The Flood Dispersal Pod[1] is a Flood dissemination mechanism seen only in Halo 3.
In essence, and in practice, the Flood Dispersion Pod is the equivalent of the HEV drop pods used by UNSC ODSTs and Orbital Insertion Pod used by Sangheili Special Forces. Rather than encasing its occupant(s) in protective Titanium-A and lead, the dispersal pod uses Flood biomass to shape the pod and protect the occupant from the stresses of orbital deployment.
Large dispersal Pods were deployed by High Charity as the Gravemind arrived with its armada at the Installation 00, scattering Flood forces all over the artificial world, delivering significant numbers of Combat Forms to the surface[2]. It is presumed that the Flood infestation was spread across the unfinished Installation 04 (II). It is also unlikely that the pods have a navigation system. Later, after the destruction of High Charity, more pods were used to deliver Combat Forms to the Control Room of the new Halo built by the Ark[3], in an attempt by the Gravemind to stop the Halo's activation. They are similar to the Proto Flood species in appearance, but obviously not in size. It might be possible that a Proto Gravemind evolves into a dispersal pod. Or the pods might simply be based on captured knowledge of Human Entry Vehicle pods and the covenant Orbital Insertion Pods.
Trivia
- Flood Dispersal Pods resemble larger forms of the Flood growth pods/spores seen in Cortana.
- They are only seen in Halo 3 in the level "Halo". It is also unique for the Flood Dispersal Pods to come from the air instead of underground.
- If viewed in slow motion in theatre mode, the camera can actually go through them revealing that they are hollow, but as they hit the ground and pop, a Flood Combat Form is spawned from the point of impact. (This was most likely done to make them less "glitch prone". Or because it is easier, and coming from a financial standpoint, cheaper).
- These large drop pods resemble a small [Aquatic Form] of the Flood on The Oracle.
- It is believed by some that the Pod itself is a triggered growth of a Flood, triggered by Gravemind so they are not killed on impact. Due to the use of this skill, it could be explained that it is one time only, hence not making small shields out of it.
- More than 1 Combat Form can fit in these pods.
Sources
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