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| {{Status|Canon}}{{Status|Featured}} | | {{Era|HCW}} |
| [[File:BirthOfASpartan - Augmentation.png|thumb|300px|A screen monitoring [[Carter-A259]]'s augmentations.]] | | [[File:BirthOfASpartan - Augmentation.png|thumb|300px|A screen monitoring [[Carter-A259]]'s augmentations.]] |
| {{Quote|Read. New training protocols have been outlined as well as an improved augmentation regime. We've learned much from the unfortunate medical processes Dr. Halsey had at her disposal.|[[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]] introducing the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations to [[Kurt Ambrose]]{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}}}}
| | '''Project: CHRYSANTHEMUM''' was the codename given to the [[Human augmentation|biological augmentation procedures]] performed on the [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]] supersoldiers. They represented a significant improvement over [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|the augmentations]] used in the previous [[SPARTAN-II program]],<ref name="goo63">'''Halo: Ghost of Onyx''', ''page 63''</ref> being safer and less invasive to perform while producing similar results.<ref name="GoO102">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 101-102''</ref> |
| '''Project CHRYSANTHEMUM''' was the codename given to the [[biological augmentation]] procedures performed on the [[Spartan-III]] supersoldiers. They represented a significant improvement over [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|the augmentations]] used in the previous [[SPARTAN-II program]],<ref name="goo63">'''Halo: Ghost of Onyx''', ''page 63''</ref> retaining the procedures' effectiveness but being safer and less invasive to perform.<ref name="GoO102">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 101-102''</ref> | |
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| ==Background== | | ==Background== |
| [[File:BirthOfASpartan - AugmentationCarter.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Carter-A259]] undergoing the Project CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations.]]
| | The CHRYSANTHEMUM bioaugmentation set improved upon the augmentations of the SPARTAN-II program,<ref name="goo63"/> pioneered by [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. With advances in technology, the casualty rate for SPARTAN-III candidates was usually 0%, as opposed to the 56% casualty rate of the SPARTAN-IIs. The genetic requirements for the candidates could also be loosened from the exceedingly strict criteria of the previous program,<ref name="goo63"/> although the range of compatible individuals still remained incredibly narrow, with any aberrations from the required genetic set increasing the risk of failure to an unacceptable level.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 82-83''</ref> While Dr. Halsey's criteria for the SPARTAN-IIs emphasized specific physical robustness and mental fortitude in order to achieve physiological compatibility with the augmentations, the SPARTAN-IIIs' screening protocols were more lenient, due to advances in technology. As a result, the SPARTAN-III candidate pool was less physically and psychologically consistent, with a higher likelihood of behavioral problems;<ref name="goo63"/> many of the SPARTAN-III candidates were more lively and predisposed for aggression than their forebears.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 68, 70''</ref> In contrast to the SPARTAN-IIs who were consistently taller than the average human, the SPARTAN-III candidates were also less uniform in terms of physical stature.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 26-27''</ref> However, there were a small number of SPARTAN-III candidates—called "cat 2s" by [[Kurt Ambrose]]—who would have met the requirements for the SPARTAN-II program; some of them would later be removed from their mainline companies, given better equipment and assigned to separate special forces units.<ref name="comm">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24040 '''Bungie.net''': ''Communique from Kurt to Mendez'']</ref> |
| The CHRYSANTHEMUM bioaugmentation set improved upon the augmentations of the SPARTAN-II program,{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}} pioneered by [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. With advances in technology, the casualty rate for Spartan-III candidates was usually 0%, as opposed to the 56% casualty rate of the Spartan-IIs. Most of the Spartan-IIIs' augmentations were chemically induced instead of surgically implanted like many of the Spartan-II enhancements.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} | |
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| The genetic requirements for the Spartan-III candidates were loosened from the exceedingly strict criteria of the SPARTAN-II program,{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}} although the range of compatible individuals still remained incredibly narrow, and any aberrations from the required genetic set geometrically increased the failure rate.<ref name="goo82">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 82-83''</ref><ref name="goo67">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 67-68, 70''</ref> [[Colonel James Ackerson]], the mastermind of the SPARTAN-III program, requested to have mandatory genetic screening put in place in the [[Outer Colonies]] in order to find more genetic matches for his program, but the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] leadership felt this would only provoke the colonists for further [[Insurrection|aggression]] against the UNSC.{{Ref/Reuse|goo82}} As a result of the more lenient selection criteria, the Spartan-III candidate pool was less physically and psychologically consistent, with a higher likelihood of behavioral problems;{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}} many of the Spartan-III candidates were more lively and predisposed for aggression than their forebears.{{Ref/Reuse|goo67}}
