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{{Era|Forerunner|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{disambig header|the Forerunner structure|other uses|Library (disambiguation)}}
{{Seealso Level|The Library|Halo: Combat Evolved}}  
[[File:H2A - Library.jpg|thumb|300px|The Library of [[Installation 05]].]]
[[File:Sacredicon1600.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The Library of [[Installation 05]].]]
The '''Library''', known to the [[Covenant]] as the '''Repository of Fate''',<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 247''</ref> is the name given to a structure present on the installations of the [[Halo Array]].<ref name="h1lib">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level, ''[[The Library]]''</ref><ref name="quarantine">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> The Libraries are vast archive complexes and research facilities,<ref name="evg">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 108''</ref> housing the collated genetic information of numerous [[sentience|sentient]] species indexed by the [[Lifeworker]]s during the [[Conservation Measure]], an effort to re-seed life in [[Milky Way|the galaxy]] following the activation of the Halo Array. The structure also houses the [[Activation Index]], the object used to activate the Halo ring and simultaneously initiate the repopulation process of the species archived in the Library.<ref name="library">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''' - ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]'', ''"Activation Index"''</ref> Library facilities are not exclusive to the Halos and are found on several other installations as well.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
'''The Library''' is the name given to a structure present on several [[Forerunner]] worlds and the [[Halo Installations]].
__TOC__


==Background==
==Background==
The Library's true function is unknown at present. However it is hypothesized to be a collection of all information regarding the [[Flood]] known to the Forerunner and also collated cloned DNA sequences. All of this information is contained within the [[Index]], which is housed within the [[Index Chamber]] and is used in the process of activating the [[Halo]] system and wiping the galaxy clean of sentient life.
Located at the heart of the Library is a multi-tiered hall known as the [[Index chamber]], in the center of which the Activation Index is suspended. In accordance with proper Flood containment procedures, the [[Reclaimer]] tasked with activating the Installation must first deactivate an energy field surrounding the Index by accessing a large [[elevator]] on the Library's uppermost floor. The elevator then descends from the highest level of the Library to the Index's position, allowing the Reclaimer to retrieve it from its container. Also according to procedure, the Reclaimer's passage through the Library is assisted by the Installation's [[monitor]], whose duties also include opening the facility's various security [[door]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|h1lib}}


The Index is held in suspended animation within the core of the Library, out of reach of possible Flood outbreak. The only internal access is via a giant lift that descends from the highest level of the Library to the Index's suspended position.
The interior of a Library consists of multiple gigantic hallways of geometric design interconnected to one another, all surrounding the Index chamber. Massive security doors are located between each section. Other floors of the structure are accessed via large, circular elevator platforms. Like most structures on the Halo rings, a Library also houses a network of ducts and shafts used by the Sentinels or the installation's monitor to access other areas. During the Flood outbreaks on [[Installation 04]] and [[Installation 05]], the Flood were able to utilize these tunnels to move across the structure.{{Ref/Reuse|h1lib}}{{Ref/Reuse|quarantine}}


Access to the Library itself usually occurs via each installation's internal teleportation grid<ref>''[[The Library (Level)| The Library]]'', Initial starting point of this level is reached via teleportation</ref>. On [[Installation 05]] [[2401 Penitent Tangent]] was unable to assist the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] in this manner. As a result a longer, less direct route had to be taken. An Anti-Gravity [[Gondola]] spanned the distance between a Forerunner base and the Library. This large Forerunner base was the [[Sentinel Wall]] which was protected by an energy shield and filled with hundreds if not thousands of [[Sentinels]] and [[Enforcers]]. Then, beyond the wall is an artificial lake and a great chasm that the gondola must cross.
Due to its crucial importance, the Library is the first target of the Flood parasite during an outbreak. As a security measure against the Flood, most Libraries are separated from the rest of the installation by various types of obstacles, such as moats, chasms or [[Sentinel Wall|massive walls]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} Access to the Library itself usually occurs via each installation's internal [[teleportation grid]].{{Ref/Reuse|h1lib}} On [[Installation 05]], [[2401 Penitent Tangent]] was unable to assist the individuals wishing to retrieve the Index in this manner. As a result a longer, less direct route had to be taken. An [[anti-gravity gondola]] spanned a large chasm separating the installation's [[quarantine zone]] from the Library.{{Ref/Reuse|quarantine}} The quarantine zone was encircled by the [[Sentinel Wall]], a massive barrier which was protected by a [[containment shield]] and filled with numerous [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s and [[Enforcer]]s.<ref name="icon">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref> On both Installation 04 and Installation 05, the Flood was still able to breach such defenses and infest the Library.  


