Battle of Draetheus V: Difference between revisions

As per policy, as for the other thing. I accidentally deleted an S word and made too much progress so I had to reword it.
(Here comes the tricky part, do I count both Elephant models or only the M312 because it's the one we see in game? I'm going to assume both models were used since the picture does show a M313 in a mission briefing.)
(As per policy, as for the other thing. I accidentally deleted an S word and made too much progress so I had to reword it.)
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{{quote|The fighting started when a splinter sect of Covenant ignored the Ceasefire of 2552 and attacked UNSC forces. By the time the fighting was done... Well, it didn't end well for the UNSC and Covenant, either one.|[[Roland (AI)|Roland]]<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''Operation A: Umbra''</ref>}}
{{quote|The fighting started when a splinter sect of Covenant ignored the Ceasefire of 2552 and attacked UNSC forces. By the time the fighting was done... Well, it didn't end well for the UNSC and Covenant, either one.|[[Roland (AI)|Roland]]<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''Operation A: Umbra''</ref>}}
The '''Battle of Draetheus V''' was a military engagement fought between the [[United Nations Space Command]] and [[Covenant remnant|Covenant cultists]] on the UNSC research colony of [[Draetheus V]] and its moon [[X50]], after the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The Covenant came to seize a dormant [[Forerunner]] artifact, igniting one of the first conflicts in [[Second human-Covenant war|a new war]] with the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjakadAOic '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Debut Gameplay Reveal'']</ref>
The '''Battle of Draetheus V''' was a military engagement fought between the [[United Nations Space Command]] and [[Covenant remnant|Covenant cultists]] on the UNSC research colony of [[Draetheus V]] and its moon [[X50]], after the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The Covenant came to seize a dormant [[Forerunner]] artifact, igniting one of the first conflicts in [[Reclamation conflict|a new war]] with the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjakadAOic '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Debut Gameplay Reveal'']</ref>


==The battle==
==The battle==
===The Covenant's arrival===
===The Covenant's arrival===
[[File:Assault on CF-32.png|thumb|left|250px|Covenant forces invade X50.]]
[[File:Assault on CF-32.png|thumb|left|250px|Covenant forces invade X50.]]
A Covenant fleet unexpectedly appeared in orbit over Draetheus V and deployed numerous [[Type-25 Troop Carrier|Spirit]] dropships bound for its moon, [[X50]]. Spartan [[Edward Davis]] was deployed to support the security force of a research project in a location designated CF-32 in the northern continent of X50. After thwarting the initial assault, Davis moved to secure the UNSC's [[Research Facility Alpha]] and the Forerunner artifact located therein, which appeared to be the Covenant's main target.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|Assault on CF-32]]''</ref>
A Covenant fleet unexpectedly appeared in orbit over Draetheus V and deployed numerous [[Type-25 Spirit]] dropships bound for its moon, X50. [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan]] [[Edward Davis]] was deployed to support the security force of a research project in a location designated CF-32 in the northern continent of X50. After thwarting the initial assault, Davis moved to secure the UNSC's [[Research Facility Alpha]] and the Forerunner artifact located therein, which appeared to be the Covenant's main target.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|Assault on CF-32]]''</ref>


However, the Covenant resumed their assault and the UNSC feared Research Facility Alpha would soon be crushed. Spartan [[Sarah Palmer]], with a Marine detachment, infiltrated artillery positions the Covenant had set up and destroyed them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 2: The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault|The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault]]''</ref> Spartan Davis later noticed the Covenant's heavy reliance on dropship insertion. Davis realized they would be vulnerable to focused anti-aircraft fire, so, using [[M9 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank]]s, he began establishing air defenses west of the facility at a location designated Glacial Perch.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 3: Reinforcement of the Perch|Reinforcement of the Perch]]''</ref>
However, the Covenant resumed their assault and the UNSC feared Research Facility Alpha would soon be crushed. Spartan [[Sarah Palmer]], with a Marine detachment, infiltrated artillery positions the Covenant had set up and destroyed them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 2: The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault|The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault]]''</ref> Spartan Davis later noticed the Covenant's heavy reliance on dropship insertion. Davis realized they would be vulnerable to focused anti-aircraft fire, so, using [[M9 Wolverine]]s, he began establishing air defenses west of the facility at a location designated Glacial Perch.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 3: Reinforcement of the Perch|Reinforcement of the Perch]]''</ref>


