Editing Jul 'Mdama's Covenant

{{Status|Canon}}
{{disambig header|the rogue splinter faction during the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] era|the original theocratic empire|Covenant}}
{{Affiliation infobox
|name=“The Covenant” 
|image={{tabcontainer
|title1=Primary|content1=[[File:DidactsHandMarking.png|100px]]
|title2=Additional|content2=[[File:H5-JulMdamasCovenantFlag.png|55px]]
}}The various symbols of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant
[[File:H4 SO Jul'Mdama with Elites.jpg|300px]]<br>'Mdama and his followers gathering to discuss plans
|type=*[[terrorism|Terrorist]] organization{{Ref/Reuse|WaypointSpartanOps7}}{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}}
*Religious cultists{{Ref/Reuse|Briefing}}
|founder=[[Jul 'Mdama]] 
|documents=
|head=The "Didact's Hand"{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}}
|executive=
|legislative=
|judicial=
|branch=
|main-title=Formed on
|main=[[Hesduros]]
|anthem=
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]
|script=Syllabary and logograms
|religion=Worship of the [[Forerunner]]s and their technology
|techlevel=
|notable=*[[Battle of Requiem|1st Requiem]]
*[[Battle of Installation 03|Gamma Halo]]
*[[Requiem Campaign|2nd Requiem]]
*[[Operation: ATHENA|Absolute Record]]
*[[Battle of Kamchatka|Kamchatka]]
*[[Sanghelios global war|Sanghelios]]
*[[Battle of Genesis|Genesis]]
|formed=[[2553#April|April 1, 2553]],<ref>[https://twitter.com/bsangel/status/715956593452560385 ''Twitter'': ''Today in Halo 4/1/2553'']</ref> after the end of the Human-Covenant War
|dissolved=[[2558#October|October 28, 2558]]
|affiliation=*[[Ur-Didact|Ur-Didact's]] [[Promethean#Mechanical Prometheans|Prometheans]]
*[[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] {{c|formerly}}
}}
{{Quote|multi=yes|q1=I thought we had a truce with [[Covenant separatists|the Covenant]].|John-117|q2=A lot can happen in four years.|Cortana|The Master Chief during his first encounter with 'Mdama's Covenant{{Ref/Level|Id=dawn|H4|[[Dawn]]}}}}

'''Jul 'Mdama's Covenant''',{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos179}} simply referred to as '''“the Covenant”''' by its followers,<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-puzzled-expression ''Halo Waypoint'': ''Canon Fodder - Puzzled Expression'']</ref><ref name="escalation5" /> was a newly created [[Covenant remnants|splinter faction]] and [[terrorism|terrorist organization]] formed from assets of the former [[Covenant|Covenant Empire]].{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointSpartanOps7|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/5c532d0f-55ff-44f6-8ad4-94e9572f8f86/spartan-ops-episode-7-trailer|LocalArchive=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213061609/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/5c532d0f-55ff-44f6-8ad4-94e9572f8f86/spartan-ops-episode-7-trailer |Site=Halo Waypoint|Quote=As Lasky confronts Halsey for her actions, the Infinity is invaded by Promethean Knights and Sangheili terrorist Jul 'Mdama gets closer to unlocking the secrets of the Librarian.}}{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}} Founded and led by [[Supreme Commander]] [[Jul 'Mdama]],{{Ref/Game|H4|Id=terminal|Detail=[[Terminal (Halo 4)|''Terminal 1'']]}} this faction continued to worship the [[Forerunner]]s while also rejecting the [[Prophet]]s for their [[Great Schism|betrayal]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=ttwchapt16|HTTW|Chapter=16}} and opposed the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] following the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. It was later bolstered by the [[Ur-Didact|Didact's]] [[Promethean]]s and fought against the [[United Nations Space Command]] during the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war era]].<ref name="Spartan Ops">''[[Spartan Ops]]''</ref> The faction lasted for five years, crumbling after Jul's death in the [[Battle of Kamchatka]] and finally falling during the [[Battle of Sunaion]].{{Ref/Game|Id=Guardians2|H5}}

Although the faction was generally recognized as a Sangheili attempted re-creation of the original Covenant and referred to as “the Covenant”,<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide ''Halo Waypoint'': ''Halo 4 Field Guide (Enemies)'']</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|escalation5}} its members were identified as cultists by the UNSC{{Ref/Book|Id=Briefing|[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]] Mission Briefing|Quote=Fireteam Majestic will aid in the initial assault on covenant cultists holding continent loc Req-931}} and the organization itself was regarded as terrorists as opposed to an empire like the original Covenant.{{Ref/Game|[[Spartan Ops|Halo 4: Spartan Ops]]|Id=Catherine|Detail=[[Catherine]]|Quote=Covenant terrorist Parg Vol has been located again. There is no better opportunity to eliminate him.}}

==History==
===Origins===
[[File:H4-Terminal-JulMdama.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Jul 'Mdama, the leader of his new Covenant]]

When the [[Great Schism]] began, the entirety of the [[Sangheili]] species were forced out of the [[Covenant]] by the [[High Prophet of Truth]] and its new [[Jiralhanae]]-led military.{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointJiralhanae|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/jiralhanae |Site=Halo Waypoint|Quote=The resulting conflict would be called the Great Schism, and it would divide the Covenant into two, ultimately forcing the Sangheili out.}} [[Shipmaster]] [[Jul 'Mdama]]ee was against the [[High Prophets]] and renounced his service to them by removing the "ee" suffix from his name,{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointReqlamation|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-reqlamation-begins |Site=Halo Waypoint |Quote=During the Human-Covenant War, Jul ‘Mdamaee served...}} as did many other Sangheili.