On both [[Installation 04]] and [[Installation 05]] the Flood was still able to breach such defenses and infest the Library. This may indicate that the Library is not as secure as the Forerunners had hoped it would be, or that it was initially a containment facility for the Flood. The interior of both Libraries consists of multiple gigantic hallways of geometric design interconnected to one another, finally leading to the Index Room. The large hallways suggests that it was designed to hold large amounts of [[Forerunners]], possibly acting as a backup refugee camp against the Flood.
==History==
===Installation 04===
[[File:Libraryon04.jpg|thumb|250px|The fourth floor inside Alpha Halo's Library.]]


==Forerunner worlds==
After meeting [[John-117]] in the swamps near Installation 04's [[Flood containment facility]] and deeming him to be a Reclaimer, [[343 Guilty Spark]] translocated the Spartan into the Library of Installation 04 and instructed him to retrieve the Index.
[[File:Library.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A Forerunner Library on another world.]]
Although only observed once, Libraries are not limited to Halo Installations, but are used on other Forerunner colonies as well. In the instance seen, Libraries on other worlds are surrounded by massive walls, and surrounding the building inside the walls are several [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner warships]], ready for launch. It was in this Library that the Forerunners held a meeting and analysis on the new [[Flood]] threat.<ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''[[Origins]]''</ref>


==Installation 04==
The Flood had heavily infested this Library in the few short days since their initial breakout, with large groups using the ventilation shafts and access corridors to make their way through the facility. There were Flood in almost every part of the complex, including the Index chamber itself, and the Sentinel drones assigned to the facility were mostly overwhelmed. By the time the Chief arrived, the Sentinels were reduced to small groups using the shafts to avoid destruction and the Flood had begun spreading their spores through the facility by using the ducts. It seems the Covenant made no attempt to access the Library on Installation 04. While the Master Chief explored the dark bowels of the structure, there was no sign of the usual [[Covenant supply case|crates]], [[stationary shield generator]]s or spare weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|h1lib}}
[[File:Libraryon04.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The fourth floor inside Alpha Halo's Library.]]
[[File:LibraryonAlphaHalo.jpg|right|thumb|250px|John-117 and 343 Guilty Spark about to get the Index.]]
[[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]] teleported the [[Master Chief]] from 04's [[Flood Containment Facility]], after deeming him to be a [[Reclaimer]], into the Library of [[Installation 04]] and instructed him to retrieve the index.  


It is here that 343 Guilty Spark remarks upon both the nature of the [[Flood]] and the [[Forerunners]]. Making specific reference to their technological superiority, he wonders why the Chief had brought "such ineffective weapons to combat the Flood"<ref>''[[The Library (Level)| The Library]]'', Mentioned after the first doorway is passed through.</ref>. Guilty Spark also recommends that the Master Chief should upgrade from his current [[MJOLNIR armor]], a [[Mark V]] (which according to a Forerunner ranking system is only Class 2) to a Class 12 [[Combat Skin]], which is stated as a necessity in order to combat the Flood. However, he later tells the Master Chief that his suit will serve him well as the Flood would try to alter the atmosphere for their own needs (possibly referring to the Flood spores spreading throughout the facility).
As the Spartan progressed through the Library, 343 Guilty Spark remarked upon both the nature of the Flood and the Forerunners. Making a specific reference to their technological superiority, he wondered why the Chief had brought "such ineffective weapons to combat the Flood". Guilty Spark also recommended that the Master Chief should upgrade from his [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V MJOLNIR armor]], which according to a Forerunner ranking system was only Class 2 to a Class 12 [[combat skin]], which was stated as a necessity in order to combat the Flood. However, he later told the Master Chief that his suit would serve him well as the Flood began to contaminate the ring's atmosphere with [[Flood spores]].{{Ref/Reuse|h1lib}}