While Spartan Davis was successful in slowing the enemy advance, the Covenant forces were too overwhelming. Sarah Palmer began fighting her way upstream through the invasion in an attempt to reach one of the northern outposts. Her plan was to destroy Covenant air support and give the [[AV-14 Hornet|UNSC Hornets]] a chance to land near the outposts. The ultimate goal was to get off X50 and warn Draetheus-V of the Covenant invasion. Within an hour of their arrival at [[X50]], the [[Covenant]] owned the moon. Despite the ferocity of the assault on X50, the UNSC forces on Draetheus V had no idea anything was going on because the planet's unique magnetic resonance frequently made off-world communication nearly impossible.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 4: Live to Fight|Live to Fight]]''</ref>
While Spartan Davis was successful in slowing the enemy advance, the Covenant forces were too overwhelming. Sarah Palmer began fighting her way upstream through the invasion in an attempt to reach one of the northern outposts. Her plan was to destroy Covenant air support and give the [[AV-14 Hornet]]s a chance to land near the outposts. The ultimate goal was to get off X50 and warn Draetheus-V of the Covenant invasion. Within an hour of their arrival at X50, the Covenant owned the moon. Despite the ferocity of the assault on X50, the UNSC forces on Draetheus V had no idea anything was going on because the planet's unique magnetic resonance frequently made off-world communication nearly impossible.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 4: Live to Fight|Live to Fight]]''</ref>


===Defense of Draetheus V===
===Defense of Draetheus V===
Spartan Davis fought to hold the line on X50, while Sarah Palmer executed a plan to depart for Draetheus-V and warn them of the incoming Covenant invasion of the colony. Palmer ordered the [[Marine]]s in the area to fall back to the [[Hornet]] landing zones. Only six Marines made it there alive. They held out against an overwhelming Covenant force until Palmer managed to escape.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 5: The Last Stand|The Last Stand]]''</ref> Spartan Palmer was successful in warning Draetheus-V of the coming attack, which soon hit the colonies' defenses like a tidal wave. Draetheus-V's main outpost, [[Faraday Base]], was located on the border of an expanse of dense vegetation to the north and an enormous rock plateau to the south.  
Spartan Davis fought to hold the line on X50, while Sarah Palmer executed a plan to depart for Draetheus-V and warn them of the incoming Covenant invasion of the colony. Palmer ordered the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]]s in the area to fall back to the Hornet landing zones. Only six Marines made it there alive. They held out against an overwhelming Covenant force until Palmer managed to escape.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 5: The Last Stand|The Last Stand]]''</ref> Spartan Palmer was successful in warning Draetheus-V of the coming attack, which soon hit the colonies' defenses like a tidal wave. Draetheus-V's main outpost, [[Faraday Base]], was located on the border of an expanse of dense vegetation to the north and an enormous rock plateau to the south.  
[[File:Siege of Faraday.png|thumb|250px|left|Spartan Palmer defending Faraday Base.]]
[[File:Siege of Faraday.png|thumb|250px|left|Spartan Palmer defending Faraday Base.]]
When the Covenant invasion force eventually arrived, the first defense lines surrounding Faraday were quickly breached before the base's sentry turrets were fully operational. Palmer took to the field and almost singlehandedly held off the waves of Unggoy [[Suicide attack|suicide units]] crashing down on the thick concrete wall behind the defense lines.<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Mission 6: Siege of Faraday|Siege of Faraday]]''</ref>
When the Covenant invasion force eventually arrived, the first defense lines surrounding Faraday were quickly breached before the base's sentry turrets were fully operational. Palmer took to the field and almost singlehandedly held off the waves of [[Unggoy]] [[Suicide attack|suicide units]] crashing down on the thick concrete wall behind the defense lines.<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Mission 6: Siege of Faraday|Siege of Faraday]]''</ref>


