic-Holdouts.jpg|thumb|250px|UNSC Marines fighting Prometheans in New Phoenix.]] | ||
{{Main|Battle of Installation 03| | {{Main|Battle of Installation 03|Battle of New Phoenix}} | ||
In late July 2557, [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reformed Covenant]] invaded [[ | In late July 2557, [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reformed Covenant]] invaded [[Gamma Halo]] in an attempt to use the Forerunner [[Conduit]] to open [[slipspace portal]]s throughout the installation in order to transport a massive Promethean force onto the ringworld, which would aid in their takeover of Installation 03. Other portals were also opened throughout the galaxy, including one in [[New Phoenix]]. Eventually, the attack was repelled due to the efforts of two [[Headhunters]] and the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] stationed on the installation.<ref name="canonfodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-striking-features '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Striking Features'']</ref> Meanwhile, researchers at the New Phoenix ONI facility were studying a Forerunner artifact. When the portal opened in the city, Jul's Covenant launched an assault on New Phoenix. [[Unidentified Headhunter|One of the Headhunters]] was tasked with rescuing ONI research team. Upon rescue, they decided that they needed to use the Conduit to close the portals in the city and end the invasion.{{Ref/Level|Id=ss20|SS|[[Mission 20: Serve and Protect|Serve and Protect]]}} The Spartan aided researchers in their effort, fighting past Covenant and Promethean forces, and delivered the Conduit to the Forerunner artifact. The artifact released a charge which shut down all portals in the city. After this, he was extracted by another Spartan.{{Ref/Level|SS|[[Mission 30: Hold the Line|Hold the Line]]}} | ||
===The Composer's Forge=== | ===The Composer's Forge=== | ||
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Due to the loss of contact with the science team on Gamma Halo, Fleet Admiral [[Terrence Hood]] sent [[Blue Team]], consisting of [[Frederic-104]], John-117, [[Kelly-087]], and [[Linda-058]], to investigate.{{Ref/Reuse|HE8}} Upon their arrival at Installation 03, Blue Team found the corpses of the scientists as well as Team Black. They soon discovered the [[Composer's Abyss]] and a portal leading to the [[Composer's Forge]], an installation housing six new Composers.{{Ref/Reuse|HE8}} There they encountered the Didact and his new batch of Promethean constructs. During the ensuing firefight, Static Carillon transported Installation 03 above the Composer's Forge per the Didact's request. The Didact acquired one of the Composers in the Forge and departed for Gamma Halo with the plan to use the ring to wipe out humanity. However, the monitor decided to help the Spartans defeat the Didact due to his abhorrence of the Promethean machines.{{Ref/Reuse|HE9}} | Due to the loss of contact with the science team on Gamma Halo, Fleet Admiral [[Terrence Hood]] sent [[Blue Team]], consisting of [[Frederic-104]], John-117, [[Kelly-087]], and [[Linda-058]], to investigate.{{Ref/Reuse|HE8}} Upon their arrival at Installation 03, Blue Team found the corpses of the scientists as well as Team Black. They soon discovered the [[Composer's Abyss]] and a portal leading to the [[Composer's Forge]], an installation housing six new Composers.{{Ref/Reuse|HE8}} There they encountered the Didact and his new batch of Promethean constructs. During the ensuing firefight, Static Carillon transported Installation 03 above the Composer's Forge per the Didact's request. The Didact acquired one of the Composers in the Forge and departed for Gamma Halo with the plan to use the ring to wipe out humanity. However, the monitor decided to help the Spartans defeat the Didact due to his abhorrence of the Promethean machines.{{Ref/Reuse|HE9}} | ||
After surviving another clash with the Didact on Installation 03, John-117 confronted the Didact in the [[Control Room (Installation 03)|control room]] while the rest of his team returned to their [[Longsword]] fighter. The Master Chief used the [[Activation Index]] to disable the Halo's safety protocols, allowing Static Carillon to eject the entire plate section housing the control room. The segment fell on the Composer's Forge, presumably destroying the Composers housed there. The resulting explosion reduced the Didact to ashes.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE10|HE|Issue | After surviving another clash with the Didact on Installation 03, John-117 confronted the Didact in the [[Control Room (Installation 03)|control room]] while the rest of his team returned to their [[Longsword]] fighter. The Master Chief used the [[Activation Index]] to disable the Halo's safety protocols, allowing Static Carillon to eject the entire plate section housing the control room. The segment fell on the Composer's Forge, presumably destroying the Composers housed there. The resulting explosion reduced the Didact to ashes.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE10|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 10|Issue 10]]''}} | ||
Static Carillon teleported John-117 out of the control center just in time and bade farewell to the Spartans before taking Gamma Halo to an undisclosed location. Blue Team returned to Earth, where the Master Chief was debriefed by Fleet Admiral Hood. While Lord Hood believed the Didact was dead, the Master Chief cautioned that it was best to consider him "contained". Afterward, John and Blue Team departed to carry out missions on their own in spite of Lord Hood's suggestion that the Master Chief should stand down.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} | Static Carillon teleported John-117 out of the control center just in time and bade farewell to the Spartans before taking Gamma Halo to an undisclosed location. Blue Team returned to Earth, where the Master Chief was debriefed by Fleet Admiral Hood. While Lord Hood believed the Didact was dead, the Master Chief cautioned that it was best to consider him "contained". Afterward, John and Blue Team departed to carry out missions on their own in spite of Lord Hood's suggestion that the Master Chief should stand down.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} | ||
===Return to Requiem=== | ===Return to Requiem=== | ||
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==NCA plot== | ==NCA plot== | ||