The Flood had heavily infested this library in the few short days since their initial breakout, with large groups using the ventilation shafts and access corridors to make their way through the facility. There were Flood in almost every part of the complex, including the [[Index Chamber]] itself, and the Sentinel drones assigned to the facility were mostly overwhelmed. By the time the Chief arrived, the Sentinels were reduced to small groups using the shafts to avoid destruction and the Flood had begun terraforming, spreading their spores through the facility by using the ducts.
Toward the end of this Library, the Chief encountered the body of [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Marvin Mobuto]], a [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] who Guilty Spark had previously approached and brought to the Library in order to retrieve the Index and activate the ring.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''pages 244-245''</ref> With help from the Sentinels, and motivation from Staff Sergeant Mobuto, the Master Chief fought his way through three levels of the complex and successfully retrieved the Index.{{Ref/Reuse|h1lib}}


Toward the end of this Library, the Chief encountered the body of a [[Marine]] who was Guilty Spark's previous Reclaimer. This Marine was said to have been so mutilated that the Flood could not possibly infest him. He was identified to be [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Marvin Mobuto]]<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', pages 244-245</ref>.
===Installation 05===
[[File:Delta library.png|thumb|250px|Installation 05's Library and its surroundings.]]
While the Master Chief hunted down the [[Prophet of Regret]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]], [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]], [[Sergeant Johnson]] and most of {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}}'s Marines attempted to break into the Library of [[Installation 05]] in order to find and retrieve the Index. Due to the significantly larger Flood outbreak on this Installation, the Library and its defenses were seriously damaged and as a consequence were filled with a larger number of Flood than its Installation 04 counterpart. The UNSC forces were seemingly unprepared for the Flood presence, and many of them were infected by the Flood.{{Ref/Reuse|quarantine}}


It seems the Covenant made no attempt to access the Library on Installation 04. While the Master Chief explored the dark bowels of the structure, there is no sign of the usual crates, shield generators or spare weapons. This is probably because the Covenant did not find out about the Library, the Index or its purpose until after the capture of Monitor [[343 Guilty Spark]].
Around the same time, the recently-appointed [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] traveled to the Library on a mission to retrieve what the Covenant referred to as the "Sacred Icon". Dropped into the exterior side of the Sentinel wall from [[Tartarus]]' [[Phantom]], the Arbiter battled his way through swathes of Flood and Sentinels to find the anti-gravity gondola that would carry him to the other side. By removing the containment plugs, he then lowered the [[containment shield]] guarding the [[Quarantine Zone]], enabling him to enter the Library proper. Unfortunately, this also allowed the Flood to spread further, adding to the magnitude of the outbreak.{{Ref/Reuse|icon}}