| | Most of the SPARTAN-IIIs' augmentations were chemically induced instead of surgically implanted like many of the SPARTAN-II enhancements.<ref name="GoO102"/><ref group="note">When describing the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations, ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'' does not mention the SPARTAN-IIIs receiving the growth hormone catalyst in the form of a thyroid implant like the SPARTAN-IIs; it is thus ambiguous whether the SPARTAN-IIIs received this particular enhancement. However, some of the SPARTAN-IIIs' markedly small size in contrast to the physically imposing SPARTAN-IIs suggests they did not receive the growth hormone implant and that this procedure could be supplanted by possible improvements in their muscular protein injections. Since the SPARTAN-IIIs received human growth hormone months prior to receiving their augmentations, it can be inferred that the catalytic thyroid implant was rendered redundant since both serve the same purpose.</ref> However, the augmentations also still had to be administered at the onset of puberty like in the previous program, as the bodies of either prepubescents or adults would reject the chemicals. The schedule of the SPARTAN-III program was also accelerated from that of the SPARTAN-IIs; because the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] wanted to have the Spartans deployed in the field as rapidly as possible, the candidates were augmented at an average age of twelve, whereas the SPARTAN-IIs were fourteen during their augmentations. Puberty was artificially induced for the candidates via human growth hormone as well as cartilage, muscle and bone supplements added into their food. As a result, the candidates had the bodies of adult Olympic athletes at an average of only twelve years of age, and it took some time for them to acclimatize to their larger physiques.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 98, 100''</ref> |
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| While the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations still had to be administered at the onset of puberty as the bodies of either prepubescents or adults would reject the chemicals, Colonel Ackerson's age restriction protocol for the SPARTAN-III program was considerably looser than that of the Spartan-IIs.{{Ref/Reuse|goo82}}{{Ref/Reuse|goo98}} The Spartan-III candidates' ages upon induction typically ranged from four to six years old,<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 362''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 16''</ref> with the nominal ages of some of them (such as [[Carter-A259]]) exhibiting more extreme deviation from the standard age range.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24526 '''Bungie.net''': ''Carter-A259 Personnel Profile'']</ref>
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| ==Augmentations== | | ==Augmentations== |
| ===All Spartan-IIIs=== | | ===All SPARTAN-IIIs=== |
| The schedule of the SPARTAN-III program was accelerated from that of the Spartan-IIs: because the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] wanted to have the Spartans deployed in the field as rapidly as possible, by the time of Gamma Company the Spartan-IIIs were augmented at an average age of twelve, whereas the Spartan-IIs were fourteen during their augmentations. As puberty had not yet started for the majority of candidates at this time, they were given human growth hormone as well as cartilage, muscle and bone supplements added into their food over several months to artificially induce the onset of puberty. As a result, the candidates had the bodies of near-adult Olympic athletes at an average of only twelve years of age, and it took some time for them to acclimatize to their larger physiques.<ref name="goo98">''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', 'Chapter 10</ref>{{Ref/Note|These hormonal treatments supposedly replaced the catalytic thyroid implants received by the Spartan-IIs as part of their augmentation procedures. When describing the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations, ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'' does not mention the Spartan-IIIs receiving the growth hormone catalyst in the form of a thyroid implant like the Spartan-IIs. Since the Spartan-IIIs received human growth hormone months prior to receiving their augmentations, it can be inferred that the catalytic thyroid implant was rendered redundant since both serve the same purpose.}}
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| {| class="wikitable" | | {| class="wikitable" |
| ! Drug | | ! Drug |
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| | 8942-LQ99 | | | 8942-LQ99 |