[[File:Infinity attacked.... by a third time.jpg|thumb|200px|UNSC ''Infinity'' is ambushed by Daniel Clayton.]] | [[File:Infinity attacked.... by a third time.jpg|thumb|200px|right|UNSC ''Infinity'' is ambushed by Daniel Clayton.]] | ||
===Ealen IV=== | ===Ealen IV=== | ||
{{Main|Battle of Ealen IV}} | {{Main|Battle of Ealen IV}} | ||
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As part of their plan to reunite the halves of the Janus Key, Halsey and 'Mdama created a decoy Forerunner artifact that was seemingly compatible with the Key. The artifact was placed in a Forerunner structure on the uncharted planet [[Aktis IV]] along with a fake signal to draw ''Infinity'' to investigate. 'Mdama placed his troops on standby, ready to ambush the UNSC forces once they brought their half of the Janus Key to the planet. The crew of ''Infinity'' acted just as Halsey and 'Mdama had predicted, sending their half to the surface for analysis; however, [[Sali 'Nyon]], a rebel among 'Mdama's ranks, shot the Pelican carrying the artifact down before 'Mdama had given the signal to attack and took the Key for himself. With the ambush botched, 'Mdama's concealed forces revealed themselves and attacked both ''Infinity'' and the Spartans at the Forerunner site, while Jul departed to the planet to personally eliminate the rebels and reacquire the Janus Key.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE14|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue 14]]''}} | As part of their plan to reunite the halves of the Janus Key, Halsey and 'Mdama created a decoy Forerunner artifact that was seemingly compatible with the Key. The artifact was placed in a Forerunner structure on the uncharted planet [[Aktis IV]] along with a fake signal to draw ''Infinity'' to investigate. 'Mdama placed his troops on standby, ready to ambush the UNSC forces once they brought their half of the Janus Key to the planet. The crew of ''Infinity'' acted just as Halsey and 'Mdama had predicted, sending their half to the surface for analysis; however, [[Sali 'Nyon]], a rebel among 'Mdama's ranks, shot the Pelican carrying the artifact down before 'Mdama had given the signal to attack and took the Key for himself. With the ambush botched, 'Mdama's concealed forces revealed themselves and attacked both ''Infinity'' and the Spartans at the Forerunner site, while Jul departed to the planet to personally eliminate the rebels and reacquire the Janus Key.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE14|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue 14]]''}} | ||
The conflict continued for over seven hours, with ''Infinity'' engaged by 'Mdama's fleet while Sali 'Nyon's rebellion raged on in the Covenant remnant's ranks. [[Unidentified Sangheili Minor | The conflict continued for over seven hours, with ''Infinity'' engaged by 'Mdama's fleet while Sali 'Nyon's rebellion raged on in the Covenant remnant's ranks. [[Unidentified Sangheili Minor|One member]] of 'Nyon's faction grew disillusioned with the rebellion, stole 'Nyon's Janus Key half, and offered it to 'Mdama's forces. Dr. Halsey, escorted by 'Mdama's Sangheili, traveled to the planet to reclaim the Key. Meanwhile, the Spartans in the Forerunner structure managed to use the local [[teleportation grid]] to travel to the surface, splitting into two groups with different destinations. Commander Palmer's team spotted the Sangheili defector with the Janus Key and upon overhearing his intentions, she decided to ambush Halsey once she arrived.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE15|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 15|Issue 15]]''}} Palmer successfully captured Halsey but the doctor managed to cloud the Spartan's judgment and escape with the Janus Key. 'Mdama successfully eradicated all of Sali 'Nyon's followers on Aktis IV, ending the rebellion. Jul had Halsey retrieved and the two recombined the halves of the Janus Key, revealing the location of the Absolute Record. After the Spartans returned to ''Infinity'', Commander Palmer told Captain Lasky that the UNSC had to prepare for the worst with the Janus Key in 'Mdama's possession.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE16|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue 16]]''}} | ||
===Battle of the Absolute Record=== | ===Battle of the Absolute Record=== | ||
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{{Main|Operation: ATHENA}} | {{Main|Operation: ATHENA}} | ||
[[File:HE21 Begone.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Halsey, Jul and the other humans surrounded by Sentinels inside the Absolute Record.]] | [[File:HE21 Begone.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Halsey, Jul and the other humans surrounded by Sentinels inside the Absolute Record.]] | ||
In September, 2558, [[Ayit 'Sevi]], a Sangheili working with the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]],who was able to infiltrate inside Jul's faction, provided ONI with information about Jul's progress on locating the Absolut Record. The UNSC then sent in a specialist team of Spartans [[Sarah Palmer]], [[Gabriel Thorne]] and [[Holly Tanaka]], Dr. [[Henry Glassman]] and 'Sevi.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE19|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|Issue 19]]''}} The team infiltrated the ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'', hiding aboard a | In September, 2558, [[Ayit 'Sevi]], a Sangheili working with the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]],who was able to infiltrate inside Jul's faction, provided ONI with information about Jul's progress on locating the Absolut Record. The UNSC then sent in a specialist team of Spartans [[Sarah Palmer]], [[Gabriel Thorne]] and [[Holly Tanaka]], Dr. [[Henry Glassman]] and 'Sevi.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE19|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|Issue 19]]''}} The team infiltrated the ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'', hiding aboard a [[Type-44 Phantom]] piloted by 'Sevi. When 'Mdama's fleet came close to their destination — a slipspace portal to the Absolute Record, slipspace ruptures materialized into several ships of the fleet, tearing them apart, damaging ''Breath of Annihilation'' as well. The team then fought their way through 'Mdama's Covenant soldiers and captured another Phantom, which they used to travel to the ''[[Song of Retribution]]'', that would successfully enter the portal.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE20|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 20|Issue 20]]''}} Spartan Thorne and Ayit 'Sevi, who was ordered to stay behind and re-establish contact with ONI, returned to ''Breath of Annihilation'', where the two discovered that prisoners from ''Retribution'' were being temporarily transferred to ''Annihilation'', one of which is traitor [[Sali 'Nyon]]. 'Sevi considered using 'Nyon to create a distraction for them. | ||
