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{{Title|''Halo: Winter Contention''}}
{{Title|''Halo: Winter Contention''}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
[[File:WinterContention Cover.jpg|thumb|300px|''Winter Contention'' keyart.]]
{{Novel infobox
|name=''Halo: Winter Contention''
|variant=Anthology
|image=[[File:WinterContention Cover.jpg|300px]]
|author=
*[[Alex Wakeford]]
*[[Jeff Easterling]]
|cover artist=[[:Category:Images by William Cameron|William Cameron]]
|illustrator=
|editor=
|audio=[[Alex Wakeford]]
|publisher=[[343 Industries]]
|publication=[[2023#February|February 8, 2023]]
|media=Short story
|length=
|ISBN=
|series=[[Halo Waypoint Chronicle]]s
|preceded=''[[Halo: Vertical Umbrage]]''
|followed=''[[Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios]]''
|multiseries=
|notable=
}}
'''''Halo: Winter Contention''''' (sometimes styled '''''Winter Contention: A Halo Waypoint Chronicle''''') is a short story written by [[343 Industries]], released on [[2023#February|February 8, 2023]], to celebrate the ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' in-game [[Noble Intention]] event. The story follows the [[Spartan Operations|Spartan]] supersoldiers of [[Noble Team]] during the [[Defense of Concord]] seven months prior to the [[Fall of Reach]], and features the first major appearance of [[Rosenda-A344]] in ''Halo'' media and the first appearance of [[Thom-A293]] since his debut and death in ''[[Deliver Hope]]''. Accordingly, the story's cover artwork depicts a stylistic take on the original ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' [[:File:HR Promo Noble Revealed 1920x1200.jpg|Noble Team artwork]] recreated with ''Halo Infinite'' art assets, albeit with Rosenda and Thom replacing [[Emile-A239]] and [[SPARTAN-B312|Noble Six]], respectively.{{Ref/Site|Id=WC|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-winter-contention|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo: Winter Contention|D=08|M=02|Y=2023}}
'''''Halo: Winter Contention''''' (sometimes styled '''''Winter Contention: A Halo Waypoint Chronicle''''') is a short story written by [[343 Industries]], released on [[2023#February|February 8, 2023]], to celebrate the ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' in-game [[Noble Intention]] event. The story follows the [[Spartan Operations|Spartan]] supersoldiers of [[Noble Team]] during the [[Defense of Concord]] seven months prior to the [[Fall of Reach]], and features the first major appearance of [[Rosenda-A344]] in ''Halo'' media and the first appearance of [[Thom-A293]] since his debut and death in ''[[Deliver Hope]]''. Accordingly, the story's cover artwork depicts a stylistic take on the original ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' [[:File:HR Promo Noble Revealed 1920x1200.jpg|Noble Team artwork]] recreated with ''Halo Infinite'' art assets, albeit with Rosenda and Thom replacing [[Emile-A239]] and [[SPARTAN-B312|Noble Six]], respectively.{{Ref/Site|Id=WC|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-winter-contention|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo: Winter Contention|D=08|M=02|Y=2023}}


As with the previous story in the ''Halo Waypoint Chronicle'' series, ''[[Vertical Umbrage]]'', the story is available as an audiobook on YouTube narrated by [[Alex Wakeford]].{{Ref/YouTube|Id=Audiobook|z03t1RQVh_U|Halo|Halo: Winter Contention - Audiobook}}
As with the previous story in the ''Halo Waypoint Chronicle'' series, ''[[Halo: Vertical Umbrage]]'', the story is available as an audiobook on YouTube narrated by [[Alex Wakeford]].{{Ref/YouTube|Id=Audiobook|z03t1RQVh_U|Halo|Halo: Winter Contention - Audiobook}}


==Official synopsis==
==Official synopsis==
{{Quote|[[2551#December|December 2551]]. Though the [[Covenant]] [[Defense of Concord|invasion]] of [[Concord]] has seen a rare [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] victory, the Spartans of Noble Team find themselves stranded in a remote hinterland town. Though the Covenant’s orbital presence has been neutralized, the remaining alien survivors have regrouped and prepare to make a devastating final stand. <br>With dwindling time and no reinforcements, Kat-B320 comes up with a daring plan to do what Spartans do best and turn the tide—and it’s up to [[Thom-A293]] and [[Rosenda-A344]] to make it happen.{{Ref/Reuse|Audiobook}}}}
{{Quote|[[2551#December|December 2551]]. Though the [[Covenant]] [[Defense of Concord|invasion]] of [[Concord]] has seen a rare [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] victory, the Spartans of Noble Team find themselves stranded in a [[Skathi|remote hinterland town]]. Though the Covenant’s orbital presence has been neutralized, the remaining alien survivors have regrouped and prepare to make a devastating final stand. <br>With dwindling time and no reinforcements, Kat-B320 comes up with a daring plan to do what Spartans do best and turn the tide—and it’s up to [[Thom-A293]] and [[Rosenda-A344]] to make it happen.{{Ref/Reuse|Audiobook}}}}


==Summary==
==Summary==
{{Expand-section}}
Two columns of smoke rise ominously over the horizon on Concord, marking the aftermath of battle. Concord’s rugged hinterlands, now covered in snow, are treacherous. The planet’s infrastructure has been bolstered by the [[Unified Earth Government]] due to the refugee influx, but the older colonists have chosen isolation in the wild terrain.
 
