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{{Ratings}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Planet
{{Planet
|image=[[Image:Halowars shieldworld official.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:Halowars shieldworld official.jpg|300px]]
|name= Flood-controlled Shield World
|name= Unknown
|star, position= Unknown
|star, position=
|moon(s)=
|moon(s)=
|satellite(s)=  
|satellite(s)=  
|gravity=
|gravity=
|atmosphere= Oxygen-Nitrogen gas
|diameter=Approx. 2900 kilometers<ref group="note">According to a hologram of the Shield World in the final cinematic of Halo Wars, the distance from an exit portal to the sun (i.e. the Shield World's interior radius) in the center is 1,437,572.31 meters (1437.6 km). This would make the diameter of the installation to be approximately 2875 kilometers.</ref>
|atmosphere= [[Oxygen]]-[[nitrogen]] gas
|surface temperature=  
|surface temperature=  
|species= Flood, various animal species
|species= Flood, various animal species
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This '''Flood-controlled Shield World''' was a [[Forerunner]] [[Shield World|Shield Installation]] deep in [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Milky Way Galaxy #Covenant|space]]. A variation upon the Shield World concept, originally intended to protect sentient lifeforms from the effects of the [[Halo Array]], it also served as a [[The Apex|port]] for a fleet of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner Ships]].
This '''Flood-controlled Shield World''' was a [[Forerunner]] [[Shield World|Shield Installation]] deep in [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Milky Way Galaxy #Covenant|space]]. A variation upon the Shield World concept, originally intended to protect sentient lifeforms from the effects of the [[Halo Array]], it also served as a [[The Apex|port]] for a fleet of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner Ships]].


== Summary ==
The installation's purpose was to protect lifeforms within it from the [[Halo Array]] and the [[Flood]], and also serve as a port for a massive fleet of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner ships]]. Despite the fact that the Shield Worlds were created as a haven from the Array and the Flood, the external surface was heavily infested with Flood biomass, with forms of various types freely roaming across the surface. Sentinels were a rarity on the outside, but this changed within the center, where the many Forerunner constructs worked to prevent the Flood from claiming the interior as well, without much effect.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' levels ''[[Beachhead (Halo Wars Level)|Beachhead]]'', ''{{Levelname|Reactor}}'' and ''{{Levelname|Escape}}''</ref>
The installation's purpose was to protect lifeforms within it from the [[Halo Array]] and the [[Flood]], and also serve as a port for a massive fleet of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner ships]].  
[[File:Halo_Wars_shield_world_Matte_by_JJasso-1-.jpg|thumb|246px|Surface panorama]]
Despite the fact that the Shield Worlds were created as a haven from the Array and the Flood, the external surface was heavily infested with Flood biomass, with forms of various types freely roaming across the surface. Sentinels were a rarity on the outside, but this changed within the center, where the many Forerunner constructs worked to prevent the Flood from claiming the interior as well, without much effect.<ref>''[[Halo Wars]]''</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2C7ZvAXOZU</ref>


== Structure ==
== Structure ==
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This [[Shield World]]'s main structure consisted of the outer surface, the superstructure and tunnel system inside the crust, and the inner [[Micro Dyson Sphere]], along with it's own miniaturized [[Astroengineering #Stars|artificial sun]]. The outer surface, as well as parts of the superstructure, were largely infested with the [[Flood]]. Some of the Flood even reached to the interior of the world through openings like [[Flood Vent|vents]], but because of the larger numbers of [[Sentinels]], never managed to fully infest it.
This [[Shield World]]'s main structure consisted of the outer surface, the superstructure and tunnel system inside the crust, and the inner [[Micro Dyson Sphere]], along with it's own miniaturized [[Astroengineering #Stars|artificial sun]]. The outer surface, as well as parts of the superstructure, were largely infested with the [[Flood]]. Some of the Flood even reached to the interior of the world through openings like [[Flood Vent|vents]], but because of the larger numbers of [[Sentinels]], never managed to fully infest it.