| | "carbide ceramic ossification catalyst" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} | | | "carbide ceramic ossification catalyst" drug.<ref name="GoO102"/> |
| | Skeletons become virtually unbreakable, allowing survival in harder impacts. | | | Skeletons become virtually unbreakable, allowing survival in harder impacts. |
| |- | | |- |
| | 88005-MX77 | | | 88005-MX77 |
| | "fibroid muscular protein complex" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} | | | "fibroid muscular protein complex" drug.<ref name="GoO102"/> |
| | Increased density of individual's muscles, greatly enhancing physical strength. | | | Increased density of individual's muscles, greatly enhancing physical strength. |
| |- | | |- |
| | 88947-OP24 | | | 88947-OP24 |
| | "retina-inversion stabilizer" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} | | | "retina-inversion stabilizer" drug.<ref name="GoO102"/> |
| | Color sharpness is significantly improved upon, and night vision is heightened. | | | Color sharpness is significantly improved upon, and night vision is heightened. |
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| | 87556-UD61 | | | 87556-UD61 |
| | "improved colloidal neural disunification solution" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} | | | improve the colloidal neural disunification solution<ref name="GoO102"/> |
| | Greatly improves the individual's reaction time, decreasing the time taken to react by 300%; "Spartan time". | | | Greatly improves the individual's reaction time, decreasing the time taken to react by 300%; "Spartan time". |
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| In addition to their chemically-administered primary augmentations, Spartan-IIIs were subjected to a number of surgical alterations to enhance their capabilities.<ref name="goo99">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 99''</ref> Their circulatory systems were also augmented from the human baseline.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', "[[Lessons Learned]]", ''page 6''</ref> Like all [[UNSC Armed Forces]] personnel, the Spartan-IIIs are implanted with a [[neural interface]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 188''</ref>
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| The augmentations also involved some degree of genetic modification. As discovered in [[2548]] with [[Owen-B096]], this made the Spartans immune to the negative genetic effects of some Forerunner artifacts.{{Ref/Novel|MerDi|Chapter=21}}
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| ===Gamma Company=== | | ===Gamma Company=== |
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| | 009762-OO | | | 009762-OO |
| | Neural-altering non-carcinogenic mutagen. | | | Neural-altering non-carcinogenic mutagen. |
| | Alters key regions in the individual's frontal lobe to enhance aggressive response, making the animal part of the brain more accessible in times of stress. This allows the subject access to enormous reserves of strength and endurance and enables them to remain fighting even under the influence of a wide systemic shock that would be instantly fatal to a normal human.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}} Depresses higher reason centers of the brain over time; requires regular doses of 009127-PX and 009927-DG to be taken to avoid uncontrollable aggression.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}} | | | Alters key regions in the individual's frontal lobe.<ref name="GoO102"/><ref name="GoO107"/> Enhances aggressive response to dangerous levels. Requires regular doses of 009127-PX and 009927-DG to be taken to avoid uncontrollable aggression.<ref name="GoO107"/> |
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| | 009127-PX | | | 009127-PX |
| | cyclodexione-4, bipolar integration drug | | | cyclodexione-4, bipolar integration drug |
| | Counters the effects of 009762-OO.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}} | | | Counters the effects of 009762-OO.<ref name="GoO102"/><ref name="GoO107"/> |
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| | 009927-DG | | | 009927-DG |
| | miso-olanzapine | | | miso-olanzapine |
| | Counters the psychological effects of 009762-OO.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}} | | | Counters the psychological effects of 009762-OO.<ref name="GoO102"/><ref name="GoO107"/> |
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| The CHRYSANTHEMUM procedures took place aboard the mobile hospital ship {{UNSCShip|Hopeful}}. Because of the SPARTAN-III program's secrecy, the ''Hopeful'' was stationed in interstellar space at [[Margaret Parangosky|Vice Admiral Parangosky]]'s order for the duration of the procedures. The ship's docking cluster Bravo and the eight decks surrounding it were entirely cleared of personnel to allow ONI to move in their personnel and equipment.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 97''</ref> | | The CHRYSANTHEMUM procedures took place aboard the mobile hospital ship {{UNSCShip|Hopeful}}. Because of the SPARTAN-III program's secrecy, the ''Hopeful'' was stationed in interstellar space at [[Margaret Parangosky|Vice Admiral Parangosky]]'s order for the duration of the procedures. The ship's docking cluster Bravo and the eight decks surrounding it were entirely cleared of personnel to allow ONI to move in their personnel and equipment.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 97''</ref> |
