Archive:Halo Waypoint/2014 to 2020/Universe/Tech

Active Camouflage

T-3 Refraction Dissonance Modifier/Camouflage

Manufacturer: Merchants of Qikost

Usage: Armor Optimization

Length: 2.5in (6.3cm)

Width: 12.1in (30.6cm)

Height: 4.4in (11.3cm)

Summary

Active Camouflage is a refraction dissonance modifier that can bend light around the surface of an individual or structure. It was deemed an essential alien technology early on during the Human-Covenant War, and extensively researched by ONI. Over the course of the conflict, it was wielded impressively by many Sangheili—usually those found in Special Operations or Zealot classes. However, ONI’s breakthroughs here have led to ad hoc compatibility with particular armor and BDU types, the most prominent and notable being that of Mjolnir, as worn by Spartans. When Active Camouflage is equipped, a soldier can effectively pass through an area undetectable save for a slight refractive shimmer while mobile.

History

The Sangheili and the San’Shyuum experimented with various active camouflage systems even before the Writ of Union pooled their knowledge of sensor masking and optical camouflage techniques. While active camo devices eventually incorporated some reverse engineering of Forerunner technology, Covenant devices represent a distinct branch of “baffler” systems.

Artemis Tracking System

VISR Extension

Manufacturer: Ohana Prescient Systems

Usage: Situational Awareness

Firmware Revision: 0.7

Summary

The Artemis Tracking System, or ATS, is an advanced scanning system currently under development for use by Spartan soldiers and ONI operatives. In its current - and unfinished - version, the Artemis highlights enemies and scans the surrounding area for technological artifacts known to be of tactical utility (such as weapon storage crates) or of interest to intelligence analysts.

Provisional access to the ATS has been granted to specific operatives with the permission of Spartan Commander Palmer to aid in the search for missing UNSC assets. Though ONI technicians have approved it for field testing, various bugs and defects limit system functionality outside of a narrow range of approved Mjolnir integrations.

Bubble Shield

Z-4190 Temporal Protective Enfolder/Stationary Shield

Manufacturer: Unknown/Forerunner Origin

Usage: Single Use Dissipative cover

Duration: 20 seconds

Weight: 45.1lbs (20.5kg)

Summary

The Bubble Shield is a ‘dissipative’-style deployable shield system of Forerunner origin, used by Warrior-Servants to create temporary fortifications using a sphere of interlocking hexagonal force enfolder elements. A crude (by Forerunner standards) copy of the technology was later employed by the Covenant, based (ironically) on captured ONI prototypes recovered after the fall of Reach.

Due to its size, mass, and relatively short power cell duration, along with low rates of production, the Bubble Shield saw limited use during the latter days of the Covenant War. ONI itself manufactured a small number of the devices until 2555, when it refocused its shield research efforts towards Mjolnir-compatible emitters.

Biofoam

Biomedical Foam Hemostatic Medical Polymer

Legal Status: OTC (UEG)

Drug Class: Morphophetamine

Delivery: Canister, Medical Biofoam

Application: Single use canister

Delivery

Biofoam is supplied in single-use canisters of varying size, prefilled with an expansion agent and liquid polyethyltriphosphate. When the two mix and are exposed to air they immediately produce a foaming reaction. The foam strongly adheres to tissues while also releasing encapsulated medical compounds that promote clotting, disinfects the wound, and numbs pain. After a short time the foam will set, becoming a semirigid porous mass internally, while forming a hardened skin on those areas exposed to air.

Possible Side Effects

In extremely rare cases, edema - caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues - and allergic reactions have been documented.

Cytoprethaline

Cytoprethaline Prescription Medication

Legal status: Rx-only (UEG)

Drug class: Cellular Anticrystalline

Delivery: Syringe

Routes: Subcutaneous

Summary

Cryostorage apparatuses such as cryotubes (or “cryochambers”) are stasis compartments found within human space-faring vessels that allow passengers to endure protracted journeys while preserved at sub-zero temperatures. In order to prevent damage to cell membranes due to the formation of ice crystals, a chemical called cytoprethaline is injected into subjects before they are sealed into the chamber and enter hibernation. This is a vital step in order to ensure healthy and safe transportation across space. Although cytoprethaline has become a standard part of 26th-century interstellar life, it is not without its risks. One such danger is the opportunity for chemical allergies, which can see suffering subjects endure debilitating health after awaking from sleep. One particularly notable case was Thomas Lasky, who suffered allergic reactions to such severity that he was offered a medical discharge.

Possible Side effects

Allergic reaction: Blistering, peeling, or red skin rashes. Itching or hives, swelling of face, hands, or feet. Swelling or tingling in throat or mouth. Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin. Sudden or severe headache, dizziness, problems with speech or walking.

Composer

Composer Forerunner Sublimation Device

Affiliation: Forerunner

Manufacturer: Builder Rate

Usage: Sublimation Device

Length: 126.7ft (38.6m)

Width: 94.2ft (28.7m)

Height: 681ft (207.6m)

Summary

The Composer is a Forerunner device used to transform or ‘compose’ a sentient being into a collection of data through a painful and irreversible process charitably called ‘sublimation’. The data –referred to as an ‘essence’ by Forerunners – could then transferred into machine storage for safekeeping or later interrogation and analysis. The Didact would use this device to make his Promethean warriors immune to the Flood by combining their composed essences with specialized Forerunner combat constructs to create the Promethean Knights. Later, he would also harvest human essences to create larger numbers of Knights that could be enthralled to his service.

Technology

The Composer is one of the few non-Precursor devices that exploit neural physics, the peculiar science of that most ancient of species which defied Forerunner understanding, even after millions of years of study. The high-energy fields of entangled sympathies emitted by the Composer envelop any living being with a sufficient complexity to resonate with the device. The Composer breaks down their bodies into digital templates in a manner that eluded the full understanding of even its creators. The resulting imprints, or essences, were remarkably similar to high-level ancilla, and stored mentalities could even be given consciousness by emulating their original biological neural structure.

Cryptum

Cryptum Warrior Keep

Affiliation: Forerunner

Manufacturer: Unknown/Forerunner Origin

Usage: Stasis Hold

Length: 282.4ft (86.1m)

Width: 282.5ft (86.1m)

Height: 281.7ft (85.9m)

Summary

Often referred to as a “Warrior Keep,” a Cryptum is a Forerunner apparatus that sustains and protects a physical being, while they are in a deep state of meditation referred to as “xankara.” This state can be maintained for many millennia, effectively locking away the being in an immobile and inert state. During their time in the galaxy, Forerunners used this form of exile for most of their rates, when other punishments were deemed too severe. The most notable usage was with Prometheans (hence the name “Warrior Keep”), and, in particular, the renowned and formidable Didact.

Sources

• Halo Waypoint: Tech