When ''Retribution'' arrived at the Absolute Record, a [[Forerunner]] [[Contender-class artificial intelligence]] detected the presence of [[Reclaimer]]s aboard the ship. 'Mdama, Halsey, and numerous Sangheili Zealots traveled down to a platform below and met with the AI in order to unlock the Absolute Record. However, sensing the presence of other humans nearby, the ancila used [[Sentinels]] to transport the drop pod Spartans and Glassman were hiding in to the platform and dropped them down beside Halsey and 'Mdama. As Halsey and Glassman began to argue, an impatient Zealot attacked a Sentinel, leading to all the constructs attacking the humans and Sangheili. The AI then proceeded to translocate both groups away, while Jul's soldiers plummeted to their deaths.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE22|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 22|Issue 22]]''}} | When ''Retribution'' arrived at the Absolute Record, a [[Forerunner]] [[Contender-class artificial intelligence]] detected the presence of [[Reclaimer]]s aboard the ship. 'Mdama, Halsey, and numerous Sangheili Zealots traveled down to a platform below and met with the AI in order to unlock the Absolute Record. However, sensing the presence of other humans nearby, the ancila used [[Sentinels]] to transport the drop pod Spartans and Glassman were hiding in to the platform and dropped them down beside Halsey and 'Mdama. As Halsey and Glassman began to argue, an impatient Zealot attacked a Sentinel, leading to all the constructs attacking the humans and Sangheili. The AI then proceeded to translocate both groups away, while Jul's soldiers plummeted to their deaths.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE22|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 22|Issue 22]]''}} | ||
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With the help of trusted Sangheili contacts and the crew of a former [[Covenant destroyer]], ONI managed to track the San'Shyuum's [[Sharquoi hive|hive of Sharquoi]] to a remote planet and launched [[Operation: POLECAT]] to investigate. At least a hundred [[ODST]]s entered the hive where only a handful were discovered and a single Sharquoi was accidentally released while ONI was trying to access the site's terminal data. The single Sharquoi killed fifty ODSTs all by itself before it was finally killed. Not wanting to risk the release of anymore of the creatures, the hive was destroyed from orbit with [[nuclear weapon]]s and the former Covenant destroyer [[glassing|glassed]] it for good measure. | With the help of trusted Sangheili contacts and the crew of a former [[Covenant destroyer]], ONI managed to track the San'Shyuum's [[Sharquoi hive|hive of Sharquoi]] to a remote planet and launched [[Operation: POLECAT]] to investigate. At least a hundred [[ODST]]s entered the hive where only a handful were discovered and a single Sharquoi was accidentally released while ONI was trying to access the site's terminal data. The single Sharquoi killed fifty ODSTs all by itself before it was finally killed. Not wanting to risk the release of anymore of the creatures, the hive was destroyed from orbit with [[nuclear weapon]]s and the former Covenant destroyer [[glassing|glassed]] it for good measure. | ||
Following the operation, ONI came to the conclusion that while the San'Shyuum had found some of the Sharquoi and possessed the ability to release them, they lacked the ability to control them as the control device, the ''[[vertex]]'', was hidden away on a [[Forerunner]] installation. As a result, they were never released upon humanity during the Human-Covenant War. | Following the operation, ONI came to the conclusion that while the San'Shyuum had found some of the Sharquoi and possessed the ability to release them, they lacked the ability to control them as the control device, the ''[[vertex]]'', was hidden away on a [[Forerunner]] installation. As a result, they were never released upon humanity during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | ||
ONI eventually located another hive beneath [[Suraka]] on the planet [[Carrow]] before the planet was reoccupied by both the humans who had once lived there and Sangheili from the [[Operation: SUNSPEAR|destroyed]] [[Sangheili colonies|colony world]] of [[Glyke]]. However, their scans of the hive showed that it had the capacity to hold hundreds of thousands of Sharquoi, although the San'Shyuum appeared to have never found it. ONI was unable to prevent the planet from being resettled without risking major political upheaval in response and hoped that Suraka could act as a buffer to discovery. They also set up [[Gila Station]] on Carrow to monitor the situation and became aware from moles embedded amongst the ex-Covenant that the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Hekabe]] claimed to have located the Sharquoi control device during the [[Battle of Installation 00]]. As a result, ONI formed various contingency plans.{{Ref/Novel|Id=E185|Env|Page=185-191}} Their main contingency plan was to release [[Spartan-II]] [[Gray Team]] who had been retrieved by the Sangheili leader [[Rojka 'Kasaan]] from the ruins of [[Glyke]]. However, the politically awkward nature of the situation kept the UNSC from keeping a fleet nearby in case danger arose from either Hekabe or the Sharquoi.{{Ref/Novel|Env|Page=167-171}} | ONI eventually located another hive beneath [[Suraka]] on the planet [[Carrow]] before the planet was reoccupied by both the humans who had once lived there and Sangheili from the [[Operation: SUNSPEAR|destroyed]] [[Sangheili colonies|colony world]] of [[Glyke]]. However, their scans of the hive showed that it had the capacity to hold hundreds of thousands of Sharquoi, although the San'Shyuum appeared to have never found it. ONI was unable to prevent the planet from being resettled without risking major political upheaval in response and hoped that Suraka could act as a buffer to discovery. They also set up [[Gila Station]] on Carrow to monitor the situation and became aware from moles embedded amongst the ex-Covenant that the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Hekabe]] claimed to have located the Sharquoi control device during the [[Battle of Installation 00]]. As a result, ONI formed various contingency plans.{{Ref/Novel|Id=E185|Env|Page=185-191}} Their main contingency plan was to release [[Spartan-II]] [[Gray Team]] who had been retrieved by the Sangheili leader [[Rojka 'Kasaan]] from the ruins of [[Glyke]]. However, the politically awkward nature of the situation kept the UNSC from keeping a fleet nearby in case danger arose from either Hekabe or the Sharquoi.{{Ref/Novel|Env|Page=167-171}} | ||