Draetheus V's western reactor field was one of the largest of the magnetic reactor stations and was of great interest to the Covenant. Luckily, the trench-like layout of the reactor field provided the Marines stationed there with a terrain advantage and Covenant infantry platoons had significant difficulty in seizing the station. After supporting the Marines at Faraday, Sarah Palmer moved to provide support in the western reactor field. Palmer's prime objectives were to protect several squads of M9 Wolverines and halt the Banshees providing air support to the Covenant infantry.<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Mission 7: Reactor Field Relief|Reactor Field Relief]]''</ref>
Draetheus V's western reactor field was one of the largest of the magnetic reactor stations and was of great interest to the Covenant. Luckily, the trench-like layout of the reactor field provided the Marines stationed there with a terrain advantage and Covenant infantry platoons had significant difficulty in seizing the station. After supporting the Marines at Faraday, Sarah Palmer moved to provide support in the western reactor field. Palmer's prime objectives were to protect several squads of M9 Wolverines and halt the Banshees providing air support to the Covenant infantry.<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Mission 7: Reactor Field Relief|Reactor Field Relief]]''</ref>
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After Faraday Base's defense were stabilized Spartan Palmer began trying to establish the location of the Covenant officers leading the invasion. After taking significant losses, Marines of the [[21st Scout platoon]] had managed to uncover a set of promising coordinates. These commanders' locations were well hidden by Draetheus V's unique magnetic signatures. Without Palmer, the officers might have remained hidden for days. She found them within 30 minutes and eliminated them quickly.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 8: Hunt for the Sangheili Command|Hunt for the Sangheili Command]]''</ref>
After Faraday Base's defense were stabilized Spartan Palmer began trying to establish the location of the Covenant officers leading the invasion. After taking significant losses, Marines of the [[21st Scout platoon]] had managed to uncover a set of promising coordinates. These commanders' locations were well hidden by Draetheus V's unique magnetic signatures. Without Palmer, the officers might have remained hidden for days. She found them within 30 minutes and eliminated them quickly.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 8: Hunt for the Sangheili Command|Hunt for the Sangheili Command]]''</ref>


Nine lofty bridges spanning an enormous gorge called the Epsilon Expanse allowed for access to the southern plateau where the majority of Covenant landing zones were located. The Covenant quickly secured these bridges and held UNSC forces at bay with heavy artillery. Spartan Palmer escorted the [[23rd Armored Cavalry]] to the Epsilon Expanse, but the Scorpion tanks would not survive the guaranteed heavy artillery fire. Taking a small team of Marines across one of the bridges, Palmer managed to infiltrate the Covenant camps and destroy several artillery turrets, giving the Scorpions the chance to advance and launch a counter-offensive.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse|Battle for Epsilon Expanse]]''</ref>
Nine lofty bridges spanning an enormous gorge called the Epsilon Expanse allowed for access to the southern plateau where the majority of Covenant landing zones were located. The Covenant quickly secured these bridges and held UNSC forces at bay with heavy artillery. Spartan Palmer escorted the [[23rd Armored Cavalry]] to the Epsilon Expanse, but the Scorpion tanks would not survive the guaranteed [[Mega turret|heavy artillery]] fire. Taking a small team of Marines across one of the bridges, Palmer managed to infiltrate the Covenant camps and destroy several artillery turrets, giving the Scorpions the chance to advance and launch a counter-offensive.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse|Battle for Epsilon Expanse]]''</ref>
[[File:Battle at Red Slate.png|thumb|250px|right|A Scorpion engages a Wraith at the Red Slate Plateau.]]  
[[File:Battle at Red Slate.png|thumb|250px|right|A Scorpion engages a Wraith at the Red Slate Plateau.]]  
With the Covenant's southern forces exposed, Spartan Palmer and the 23rd Armored Cavalry's massive column of Scorpions and [[Grizzly]]s rushed across the Red Slate plateau on a collision course with several Covenant tank battalions. Only a UNSC counter-offensive would prevent Faraday from being crushed between the northern and southern front. The 23rd had brought eighty-six vehicles to Draetheus V. After the battle at Red Slate, there were only eight functioning vehicles left.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 10: Battle at Red Slate|Battle at Red Slate]]''</ref>
With the Covenant's southern forces exposed, Spartan Palmer and the 23rd Armored Cavalry's massive column of [[M808 Scorpion]]s and [[M850 Grizzly|M850 Grizzlies]] rushed across the Red Slate plateau on a collision course with several Covenant tank battalions. Only a UNSC counter-offensive would prevent Faraday from being crushed between the northern and southern front. The 23rd had brought eighty-six vehicles to Draetheus V. After the battle at Red Slate, there were only eight functioning vehicles left.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 10: Battle at Red Slate|Battle at Red Slate]]''</ref>