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| The augmentations were administered over the course of a week; the subject was kept in a mostly sedated state throughout the process, which was conducted in a large, open operations room housing 400 sections separated by semi-opaque plastic curtains. Each compartment was filled with medical equipment, including a [[sterile field generator]] overhead as well as vital signs monitors and a chemotherapeutic infuser. The infuser contained vials for the various chemicals, which were administered to the subject via IV and osmotic patches. The Spartans were given a number of drugs to allow them to withstand the procedures themselves and counter their potential negative effects; these included shock reducers, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, and pH buffers.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} | | The augmentations were administered over the course of a week; the subject was kept in a mostly sedated state throughout the process, which was conducted in a large, open operations room housing 400 sections separated by semi-opaque plastic curtains. Each compartment was filled with medical equipment, including a [[sterile field generator]] overhead as well as vital signs monitors and a chemotherapeutic infuser. The infuser contained vials for the various chemicals, which were administered to the subject via IV and osmotic patches. The Spartans were given a number of drugs to allow them to withstand the procedures themselves and counter their potential negative effects; these included shock reducers, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, and pH buffers.<ref name="GoO102"/> |
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| ===Performance===
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| {{Quote|Even for a [[Spartan]], the attack had been a masterwork, and it made Fred wonder just how deeply Mark-G313 had devoted himself to the fine art of killing.|[[Frederic-104]] pondering the prowess of a Spartan-III.{{Ref/Reuse|LL1}}}}
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| [[File:HM-MLGSIII.png|thumb|230px|A Spartan-III attacking a [[Sangheili Minor]].]]
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| Despite the Spartan-IIIs' expendable nature and lower-grade equipment than the Spartan-IIs, their enhancements represented a "quantum leap" over the previous program's bioaugmentation set.{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}}
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| The muscular augmentations administered gave a Spartan-III the strength of "three normal soldiers".{{Ref/Reuse|goo99}} During [[Operation: TORPEDO]], Spartan-IIIs ran at a speed of nearly 30 KPH (around 18 MPH).<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 17''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Sprinting is the act of running at one's top speed for a short period of time. Given how this is a sprint speed obtainable by normal un-augmented humans, it seems unlikely that this is truly the Spartan IIIs' top speed. It is possible that "sprinting" in the context of this particular instance could mean covering a long distance with a relatively fast pace rather than actually sprinting. This is reinforced by page 14 of ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', which mentions the Spartan IIIs having to cross a terrain of over five kilometers on foot, which would imply maintaining the fastest pace possible while not losing any stamina. This would also indicate that the Spartan IIIs in this context were not running at their top speed, but rather a slower pace to conserve stamina.}} Spartan-IIIs were also described to have been moving with "speed and reflexes that no Covenant could follow". "They dodged, snapped necks and limbs, and with captured energy swords, they cut through the enemy until the field ran with rivers of gore and blue blood".{{Ref/Reuse|goo21}} The Spartans of [[Team Foxtrot]] engaged six [[Kig-Yar]] in close quarters and left the aliens' bodies "snapped like rag dolls".{{Ref/Reuse|goo21}} [[Tom-B292]], 12 years old at the time and equipped with SPI armor, engaged a [[Sangheili]] armed with a [[plasma pistol]] and an [[energy sword]] in hand-to-hand combat. The Spartan's enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge a plasma pistol bolt and sword swing at point blank range. He then proceeded to throw the Sangheili warrior to the ground and finish it off with his assault rifle. During the battle, the Sangheili and Kig-Yar forces moved out of cover because they realized that it was suicidal to face Spartans in close quarters.<ref name="goo21">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 21-23''</ref>
