Fall of High Charity: Difference between revisions
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{{Title|Battle of ''High Charity''}} | {{Title|Battle of ''High Charity''}} | ||
{{Era|HCW}} | {{Era|HCW}} | ||
{{Quad battle infobox | {{Quad battle infobox | ||
|prev=[[Battle of Mombasa]] | |prev=[[Battle of Mombasa]] | ||
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|next=[[Battle of Mare Erythraeum]] | |next=[[Battle of Mare Erythraeum]] | ||
|name=Battle of ''High Charity'' | |name=Battle of ''High Charity'' | ||
|image=[[ | |image=[[File:H2 High Charity Orbital Battle.jpg|350px|High Charity]] | ||
|conflict=[[Great Schism]], [[Human-Covenant War]] | |conflict=[[Great Schism]], [[Human-Covenant War]] | ||
|date=[[2552#November|November 2nd-November 3rd]], [[2552]] | |date=[[2552#November|November 2nd-November 3rd]], [[2552]] | ||
|place=''[[High Charity]]'' | |place=''[[High Charity]]'' | ||
|result=Strategic Flood victory | |result='''Strategic Flood victory''' | ||
*High Charity assimilated by the Flood. | *''High Charity'' assimilated by the Flood. | ||
*Prophet of Mercy killed, leading to the reforming the Covenant leadership into dictatorship | *Prophet of Mercy killed, leading to the reforming the Covenant leadership into dictatorship | ||
*Covenant leadership inevitably disorganized later on | *Covenant leadership inevitably disorganized later on | ||
*Cortana captured by the Gravemind | *Cortana captured by the Gravemind | ||
Covenant loyalist tactical victory | '''Covenant loyalist tactical victory''' | ||
*Covenant loyalist forces manage to inflict heavy casualties on the Flood and the Covenant separatists | *Covenant loyalist forces manage to inflict heavy casualties on the Flood and the Covenant separatists | ||
*Successful in escaping the Flood onslaught to continue the Covenant assault on Earth | *Successful in escaping the Flood onslaught to continue the Covenant assault on Earth | ||
*Fail to achieve their strategic goal of defending High Charity. | *Fail to achieve their strategic goal of defending High Charity. | ||
Minor UNSC victory | '''Minor UNSC victory''' | ||
*[[John-117]] returns to [[Earth]] aboard [[Forerunner Dreadnought]]. | *[[John-117]] returns to [[Earth]] aboard [[Forerunner Dreadnought]]. | ||
|side1=[[Covenant Empire]] | |side1=[[Covenant Empire]] | ||
| Line 60: | Line 58: | ||
*Some carrier forms | *Some carrier forms | ||
*All Flood ships except [[Unidentified Flood-captured battlecruiser|one]] | *All Flood ships except [[Unidentified Flood-captured battlecruiser|one]] | ||
|casual4=* | |casual4=*All Marines POWs | ||
*Cortana stranded on ''High Charity''}} | *Cortana stranded on ''High Charity''}} | ||
{{Quote|Rise, pack brothers! Cast down the Elites!|Tartarus}} | |||
The '''Battle of ''High Charity''''' was a large battle for the control of the Covenant capital world ''[[High Charity]]'' among the [[Covenant Empire]], the [[Covenant separatists]], limited [[United Nations Space Command]] forces, and later, [[the Flood]]. The battle marked several significant events, including the start of the [[Great Schism]], [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]]'s pursuit of the [[Prophet of Truth]] to [[Earth]], and the Flood invasion and infestation of ''High Charity''. | The '''Battle of ''High Charity''''' was a large battle for the control of the Covenant capital world ''[[High Charity]]'' among the [[Covenant Empire]], the [[Covenant separatists]], limited [[United Nations Space Command]] forces, and later, [[the Flood]]. The battle marked several significant events, including the start of the [[Great Schism]], [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]]'s pursuit of the [[Prophet of Truth]] to [[Earth]], and the Flood invasion and infestation of ''High Charity''. | ||
| Line 67: | Line 66: | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
===The Fracturing of the Covenant=== | ===The Fracturing of the Covenant=== | ||
With the [[Jiralhanae]], who directly competed with the [[Sangheili]], slowly gaining the favor of the [[San 'Shyuum | With the [[Jiralhanae]], who directly competed with the [[Sangheili]], slowly gaining the favor of the [[San 'Shyuum]] Hierachs, it was only a matter of time before the latter were overthrown and open warfare began between the two parties. Recent failures of the Sangheili leading up to the battle, including the loss of [[Installation 04]] and the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret]] by the UNSC, damaged the reputation of the Sangheili and further empowered and emboldened the Jiralhanae. These events spurred the [[Changing of the Guard]], giving the Jiralhanae the duty of protecting the Prophets - an honor traditionally held by the Sangheili, further damaged their reputation and position within the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Sacred Icon]]''</ref> | ||
