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<center>''Looking for [[Cairo Station]] the place?''</center>
{{Status|Gameplay}}
[[Image:CairoStationCallouts.jpg|right|250px]]
{{center|For the achievement, see [[Cairo Station (achievement)]]. For the [[orbital defense platform]], see [[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]].}}
'''"Defend the stations MAC-gun from Covenant boarders."'''
{{Level infobox
|pagegamelabel=H2
|prev=''[[The Armory]]''
|next=''[[Outskirts]]''
|game=''[[Halo 2]]'' (<small>''[[Halo 2: Anniversary|Anniversary]]''</small>)
|name=''Cairo Station''
|devname=<code>01b_spacestation</code>{{Ref/File|Id=H2EK|H2EK|H2EK\tags\scenarios\solo\01b_spacestation\01b_spacestation.scenario}}
|image=[[File:H2A CairoStation Loadscreen.png|300px]]
|player=[[Master_Chief_(gameplay)#Halo_2|Master Chief]]
|date= [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]]
|place=''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''
|objective= Repel [[Covenant]] boarders and find the Covenant [[antimatter charge]].
|partime=00:15:00 {{C|''Master Chief Collection''}}
|parscore=14,000 {{C|''Master Chief Collection''}}
}}


== Summary ==
{{Article quote|Defend the station's [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] gun from [[Covenant]] boarders.}}
Cairo Station is the first level in [[Halo 2]] where enemies are encountered. As the [[Master Chief]], you battle against encroaching [[Covenant]] forces on the titular orbital platform. Your efforts culminate in a decisive battle against [[Elites]] guarding a bomb meant to destroy the station.


== Enemies Encountered ==
'''Cairo Station''' is the third [[campaign]] level of ''[[Halo 2]]'', taking place in Earth's orbit on the eponymous ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''. The [[John-117|Master Chief]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]] fight against boarding [[Covenant]] troops, culminating in a battle over an [[Sangheili|Elite]]-guarded bomb intended to destroy the station. This is the first level in ''[[Halo 2]]'' in which enemies are encountered.


*[[Elite]]s (Minor, Major, Ranger)
==Transcript==
*[[Grunt]]s (Minor, Major, Gunner)
[https://youtu.be/klK5yJsxy-o '''{''Cutscene''}''']
*[[Drone]]s
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ7J6A1nzrA '''{''Anniversary Cutscene''}''']
 
''John-117 and [[Sergeant Major|Sgt. Mjr.]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery Johnson]] step from the [[tram]] into a crowd of cheering [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], robot cameras hover around.''
 
*'''[[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]]''': "You told me there wouldn't ''be'' any cameras."
 
*'''[[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]]''': "And ''you'' told ''me'' you were gonna wear something nice! Folks need heroes, Chief. To give 'em hope. ''(raises cap, adjusts his hair, puts cap back on)'' So ''smile'', would ya? While we still got something to smile about!"
 
''Johnson and the Master Chief walk to the end of the room, as the [[Bridge]]'s blast doors open up.''
 
''The view changes to'' [[High Charity]], ''where [[Tartarus]] and two of his [[Jiralhanae]] walk [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee down a walkway leading to an oval-shaped ledge that sports a pair of pincer-like columns. The ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'' can be seen in the distance. [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] are stationed on either side of the walkway. [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Unggoy]], [[Kig-yar]] and [[Mgalekgolo]] have also gathered along the path and begin to heckle 'Vadamee.''
 
*'''Unggoy''': ''(chanting)'' "''He-re-tic! He-re-tic!''"
 
''They reach the ledge, which overlooks the city. Across the chasm are multiple stadium rows, all filled with roaring Covenant aliens. 'Vadamee stands on a seal between the two curved columns. The Jiralhanae fix his arms onto floating cuffs.''
 
*'''[[Tartarus]]''': ''(gleefully)'' "You've drawn quite a crowd."
 
*'''Thel 'Vadamee''': ''(bitterly)'' "If they came to hear me beg, they will be disappointed."
 
*'''Tartarus''': ''(malevolently)'' "Are you sure?"
 
''The entire crowd cheers as energy beams hit 'Vadamee on either side, and he shakes with pain. (In the Anniversary, the floating cuffs charge up and unleash bolts of electricity across his body.)''
 
''The view changes back to the'' Cairo''{{'}}s bridge, dozens of Naval officers cheer as Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson approach [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] at the end.''
 
''Master Chief and Johnson salute to Lord Hood.''
 
*'''Lord Hood''': "Gentlemen, we're lucky to have you back."
 
''An officer whispers in Lord Hood's ear.''
 
*'''Lord Hood''': "Go ahead, [[Cortana]]."
 
''Cortana's avatar appears on a nearby [[holotank]].''
 
*'''Cortana''': "Another whisper, sir, near [[Jovian Moons|Io]]. We have probes en route."
 
''Hood looks back to the Chief and Johnson.''
 
*'''Lord Hood''': "I apologize, but we're going to have to make this quick."
 
''Lord Hood turns away.''


== Weapons ==
''Cortana looks up at the Chief and Johnson.''
*[[Battle Rifle]]
*[[SMG]]
*[[Magnum]]
*[[Shotgun]]
*[[Plasma Pistol]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Needler]]


== Mission Objectives ==
*'''Cortana''': "You look nice."


*Repel Covenant Boarders
''Johnson and the Chief respond simultaneously.''
*Find the Covenant Bomb
*'''John-117''': "Thanks."
*''' Johnson''': "Thank you."


==Transcript==
''The Master Chief and Johnson look at each other.''
===Part 01: Cairo Station===
 
''{MC and [[Sergeant Johnson|Johnson]] step from the tram into a crowd of cheering [[Marines]], robot cameras hover around}''
''Lord Hood picks up a Colonial Cross medal from a red-clothed case containing two other Colonial Cross medals.''
 
*'''Lord Hood''': "[[Sergeant Major]], [[Colonial Cross|The Colonial Cross]] is awarded for acts of singular daring and devotion, for a soldier of the United Earth Space Corps..."
 
''Hood pins the medal on Johnson's uniform.''
 
''The view changes back to ''High Charity'', on Tartarus' face.''
 
*'''Tartarus''': "...There can be no greater heresy! Let him be an example for all who would break our [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]!"
 
''The Covenant crowd cheers once more. Tartarus barks an order, and his two Jiralhanae underlings grab onto 'Vadamee's now charred armor and pull.''
 
''The view once again changes back to ''Cairo Station'', as a young woman joins the Chief and Johnson.''
 
[[File:H2A-KeyesMedal.jpg|thumb|300px|Commander Miranda Keyes receives her father's posthumous Colonial Cross from Lord Hood prior to the Covenant's arrival.]]
 
*'''Lord Hood''': "[[Commander (UNSC)|Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]]. [[Jacob Keyes|Your father]]'s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. His bravery in the face of impossible odds reflects great credit, upon himself, and the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]. The Navy has lost one of its best."
 
''Hood hands her the Colonial Cross medal. Miranda holds back tears as she accepts the medal.''
 
''The view changes back to ''High Charity'' again, where a blackened [[Combat harness|Sangheili Combat helmet]] falls to the floor, and the naked 'Vadamee hangs limply from his restraints. A glowing brand rises from the floor in front of him, and Tartarus grabs it and strides forward.''
 
[[File:H2A - Tartarus branding.jpg|thumb|300px|Thel 'Vadamee, about to be publicly branded with the Mark of Shame by Tartarus.]]
 
''Thel 'Vadamee raises his head weakly. Tartarus gives him a fierce look, and presses the brand against the Sangheili's chest with glee, printing the [[Mark of Shame]] in it. The tortured Sangheili warrior fights the pain but gives in and screams.''
 
''The view once more changes to ''Cairo Station'', where alarms start to sound.''
 
*'''Cortana''': "[[Slipstream space|Slipspace]] ruptures directly off our battle cluster."
 
*'''Lord Hood''': "Show me."
 
''Images of Covenant ships appear on a large screen.''
 
*'''Cortana''': "Fifteen Covenant capital ships holding position just outside the kill zone."
 
''The screen shows UNSC ships approaching the Covenant fleet.''
 
*'''[[Fleet Admiral]] [[Harper]] (COM)''': "This is Fleet Admiral Harper. We are engaging the enemy."
 
*'''Lord Hood''': "Negative, Admiral. Form a defensive perimeter around the cluster." ''(to Miranda Keyes)'' "[[Commander (UNSC)|Commander]], get to your ship, link up with the fleet."
 
''Keyes salutes.''
 
*'''Commander Keyes''': "Yes, sir." ''(leaves)''


'''[[Master Chief]]:''' "You told me there wouldn't be any cameras."
*'''Lord Hood''': "You have the [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] gun, Cortana. Soon as they come in range, open up."


'''[[Sergeant Johnson]]:''' "And you told me you were gonna wear something nice! Folks need heroes, Chief. It gives 'em hope! So, smile, would ya? While we still got something to smile about."
*'''Cortana''': "Gladly."


''{They walk to the end of the room, blast doors open, fade to white}
''Cortana's avatar disappears.  Hood turns back to the tactical screen.''


''{Fade in, [[Brutes]] walk the [[The Arbiter (character)|Elite Commander]] out onto the ledge, Covenant [[Grunts]], [[Jackals]] and [[Hunters]] have gathered on the walkway}''
*'''Lord Hood''': (''Concerned'') "Something's not right... The [[Fleet of Particular Justice|fleet]] that [[Fall of Reach|destroyed]] [[Reach]] was fifty times this size."


'''[[Grunts]]:''' "Her-e-tic! Her-e-tic!"
''An officer faces Lord Hood.''


''{They reach the edge, we see the statium seats filled with roaring Covenant, the Brutes fix the Elite's arms onto floating cuffs}''
*'''Officer''': ''(Panicked)'' "Sir, additional contacts. [[R'sisho-pattern Tick|Boarding crafts]], and lots of 'em!"


'''[[Tartarus]]:''' "You've drawn quite a crowd."
''The view shifts back to the screen.''


'''Elite Commander:''' "If they've come to hear me beg, they will be disappointed."
*'''Lord Hood''': "They're going to try to take our MAC guns offline, give their capital ships a straight shot at [[Earth]]." ''(Looks to the Chief)'' "Master Chief, defend this station!"


'''Tartarus:''' "Are you sure?"
[[File:H2A - Cruiser over Cairo.jpg|thumb|300px|The Chief and Johnson depart the control room as the Home Fleet outside prepares for battle.]]


''{The crowd cheers as energy beams hit the Elite on either side, he shakes with pain, fade to white}''
*'''John-117''': "Yes, sir." ''(to Johnson)'' "I need a weapon."


[[Image:UNSCDF.jpg|150px|right]]
*'''Johnson''': "Right this way."
[[Image:Hood.jpg|150px|right]]
''{Fade in on the [[Cairo Station|Cairo]]'s bridge, dozens of Navy officers cheer as MC and Johnson approach [[Lord Hood]] at the end}


''{They salute}''
''Johnson and the Master Chief leave the bridge, as Lord Hood turns back to his command station. Through the bay windows looking up to the MAC cannon, the fleet turns to engage the Covenant attackers. [[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longsword]] fighters hurtle overhead trailed by {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}}s.''


'''Lord Hood:''' "Gentlemen, we're lucky to have you back." ''{an officer whispers in his ear}'' "Go ahead, [[Cortana]]."
'''{''Gameplay''}'''


''{Cortana's avatar appears on a nearby [[holotank]]}''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Alert! Boarders inbound!"


'''Cortana:''' "Another whisper, sir, near [[Jovian Moons|Io]]. We have probes en route."
''The Master Chief arms himself and joins Johnson and a squad of Marines. Miranda Keyes and several Navy officers leave on a tram.''


'''Lord Hood:''' "I apologize, but we're going to have to make this quick."
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All hands report to battle stations."


'''Cortana:''' ''{looking in their direction}'' "You look nice."
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill!"


'''Master Chief:''' "Thanks."<br>
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Seal pressure doors."
'''Sergeant Johnson:''' ''{simultaneously}'' "Thank you."


''{they look at each other}''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Open weapons lockers."