With help from the Sentinels, and motivation from Staff Sergeant Mobuto, the Master Chief fought his way through three levels of the complex and retrieved the index. The Library's subsequent status and Flood infection is unknown, although it was [[The Maw|destroyed]] with the rest of [[Alpha Halo]] when the Master Chief detonated the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn's]] engines. The library is not seen from the outside, so it is unclear whether the libraries on each ring are different. e.g. Installation 04's control room is different than Installation 05's.
After traversing through the quarantine zone, both the UNSC forces and the Arbiter used gondolas to enter the Library's inner section, with the humans making it first. The inner section of the Library was largely identical to Installation 04's, though significantly more brightly lit than the dim interior of Alpha Halo's Library. Sometime prior, the elevator in the central shaft had descended to the bottom level, but the energy field allowing one to walk over the shaft and retrieve the Index was not active. This forced Commander Keyes to use an inert Flood tentacle to reach out and retrieve the Index, nearly falling to her death in the process if not for Sergeant Johnson's aid. After making it into the Index chamber, the Arbiter engaged the humans, knocking Johnson unconscious. It was then that Tartarus and his Jiralhanae forces arrived and took the humans prisoner, also removing the Index from Keyes' possession. Tartarus then [[Great Schism|betrayed]] the Arbiter, pushing him into the central shaft of the Library using the [[Fist of Rukt]]. After being thrown to his death by Tartarus, the Arbiter was rescued by the [[Gravemind]], who existed beneath the bottom level of the Library.{{Ref/Reuse|quarantine}}
 
{{Clear}}
 
==Other facilities==
==Installation 04B==
Library-type structures are found on some Forerunner constructs other than the Halo Array, although their purpose and function on these constructs may differ.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} [[Cortana]]'s simulated retelling of the history of the Forerunners{{Ref/Note|According to Frank O'Connor, the visuals in ''Origins'' may not be entirely accurate or factual, as they are pieced together from Cortana's incomplete store of information.}} depicted a structure closely resembling a Library, surrounded by a massive wall and several docking towers housing [[Unidentified Forerunner dreadnought class|Forerunner dreadnoughts]] ready for launch.<ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Origins''</ref>
Although it is never seen, it can be assumed that the Library of [[Installation 04B]] is almost identical to that of [[Installation 04|its predecessor]] with the exception of more elaborate interior designs. One can infer this for the simple reason that the [[Control Room]] is identical between the structures as well.
{{Clear}}
 
==Trivia==
==Installation 05==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Libraries}}
[[File:Delta_library.png|thumb|right|230px|Another view of the Library of Installation 05.]]
*The foremost structure of the Library is similar to the symbols on the stone slabs on the top floor of the bases in the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' map [[Blood Gulch]]. It could mean that the structure of the Library is somehow related to Blood Gulch, or that it is purely a common Forerunner symbol.
While the Master Chief hunted down the [[Prophet of Regret]], [[Commander (UNSC)|Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]], [[Sergeant Johnson]] and most of [[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]'s Marines attempted to break into the Library in order to find and retrieve the Index. Due to the significantly larger Flood outbreak on this Installation, the Library and its defenses were seriously damaged and as a consequence were filled with a larger number of Flood than its Installation 04 counterpart. The UNSC forces were seemingly unprepared for the Flood presence, and many of them were infected by the flood.
*In the ''[[Halo 2]]'' [[multiplayer]] level, [[Containment]], if one flies a Banshee, in the distance [[Installation 05]]'s Library can be seen.
{{Clear}}


The Arbiter traveled to the Library of [[Delta Halo]]. (This journey encompasses the [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]] and [[Quarantine Zone (Level)|Quarantine Zone]] levels.)
==Gallery==
Dropped into the Sentinel Wall from [[Tartarus]]' [[Phantom]], the Arbiter battled his way through swathes of Flood and [[Sentinel]]s to find the [[gondola]] that would carry him into the core of the Library. By removing the containment plugs, he then lowered the [[Containment Shield]] guarding the [[Quarantine Zone]] enabling him to enter the Library proper. Unfortunately, this also released the Flood and allowed them to gain access to victims and vehicles from both Covenant and human forces, adding to the magnitude of the outbreak.
<gallery>
 