Recent failures of the Sangheili leading up to the battle, including the loss of [[Installation 04]] and the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret]] by the UNSC, damaged the reputation of the Sangheili and further empowered and emboldened the Jiralhanae. These events spurred the [[Changing of the Guard]], giving the Jiralhanae the duty of protecting the Prophets - an honor traditionally held by the Sangheili, further damaged their reputation and position within the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Sacred Icon]]''</ref> | |||
===Battle of Installation 05=== | ===Battle of Installation 05=== | ||
{{Main|Battle of Installation 05}} | {{Main|Battle of Installation 05}} | ||
The Prophet of Regret's wayward [[Battle of Earth|mission]] to Earth brought ''High Charity'', John-117 and the {{UNSCship|In Amber Clad}} to Installation 05. The subsequent assassination of Regret by John-117 on November 2, 2552, shocked the entire Covenant ruling structure. The Sangheili-controlled fleet's attempt to kill John-117 from orbit had failed and instead threw him into the clutches of the Gravemind.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret]]''</ref> After the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] successfully acquired Installation 05's [[activation index]] from the [[Library]], [[Tartarus]] attempted to execute him by firing a burst from his [[Fist of Rukt]] at the Arbiter and knocking him into the depths of the Library, which was revealed to be Gravemind's location. Tartarus then took the Index and [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson]] as prisoners back to ''High Charity'' where the Hierarchs waited.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> | |||
===Gravemind=== | ===Gravemind=== | ||
With the index in the hands of the Covenant, and as ignorant as they might be to the true purpose of the Halos, they were fully intent on firing them - an act that would prove fatal to the Gravemind should it occur. As such, the Gravemind knew that it must not be activated, and for that he brought John-117 and the Arbiter together. After persuading the Arbiter of Halo's true power, he sent John-117 to ''High Charity'' and the Arbiter to the local installation's [[Control Room]] - the two most likely places for the Index to be. He then prepared to bring the other part of his plan into action - the invasion of ''[[High Charity]]''.<ref name="gm">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> | |||
==Battle== | ==Battle== | ||
=== | ===Opening skirmish=== | ||
[[File:Master Chief Takes on Brute.jpg|thumb|225px|John-117 engages a [[Jiralhanae Captain]] in combat.]] | |||
{{Quote|The Demon has infiltrated the Council Chamber?! Protect the Hierarchs! Seal the exits!|Tartarus commanding his Jiralhanae on loudspeakers.<ref name="gm"/>}} | |||
= | It was unknown when the battle started, as signs of the [[Great Schism]] was evident on [[Earth]] as early as October 20.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign level ''[[Tayari Plaza (level)|Tayari Plaza]]''</ref> However, it's clear that the [[High Charity defense fleet]] was in chaos by the time John-117 arrived at ''High Charity''. Sangheili-controlled ships were engaging Jiralhanae-controlled ships over the Holy City, decimating the number of ships protecting the city. In the [[Council Chamber]], Truth, with Mercy next to him, was giving a speech to the Covenant acknowledging the release of the Flood and announcing Tartarus' successful acquisition of the "sacred icon". As Truth's speech drew to a close, John-117 was teleported into the room by the Gravemind, appearing right beside the Unggoy who was filming the speech. He acquired the Unggoy's [[Type-33 needler|Needler]] and aimed it at the Hierarchs, but the Jiralhanae protected the Prophets in order for them to escape.<ref name="gm"/> | ||
Tartarus sent [[lance]]s to secure the Council Chamber, but the Spartan prevailed. John-117 inserted Cortana into <nowiki>''High Charity''</nowiki>'s security systems so she could open the doors to the room. She then opted to remain in the system as she felt it would provide her the greatest opportunity to aid him. With the Index clearly in the possession of the Prophet of Truth, the Spartan chased after the fleeing Prophet. Shortly after beginning his hunt, Cortana noted that there were Marine transponders near the Master Chief's position. After raiding the prisons, five Marines joined the Spartan in his hunt for the Prophet.<ref name="gm"/> | |||