Following the Covenant's [[Battle of the Citadel|destruction]] on the [[Ark]], its former member races returned to their home systems. Many [[Sangheili]] and [[Jiralhanae]] continued to [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|fight]] each other, steadily dwindling both sides' military resources.{{Ref/Novel|Gla|Page=225}} After the revelation of the Prophets being false, some Sangheili began to forsake their [[Covenant religion|religion]] altogether while others reverted back to pre-Covenant worship of the Forerunners. With the Covenant that had betrayed the Sangheili now dissolved, there was no longer a common goal to keep the [[Covenant separatists|separatists]] united. 

===Formation===
The Sangheili soon fell into [[Blooding Years|civil war]], sparked by opposition to [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s emerging secular government, the [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. Among the first religious Sangheili factions to oppose the Arbiter was the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]] led by [[Avu Med 'Telcam]] who adhered to a pre-Covenant worship of the Forerunners and feared human retaliation. [[Jul 'Mdama]] and [[Raia 'Mdama]] had become affiliates of the Servants of the Abiding Truth, though Jul was quickly disillusioned with the faction after being arrested by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] during an arms deal. In [[2553#March|March 2553]], the Servants and their loose coalition of [[keep]]s opposed the Swords of Sanghelios' ratified [[Treaty of 2552|treaty]] with the [[Unified Earth Government]] by launching [[Siege at Kolaar|an assault]] on the state of [[Vadam]]. The timely intervention of the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} turned the battle in the Arbiter's favor and Raia 'Mdama was killed in the conflict.{{Ref/Novel|TTW|Page=361}}

Jul 'Mdama was held in ONI custody on the [[shield world]] [[Trevelyan]] during the battle, yet managed to escape via a Forerunner [[Slipspace portal|portal]] to the Sangheili colony world [[Hesduros]]. His hatred for humanity was strengthened when learned that his wife, Raia, was killed in the civil conflict.{{Ref/Novel|TTW|Page=442}} Jul gained a small following on the planet, the populace of which was unaware of the Great Schism and the war's end.{{Ref/Novel|TTW|Page=441}} Jul informed them of the [[San'Shyuum|Prophet]]'s treachery as well as how the Arbiter had made an alliance with humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=ttwchapt16}} Feigning religious devotion to the Forerunners, he resolved to recover Forerunner technology from the shield world [[Requiem]] to the Sangheili residents, much as the humans had done on Trevelyan. Though Jul believed it unlikely that any Forerunners still lived, he also planned to find the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], the leader of the [[Warrior-Servant|Forerunner military]] who also shared disdain for humanity.{{Ref/Novel|TTW|Page=436}} It was here where Jul 'Mdama would establish a new faction with the residents of Hesduros, self-proclaimed to be ''“the Covenant”''.{{Ref/Comic|Id=escalation5|HE|Issue=5|Quote=What does it mean to be 'Covenant' today? A hundred warlords claim they rule the Covenant, but each of them leads only a small faction.}}

One of the earliest actions of this Covenant in late 2553 was to begin gathering resources on [[Sephune III]].{{Ref/Comic|HLW|Issue=2}}

===Requiem and the Didact===
{{Main|Battle of Requiem}}
[[File:Covenant fleet surrounding FUD.jpg|thumb|250px|Jul 'Mdama's Covenant attempts to intercept the ''Forward Unto Dawn'']]
{{Quote|Jul 'Mdama's Covenant was no longer a meager collection of ships housed on Hesduros, but had now become a powerful military force, a faint but ominous echo of the old alliance.|[[Curator]] on the rise of 'Mdama's Covenant{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos179|HM|Page=179}}}}

On [[2554|April 22, 2554]], Jul 'Mdama's forces fought against the [[Swords of Sanghelios]]' ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' and managed to leave the ship combat ineffective.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 ''Halo Waypoint'': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref> Later that year, 'Mdama's fleet arrived at Requiem but were not able gain access.{{Ref/Reuse|terminal}} The fleet subsequently took up position around the shield world. For the next three years, Jul 'Mdama's Covenant frequently dispatched raiding parties to [[Piracy|steal supplies]],{{Ref/Game|Id=H4TerminalP|H4|[[Terminal (Halo 4)]]: [[Terminal (Halo 4)/One|Prologue]]|Quote=Shipmaster 'Mdama! The raiding parties have returned. They bring supplies and news of a human ship!}} while continuing their attempts to awaken the Didact by broadcasting his name from orbit in thirty minute intervals,{{Ref/Level|Id=Requiem|H4|[[Requiem (level)|Requiem]]}} though their calls received no response. Due to many of the former Covenant's infrastructure and shipyards falling inactive,{{Ref/Site|Id=Bulliten|URL=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013072843/https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-4-16-14|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=''The Halo Bulletin: 4.16.14''|Quote=While a handful of their local shipyards still exist, most are inactive, forcing many Sangheili to fight over what remained at the close of the war.}} Jul 'Mdama's faction had to scavenge for most of their resources and salvage what they could find.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=H4TerminalP}} They were not outfitted like standard military,{{Ref/Level|Id=Dawn2|H4|[[Dawn]]|Quote=The good news is these Covenant aren't outfitted like standard military}} with most of their infantry [[Storm harness|lacking sleeves]] compared to more affluent factions like the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Level|Id=Alliance|H5|[[Alliance]]}}

By [[2557#July|July 2557]], the group had gathered a sizable [[fleet]], consisting of multiple {{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}s and a single {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}, the ''[[Song of Retribution]]'', as their [[flagship]]. At this time one of the returning raiding parties noticed a human ship, {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, drifting toward the planet. 'Mdama ordered the fleet to stop it from entering.{{Ref/Reuse|terminal}} Multiple boarding parties attempted to take the crippled ship, but were fought off by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]], who had been awoken from cryo-sleep and was bewildered by the existence of their faction. A cruiser then attempted to destroy the ''Forward Unto Dawn'', but the Master Chief manually launched a [[M4093 Hyperion nuclear delivery system|Hyperion nuclear missile]] and destroyed the cruiser before it could open fire.{{Ref/Reuse|dawn}} At that moment, the installation detected the presence of a [[Reclaimer]], causing an entrance portal to open; both the ''Dawn'' and several Covenant ships were pulled crash landing into the shield world by the gravity well emitted by the portal.