At 1405 hours on December 12, 2551, Noble Team, consisting of Spartans led by [[Carter-A259]], is on-planet after a victory over Covenant space forces. The Covenant, furious and marooned, had redirected its efforts toward the less-defended hinterland towns. The team, stranded in the town of [[Skathi]] after a brutal snowstorm downed their Pelican, is preparing for an imminent Covenant assault. From his vantage point, [[Jun-A266]], scanning the horizon with his sniper rifle, informs Carter of the approaching threat. Covenant forces, including the massive {{Pattern|Zashk|Draugr}} mobile fortress and an escort of [[Ghost]]s, [[Wraith]]s, and [[Banshee]]s, are heading their way. With no air support, reinforcements hours away, and limited operational assets, Noble Team is backed into a wall.
 
[[Catherine-B320|Kat-B320]] formulates a [[Operation: OFFSET EYE|plan]] involving the team’s only functional [[M12 Warthog]]—an [[M862 Arctic Warthog]]. She, Rosenda-A344, and Thom-A293 will use the vehicle to engage the Draugr while the rest of the team remains to defend Skathi. As they drive the Warthog, Thom lightens the mood with confidence—"Three of us against a thousand of them?"—and a guessing game on their specific purple shade, but Kat reminds them of their mission as they approach the Covenant forces.
 
Rosenda expertly handles the first Ghost wave while Thom takes out an enemy pilot, commandeering one. The Draugr focuses its fire on Thom, but he evades the blasts. Kat and Rosenda manage to reach the Draugr’s rear, intending to take control of it from the inside. Jumping into and clearing the troop bay, Kat opens the forward loading ramp, allowing Thom to enter and join them. Together, they take control of the fortress, using its cannons to destroy the remaining Covenant forces outside. Kat’s vehicular genius effectively neutralizes the alien threat; the trio eliminate what survivors remain.
 
Pelican dropships arrive at 2100 to deliver supplies to the town—in a celebratory yet busy mood—and offload [[UNSC Army Rangers]] to help, the Spartan trio helping. Noble Team gathers for a debriefing, including on the Draugr. Carter informs them of their redeployment—possibly to [[Fumirole]] due to [[Battle of Fumirole|surging Covenant activity]] in-[[Volanus system|system]]—but Rosenda is being reassigned, which she willfully accepts. The Spartans exchange brief heartfelt farewells before she departs. The remaining Noble members board their dropship, ready for their next mission, with the understanding of Concord's safety and Rosenda wondering if she'll see Noble again.
 
Sometime after the [[Human-Covenant War]], Jun, now [[Chief of Staff of Spartan Operations]] and identified by service number, receives a transmission from Rosenda—"Rose." The message, addressed with a priority clearance, starts with an acknowledgement of Jun monitoring of her for an extended period. Rose expresses a mix of nostalgia and curiosity about what has he gotten on her reputation. She accepts an invitation he extended, with a lighthearted expectation of cake later on. The message concludes with her promising to see him soon.


==Appearances==
==Appearances==
Line 123: Line 154:
*[https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-winter-contention Halo: Winter Contention] - The official Waypoint post in which the short story was released for free.
*[https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-winter-contention Halo: Winter Contention] - The official Waypoint post in which the short story was released for free.
<!--*[[Archive:Winter Contention]] - Halopedia's own archived backup of the short story.-->
<!--*[[Archive:Winter Contention]] - Halopedia's own archived backup of the short story.-->
*[https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/HaloInfinite/winter-contention-pdf-6712d290d1fc410d8ba20c7e314761fe.pdf Official ''Winter Contention'' PDF] - The PDF of the short story released on Halo Waypoint ([[:File:Winter Contention.pdf|Archived copy]]).
*[https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/HaloInfinite/winter-contention-pdf-6712d290d1fc410d8ba20c7e314761fe.pdf Official ''Winter Contention'' PDF] - The PDF of the short story released on Halo Waypoint ({{file link|Winter Contention.pdf|Archived copy}}).
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z03t1RQVh_U Halo: Winter Contention | Audiobook] - The audiobook narrated by Alex Wakeford.
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z03t1RQVh_U Halo: Winter Contention | Audiobook] - The audiobook narrated by Alex Wakeford.