Shortly after beginning his hunt, Cortana noted that there were Marine transponders near the Master Chief's position. After raiding the prisons, five Marines joined the Spartan in his hunt for the Prophet. | |||
===The Great Schism begins=== | ===The Great Schism begins=== | ||
[[File:Hanging gardens A.jpg|thumb|275px|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] faces off with a [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman]].]] | |||
{{Quote|The Elites have failed to protect the Prophets, and in doing so, have put all our lives at risk. Let no warrior forget his oath, "Thou, in faith, shall keep us safe, whilst we find the Path". With my blessing, the Brutes now lead our fleets! They ask for your allegiance, and you shall give it.|Prophet of Truth making announcements throughout the city<ref name="gm"/>}} | |||
Soon thereafter the Marines were rescued by the Master Chief and the Prophet of Truth declared that the Jiralhanae were now in charge of the stationed Covenant fleets. The Jiralhanae, under the support of [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Yanme'e]], then instigate a genocide of the Sangheili, as secretly ordered by Truth. The Sangheili warriors retaliated with the assistance of [[Mgalekgolo]] and even [[Sangheili Councilor]]s while [[Unggoy]] pledged their allegiances to both sides. As John-117 and his marines followed Truth, they bore first-hand witness to the fracturing of the Covenant, sometimes opting to watch as the two sides fought rather than becoming directly involved. The Jiralhanae focused on attacking Sangheili in the towers of the city, then spread out to the lower levels. The Sangheili that survived the initial betrayal retreated from the [[Valleys of Tears]] and [[Hanging Gardens]] to the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]] to make a last stand, supported by many Mgalekgolo and Unggoy. The causeway leading to the Mausoleum became a battlefield choked with dead from both sides. However, the Jiralhanae were eventually able to push through, and fighting spread to the central chamber of the Mausoleum itself. The arrival of John-117 and the surviving Marines led to elimination on both sides.<ref name="gm"/> | |||
===Invasion of the Flood === | |||
== | |||
[[File:Fingers Crossed.jpg|right|thumb|Master Chief discusses options with Cortana. {{UNSCship|In Amber Clad}}, the Flood's vector into ''High Charity'' can be seen in the background.]] | [[File:Fingers Crossed.jpg|right|thumb|Master Chief discusses options with Cortana. {{UNSCship|In Amber Clad}}, the Flood's vector into ''High Charity'' can be seen in the background.]] | ||
{{Quote|[[Slipstream space|Slipspace]] rupture. It's '' | {{Quote|[[Slipstream space|Slipspace]] rupture. It's ''In Amber Clad''! Hailing... No response. She's crashed into another tower ahead of our position. I'll keep trying to make contact, but I'm not registering any human vital signs.|Cortana to John-117 after witnessing the frigate flying over them.<ref name="gm"/>}} | ||
Sometime later, {{UNSCship|In Amber Clad}} entered ''High Charity'' via Slipspace, flying across the City before crashing into a tower. Cortana tried to contact the ship but registered no life signs on board | Sometime later, {{UNSCship|In Amber Clad}} entered ''High Charity'' via Slipspace, flying across the City before crashing into a tower. Cortana tried to contact the ship but registered no life signs on board, as the frigate had been captured by the Flood and it was they who had flown it in. The various short-range crafts it possessed launched and spread the Flood infection throughout the city.<ref name="gm"/> [[D77-TC Pelican]]s carrying Flood forms flew over the city, further escalating the infection. <ref name="hc">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[High Charity (level)|High Charity]]''</ref> | ||
{{Quote|The Great Journey awaits no one, brother...not even you.|[[Prophet of Truth]] talking to Mercy as the latter suffers from a Flood infection form.<ref name="gm"/>}} | |||
[[File:Death of Mercy.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Prophet of Mercy]] is killed by an [[Flood infection form|Infection Form]].]] | [[File:Death of Mercy.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Prophet of Mercy]] is killed by an [[Flood infection form|Infection Form]].]] | ||