[[File:H4-E3-Campaign-6.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Covenant forces converge on UNSC ''Infinity'']]
Despite losing many ships, the surviving Covenant forces immediately began establishing positions all over the shield world, engaging John-117, who had arrived in the wreckage of the ''Forward Unto Dawn''. Jul 'Mdama's forces were also engaged by local Forerunner [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]] who were hostile only to them.{{Ref/Reuse|Requiem}} A trio of light cruisers eventually reached [[Core of Requiem|Requiem's core]], where the Didact was imprisoned. By this point the forces of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant had come under attack by the [[Promethean]]s, who tried to prevent them from reaching the Didact. Despite the mutual hostility of 'Mdama's Covenant and the Prometheans, John-117 soon reached the Didact's [[Cryptum]] and accidentally released him. Upon the Didact's release, 'Mdama's Covenant forces in the area (including 'Mdama himself)<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/01/16/The-Halo-Bulletin-11613.aspx ''Halo Waypoint'': ''The Halo Bulletin - 1/16/2013'']</ref> bowed down in worship.{{Ref/Level|Id=Forerunner|H4|[[Forerunner (level)|Forerunner]]}}

The Didact would transport the Covenant forces still in the core to [[The Refuge (Requiem location)|The Refuge]] and would recognize the Sangheili, telling them they were "loyal and strong" and they would serve well.{{Ref/Novel|Id=vertical|Halo: Vertical Umbrage}} This is despite the Didact seeing 'Mdama's Covenant as little more than "beasts" and "primitives."{{Ref/Reuse|Forerunner}} It would be here at the Refuge that 'Mdama would formally take the name ''Hand of the Didact''.{{Ref/Reuse|vertical}}

'Mdama's Covenant aided the Didact's forces in their attack on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, though the ship's point defenses disabled two cruisers and forced the Didact to retreat.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Infinity (Halo 4 level)|Infinity]]}} Later, they defended a network of [[particle cannon]]s which protected the shield world's gravity well generator, preventing ''Infinity'' from escaping; they were again unsuccessful.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]}} 'Mdama's Covenant later dispatched a flight of [[Ru'swum-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] and [[Kmiro'sish-pattern Lich|Lich dropships]] to accompany the Didact's [[Mantle's Approach|flagship]] to [[Ivanoff Station]], an [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] facility.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Shutdown]]}} 'Mdama's Covenant spearheaded an [[Raid on Ivanoff Station|attack on the station]] in order to acquire the [[Composer]], a Forerunner superweapon. The attack caught the defenders off-guard and despite John-117's efforts the Didact acquired the Composer.{{Ref/Level|Id=Composer|H4|[[Composer (level)|Composer]]}} The Didact then [[New Phoenix Incident|attacked Earth]] and tried to digitize its population, though he was defeated by the Master Chief. However, the millions-strong population of [[New Phoenix]], [[Unified Republic of North America|URNA]], was composed{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Midnight]]}} and the victims' essences were transported to Requiem and converted into new [[Promethean Knight]]s; there they would fall under the command of Jul 'Mdama himself and would fight alongside his Covenant in the battles that followed.<ref name="memento">''Spartan Ops'', ''[[Memento Mori]]''</ref>

===Installation 03 and New Phoenix===
{{Main|Battle of Installation 03|Skirmish in New Phoenix}}
[[File:HSS-Cinematic-Altar.png|thumb|250px|Jul 'Mdama's forces on Installation 03]]
{{Quote|Driven by religious fervor and a thirst for power, the Covenant never gave up searching for the artifact… And they found it moments before we did. They brought it to a place they called "the Altar". Their plan: use the Conduit to open portals for Prometheans to invade Gamma Halo… Giving the Covenant control of the Halo ring. They were confident of imminent victory… But they didn't know a Spartan was coming for 'em!|[[Roland]], to a Spartan-IV partaking in a simulation of the battle{{Ref/Level|Id=opb|SS|[[Operation B: Steadfast Pursuit]]}}}}
Around [[2557#July|July 2557]], Jul 'Mdama's Covenant detected a signal originating from [[Installation 03]] in the [[Khaphrae system]]. The signal was emanating from the [[Conduit]], a device on Installation 03 that was capable of opening Forerunner slipspace portals throughout the galaxy. 'Mdama's Covenant succeeded in picking up the signal moments before the UNSC did and sent a large fleet to the ring to recover the Conduit. Procuring the Conduit, 'Mdama's Covenant sought to bring the device to Installation 03's [[Altar]] to activate it, where they could open slipspace portals for Prometheans to invade Gamma Halo and give themselves control over the installation. In response, the UNSC [[Battle of Installation 03|engaged]] 'Mdama's Covenant forces in an attempt to take the Conduit for themselves.{{Ref/Reuse|opb}} When 'Mdama's Covenant discovered the Altar, [[Unidentified Headhunter|a Spartan-IV]] was deployed nearby to stop them. As 'Mdama's Covenant activated the Conduit, Promethean forces began to invade the installation. Arriving at the Altar, the Spartan fought through Covenant forces and was able to retrieve the Conduit after killing the Sangheili [[Field Master]] that held it, despite 'Mdama's Covenant's efforts to stop the Spartan. Realizing that the battle was lost, 'Mdama's Covenant began to retreat from the ring, while the Spartan and other UNSC forces continued to wipe out the remaining Covenant forces.{{Ref/Level|Id=opc|SS|[[Operation C: Valiant Hammer]]}}