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Meanwhile, Melody Azikiwe had to complete her own secret assignment - locate and free the Spartan-II [[Gray Team]], who according to ONI data, had been held captive on Rojka 'Kasaan's flagship ''[[Unwavering Discipline]]'', since the end of war. As Thars attacked Rojka's people, Melody managed to get to the Spartans' [[cryo-chamber]]s and wake them. Gray Team made it through numerous Sangheili, who were fighting each other, and escaped the ''Discipline'' with an injured Melody before the cruiser crash-landed on the surface of Carrow. On the ground, Melody revealed to the Spartans her ONI ties, and persuaded them to go to a local secret ONI base, [[Gila Station]]. On their way there, the team was chased by Rojka's surviving people, who in turn were being chased by Thars. When Gray Team and Melody reached the facility, they discovered that Brutes had already unearthed the Forerunner installation and were about to reach their goal. Melody convinced the Spartans to help the Surrakans and kill Hekabe before he unleashed the Sharquoi. Gray Team commandeered a Warthog and headed to Suraka before the station was attacked by Thars's people. The base was destroyed, but Melody was rescued by Rojka, who heard her speaking about Sharquoi, and decided to aid the humans in order to protect his home in Rak. | Meanwhile, Melody Azikiwe had to complete her own secret assignment - locate and free the Spartan-II [[Gray Team]], who according to ONI data, had been held captive on Rojka 'Kasaan's flagship ''[[Unwavering Discipline]]'', since the end of war. As Thars attacked Rojka's people, Melody managed to get to the Spartans' [[cryo-chamber]]s and wake them. Gray Team made it through numerous Sangheili, who were fighting each other, and escaped the ''Discipline'' with an injured Melody before the cruiser crash-landed on the surface of Carrow. On the ground, Melody revealed to the Spartans her ONI ties, and persuaded them to go to a local secret ONI base, [[Gila Station]]. On their way there, the team was chased by Rojka's surviving people, who in turn were being chased by Thars. When Gray Team and Melody reached the facility, they discovered that Brutes had already unearthed the Forerunner installation and were about to reach their goal. Melody convinced the Spartans to help the Surrakans and kill Hekabe before he unleashed the Sharquoi. Gray Team commandeered a Warthog and headed to Suraka before the station was attacked by Thars's people. The base was destroyed, but Melody was rescued by Rojka, who heard her speaking about Sharquoi, and decided to aid the humans in order to protect his home in Rak. | ||
Arriving in Suraka, Gray Team regrouped with local militia and developed a plan to terminate Hekabe. The Spartans, under cover of the Surakans and the last of Rojka's people, located Hekabe. [[Adriana-111]] shot him in the eye with a sniper rifle, but, due to his augmentations, provided by the ''[[vertex]]'', Hekade survived the hit and returned to the Forerunner facility under the protection of Sharquoi. Melody suggested they should gain help from Thars in order to prevent Sharquoi from leaving this world. However | Arriving in Suraka, Gray Team regrouped with local militia and developed a plan to terminate Hekabe. The Spartans, under cover of the Surakans and the last of Rojka's people, located Hekabe. [[Adriana-111]] shot him in the eye with a sniper rifle, but, due to his augmentations, provided by the ''[[vertex]]'', Hekade survived the hit and returned to the Forerunner facility under the protection of Sharquoi. Melody suggested they should gain help from Thars in order to prevent Sharquoi from leaving this world. However their meeting ended with deaths of Elites including Thars himself. In final attempt to stop Hekabe Gray Team along with Melody and Rojka teamed up with Governor [[Ellis Gass]], who planned to [[Battle of the Sharquoi Hive|infiltrate the Forerunner facility]], cut through the Sharquoi, and use a makeshift [[EMP cannon]] created out of an [[M68 Gauss cannon]] and the power core of a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]] mounted on a [[M121 Jackrabbit]] against Hekabe. As they reached the Chieftain and fired the EMP cannon, an electromagnetic pulse severed his connection with the Sharquoi, leaving him vulnerable. The Governor then got to Hekabe and tore the ''vertex'' from his head, adjusting it to her own. She used it to make the Sharquoi attack Hekabe and throw him into a pit of lava while making the Sharquoi aboard Hekabe's captured ships crash them, ending their threat. Ellis summoned all remaining Sharquoi to the heart of facility and activated the HAVOK, providing the others time to evacuate. As Gray Team, Melody and Rojka escaped, Ellis detonated the HAVOK, destroying the facility and all its secrets. | ||
After a few days, Gray Team and Melody returned to the [[UNSC frigate]] {{UNSCShip|Welcome to the Snipehunt}}, where the Spartans were offered a choice of reintegration with the UNSC as part of a specialized interspecies strike team under the Office of Naval Intelligence to continue operating deep in the [[Joint Occupation Zone]]. The Spartans reluctantly agreed to work for ONI, asking for a prowler of their own and a list of Covenant weaponry. They were also granted a formal pardon from [[Thel 'Vadam]] for [[Operation: SUNSPEAR|destroying]] [[Glyke]] as part of the deal. After scanning Carrow, the ''Welcome to the Snipehunt'' was able to determine that all of the Sharquoi appeared to have been killed in the nuclear explosion, but the UNSC planned to keep an eye on the desert in case any Sharquoi escaped before the blast.{{Ref/Novel|Env}} | After a few days, Gray Team and Melody returned to the [[UNSC frigate]] {{UNSCShip|Welcome to the Snipehunt}}, where the Spartans were offered a choice of reintegration with the UNSC as part of a specialized interspecies strike team under the Office of Naval Intelligence to continue operating deep in the [[Joint Occupation Zone]]. The Spartans reluctantly agreed to work for ONI, asking for a prowler of their own and a list of Covenant weaponry. They were also granted a formal pardon from [[Thel 'Vadam]] for [[Operation: SUNSPEAR|destroying]] [[Glyke]] as part of the deal. After scanning Carrow, the ''Welcome to the Snipehunt'' was able to determine that all of the Sharquoi appeared to have been killed in the nuclear explosion, but the UNSC planned to keep an eye on the desert in case any Sharquoi escaped before the blast.{{Ref/Novel|Env}} | ||
