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{{Era|FS}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{References}}
{{battle
{{Battle infobox
|prev=[[Raid of Reach]]
|prev=[[Raid of Reach]]
|conc=
|conc=
|next=[[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]]
|next=[[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]]
|name={{PAGENAME}}
|name=Massacre at Eridanus Secundus
|image=
|image=
|conflict=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|conflict=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|date=[[2552]]
|date=[[2552#September|September 12–13, 2552]]
|place=[[Epsilon Eridani System]]
|place=[[Eridanus Secundus]], [[Eridanus system]]
|result=[[UNSC]] retreat, assumed destruction of Eridanus Rebels
|result= Covenant victory:
|side1=*[[United Nations Space Command]]
* [[UNSC]] retreat
*[[Eridanus Rebels]]
* Presumed destruction of the Eridanus rebels
|side2=[[Covenant]]
|side1=*{{Icon|UNSC HCW}} [[United Nations Space Command]]
|commanders1=*[[Vice Admiral]] [[Whitcomb]]
*{{Icon|Insurrectionist}} [[Eridanus Rebels]]
|side2=*{{Icon|Covenant FB}} [[Covenant]]
|commanders1=*[[Vice Admiral]] [[Danforth Whitcomb]]
*Governor [[Jacob Jiles]]
*Governor [[Jacob Jiles]]
|commanders2=unknown
|commanders2=unknown
|forces1=
|forces1=
*[[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]]
*[[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]]
**[[Vice Admiral]] [[Whitcomb]]
**Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb
**[[Lieutenant]] [[Haverson]]
**[[Lieutenant]] [[Haverson]]
**[[Dr. Halsey]]
**[[Dr. Halsey]]
**6 Spartans  
**6 Spartans  
***[[John-117]]
***[[John-117]]
***Kelly
***[[Kelly-087]]
***Fred
***[[Frederic-104]]
***Will
***[[William-043]]
***Grace
***[[Grace-093]]
***Linda
***[[Linda-058]]
**[[Cortana]]
**[[Cortana]]
**[[Avery J. Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]]
**[[Avery J. Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]]
Line 34: Line 36:
*Eridanus Rebel Fleet
*Eridanus Rebel Fleet
**[[Jacob Jiles|Governor Jiles]]
**[[Jacob Jiles|Governor Jiles]]
|forces2=Dozens of Captial Ships
|forces2=8 warships
|casual1=
|casual1=
*[[Lieutenant Locklear]]
*[[Corporal Locklear]]
*Rebels assumed to all be killed
*Governor [[Jacob Jiles]] (presumed)
*[[Dr. Halsey]] and [[SPARTAN-087]] vanish until the [[Battle of Onyx]]
*Rebels assumed to all be killed after the UNSC retreated
|casual2=*1 [[Cruiser]]
|casual2=*1 [[Covenant cruiser|cruiser]]
}}
}}


The '''Massacre at Eridanus Secondus''' was a minor event in the [[Human-Covenant War]] that resulted in the destruction of the [[Eridanus Rebels]]. It is most notable for the involvement of the [[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]] and [[Dr. Halsey|Dr. Halsey's]] kidnapping of [[Kelly-087]].
The '''Massacre at Eridanus Secundus''' was a minor event in the [[Human-Covenant War]] that ultimately resulted in the destruction of the [[Insurrectionist|Eridanus rebels]]. It is most notable for the involvement of the ''[[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]]'' and [[Dr. Halsey|Dr. Halsey's]] kidnapping of [[Kelly-087]].