However, the activation of the Conduit also opened a portal in an Office of Naval Intelligence facility in New Phoenix, allowing Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and Promethean forces to briefly [[Skirmish in New Phoenix|invade]] the city. Believing the Conduit could be used to deactivate the portal, the Spartan embarked to Earth with the device. The Spartan rendezvoused with a group of ONI researchers and escorted them through 'Mdama's Covenant and Promethean forces to the ONI facility to allow them to use the Conduit to stop the minor invasion. While the Spartan continued to protect the researchers by holding off the invading forces, ONI learned that the portal was being powered by a [[unidentified Forerunner machine|Forerunner device]] they had been studying. As the researchers interfaced with the device to shut down the portal, Covenant and Promethean forces assaulted their location in an effort to stop them. However, the Spartan succeeded in protecting the researchers from the invading forces and the portal was successfully shut down, resulting in the Conduit entering slipspace and being lost to both the UNSC and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.{{Ref/Level|Id=opd|SS|[[Operation D: Adamantine Shield]]}}

===Later actions on Requiem===
[[File:Gek with 'Mdama.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Jul 'Mdama]] on Requiem with his second-in-command, [[Gek 'Lhar]]]]
{{Main|Requiem Campaign}} 

Even with the Ur-Didact missing, Jul 'Mdama still retained some control over the Prometheans and Requiem, due to his alliance with the Ur-Didact. As the Didact's Hand, 'Mdama was able to push aside the majority of competing Sangheili warlords. 'Mdama managed to sway several previously neutral Sangheili worlds to his side and secretly began to make preparations for an invasion of Sanghelios. 'Mdama was unable, however, to convince the Servants of the Abiding Truth to join his Covenant. The newfound power did not come without a price, as splits within the newly combined forces exploded into violence as newcomers competed for prestige and influence. After several conflicts 'Mdama focused his attention on Requiem. He leaked his plans for Requiem to ONI, and prepared to draw the UNSC into a grinding war of attrition. This would give him the opportunity to cement his control over his Covenant and sacrifice any forces whose loyalty was suspect.{{Ref/Book|HM|Page=178}} 'Mdama's Covenant maintained a presence on Requiem in [[2558#February|February 2558]].<ref name="Departure">''Spartan Ops'', [[Departure|S101 Departure]]</ref> By that time, they had begun searching for the [[Librarian]]'s [[mind transfer|imprint]] in the hope of finding more Forerunner artifacts.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Spartan Ops'', [[Didact's Hand|S104 Didact's Hand]]</ref>

ONI, having taken Jul 'Mdama's bait, sent all five branches of the UNSC to Requiem: [[Spartan Operations|Spartans]], [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], [[UNSC Navy|Navy]], [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]] and [[UNSC Army|Army]]. Jul 'Mdama's Covenant ships in orbit around the planet were swiftly defeated and scattered, due to the technological advancement of the UNSC since the end of the war.{{Ref/Reuse|Departure}} Arriving on Requiem's surface, [[Fireteam Majestic|Majestic]], [[Fireteam Crimson|Crimson]], and other [[Spartan-IV]] fireteams began to disrupt Covenant operations across Requiem and recover Forerunner artifacts for study. 'Mdama's Covenant in turn made several attempts to destroy ''Infinity''. 'Mdama's Covenant and their Promethean allies engaged in numerous skirmishes with the UNSC expeditionary force. Territories and facilities around Requiem traded hands multiple times.{{Ref/Reuse|memento}} During one such battle, [[Parg Vol]], a Sangheili terrorist, assassin and arms dealer acting as a high-ranking ground commander in 'Mdama's Covenant, was [[Assassination of Parg Vol|assassinated]] by [[Fireteam Crimson]].<ref>''Spartan Ops'', [[Catherine/Hunting Trip|S103 Hunting Trip]]</ref>

'Mdama's Covenant forces discovered the Librarian's imprint at "[[Librarian's Rest]]" and set up a military base inside with 'Mdama and his lieutenant [[Gek 'Lhar]] supervising 'Mdama's Covenant's attempts at activating the imprint. Via a Forerunner [[Requiem slipspace artifacts|artifact]] which was brought onboard the ''Infinity'' by its crew, 'Mdama's Covenant managed to abduct the ship's chief scientist, [[Henry Glassman|Doctor Henry Glassman]], and forced him to work on activating the imprint. Jul told his followers that the Librarian would gift them incredible bounties spread throughout the galaxy, such as weapons and ships. During this time, 'Mdama began to discretely communicate with [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] via [[data pad]]s while she was aboard the ''Infinity''. To prove the truth of his words, 'Mdama purposefully led the UNSC to recover "the [[Didact's Gift]]," a [[Durance]] containing the soul of a Promethean Knight, specifically one created from a human digitized by the [[Composer]] during the [[New Phoenix Incident]]. To sell its importance, 'Mdama [[Battle of Galileo Base|attacked]] [[Galileo Base]] to supposedly get it back, taking heavy losses but succeeding in his secret true goal.{{Ref/Reuse|memento}}{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}} Despite lacking adequate equipment, Glassman managed to activate the shrine which caused all Sangheili, except Jul, to bow. Glassman used this opportunity to flee, but when 'Mdama was thrown back by the shrine due to a protective shielding, the Sangheili noticed Glassman's disappearance. Meanwhile, two Sangheili were bringing the captured Spartan [[Gabriel Thorne]] to Librarian's Rest. When Glassman exited Librarian's Rest, he encountered the two Sangheili. Thorne used this as an opportunity to kill both Sangheili and the two humans [[Escape from Librarian's Rest|escaped the area]]. However, Gek picked up their trail and pursued them.{{Ref/Reuse|Switchback}}