Shortly after the battle in the Mausoleum, Truth made it to his escape Phantom and handed the Index over to Tartarus to incept the [[Covenant religion|Array's process]]. Tartarus prepared to take the Index along with [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] prisoners Commander Keyes and Sergeant Major Johnson to Installation 05 to activate the Halo. Before they could leave, however, Flood infection forms attacked them. Tartarus and Jiralhanae Honor Guards tried to defend the Prophets of Truth and Mercy, but one of the infection forms got through their screen and landed on Mercy. When Tartarus tried to remove the Infection Form, Truth ordered him to let the Prophet die so Truth himself could be the lone Hierarch ruling the Covenant.<ref name="gm"/> A surprised Tartarus proceeded down to the surface with Commander Keyes.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref> | |||
===Closing=== | |||
[[File:Ship8.jpg|thumb|300px|The Forerunner Dreadnought leaves ''High Charity'' while the ships from the defense fleet continue to engage in combat.]] | |||
{{Quote|This crisis will not be the end of us. It is but one last hurdle before the Journey and salvation!|Prophet of Truth as he retreats to his Dreadnought.<ref name="hc"/>}} | |||
By the time John-117 had reached the Prophet of Mercy, the Prophet was nearly dead and the Marines he had rescued had similarly fallen. In his interrogation of the Prophet, he learned that the Prophet of Truth was fleeing towards Earth. Cortana determined that Truth was heading towards the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] which stood in the middle of the City. With the Arbiter still on Installation 05 and Cortana stating that she could detonate <nowiki>''In Amber Clad''</nowiki>'s reactors if it was needed to destroy the Halo installation, John-117 proceeded to follow Truth and attempted to board his ship before it left. However, Cortana chose that she couldn't trust the fail-safe detonation of ''In Amber Clad'' to any copy of herself and had to remain behind. With Cortana stalling the launch of the Forerunner Dreadnought, John-117 barely made to the Dreadnaught in time through the [[conduit]]. Before he left, the Chief promised to come back for Cortana.<ref name="hc"/> | |||
Since the Forerunner Dreadnought served as the power source to ''High Charity'', most of the lightings shut down as a result of the Dreadnaught leaving the city's power grid. The large body count from the battle became a source of creating more Flood forms, which tilted the battle in their favor as [[Flood growth pod]]s began growing on surfaces and the city's atmosphere became polluted by Flood spores. As Flood forms swarmed the Tower District, the Covenant loyalists led by the Jiralhanae was overrun after the separatists were wiped out.<ref name="hc"/> The [[Flood carrier form]]s spread the Flood infection to certain ships in the fleet, bringing both loyalists and separatists to the attention of a need to contain the infection.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 197''</ref> Consequently, the Sangheili fleet set up a quarantine perimeter around ''High Charity'' as well as Installation 05 to prevent any Flood-controlled ship from leaving the system.<ref name="fg">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref> | |||
==Aftermath== | ==Aftermath== | ||
===The Great Schism=== | ===The Great Schism=== | ||
The battle became the first major battle of the Great Schism. Warships around ''High Charity'' continued to fight well after the battle on the surface of ''High Charity'' itself was over. However, whether the battle's outcome would have any lasting impact on the outcome of the Great Schism is currently unknown. That said, the fact that neither side was able to acquire control of ''High Charity'' likely limited any major gains that were to be had.<ref name="hc"/> | |||
The battle became the first battle of the Great Schism. Warships around ''High Charity'' continued to fight well after the battle on the surface of ''High Charity'' itself was over. However, whether the battle's outcome would have any lasting impact on the outcome of the Great Schism is currently unknown. That said, the fact that neither side was able to acquire control of ''High Charity'' likely limited any major gains that were to be had.<ref name="hc"/> | |||
===Tartarus and the Index=== | ===Tartarus and the Index=== | ||
Tartarus eventually arrived to the [[Control Room]] with Miranda Keyes and began the firing sequence for Installation 05. However, the Chieftain | Tartarus eventually arrived to the [[Control Room]] with Miranda Keyes and began the firing sequence for Installation 05. However, the Chieftain fell to the Arbiter and the firing sequence was aborted, putting all remaining Halo Installations into standby mode, readying them for a final activation from [[Installation 00]].<ref name="gj">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> | ||
===The Prophet of Truth and John-117=== | ===The Prophet of Truth and John-117=== | ||