The ecosystems of the interior and the exterior were radically different, the outer surface being a rocky wasteland with large bodies of water and Flood biomass in some areas. The atmosphere was thick with dust, which may have been a defensive measure to disable starships and prevent them from carrying the Flood off-world.<ref>[[Halo Wars Timeline Events]]</ref>. Parts of the superstructure were also seen on the surface, with chasms reaching deep down into the interior.
The ecosystems of the interior and the exterior were radically different, the outer surface being a rocky wasteland with large bodies of water and Flood biomass in some areas. The atmosphere was thick with dust, which may have been a defensive measure to disable starships and prevent them from carrying the Flood off-world.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events]]'''</ref> Parts of the superstructure were also seen on the surface, with chasms reaching deep down into the interior.


The inner Dyson Sphere was completely terraformed and full of plant and animal life, much like the [[Halo Array|Halo installations]] or [[The Ark]]. It also featured different types of Forerunner structures, which in many places were more prominent on the surface than on other Forerunner installations. In the center of the Micro Dyson Sphere there was a miniaturized [[Astroengineering #Stars|artificial star]]. The inner surface had latitudinal lines of structures encircling the sphere. Like many other Forerunner installations, this Shield World possessed a [[Teleportation Grid]].
The inner Dyson Sphere was completely terraformed and full of plant and animal life, much like the [[Halo Array|Halo installations]] or [[The Ark]]. It also featured different types of Forerunner structures, which in many places were more prominent on the surface than on other Forerunner installations. In the center of the Micro Dyson Sphere there was a miniaturized [[Astroengineering #Stars|artificial star]]. The inner surface had latitudinal lines of structures encircling the sphere. Like many other Forerunner installations, this Shield World possessed a [[Teleportation Grid]].
On this Shield World, there were several unique installations not seen on other Forerunner megastructures.


=== Access Tunnels ===
=== Access Tunnels ===
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Within the tunnels inside the superstructure, there was a cleansing system, which prevented the Flood from entering the interior. This quarantine system consisted of several "Cleansing Rings", which created energy fields within their diameter, which would destroy any Flood biomass on a passing ship.
Within the tunnels inside the superstructure, there was a cleansing system, which prevented the Flood from entering the interior. This quarantine system consisted of several "Cleansing Rings", which created energy fields within their diameter, which would destroy any Flood biomass on a passing ship.
On the interior, these portals had six interlocks that needed to be opened in order to unlock the access to the tunnel, and they could only be operated by a [[Reclaimer|human]].
On the interior, these portals had six interlocks that needed to be opened in order to unlock the access to the tunnel, and they could only be operated by a [[Reclaimer|human]].
[[Image:Fascination.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[The Apex]] control center.]]
 
=== The Apex ===
=== The Apex ===
{{Main|The Apex}}
{{Main|The Apex}}
The Apex site was an installation comprised of a control center on a platform high above the inner surface of the Shield World, and numerous docking towers containing a fleet of Forerunner Ships. The control center was accessible from the ground by a teleporter referred to as Apex Base site, which was on top of a plateau with a series of ramps leading up to it.  
The Apex site was an installation comprised of a control center on a platform high above the inner surface of the Shield World, and numerous docking towers containing a fleet of Forerunner Ships. The control center was accessible from the ground by a teleporter referred to as Apex Base site, which was on top of a plateau with a series of ramps leading up to it.  
=== Other Facilities ===
This Shield World also features smaller structures not seen elsewhere. These include miniature [[Sentinel Constructor Factory|sentinel production facilities]] referred to as [[Sentinel Shop]]s, small [[Forerunner Bonus Reactor|reactors]], as well as [[Forerunner Supply Elevator|elevators that ferry]] [[supplies]].


