A data crystal chip, often referred to as a data crystal,[1] a memory crystal,[2] or a data chip,[3] is a human file storage and transfer device akin to 21st-century flash drives. Composed of silicon and crystal,[4] a data chip can store immense amounts of data, such as the Riemann matrix of an artificial intelligence. Although most data chips are the size of a small matchbook,[5] some may be smaller than a thumb.[6] A pea-sized data crystal chip variant is used to store "micro" AIs, like Jerrod. They are compatible with a laptop's auxiliary reader port and can connect to the laptop's holographic projector.[7]
Background
Data crystal chips are often used to store data that cannot be sent via wireless transmissions because of the data's sensitive or complex nature. They are used by the UNSC to store navigation and weapons data as well as strategic and tactical intelligence.[8]
A relatively common storage medium for the Riemann matrix of an artificial intelligence construct — from "micro" AIs to starship-grade "smart" AIs — a data crystal can be considered the physical entity of an AI.[4] "Smart" AIs of high importance have a matrix fail-safe that will either destroy the data crystal or render it useless when activated.[2] Despite this, Doctor Catherine Halsey's personal AI, Kalmiya, was able to reconstruct a fragment of erased information from trace ionization that was taken from Araqiel's data chip, after Halsey initiated his fail-safe.[9]
With the Mark V and subsequent versions of the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor, a data crystal chip containing an AI matrix can be inserted into the Spartan wearer's neural interface; this allows the AI and Spartan to synchronize on a mental level, fine-tuning the supersoldier's reflexes to an even greater degree.[10][11] A data crystal chip may also be physically inserted into the systems of a Covenant fleet warships or military space stations to allow the AI to infiltrate the ship's battle network and take control of the ship's systems.[12][13] When a smart AI, Black-Box, was inserted into the systems of Pious Inquisitor, the AI instantly absorbed all the ship's information in the vessel's data banks and transferred it to his data chip.[14] Data crystal chips can also be inserted into numerous terminals and consoles on Forerunner structures, including Installation 04[15] and Requiem.[16] An armored matrix may be used to transport and protect an AI's data crystal chip; this is often done when no holotank is available.[17]
Trivia
Though Cortana's data crystal chip is featured prominently in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 3, and Halo 4, her method of transfer varies between each game. In Halo: Combat Evolved, Cortana's matrix is transferred only when the chip is directly inserted into an access port. In Halo 2, Cortana is capable of transferring from the MJOLNIR Mark VI's gauntlets to any electronic system in close proximity without using the chip. The chip returns in Halo 3, though Cortana is seen transferring herself remotely to and from the device, much as she did via the suit's gauntlets in Halo 2. Halo 4 reintroduces the direct-insertion system from Halo: Combat Evolved, despite Cortana having upgraded the suit since the events of Halo 3. This may be do to Cortana's deteriorating state of rampancy, as at one point she mentions being "unable to move on her own".
Gallery
Captain Jacob Keyes holding a data crystal chip in Halo: Combat Evolved.
Keyes holding a data crystal chip in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.
John-117 holding Cortana's data crystal chip.
Cortana transferring into a data crystal chip.
Cortana's data crystal chip in an armored matrix.
A data chip beside the body of Professor Laszlo Sorvad.
Cortana's data crystal chip on a dog tag chain.
List of appearances
Sources
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 402 (2010 edition)
- ^ a b Halo: First Strike, page 157 (2010 edition)
- ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 211
- ^ a b Halo: Glasslands, page 225
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 265
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 13
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 147
- ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Mona Lisa", page 169
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 159 (2010 edition)
- ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 252 (2001 edition)
- ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
- ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 219
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 77 (2010 edition)
- ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 225
- ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Assault on the Control Room
- ^ Halo 4, campaign level Requiem
- ^ Halo: The Flood, page 317 (2003 edition); page 354 (2010 edition)