'''Lord Hood:''' "Sergeant Major, [[The Colonial Cross]] is awarded for acts of singular daring and devotion, for a soldier of the United Earth Space Corps." ''{he places the medal on Johnson's uniform}''
''The Chief, Johnson, and the Marines enter [[Recreation R-01]].''


''{fade to white, fade in on Tartarus' face}''
*'''Johnson (COM)''': "How's it going, ''[[Malta Station|Malta]]''?"


'''Tartarus:''' "There can be no greater heresy! Let him be an example for all who would break our oath!"
*'''''Malta'' Defense Coordinator (COM)''': "Stand-by... they're latched! Check your targets and watch the crossfires. They're in standard formation: [[Unggoy|little bastards]] up front, [[Sangheili|big ones]] in back... Good luck, ''Cairo''."


''{The crowd cheers. Tartarus barks an order, and two Brutes grab onto the Elite's now blackened armor and pull. Fade to white.}
''Outside, a Covenant Boarding Craft latches onto the hull, causing the station to shake. Weapons fire is soon heard from outside the doorway.''


''{Fade in, a woman joins MC and Johnson.}''
*'''Johnson''': "Field of fire on that bulkhead. Soon as that door opens, let 'em have it!"


'''Lord Hood:''' "[[Commander Miranda Keyes]]. Your [[Captain Keyes|father]]'s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. His bravery in the face of impossible odds reflects great credit, upon himself, and the [[UNSC]]. The Navy has lost one of its best." ''{he hands her a medal, fade to white}''
''The [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] take up position around a sealed bulkhead. Johnson sets up a [[m247 General Purpose Machine Gun|stationary gun turret]]. A bright light and crackling noise, like a welding torch, comes from the center of the door, and is soon followed by an explosion. The door is blasted open and Unggoy rush in, followed by their Sangheili commanders. Soon after, two more Sangheili, both dual-wielding plasma pistols, jump down from the balcony above the breach. With the Master Chief's help, the UNSC defenders eliminate the attackers.''


''{fade in, the naked Elite hangs limply from his restraints, a brand rises from the floor, Tartarus picks it up and strides forward}''
===Home Field Advantage===
[[File:H2A-CairoStationBattle.png|thumb|300px|Two Marines repelling Covenant boarders.]]
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Find the boarders' point of entry, Chief. Cut them off at the source."


''{the Elite raises his head, Tartarus presses the brand against his chest with malice, the Elite fights the pain but gives in and screams, fade to white}
''If the player stalls:''


''{Fade in, klaxons sound}''
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Chief, if we don't take out their boarding craft, they'll just keep sending reinforcements."


'''Cortana:''' "[[Slipspace]] ruptures directly off our battle cluster."
''If the player stalls some more:''


'''Lord Hood:''' "Show me."
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Concentrate on the boarding craft, Chief.  The marines can handle the rest."


''{Image appears on a large board}''
''The Master Chief and the marines go outside. After eliminating another lance of Covenant, the Chief heads off to find the boarding craft while the marines stay behind to guard the entrance to the Recreation room.''  


'''Cortana:''' "Fifteen Covenant capital ships holding position just outside the kill zone."
*'''Female Marine''': "This'll be your fallback position, sir."


''{The board shows UNSC ships approaching the Covenant ships.}''
''Or''


'''Radio:''' "This is [[Fleet Admiral Harper]]. We are engaging the enemy."
*'''Female Marine'''"We'll make our stand here, sir."


'''Lord Hood:''' "Negative, Admiral. Form a defensive perimeter around the cluster." ''{to Keyes}'' "Commander, get to your ship, link up with the fleet."
''Or''


'''Commander Keyes:''' "Yes, sir." ''{leaves}''
*'''Female Marine'''"Go on, Chief. We'll hold here."


'''Lord Hood:''' "You have the [[MAC]] gun, Cortana. Soon as they come in range, open up."
''Or''


'''Cortana:''' "Gladly." ''{her avatar disappears}''
*'''Marine''': "We've got orders to stay here, Chief."


'''Lord Hood:''' "Something's not right... The fleet that destroyed [[Reach]] was fifty times this size."
''Or''


'''Officer:''' "Sir, additional contacts. [[Boarding Craft]] and lots of 'em!"
*'''Marine''': "This is as far as we go, Chief."


'''Lord Hood:''' "They're going to try to take our MAC guns offline, give their capital ships a straight shot at [[Earth]]. Master Chief, defend this station."
''Or''


'''Master Chief:''' "Yes, sir." ''{to Johnson}'' "I need a weapon."
*'''Marine''': "Sir, we'll secure the area."


'''Sergeant Johnson:''' "Right this way."
''Throughout the battle, the station's defense coordinator continues giving orders over the loudspeaker.''


''{Johnson and the Chief leave the bridge, as Lord Hood turns back to his command station. Through the bay windows looking up to the MAC cannon, we see the fleet turn to engage the Covenant attackers, [[Longsword]] fighters hurtling overhead trailed by a pair of huge cruisers}''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Boarders in Habitat Alpha."


''{fade to white}''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker):''' "All hands report to battle stations. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill!"
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "I need a squad in Habitat Alpha, ASAP!"


'''Sergeant Johnson (Radio):''' "How's it going, [[Malta Station|Malta]]?"
''(Later)''


'''Malta Defense Coordinator (Radio):''' "Stand-by... they're latched! Check your targets and watch your crossfire
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Quick response teams to [[Security Station Three]]!"
They're in standard formation: little bastards up front, big ones in back. Good
luck, Cairo."


'''Sergeant Johnson:''' "Field of fire on that bulkhead. As soon as that door opens, let'em have it!"
''(Later)''


''{The Marines take up position around a sealed bulkhead. Johnson sets up a stationary gun turret.}''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Seal pressure doors."


===Part 02: Home Field Advantage===
''(Later)''
'''Lord Hood (radio):''' "Find the borders' point of entry, Chief. Cut them off at the source."


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill.
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "[[Security Station Four]] is under attack!"


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Boarders in Habitat Alpha.
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Boarders in Section [[Seven|7]]!"


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Brace for impact! ''{A loud crash is heard as a Boarding Craft attatches to the Cairo}''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Fireteams, boarders in Section 2."


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' I need a squad in Habitat Alpha, ASAP!  
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Attention! We have boarders in Section 3!"


(Later)
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' We've got boarders in the portside bays.  
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Fireteams to Tram Terminal 1."


''(Once you finish a fight near a set of bay windows. Covenant Boarding Craft are seen rapidly leaving the ''Malta'' Station)''
''The Chief heads up a flight of stairs and enters [[Security R-01]]. He mans a portable machine gun and assists the Marines below in [[Commons R-01]]. He then heads downstairs and engages more Covenant in the Commons.''


'''Marine:''' Hey, check it out! The ''Malta's'' already driven off its boarders.
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Brace for impact!"


'''Cortana (Radio):''' ''Malta'', what is your status?
''A loud clang is heard as a boarding craft attaches to ''Cairo station''.''


'''Malta Defense Coordinator (Radio):''' I don't believe it! They're retreating, we won!
''After securing the Commons, the Chief goes up another flight of stairs, and steps out onto a catwalk overlooking [[Hangar A-01]], where one of the Covenant boarding craft is docked.  The Chief and the Marines engage the Covenant intruders below, including [[Sangheili Ultra]]s on higher difficulties.''


''(The Malta detonates in a huge plume of fire, the MAC gun breaking loose and tumbling away)''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "We've got boarders in the port Pelican bay!"


'''Marine:''' This is bad, real bad!
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Alert! Hostiles have secured the port bulkheads.
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Boarders have breached the [[Communications deck]]!"


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Security Station 4 is under attack.  
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Quick-response teams to the Communications deck!"
 
''Once the Master Chief finishes killing all the Covenant boarders in the first hangar bay, Covenant boarding craft are seen through the windows rapidly leaving ''Malta Station''.''
 
[[File:H2A-Malta Destruction.png|thumb|300px|''Malta Station'' is destroyed after its boarders retreat, opening a path towards Earth for the Covenant.]]
 
*'''[[Private First Class]] [[Chips Dubbo]]''': "Hey, check it out! The ''Malta''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s already driven off its boarders!"
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "''Malta'', what is your status, over?"
 
*'''''Malta'' Defense Coordinator (COM)''': "I don't believe it! They're retreating, we won!"
 
Malta Station ''suddenly explodes in a huge ball of fire, the barrel of its MAC gun breaking loose and tumbling away.''
 
*'''Private Dubbo''': "This is bad! Real bad!"
 
''The hangar bay doors explode and another [[lance]] of Covenant attack. The Chief kills them, then exits the hangar.''
 
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All hands, brace for impact!"
 
''The station shakes violently as another boarding craft attaches itself to ''Cairo.
 
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Alert! Hostiles have breached the Port MAC bay!"
 
----
''If the Chief stalls:''
 
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "There are more boarding craft in your area, Chief."
 
''If the Chief continues to stall:''
 
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Chief, I'm showing active boarding craft nearby. Find them."
 
''If the Chief further stalls:''
 
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Take out the remaining boarding craft, Chief."
----


''(Another set of launch bay windows. Boarding Craft retreat from ''Athens'' Station.)''
''The Chief and the surviving marines head to [[Hangar A-02]] where they find another squad of marines under fire from several Unggoy-manned [[Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon|plasma turret]]s mounted on the catwalk above. Another boarding craft is docked here.''


'''Marine:''' Uh oh! Hey, they're leaving the ''Athens''…
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Alert! We have hostiles on the [[Bridge|Command deck]]!"


''(The ''Athens'' detonates and spins apart, just like the ''Malta'')''
''Once the Master Chief finishes killing all the intruders in the second hangar bay (including a [[Sangheili Zealot]] on [[legendary]] difficulty) Covenant boarding craft are again seen through the windows retreating, only this time, from ''[[Athens]] Station''.''


'''Lord Hood (Radio):''' Cortana, assessment!
[[File:H2A-Athens Destruction.png|thumb|300px|Soon after, the same fate befalls ''Athens Station''.]]


'''Cortana (Radio):''' That explosion came from inside the ''Athens''. Same as the ''Malta''. The Covenant must have brought something with them. A bomb.
*'''Private Dubbo''': "Uh oh! Hey, they're leaving the ''Athens''!"


'''Lord Hood (Radio):''' Then they sure as hell brought one here. Chief…find it.
''The ''Athens'' explodes violently, just like the ''Malta''. The resulting shockwave rocks ''Cairo Station''.''


===Part 03: Priority Shift===
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Cortana, assessment!"
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "That explosion came from ''inside'' the ''Athens''. Same as the ''Malta''. The Covenant must have brought something with them. A [[antimatter charge|bomb]]."
 
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Then they sure as hell brought one here. Chief, find it."
 
===Priority Shift===
''If the Chief decides to stall for awhile, Cortana will remind him of the urgency of the situation with some of the following lines:''
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Chief, we don't have much time."
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Not a lot of time on the clock, Chief!"
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Where are you?! The bomb is ''right here!''"
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "The clock's tickin', Chief. Get down here!"
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Chief, over here, next to the bomb!"
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Ask yourself this question right now: Is doing what I am right now helping Cortana stop this station from blowing into tiny, tiny bits?"
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Just a friendly reminder: Bomb."
 
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "If this thing goes off, I am NEVER talking to you again!"
 
''The Chief takes a route under the hangar bay through [[MAC Storage]], and encounters another lance of Covenant.  As he nears the opposite side of the corridor, two [[Stealth Sangheili]] emerge. The Chief kills them.''
 
''While the Chief is fighting his way to the bomb, the ''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator starts issuing evacuation orders.''
 
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All non-combat personnel to pressure zones."


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' All non-combat personnel to pressure zones.  
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All hands to pressure zones."


''(As you return to the armory, to find [[Master Sergeant Gunns]] fighting a pair of Elites)''
''(Later)''


'''Master Sergeant Gunns:''' Get the hell out of my armory, split-chin-
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All non-combat personnel report to evacuation stations!"


'''(Alternate):''' Tell your buddies I got enough ammo for all of 'ya- 
''(Later)''


'''(Alternate):''' Is that a rifle or a flashlight- oh, dangit-
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All hands, report to evacuation stations!"