==History==
==History==
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{{quote|This world shall be the [[The Apex|birthplace]] for an [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|invasion fleet]] beyond imagining!|[[Prophet of Regret]]}}
{{quote|This world shall be the [[The Apex|birthplace]] for an [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|invasion fleet]] beyond imagining!|[[Prophet of Regret]]}}


This Shield World was discovered by the [[Covenant]] many years prior to the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref>"The Day Before", Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, pg50</ref> While the Covenant could access it, they weren't able activate its most important installation: [[The Apex]], which contained a massive fleet of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner ships]], locked in place and unreachable with Covenant technology.  
The Shield World was discovered by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] in [[2531]] using information from [[Arcadia Forerunner Ruins|a Forerunner complex]] on the planet [[Arcadia (Planet)|Arcadia]]. After recovering the information, the [[Arbiter (Title)|Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] and the [[Prophet of Regret]] traveled to the Shield World, to discover the Apex site and the dormant Forerunner fleet. With the [[Human-Covenant War]] ongoing, the Covenant hoped to use the Shield World's stored warships to crush the [[UNSC]] quickly, rather than wage the protracted war that would characterize the Human-Covenant War. However, they soon discovered that while they were able to access the installation, they weren't able to reactivate the fleet.<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''"The Halo Wars story retold"'' series</ref>
 
After the war with the [[humans]] began, the Covenant hoped to use the Shield World's stored [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner warships]] to crush the [[UNSC]] quickly, rather than wage the protracted war that would characterise the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The need to find a key to unlock the world had taken precedence over all other tasks, even the search for the [[Halo Array|rings]].<ref>"The Day Before", Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, pg50</ref>
 
[[File:HW21.png|thumb|right|The ''Spirit of Fire'' emerges from an access tunnel.]]
In [[2531]], when the Covenant were searching to find a key to activate the Shield World's installations, they came across [[Relic (Structure)|a Relic]] on [[Harvest]], a human colony they had recently [[Glassing|glassed]]. The [[Prophet of Regret]] hoped this would finally be the key to activate the Apex installation, and sent the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]] to secure the relic, and find the key.
 
However, the structure on Harvest was revealed to be something different: A map room of nearby star systems. The map led the Covenant, and the UNSC support vessel, {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} in pursuit, to [[Arcadia (Planet)|Arcadia]], another human colony. They found several [[Arcadia Forerunner Ruins|Forerunner ruins]] on the planet<ref>[[Scarab (Level)]]</ref>, but not the key to activate the [[The Apex|installation]].


While the [[UNSC]] and the Covenant forces were fighting on Arcadia, the Arbiter had traveled back to the [[Shield World]]. The Prophet of Regret ordered the Arbiter to go to Arcadia and capture [[Professor Anders]], as she seemed to have unusual knowledge about the [[Forerunners]].<ref>Halo Wars cutscene, "Unusually Quiet"</ref>
After the Covenant had observed professor [[Ellen Anders]] activating the [[Relic (Structure)|Forerunner relic]] on [[Harvest]], the Prophet of Regret ordered the Arbiter to go to Arcadia and capture the human scientist, as she seemed to have unusual knowledge about the [[Forerunners]]. The Arbiter went back to Arcadia, captured Anders and brought her to the Shield World.  
The Arbiter went back to Arcadia, captured Anders and brought her to the Shield World.  


=== Battle ===
=== Battle ===
[[File:ShieldWorldDestruction2.png|thumb|200px|Destruction of the Shield World.]]
{{Main|Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World}}
{{Main|Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World}}
<i>The Spirit of Fire</i> followed the Covenant in close pursuit, tracking Anders' transponder signal. When <i>The Spirit of Fire</i> arrived to the Shield World, a new horrific enemy was discovered: [[the Flood]]. Some time later, when <i>The Spirit</i>'s shipboard [[AI]] [[Serina]] scanned the planet for Anders' signal, which seemed to be originating from an ocean, the ship was suddenly pulled into the Shield World's internal docking mechanism. After passing the tunnels inside the installation's superstructure, <i>The Spirit of Fire</i> emerged into the internal [[Micro Dyson Sphere]].
The ''Spirit of Fire'' followed the Covenant in close pursuit, tracking Anders' transponder signal. When the ''Spirit of Fire'' arrived to the Shield World, a new horrific enemy was discovered: [[the Flood]]. Some time later, when the ''Spirit'''s shipboard [[AI]] [[Serina]] scanned the planet for Anders' signal, which seemed to be originating from an ocean, the ship was suddenly pulled into the Shield World's internal docking mechanism. After passing the tunnels inside the installation's superstructure, the ''Spirit of Fire'' emerged into the internal [[Micro Dyson Sphere]].
[[Image:ShieldWorldDestruction2.png|thumb|Destruction of the Shield World.|right|200px]]
 