===X50's activation===
===X50's activation===
{{quote|Even through the battle was going in the Spartan's favor, Draetheus V had a surprise in store. Its moon wasn't a moon at all. It was a Forerunner creation, designed to build and destroy entire planets. Nobody knew about this... until the Covenant cult leader found a way to reactivate the old Forerunner tech... and start disassembling Draetheus V.|Roland<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation C: Monolith]]''</ref>}}
{{quote|Even through the battle was going in the Spartan's favor, Draetheus V had a surprise in store. Its moon wasn't a moon at all. It was a Forerunner creation, designed to build and destroy entire planets. Nobody knew about this... until the Covenant cult leader found a way to reactivate the old Forerunner tech... and start disassembling Draetheus V.|Roland<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation C: Monolith]]''</ref>}}
As Spartan Palmer led the charge on Draetheus V, Spartan Davis continued to face considerable enemy threat on the moon. Furthermore, it was revealed that X50 was not a natural moon after all, but a Forerunner megastructure capable of constructing and destroying planets. Upon finding his way into the control center, Merg Vol tuned X50's main weapon on Draetheus V and began to dismantle the planet.
As Spartan Palmer led the charge on Draetheus V, Spartan Davis continued to face considerable enemy threat on the moon. Furthermore, it was revealed that X50 was not a natural moon after all, but a [[Forerunner]] megastructure capable of constructing and destroying planets. Upon finding his way into the control center, [[Merg Vol]] tuned X50's main weapon on Draetheus V and began to dismantle the planet.


In a stroke of luck, the {{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} was able to outmaneuver Covenant forces in orbit over the moon and offer some support by deploying marines to the southern Mirror Flats. The [[3rd Helljumper Platoon]] was the first to land on Draetheus V's moon. Their drop zone was less than a mile from Alpha facility but the landing scattered them across the razor sharp rock face of the mountain range called Glacial Perch. They were quickly surrounded by Covenant infantry and taking heavy losses. Spartan Davis, having held out against a constant stream of [[Unggoy]] and [[Sangheili]] for a full day, quickly set out to clear the landing zone for the second wave of drop pods.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]''</ref>
In a stroke of luck, the {{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} was able to outmaneuver Covenant forces in orbit over the moon and offer some support by deploying marines to the southern Mirror Flats. The [[3rd Helljumper Platoon]] was the first to land on Draetheus V's moon. Their drop zone was less than a mile from Alpha facility but the landing scattered them across the razor sharp rock face of the mountain range called Glacial Perch. They were quickly surrounded by Covenant infantry and taking heavy losses. Spartan Davis, having held out against a constant stream of Unggoy and [[Sangheili]] for a full day, quickly set out to clear the landing zone for the second wave of drop pods.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]''</ref>


Having secured a safe landing zone at the [[Glacial Perch]], [[Edward Davis|Davis]] moved to regroup with a second platoon of marines, whose pods were coming down among dozens of crashed [[Spirit]]s. These Spirits were destroyed from orbit by UNSC ''Eminent Domain'' just as the ship itself was destroyed. Davis and the Marines found Covenant infantry swarming from the wrecked Spirits, angry and looking for payback. They engaged and neutralized the enemy forces in the area.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 12: Spirit Graveyard Stand-Off|Spirit Graveyard Stand-Off]]''</ref>
Having secured a safe landing zone at the [[Glacial Perch]], Davis moved to regroup with a second platoon of marines, whose pods were coming down among dozens of crashed Spirits. These Spirits were destroyed from orbit by UNSC ''Eminent Domain'' just as the ship itself was destroyed. Davis and the Marines found Covenant infantry swarming from the wrecked Spirits, angry and looking for payback. They engaged and neutralized the enemy forces in the area.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 12: Spirit Graveyard Stand-Off|Spirit Graveyard Stand-Off]]''</ref>