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| Approximately 300 Spartan-IIIs faced thousands upon thousands of Covenant, including Covenant air support, and were described to have been winning the battle until 7 [[Covenant cruiser]]s emerged as reinforcements.{{Ref/Reuse|goo21}} During the battle on Pegasi Delta, most of Beta Company were roughly twelve years old. The physical abilities of any Spartan-IIIs who lived long enough to mature would supposedly have improved significantly as [[Franklin Mendez|CPO Mendez]] stated that Spartans only grew stronger and faster as their bodies grew accustomed to their augmentations.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 73''</ref>{{Ref/Note|While Mendez's statement was in reference to the Spartan-IIs, it can be assumed to hold true to their successors due to the similar nature of the augmentations.}} Although the carbide ceramic ossification rendered the Spartan-IIIs' bones "virtually unbreakable",{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} they can still be broken by extreme physical trauma. This was demonstrated when [[Olivia-G291]]'s legs were broken in several places{{Ref/Reuse|hll114}} by a three-meter-long slab of rock falling on them.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 118'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
| | ==Performance== |
| | [[File:BirthOfASpartan - AugmentationCarter.png|thumb|300px|[[Carter-A259]] undergoing Project CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations on a biobed.]] |
| | Despite the SPARTAN-IIIs' expendable nature and lower-grade equipment than the SPARTAN-IIs, their enhancements represented a "quantum leap" over the previous program's bioaugmentation set.<ref name="goo63"/> While most SPARTAN-IIIs were issued with [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor|SPI armor]] as opposed to [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]] for budgetary reasons, the small number that did receive SPARTAN-II grade equipment were on par with the SPARTAN-IIs.<ref>'''Halo: Reach'''</ref> |
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| During the [[Onyx Conflict]], one of the Spartan-IIIs briefly fought the Mjolnir-armored [[Kelly-087]]. The Spartan-III in question was able to momentarily hold their own against Kelly, being strong enough to twist Kelly's wrist and escape from her arm lock as well, despite wearing only SPI armor, which does not significantly increase the wearers speed and strength, unlike MJOLNIR. While Kelly was able to quickly defeat the Spartan-III afterward with a palm strike, she took note that she would have easily torn her opponent's arm off if he or she were unaugmented; it should be noted that the Spartan III was on the move mere moments later.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 165 - 166''</ref><ref>'''Halo Mythos''', ''page 77''</ref> Additionally, [[Mark-G313]] was able to support and haul the weight of [[Frederic-104]], who was equipped with [[Mark VI]] MJOLNIR armor and barely conscious.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 308''</ref> | | During [[Operation: TORPEDO]], [[Tom-B292]], 12 years old at the time and equipped only with SPI armor, engaged a [[Sangheili]] armed with a [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|plasma pistol]] and an [[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|energy sword]] in hand-to-hand combat. The Spartan's enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge a plasma pistol bolt and sword swing at point blank range. He then proceeded to throw the Elite to the ground and finish it off with his assault rifle. During the battle, Elites and [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] moved out of cover because they realized that it was suicide to face Spartans in close quarters.<ref name="goo21">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 21-23''</ref> |
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| [[File:Spartan-G059 killing Elites.png|thumb|200px|left|Spartan-G059 killing two Sangheili Commanders.]]
| | The muscular augmentations provided an individual SPARTAN-III the strength of "three normal soldiers".<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 99''</ref> During Operation: TORPEDO, SPARTAN-IIIs ran at a speed of nearly 30 KPH (around 18 MPH).<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 17''</ref> Spartan-IIIs were also described to have been moving with "speed and reflexes that no Covenant could follow". "They dodged, snapped necks and limbs, and with captured energy swords, they cut through the enemy until the field ran with rivers of gore and blue blood".<ref name="goo21"/> Approximately 300 Spartan-IIIs faced thousands upon thousands of Covenant, including Covenant air support, and were described to have been winning the battle until 7 [[Covenant cruiser]]s emerged as reinforcements.<ref name="goo21"/> |
| [[Mark-G313]] was noted as being the best sharpshooter of his detail, which at the time consisted of [[Team Saber]] and [[Frederic-104]],<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 108''</ref> who was the second-best sniper among the Spartan-IIs.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike - The Definitive Edition''', ''page 194''</ref> Moreover, during [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE]], Mark eliminated a [[Jiralhanae]] warrior by paralyzing it with a precise blade strike to its spine, leading Fred-104 to deem Mark's skills exceptional, even by Spartan standards.<ref name="LL1">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 152-154''(Google Play edition) ''page 173''(Print Edition)</ref> Soon after, Mark eliminated numerous Jiralhanae warriors in close-quarters combat, with nothing but his combat knife.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 180, 193''</ref> Mark then continued his attack on the enemy by killing three Jiralhanae warriors before any of them even realized what was happening. He also killed a dozen enemies in six seconds with the help of [[Ash-G099]].<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 213, 216''</ref> In [[2558]], [[SPARTAN-G059]] engaged [[Avu Med 'Telcam]] and two other [[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]]s in close quarters combat. She eliminated the two Sangheili with minimal effort and proceeded to finish off 'Telcam with three kicks, a punch, and a shot from an [[M6H Magnum]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''', ''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''</ref>