{{quote|Well, put simply, Captain, our reactor will cause the sun to go supernova, leaving nothing here but dust.| [[Ellen Anders]] to captain [[James Cutter]].}}
Some time later, the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]] used Anders, who had been kept prisoner within [[the Apex]], to activate the fleet of Forerunner ships. However, as the awestruck Elites watched the fleet's activation, Anders managed to escape via the installation's [[Teleportation Grid]] and regroup with the other humans. She quickly came up with a plan to prevent the Covenant from using the Forerunner fleet: They overloaded <i>The Spirit of Fire</i>'s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] to create a chain reaction in the [[Astroengineering #Stars|artificial sun]] in the center of the Shield World, sending it to [[supernova]] state and destroying it from within. <i>The Spirit of Fire</i> was able to escape the Shield World's destruction.


==Comparison with the [[Onyx]] Installation==
{{quote|Well, put simply, Captain, our reactor will cause the sun to go supernova, leaving nothing here but dust.|[[Ellen Anders]] to captain [[James Cutter]].}}
Unlike Onyx, which was made up of trillions of [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]], from which a planetary surface had formed, and a massive [[Micro Dyson Sphere|Dyson Sphere]] residing in a compressed [[Slipspace]] bubble in the center of the construct, this [[Shield World]] was far simpler: A hollow structure with planetary surfaces on the interior and exterior.
Some time later, the Arbiter used Anders, who had been kept prisoner within [[the Apex]], to activate the fleet of Forerunner ships. However, as the awestruck Elites watched the fleet's activation, Anders managed to escape via the installation's [[Teleportation Grid]] and regroup with the other humans. She quickly came up with a plan to prevent the Covenant from using the Forerunner fleet: They overloaded the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] to create a chain reaction in the [[Astroengineering#Stars|artificial sun]] in the center of the Shield World, sending it to [[supernova]] state and destroying it from within. The ''Spirit of Fire'' was able to escape the Shield World's destruction.


The internal [[Micro Dyson Sphere]] was somewhat similar to Onyx's Dyson Sphere, being terraformed and possessing an artificial sun, though it and the entire structure were on a far smaller scale. However, unlike Onyx, it was not designed as a bomb shelter from the [[Halo Array]], but as some sort of harbor, shipyard or hiding place for ships, as it contains [[The Apex]].
==Comparison with the Onyx Installation==
 
Unlike [[Onyx]], which was made up of trillions of [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]], from which a planetary surface had formed, and a massive [[Micro Dyson Sphere|Dyson Sphere]] residing in a compressed [[Slipspace]] bubble in the center of the construct, this [[Shield World]] was far simpler: A hollow structure with planetary surfaces on the interior and exterior. The internal [[Micro Dyson Sphere]] was somewhat similar to Onyx's Dyson Sphere, being terraformed and possessing an artificial sun, though it and the entire structure were on a far smaller scale. However, unlike Onyx, it was not designed as a bomb shelter from the [[Halo Array]], but as some sort of harbor, shipyard or hiding place for ships, as it contains [[The Apex]]. While this Shield World appears to be approximately 2900 kilometers in diameter, Onyx's internal Dyson Sphere's diameter is approximately 150 million kilometers.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 380''</ref>
While this [[Shield World]] appears to be approximately 2900 kilometers in diameter<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8lxRH9zqWw</ref>, Onyx's internal Dyson Sphere's diameter is approximately 150 million kilometers.<ref>Ghosts of Onyx</ref>