Gek eventually tracked down and ambushed the pair, and a battle between the Sangheili and Spartan ensured. After gaining the upper-hand, Gek prepared to kill Thorne and Glassman, but was suddenly killed by Spartan [[Fireteam Majestic]]. Meanwhile, [[Promethean Knight]]s [[Invasion of the UNSC Infinity|invaded]] the ''Infinity'', captured Halsey, and brought her to 'Mdama at Librarian's Rest though the attempt to destroy the ship with stolen [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]s was thwarted.<ref name="Invasion">''Spartan Ops'', [[Invasion (Spartan Ops)|S107 Invasion]]</ref> At the shrine, Halsey deactivated the shielding. She then quickly ran into the beam of light before 'Mdama.<ref name="expendable">''Spartan Ops'', [[Expendable|S108 Expendable]]</ref> Inside the shrine, Halsey met the Librarian's imprint, who offered her the two halves of the [[Janus Key]], an artifact capable of locating every piece of Forerunner technology in the galaxy. She asked her to bring it to the [[Absolute Record]] to help mankind and Halsey was subsequently ejected from the shrine. Jul immediately took the piece of the Janus Key that he had seen for himself, unaware of the second half. Suddenly, the shrine was [[Skirmish at Librarian's Rest|attacked]] by Fireteam Majestic and Spartan Commander [[Sarah Palmer]]. Palmer attempted to assassinate Halsey, but instead only wounded her in the arm. Halsey and 'Mdama were then translocated away by a Promethean Knight.<ref>''Spartan Ops'', [[Key|S109 Key]]</ref>

The battle culminated in Jul 'Mdama sending Requiem into [[Epoloch system|the local star]] in a bid to destroy ''Infinity''. Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and the UNSC fled the planet before its destruction. While 'Mdama's Covenant suffered considerable losses, including the mercenary [[Parg Vol]] and 'Mdama's lieutenant Gek 'Lhar, they escaped with two important assets: one half of the Janus Key and Dr. Halsey, who offered to further assist 'Mdama in exchange for his help in achieving revenge. However, Halsey gave the other half of the key to Thorne, delaying their plans.{{Ref/Game|[[Spartan Ops]], [[Exodus (Spartan Ops)|Exodus]]|Id=Exodus|Quote='''Halsey:''' The UNSC just tried to execute me. So you'll need to offer something other than idle threats if you want me to help you. '''Jul 'Mdama:''' What is it you desire? '''Halsey:''' That's easy, Jul. I want revenge.}}

After the destruction of Requiem, {{UNSCShip|Vociferous}} was given the task of tracking down Halsey and 'Mdama.{{Ref/Comic|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue 1]]''}} In [[2558#March|March 2558]], one of 'Mdama's [[shipmaster]]s, [[Vata 'Gajat]], led a [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary force]] to attack a [[Sangheili]]-[[Jiralhanae]] peace summit on [[Ealen IV]]. 'Gajat told his human employer, [[Daniel Clayton|Captain Daniel Clayton]] of the [[New Colonial Alliance]], that he believed 'Mdama was unlikely to even notice his "moonlighting".{{Ref/Comic|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue 3]]''}} Two weeks later he apparently abandoned 'Mdama's faction entirely{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE5|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 5|Issue 5]]''}} and was later killed during the [[Ambush at Oth Lodon]].

===The Janus Key===
{{Main|Battle of Oban|Battle of Aktis IV}}
[[File:HE15 Infinity Attacked.jpg|thumb|200px|'Mdama's forces attack ''Infinity'']]
{{Quote|'Mdama's forces fought a relentless campaign against the UNSC ''Infinity'', testing its defenses with everything from ambushes to all-out assaults.|Curator on the fight for the Janus Key{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos182|HM|Page=182}}}}
In a plot to acquire the other half of the Janus Key onboard the UNSC ''Infinity'', Doctor Catherine Halsey and Jul 'Mdama launched an offensive against the human colony of [[Oban]] solely in order to draw ''Infinity'' out into a vulnerable position. This allowed Halsey to use [[Requiem communication artifact|an artifact]] capable of contacting ''Infinity''{{'}}s Forerunner components to deny this ship access into slipspace. The following day, when the ''Infinity'' jumped into slipspace, its slipspace drive experienced an anomaly which trapped them in an [[Aktis system|uncharted system]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE13|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 13|Issue 13]]''}} Furthermore, 'Mdama's Covenant had created a faux Forerunner artifact that appeared to require the Janus Key to be functional and planted it on one of the system's planets, [[Aktis IV]], in order to prompt the UNSC to take their half of the Key to the planet.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE14|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue 14]]''}}

At the same time, Jul began to face other problems within his Covenant. Some of his followers began questioning his decisions, especially for allowing Requiem to be destroyed and letting Dr. Halsey work with them. Soon after, the Sangheili [[Sali 'Nyon]] began to recruit [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|followers]] and plot against 'Mdama. Nonetheless, his Covenant succeeded in deceiving the crew of ''Infinity'' to bring the red half of the Janus Key to the surface of Aktis IV. While the UNSC's half of the Janus Key was en route, the convoy carrying it was attacked and shot down by Sali 'Nyon's rebel forces. In the confusion, the shipmaster of ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' believed the attack on ''Infinity'' had begun earlier than expected, and Jul's entire fleet engaged the human ship. While 'Mdama traveled to the crash site to reclaim the red Janus Key half himself, Sali 'Nyon managed to retrieve it first and he brought it back to his hidden base.{{Ref/Reuse|HE14}}

