CIA391/Data

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Data Drop is a collection of six classified documents, that were posted on Halo Waypoint between September 9, 2011^[1] and October 21, 2011, that primarily covered topics related to how Halo: The Fall of Reach tie in with those seen in Halo: Reach.^[2]

Summary

Overall overview

The Data Drops were transmissions and communication drops recovered from CASTLE Base by Section III of the Office of Naval Intelligence in 2553. ^[1]

Data Drop One

The first data drop "XF-063_04-02-2491" is a file dated April 2, 2491. It is nothing more than an image of a blue grid overlaying a starfield with a single section being identified by a large arrow. The image also possesses a white box containing text detailing an object within the indicated section. The text provides details of XF-063, the fourth planet in the Zeta Doradus system.^[1]

Data Drop Two

The second data drop "DDR-A340021-2300-07-18-52" is an investigation report on Operation: BRAVADO made by Vice Admiral Hieronymus Stanforth to Admiral Parangosky.^[3]

Data Drop Three

The third Data Drop features Admiral Parangosky's reply to Stanforth's message, where she asks the Vice Admiral to return to Reach immediately and suggests they start considering the initiation of Operation: RED FLAG. Also featured is an ONI behavioral analysis of Dr. Catherine Halsey.^[4]

Data Drop Four

In the fourth Data Drop, Vice Admiral Stanforth responds to Parangosky, showing his concern about initiating RED FLAG and sacrificing Reach in the process. A document detailing the specifics of the operation is attached.

Archive.org link of Data Drop Fours post.

Data Drop Five

The fifth Data Drop is a message from Stanforth to Parangosky, where he reluctantly green-lights Operation: RED FLAG. Stanforth explains that while the Covenant invasion of Reach is underway on one side of the planet, a number of UNSC personnel–Captain Keyes and the Pillar of Autumn crew included–are still being kept ignorant of the Covenant's presence. Attached to the transmission are files on the key assets and staff involved in RED FLAG, along with Stanforth's notes on each of them.

Archive.org link of Data Drop Fives post.

Data Drop Six

The sixth Data Drop is a group of transmissions sent by the crew of the Pillar of Autumn, captured by ONI Section 3, in the morning of August 30, 2552. The first message helps explain how the Autumn was able to land in Asźod later in the day, while the second offers an explanation for the replacement of the M90 CAWS with the M45 shotgun in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. The last two are transmissions by suspicious crew members trying to find out what is happening on the planet.^[2]

Documents

The following is a verbatim transcription of an official document for archival reasons. As the original content is transcribed word-for-word, any possible discrepancies and/or errors are included.