South of the Forerunner structure, a collection of thousands of spiked rock formations known as the Basalt Maze protruded from the moon's thick ice. Covenant supply lines were running straight through the Maze to set up more defenses around the Forerunner structure. Spartan Davis connected with UNSC combat technicians who believed they could render the Forerunner structure inert; they just needed the chance to get inside the structure. Getting the combat engineers close to the Forerunner structure would be extremely difficult, so Davis created a diversion to provide them with the best chance. The Basalt Maze provided an ideal location for his plan.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines|Assault on the Supply Lines]]''</ref>
South of the Forerunner structure, a collection of thousands of spiked rock formations known as the Basalt Maze protruded from the moon's thick ice. Covenant supply lines were running straight through the Maze to set up more defenses around the Forerunner structure. Spartan Davis connected with UNSC combat technicians who believed they could render the Forerunner structure inert; they just needed the chance to get inside the structure. Getting the combat engineers close to the Forerunner structure would be extremely difficult, so Davis created a diversion to provide them with the best chance. The Basalt Maze provided an ideal location for his plan.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines|Assault on the Supply Lines]]''</ref>
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Covenant forces established a mile wide defense perimeter around the Forerunner structure. To protect the technicians, UNSC command had deployed snipers among the Marine reinforcements. They would provide suppressing fire from the higher ground around the structure. However, the area they were deploying to was swarming with [[Stealth Sangheili]]. Spartan Davis escorted several sniper teams to their locations and cleared the area of any distractors in the process. Without his support, the sniper squads would not have had a chance to make it safely to their assignments.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 14: Infiltration of the Covenant Perimeter|Infiltration of the Covenant Perimeter]]''</ref>
Covenant forces established a mile wide defense perimeter around the Forerunner structure. To protect the technicians, UNSC command had deployed snipers among the Marine reinforcements. They would provide suppressing fire from the higher ground around the structure. However, the area they were deploying to was swarming with [[Stealth Sangheili]]. Spartan Davis escorted several sniper teams to their locations and cleared the area of any distractors in the process. Without his support, the sniper squads would not have had a chance to make it safely to their assignments.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 14: Infiltration of the Covenant Perimeter|Infiltration of the Covenant Perimeter]]''</ref>


Spartan Davis and the remaining Marines assisted the combat technicians securing the [[Forerunner]] structure while the [[Covenant remnant|Covenant]] reinforcements did everything in their power to stop the technicians. With supporting sniper fire from higher grounds, Davis and his men were able to buy the technicians just enough time to do their work. However, even with their job complete, it was too late for [[Draetheus V]]. In the sky they could see the planet had already begun to violently break apart.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 15: Superstructure Stand-off|Superstructure Stand-off]]''</ref>
Spartan Davis and the remaining Marines assisted the combat technicians securing the Forerunner structure while the Covenant reinforcements did everything in their power to stop the technicians. With supporting sniper fire from higher grounds, Davis and his men were able to buy the technicians just enough time to do their work. However, even with their job complete, it was too late for Draetheus V. In the sky they could see the planet had already begun to violently break apart.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 15: Superstructure Stand-off|Superstructure Stand-off]]''</ref>


===Evacuation of Draetheus V===
===Evacuation of Draetheus V===
{{quote|Draetheus V wasn't quite the safe and secure planet it used to be. Suddenly, Spartan Palmer wasn't just fighting off hordes of Covenant, she was heading an evacuation.|Roland<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation D: Captured Chance]]''</ref>}}
{{quote|Draetheus V wasn't quite the safe and secure planet it used to be. Suddenly, Spartan Palmer wasn't just fighting off hordes of Covenant, she was heading an evacuation.|Roland<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation D: Captured Chance]]''</ref>}}
[[File:Liberation of Faraday.png|thumb|250px|UNSC Marines fighting in the perimeter of Faraday Base.]]
[[File:Liberation of Faraday.png|thumb|250px|UNSC Marines fighting in the perimeter of Faraday Base.]]
Across Draetheus-V, the effects of the activation of the moon's Forerunner structure were being felt. Enormous slabs of rock were slowly floating away from the planet's surface and both UNSC and Covenant troops were scrambling to get to safety. [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan]] [[Sarah Palmer|Palmer]] needed to get every last survivor off Dratheus-V as soon as possible. But as the planet started to disintegrate, a panic rippled through every infantry unit on the field. A coordinated retreat would be impossible. Fighting her way through hordes of fleeing Covenant in a rapidly disintegrating base, she managed to secure jetpacks to get her to safer ground.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 16: Escape from the Southern Fields|Escape from the Southern Fields]]''</ref>
Across Draetheus-V, the effects of the activation of the moon's Forerunner structure were being felt. Enormous slabs of rock were slowly floating away from the planet's surface and both UNSC and Covenant troops were scrambling to get to safety. Spartan Palmer needed to get every last survivor off Dratheus-V as soon as possible. But as the planet started to disintegrate, a panic rippled through every infantry unit on the field. A coordinated retreat would be impossible. Fighting her way through hordes of fleeing Covenant in a rapidly disintegrating base, she managed to secure [[Series 12 Single Operator Lift Apparatus|jetpacks]] to get her to safer ground.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 16: Escape from the Southern Fields|Escape from the Southern Fields]]''</ref>