File:H2A-Library-Wall.jpg
The Arbiter took the gondola into the depths of the Library to find the Index Chamber. This inner section of the Library was identical to Installation 04's. After the Arbiter knocked Johnson unconscious, Tartarus and his Brute forces arrived. Tartarus pulled Keyes toward him with the Fist of Rukt, stunning her in the process, and removed the Index from her possession. Tartarus then [[Covenant Civil War|betrayed]] the Arbiter, pushing him into the central shaft of the Library using the Fist of Rukt's gravity manipulation powers. After being thrown to his death by Tartarus, the Arbiter is rescued by the [[Gravemind]], who then held him captive for his own motives. It should be noted that in the Index Room the elevator is broken on the bottom level (opposed to being at the top like in Installation 04's), there is also what appears to be multiple destroyed Enforcers, as well as a number of the Gravemind's tentacles. A large part of the Gravemind exists beneath the Library itself, and this is where 2401 Penitent Tangent and the Flood Infected [[Prophet of Regret]] were held. It seems that the Flood just tossed dead bodies over the edge of the main shaft.
File:H2A Library.png|The Library as depicted in ''Halo 2:Anniversary.''
 
File:H2A - LibraryConcept.png|Concept art of Installation 05's Library for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
==Trivia==
File:LibraryonAlphaHalo.jpg|John-117 and 343 Guilty Spark about to obtain the Index in Alpha Halo's Library.
*The foremost structure of the Library is similar to the symbols on the stone slabs on the top floor of the bases in the [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] map [[Blood Gulch]]. It could mean that the structure of the Library is somehow related to Blood Gulch, or that it is purely a common [[Forerunner]] symbol.
File:Sacredicon1600.jpg|The Library of Installation 05 from ''Halo 2''.
*It can only be assumed that every Installation except [[Installation 00]] had a Library, seeing that they all have the same function.
File:H2 - ContainmentLibrary.PNG|The Library of Installation 05 as seen during the day on the map Containment.
*In the ''[[Halo 2]]'' [[multiplayer]] level, [[Containment (Level)|Containment]], if one flies a Banshee, in the distance [[Installation 05]]'s library can be seen.
File:Library.jpg|A Forerunner Library on an unspecified world.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the [[Master Chief]] gets in the Alpha Halo Library through teleportation by [[343 Guilty Spark]]. In [[Halo 2]], the Arbiter goes through a gondola system to get in the [[Delta Halo]] Library, it may be possible that you can get into the [[Installation 04|Alpha Halo]] Library as well through a gondola system but it is unknown for sure.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


==Related pages==
==See also==
*[[Index]]
*[[Activation Index]]
*[[Halo]]
*[[Halo Array]]
*[[Control Room]]
*[[Control Room]]


{{Forerunner2}}
{{Forerunner|array}}
[[Category:Installation 04]]
 
[[Category:Installation 05]]
[[Category:Forerunner buildings]]
[[Category:Forerunner buildings]]
[[Category:Installation 04 locations]]
[[Category:Installation 05 locations]]

Revision as of 11:42, April 12, 2023

This article is about the Forerunner structure. For other uses, see Library (disambiguation).
The Library of Installation 05.

The Library, known to the Covenant as the Repository of Fate,[1] is the name given to a structure present on the installations of the Halo Array.[2][3] The Libraries are vast archive complexes and research facilities,[4] housing the collated genetic information of numerous sentient species indexed by the Lifeworkers during the Conservation Measure, an effort to re-seed life in the galaxy following the activation of the Halo Array. The structure also houses the Activation Index, the object used to activate the Halo ring and simultaneously initiate the repopulation process of the species archived in the Library.[5] Library facilities are not exclusive to the Halos and are found on several other installations as well.[4]

Background

Located at the heart of the Library is a multi-tiered hall known as the Index chamber, in the center of which the Activation Index is suspended. In accordance with proper Flood containment procedures, the Reclaimer tasked with activating the Installation must first deactivate an energy field surrounding the Index by accessing a large elevator on the Library's uppermost floor. The elevator then descends from the highest level of the Library to the Index's position, allowing the Reclaimer to retrieve it from its container. Also according to procedure, the Reclaimer's passage through the Library is assisted by the Installation's monitor, whose duties also include opening the facility's various security doors.[2]