The | The Prophet of Truth and John-117 eventually reached Earth and participate in the [[Battle of Earth]]. Upon its arrival, [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] ordered the ship to be destroyed, but John-117 identified that he was aboard the ship and wanted to finish the fight.<ref name="gj"/> The Spartan failed to assassinate Truth aboard the ship,<ref>'''[[Halo: Uprising]]'''</ref> which led to his breakout and eventual landfall to Earth's surface.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Arrival]]''</ref> | ||
The | |||
===Cortana=== | ===''High Charity'' and Cortana=== | ||
The Flood eventually gained full control of ''High Charity'' and the Gravemind took up residence in the fortress, turning the city into a massive [[Flood hive]]. He resided in the Prophet's Council Chamber, using it as his "control room."<ref name="gj"/> Cortana, who was stranded in High Charity's computer systems, was questioned by the Gravemind who interrogated and tortured her.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''Human Weakness''</ref> This drove her to the point of [[rampancy]], but she managed to send a message to Earth and hold onto [[Activation Index|an important secret]].<ref name="fg"/> Although the Forerunner Dreadnought decoupled from the city, the Flood managed to transport the ''High Charity'' to Installation 00 via slipspace during the [[Battle of the Citadel]]. The city crashed on to the surface, spreading Flood infection and adding chaos to the final battle of the Human-Covenant war.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> After Truth's death, John 117 [[Raid on High Charity|returned]] to the city to rescue Cortana, destroying the city by overloading its reactors, which caused it to go critical and detonate.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Cortana (level)|Cortana]]''</ref> | |||
==List of appearances== | ==List of appearances== | ||
Revision as of 13:35, March 9, 2014
- "Rise, pack brothers! Cast down the Elites!"
- — Tartarus
The Battle of High Charity was a large battle for the control of the Covenant capital world High Charity among the Covenant Empire, the Covenant separatists, limited United Nations Space Command forces, and later, the Flood. The battle marked several significant events, including the start of the Great Schism, SPARTAN John-117's pursuit of the Prophet of Truth to Earth, and the Flood invasion and infestation of High Charity.
Background
The Fracturing of the Covenant
With the Jiralhanae, who directly competed with the Sangheili, slowly gaining the favor of the San 'Shyuum Hierachs, it was only a matter of time before the latter were overthrown and open warfare began between the two parties. Recent failures of the Sangheili leading up to the battle, including the loss of Installation 04 and the assassination of the Prophet of Regret by the UNSC, damaged the reputation of the Sangheili and further empowered and emboldened the Jiralhanae. These events spurred the Changing of the Guard, giving the Jiralhanae the duty of protecting the Prophets - an honor traditionally held by the Sangheili, further damaged their reputation and position within the Covenant.[1]
Battle of Installation 05
- Main article: Battle of Installation 05
The Prophet of Regret's wayward mission to Earth brought High Charity, John-117 and the Template:UNSCship to Installation 05. The subsequent assassination of Regret by John-117 on November 2, 2552, shocked the entire Covenant ruling structure. The Sangheili-controlled fleet's attempt to kill John-117 from orbit had failed and instead threw him into the clutches of the Gravemind.[2] After the Arbiter successfully acquired Installation 05's activation index from the Library, Tartarus attempted to execute him by firing a burst from his Fist of Rukt at the Arbiter and knocking him into the depths of the Library, which was revealed to be Gravemind's location. Tartarus then took the Index and Commander Miranda Keyes and Sergeant Major Avery Johnson as prisoners back to High Charity where the Hierarchs waited.[3]
Gravemind
With the index in the hands of the Covenant, and as ignorant as they might be to the true purpose of the Halos, they were fully intent on firing them - an act that would prove fatal to the Gravemind should it occur. As such, the Gravemind knew that it must not be activated, and for that he brought John-117 and the Arbiter together. After persuading the Arbiter of Halo's true power, he sent John-117 to High Charity and the Arbiter to the local installation's Control Room - the two most likely places for the Index to be. He then prepared to bring the other part of his plan into action - the invasion of High Charity.[4]
Battle
Opening skirmish
- "The Demon has infiltrated the Council Chamber?! Protect the Hierarchs! Seal the exits!"