Despite the chaos, some [[Covenant remnant|Covenant]] forces remained rooted in strategic locations within the area around Faraday Base. The few surviving [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and base staff had set up defensive positions in the western sector of the facility, preparing for a last stand against the increasing influx of Covenant. Palmer arrived at the base's perimeter moments before the Marines would be overrun. Around the base, Palmer managed to secure several [[M313 Heavy Recovery Vehicle|Elephants]]. She then needed to relieve the besieged Marines and get them out of their predicament. She was able to rescue several groups of Marines and escort them to the extraction zone.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 17: Liberation of Faraday|Liberation of Faraday]]''</ref>
Despite the chaos, much of the Covenant force remained rooted in strategic locations within the area around Faraday Base. The few surviving Marines and base staff had set up defensive positions in the western sector of the facility, preparing for a last stand against the increasing influx of Covenant. Palmer arrived at the base's perimeter moments before the Marines would be overrun. Around the base, Palmer managed to secure several [[M312 Elephant]]s. She then needed to relieve the besieged Marines and get them out of their predicament. She was able to rescue several groups of Marines and escort them to the extraction zone.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 17: Liberation of Faraday|Liberation of Faraday]]''</ref>
[[File:Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones.png|thumb|left|250px|Grizzly tanks during the assault on the Covenant landing zones.]]
[[File:Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones.png|thumb|left|250px|Grizzly tanks during the assault on the Covenant landing zones.]]
Draetheus V was ill-prepared for a full evacuation. Many ships had been destroyed in the initial Covenant assault. UNSC command estimated that at best, 40 percent might reach safety while the rest would die. Spartan Palmer declared those odds unacceptable and hatched a plan to abuse the rapidly degrading Covenant morale to overrun their landing zones and confiscate their spacecraft. The Covenant forces stationed at the landing zones were completely surprised by the bold attack. Already displaying cracks in their morale due to earlier losses, the Covenant forces quickly gave up the landing zones.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 18: Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones|Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones]]''</ref>
Draetheus V was ill-prepared for a full evacuation. Many ships had been destroyed in the initial Covenant assault. UNSC command estimated that at best, 40 percent might reach safety while the rest would die. Spartan Palmer declared those odds unacceptable and hatched a plan to abuse the rapidly degrading Covenant morale to overrun their landing zones and confiscate their spacecraft. The Covenant forces stationed at the landing zones were completely surprised by the bold attack. Already displaying cracks in their morale due to earlier losses, the Covenant forces quickly gave up the landing zones.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 18: Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones|Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones]]''</ref>
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===Hunt for Merg Vol===
===Hunt for Merg Vol===
{{quote|Although the Covenant forces were broken, the UNSC command wanted the Covenant leader, Merg Vol eliminated.|Roland<ref name="Frostbite"/>}}
{{quote|Although the Covenant forces were broken, the UNSC command wanted the Covenant leader, Merg Vol eliminated.|Roland<ref name="Frostbite"/>}}
With transportation secured, one last hurdle remained in getting the colonists safely off of Draetheus V. The leader of the Covenant forces, [[Merg Vol]], was still present on moon X50, providing the remaining Covenant forces with a rallying point and cry. If the colonists were to leave Draetheus V's orbit alive, Merg Vol would need to be terminated. Spartan Palmer would need a way to get to the moon unseen, but the Covenant knew about her stolen Spirits and would likely open fire on any of these ships trying to land on the moon. Palmer suspected the Covenant's officer on Draetheus V, [[Parg Vol]] had a personal transport hidden away. After completing the evacuation operation, locating Parg Vol's ship became Palmer's highest priority. After fighting through heavy Covenant forces she was able to locate Vol's Phantom and secured it for hijacking.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 21: Hunt for the Phantom|Hunt for the Phantom]]''</ref>
With transportation secured, one last hurdle remained in getting the colonists safely off of Draetheus V. The leader of the Covenant forces, [[Merg Vol]], was still present on moon X50, providing the remaining Covenant forces with a rallying point and cry. If the colonists were to leave Draetheus V's orbit alive, Merg Vol would need to be terminated. Spartan Palmer would need a way to get to the moon unseen, but the Covenant knew about her stolen Spirits and would likely open fire on any of these ships trying to land on the moon. Palmer suspected the Covenant's officer on Draetheus V, [[Parg Vol]] had a [[Phantom gunboat|personal transport]] hidden away. After completing the evacuation operation, locating Parg Vol's ship became Palmer's highest priority. After fighting through heavy Covenant forces she was able to locate Vol's Phantom and secured it for hijacking.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 21: Hunt for the Phantom|Hunt for the Phantom]]''</ref>