== Background ==
== Background ==


=== Spartans and Colonel Watts ===
=== Spartans and Colonel Watts ===
{{main|Spartans}}
{{main|Assault on Eridanus Secundus}}
{{Main|Robert Watts}}
In [[2525]], the [[Spartan-II]] unit's first assignment was to infiltrate the [[Eridanus rebels]]' base, [[Eridanus Secundus]], and capture their leader, [[Robert Watts|Colonel Robert Watts]]. The extraction component of the mission did not go smoothly and the Spartans were forced to destroy the base's hangar, killing large numbers of both rebel combatants and non-combatants. Of the 5 members of the team that were involved in that mission, 4 participated in this battle including [[John-117]].<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page ??''; '''2010''', ''pages 302-303''</ref>
In 2525, the Spartan-II unit's first assignment was to infiltrate the [[Eridanus Rebel|Eridanus Rebel's]] base and capture Colonel Robert Watts. The extraction component of the mission did not go smoothly and they were forced to kill several rebels and destroy the base's hangar. Of the 5 members of the team that were involved in that mission, 4 participated in this battle including [[John-117]] who suggested the location.


=== Raid of Reach and Earth ===
=== Raid of Reach and Earth ===
{{main|Raid of Reach}}
{{main|Raid of Reach|Earth}}
{{main|Earth}}
During the Raid of Reach, Cortana intercepted transmissions between Covenant forces that indicated that the Covenant were planning on attacking Earth. They intended to rendezvous at the ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'' before finally attacking the [[human]] homeworld.
During the Raid of Reach, Cortana intercepted transmissions between Covenant forces that indicated that the Covenant were planning on attacking Earth. They intended to rendezvous at the [[Unyielding Hierophant]] before finally attacking the [[human]] homeworld.


However, the Raid of Reach and the subsequent battle in the slipspace anomaly took them well beyond UNSC controlled space and severely damaged the [[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]].  Looking for a place to acquire repairs, [[John-117]] recalled his earlier mission to the Rebel base and suggested it.
However, the Raid of Reach and the subsequent battle in the slipspace anomaly took them well beyond UNSC controlled space and severely damaged the ''[[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]]''.  Looking for a place to acquire repairs, [[John-117]] recalled his earlier mission to the rebel base and suggested it.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page ??''; '''2010''', ''page 291''</ref>


=== The Crystal ===
===== The crystal =====
The [[Forerunner crystal]] that was found on Reach and caused the [[slipspace anomaly]] posed a problem. While most slipspace movement could go undetected, the crystal sent out large doses of radiation that could be detected by the Covenant, effectively allowing them to track its movements. As such, the arrival of the ''[[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]]'' in the outer reaches of the [[Eridanus system]] spelled the doom of the Eridanus rebel base.


The Forerunner Crystal that was found on Reach and caused the slipspace anomaly posed a problem.  While most slipspace movement could go undetected, the crystal sent out large doses of radiation that could be detected by the Covenant, effectively allowing them to track its movements.  As such, the arrival of the [[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]] in the outer reaches of the [[Epsilon Eridani System]] spelt the doom of the Eridanus Rebel base.
== The battle ==


== The Battle ==
=== Scouting patrol ===
After negotiating a meeting, which involved Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb blowing up another asteroid that was similar to the rebel base to force Governor [[Jacob Jiles]] to allow him and his staff entry to the base, Whitcomb warned Jiles that the crystal meant that the Covenant would soon be arriving. Governor Jiles had just asked for proof of this claim when a [[Covenant cruiser]] emerged from slipspace.  After quickly assessing that both sides didn't have nearly the armed capabilities that they initially thought, Vice Admiral Whitcomb tried the only solution available to him - the firing of a [[plasma turret]]. However, the plasma cannon's magnetic coil failed, making the plasma blast shoot straight into the Gettysburg's hull rather than at the Covenant warship.


=== Scouting Patrol ===
It was suggested by [[John-117|SPARTAN-117]] to try using the magnetic coil on the Gettysburg to direct plasma from the ''Ascendant Justice''. This worked and successfully destroyed the cruiser, but at the cost of destroying the turret that had fired the shot.