''(Gunns is hit and dies)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Fireteams to Habitat Delta.
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All hands, we are abandoning the station!"


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Hang on, everyone! ''(Another Crash, and another Boarding Craft is attatched)''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "All personnel, prepare to abandon the station!"
 
''As the Chief returns to the armory, he finds the Master Gunnery Sergeant firing a [[M90 Close Assault Weapon System|shotgun]] at a pair of Sangheili. Exactly what he says to them differs depending on what the difficulty level is set to.''
 
*'''Master Gunnery Sergeant ([[Easy]] or [[Normal]])''': "Get the hell out of my armory, split-lip! Oh God—!"
 
*'''Master Gunnery Sergeant ([[Heroic]])''': "Call your friends! I got enough ammo for all of 'ya!"
 
*'''Master Gunnery Sergeant ([[Legendary]])''': "Come on, is that a weapon or a flashlight? Oh, dangit—!"
 
''The Master Gunnery Sergeant is hit by bolts of plasma and dies. The Chief proceeds upstairs and eliminates his Sangheili killers.''
 
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Fireteams to Habitat Delta."


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Hostiles have taken Security Station 1!  
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Hostiles have taken [[Security Station One]]!"


''(Later)''
''(Later)''


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' I need a squad in Habitat Delta!  
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "I need a squad in [[Habitat Delta]]!"


''(You come to a hallway where Commander Keyes, Sergeant Major Johnson, and several others are engaged in a firefight outside the gangway to the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad]]'')''
''The Chief exits the Armory and enters [[Commons B-01]], which has been completely overrun by the Covenant. The alien forces have set up multiple plasma turrets which cover the room and assorted Covenant infantry lurk in the corridors.''  


'''Sergeant Johnson:''' Come on, Chief, this way!  
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Hang on, everyone!"


'''Commander Keyes:''' I was almost onboard when they showed up.
''The station shakes again, as another Boarding Craft is attached.''


'''Sergeant Johnson:''' Don't worry Ma'am, we're on it.
''The Chief fights his way through the Commons, moves up a flight of stairs, and enters [[Security B-01]], where he dispatches another lance of Covenant.''


''(Once you've cleared the area)''
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Fireteams to Terminal 2."


'''Commander Keyes:''' Thanks, Chief. I owe you one.  
''The Chief exits Security B-01 and enters the [[Tram station]] where Commander Keyes, Sergeant Johnson, and a couple Navy officers are engaged in a firefight just outside a [[umbilical|docking umbilical]] leading to the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]''.''


'''Sergeant Johnson:''' Get going. I'll cover the Commander.
*'''''Cairo'' Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker)''': "Alert!  Boarders in Port Dry dock!"


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' Fireteams to terminal 2.
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Come on, Chief, this way!"


''(When you step into the airlock leading outside)''
*'''Commander Keyes''': "I was almost on board when ''they'' showed up."


===Part 04: Authorized Personnel Only===
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Don't worry, ma'am, we're on it."


''(During the fight outside)''
''Once they clear the area of Covenant:''


'''Cortana (Radio):''' Sir, boarders have breached the fire control center. They have a bomb.  
*'''Commander Keyes''': "Thanks, Chief. I owe you one."


'''Lord Hood (Radio):''' Can you defuse it?
''A second lance of Covenant appears from another umbilical at the end of the corridor. After the Chief and his allies kill the intruders, the Chief enters the umbilical.''


'''Cortana (Radio):''' Yes, but I'll need the Chief's help to make contact with the detonator.
''If the player stalls:''


'''Lord Hood (Radio):''' Chief, get to the bomb, double time! Cortana, prioritize targets and fire at will.  
*'''Johnson''': "Get going. I'll cover the Commander."


'''Longsword Commander (Radio):''' First echelon, you're with me, blanket those cruisers, take ‘em out one by one. Second echelon, keep those carriers busy.
===Authorized Personnel Only===
''The Chief exits the station through an airlock and fights several [[Sangheili Ranger]]s in the vacuum of space.''


'''Cortana (Radio):''' Registering all hostile vessels inside the kill zone. Thirteen [[CCS-class|cruisers]], two [[Assault Carrier]]s. I'm going loud!
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Sir, boarders have breached the fire control center. They have a bomb."


''(The huge MAC cannon visible through the bay windows engages, the massive rail slide assembly lifting to the cannon's tip and then slamming back down as a shell bursts from the cannon and goes hurtling up to meet the Covenant fleet. Through the window we can see the rest of the fleet engaging, cruisers and frigates lifting from orbit and firing as they advance)''
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Can you defuse it?"


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' All hands, to pressure zones!
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Yes, but I'll need the Chief's help to make contact with the detonator."


''(Later)''
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Chief, get to the bomb, double time! Cortana, prioritize targets and fire at will."
 
''The Master Chief re-enters ''Cairo Station'' through [[Portside Shipping]], where he is met by Marines near a cargo container.  There is a loud buzzing sound and a swarm of [[Yanme'e]] appear. The Chief and the Marines eliminate the swarm.''  


'''Cairo Defense Coordinatior (Loudspeaker):''' All non-combat personnel report to evacuation stations!
*'''Fleet Admiral Harper (COM)''': "First Echelon, you're with me, blanket those cruisers, take ‘em out one by one. Second Echelon, keep those carriers busy."


''(As you ride the elevator platform down to the airlock)''
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Registering all hostile vessels inside the kill zone. Thirteen [[Ket-pattern battlecruiser|cruisers]], two [[CAS-class assault carrier|assault carriers]]. I'm going loud!"


'''Cortana (Radio):''' Not a lot of time on the clock, Chief!
''The station's MAC gun begins firing at the Covenant fleet.''


'''[[Fleet Admiral Harper]] (Radio):''' The carriers are breaking through, Sir! They're heading straight for the ''Cairo''!
''A loading platform full of Covenant troops rises from below. The Chief kills them all and rides the platform down to an airlock. He gets off the platform and enters the airlock. The internal door closes behind him and the external door leading outside opens up.''


'''Lord Hood (Radio):''' Cortana! Concentrate your fire on the first carrier. Admiral, do what you can against the second!  
*'''Fleet Admiral Harper (COM)''': "The carriers are breaking through, sir! They're heading straight for the ''Cairo''!"


'''Fleet Admiral Harper (Radio):''' Everyone, form up, follow my lead!
*'''Lord Hood (COM)''': "Cortana! Concentrate your fire on the first carrier. Admiral, do what you can against the second."


''(Watching through the window as the lift descends, you can see a massive Covenant Assault Carrier accelerate right past the Cairo and towards Earth, making the entire station shake.)''
*'''Fleet Admiral Harper (COM)''': "Everyone, form up. Follow my lead!"


'''Cortana (Radio):''' The first carrier completely ignored us, Sir! Blew through the ''Malta's'' debris field and headed straight for Earth!
''The Master Chief watches through the open airlock as a massive Covenant Assault Carrier accelerates right past the ''Cairo'' and towards Earth, making the entire station shake.''


''(After crossing the MAC gun's recoil arm in vacuum, and moving back into the airlock)''
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "The first carrier completely ignored us, sir! Blew through the ''Malta''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s debris field and headed straight for Earth!"


===Part 05: Return to Sender===
''After crossing the MAC's recoil arm in vacuum and killing several more Sangheili Rangers - including one manning a plasma turret, the Chief re-enters the station through another airlock.''


'''Cortana (Radio):''' Just so you know, there are quite a few Elites guarding the bomb. You may need to get creative.
===Return to Sender===
''The Chief takes an elevator down to the [[fire control]] center.''


''(The station shakes again. Outside the window, you can see the second Assault Carrier bypassing the ''Cairo'', following the first Assault Carrier down to Earth.)''
*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Just so you know, there are quite a few [[Sangheili|Elites]] guarding the [[antimatter charge|bomb]]. You may need to get creative."


''(Once you clear the room)''
''The Chief arrives at fire control, where a sizable group of Sangheili (one of whom is dual wielding a plasma rifle and Needler) and Unggoy are guarding the bomb. The station shakes again. Outside the window, the Chief can see the second carrier bypassing the ''Cairo'', following the first carrier down to Earth.''


''(Cortana appears on a pedestal near the bomb.)''
''Once the Chief clears the room of the Covenant guarding the bomb:''


'''Cortana:''' Me. Inside your head. Now.  
[https://youtu.be/brxzo-qGreQ '''{''Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzXx8MiHV9g '''{''Anniversary Cutscene''}''']


''(The Chief touches the pedestal, and Cortana downloads directly into his armor.
''Cortana's holographic avatar appears on a pedestal near the bomb.''


He steps over to the bomb, and touches the flashing red activation pad at its center. It blinks and shuts off.)'''
*'''Cortana''': ''(urgently)'' "Me. Inside your head. Now."


'''Master Chief:''' How much time was left?
''The Master Chief touches the pedestal, and Cortana downloads directly into his armor. He steps over to the bomb, and touches the flashing red activation pad at its center. It blinks and turns blue. The threat is neutralized.''


'''Cortana:''' You don't want to know.
*'''John-117''': "How much time was left?"


'''Commander Keyes (Radio):''' ''Cairo'', this is ''In Amber Clad''.  
*'''Cortana''': "You ''don't'' want to know."


''(CUT TO the bridge of In Amber Clad. It's small, with room only for the Captain's chair and two forward seats for the helm and weapons officers.)''
*'''Commander Keyes (COM)''': "''Cairo'', this is ''In Amber Clad.''"


'''Commander Keyes:''' The carrier's shield is down. I'm in position and ready for immediate assault.
''The view changes to the bridge of ''In Amber Clad'', where Commander Keyes and Sergeant Johnson are present. Keyes is now wearing her [[UNSC Navy Service Uniform|service uniform]] and Johnson is fully geared up in [[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform|Marine armor]].''


''(CUT TO Cairo's bridge. Lord Hood is alone.)''
*'''Commander Keyes''': "The carrier's shield is down. I'm in position and ready for immediate assault."


'''Lord Hood:'' Negative, Commander. Not against a ship that size. Not on your own.  
''The view goes back to ''Cairo'''s bridge, showing Lord Hood alone. (In the Anniversary, there is another officer with him.)''


'''Master Chief (Radio):''' Sir.  
*'''Lord Hood''': "Negative, Commander. Not against a ship that size. Not on your own."


''(CUT TO the bay, where the Chief is resting one hand on the bomb.)''
*'''John-117 (COM)''': "Sir..."


'''Master Chief:''' Permission to leave the station?
''The view changes back to the bay, where the Chief is waiting with one hand on the bomb.''


''(CUT BACK TO Cairo's bridge.)''
*'''John-117''': "...Permission to leave the station."


'''Lord Hood:''' For what purpose, Master Chief?
''The view returns to ''Cairo'''s bridge.''


'''Master Chief (Radio):''' To give the Covenant back their bomb.
*'''Lord Hood''': ''(distractedly)'' "For what purpose, Master Chief?"


'''Lord Hood:''' Permission granted.  
*'''John-117 (COM)''': "To give the Covenant back their bomb."


''(In the bay, the Master Chief grabs the bomb and hauls it across the floor, leaving a trail of sparks. He drags it into an elevator, and descends.)''
''Hood pauses to think, and then agrees.''


'''Cortana:''' I know what you're thinking, and it's crazy.  
*'''Lord Hood''': "Permission granted."


'''Master Chief:''' So…stay here?
[[File:H2A - Master Chief and antimatter charge.png|thumb|300px|The Master Chief drags the bomb to the lift leading to the airlock.]]


'''Cortana:''' Unfortunately for us both…I like crazy.
''In the bay, the Chief grabs the bomb by two of its pointy protrusions and drags it across the floor, causing sparks to erupt as it scrapes across the metal plating. He drags it into an elevator, and ascends.''


''(The elevator reaches a Longsword launch bay, and the Chief steps out, watching through the huge bay door. The entire fleet streams down toward Earth, chasing the Covenant ships, and exchanges of fire flicker through space. The Chief steps up to the door's release handle, which drops down above him.)''
*'''Cortana''': "I know what you're thinking, and it's crazy."


'''Cortana:''' Just one question. What if you miss?
*'''John-117''': "So, stay here."


'''Master Chief:''' I won't.  
*'''Cortana''': "Unfortunately for us both... I ''like'' crazy."