Parg Vol's camp was easily defensible, but Spartan Palmer neutralized the perimeter guard and moved in. The real challenge would be in accessing Parg Vol's Phantom. While a combat technician was by passing the Phantom's security protocols, Parg Vol made his return. When he realized Palmer's intent, he ordered a full frontal assault on her position. With heavy plasma artillery raining down from a platoon of Wraiths, Palmer held off the infantry just long enough for the technicians to succeed.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 22: The Scorching of the Thicket|The Scorching of the Thicket]]''</ref>
Parg Vol's camp was easily defensible, but Spartan Palmer neutralized the perimeter guard and moved in. The real challenge would be in accessing Parg Vol's Phantom. While a combat technician was by passing the Phantom's security protocols, Parg Vol made his return. When he realized Palmer's intent, he ordered a full frontal assault on her position. With heavy plasma artillery raining down from a platoon of Wraiths, Palmer held off the infantry just long enough for the technicians to succeed.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 22: The Scorching of the Thicket|The Scorching of the Thicket]]''</ref>


Merg Vol's base on the moon was surrounded by [[Type-38 Anti-Aircraft Cannon|Tyrant anti-aircraft turrets]]. Hearing of Spartan Palmer's theft of Parg Vol's ship, Merg Vol ordered every flying craft to be shot down, the only exception being commanding officers' Phantoms. Having successfully piloted the Phantom through the Covenant fleet orbiting Draetheus V's moon, Palmer was able to land south of Merg Vol's camp, out of range of his turrets. Her Trojan Horse tactic had worked. Although she was closing in on Merg Vol, she still had to fight her way through a heavily fortified camp of his most seasoned soldiers. To ease her work, she entertained possibility of a plan to persuade them to leave the safety of their positions.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 23: Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base|Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base]]''</ref>
Merg Vol's base on the moon was surrounded by [[Type-38 Tyrant]]s. Hearing of Spartan Palmer's theft of Parg Vol's ship, Merg Vol ordered every flying craft to be shot down, the only exception being commanding officers' Phantoms. Having successfully piloted the Phantom through the Covenant fleet orbiting Draetheus V's moon, Palmer was able to land south of Merg Vol's camp, out of range of his turrets. Her Trojan Horse tactic had worked. Although she was closing in on Merg Vol, she still had to fight her way through a heavily fortified camp of his most seasoned soldiers. To ease her work, she entertained possibility of a plan to persuade them to leave the safety of their positions.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 23: Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base|Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base]]''</ref>
[[File:Battle for the Moon.png|thumb|250px|right|Sarah Palmer facing down Merg Vol.]]
[[File:Battle for the Moon.png|thumb|250px|right|Sarah Palmer facing down Merg Vol.]]
In the hours since launching their attack, the Covenant cultists had established themselves in a long ice-covered gorge between Merg Vol's camp and the Forerunner structure, setting up an almost-impregnable position. With Merg Vol's camp neutralized, Spartan Palmer made her way to the Forerunner structure. The Covenant troops there were Merg Vol's most devout followers and threw themselves at her mercilessly. Palmer would have to battle her way through heavy opposition, and before she could confront Merg Vol himself, she first needed to deal with his lieutenants. After facing heavy resistance, Palmer was able to eliminate Merg Vol's lieutenants.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 24: Hunt for the Cult Leader|Hunt for the Cult Leader]]''</ref>
In the hours since launching their attack, the Covenant cultists had established themselves in a long ice-covered gorge between Merg Vol's camp and the Forerunner structure, setting up an almost-impregnable position. With Merg Vol's camp neutralized, Spartan Palmer made her way to the Forerunner structure. The Covenant troops there were Merg Vol's most devout followers and threw themselves at her mercilessly. Palmer would have to battle her way through heavy opposition, and before she could confront Merg Vol himself, she first needed to deal with his lieutenants. After facing heavy resistance, Palmer was able to eliminate Merg Vol's lieutenants.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 24: Hunt for the Cult Leader|Hunt for the Cult Leader]]''</ref>