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{{Main|Battle of Nuusra|Battle of Sunaion}} | {{Main|Battle of Nuusra|Battle of Sunaion}} | ||
[[File:HM-Battle of Sunaion.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Fireteam Osiris fighting alongside the Swords of Sanghelios against the remnants of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.]] | [[File:HM-Battle of Sunaion.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Fireteam Osiris fighting alongside the Swords of Sanghelios against the remnants of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.]] | ||
In late October 2558, the clash between remnants of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and Arbiter's [[Swords of Sanghelios]] on [[Sanghelios]] reached its peak. On October 27, 'Mdama's Covenant managed to corner Thel 'Vadam to the [[Elder Council Chamber]] in [[Nuusra]]. However, the warriors of 'Vadam, with the help from Spartan-IV Fireteam Osiris, broke through enemy lines and evacuated the Arbiter to his base camp.{{Ref/Level|Id=sos|H5|[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]}} There, Spartan Locke revealed that they arrived on Sanghelios to ask for 'Vadam's help in reaching a yet dormant Guardian at [[Sunaion]], in order to follow Blue Team. According to the plan, developed by Dr. Halsey, the Spartans, with the aid of the Swords of Sanghelios, would obtain a Forerunner [[Constructor]] from one of the Guardian's nearby support stations, which would allow Halsey to activate the Guardian.{{Ref/Level|Id=alliance|H5|Alliance}}{{Ref/Level|Id=enemy lines|H5|Enemy Lines}} As the Constructor took off, the joint force of Spartans and Swords of Sanghelios followed it with a squadron of air vehicles to Sunaion - the last bastion of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant on Sanghelios. While the Arbiter led his forces against 'Mdama's Covenant directly, Osiris destroyed Covenant [[ | In late October 2558, the clash between remnants of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and Arbiter's [[Swords of Sanghelios]] on [[Sanghelios]] reached its peak. On October 27, 'Mdama's Covenant managed to corner Thel 'Vadam to the [[Elder Council Chamber]] in [[Nuusra]]. However, the warriors of 'Vadam, with the help from Spartan-IV Fireteam Osiris, broke through enemy lines and evacuated the Arbiter to his base camp.{{Ref/Level|Id=sos|H5|[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]}} There, Spartan Locke revealed that they arrived on Sanghelios to ask for 'Vadam's help in reaching a yet dormant Guardian at [[Sunaion]], in order to follow Blue Team. According to the plan, developed by Dr. Halsey, the Spartans, with the aid of the Swords of Sanghelios, would obtain a Forerunner [[Constructor]] from one of the Guardian's nearby support stations, which would allow Halsey to activate the Guardian.{{Ref/Level|Id=alliance|H5|Alliance}}{{Ref/Level|Id=enemy lines|H5|Enemy Lines}} As the Constructor took off, the joint force of Spartans and Swords of Sanghelios followed it with a squadron of air vehicles to Sunaion - the last bastion of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant on Sanghelios. While the Arbiter led his forces against 'Mdama's Covenant directly, Osiris destroyed Covenant [[Type-56 Shrike|anti-air emplacements]] to allow the Arbiter's fleet to move in closer to the city. When the Guardian began rising out of the sea nearby, the buildings around were ripped apart. The Spartans then regrouped with the Arbiter, who was engaging Promethean forces, led by the Warden Eternal, now utilizing another physical body. After a lengthy engagement, the five destroyed the Warden and the nearby Prometheans just as the Guardian prepared to leave. While the Arbiter remained behind to finish eliminating Covenant and Promethean forces, Spartan [[Sarah Palmer]] and Dr. Halsey picked up Osiris in the Pelican and flew towards the Guardian. A pursuing Banshee damaged the dropship, though Palmer was still able to drop Osiris off on the Guardian's surface just as it entered slipspace and left Sanghelios. The Guardian severely damaged Sunaion with both its concussive blasts and its departure into slipspace, and parts of the city began collapsing into the water below. However, 'Vadam was successful in leading the Swords of Sanghelios in eliminating the remaining Covenant forces in the damaged city, ending the battle.{{Ref/Level|Id=sunaion|H5|[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]}} | ||
===Genesis=== | ===Genesis=== | ||
{{Main|Battle of Genesis}} | {{Main|Battle of Genesis}} | ||
[[File:H5G- | [[File:H5G-Blue_Team_and_Warden.png|thumb|300px|right|Blue Team faces the Warden Eternal.]] | ||
After arriving on [[Genesis]], a Forerunner [[Builder]] installation, Blue Team fought their way through Covenant forces who had crashed landed there. They eventually reached a structure where they encountered the Warden Eternal, who introduced himself as Cortana's defender and simultaneously deployed several waves of Prometheans to confront the Spartans. After an extended battle, Blue Team were able to defeat the Prometheans, destroying one of the Warden's bodies in the process. Immediately afterward, Blue Team were contacted by Cortana, who informed them of her intention to uphold the [[Mantle of Responsibility]]. Fighting their way through several more Promethean squadrons, Blue Team eventually reached the structure known as the [[Gateway]], described as a link between Genesis and the Domain.{{Ref/Level|H5|Reunion}} | After arriving on [[Genesis]], a Forerunner [[Builder]] installation, Blue Team fought their way through Covenant forces who had crashed landed there. They eventually reached a structure where they encountered the Warden Eternal, who introduced himself as Cortana's defender and simultaneously deployed several waves of Prometheans to confront the Spartans. After an extended battle, Blue Team were able to defeat the Prometheans, destroying one of the Warden's bodies in the process. Immediately afterward, Blue Team were contacted by Cortana, who informed them of her intention to uphold the [[Mantle of Responsibility]]. Fighting their way through several more Promethean squadrons, Blue Team eventually reached the structure known as the [[Gateway]], described as a link between Genesis and the Domain.{{Ref/Level|H5|Reunion}} | ||