''(The Chief pulls down the handle and the bay doors cycle open, the bay decompressing rapidly. Debris lifts off the floor and hurtles into space, and the bomb slowly begins to slide toward the doors. The Chief grabs hold of it as it passes, and is pulled out into space.''
''The elevator reaches an empty [[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longsword]] launch bay, and the Chief steps out, watching through the huge bay door. A Seraph fighter flies by, pursued by two Longswords (Original version only). The UNSC fleet streams down toward Earth, chasing the Covenant ships. The Master Chief then steps up to the door's release handle, which drops down above him.''


''In free-fall, the Chief descends towards northern Africa, heading for Egypt. The first Assault Carrier is miles below him, too far to reach. The second Covenant assault carrier passes right below his position, and opens up with a huge pulse laser, narrowly missing him. A human [[Marathon-class|cruiser]] rockets below him, takes a pulse laser burst right through its spine, and explodes. The Chief plummets past it, watches as its engines fail and try to relight themselves.''
*'''Cortana''': "Just one question. What if you miss?"


''A pair of Longsword fighters dives past him, no doubt vectored in by Cortana, and make a strafing run on the Covenant carrier. Their bombs make a stacatto beat of fire along the back of the carrier, and the Chief slips through the narrow gap the blasts have created into-''
*'''John-117''': ''(calmly)'' "I won't."


''The carrier's center is a huge, open chamber, a massive fusion core casting white light across its inner surface. The carrier has taken a lot of abuse; the far side of the chamber is torn apart, revealing Earth outside. The Chief crawls up the bomb, presses its activation panel, and spins around. His legs flex, and he vaults off the bomb, aiming for the split in the carrier's armor.''
''The Master Chief pulls down the handle and the bay doors cycle open, the bay decompressing rapidly. Debris lifts off the floor and hurtles into space, and the bomb slowly begins to slide toward the doors, scratching sparks across the floor. The Chief grabs hold of it as it passes, and is pulled out into space.''


''He plummets from the carrier, straight for Earth, as behind him minor blue explosions flicker up and down the Covenant ship. A pause, and the entire ship detonates in a huge plasma conflagration.''
''In free-fall, the Chief descends in the general direction of northern Africa. The [[Solemn Penance|first carrier]] is miles below him, too far to reach. [[Day of Jubilation|The second carrier]] passes right below his position, and opens up with an energy projector, narrowly missing him. A [[UNSC Feeling Lucky|cruiser]] rockets below him and takes an [[Energy projector]] round right through its spine, explosions lighting all over its hull (In the Anniversary, the cruiser is hit by the same energy projector beam that narrowly misses the Chief). The Master Chief plummets past it, watching as its engines fail and try to relight themselves.''


''The Chief falls towards Africa, and a human frigate passes beneath him, matching trajectories.''
''A pair of Longsword fighters dive past him, and make a strafing run on the carrier. They open fire on the carrier, and make a staccato beat of fire along the back of the carrier, allowing the Chief to slip through the narrow hole the blasts have created.''


''Inside ''In Amber Clad's'' bridge, Sgt. Johnson and Cmdr. Keyes watch a tactical display. A thud resounds through the ship; the Chief has hit his mark.)''
''The carrier's center is a huge, open chamber, a massive fusion core casting white light across its inner surface. The carrier has taken a lot of abuse; the far side of the chamber is torn open, showing the Earth outside. The Master Chief crawls up the bomb, presses its activation panel, and spins around. His legs flex, and he vaults off the bomb, aiming for the split in the carrier's armor.''


'''Sergeant Johnson:''' For a brick…he flew pretty good!
[[File:H2A In Amber Clad orbit earth.png|thumb|300px|With the carrier destroyed, the Chief hurtles himself towards the waiting UNSC ''In Amber Clad''.]]


'''Commander Keyes:''' Chief…get inside, gear up. We're taking this fight to the surface.  
''He plummets from the carrier, straight for Earth, as behind him minor blue explosions flicker up and down the alien warship. A pause, and the entire ship detonates in a huge plasma conflagration.''


''(''In Amber Clad'' banks hard and dives towards the Earth's atmosphere, and a massive, gray city along the East African coast comes into view.)''
''As the Chief falls towards Africa, the ''In Amber Clad'' passes beneath him, matching trajectories.''


== Walkthrough ==
''Inside the ''In Amber Clad''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bridge, Johnson and Keyes watch a tactical display. A thud resounds throughout the ship, and Johnson and Keyes look up.''


=== Normal Walkthrough ===
''Johnson looks at Keyes and grins.''


''{Needs to be done}''
*'''Johnson''': "For a brick... he flew pretty good!"
...


=== Speed Run Walkthrough ===
*'''Commander Keyes''': "Chief, get inside, gear up. We're taking this fight to the surface."


''Note: This walkthrough require correct Grenade Jumping, precision in everything and... speed. This walkthrough is based on the current fastest Speed Run at [http://www.highspeedhalo.com High Speed Halo], Cody Miller's 10:19 Legendary run, with a bit of minor editing as I personally deem fit. It may be altered as and when faster runs emerge. Certain portions detailed here may only take place on Legendary and alternate methods, not detailed here, will be necessary in such events.''
In Amber Clad ''banks hard and dives towards the Earth's atmosphere, and a massive, [[New Mombasa|gray city]] along the East African coast comes into view.''


Go down the stairs and pick up the SMG and Battle Rifle (henceforth referred to as "BR" for brevity). Change to the SMG. Head into the next room and dual-wield a Magnum from the stockpile. Once in the next room, leap over the railing. Get to the second display-thing and jump onto it, then onto the higher area. Get to the area above the door and wait for the door to open.
''Level ends.''
{{Clear}}


Once the first wave of Covenant go through the door, drop down. DO NOT ENGAGE. Instead, go through and assail the Covenant in the adjoining room. Once they are all down, swap out your SMG for a Plasma Pistol (henceforth referred to as "PP" for brevity). Travel on to the next area, overcharging your PP as you do so. You get a checkpoint as you enter the room with the next enemy encounters.
==Achievements==
The following [[achievement]]s can be unlocked on ''Cairo Station'' across the [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|Windows Vista]] and ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' editions of ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. The original [[Xbox]] release of ''Halo 2'' did not contain achievement unlocks.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" style="width:135px;text-align:center;" |'''''Halo 2'' (Windows Vista)'''
! scope="col" style="width:135px;text-align:center;" |'''''Halo: MCC'' (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)'''
! scope="col" style="width:135px;text-align:center;" |'''''Halo: MCC'' (Steam)'''
! scope="col" style="width:175px;height:20px;text-align:center;" |'''Title'''
! scope="col" style="width:350px;height:20px;text-align:center;" |'''Unlock requirement'''
! scope="col" style="width:200px;height:20px;text-align:center;" |'''Games'''
|-
|[[File:H2V Achievement Cairo Station.png|center|64px]]
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement CairoStation.png|center|114px]]
|[[File:HTMCC H2 Achievement Steam Cairo Station.jpg|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[Cairo Station (achievement)|Cairo Station]]'''</center>
|Beat Cairo Station on any difficulty.
|<center>[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' (Windows Vista)]]<br/>''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''</center>
|-
|<center>N/A</center>
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement Don'tHangarAround.png|center|114px]]
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement Steam Don'tHangarAround.jpg|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[Don't Hangar Around]]'''</center>
|Beat the par time on Cairo Station.
|<center>''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''</center>
|-
|<center>N/A</center>
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement BombSquad.png|center|114px]]
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement Steam BombSquad.jpg|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[Bomb Squad]]'''</center>
|Beat the par score on Cairo Station.
|<center>''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''</center>
|-
|<center>N/A</center>
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement Curious.png|center|114px]]
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement Steam Curious.jpg|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[Curious]]'''</center>
|Activate [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 1]] on Cairo Station.
|<center>''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''</center>
|-
|<center>N/A</center>
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement SkulltakerThunderstorm.png|center|114px]]
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement Steam SkulltakerThunderstorm.jpg|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[Skulltaker Halo 2: Thunderstorm]]'''</center>
|Find and claim the [[Halo 2 skulls#Thunderstorm|Thunderstorm Skull]].
|<center>''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''</center>
|-
|<center>N/A</center>
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement TheReturnofMegg.png|center|114px]]
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Achievement Steam The Return of Megg.jpg|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[The Return of Megg]]'''</center>
|She's not picking up.
|<center>''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''</center>
|-
|}


See the Elite in the lower area? Jump down and let him have the charged shot as you fall, then kill with the Magnum. Treat the next Elite the same way, then head to the room at the rightmost corner of this room, overcharging as you do so. Release the charged shot on the Elite there and kill him with the Magnum, then drop the Magnum for your BR and kill the Grunts. Use the scope to snipe out the Grunts in the room across, then charge up and release the shot on the Elite there. Let him have the Battle Rifle rounds and swap out your current PP for a fresh one on the floor. Get to the stairway and reload your BR, heading on to the next area all the while. If you've been following the instructions closely, you should get a checkpoint as you ascend the stairs.
==Production notes==
===''Halo 2''===
The level was known in development simply as "spacestation".<ref>''EDGE magazine'', October 2004, page 51</ref> While the station is static in the game, it was originally going to be mobile and move itself around constantly to align its main gun on targets. The player was also supposed to be able to take control of the station's MAC gun.<ref>[https://picasaweb.google.com/114253662089061571624/Halo2CairoStationConcepts#5573894552164090194 '''Picasa''': ''Paul Russel > Halo2 Cairo Station Concepts 1/11'']</ref>


Overcharge your PP as you enter the next room. If you've been going full throttle all this while, you should get in just as an Elite comes under fire. Contribute your charged shot to the cause of bringing him down, then bring back your BR to take the stragglers. Snipe out the Grunts as they leave the boarding craft and contribute overcharges to bringing down the Elites. After two more waves (counting the Elite first seen here as the first), drop to the lower level and replace your PP. Kill the Grunts in the fourth and last wave, then draw close to the Elite. Wait for him to whip out his Energy Sword, then kill him and replace your PP with the Sword. Collect Plasma Grenades (henceforth referred to as "PGs" for brevity), return to the upper floor, get to the platform with the turrets, collecting more Plasma Grenades as you do so, then drop down on the right side of the room. The game won't move on until the [[Malta]] blows up, so you might as well watch. Stay alert, you don't get any checkpoints yet. The door opposite the window will blow. Feed the Covenant a PG, then hide behind the crate. Go around the crate and kill the Minor and Major Elite with Sword Lunges, then head into the room they came in from. You FINALLY get a checkpoint as you near the doorway to the next room with enemies.
Originally, [[Bungie]] had planned [[Covenant Ship|a level after Cairo Station]], in which the [[John-117|Master Chief]] would land on a [[Covenant]] ship, break in, and destroy it from the inside out. This was shown in the [[Halo 2 Announcement Trailer]], when the [[Chief]] jumped out of the airlock without the bomb. However, because of deadlines, the level was cut from the final game.<ref>''[[Halo 3 Essentials]]'': Disc 2; Halo 2 Cinematics Commentary</ref>


Snipe out the Grunts on the catwalk, then feed the Covenant at the other end of the room two Frag Grenades. Take the path to the right to sneak up on a Major Elite and backstab him, then whirl around and go around the crates currently in front of you to kill another Major. Go back to where you backstabbed the first Major and go to the right of the crate. Stick the Major there with a PG, then go back behind the crate and to the left to wipe out another. Go behind and to the right and stick the next Major that drops in, then hide again and pop out to the left to finish a Minor. Drop your Sword, which is now most likely low on charge, for a PP. Kill a few remnant Grunts, then treat the Elite coming out to an overcharge. Hide, then use your overcharge combined with BR bursts to neutralise the two Sword-wieldings SpecOps Elites that drop by. Pick up any available grenades, then once again swap out the PP for a Sword. Watch the Athens blow, then head down the stairs. As the door opens, stick the waiting Major, then retreat and snipe out the Grunts. Throw another PG at the next Major that appears, then Sword Lunge him to death. Deal with the final Grunt. Checkpoint!
[[File:H2A - BattleofEarth.png|thumb|250px|Master Chief launching towards the ''Day of Jubilation'' and the ''Solemn Penance'' in an early version of the ''Return to Sender'' cutscene.]]
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
For the ''Anniversary'' remake of the level, it was originally planned to have ''Cairo''{{'}}s position over Earth adjusted. The ''Return to Sender'' cutscene for example was to take place over Eastern and Central Europe as opposed to Northern Africa and the Mediterranean in the final version.<ref>[[Halo 2: Anniversary cinematic trailer|''Halo 2: Anniversary'', cinematic trailer]]</ref>