As Jul and some of his ground forces began to eliminate the insurgents, the rest of his soldiers assaulted a Spartan reconnaissance team who had fallen back into a Forerunner structure. As the Spartans fled the structure using the planet's [[teleportation grid]], reinforcements were deployed by the UNSC to combat Covenant forces. Meanwhile, a [[Sangheili Minor]] who had defected from 'Nyon's faction with the red half of the Janus Key contacted 'Mdama's forces and offered them the Key. 'Mdama allowed Halsey to travel to the planet in order to authenticate the artifact in person.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE15|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 15|Issue 15]]''}} 'Mdama dispatched a group of Phantoms, with Halsey aboard one of them, to meet with the defector while he continued to eradicate Sali 'Nyon's rebels across the island. Expecting no ambush on the Janus Key retrieval group, 'Mdama had most of the Phantoms redirected to combat the UNSC forces elsewhere on the island. This proved to be a mistake as Spartans Palmer, Thorne and Ray ambushed Halsey's group. Meanwhile, Jul 'Mdama's forces destroyed the last of Sali 'Nyon's outposts and a captive 'Nyon was brought before 'Mdama, who had the rebel leader kept alive for his punishment. Palmer captured Halsey but the doctor was able to distract her and escape, with Palmer's pursuit of her promptly halted by one of 'Mdama's Harvester excavators. Halsey, still in possession of the red Janus Key half, contacted 'Mdama and was recovered by a Phantom. Halsey and 'Mdama subsequently reunited the halves of the Janus Key and used the artifact to pinpoint the location of the [[Absolute Record]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE16|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue 16]]''}}

===The Absolute Record===
{{Main|Operation: ATHENA}}
With both halves of the Janus Key, Jul and his fleet worked to find the exact location of the Absolute Record, while hiding within the [[Urs system]]. Since the battle at Aktis IV, Jul's forces had grown and the losses from the previous battle were less severe than he had feared. Jul kept Sali 'Nyon in captivity aboard his flagship and personally interrogated him, though the failed revolutionist only implied that Jul will soon realize the amount of insurgents that remain in his ranks. On [[2558#September|September 15, 2558]], Halsey finished another analysis of the Janus Key and believed to have finally pinpointed the Absolute Record's exact location. Two days later, as the fleet prepared to depart for the Absolute Record, a Phantom carrying Spartans Palmer, Thorne, [[Holly Tanaka]], Dr. Glassman, and [[Ayit 'Sevi]]—a mercenary within Jul's ranks working for ONI—boarded ''Breath of Annihilation'', intent on revealing the location of the Absolute Record to the UNSC. Jul's fleet arrived at an apparently artificial gas giant with a slipspace portal leading to the Absolute Record. Before the fleet could press forward, slipspace ruptures materialized around the fleet, destroying at least two ships and damaging ''Breath of Annihilation''.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE19|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|Issue 19]]''}}

While the ''Song of Retribution'' made it into the Record, the ''Breath of Annihilation'' descended to a nearby moon for repairs. In the Record, Jul, Dr. Halsey, and an escort of many Zealots entered its interior and met its [[Invariant Bias|Custodian]] [[ancilla]], a {{Class|Contender|artificial intelligence}}, controlling the facility.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE20|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 20|Issue 20]]''}} However, Jul's group ran into complications as the ancilla was suspicious of relinquishing control to Halsey, then killed Jul's Zealots after they attacked the ancilla's [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE21|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 21|Issue 21]]''}} The AI summoned the humans in the ''Song'' for a test who see who deserved control of the Absolute Record, but Dr. Halsey disabled the ancilla and took command of the facility herself.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE22|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 22|Issue 22]]''}} She used her newly gained technology to attack Jul and his reinforcement warriors with Sentinels, but the humans used the ensuing battle confusion to allow them to covertly reinstall the ancilla.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE23|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 23|Issue 23]]''}} With its control restored, the AI forced Halsey out and denied her further access to the Record.

Jul, unaware that she had ordered the Sentinel attack, ordered the ''Song'' to fire into the Record to disrupt its power. He and his forces then retrieved Halsey and evacuated the Record. However, they found the situation had worsened at the ''Breath of Annihilation''. With the help of ONI spy [[Ayit 'Sevi]], Sali 'Nyon had broken out of imprisonment and rallied his followers to capture the ''Breath''.{{Ref/Reuse|HE22}} With the assault carrier and Jul's vault of Forerunner artifacts in their possession, 'Nyon engaged Jul's ship in a starfight before fleeing.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE24|HE|Detail=''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 24|Issue 24]]''}}

===Battle of Kamchatka and death of Jul 'Mdama===
{{Main|Battle of Kamchatka}}
{{Quote|I never believed 'Mdama had as much control over these Prometheans as he claimed. He claws at whatever advantage presents itself. We will see if this mission bears any fruit or whether it becomes yet another in his long list of failures.|[[Olympia Vale]] translating a Sangheili's com chat during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]]{{Ref/Level|Id=Osiris|H5|[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]}}}}

[[File:H5G-LockeoverJul.png|300px|thumb|left|Jul 'Mdama is killed.]]
At some point in late 2558, the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] launched an assault on Hesduros, forcing Jul’s faction to abandon the planet entirely.{{Ref/Reuse|LoO5}} However, a long-dead [[Forerunner]] communications hub on the remote planet of [[Kamchatka]] activated. This drew the attention of Jul and his followers, leading them to relocate to the Kamchatka. While on the planet, Halsey discovered that her old [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]] [[Cortana]] was responsible for the recent attacks on [[human colonies]] by [[Guardian emergences|awakening]] [[Guardian]]s. She contacted the UNSC about her discovery but they did not take any action for three weeks.

Cortana soon took control of Jul's [[Promethean]]s, unleashing them against their former allies. A huge battle broke out across Kamchatka, with Jul deploying massive numbers of forces including a [[Shuul'se-pattern Kraken|Kraken]] siege tower in an attempt to hold back the constructs. Around the same time, the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} deployed [[Fireteam Osiris]], a [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] special operations unit to Kamchatka with the objectives of rescuing Halsey and assassinating Jul 'Mdama. Using the chaos of the ongoing Covenant-Promethean battle to their advantage, Osiris were able to enter the temple where Halsey and Jul were located. Taking the Covenant [[Supreme Commander]] by surprise, Osiris were able to quickly neutralise Jul's [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] guards and [[Jameson Locke]] personally assassinated 'Mdama, severing the head of his Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|Osiris}}
{{clear}}