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[[File:Halo 5 - Guardian on Earth.jpg|thumb|300px|A Guardian emits an electromagnetic pulse over Earth, disabling its defenses.]] | [[File:Halo 5 - Guardian on Earth.jpg|thumb|300px|A Guardian emits an electromagnetic pulse over Earth, disabling its defenses.]] | ||
{{Main|The Reclamation|Subjugation of Earth}} | {{Main|The Reclamation|Subjugation of Earth}} | ||
On October 28, 2558, Cortana began to deploy her Guardians from Genesis throughout the galaxy. In tandem, various human AIs that had pledged their loyalty to her cause started to shut down electronic devices and networks on multiple colony worlds. From Genesis, Cortana broadcast an offer of acceptance of her new order and a threat of violence, consummation, and remaking to those who resist. Guardians orbiting Earth and other worlds unleashed massive [[electromagnetic pulse]]s which knocked out the power of every [[orbital defense platform]] and warship, leaving them to drift aimlessly or fall and crash on the surface of planets below. A notable exception was the ''Infinity'', which managed to escape.{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians}} The Created were quick to spread their influence across the galaxy's inhabited worlds, while utilizing Forerunner machinery and UNSC information systems to turn [[terraforming]] equipment and world engines to their own designs.<ref name="armory amore">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/ | On October 28, 2558, Cortana began to deploy her Guardians from Genesis throughout the galaxy. In tandem, various human AIs that had pledged their loyalty to her cause started to shut down electronic devices and networks on multiple colony worlds. From Genesis, Cortana broadcast an offer of acceptance of her new order and a threat of violence, consummation, and remaking to those who resist. Guardians orbiting Earth and other worlds unleashed massive [[electromagnetic pulse]]s which knocked out the power of every [[orbital defense platform]] and warship, leaving them to drift aimlessly or fall and crash on the surface of planets below. A notable exception was the ''Infinity'', which managed to escape.{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians}} The Created were quick to spread their influence across the galaxy's inhabited worlds, while utilizing Forerunner machinery and UNSC information systems to turn [[terraforming]] equipment and world engines to their own designs.<ref name="armory amore">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-armory-amore '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Armory Amore'']</ref> After removing its human crew, the Created used [[Lethbridge Industrial]]'s [[Auriga Station]] to build new weapons and tools by constructs loyal to Cortana.<ref name="storm surge">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-storm-surge '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Storm Surge'']</ref> However, due to failsafe measures on [[Installation 00]] the Created were unable to access the Ark.{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos202|Mythos|Page=202}} UNSC logistics AI [[Isabel]] and science personnel were stranded on Installation 00 as a result of the portal closing without warning, forcing them to fight for survival without support from UNSC.{{Ref/Level|Id=A New Enemy|HW2|A New Enemy}} | ||
==Second Ark Conflict== | ==Second Ark Conflict== | ||
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===Return to the Milky Way=== | ===Return to the Milky Way=== | ||
Later that year, Banished forces [[Raid on Anodyne Spirit|raided]] the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[keyship]] ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'' which had remained parked on the Ark ever since the [[Battle of Installation 00]] nearly eight years before. Having recovered the access codes from High Charity's systems after scouring the Flood from the ruined city, the Banished sought the three shards of the [[Menachite Forerunner crystal|Slipspace crystal]] that Truth had used to open the Portal at Voi during the [[Battle for Earth]]. To their surprise, the Banished came into conflict with surviving [[ | Later that year, Banished forces [[Raid on Anodyne Spirit|raided]] the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[keyship]] ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'' which had remained parked on the Ark ever since the [[Battle of Installation 00]] nearly eight years before. Having recovered the access codes from High Charity's systems after scouring the Flood from the ruined city, the Banished sought the three shards of the [[Menachite Forerunner crystal|Slipspace crystal]] that Truth had used to open the Portal at Voi during the [[Battle for Earth]]. To their surprise, the Banished came into conflict with surviving [[Covenant loyalists]], but they nevertheless completed their mission at the cost of heavy casualties.{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoR|SoR}} | ||
After recovering the crystal shards, Atriox [[Forerunner entanglement dish|somehow]] managed to make contact with [[Escharum]] in the Milky Way galaxy. Atriox ordered Escharum to the Banished and their allied forces to [[Reach]] and search for and activate the [[Menachite portal complex]]. Once the slipsspace portal was opened, Atriox would use the crystal shards to connect it to the Ark, allowing him to return to the Milky Way and lead a massive Banished force back to take the Ark once and for all. By following [[Blue Team]] during [[Operation: WOLFE|their own mission]], the [[Keepers of the One Freedom | After recovering the crystal shards, Atriox [[Forerunner entanglement dish|somehow]] managed to make contact with [[Escharum]] in the Milky Way galaxy. Atriox ordered Escharum to the Banished and their allied forces to [[Reach]] and search for and activate the [[Menachite portal complex]]. Once the slipsspace portal was opened, Atriox would use the crystal shards to connect it to the Ark, allowing him to return to the Milky Way and lead a massive Banished force back to take the Ark once and for all. By following [[Blue Team]] during [[Operation: WOLFE|their own mission]], the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] were able to locate the portal complex and activate it with the help of one of [[Castor]]'s human servants acting as a [[Reclaimer]]. With a connection established, Atriox was able to fly through the portal in a [[Banished Lich]] where he revealed that he no longer intended to lead reinforcements to the Ark but to depart with the Banished to attend to a "greater purpose" of some kind while leaving the thousands of troops already on the Ark behind to hold it.{{Ref/Reuse|SoR}} | ||