Approach the door at the end and Sword Lunge the approaching Minor. Head into the lower level of the Armoury and find the Infiltrator there. Make him greet your little pointy friend, then head up the stairs. Another checkpoint at the top.
== Trivia ==
===Glitches===
*It is possible to get inside of the boarding ships by walking to the corner of the shield barrier, then walking into the barrier and jumping. This may take a few tries to successfully complete. Inside there is only a crate. When the player exits the craft, there is another glitch: the enemies that the player fought when they entered the room will respawn directly behind them.
*It is possible to reach areas that are supposed to be inaccessible to the player [[Cairo Station vacation|in this level]].
*In the sub-level "Return to Sender", it is possible to be pushed through the wall by standing in front of the moving firing pin. The player will be pushed forward at an incredible speed directly into the wall. After running into the wall, the wall will appear as a textured line that is incredibly thin. After seeing this, they will fall through the wall, to their death.
*It is possible to fall below the MAC gun's pump. If the player tries to jump on the middle of the MAC at the end of the level, it will launch them out of the station. Sometimes, the player will hit an invisible barrier stopping them from getting to the scenery.
*If the player kills the [[Yanme'e|Drones]] as the elevator is rising, one of their bodies might get caught on the edge of the elevator and look as if it's falling indefinitely.
*If the player melees the [[Unggoy|Grunts]] operating the turrets in the Pelican bay, sometimes their bodies get stuck through the floor and can be seen underneath.
*It is possible to see the outside of a [[Covenant]] boarding craft on this level up close. Just before the player enters the first elevator, they can use one of the structures near the edge to jump to a lower ledge, where they can view a craft.
*There is some odd dialog where [[Miranda Keyes]] would say "Thanks, Chief. I owe you one. Take me now!" {{Citation needed}}
*When the player reaches the armory and sees one of the stair doors is closed, they can get on top of the door, which should be going up the ceiling. When the door closes, they will fall through the door and be back to normal instead of dying.
*It is possible to get into the airlock room [[John-117|Master Chief]] jumps out of. On the chapter "Return to Sender", the player can walk up to where the firing pin shoots forward, walk up to the front track, and when the pin moves forward, the Chief's body will fall through the floor and down to the airlock below.
*When the player gets outside of the [[Cairo Station (station)|Station]], it is possible to get inside the FFG-142 ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s reactors.
*Right when the level begins, [[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]]'s commemorative hat can be found lying on a case by heading down the stairs and looking to the right; if the player melees the case, the hat will be floating about one meter above the ground, as if the case were still there.
*Right after killing the Elites with jet packs for the first time, the player can walk to the left of the area they came from instead of walking to the area where they're supposed to go and hop onto a nearby platform, which will lead them to getting on top of most closed in areas they had previously walked through. It is impossible to get on top of the tower.
*It is possible to have two Sergeant Johnsons in the same place. The one that appears at the start of the level can be meleed to the area right before "Authorized Personnel Only" where another one is waiting. This is easier if the player has an Energy Sword because, if left alone for any amount of time, Johnson will run backwards.
*On the elevator that leads to the bomb room, if the player keeps running into the diagonal doors they can see not only the outside of the elevator, but also the lower half of John-117's body running up against the wall.
*At the very beginning of the level, unlike in [[The Armory]], it is possible to zoom the [[Heads-up display|HUD]] while unarmed. However, while zooming unarmed the edges of the screen do not darken in the shape of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark VI]] visor like they normally do. Instead, the entire screen remains bright. Although the motion sensor disappears, the grenade counters remain visible.
*If the player gets to the airlock quickly enough after they save Keyes & Johnson and kill the first wave of enemies (specifically before Keyes says "Thanks Chief. I owe you one."), the second wave of enemies which normally appear (Grunts and an Elite) will not spawn. A similar glitch is found in [[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]].
*Occasionally, a female Marine will spawn ''under'' the Pelican in the first Hangar bay and will be killed as soon as she spawns.
*While the Chief is outside the station, all sounds save those made by his [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armour]] are muffled, reflecting the silent nature of the vacuum of space. This muffling effect is not present, however, when ''Halo 2'' is played on an [[Xbox 360]] or when playing [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)]].
*If a Marine is killed and falls into the area before the MAC Round storage area, their body will disappear when the loading point is changed.
*During the part where the player meets up with Johnson and Miranda, they can melee attack one of them into the airlock where they proceed to the bomb. They will not die from the vacuum and can be strong allies due to their invincibility.
*It is possible to get friendly AI outside into space. They will not die despite not having any way to breathe in space.
*Occasionally, Cortana will spontaneously prompt the Chief to hurry up, even if the player is not actually stalling.


Throw two PGs at the Elite duo waiting by the door, then Sword Lunge them into the afterlife. You get a checkpoint as you get behind the little barrier-thing.
===Mistakes===
*Although [[Avery Junior Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]] receives a medal in the ceremony before the mission and it is seen being placed on his chest, on the actual mission, it does not appear on his uniform except for the Purple Heart.
*Despite [[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]]'s claim that the MAC platforms are geo-synchronized with their respective cities, if the player looks out of the ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''{{'}}s windows, ''Cairo'' itself is over 1000 miles from Cairo, Egypt; the city it is supposedly geo-synchronized with.
*In ''Halo 2'', when Thel 'Vadamee was bound to the energy cuffs, his elbows were at chest level, while his wrists were at face level. After his armor was removed, his elbow was at face level, and his wrists were above his head.
*Although the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]] armor system has only 90 minutes worth of [[oxygen]], the player can stay in vacuum indefinitely.
*If the player kills the enemies while in the vacuum of space they can still hear them scream upon death. This is impossible, since sound cannot travel through space due to a lack of air.


Jump on top of it, then to the higher floor. Travel along the path and snipe out the turret-manning Grunt, then jump over to the room he once occupied. Go through the series of doors and get a checkpoint as you enter the next room.
===Easter eggs===
*The [[Halo 2 skulls|Thunderstorm Skull]] is located in this level.
*[[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]]'s [[cigar]] is also found in this level, but it is put out, unlike in the [[Armory]] level, the [[cigar]] was lit up and smoke could be seen. The player can see this if they find the [[Halo 2 skulls#Thunderstorm|Thunderstorm Skull]] on this level.
*It is possible to hear [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] saying something on the intercom about [[Megg]] in this level.
*Also on the chapter "Return to Sender", the player can find one surviving [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]]. To do this, they must enter the room underneath the firing pin and walk away from the [[Sangheili|Elites]]' position. Here, they should find a lone [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] survivor, armed with a [[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]] or an SMG. The Marine is a different model every time.
*This level contains the only ''Halo 2'' [[Bloody UNSC marine|Marine model covered in wounds and blood]]. He is found in the first Pelican hangar and is usually without a helmet.
*The [[Cairo Station console message|''Cairo Station'' console message]] can be found on several consoles throughout the level.
* The first terminal is one of the computer consoles located in Cairo Station's Armory A-01, on the wall to the left of the doors leading into Commons B-01. The console's screen flashes "INCOMING MESSAGE" in red.


Help Miranda and Sarge with their little Covenant problem and head on into the next area. As "Authorised Personnel Only" starts, throw two PGs at the approaching Ranger Elites and finish off with Sword Lunges. Now drop down. Whirl around and jump on top of the red storage-thing. Get to the edge nearest to the place you came out of and throw a PG so that it stops bouncing at the edge of the storage-thing, using it to Grenade Jump onto the top of the indoor area. Sword Lunge the Ranger waiting there, then head to the end of the roof. Grenade Jump up to the higher area and follow the edge to the place above the door to the next area. Drop down, ignoring the Ranger if he's still there, and go in. Reload your BR over the dead Helljumper. You should get a checkpoint here.
===References===
*Just like in the first level of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', there are no [[Kig-yar|Jackals]] in this level.
*The [[Antimatter charge|Covenant bomb]] had [[seven]] seconds left before it detonates when disarmed by [[Cortana]] in the cutscene.
*The part where [[John-117]] enters space with the [[Antimatter charge|Covenant Bomb]] was in an early ''[[Halo 2]]'' trailer, except it did not feature the bomb.
*In the beginning cutscene, [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] says [[United Earth Space Corps]]. This seems to be a reference to [[Marathon]], the name of the military branch of the Human government. In Halo, the military branch is called [[United Nations Space Command]].
*Athens, Malta, and Cairo, the cities which the ''[[Athens Station]]'', ''[[Malta Station]]'', and ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'' were located over, were all involved in the 1985 hijacking of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EgyptAir_Flight_648 Egyptair Flight 648], which was en route to Cairo from Athens and forced to land in Malta.


Head into the next area and swap out your now-empty Sword for an SMG. Pick up spare Frag Grenades while you're at it. Throw two Frag Grenades at the approaching Drones and finish off any that survived the detonations, then go under the staircase to the right and drop down onto the elevator. You will get a checkpoint as the formerly-closed door opens to admit more Covenant.
===Miscellaneous===
*This is the only level in which [[Sangheili|Elites]] wield [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistols]].
*The turret that appears in the first [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] bay is not present on harder difficulties.
*It is possible to see an [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra Elite]] with a dual-wielded {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and [[Type-33 Needler|Needler]] on this level.
[[File:Miranda squint.jpg|thumb|Miranda scowls at the Chief for injuring her.]]
*If the player melees or shoots Commander Keyes, she grimaces in pain and glares at the player resentfully.
*In the final fight by the bomb, if the player kills the [[Covenant]] forces in the right positions, it's possible for the bomb to move their bodies around while being dragged in the cutscene.
*In this level, and in others like ''[[The Armory]]'' or ''[[Outskirts]]'', the player can see some [[list of UNSC crates|equipment cases]], where there is written information about some [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] equipment such as [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] helmets and body armor. The information shows their weight and the number of items included in the case.
*In the room where the bomb is, the player can find a [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] hiding in the back from the [[Covenant]].
*This level features a music piece that didn't make it onto either volume of the soundtrack. It is played in the Armory and Commons Area B-01, after the player kills the two Elites that killed the [[Unidentified master gunnery sergeant|Master Gunnery Sergeant]]. This "lost song" reappears on the level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''.
*In the airlocks at the top and bottom of the elevator platform, and the Port shipping bay are four [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] bodies (one at the top, one in the Port shipping bay, two at the bottom.) These are the only ODSTs seen in the level. This is also the first in-game appearance of [[ODST armor]].
*The machine gun turret used by Johnson at the beginning of the level sometimes will not be usable, although the player can order Johnson to stay away from it.
*At the point in the level when you meet up with Miranda and Johnson, located up the stairs that lead to the tram station there is a large, unexplained blood splatter on the wall and floor. This is only visible in classic mode on ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.