- — Tartarus commanding his Jiralhanae on loudspeakers.[4]
It was unknown when the battle started, as signs of the Great Schism was evident on Earth as early as October 20.[5] However, it's clear that the High Charity defense fleet was in chaos by the time John-117 arrived at High Charity. Sangheili-controlled ships were engaging Jiralhanae-controlled ships over the Holy City, decimating the number of ships protecting the city. In the Council Chamber, Truth, with Mercy next to him, was giving a speech to the Covenant acknowledging the release of the Flood and announcing Tartarus' successful acquisition of the "sacred icon". As Truth's speech drew to a close, John-117 was teleported into the room by the Gravemind, appearing right beside the Unggoy who was filming the speech. He acquired the Unggoy's Needler and aimed it at the Hierarchs, but the Jiralhanae protected the Prophets in order for them to escape.[4]
Tartarus sent lances to secure the Council Chamber, but the Spartan prevailed. John-117 inserted Cortana into ''High Charity'''s security systems so she could open the doors to the room. She then opted to remain in the system as she felt it would provide her the greatest opportunity to aid him. With the Index clearly in the possession of the Prophet of Truth, the Spartan chased after the fleeing Prophet. Shortly after beginning his hunt, Cortana noted that there were Marine transponders near the Master Chief's position. After raiding the prisons, five Marines joined the Spartan in his hunt for the Prophet.[4]
The Great Schism begins
- "The Elites have failed to protect the Prophets, and in doing so, have put all our lives at risk. Let no warrior forget his oath, "Thou, in faith, shall keep us safe, whilst we find the Path". With my blessing, the Brutes now lead our fleets! They ask for your allegiance, and you shall give it."
- — Prophet of Truth making announcements throughout the city[4]
Soon thereafter the Marines were rescued by the Master Chief and the Prophet of Truth declared that the Jiralhanae were now in charge of the stationed Covenant fleets. The Jiralhanae, under the support of Kig-Yar and Yanme'e, then instigate a genocide of the Sangheili, as secretly ordered by Truth. The Sangheili warriors retaliated with the assistance of Mgalekgolo and even Sangheili Councilors while Unggoy pledged their allegiances to both sides. As John-117 and his marines followed Truth, they bore first-hand witness to the fracturing of the Covenant, sometimes opting to watch as the two sides fought rather than becoming directly involved. The Jiralhanae focused on attacking Sangheili in the towers of the city, then spread out to the lower levels. The Sangheili that survived the initial betrayal retreated from the Valleys of Tears and Hanging Gardens to the Mausoleum of the Arbiter to make a last stand, supported by many Mgalekgolo and Unggoy. The causeway leading to the Mausoleum became a battlefield choked with dead from both sides. However, the Jiralhanae were eventually able to push through, and fighting spread to the central chamber of the Mausoleum itself. The arrival of John-117 and the surviving Marines led to elimination on both sides.[4]
Invasion of the Flood
- "Slipspace rupture. It's In Amber Clad! Hailing... No response. She's crashed into another tower ahead of our position. I'll keep trying to make contact, but I'm not registering any human vital signs."
- — Cortana to John-117 after witnessing the frigate flying over them.[4]
Sometime later, Template:UNSCship entered High Charity via Slipspace, flying across the City before crashing into a tower. Cortana tried to contact the ship but registered no life signs on board, as the frigate had been captured by the Flood and it was they who had flown it in. The various short-range crafts it possessed launched and spread the Flood infection throughout the city.[4] D77-TC Pelicans carrying Flood forms flew over the city, further escalating the infection. [6]
- "The Great Journey awaits no one, brother...not even you."
- — Prophet of Truth talking to Mercy as the latter suffers from a Flood infection form.[4]
Shortly after the battle in the Mausoleum, Truth made it to his escape Phantom and handed the Index over to Tartarus to incept the Array's process. Tartarus prepared to take the Index along with UNSC prisoners Commander Keyes and Sergeant Major Johnson to Installation 05 to activate the Halo. Before they could leave, however, Flood infection forms attacked them. Tartarus and Jiralhanae Honor Guards tried to defend the Prophets of Truth and Mercy, but one of the infection forms got through their screen and landed on Mercy. When Tartarus tried to remove the Infection Form, Truth ordered him to let the Prophet die so Truth himself could be the lone Hierarch ruling the Covenant.[4] A surprised Tartarus proceeded down to the surface with Commander Keyes.[7]
Closing
- "This crisis will not be the end of us. It is but one last hurdle before the Journey and salvation!"