The interior of a Library consists of multiple gigantic hallways of geometric design interconnected to one another, all surrounding the Index chamber. Massive security doors are located between each section. Other floors of the structure are accessed via large, circular elevator platforms. Like most structures on the Halo rings, a Library also houses a network of ducts and shafts used by the Sentinels or the installation's monitor to access other areas. During the Flood outbreaks on Installation 04 and Installation 05, the Flood were able to utilize these tunnels to move across the structure.[2][3]

Due to its crucial importance, the Library is the first target of the Flood parasite during an outbreak. As a security measure against the Flood, most Libraries are separated from the rest of the installation by various types of obstacles, such as moats, chasms or massive walls.[4] Access to the Library itself usually occurs via each installation's internal teleportation grid.[2] On Installation 05, 2401 Penitent Tangent was unable to assist the individuals wishing to retrieve the Index in this manner. As a result a longer, less direct route had to be taken. An anti-gravity gondola spanned a large chasm separating the installation's quarantine zone from the Library.[3] The quarantine zone was encircled by the Sentinel Wall, a massive barrier which was protected by a containment shield and filled with numerous Aggressor Sentinels and Enforcers.[6] On both Installation 04 and Installation 05, the Flood was still able to breach such defenses and infest the Library.

History

Installation 04

The fourth floor inside Alpha Halo's Library.

After meeting John-117 in the swamps near Installation 04's Flood containment facility and deeming him to be a Reclaimer, 343 Guilty Spark translocated the Spartan into the Library of Installation 04 and instructed him to retrieve the Index.

The Flood had heavily infested this Library in the few short days since their initial breakout, with large groups using the ventilation shafts and access corridors to make their way through the facility. There were Flood in almost every part of the complex, including the Index chamber itself, and the Sentinel drones assigned to the facility were mostly overwhelmed. By the time the Chief arrived, the Sentinels were reduced to small groups using the shafts to avoid destruction and the Flood had begun spreading their spores through the facility by using the ducts. It seems the Covenant made no attempt to access the Library on Installation 04. While the Master Chief explored the dark bowels of the structure, there was no sign of the usual crates, stationary shield generators or spare weapons.[2]

As the Spartan progressed through the Library, 343 Guilty Spark remarked upon both the nature of the Flood and the Forerunners. Making a specific reference to their technological superiority, he wondered why the Chief had brought "such ineffective weapons to combat the Flood". Guilty Spark also recommended that the Master Chief should upgrade from his Mark V MJOLNIR armor, which according to a Forerunner ranking system was only Class 2 to a Class 12 combat skin, which was stated as a necessity in order to combat the Flood. However, he later told the Master Chief that his suit would serve him well as the Flood began to contaminate the ring's atmosphere with Flood spores.[2]

Toward the end of this Library, the Chief encountered the body of Staff Sergeant Marvin Mobuto, a Marine who Guilty Spark had previously approached and brought to the Library in order to retrieve the Index and activate the ring.[7] With help from the Sentinels, and motivation from Staff Sergeant Mobuto, the Master Chief fought his way through three levels of the complex and successfully retrieved the Index.[2]

Installation 05

Installation 05's Library and its surroundings.

While the Master Chief hunted down the Prophet of Regret during the Battle of Installation 05, Commander Miranda Keyes, Sergeant Johnson and most of UNSC In Amber Clad's Marines attempted to break into the Library of Installation 05 in order to find and retrieve the Index. Due to the significantly larger Flood outbreak on this Installation, the Library and its defenses were seriously damaged and as a consequence were filled with a larger number of Flood than its Installation 04 counterpart. The UNSC forces were seemingly unprepared for the Flood presence, and many of them were infected by the Flood.[3]