Quickly throw your last Frag Grenade into the door as it opens, then switch to your SMG. Turn around and kill any Drones that may have followed you down, then swap the SMG out for a PP and hide behind the crate.
==Gallery==
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:H2 Cairo Station Launch Bay Concept Art.png|Concept art of ''Cairo Station''{{'}}s fighter launch bay.
File:H2_EarlyCairoStation.jpg|A work-in-progress model of ''Cairo'' early in ''Halo 2''{{'}}s development.
File:H2_CairoBridge_Geo.jpg|The geometry used for the bridge in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2A_CairoBridge_Concept.jpg|Paintover of the previous image used for ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' concept art.
File:H2A-pavel-belov-cairo-external.jpg|''Halo 2: Anniversary'' concept art for the space battle around Cairo Station.
</gallery>


Use an overcharge shot and a BR burst to kill the Major visible from the left of the crate, then go around it and to the right of the crate further in front while overcharging. Use the same tactic to drop the second Major. Now start the elevator. Once the elevator reaches the room the Covenant came in front, swap out your current PP for one with more charge. As the door in front of you opens, you will get a checkpoint.
===''Halo 2''===
<gallery>
File:H2 Cairo Station Fighter Launch Bay.png|''Cairo Station''{{'}}s fighter launch bay pre-release screenshot.
File:Cairo Station Official.png|Preview of the level in ''Halo 2'' menu.
File:Old HW Gauss 6.png|UNSC personnel at the ceremony onboard ''Cairo Station''.
File:UNSCDF.jpg|Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson saluting to Lord Hood.
File:Shackled Vadam.png|Thel 'Vadamee shackled and about to be publicly tortured.
File:Pain.png|Tartarus prepares to brand the Mark of Shame on 'Vadamee.
File:Readout.jpg|A readout on ''Cairo Station'' displays the incoming Covenant fleet.
File:H2 Barrier.png|Marines prepare to defend  ''Cairo Station'' against the imminent Covenant assault.
File:H2 mchief cortana.jpg|John-117 about to transfer Cortana to the antimatter charge.
File:H2 covbomb mchief.jpg|John-117 and the antimatter charge leaving ''Cairo Station''.
File:Firing Energy Projector.png|An energy projector beam narrowly misses John-117 and the antimatter charge.
File:Covenant bomb and core.jpg|John-117 and the antimatter charge inside ''Day of Jubilation''.
File:H2-MasterChief-ArmingBomb.jpg|John-117 prepares to re-arm the antimatter charge.
</gallery>


Use the overcharge and the BR, as well as hiding at appropriate moments, to eradicate the three Rangers that appear to greet you. Continue down the path, ignoring whatever remnants of opposition remain, and head into the next elevator. You get a checkpoint as "Return to Sender" starts.
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:H2A - Drawn Quite A Crowd.jpg|The Covenant gather for the public branding of Thel 'Vadamee for his heresy.
File:H2A-CortanaJohnAndJohnson.jpg|Cortana, John-117, and Avery Johnson.
File:H2A-John&Johnson.jpg|Sergeant Johnson and John-117 salute Admiral Hood.
File:H2ACampaign CairoMarines.png|Marines prepare to defend  ''Cairo Station'' against the imminent Covenant assault.
File:H2AMinors.jpg|John-117 engaging [[Sangheili Minor]]s and [[Unggoy Minor]]s aboard ''Cairo Station''.
File:H2AUltra.jpg|John-117 fighting a [[Sangheili Ultra]].
File:H2ACampaign CairoJohnsonAndKeyes.png|Sergeant Johnson and Commander Keyes in combat aboard ''Cairo Station''.
File:H2ACampaign CairoMarineGunner.png|A Marine defends his position against the advancing Covenant.
File:H2A-ODP Firing.png|''Cairo Station'' fires its MAC cannon.
File:H2A-CAS Passing Cairo.png|Regret's flagship plows past ''Cairo Station'' towards Earth.
File:H2A Cutscene EnergyProjectorPiercing.png|John-117 falls past the ''{{UNSCShip|Feeling Lucky}}'' being hit by an energy projector.
File:H2A - Carrier destroyed.jpg|The Master Chief succeeds in returning the Covenant their bomb.  
</gallery>


Immediately head to the left side of the room. Stick the first Major you see. Rub out the life of the Minor that tries rather unsuccessfully to backstab you with an overcharge and a BR burst. Stick the two Majors waiting on the other side of the crate with PGs. Let them blow, then use an overcharged PP shot and sniped bursts from the BR to kill the Needler-wielding Major at the other end of the room. Get out from behind your crate and go to the left of the one in front, using your overcharged PP and BR bursts to kill the last Major.
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


That's it for this level. The current record is Cody Miller's 10 min 19 sec run, but it involves two deaths which I skipped over. If you want to perform a better, deathless run, go ahead, do so and send it in. I'm sure the HSH folks will like one.
{{succession box | before = ''[[The Armory]]'' <br />| title = [[halo 2|''Halo 2'' Campaign Missions]] | years = '''''Cairo Station''''' |after = ''[[Outskirts]]''}}


{{levels}}
{{Levels|H2}}
[[Category:Halo 2 Campaign]]

Latest revision as of 04:16, March 13, 2024

Prev:

The Armory

Next:

Outskirts

Cairo Station
H2A CairoStation Loadscreen.png

Game:

Halo 2 (Anniversary)

File name (?):

01b_spacestation[1]

Player:

Master Chief

Date:

October 20, 2552

Location:

Cairo Station

Objective(s):

Repel Covenant boarders and find the Covenant antimatter charge.

Par Time:

00:15:00 (Master Chief Collection)

Par Score:

14,000 (Master Chief Collection)

Main-Legendary.png

Halopedia has a walkthrough guide for this level; see Cairo Station/Walkthrough.

 
Defend the station's MAC gun from Covenant boarders.

Cairo Station is the third campaign level of Halo 2, taking place in Earth's orbit on the eponymous Cairo Station. The Master Chief and UNSC Marines fight against boarding Covenant troops, culminating in a battle over an Elite-guarded bomb intended to destroy the station. This is the first level in Halo 2 in which enemies are encountered.

Transcript[edit]

{Cutscene} {Anniversary Cutscene}

John-117 and Sgt. Mjr. Avery Johnson step from the tram into a crowd of cheering Marines, robot cameras hover around.

  • Sergeant Major Johnson: "And you told me you were gonna wear something nice! Folks need heroes, Chief. To give 'em hope. (raises cap, adjusts his hair, puts cap back on) So smile, would ya? While we still got something to smile about!"

Johnson and the Master Chief walk to the end of the room, as the Bridge's blast doors open up.

The view changes to High Charity, where Tartarus and two of his Jiralhanae walk Thel 'Vadamee down a walkway leading to an oval-shaped ledge that sports a pair of pincer-like columns. The Anodyne Spirit can be seen in the distance. Sangheili Honor Guardsmen are stationed on either side of the walkway. Covenant Unggoy, Kig-yar and Mgalekgolo have also gathered along the path and begin to heckle 'Vadamee.

  • Unggoy: (chanting) "He-re-tic! He-re-tic!"

They reach the ledge, which overlooks the city. Across the chasm are multiple stadium rows, all filled with roaring Covenant aliens. 'Vadamee stands on a seal between the two curved columns. The Jiralhanae fix his arms onto floating cuffs.

  • Tartarus: (gleefully) "You've drawn quite a crowd."
  • Thel 'Vadamee: (bitterly) "If they came to hear me beg, they will be disappointed."
  • Tartarus: (malevolently) "Are you sure?"

The entire crowd cheers as energy beams hit 'Vadamee on either side, and he shakes with pain. (In the Anniversary, the floating cuffs charge up and unleash bolts of electricity across his body.)

The view changes back to the Cairo's bridge, dozens of Naval officers cheer as Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson approach Lord Hood at the end.

Master Chief and Johnson salute to Lord Hood.

  • Lord Hood: "Gentlemen, we're lucky to have you back."

An officer whispers in Lord Hood's ear.

Cortana's avatar appears on a nearby holotank.

  • Cortana: "Another whisper, sir, near Io. We have probes en route."

Hood looks back to the Chief and Johnson.

  • Lord Hood: "I apologize, but we're going to have to make this quick."

Lord Hood turns away.

Cortana looks up at the Chief and Johnson.

  • Cortana: "You look nice."

Johnson and the Chief respond simultaneously.

  • John-117: "Thanks."
  • Johnson: "Thank you."

The Master Chief and Johnson look at each other.

Lord Hood picks up a Colonial Cross medal from a red-clothed case containing two other Colonial Cross medals.

Hood pins the medal on Johnson's uniform.

The view changes back to High Charity, on Tartarus' face.

  • Tartarus: "...There can be no greater heresy! Let him be an example for all who would break our Covenant!"

The Covenant crowd cheers once more. Tartarus barks an order, and his two Jiralhanae underlings grab onto 'Vadamee's now charred armor and pull.

The view once again changes back to Cairo Station, as a young woman joins the Chief and Johnson.

Commander Miranda Keyes receives her father's posthumous Colonial Cross from Lord Hood prior to the Covenant's arrival.
  • Lord Hood: "Commander Miranda Keyes. Your father's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. His bravery in the face of impossible odds reflects great credit, upon himself, and the UNSC. The Navy has lost one of its best."

Hood hands her the Colonial Cross medal. Miranda holds back tears as she accepts the medal.

The view changes back to High Charity again, where a blackened Sangheili Combat helmet falls to the floor, and the naked 'Vadamee hangs limply from his restraints. A glowing brand rises from the floor in front of him, and Tartarus grabs it and strides forward.

Thel 'Vadamee, about to be publicly branded with the Mark of Shame by Tartarus.

Thel 'Vadamee raises his head weakly. Tartarus gives him a fierce look, and presses the brand against the Sangheili's chest with glee, printing the Mark of Shame in it. The tortured Sangheili warrior fights the pain but gives in and screams.

The view once more changes to Cairo Station, where alarms start to sound.

  • Cortana: "Slipspace ruptures directly off our battle cluster."
  • Lord Hood: "Show me."

Images of Covenant ships appear on a large screen.

  • Cortana: "Fifteen Covenant capital ships holding position just outside the kill zone."

The screen shows UNSC ships approaching the Covenant fleet.

  • Lord Hood: "Negative, Admiral. Form a defensive perimeter around the cluster." (to Miranda Keyes) "Commander, get to your ship, link up with the fleet."

Keyes salutes.

  • Commander Keyes: "Yes, sir." (leaves)
  • Lord Hood: "You have the MAC gun, Cortana. Soon as they come in range, open up."
  • Cortana: "Gladly."

Cortana's avatar disappears. Hood turns back to the tactical screen.

  • Lord Hood: (Concerned) "Something's not right... The fleet that destroyed Reach was fifty times this size."

An officer faces Lord Hood.

  • Officer: (Panicked) "Sir, additional contacts. Boarding crafts, and lots of 'em!"

The view shifts back to the screen.

  • Lord Hood: "They're going to try to take our MAC guns offline, give their capital ships a straight shot at Earth." (Looks to the Chief) "Master Chief, defend this station!"
The Chief and Johnson depart the control room as the Home Fleet outside prepares for battle.
  • John-117: "Yes, sir." (to Johnson) "I need a weapon."
  • Johnson: "Right this way."

Johnson and the Master Chief leave the bridge, as Lord Hood turns back to his command station. Through the bay windows looking up to the MAC cannon, the fleet turns to engage the Covenant attackers. Longsword fighters hurtle overhead trailed by Marathon-class heavy cruisers.

{Gameplay}

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Alert! Boarders inbound!"

The Master Chief arms himself and joins Johnson and a squad of Marines. Miranda Keyes and several Navy officers leave on a tram.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All hands report to battle stations."
  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill!"
  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Seal pressure doors."
  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Open weapons lockers."

The Chief, Johnson, and the Marines enter Recreation R-01.

  • Johnson (COM): "How's it going, Malta?"
  • Malta Defense Coordinator (COM): "Stand-by... they're latched! Check your targets and watch the crossfires. They're in standard formation: little bastards up front, big ones in back... Good luck, Cairo."

Outside, a Covenant Boarding Craft latches onto the hull, causing the station to shake. Weapons fire is soon heard from outside the doorway.

  • Johnson: "Field of fire on that bulkhead. Soon as that door opens, let 'em have it!"

The Marines take up position around a sealed bulkhead. Johnson sets up a stationary gun turret. A bright light and crackling noise, like a welding torch, comes from the center of the door, and is soon followed by an explosion. The door is blasted open and Unggoy rush in, followed by their Sangheili commanders. Soon after, two more Sangheili, both dual-wielding plasma pistols, jump down from the balcony above the breach. With the Master Chief's help, the UNSC defenders eliminate the attackers.

Home Field Advantage[edit]

Two UNSC Marines fighting Unggoy Minors and Sangheili Minors aboard Cairo Station in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign level Cairo Station.
Two Marines repelling Covenant boarders.
  • Lord Hood (COM): "Find the boarders' point of entry, Chief. Cut them off at the source."

If the player stalls:

  • Lord Hood (COM): "Chief, if we don't take out their boarding craft, they'll just keep sending reinforcements."