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| While [[Veta Lopis]] and her [[Ferret|Ferret Team]] were on [[Neos Atlantis]], Mark-G313 dodged a knife strike from the corner of his eye and proceeded to pick up [[Spencer Hume]] - a 309 lbs(140 kg) man - and use him as a human shield to block knife strikes from [[Ota Gallo]]. When Hume began to resist, Mark accidentally killed him by dealing a soft punch to the his chest, although Mark suggested that Hume must've had a weak heart for the hit to have killed him since Mark was deliberately holding back his strength with the blow. Later on, Mark moved so quickly that a [[Dark Moon Enterprises]] agent shot himself in the feet when Mark "abruptly" forced his rifle downwards. Additionally, [[Ash-G099]] killed a Dark Moon Enterprises operative with three "rabbit" punches to the man's skull.<ref name="ANT">'''Halo: Fractures''', ''A Necessary Truth''</ref>
| | During the [[Battle of Onyx]], one of the SPARTAN-IIIs briefly fought the MJOLNIR-armored [[Kelly-087]]. The SPARTAN-III in question was able to momentarily hold their own against Kelly, escaping from her arm lock and twisting her wrist despite wearing only SPI armor. While Kelly was able to quickly defeat the SPARTAN-III afterward, she took note that she would have easily torn her opponent's arm off if he or she were unaugmented.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 165''</ref> |
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| The Spartan-IIIs' augmentations allow them to remain conscious and even function effectively while exposed to the vacuum of space for up to a minute. However, the Spartans still suffer from the negative effects of exposure to space and require medical treatment directly after to recover.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', "[[Lessons Learned]]", ''page 5''</ref> While on board a spacecraft, [[Kevin-A282]] walked through the forces of rapid decompression while carrying Captain [[Darren Leone]] to safety. Later on, Kevin shot the rifle out of the hands of [[Ryan Larsson]] from a quarter mile away and successfully jogged to his location before Ryan could recover.<ref>'''Halo: Fractures''', ''Breaking Strain''</ref> | | During the battle on Pegasi Delta, most of Beta Company were roughly twelve years old. The physical abilities of any SPARTAN-IIIs who lived long enough to mature would supposedly have improved significantly as [[Franklin Mendez|CPO Mendez]] stated that Spartans only grew stronger and faster as their bodies grew accustomed to their augmentations.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 73''</ref> While his statement was in reference to the SPARTAN-IIs, it can be assumed to hold true to their successors due to the similar nature of the augmentations. |
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| While most Spartan-IIIs were issued [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] as opposed to [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mjolnir]] for budgetary reasons, a small number of Spartan-III candidates—called "cat 2s" by [[Kurt Ambrose]]—were set apart from the general population of the program by Ambrose and [[Franklin Mendez]] on the basis of possessing exceptional skill and performance either in general or in specific fields.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/kat-b320 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Kat-B320'']</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/carter-a259 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Carter-A259'']</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/emile-a239 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Emile-A239'']</ref> These Spartans were removed from the program's mainline companies, given Mjolnir armor and assigned to separate special forces units.<ref name="comm">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24040 '''Bungie.net''': ''Communique from Kurt to Mendez'']</ref> Kurt regarded the "cat 2" Spartan-IIIs as being on par with the Spartan-IIs in regard to sheer natural ability, though he would also later assess [[Gamma Company]] on the whole as being comprised of the "finest Spartans ever".{{Ref/Reuse|goo98}} Additionally, [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] noted how [[SPARTAN-B312]]'s "hyper-lethal" rating was shared by only one other Spartan,{{Ref/Note|The notion that the label "hyper-lethal" applies only to two Spartans is somewhat questionable, given that the information sheet for Spartans in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'' also states that ''"each Spartan is a hyper-lethal special forces operative"''.}} and remarked that [[Jun-A266]]'s skills as a sniper were "unmatched".<ref name="aswr">'''[[Halo: Reach ViDoc: A Spartan Will Rise]]'''</ref> Spartan-B312 was also noted to have singlehandedly broken [[Insurrectionist]] organizations and made entire militia groups disappear.<ref>[https://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel '''Bungie.net''': ''Spartan-B312 Personnel Profile'']</ref>