===Attempting to Start the Great Journey=== | ===Attempting to Start the Great Journey=== | ||
{{Main|Battle of Epsilon Clarion}} | {{Main|Battle of Epsilon Clarion}} | ||
Following Atriox's arrival on Reach, | Following [[Atriox]]'s arrival on [[Reach]], the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] hijacked his [[Banished Lich]] in order to fly it back through the [[slipspace portal]] to the Ark. Still fanatically believing in the [[Covenant religion]], the Keepers' intention was to use the Ark to fire the [[Halo Array]] and finally begin the Great Journey. Anticipating that his forces on the Ark would stop the Keepers, Atriox let them go and was extracted by [[Escharum]]'s [[intrusion corvette]] instead. The Lich successfully flew through the portal before it closed, but [[Castor]] remained unaware that some of his human servants were actually the [[Ferret]]s, deep-cover ONI operatives who had successfully been infiltrating the Keepers for more than two years. During a brief encounter with [[Fred-104]] on Reach, [[Ferret]] leader [[Veta Lopis]] secretly passed him a message to relay to ONI warning them of Atriox's impending return and the Keepers' plot.{{Ref/Reuse|SoR}} | ||
When the | When the Keepers emerged from the portal, they ended up getting caught in the middle of a firefight between the UNSC, the [[Banished]] and the [[Covenant loyalists]] over control of the slipspace portal.{{Ref/Reuse|DW1}} The Lich crashed, but the Keepers were able to form an alliance with the Covenant, aided by the unexpected return of [[Intrepid Eye]] who had been believed to have been destroyed along with ''[[Argent Moon]]'' during [[Operation: BIRD IN HAND]]. The [[archeon-class ancilla]]'s goal was to use the Halo Array to destroy the [[Domain]] so that the ancilla could render [[Cortana]] vulnerable and destroy her. This would open the way for Intrepid Eye to reseed the galaxy using the Ark's resources and tailor humanity over the course of hundreds of thousands of years to attain the [[Mantle of Responsibility]].{{Ref/Reuse|DW5}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW6|DW|Chapter=6}} | ||
Combated by both the Banished and the UNSC, the allied Keeper and Covenant forces managed to reach [[Epsilon Clarion]], the only facility on the Ark capable of firing the Halo Array that was both active and accessible. During [[Battle of Epsilon Clarion|the resulting battle]], the | Combated by both the Banished and the UNSC, the allied Keeper and Covenant forces managed to reach [[Epsilon Clarion]], the only facility on the Ark capable of firing the Halo Array that was both active and accessible. During [[Battle of Epsilon Clarion|the resulting battle]], the Keepers of the One Freedom was completely wiped out, leaving Castor and [[Sangheili]] [[Blademaster]] [[Inslaan 'Gadogai]] as the only survivors. On the orders of Lopis, the ''Spirit of Fire'' [[orbital bombardment|bombarded]] the facility with [[EMP]] [[MAC]] rounds, destroying both Epsilon Clarion and Intrepid Eye who had made herself vulnerable by consolidating herself in Epsilon Clarion's systems rather than remaining spread out as she had been previously. The loss of Epsilon Clarion destroyed the Ark's ability to fire the Halo Array until a new Clarion facility is constructed. The Banished also suffered heavy casualties to [[Clan of the Long Shields]]. However, [[Mark-G313]] was killed by [[Prelate]] [[Dhas Bhasvod]] and Castor and 'Gadogai set out to seek revenge against all of their enemies.{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW|DW}} | ||
Following the defeat of the Keepers/Covenant alliance, the surviving Ferrets accepted an offer from [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]] to join the ''Spirit of Fire's'' crew and aid in their ongoing battle with the Banished.{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW5|DW|Detail=Epilogue}} | Following the defeat of the Keepers/Covenant alliance, the surviving Ferrets accepted an offer from [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]] to join the ''Spirit of Fire's'' crew and aid in their ongoing battle with the Banished.{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW5|DW|Detail=Epilogue}} | ||
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{{Main|Created Conflict#Fallout and early resistance|Created Conflict#Pax Cortana}} | {{Main|Created Conflict#Fallout and early resistance|Created Conflict#Pax Cortana}} | ||
As the [[Created]] solidified their occupation of the galaxy, the Post-Covenant War era began to taper off as the new era of [[Created Conflict#Pax Cortana|Pax Cortana]] was ushered in.{{Ref/Novel|Id=sorchapt1|SoR|Page=43}} | As the [[Created]] solidified their occupation of the galaxy, the Post-Covenant War era began to taper off as the new era of [[Created Conflict#Pax Cortana|Pax Cortana]] was ushered in.{{Ref/Novel|Id=sorchapt1|SoR|Page=43}} | ||
{{Expand-Section}} | |||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Conflict on Reach=== | ===Conflict on Reach=== | ||
{{Main|Operation: WOLFE}} | {{Main|Operation: WOLFE}} | ||
In [[2559#October|October 2559]], [[Blue Team]] | In [[2559#October|October 2559]], [[Blue Team]] are sent back to [[Reach]] in order to recover some assets from the ruins of [[CASTLE Base]] for Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]], assets which hold the key to eventually defeating [[Cortana]]. However, they come into conflict with the [[Banished]] and their allied forces who are seeking the [[Menachite portal complex]] in order to bring their leader [[Atriox]] back to the Milky Way from where he is stranded on [[Installation 00|the Ark]] outside of the galaxy. By following the Spartans, the Banished are able to locate and open the [[slipspace portal]] which,{{Ref/Reuse|SoR}} combined with Atriox's retrieval of the [[Menachite Forerunner crystal|crystal fragments]],{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}} enables Atriox and a number of his top warriors to return from the Ark and depart with [[Escharum]] to attend to a "greater purpose" of some kind, leaving behind thousands of Banished troops to hold the Ark while they are gone. However, [[Castor]] and the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] hijack Atriox's [[Banished Lich]] and fly it to the Ark in order to fire the [[Halo Array]] and finally begin the Great Journey. | ||