If the player stalls some more:

  • Lord Hood (COM): "Concentrate on the boarding craft, Chief. The marines can handle the rest."

The Master Chief and the marines go outside. After eliminating another lance of Covenant, the Chief heads off to find the boarding craft while the marines stay behind to guard the entrance to the Recreation room.

  • Female Marine: "This'll be your fallback position, sir."

Or

  • Female Marine: "We'll make our stand here, sir."

Or

  • Female Marine: "Go on, Chief. We'll hold here."

Or

  • Marine: "We've got orders to stay here, Chief."

Or

  • Marine: "This is as far as we go, Chief."

Or

  • Marine: "Sir, we'll secure the area."

Throughout the battle, the station's defense coordinator continues giving orders over the loudspeaker.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Boarders in Habitat Alpha."

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "I need a squad in Habitat Alpha, ASAP!"

(Later)

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Seal pressure doors."

(Later)

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Boarders in Section 7!"

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Fireteams, boarders in Section 2."

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Attention! We have boarders in Section 3!"

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Fireteams to Tram Terminal 1."

The Chief heads up a flight of stairs and enters Security R-01. He mans a portable machine gun and assists the Marines below in Commons R-01. He then heads downstairs and engages more Covenant in the Commons.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Brace for impact!"

A loud clang is heard as a boarding craft attaches to Cairo station.

After securing the Commons, the Chief goes up another flight of stairs, and steps out onto a catwalk overlooking Hangar A-01, where one of the Covenant boarding craft is docked. The Chief and the Marines engage the Covenant intruders below, including Sangheili Ultras on higher difficulties.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "We've got boarders in the port Pelican bay!"

(Later)

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Quick-response teams to the Communications deck!"

Once the Master Chief finishes killing all the Covenant boarders in the first hangar bay, Covenant boarding craft are seen through the windows rapidly leaving Malta Station.

Malta Station is destroyed after its boarders retreat, opening a path towards Earth for the Covenant.
  • Cortana (COM): "Malta, what is your status, over?"
  • Malta Defense Coordinator (COM): "I don't believe it! They're retreating, we won!"

Malta Station suddenly explodes in a huge ball of fire, the barrel of its MAC gun breaking loose and tumbling away.

  • Private Dubbo: "This is bad! Real bad!"

The hangar bay doors explode and another lance of Covenant attack. The Chief kills them, then exits the hangar.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All hands, brace for impact!"

The station shakes violently as another boarding craft attaches itself to Cairo.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Alert! Hostiles have breached the Port MAC bay!"

If the Chief stalls:

  • Lord Hood (COM): "There are more boarding craft in your area, Chief."

If the Chief continues to stall:

  • Lord Hood (COM): "Chief, I'm showing active boarding craft nearby. Find them."

If the Chief further stalls:

  • Lord Hood (COM): "Take out the remaining boarding craft, Chief."

The Chief and the surviving marines head to Hangar A-02 where they find another squad of marines under fire from several Unggoy-manned plasma turrets mounted on the catwalk above. Another boarding craft is docked here.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Alert! We have hostiles on the Command deck!"

Once the Master Chief finishes killing all the intruders in the second hangar bay (including a Sangheili Zealot on legendary difficulty) Covenant boarding craft are again seen through the windows retreating, only this time, from Athens Station.

Soon after, the same fate befalls Athens Station.
  • Private Dubbo: "Uh oh! Hey, they're leaving the Athens!"

The Athens explodes violently, just like the Malta. The resulting shockwave rocks Cairo Station.

  • Lord Hood (COM): "Cortana, assessment!"
  • Cortana (COM): "That explosion came from inside the Athens. Same as the Malta. The Covenant must have brought something with them. A bomb."
  • Lord Hood (COM): "Then they sure as hell brought one here. Chief, find it."

Priority Shift[edit]

If the Chief decides to stall for awhile, Cortana will remind him of the urgency of the situation with some of the following lines:

  • Cortana (COM): "Chief, we don't have much time."
  • Cortana (COM): "Not a lot of time on the clock, Chief!"
  • Cortana (COM): "Where are you?! The bomb is right here!"
  • Cortana (COM): "The clock's tickin', Chief. Get down here!"
  • Cortana (COM): "Chief, over here, next to the bomb!"
  • Cortana (COM): "Ask yourself this question right now: Is doing what I am right now helping Cortana stop this station from blowing into tiny, tiny bits?"
  • Cortana (COM): "Just a friendly reminder: Bomb."
  • Cortana (COM): "If this thing goes off, I am NEVER talking to you again!"

The Chief takes a route under the hangar bay through MAC Storage, and encounters another lance of Covenant. As he nears the opposite side of the corridor, two Stealth Sangheili emerge. The Chief kills them.

While the Chief is fighting his way to the bomb, the Cairo Defense Coordinator starts issuing evacuation orders.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All non-combat personnel to pressure zones."

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All hands to pressure zones."

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All non-combat personnel report to evacuation stations!"

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All hands, report to evacuation stations!"

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All hands, we are abandoning the station!"

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "All personnel, prepare to abandon the station!"

As the Chief returns to the armory, he finds the Master Gunnery Sergeant firing a shotgun at a pair of Sangheili. Exactly what he says to them differs depending on what the difficulty level is set to.

  • Master Gunnery Sergeant (Easy or Normal): "Get the hell out of my armory, split-lip! Oh God—!"
  • Master Gunnery Sergeant (Heroic): "Call your friends! I got enough ammo for all of 'ya!"
  • Master Gunnery Sergeant (Legendary): "Come on, is that a weapon or a flashlight? Oh, dangit—!"

The Master Gunnery Sergeant is hit by bolts of plasma and dies. The Chief proceeds upstairs and eliminates his Sangheili killers.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Fireteams to Habitat Delta."

(Later)

(Later)

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "I need a squad in Habitat Delta!"

The Chief exits the Armory and enters Commons B-01, which has been completely overrun by the Covenant. The alien forces have set up multiple plasma turrets which cover the room and assorted Covenant infantry lurk in the corridors.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Hang on, everyone!"

The station shakes again, as another Boarding Craft is attached.

The Chief fights his way through the Commons, moves up a flight of stairs, and enters Security B-01, where he dispatches another lance of Covenant.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Fireteams to Terminal 2."

The Chief exits Security B-01 and enters the Tram station where Commander Keyes, Sergeant Johnson, and a couple Navy officers are engaged in a firefight just outside a docking umbilical leading to the In Amber Clad.

  • Cairo Defense Coordinator (Loudspeaker): "Alert! Boarders in Port Dry dock!"
  • Sergeant Johnson: "Come on, Chief, this way!"
  • Commander Keyes: "I was almost on board when they showed up."
  • Sergeant Johnson: "Don't worry, ma'am, we're on it."

Once they clear the area of Covenant:

  • Commander Keyes: "Thanks, Chief. I owe you one."

A second lance of Covenant appears from another umbilical at the end of the corridor. After the Chief and his allies kill the intruders, the Chief enters the umbilical.

If the player stalls:

  • Johnson: "Get going. I'll cover the Commander."

Authorized Personnel Only[edit]

The Chief exits the station through an airlock and fights several Sangheili Rangers in the vacuum of space.

  • Cortana (COM): "Sir, boarders have breached the fire control center. They have a bomb."
  • Lord Hood (COM): "Can you defuse it?"
  • Cortana (COM): "Yes, but I'll need the Chief's help to make contact with the detonator."
  • Lord Hood (COM): "Chief, get to the bomb, double time! Cortana, prioritize targets and fire at will."

The Master Chief re-enters Cairo Station through Portside Shipping, where he is met by Marines near a cargo container. There is a loud buzzing sound and a swarm of Yanme'e appear. The Chief and the Marines eliminate the swarm.

  • Fleet Admiral Harper (COM): "First Echelon, you're with me, blanket those cruisers, take ‘em out one by one. Second Echelon, keep those carriers busy."
  • Cortana (COM): "Registering all hostile vessels inside the kill zone. Thirteen cruisers, two assault carriers. I'm going loud!"

The station's MAC gun begins firing at the Covenant fleet.

A loading platform full of Covenant troops rises from below. The Chief kills them all and rides the platform down to an airlock. He gets off the platform and enters the airlock. The internal door closes behind him and the external door leading outside opens up.

  • Fleet Admiral Harper (COM): "The carriers are breaking through, sir! They're heading straight for the Cairo!"
  • Lord Hood (COM): "Cortana! Concentrate your fire on the first carrier. Admiral, do what you can against the second."
  • Fleet Admiral Harper (COM): "Everyone, form up. Follow my lead!"

The Master Chief watches through the open airlock as a massive Covenant Assault Carrier accelerates right past the Cairo and towards Earth, making the entire station shake.

  • Cortana (COM): "The first carrier completely ignored us, sir! Blew through the Malta's debris field and headed straight for Earth!"

After crossing the MAC's recoil arm in vacuum and killing several more Sangheili Rangers - including one manning a plasma turret, the Chief re-enters the station through another airlock.

Return to Sender[edit]

The Chief takes an elevator down to the fire control center.

  • Cortana (COM): "Just so you know, there are quite a few Elites guarding the bomb. You may need to get creative."

The Chief arrives at fire control, where a sizable group of Sangheili (one of whom is dual wielding a plasma rifle and Needler) and Unggoy are guarding the bomb. The station shakes again. Outside the window, the Chief can see the second carrier bypassing the Cairo, following the first carrier down to Earth.

Once the Chief clears the room of the Covenant guarding the bomb:

{Cutscene} {Anniversary Cutscene}

Cortana's holographic avatar appears on a pedestal near the bomb.

  • Cortana: (urgently) "Me. Inside your head. Now."

The Master Chief touches the pedestal, and Cortana downloads directly into his armor. He steps over to the bomb, and touches the flashing red activation pad at its center. It blinks and turns blue. The threat is neutralized.

  • John-117: "How much time was left?"
  • Cortana: "You don't want to know."
  • Commander Keyes (COM): "Cairo, this is In Amber Clad."

The view changes to the bridge of In Amber Clad, where Commander Keyes and Sergeant Johnson are present. Keyes is now wearing her service uniform and Johnson is fully geared up in Marine armor.

  • Commander Keyes: "The carrier's shield is down. I'm in position and ready for immediate assault."

The view goes back to Cairo's bridge, showing Lord Hood alone. (In the Anniversary, there is another officer with him.)

  • Lord Hood: "Negative, Commander. Not against a ship that size. Not on your own."
  • John-117 (COM): "Sir..."

The view changes back to the bay, where the Chief is waiting with one hand on the bomb.

  • John-117: "...Permission to leave the station."

The view returns to Cairo's bridge.

  • Lord Hood: (distractedly) "For what purpose, Master Chief?"
  • John-117 (COM): "To give the Covenant back their bomb."

Hood pauses to think, and then agrees.

  • Lord Hood: "Permission granted."
The Master Chief drags the bomb to the lift leading to the airlock.

In the bay, the Chief grabs the bomb by two of its pointy protrusions and drags it across the floor, causing sparks to erupt as it scrapes across the metal plating. He drags it into an elevator, and ascends.

  • Cortana: "I know what you're thinking, and it's crazy."
  • John-117: "So, stay here."
  • Cortana: "Unfortunately for us both... I like crazy."

The elevator reaches an empty Longsword launch bay, and the Chief steps out, watching through the huge bay door. A Seraph fighter flies by, pursued by two Longswords (Original version only). The UNSC fleet streams down toward Earth, chasing the Covenant ships. The Master Chief then steps up to the door's release handle, which drops down above him.

  • Cortana: "Just one question. What if you miss?"
  • John-117: (calmly) "I won't."

The Master Chief pulls down the handle and the bay doors cycle open, the bay decompressing rapidly. Debris lifts off the floor and hurtles into space, and the bomb slowly begins to slide toward the doors, scratching sparks across the floor. The Chief grabs hold of it as it passes, and is pulled out into space.

In free-fall, the Chief descends in the general direction of northern Africa. The first carrier is miles below him, too far to reach. The second carrier passes right below his position, and opens up with an energy projector, narrowly missing him. A cruiser rockets below him and takes an Energy projector round right through its spine, explosions lighting all over its hull (In the Anniversary, the cruiser is hit by the same energy projector beam that narrowly misses the Chief). The Master Chief plummets past it, watching as its engines fail and try to relight themselves.