After negotiating a meeting, [[Vice Admiral]] [[Whitcomb]] warned Governor [[Jacob Jiles]] that the Crystal meant that the Covenant would soon be arriving.  Governor Jiles had just asked for proof of this claim when a [[Covenant Cruiser]] emerged from slipspace.  After quickly assessing that both sides didn't have nearly the armed capabilities that they initially thought, Admiral Whitcomb tried the only solution available to him - the firing of a Plasma cannon. However, the Plasma Cannons magnetic coil failed, making the plasma blast shoot straight into the Gettysburg's hull rather than at the Covenant warship.
However, the scouting report proved that a Covenant fleet was coming and Governor Jiles agreed to help the UNSC forces. With the help of the rebels, they began repairs on the two warships.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page ??''; '''2010''', ''pages 315-321''</ref>


It was suggested by [[Spartan-117]] to try using the Magnetic coil on the Gettysburg to direct plasma from the Ascendant Justice. This worked and successfully destroyed the Covenant Cruiser, but at the cost of destroying the turret that had fired the shot.
=== The commandeering ===
[[Dr. Halsey]], who had spent large portions of her career wrestling with her guilt, had decided to pursue her own agenda to try and save the [[Spartans]]. To this end, she sedated [[Kelly-087]] and gave the [[Forerunner crystal]] to [[Corporal]] [[Locklear]] with explicit instructions to destroy it.


However, the scouting report proved that a Covenant fleet was coming and Governor [[Jiles]] agreed to help the UNSC forces. With the help of the rebels, they began repairs on the two warships.
With the Corporal's help, she was able to move the Spartan onto Governor Jiles' {{Class|Chiroptera|subprowler}}, ''[[Beatrice]]'', which she then used to flee the system. This move frustrated both Governor Jiles, who felt it was a betrayal of trust, and Vice Admiral Whitcomb.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page ??''; '''2010''', ''pages 330-334''</ref>


=== The Commandeering ===
=== The main force ===
However, neither were given much time to complain about the matter, as a large [[Covenant fleet]] arrived in system shortly after the Doctor's departure. Initially, 2 warships entered the system, prompting the coupled ''[[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]]'' to leave the rebel base, though without the evacuees on board.


[[Dr. Halsey]], who had spent large portions of her career wrestling with her guilt, had decided to pursue her own agenda to try and save the [[Spartans]]. To this end, she sedated [[Kelly-087]] and gave the [[Forerunner Crystal]] to [[Corporal]] [[Locklear]] with explicit instructions to destroy it.
By the time they were clear, a total of thirty Covenant warships had entered the system from three separate vectors. Whitcomb, feeling his duty was to Earth, not the rebels, ordered an immediate retreat to slipspace, leaving the helpless rebels to their doom.


With the Corporal's help, she was able to move the Spartan onto a [[Chiroptera]] class vessel which she then used to flee the system.  This move frustrated both Governor Jiles, who felt it was a betrayal of trust, and Admiral Whitcomb.
Before departing, Corporal Locklear destroyed the Forerunner crystal, but underestimated the crystal's latent energy, and was killed in the process.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page ??''; '''2010''', ''pages 338-341''</ref>
 
=== The Main Force ===
 
However, neither were given much time to complain about the matter, as a large Covenant fleet arrived in system shortly after the Doctor's departure.  Initially, 2 warships entered the system, prompting the coupled [[Gettysburg]]-[[Ascendant Justice]] to leave the Rebel base, though without the evacuees on board.
 
By the time they were clear, a total of 30 Covenant warships had entered the system from 3 separate vectors.  Whitcomb, feeling his duty was to Earth, not the rebels, ordered an immediate retreat to slipspace, leaving the helpless rebels to their doom.
 
Before departing, Corporal Locklear destroyed the Forerunner crystal, sacrificing himself in the process.


== Aftermath ==
== Aftermath ==


=== Rebels ===
=== Rebels ===
It is assumed that the rebels were destroyed by the [[Covenant]] forces after the retreat of the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice. No mention is ever made of any refugees on board the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice.
It is assumed that the rebels were destroyed by the [[Covenant]] forces after the retreat of the ''Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice''. No mention is ever made of any refugees on board the ''Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice''.