As this Shield World had dozens of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner ships]] stored within it, it is unknown whether the same is true for the Onyx Installation.
As this Shield World had dozens of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner ships]] stored within it, it is unknown whether the same is true for the Onyx Installation.
{{Wide Image|Halo wars big panorama by JJasso-1-.jpg|1200px|Panorama of the outer surface.}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*In the cutscenes that show the inner surface of the Shield World, lines of [[Forerunner]] structures can be seen across the land. These could possibly be Forerunner cities.
*In the cutscenes that show the inner surface of the Shield World, lines of [[Forerunner]] structures can be seen across the land. These could possibly be Forerunner cities.
*While in the pre-rendered cinematics the lines on the inner surface of the Shield World are latitudinal, they are longitudinal in-game in the level [[Repairs]]. The appearance of the surface is also different. However, this is probably just due to in-game graphical limitations.
*While in the pre-rendered cinematics the lines on the inner surface of the Shield World are latitudinal, they are longitudinal in-game in the level [[Repairs]]. The appearance of the surface is also different. However, this is probably just due to in-game graphical limitations.
*According to a hologram of the Shield World in the final cinematic of Halo Wars, the distance from an exit portal to the sun in the center is 1,437,572.31 meters (1437.6 km). This makes the diameter of this [[Micro Dyson Sphere]] to be approximately 2875 kilometers.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8lxRH9zqWw</ref>
*The concept of a hollow planet, with a habitable inner surface, is similar to that of a [[Wikipedia:Globus Cassus|Globus Cassus]], a proposal to use the [[Earth]] as building materials to build an enormous hollow megastructure around Earth.
*The concept of a hollow planet, with a habitable inner surface, is similar to that of a [[Wikipedia:Globus Cassus|Globus Cassus]], a proposal to use the [[Earth]] as building materials to build an enormous hollow megastructure around Earth.
*Multiple new variants of [[Sentinels]] are seen on this Shield World, such as [[Super Sentinel]]s and [[Sentinel Protector]]s.
*Multiple new variants of [[Sentinels]] are seen on this Shield World, such as [[Super Sentinel]]s and [[Sentinel Protector]]s.
*Wrecks of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner Ships]] can be seen on the outer surface of the Shield World, indicating a possible battle between the Forerunners and the [[Flood]].
*Wrecks of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner Ships]] can be seen on the outer surface of the Shield World, indicating a possible battle between the Forerunners and the [[Flood]].
*It is likely that the [[Flood]] on the Shield World, prior to Covenant arrival, were made up of biomass from [[Forerunner]] bodies.
*It is likely that the [[Flood]] on the Shield World, prior to Covenant arrival, were made up of biomass from [[Forerunner]] bodies.
*It is unknown if some of the smaller structures present on the shield world, including miniature [[Sentinel Constructor Factory|sentinel production facilities]] referred to as [[Sentinel Shop]]s, small [[Forerunner Bonus Reactor|reactors]], as well as [[Forerunner Supply Elevator]]s, are part of the canon or simply gameplay elements in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Shieldogram.png|A [[Holography|hologram]] of the Shield World.
File:Shieldogram.png|A [[Holography|hologram]] of the Shield World.
Image:SofInShieldWorld.png|{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} inside the Shield World's superstructure.
File:SofInShieldWorld.png|{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} inside the Shield World's superstructure.
Image:ShieldW_Surface_Closeup.png| The [[Flood]]-infested outer surface of the Shield World.
File:ShieldW_Surface_Closeup.png| The [[Flood]]-infested outer surface of the Shield World.
Image:RepairsOpening.png|The Spirit of Fire emerging into the interior of the structure.
File:RepairsOpening.png|The Spirit of Fire emerging into the interior of the structure.
Image:HW25.png|The Shield World's internal star, before going supernova.
File:HW25.png|The Shield World's internal star, before going supernova.
File:HW21.png|thumb|right|The ''Spirit of Fire'' emerges from an access tunnel.
File:Shield World Portal.jpg|The Shield World Portal that the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} must exit through.
File:Shield World Portal.jpg|The Shield World Portal that the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} must exit through.
File:Halo wars big panorama by JJasso-1-.jpg|Panorama of the outer surface.
File:Halo_Wars_shield_world_Matte_by_JJasso-1-.jpg|Surface panorama.
File:Fascination.jpg|[[The Apex]] control center.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Related Links==
==Notes==
* [[The Apex]]
<references group="note"/>
* [[Micro Dyson Sphere]]
* [[Shield World]]