| | The mutagen 009762-OO, administered only to the Spartans of Gamma Company, makes the Spartans almost completely immune to shock under extreme stress, allowing them to endure injuries and physical pain beyond even a SPARTAN-II; for example, [[Dante-G188]] remained standing momentarily after a number of Needler rounds had blown his chest open, initially not even realizing his grave injuries. As a side effect, the drug suppresses higher brain functions over time; without the regularly administered counteragents, cyclodexione-4 and miso-olanzapine, the Spartan would lose their strategic judgment and become more prone to impulsive, instinct-driven behavior.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 340''</ref> |
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| While making his last stand on [[Reach]], SPARTAN-B312, wearing Mjolnir armor, knocked out a [[Sangheili General]] with a single elbow strike and shot him twice in the head as he was struggling to get up. He then continued to make his final effort by dealing single strikes to multiple [[Sangheili Ultra]]s and [[Sangheili Zealot]]s causing them to forcefully stagger backwards, before being subdued himself.<ref name="Lonewolf">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''Lone Wolf''</ref> During the Battle of Meridian in 2548, [[Owen-B096]] took the hit of a [[Mgalekgolo]] full force which sent him flying through the wall of a warehouse. Thereafter, he beat the Hunter in CQC only suffering a minor limp from the encounter.<ref>'''Halo: Battle Born''', ''Chapter 10''</ref>
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| {{Clear}}
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| ===Gamma Company===
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| {{Quote|no=four|q1=And if you don't get your injections, you... what? Start hearing voices? Go berserk?|[[Veta Lopis]]|q2=Something like that. Except we don't always hear voices.|[[Ash-G099]]|q3=Or see flying dinosaurs. That only happens sometimes.|[[Mark-G313]]|q4=But we can usually... read thoughts. I kind of like that, especially when there are civilians around, thinking about sex and stuff.|[[Olivia-G291]]|Exchange between [[Special Inspector]] Veta Lopis and the three Gamma Company Spartans of [[Blue Team]] regarding the latter's augmentations in a joking manner<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 136'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}
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| The mutagen 009762-OO, administered only to the Spartans of Gamma Company, makes the Spartans more resistant to pain and injury, with stress or pain only increasing their physical prowess. The Gammas are almost completely immune to shock, allowing them to endure injuries and physical pain beyond Spartans of any other generation; for example, [[Dante-G188]] was able to function for some time after a number of Needler rounds had blown his chest open, initially not even realizing his grave injuries.<ref name="goo dante">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 309''</ref> As a side effect, the drug suppresses higher brain functions over time; without the regularly administered counteragents, cyclodexione-4 and miso-olanzapine (the cocktails containing which are colloquially known among the Gamma Company Spartans as "Smoothers"),<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 123'' (Google Play edition)</ref> the Spartan will lose their strategic judgment and become more prone to impulsive, instinct-driven behavior.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 340''</ref> This may also occur in combat under extreme pain and stress; after both of her legs were broken, [[Olivia-G291]] engaged and destroyed an [[Aggressor Sentinel]] with her bare hands by forcing it to the ground and smashing it repeatedly with a "rock as large as her torso" in an uncontrolled berserk rage.<ref name="hll114">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 114''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Assuming the rock was made from limestone, which was mentioned to be present in the cave on page 114 of ''Halo: Last Light'', the rock potentially could have weighed anywhere from 1,400lbs to 11,200lbs (approx. 630 to 5000 kilograms) depending on the relative size of Olivia's torso and the gravity on [[Gao]]. [http://www.delawarequarries.com/landscape/boulders/boulderwt.html Link to boulder weight scale.]}} [[Frederic-104]] noted that she could easily have indiscriminately attacked both allies and enemies in this state, and in order to immediately return her to normal, Fred was forced to strike her in the head with the butt of his rifle. The blow had enough force to knock off her helmet and was just enough to snap her out of this state.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 102-104'' (Google Play edition)</ref> It should be noted that life-threatening—or, indeed, even fatal—injuries do not invariably result in uncontrollable aggression, as demonstrated by the example of Dante-G188, who calmly limped into safety before saluting [[Kurt Ambrose|Lieutenant Commander Ambrose]] and informing the commander that he had been "nicked".{{Ref/Reuse|goo dante}} Rather, Olivia's case is suggested to have been the result of her using her immense pain to compound her strength and rage to the point she could no longer control herself.{{Ref/Reuse|hll114}} | |