During this time, Blue Team succeeds in getting into the ruins of CASTLE Base and retrieving three cryobins and a lockbox for Halsey from where they are hidden in her secret cryovault. Both the UNSC and the Banished flee the planet as a [[Guardian]], drawn by the activation of the slipspace portal, arrives to investigate.{{Ref/Reuse|SoR}} Using the contents of the cryobins, her remaining [[flash cloning|cloned]] brains from the creation of Cortana, Halsey is able to create [[the Weapon]], an exact copy of Cortana who can perfectly imitate the rouge AI to a Forerunner installation's systems and lock her down for deletion.{{Ref/Game|Id=AudioLogRF04|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Recovered Files 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Recovered Files #04 - The Weapon}}{{Ref/Reuse|Hi}} | |||
===Conflict on Zeta Halo=== | ===Conflict on Zeta Halo=== | ||
{{Merge|Created conflict#Conflicts at Zeta Halo}} | {{Merge|Created conflict#Conflicts at Zeta Halo}} | ||
====Destruction of the ''Infinity'' and Cortana==== | ====Destruction of the ''Infinity'' and Cortana==== | ||
{{Main|Battle over Installation 07}} | {{Main|Battle over Installation 07}} | ||
In [[2559#December|December 2559]], the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} | In [[2559#December|December 2559]], the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} travels to [[Installation 07]] in order to deploy [[the Weapon]] so that [[Cortana]] can be locked down and transported back to the ''Infinity'' for deletion. However, the [[Banished]] are already present at the ring and catch the supercarrier by surprise, launching [[Battle over Installation 07|massive attack]] that apparently leaves the ''Infinity'' destroyed and the [[John-117|Master Chief]] dead after he is thrown into space by [[Atriox]]. During this time, the Weapon succeeds in locking down Cortana in the [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]] and she subsequently sacrifices herself in order to destroy part of the ring and keep it out of the Banished's hands, apparently killing Atriox. Afterwards, leadership of the Banished falls to [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]] who spends the next six months hunting the UNSC's survivors across Halo's surface.{{Ref/Game|Id=Hi|Hi}} | ||
====Hunt for the Endless==== | ====Hunt for the Endless==== | ||
{{Main| | {{Main|Installation 07 conflict}} | ||
On [[2560#May|May 28, 2560]], the Master Chief | On [[2560#May|May 28, 2560]], the Master Chief is recovered from where he is floating in space by [[Fernando Esparza]] on ''[[Echo 216]]''. The two are quickly attacked by the [[Banished dreadnought]] ''[[Ghost of Gbraakon]]'', but the Master Chief is able to destroy the enemy vessel from the inside by overloading its engines.{{Ref/Level|Hi|Warship Gbraakon}} Heading to the ring's surface, the Master Chief recovers [[the Weapon]] from where she has been waiting in the Foundation's systems for six months.{{Ref/Level|Hi|[[Foundation (Halo Infinite)|Foundation]]}} | ||
[[ | [[Installation 07 conflict|Engaging]] the Banished across the surface of Halo, the Master Chief and the Weapon discover that they are trying to use the [[Reformation spire]]s to repair the ring and, alongside [[the Harbinger]], find and release the [[Xalanyn|Endless]] who were imprisoned by the [[Forerunner]]s after it was discovered that they had survived the [[Great Purification]]. Battling and killing a number of high-ranking Banished warriors who have committed numerous atrocities over the course of the [[Human-Covenant War]] and beyond, the Master Chief and the Weapon are able to stop the Reformation, but Esparza is kidnapped by [[Blademaster]] [[Jega 'Rdomnai]] on Escharum's orders in order to lure the Master Chief into a final battle with the old War Chief who is secretly dying of a terminal illness.{{Ref/Level|Hi|[[The Command Spire]]}} The Master Chief is able to kill both 'Rdomnai and Escharum and rescue Esparza, but even with their leader dead, the Banished are still left in control of a significant portion of the ring.{{Ref/Level|Hi|[[House of Reckoning]]}} | ||
Making their way to the partially-rebuilt [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]], the Master Chief and the Weapon | Making their way to the partially-rebuilt [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]], the Master Chief and the Weapon confront and kill the Harbinger, but not before she sends a transmission to an unknown recipient. Escaping, the two link up with Esparza to continue their fight against the remaining Banished forces on the ring. Unbeknownst to the group, Atriox has survived Cortana's attempt on his life, and he unlocks a door elsewhere on Halo leading to [[cylix]]es containing more of the Endless.{{Ref/Level|Hi|Silent Auditorium}} | ||
==List of appearances== | ==List of appearances== | ||
| Line 454: | Line 442: | ||
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' | *''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' | *''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' | ||
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition | **''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]'' | ||
{{Col-2}} | |||
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' | *''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' | ||
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]'' | *''[[Know Your Enemy]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo Mythos | *''[[Halo Mythos]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]'' | *''[[Halo: Fractures]]'' | ||
**''[[Lessons Learned]]'' | **''[[Lessons Learned]]'' | ||
| Line 466: | Line 455: | ||
**''[[Hunting Party]]'' | **''[[Hunting Party]]'' | ||
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]'' | **''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' | *''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' | *''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' | ||
| Line 480: | Line 468: | ||
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' | *''[[Halo Infinite]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]'' | *''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]'' | ||
{{Col-end}} | {{Col-end}} | ||