A pair of Longsword fighters dive past him, and make a strafing run on the carrier. They open fire on the carrier, and make a staccato beat of fire along the back of the carrier, allowing the Chief to slip through the narrow hole the blasts have created.

The carrier's center is a huge, open chamber, a massive fusion core casting white light across its inner surface. The carrier has taken a lot of abuse; the far side of the chamber is torn open, showing the Earth outside. The Master Chief crawls up the bomb, presses its activation panel, and spins around. His legs flex, and he vaults off the bomb, aiming for the split in the carrier's armor.

With the carrier destroyed, the Chief hurtles himself towards the waiting UNSC In Amber Clad.

He plummets from the carrier, straight for Earth, as behind him minor blue explosions flicker up and down the alien warship. A pause, and the entire ship detonates in a huge plasma conflagration.

As the Chief falls towards Africa, the In Amber Clad passes beneath him, matching trajectories.

Inside the In Amber Clad's bridge, Johnson and Keyes watch a tactical display. A thud resounds throughout the ship, and Johnson and Keyes look up.

Johnson looks at Keyes and grins.

  • Johnson: "For a brick... he flew pretty good!"
  • Commander Keyes: "Chief, get inside, gear up. We're taking this fight to the surface."

In Amber Clad banks hard and dives towards the Earth's atmosphere, and a massive, gray city along the East African coast comes into view.

Level ends.

Achievements[edit]

The following achievements can be unlocked on Cairo Station across the Windows Vista and Halo: The Master Chief Collection editions of Halo 2: Anniversary. The original Xbox release of Halo 2 did not contain achievement unlocks.

Halo 2 (Windows Vista) Halo: MCC (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S) Halo: MCC (Steam) Title Unlock requirement Games
H2V Achievement Cairo Station.png
HTMCC H2A Achievement Cairo Station achievement art
HTMCC H2 Achievement Steam Cairo Station.jpg
Cairo Station
Beat Cairo Station on any difficulty.
Halo 2 (Windows Vista)
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
N/A
HTMCC H2A Achievement Don't Hangar Around achievement art
Steam Achievement Icon for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection - Halo 2: Anniversary achievement Don't Hangar Around
Don't Hangar Around
Beat the par time on Cairo Station.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
N/A
HTMCC H2A Achievement Bomb Squad achievement art
Steam Achievement Icon for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection - Halo 2: Anniversary achievement Bomb Squad
Bomb Squad
Beat the par score on Cairo Station.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
N/A
HTMCC H2A Achievement Curious achievement art
Steam Achievement Icon for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection - Halo 2: Anniversary achievement Curious
Curious
Activate Terminal 1 on Cairo Station.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
N/A
HTMCC H2A Achievement Skulltaker Halo 2: Thunderstorm achievement art
Steam Achievement Icon for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection - Halo 2: Anniversary achievement Skulltaker Halo 2: Thunderstorm
Skulltaker Halo 2: Thunderstorm
Find and claim the Thunderstorm Skull.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
N/A
HTMCC H2A Achievement The Return of Megg achievement art
HTMCC H2A Achievement Steam The Return of Megg.jpg
The Return of Megg
She's not picking up.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Production notes[edit]

Halo 2[edit]

The level was known in development simply as "spacestation".[2] While the station is static in the game, it was originally going to be mobile and move itself around constantly to align its main gun on targets. The player was also supposed to be able to take control of the station's MAC gun.[3]

Originally, Bungie had planned a level after Cairo Station, in which the Master Chief would land on a Covenant ship, break in, and destroy it from the inside out. This was shown in the Halo 2 Announcement Trailer, when the Chief jumped out of the airlock without the bomb. However, because of deadlines, the level was cut from the final game.[4]

Master Chief launching towards the Day of Jubilation and the Solemn Penance in an early version of the Return to Sender cutscene.

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

For the Anniversary remake of the level, it was originally planned to have Cairo's position over Earth adjusted. The Return to Sender cutscene for example was to take place over Eastern and Central Europe as opposed to Northern Africa and the Mediterranean in the final version.[5]

Trivia[edit]

Glitches[edit]

  • It is possible to get inside of the boarding ships by walking to the corner of the shield barrier, then walking into the barrier and jumping. This may take a few tries to successfully complete. Inside there is only a crate. When the player exits the craft, there is another glitch: the enemies that the player fought when they entered the room will respawn directly behind them.
  • It is possible to reach areas that are supposed to be inaccessible to the player in this level.
  • In the sub-level "Return to Sender", it is possible to be pushed through the wall by standing in front of the moving firing pin. The player will be pushed forward at an incredible speed directly into the wall. After running into the wall, the wall will appear as a textured line that is incredibly thin. After seeing this, they will fall through the wall, to their death.
  • It is possible to fall below the MAC gun's pump. If the player tries to jump on the middle of the MAC at the end of the level, it will launch them out of the station. Sometimes, the player will hit an invisible barrier stopping them from getting to the scenery.
  • If the player kills the Drones as the elevator is rising, one of their bodies might get caught on the edge of the elevator and look as if it's falling indefinitely.
  • If the player melees the Grunts operating the turrets in the Pelican bay, sometimes their bodies get stuck through the floor and can be seen underneath.
  • It is possible to see the outside of a Covenant boarding craft on this level up close. Just before the player enters the first elevator, they can use one of the structures near the edge to jump to a lower ledge, where they can view a craft.
  • There is some odd dialog where Miranda Keyes would say "Thanks, Chief. I owe you one. Take me now!" [citation needed]
  • When the player reaches the armory and sees one of the stair doors is closed, they can get on top of the door, which should be going up the ceiling. When the door closes, they will fall through the door and be back to normal instead of dying.
  • It is possible to get into the airlock room Master Chief jumps out of. On the chapter "Return to Sender", the player can walk up to where the firing pin shoots forward, walk up to the front track, and when the pin moves forward, the Chief's body will fall through the floor and down to the airlock below.
  • When the player gets outside of the Station, it is possible to get inside the FFG-142 In Amber Clad's reactors.
  • Right when the level begins, Johnson's commemorative hat can be found lying on a case by heading down the stairs and looking to the right; if the player melees the case, the hat will be floating about one meter above the ground, as if the case were still there.
  • Right after killing the Elites with jet packs for the first time, the player can walk to the left of the area they came from instead of walking to the area where they're supposed to go and hop onto a nearby platform, which will lead them to getting on top of most closed in areas they had previously walked through. It is impossible to get on top of the tower.
  • It is possible to have two Sergeant Johnsons in the same place. The one that appears at the start of the level can be meleed to the area right before "Authorized Personnel Only" where another one is waiting. This is easier if the player has an Energy Sword because, if left alone for any amount of time, Johnson will run backwards.
  • On the elevator that leads to the bomb room, if the player keeps running into the diagonal doors they can see not only the outside of the elevator, but also the lower half of John-117's body running up against the wall.
  • At the very beginning of the level, unlike in The Armory, it is possible to zoom the HUD while unarmed. However, while zooming unarmed the edges of the screen do not darken in the shape of the Mark VI visor like they normally do. Instead, the entire screen remains bright. Although the motion sensor disappears, the grenade counters remain visible.
  • If the player gets to the airlock quickly enough after they save Keyes & Johnson and kill the first wave of enemies (specifically before Keyes says "Thanks Chief. I owe you one."), the second wave of enemies which normally appear (Grunts and an Elite) will not spawn. A similar glitch is found in Regret.
  • Occasionally, a female Marine will spawn under the Pelican in the first Hangar bay and will be killed as soon as she spawns.
  • While the Chief is outside the station, all sounds save those made by his MJOLNIR armour are muffled, reflecting the silent nature of the vacuum of space. This muffling effect is not present, however, when Halo 2 is played on an Xbox 360 or when playing Halo 2 (Windows Vista).
  • If a Marine is killed and falls into the area before the MAC Round storage area, their body will disappear when the loading point is changed.
  • During the part where the player meets up with Johnson and Miranda, they can melee attack one of them into the airlock where they proceed to the bomb. They will not die from the vacuum and can be strong allies due to their invincibility.
  • It is possible to get friendly AI outside into space. They will not die despite not having any way to breathe in space.
  • Occasionally, Cortana will spontaneously prompt the Chief to hurry up, even if the player is not actually stalling.

Mistakes[edit]

  • Although Sergeant Johnson receives a medal in the ceremony before the mission and it is seen being placed on his chest, on the actual mission, it does not appear on his uniform except for the Purple Heart.
  • Despite Johnson's claim that the MAC platforms are geo-synchronized with their respective cities, if the player looks out of the Cairo Station's windows, Cairo itself is over 1000 miles from Cairo, Egypt; the city it is supposedly geo-synchronized with.
  • In Halo 2, when Thel 'Vadamee was bound to the energy cuffs, his elbows were at chest level, while his wrists were at face level. After his armor was removed, his elbow was at face level, and his wrists were above his head.
  • Although the MJOLNIR armor system has only 90 minutes worth of oxygen, the player can stay in vacuum indefinitely.
  • If the player kills the enemies while in the vacuum of space they can still hear them scream upon death. This is impossible, since sound cannot travel through space due to a lack of air.

Easter eggs[edit]

  • The Thunderstorm Skull is located in this level.
  • Johnson's cigar is also found in this level, but it is put out, unlike in the Armory level, the cigar was lit up and smoke could be seen. The player can see this if they find the Thunderstorm Skull on this level.
  • It is possible to hear Lord Hood saying something on the intercom about Megg in this level.
  • Also on the chapter "Return to Sender", the player can find one surviving Marine. To do this, they must enter the room underneath the firing pin and walk away from the Elites' position. Here, they should find a lone Marine survivor, armed with a Battle Rifle or an SMG. The Marine is a different model every time.
  • This level contains the only Halo 2 Marine model covered in wounds and blood. He is found in the first Pelican hangar and is usually without a helmet.
  • The Cairo Station console message can be found on several consoles throughout the level.
  • The first terminal is one of the computer consoles located in Cairo Station's Armory A-01, on the wall to the left of the doors leading into Commons B-01. The console's screen flashes "INCOMING MESSAGE" in red.

References[edit]

Miscellaneous[edit]

Miranda scowls at the Chief for injuring her.
  • If the player melees or shoots Commander Keyes, she grimaces in pain and glares at the player resentfully.
  • In the final fight by the bomb, if the player kills the Covenant forces in the right positions, it's possible for the bomb to move their bodies around while being dragged in the cutscene.
  • In this level, and in others like The Armory or Outskirts, the player can see some equipment cases, where there is written information about some UNSC equipment such as Marine helmets and body armor. The information shows their weight and the number of items included in the case.
  • In the room where the bomb is, the player can find a Marine hiding in the back from the Covenant.
  • This level features a music piece that didn't make it onto either volume of the soundtrack. It is played in the Armory and Commons Area B-01, after the player kills the two Elites that killed the Master Gunnery Sergeant. This "lost song" reappears on the level Gravemind.
  • In the airlocks at the top and bottom of the elevator platform, and the Port shipping bay are four ODST bodies (one at the top, one in the Port shipping bay, two at the bottom.) These are the only ODSTs seen in the level. This is also the first in-game appearance of ODST armor.
  • The machine gun turret used by Johnson at the beginning of the level sometimes will not be usable, although the player can order Johnson to stay away from it.
  • At the point in the level when you meet up with Miranda and Johnson, located up the stairs that lead to the tram station there is a large, unexplained blood splatter on the wall and floor. This is only visible in classic mode on Halo 2: Anniversary.

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

Halo 2[edit]

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo 2 Editing Kit, game file H2EK\tags\scenarios\solo\01b_spacestation\01b_spacestation.scenario
  2. ^ EDGE magazine, October 2004, page 51
  3. ^ Picasa: Paul Russel > Halo2 Cairo Station Concepts 1/11
  4. ^ Halo 3 Essentials: Disc 2; Halo 2 Cinematics Commentary
  5. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, cinematic trailer
Preceded by
The Armory
Halo 2 Campaign Missions
Cairo Station
Succeeded by
Outskirts