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references/>
==Related Links==
*[[The Apex]]
*[[Micro Dyson Sphere]]
*[[Shield World]]


{{Forerunner2}}
{{Forerunner2}}

Revision as of 04:35, June 24, 2010

Template:Ratings Template:Planet This Flood-controlled Shield World was a Forerunner Shield Installation deep in Covenant space. A variation upon the Shield World concept, originally intended to protect sentient lifeforms from the effects of the Halo Array, it also served as a port for a fleet of Forerunner Ships.

The installation's purpose was to protect lifeforms within it from the Halo Array and the Flood, and also serve as a port for a massive fleet of Forerunner ships. Despite the fact that the Shield Worlds were created as a haven from the Array and the Flood, the external surface was heavily infested with Flood biomass, with forms of various types freely roaming across the surface. Sentinels were a rarity on the outside, but this changed within the center, where the many Forerunner constructs worked to prevent the Flood from claiming the interior as well, without much effect.[1]

Structure

The Shield World's inner surface.

This Shield World's main structure consisted of the outer surface, the superstructure and tunnel system inside the crust, and the inner Micro Dyson Sphere, along with it's own miniaturized artificial sun. The outer surface, as well as parts of the superstructure, were largely infested with the Flood. Some of the Flood even reached to the interior of the world through openings like vents, but because of the larger numbers of Sentinels, never managed to fully infest it.

The ecosystems of the interior and the exterior were radically different, the outer surface being a rocky wasteland with large bodies of water and Flood biomass in some areas. The atmosphere was thick with dust, which may have been a defensive measure to disable starships and prevent them from carrying the Flood off-world.[2] Parts of the superstructure were also seen on the surface, with chasms reaching deep down into the interior.

The inner Dyson Sphere was completely terraformed and full of plant and animal life, much like the Halo installations or The Ark. It also featured different types of Forerunner structures, which in many places were more prominent on the surface than on other Forerunner installations. In the center of the Micro Dyson Sphere there was a miniaturized artificial star. The inner surface had latitudinal lines of structures encircling the sphere. Like many other Forerunner installations, this Shield World possessed a Teleportation Grid.

Access Tunnels

File:HW FR Architecture2 S-1-.jpg
The Shield World's tunnel system.

The surface of the Shield World had multiple access portals, which could be used to gain access to the Shield World. Most of them were likely hidden, for example covered under large bodies of water, such as the one the UNSC Spirit of Fire used to enter the Shield World. The access portals were seemingly automated, and controlled by an AI. Within the tunnels inside the superstructure, there was a cleansing system, which prevented the Flood from entering the interior. This quarantine system consisted of several "Cleansing Rings", which created energy fields within their diameter, which would destroy any Flood biomass on a passing ship. On the interior, these portals had six interlocks that needed to be opened in order to unlock the access to the tunnel, and they could only be operated by a human.

The Apex

Main article: The Apex

The Apex site was an installation comprised of a control center on a platform high above the inner surface of the Shield World, and numerous docking towers containing a fleet of Forerunner Ships. The control center was accessible from the ground by a teleporter referred to as Apex Base site, which was on top of a plateau with a series of ramps leading up to it.

History

The Spirit of Fire above the outer surface.