Line 130: Line 161:


{{Navbox/Media/ShortStories}}
{{Navbox/Media/ShortStories}}
[[Category:Short stories]]
[[Category:Halo Waypoint Chronicles|Winter Contention]]
[[Category:Canon]]
[[Category:Canon]]

Latest revision as of 19:09, October 20, 2024

Halo: Winter Contention
Winter Contention cover art.
Attribution information

Author(s):

Cover artist(s):

William Cameron

Audio book narrator(s):

Alex Wakeford

Publication information

Publisher:

343 Industries

Publication date:

February 8, 2023

Media type:

Short story

Series information

Series:

Halo Waypoint Chronicles

 

Halo: Winter Contention (sometimes styled Winter Contention: A Halo Waypoint Chronicle) is a short story written by 343 Industries, released on February 8, 2023, to celebrate the Halo Infinite in-game Noble Intention event. The story follows the Spartan supersoldiers of Noble Team during the Defense of Concord seven months prior to the Fall of Reach, and features the first major appearance of Rosenda-A344 in Halo media and the first appearance of Thom-A293 since his debut and death in Deliver Hope. Accordingly, the story's cover artwork depicts a stylistic take on the original Halo: Reach Noble Team artwork recreated with Halo Infinite art assets, albeit with Rosenda and Thom replacing Emile-A239 and Noble Six, respectively.[1]

As with the previous story in the Halo Waypoint Chronicle series, Halo: Vertical Umbrage, the story is available as an audiobook on YouTube narrated by Alex Wakeford.[2]

Official synopsis[edit]

"December 2551. Though the Covenant invasion of Concord has seen a rare UNSC victory, the Spartans of Noble Team find themselves stranded in a remote hinterland town. Though the Covenant’s orbital presence has been neutralized, the remaining alien survivors have regrouped and prepare to make a devastating final stand.
With dwindling time and no reinforcements, Kat-B320 comes up with a daring plan to do what Spartans do best and turn the tide—and it’s up to Thom-A293 and Rosenda-A344 to make it happen.[2]"

Summary[edit]

Two columns of smoke rise ominously over the horizon on Concord, marking the aftermath of battle. Concord’s rugged hinterlands, now covered in snow, are treacherous. The planet’s infrastructure has been bolstered by the Unified Earth Government due to the refugee influx, but the older colonists have chosen isolation in the wild terrain.

At 1405 hours on December 12, 2551, Noble Team, consisting of Spartans led by Carter-A259, is on-planet after a victory over Covenant space forces. The Covenant, furious and marooned, had redirected its efforts toward the less-defended hinterland towns. The team, stranded in the town of Skathi after a brutal snowstorm downed their Pelican, is preparing for an imminent Covenant assault. From his vantage point, Jun-A266, scanning the horizon with his sniper rifle, informs Carter of the approaching threat. Covenant forces, including the massive Zashk-pattern Draugr mobile fortress and an escort of Ghosts, Wraiths, and Banshees, are heading their way. With no air support, reinforcements hours away, and limited operational assets, Noble Team is backed into a wall.

Kat-B320 formulates a plan involving the team’s only functional M12 Warthog—an M862 Arctic Warthog. She, Rosenda-A344, and Thom-A293 will use the vehicle to engage the Draugr while the rest of the team remains to defend Skathi. As they drive the Warthog, Thom lightens the mood with confidence—"Three of us against a thousand of them?"—and a guessing game on their specific purple shade, but Kat reminds them of their mission as they approach the Covenant forces.

Rosenda expertly handles the first Ghost wave while Thom takes out an enemy pilot, commandeering one. The Draugr focuses its fire on Thom, but he evades the blasts. Kat and Rosenda manage to reach the Draugr’s rear, intending to take control of it from the inside. Jumping into and clearing the troop bay, Kat opens the forward loading ramp, allowing Thom to enter and join them. Together, they take control of the fortress, using its cannons to destroy the remaining Covenant forces outside. Kat’s vehicular genius effectively neutralizes the alien threat; the trio eliminate what survivors remain.

Pelican dropships arrive at 2100 to deliver supplies to the town—in a celebratory yet busy mood—and offload UNSC Army Rangers to help, the Spartan trio helping. Noble Team gathers for a debriefing, including on the Draugr. Carter informs them of their redeployment—possibly to Fumirole due to surging Covenant activity in-system—but Rosenda is being reassigned, which she willfully accepts. The Spartans exchange brief heartfelt farewells before she departs. The remaining Noble members board their dropship, ready for their next mission, with the understanding of Concord's safety and Rosenda wondering if she'll see Noble again.

Sometime after the Human-Covenant War, Jun, now Chief of Staff of Spartan Operations and identified by service number, receives a transmission from Rosenda—"Rose." The message, addressed with a priority clearance, starts with an acknowledgement of Jun monitoring of her for an extended period. Rose expresses a mix of nostalgia and curiosity about what has he gotten on her reputation. She accepts an invitation he extended, with a lighthearted expectation of cake later on. The message concludes with her promising to see him soon.

Appearances[edit]

Characters

Human

Species

Organizations

Locations

Events

Weapons

Human
Covenant

Vehicles

Human
Covenant

Technology and equipment



Gallery[edit]

  • Thom and Rosenda in the story.

    Thom and Rosenda in the story.

  • A Pelican dropship en route to Concord.

    A Pelican dropship en route to Concord.

  • A Banshee scout on Concord during the battle.

    A Banshee scout on Concord during the battle.

External links[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo: Winter Contention (Retrieved on Feb 8, 2023) [archive]
  2. ^ a b YouTube - Halo, Halo: Winter Contention - Audiobook

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Halo short stories, compilations, and flash fiction
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Italics indicate items yet to be released.

Bold indicate items included in a compilation.

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