Aktis IV
HE13 Aktis IV.jpeg
Astrographical

System:

Aktis system[1]

Orbital position:

Second planet[1]

Physical

Atmosphere:

Oxygen-nitrogen

 

Aktis IV, also known as F309-R 2 by the Forerunners,[2] is the provisional designation for a planet outside of the human Outer Colonies in the Aktis system, a system previously uncharted by the Unified Earth Government. [1]

Overview

Astronomical

Aktis IV is located in the Aktis system, beyond the borders of human space. The system contains an asteroid field.[3]

Environmental

The planet has surface conditions habitable to humans, consisting of a large ocean with scattered island continents, including an equatorial archipelago. The surface of the ocean is covered by an opaque, foamy substance of unidentified composition, which is largely impenetrable to radar analysis.[1][2]

Ecological

Aktis IV features lush jungle vegetation at its equatorial region, including broadleaf trees, aerial and terrestrial moss, various broad-leafed and slender-stemmed ground-dwelling plants, various low-growing grasses, and climbing vines capable of supporting the weight of a crashed D79-TC Pelican.[4] The tropical nature of this flora suggests frequent rainfall.

History

Ancient history

Aktis IV was once part of the Forerunner ecumene. Forerunners of several rates were on the planet to study the foamy substance of the planet's oceans due to its tactical applications in space warfare.[2] The Forerunners had left behind some structures and a shrine on the surface of the planet.[1]

Post-war

 
Infinity engaging Jul's forces over the planet's oceans.
Main article: Battle of Aktis IV

Jul 'Mdama's Covenant established a base of operations in the shrine with only a skeleton force to guard the outside.[1]

On July 18, 2558, UNSC Infinity was trapped in the Aktis system over the planet while on a survey mission to establish a research base. Intent on obtaining the other half of the Janus Key, Jul 'Mdama's Covenant used a Forerunner artifact to interfere with the engines of Infinity to prevent the vessel from leaving the system.[3] Discovering a potential source of interference on the planet, Captain Thomas Lasky deployed a recon team consisting of two D79-TC Pelicans and three GA-TL1 Longswords to Aktis IV's surface. The team arrived on a forest island that was located in the northern part of a equatorial archipelago. Commander Sarah Palmer led Fireteam Majestic and Spartan Naiya Ray to the shrine and eliminated the Covenant skeleton force. Once Doctor Henry Glassman was brought to the island, a Forerunner artifact was found in the structure. Upon discovering that the Janus Key was seemingly compatible with the artifact, Glassman had the UNSC's half of the Key delivered to the island for further research. However, the artifact had been created by 'Mdama and Doctor Catherine Halsey to bring the other half of the Key to the island. However, 'Mdama's ambush was ruined when Sali 'Nyon and his rogue splinter group shot down the UNSC aircraft carrying the Key, and 'Nyon took the UNSC's half for himself.[1]

The conflict continued for over seven hours, with Infinity engaged by 'Mdama's fleet while Sali 'Nyon's rebellion raged on in the Covenant's ranks. One member of 'Nyon's faction grew disillusioned with the rebellion, stole 'Nyon's Janus Key half, and offered it to 'Mdama's forces. Dr. Halsey, escorted by 'Mdama's Sangheili, traveled to the planet to reclaim the Key. Meanwhile, the Spartans in the Forerunner structure managed to use the local teleportation grid to travel to the surface, splitting into two groups with different destinations. Palmer's team translocated to the jungle with the intent of ambushing Halsey while the other team, led by Spartan Grant, took a portal to the other side of the island where UNSC reinforcements had been deployed.[5] Palmer successfully captured Halsey but the doctor managed to escape with the Janus Key. Meanwhile, 'Mdama successfully eradicated all of Sali 'Nyon's followers on Aktis IV, ending the rebellion. Jul had Halsey retrieved and the two recombined the halves of the Janus Key, revealing the location of the Absolute Record. With the battle concluded, both the Covenant and the UNSC left the planet.[6]

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Halo: Escalation, issue 14
  2. ^ a b c Halo: The Machine Breaks
  3. ^ a b Halo: Escalation, issue 13
  4. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 15
  5. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 15
  6. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 16