Around the same time, the recently-appointed Arbiter Thel 'Vadam traveled to the Library on a mission to retrieve what the Covenant referred to as the "Sacred Icon". Dropped into the exterior side of the Sentinel wall from Tartarus' Phantom, the Arbiter battled his way through swathes of Flood and Sentinels to find the anti-gravity gondola that would carry him to the other side. By removing the containment plugs, he then lowered the containment shield guarding the Quarantine Zone, enabling him to enter the Library proper. Unfortunately, this also allowed the Flood to spread further, adding to the magnitude of the outbreak.[6]

After traversing through the quarantine zone, both the UNSC forces and the Arbiter used gondolas to enter the Library's inner section, with the humans making it first. The inner section of the Library was largely identical to Installation 04's, though significantly more brightly lit than the dim interior of Alpha Halo's Library. Sometime prior, the elevator in the central shaft had descended to the bottom level, but the energy field allowing one to walk over the shaft and retrieve the Index was not active. This forced Commander Keyes to use an inert Flood tentacle to reach out and retrieve the Index, nearly falling to her death in the process if not for Sergeant Johnson's aid. After making it into the Index chamber, the Arbiter engaged the humans, knocking Johnson unconscious. It was then that Tartarus and his Jiralhanae forces arrived and took the humans prisoner, also removing the Index from Keyes' possession. Tartarus then betrayed the Arbiter, pushing him into the central shaft of the Library using the Fist of Rukt. After being thrown to his death by Tartarus, the Arbiter was rescued by the Gravemind, who existed beneath the bottom level of the Library.[3]

Other facilities

Library-type structures are found on some Forerunner constructs other than the Halo Array, although their purpose and function on these constructs may differ.[4] Cortana's simulated retelling of the history of the Forerunners[Note 1] depicted a structure closely resembling a Library, surrounded by a massive wall and several docking towers housing Forerunner dreadnoughts ready for launch.[8]

Trivia

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • The foremost structure of the Library is similar to the symbols on the stone slabs on the top floor of the bases in the Halo: Combat Evolved map Blood Gulch. It could mean that the structure of the Library is somehow related to Blood Gulch, or that it is purely a common Forerunner symbol.
  • In the Halo 2 multiplayer level, Containment, if one flies a Banshee, in the distance Installation 05's Library can be seen.

Gallery

  • H2A-Library-Wall.jpg
  • The Library as depicted in Halo 2:Anniversary.

    The Library as depicted in Halo 2:Anniversary.

  • Concept art of Installation 05's Library for Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Concept art of Installation 05's Library for Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • John-117 and 343 Guilty Spark about to obtain the Index in Alpha Halo's Library.

    John-117 and 343 Guilty Spark about to obtain the Index in Alpha Halo's Library.

  • The Library of Installation 05 from Halo 2.

    The Library of Installation 05 from Halo 2.

  • The Library of Installation 05 as seen during the day on the map Containment.

    The Library of Installation 05 as seen during the day on the map Containment.

  • A Forerunner Library on an unspecified world.

    A Forerunner Library on an unspecified world.

List of appearances

Notes

  1. ^ According to Frank O'Connor, the visuals in Origins may not be entirely accurate or factual, as they are pieced together from Cortana's incomplete store of information.

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 247
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level, The Library
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  4. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 108
  5. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - Library, "Activation Index"
  6. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Sacred Icon
  7. ^ Halo: The Flood, pages 244-245
  8. ^ Halo Legends, Origins

See also

v • d • e
 
The Forerunners

v • d • e
 
Halo Array
Arks
Senescent array
Gyre 01 • Gyre 02 • Gyre 03 • Gyre 04 • Gyre 05 • Gyre 06 • Gyre 07 • Gyre 08 • Gyre 09 • Gyre 10 • Gyre 11 • Gyre 12
Neoteric array
Other

v • d • e
 
Installation components

v • d • e
 
Other installations
Other megastructures
Other facilities
For a complete list, check out our Forerunner category.
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