- — Prophet of Truth as he retreats to his Dreadnought.[6]
By the time John-117 had reached the Prophet of Mercy, the Prophet was nearly dead and the Marines he had rescued had similarly fallen. In his interrogation of the Prophet, he learned that the Prophet of Truth was fleeing towards Earth. Cortana determined that Truth was heading towards the Forerunner Dreadnought which stood in the middle of the City. With the Arbiter still on Installation 05 and Cortana stating that she could detonate ''In Amber Clad'''s reactors if it was needed to destroy the Halo installation, John-117 proceeded to follow Truth and attempted to board his ship before it left. However, Cortana chose that she couldn't trust the fail-safe detonation of In Amber Clad to any copy of herself and had to remain behind. With Cortana stalling the launch of the Forerunner Dreadnought, John-117 barely made to the Dreadnaught in time through the conduit. Before he left, the Chief promised to come back for Cortana.[6]
Since the Forerunner Dreadnought served as the power source to High Charity, most of the lightings shut down as a result of the Dreadnaught leaving the city's power grid. The large body count from the battle became a source of creating more Flood forms, which tilted the battle in their favor as Flood growth pods began growing on surfaces and the city's atmosphere became polluted by Flood spores. As Flood forms swarmed the Tower District, the Covenant loyalists led by the Jiralhanae was overrun after the separatists were wiped out.[6] The Flood carrier forms spread the Flood infection to certain ships in the fleet, bringing both loyalists and separatists to the attention of a need to contain the infection.[8] Consequently, the Sangheili fleet set up a quarantine perimeter around High Charity as well as Installation 05 to prevent any Flood-controlled ship from leaving the system.[9]
Aftermath
The Great Schism
The battle became the first major battle of the Great Schism. Warships around High Charity continued to fight well after the battle on the surface of High Charity itself was over. However, whether the battle's outcome would have any lasting impact on the outcome of the Great Schism is currently unknown. That said, the fact that neither side was able to acquire control of High Charity likely limited any major gains that were to be had.[6]
Tartarus and the Index
Tartarus eventually arrived to the Control Room with Miranda Keyes and began the firing sequence for Installation 05. However, the Chieftain fell to the Arbiter and the firing sequence was aborted, putting all remaining Halo Installations into standby mode, readying them for a final activation from Installation 00.[10]
The Prophet of Truth and John-117
The Prophet of Truth and John-117 eventually reached Earth and participate in the Battle of Earth. Upon its arrival, Lord Hood ordered the ship to be destroyed, but John-117 identified that he was aboard the ship and wanted to finish the fight.[10] The Spartan failed to assassinate Truth aboard the ship,[11] which led to his breakout and eventual landfall to Earth's surface.[12]
High Charity and Cortana
The Flood eventually gained full control of High Charity and the Gravemind took up residence in the fortress, turning the city into a massive Flood hive. He resided in the Prophet's Council Chamber, using it as his "control room."[10] Cortana, who was stranded in High Charity's computer systems, was questioned by the Gravemind who interrogated and tortured her.[13] This drove her to the point of rampancy, but she managed to send a message to Earth and hold onto an important secret.[9] Although the Forerunner Dreadnought decoupled from the city, the Flood managed to transport the High Charity to Installation 00 via slipspace during the Battle of the Citadel. The city crashed on to the surface, spreading Flood infection and adding chaos to the final battle of the Human-Covenant war.[14] After Truth's death, John 117 returned to the city to rescue Cortana, destroying the city by overloading its reactors, which caused it to go critical and detonate.[15]
List of appearances
- Halo 2 (First appearance)
- Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
Sources
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Sacred Icon
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level Regret
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo 2, campaign level Gravemind
- ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Tayari Plaza
- ^ a b c d e Halo 2, campaign level High Charity
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level Uprising
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 197
- ^ a b Halo 3, campaign level Floodgate
- ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
- ^ Halo: Uprising
- ^ Halo 3, campaign level Arrival
- ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, Human Weakness
- ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
- ^ Halo 3, campaign level Cortana