===Argent Moon===
{{Main|Operation: BIRD IN HAND}}
{{Quote|no=three|1=Kelly-087|q1=They must be stripping that experimental ship for parts.|2=Fred-104|q2=Scavengers. Taking what supplies they can find. The Covenant's war against the Arbiter must not be going well.|3=Linda-058|q3=Jul 'Mdama is a lot of things, but he's no prophet..|4=[[Kelly-087]], [[Frederic-104]], and [[Linda-058]] during [[Operation: BIRD IN HAND]]{{Ref/Level|Id=Blue Team|H5|[[Blue Team (level)|Blue Team]]}}}}
During October 2558, the derelict [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] research and development station ''[[Argent Moon]]'' was discovered by [[Kig-Yar]] scavengers, who sold it to Jul's Covenant. These soldiers promptly began to search the ship for weapons and other resources to use in their ongoing fight against the [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. A week later ONI was alerted to the ship's discovery and ordered [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] [[Blue Team]] to secure the vessel and return it to ONI.

The team of Spartans infiltrated the ship on October 23, 2558, catching 'Mdama's Covenant scavengers off-guard. While on-route to Central Control, Blue Team engaged a large force of [[Unggoy Ranger|Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar Ranger|Rangers]] in an assembly bay. Before they could reach Central Control the Spartans were intercepted by a [[Mgalekgolo]] pair who destroyed the catwalk they were on, plunging the humans into the maintenance tunnels several levels below. More Covenant forces were present in the darkened tunnels including numerous [[Suicide Unggoy|suicide]] [[Unggoy]] and [[Active camouflage|cloaked]] [[Sangheili Zealot]]s. Fighting their way up to the third level, the Spartans witnessed the arrival of Covenant survivors from the [[Battle of Kamchatka]] exiting [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] near the station attempting to rescue their forces from the ship. Recognizing that retrieving the station was no longer possible, [[John-117]] changed Blue Team's objective to asset denial - the ship would be destroyed, eradicating all Covenant forces in and around ''Argent Moon''.

Large numbers of Covenant, including the Mgalekgolo pair attempted to halt the humans progress, to no avail. Blue Team were able to begin an overload of ''Argent Moon's'' reactor before using [[D'nomlhe-pattern Banshee|Banshees]] to destroy the cooling system, preventing the reactor overload from being stopped. Realizing that the Banshees wouldn't be able to escape the explosion in time, John-117 and his team reached the ship's hangar where the parked [[ONI Acrisius|ONI ''Acrisius'']] sat, surrounded by Covenant forces. The Spartans were forced to engage the hostiles while the {{Class|Winter|prowler}} recharged its fuel cells. Blue Team were successful in repelling 'Mdama's Covenant forces in the hangar and boarded the ''Acrisius'' as soon as she was ready for launch. Piloting the Prowler away from the station, they were successful as the ''Argent Moon'' exploded, taking out all Covenant forces in its vicinity.{{Ref/Reuse|Blue Team}}

===Assault on Sanghelios and destruction===
{{Main|Battle of Genesis|Sanghelios global war}}
{{Quote|What remained of Jul 'Mdama's military fortresses on Hesduros had already been laid waste, with the last remaining pockets of his alliance scattered to the wind.|Curator on the demise of 'Mdama's Covenant{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos193|HM|Page=193}}}}
[[File:HM-Battle of Sunaion.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Jul 'Mdama's Covenant is destroyed by the Swords of Sanghelios and Fireteam Osiris]]
On October 27, 2558 the remnants of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant rallied on [[Sanghelios]], preparing to assassinate [[Thel 'Vadam]], the leader of the [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. Using the city of [[Sunaion]] as their stronghold, Jul 'Mdama's Covenant launched an [[Battle of Nuusra|attack]] on [[Vadam]] lands. 'Mdama's Covenant made initial headway during their assault, pushing the Swords of Sanghelios back to the [[Elder Council Chamber]]. They would soon be thwarted however by the arrival of Fireteam Osiris, who pushed through waves of Covenant forces and secured a landing zone for the Swords of Sanghelios to bring in reinforcements. The combined UNSC-Swords of Sanghelios forces pushed onward towards the Elder Council Chamber, where Thel 'Vadam and his forces staunchly held out against masses of Covenant. Osiris was soon able to enter the chambers, killing the last of 'Mdama's Covenant forces and rescuing 'Vadam.{{Ref/Level|H5|[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]}}

'Mdama's Covenant took further losses following their failure to assassinate 'Vadam. A [[Shuul'se-pattern Kraken|Kraken]] deployed near a Forerunner facility housing the [[Constructor]] needed by Osiris to access the [[Guardian]] under Sunaion was destroyed by the Spartan team with the help of Swords of Sanghelios aerial forces.{{Ref/Level|H5|[[Enemy Lines]]}} Now poised to attack Sunaion, the Swords of Sanghelios launched a massive air and ground assault on the final stronghold of Jul's Covenant. Fireteam Osiris were able to successfully neutralise a number of Covenant [[Upisa'weri-pattern Shrike|Shrike]] anti-aircraft emplacements, allowing the Swords of Sanghelios aerial fleet to deploy more forces as well as lend support from the skies. [[Promethean]] constructs began arriving in Sunaion, engaging both Swords of Sanghelios and Covenant forces. Fireteam Osiris and Thel 'Vadam were successful in reaching the Guardian, fighting of waves of Prometheans including the [[Warden Eternal]]. Osiris was able to board the Guardian right as it departed for [[Genesis]]. The Swords of Sanghelios soon emerged victorious at Sunaion, effectively destroying Jul's Covenant,{{Ref/Level|H5|[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]}} although remnants remained on the planet for a while.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-driving-force ''Halo Waypoint'' - ''Canon Fodder: Driving Force'']</ref>