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| There are several different types of "Smoother". The most common type used during combat operations is administered via a hypodermic injection and lasts approximately twelve hours, after which its effectiveness begins to steadily decrease. Several factors such as stress and fatigue can precipitate the mental unraveling process.<ref name="ll145">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 145-146'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The first symptoms, appearing within several hours after the Smoothers' effect wears off, include nervousness and irritability,<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 182'' (Google Play edition)</ref><ref name="ll214">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 214-215'' (Google Play edition)</ref> eventually followed by paranoia, fits of temper and physical outbursts.{{Ref/Reuse|ll145}} After well over a day without a Smoother injection,{{Ref/Reuse|ll214}} [[Mark-G313]] began having difficulties distinguishing friend from foe in the middle of a firefight, holding a combat knife to [[Nguyen|a Marine sergeant]]'s throat before being successfully convinced by Fred-104 that the Marine was an ally rather than an enemy infiltrator.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 247'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Another, significantly more expensive type of Smoother is a subcutaneous insert with a longer-lasting effect. While they can only be changed out in a medical facility, they also cannot be lost or destroyed during a mission like the more commonly used kind.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 249'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
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| ==Trivia==
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| The ''[[Birth of a Spartan]]'' live-action commercial for ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' depicts [[Carter-A259]]'s eyes changing color from hazel to deep blue as a byproduct of his retinal augmentations, a side effect not described in any other media. Several augmented Spartan-IIIs have been shown to have different eye colors,<ref>'''[[Halo: Last Light]]''', [[:File:Halo Last Light cover.jpg|''cover art'']] & ''pages 104, 106'' (Google Play edition)</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 98''</ref> implying that the effect was not universal. The effect may have stemmed from Carter being much older than his peers when undergoing the augmentations.
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| ==Gallery==
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| <gallery>
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| File:Jun_sniping.png|[[Jun-A266]] sniping from a [[UH-144 Falcon]].
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| File:Night 07.jpg|[[SPARTAN-B312]] assassinates a Sangheili.
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| File:HM-MLGSIII.png|A Spartan-III engaging a Sangheili Minor in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
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| File:HM-BlueSIII.png|A Spartan-III of [[Blue Team]] during the [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE]].
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| File:HM-Gao.png|[[Mark-G313]], [[Frederic-104]] and [[Veta Lopis]] fighting off the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] in [[Wendosa]].
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| File:CarterFumirole.png|Carter assassinates a [[Sangheili Ultra]] during the [[Battle of Fumirole]].
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| File:G0591.png|G059 fires a pair of M6H magnums.
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| </gallery>
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| ==List of appearances== | | ==List of appearances== |
| Line 119: |
Line 77: |
| **''[[Birth of a Spartan]]'' | | **''[[Birth of a Spartan]]'' |
| *''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}} | | *''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}} |
| *''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
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| *''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}}
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| *''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
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| **''[[Lessons Learned]]'' {{Mo}}
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| *''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]'' {{Mo}}
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| *''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]'' {{Mo}}
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| ==Notes== | | ==Notes== |
| {{Ref/Notes}}
| | <references group="note"/> |
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| ==Sources== | | ==Sources== |
| {{Ref/Sources|2}}
| | <references/> |
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| ==See also==
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| *[[Project ASTER]]
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| *[[Project ORCHID]]
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| {{SpartanPrograms}} | | {{SpartanPrograms}} |