"This world shall be the birthplace for an invasion fleet beyond imagining!"
Prophet of Regret

The Shield World was discovered by the Covenant in 2531 using information from a Forerunner complex on the planet Arcadia. After recovering the information, the Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee and the Prophet of Regret traveled to the Shield World, to discover the Apex site and the dormant Forerunner fleet. With the Human-Covenant War ongoing, the Covenant hoped to use the Shield World's stored warships to crush the UNSC quickly, rather than wage the protracted war that would characterize the Human-Covenant War. However, they soon discovered that while they were able to access the installation, they weren't able to reactivate the fleet.[3]

After the Covenant had observed professor Ellen Anders activating the Forerunner relic on Harvest, the Prophet of Regret ordered the Arbiter to go to Arcadia and capture the human scientist, as she seemed to have unusual knowledge about the Forerunners. The Arbiter went back to Arcadia, captured Anders and brought her to the Shield World.

Battle

Destruction of the Shield World.
Main article: Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World

The Spirit of Fire followed the Covenant in close pursuit, tracking Anders' transponder signal. When the Spirit of Fire arrived to the Shield World, a new horrific enemy was discovered: the Flood. Some time later, when the Spirit's shipboard AI Serina scanned the planet for Anders' signal, which seemed to be originating from an ocean, the ship was suddenly pulled into the Shield World's internal docking mechanism. After passing the tunnels inside the installation's superstructure, the Spirit of Fire emerged into the internal Micro Dyson Sphere.

"Well, put simply, Captain, our reactor will cause the sun to go supernova, leaving nothing here but dust."
Ellen Anders to captain James Cutter.

Some time later, the Arbiter used Anders, who had been kept prisoner within the Apex, to activate the fleet of Forerunner ships. However, as the awestruck Elites watched the fleet's activation, Anders managed to escape via the installation's Teleportation Grid and regroup with the other humans. She quickly came up with a plan to prevent the Covenant from using the Forerunner fleet: They overloaded the Spirit of Fire's Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine to create a chain reaction in the artificial sun in the center of the Shield World, sending it to supernova state and destroying it from within. The Spirit of Fire was able to escape the Shield World's destruction.

Comparison with the Onyx Installation

Unlike Onyx, which was made up of trillions of Sentinels, from which a planetary surface had formed, and a massive Dyson Sphere residing in a compressed Slipspace bubble in the center of the construct, this Shield World was far simpler: A hollow structure with planetary surfaces on the interior and exterior. The internal Micro Dyson Sphere was somewhat similar to Onyx's Dyson Sphere, being terraformed and possessing an artificial sun, though it and the entire structure were on a far smaller scale. However, unlike Onyx, it was not designed as a bomb shelter from the Halo Array, but as some sort of harbor, shipyard or hiding place for ships, as it contains The Apex. While this Shield World appears to be approximately 2900 kilometers in diameter, Onyx's internal Dyson Sphere's diameter is approximately 150 million kilometers.[4]

As this Shield World had dozens of Forerunner ships stored within it, it is unknown whether the same is true for the Onyx Installation.

Trivia

  • In the cutscenes that show the inner surface of the Shield World, lines of Forerunner structures can be seen across the land. These could possibly be Forerunner cities.
  • While in the pre-rendered cinematics the lines on the inner surface of the Shield World are latitudinal, they are longitudinal in-game in the level Repairs. The appearance of the surface is also different. However, this is probably just due to in-game graphical limitations.
  • The concept of a hollow planet, with a habitable inner surface, is similar to that of a Globus Cassus, a proposal to use the Earth as building materials to build an enormous hollow megastructure around Earth.
  • Multiple new variants of Sentinels are seen on this Shield World, such as Super Sentinels and Sentinel Protectors.
  • Wrecks of Forerunner Ships can be seen on the outer surface of the Shield World, indicating a possible battle between the Forerunners and the Flood.
  • It is likely that the Flood on the Shield World, prior to Covenant arrival, were made up of biomass from Forerunner bodies.
  • It is unknown if some of the smaller structures present on the shield world, including miniature sentinel production facilities referred to as Sentinel Shops, small reactors, as well as Forerunner Supply Elevators, are part of the canon or simply gameplay elements in Halo Wars.

Gallery

Notes


Sources

Related Links

Template:Forerunner2