=== Operation: FIRST STRIKE ===
===Operation: FIRST STRIKE===
{{Main|Operation: FIRST STRIKE}}
{{Main|Operation: FIRST STRIKE}}
The Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice would take a detour to the Covenant rendezvous by [[Unyielding Hierophant]] in Operation: FIRST STRIKE, eventually annihilating the vast majority of the fleet.
The ''Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice'' would take a detour to the Covenant rendezvous by ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'' in Operation: FIRST STRIKE, eventually annihilating the vast majority of the fleet.


=== Dr. Halsey and Kelly-087 ===
=== Dr. Halsey and Kelly-087 ===
{{main|Dr. Halsey}}
{{Main|Onyx Conflict}}
{{Main|Kelly-087}}
The Doctor and Spartan would eventually wind up over the planet [[Onyx]] during the [[Onyx Conflict]], a battle they would play a major role in. They would eventually be joined by several other survivors from this battle.
The Doctor and Spartan would eventually wind up over the planet [[Onyx]] during the [[Battle of Onyx]], a battle they would play a major role in. They would eventually be joined by several other survivors from this battle.
 
=== ''Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice''===
It was shown that despite the rebels repairs, the ''Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice'' was in terrible shape from all the damage it had taken both during the battle over Reach and the following skirmishes. Thanks to the rebels repairs, the ''Ascendant Justice'' was able to put up a fight in [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]] and helped destroy a Covenant fleet. The ''Gettysburg'' was rendered habitable and was able to return to Earth after the battle.
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Sacrifice]]'' {{Im}}
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Battle|Eridanus Secundus]]
{{Insurrection}}
[[Category:Human-Covenant War]]
{{Human-Covenant War}}
[[Category:Covenant Victories]]
[[Category:Insurrection|Eridanus Secundus]]
[[Category:Battles of the Human-Covenant War|Eridanus Secundus]]
[[Category:Human-Covenant War|Eridanus Secundus]]
[[Category:Covenant victories|Eridanus Secundus]]

Latest revision as of 13:32, June 26, 2023

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Previous:

Raid of Reach

Next:

Operation: FIRST STRIKE

Massacre at Eridanus Secundus

Conflict:

Human-Covenant War

Date:

September 12–13, 2552

Location:

Eridanus Secundus, Eridanus system

Outcome:

Covenant victory:

  • UNSC retreat
  • Presumed destruction of the Eridanus rebels
Details
Belligerents
Commanders

unknown

Strength

8 warships

Casualties
 

The Massacre at Eridanus Secundus was a minor event in the Human-Covenant War that ultimately resulted in the destruction of the Eridanus rebels. It is most notable for the involvement of the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice and Dr. Halsey's kidnapping of Kelly-087.

Background[edit]

Spartans and Colonel Watts[edit]

Main article: Assault on Eridanus Secundus

In 2525, the Spartan-II unit's first assignment was to infiltrate the Eridanus rebels' base, Eridanus Secundus, and capture their leader, Colonel Robert Watts. The extraction component of the mission did not go smoothly and the Spartans were forced to destroy the base's hangar, killing large numbers of both rebel combatants and non-combatants. Of the 5 members of the team that were involved in that mission, 4 participated in this battle including John-117.[1]

Raid of Reach and Earth[edit]

Main articles: Raid of Reach, Earth

During the Raid of Reach, Cortana intercepted transmissions between Covenant forces that indicated that the Covenant were planning on attacking Earth. They intended to rendezvous at the Unyielding Hierophant before finally attacking the human homeworld.

However, the Raid of Reach and the subsequent battle in the slipspace anomaly took them well beyond UNSC controlled space and severely damaged the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice. Looking for a place to acquire repairs, John-117 recalled his earlier mission to the rebel base and suggested it.[2]

The crystal[edit]

The Forerunner crystal that was found on Reach and caused the slipspace anomaly posed a problem. While most slipspace movement could go undetected, the crystal sent out large doses of radiation that could be detected by the Covenant, effectively allowing them to track its movements. As such, the arrival of the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice in the outer reaches of the Eridanus system spelled the doom of the Eridanus rebel base.

The battle[edit]

Scouting patrol[edit]

After negotiating a meeting, which involved Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb blowing up another asteroid that was similar to the rebel base to force Governor Jacob Jiles to allow him and his staff entry to the base, Whitcomb warned Jiles that the crystal meant that the Covenant would soon be arriving. Governor Jiles had just asked for proof of this claim when a Covenant cruiser emerged from slipspace. After quickly assessing that both sides didn't have nearly the armed capabilities that they initially thought, Vice Admiral Whitcomb tried the only solution available to him - the firing of a plasma turret. However, the plasma cannon's magnetic coil failed, making the plasma blast shoot straight into the Gettysburg's hull rather than at the Covenant warship.

It was suggested by SPARTAN-117 to try using the magnetic coil on the Gettysburg to direct plasma from the Ascendant Justice. This worked and successfully destroyed the cruiser, but at the cost of destroying the turret that had fired the shot.

However, the scouting report proved that a Covenant fleet was coming and Governor Jiles agreed to help the UNSC forces. With the help of the rebels, they began repairs on the two warships.[3]

The commandeering[edit]

Dr. Halsey, who had spent large portions of her career wrestling with her guilt, had decided to pursue her own agenda to try and save the Spartans. To this end, she sedated Kelly-087 and gave the Forerunner crystal to Corporal Locklear with explicit instructions to destroy it.

With the Corporal's help, she was able to move the Spartan onto Governor Jiles' Chiroptera-class subprowler, Beatrice, which she then used to flee the system. This move frustrated both Governor Jiles, who felt it was a betrayal of trust, and Vice Admiral Whitcomb.[4]

The main force[edit]

However, neither were given much time to complain about the matter, as a large Covenant fleet arrived in system shortly after the Doctor's departure. Initially, 2 warships entered the system, prompting the coupled Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice to leave the rebel base, though without the evacuees on board.

By the time they were clear, a total of thirty Covenant warships had entered the system from three separate vectors. Whitcomb, feeling his duty was to Earth, not the rebels, ordered an immediate retreat to slipspace, leaving the helpless rebels to their doom.

Before departing, Corporal Locklear destroyed the Forerunner crystal, but underestimated the crystal's latent energy, and was killed in the process.[5]

Aftermath[edit]

Rebels[edit]

It is assumed that the rebels were destroyed by the Covenant forces after the retreat of the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice. No mention is ever made of any refugees on board the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice.

Operation: FIRST STRIKE[edit]

Main article: Operation: FIRST STRIKE

The Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice would take a detour to the Covenant rendezvous by Unyielding Hierophant in Operation: FIRST STRIKE, eventually annihilating the vast majority of the fleet.

Dr. Halsey and Kelly-087[edit]

Main article: Onyx Conflict

The Doctor and Spartan would eventually wind up over the planet Onyx during the Onyx Conflict, a battle they would play a major role in. They would eventually be joined by several other survivors from this battle.

Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice[edit]

It was shown that despite the rebels repairs, the Gettysburg-Ascendant Justice was in terrible shape from all the damage it had taken both during the battle over Reach and the following skirmishes. Thanks to the rebels repairs, the Ascendant Justice was able to put up a fight in Operation: FIRST STRIKE and helped destroy a Covenant fleet. The Gettysburg was rendered habitable and was able to return to Earth after the battle.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: First Strike, page ??; 2010, pages 302-303
  2. ^ Halo: First Strike, page ??; 2010, page 291
  3. ^ Halo: First Strike, page ??; 2010, pages 315-321
  4. ^ Halo: First Strike, page ??; 2010, pages 330-334
  5. ^ Halo: First Strike, page ??; 2010, pages 338-341

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