Many scattered and disorganized remnants of Jul's Covenant were transported to Genesis after Guardians at Sunaion and several planets were activated. Shortly after arriving, they engaged [[Created]] Promethean forces under the leadership of [[Cortana]] as well as Spartan teams [[Blue Team|Blue]] and [[Fireteam Osiris|Osiris]].{{Ref/Level|Id=Genesis|H5|[[Genesis (level)|Genesis]]}}{{Ref/Level|Id=Guardians|H5|[[Guardians]]}} Ultimately these few remaining remnants were killed off.
{{clear}}

===Legacy===
After learning of the death of Jul 'Mdama and the destruction of his Covenant, the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]] considered the Covenant to be completely gone and only themselves and the Swords of Sanghelios to be the only factions left active.{{Ref/Novel|LoO}}

==Notable individuals==
===Sangheili===
*'''[[Jul 'Mdama]]''' – Known to his followers as the "'''Didact's Hand'''"; self-appointed [[Supreme Commander]] of the faction;{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}} killed by [[Jameson Locke]] of [[Fireteam Osiris]] during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]].
*''' [[Panom]]'''  – An elder [[Kaidon]] leader on [[Hesduros]], one of the original founders of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.
*''' [[Gek 'Lhar]]'''  – Jul 'Mdama's right-hand man; killed during the [[Requiem Campaign]] by [[Paul DeMarco]] of [[Fireteam Majestic]].{{Ref/Reuse|expendable}}
*''' [[Parg Vol]]'''  – Mercenary and commander of Covenant ground forces early in the [[Requiem Campaign]]; [[Assassination of Parg Vol|killed by]] [[Fireteam Crimson]] in the early parts of the campaign.{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}}
*''' [[Vata 'Gajat]]'''  – Abandoned the faction around [[2558#March|March 2558]] and formed [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|his own mercenary force]]; attacked the Sangheili-Jiralhanae peace summit on Ealen IV in the employ of the [[New Colonial Alliance]]{{Ref/Reuse|HE5}} Killed when his ship was destroyed during the [[Ambush at Oth Lodon]].
*''' [[Sali 'Nyon]]'''  – After March 2558, he began to [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|recruit followers]] and to plot against 'Mdama.
*''' [[Kitun 'Arach]]'''  – A general of the faction who was among the top commanders who lead this faction in their final stand at the [[Battle of Sunaion]]. Killed by his brother [[Jacul 'Arach]] during the Battle of Sunaion.
*''' [[Ahta 'Dzoni]]'''  – An [[Ossoona]].
*''' [[Muki 'Jahma]]'''  – A Sangheili who died fighting for Jul's Covenant on [[Genesis]].
*''' [[Thakke 'Sho]]'''  – A Sangheili in the faction who secretly questioned their religion.
*''' [[Rhu 'Vrath]]'''  – A former member of Jul's Covenant sent to assassinate [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], later defected to the Arbiter's [[Swords of Sanghelios]].
*''' [[Thev 'Mura]]'''  – 'Mura hated the Arbiter and died while stabbing a Sword of Sanghelios.
*''' [[Tsodon 'Sakua]]'''  – 'Sakua made remarks on how devastating it was for 'Mdama's forces to be pushed back to [[Sunaion]].
*''' [[Cha 'Kulma]]'''  – This Sangheili criticized the disorganized faction after 'Mdama's death, for continuing to fight the Arbiter's forces on Sanghelios rather than falling back to [[Hesduros]] to regroup.
*''' [[Dham 'Mashatt]]'''  – Killed the renown Grunt commander, [[Bibjam]] for attempting to defect.

===Unggoy===
*''' [[Dimkee Hotay]]'''  – Formerly serving Jul 'Mdama's Covenant, later defected to the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].
*'''[[Bibjam]]''' – A commanding Grunt who was renown for his skill. He cared for those under his command and later tried to defect to the Swords of Sanghelios to save them from Jul's Covenant's impending downfall.
*''' [[Drab Limist]]'''  – Not wanting to be on the losing side, Limist was a Grunt who intended to defect to the Swords of Sanghelios.
*''' [[Yabda]]'''  – A former member of Jul's Covenant, later defected to the [[United Nations Space Command]].
*''' [[Proon Glibwik]]'''  – A Grunt that fought for Jul's Covenant on [[Genesis]].
*''' [[Kit Pitlimp]]'''  – A reconnaissance Grunt, sent to scavenge for Forerunner secrets by Jul 'Mdama.
*''' [[Kibkib Yany]]'''  – A grunt who fell during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]]
*''' [[Jeem Ribfi]]'''  – Ribfi thought he was undergoing holy ascension when he was killed by a [[Guardian]].

===Human===
*''' [[Henry Glassman|Doctor Henry Glassman]]'''  – Captured by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and forced to work for them as a scientist. Freed by [[Fireteam Majestic]].
*''' [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]]'''  – Reluctantly joined the faction after being kidnapped during the [[Requiem Campaign]] while claiming to want revenge against ONI;{{Ref/Reuse|Exodus}} left the faction when rescued by Fireteam Osiris during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]].

==Military structure==
The Sangheili served as the faction's military leadership caste with total reign, free from the Prophets who had betrayed them in the original Covenant. The [[Unggoy]] served as cannon fodder.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/05/09/The-Halo-Bulletin-5912.aspx ''The Halo Bulletin'': ''5.9.12'']</ref> Likewise, the [[Kig-Yar]] were deployed as snipers and light infantry. The [[Mgalekgolo]] were deployed as super-heavy infantry.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/08/22/The-Halo-Bulletin-82212.aspx ''The Halo Bulletin'': ''8.22.12'']</ref> The faction also infrequently used [[Yanme'e]] infantry.{{Ref/Game|Id=H:SS|SS}}

In very few select cases 'Mdama's forces used a few [[human]]s (most prominently [[Henry Glassman|Dr. Glassman]] and [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Halsey]]) to aid them as scientists in their operations against the United Nations Space Command,{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Ops}} and were also depicted in a [[UNSC Tactical Simulator]] using a few [[Jiralhanae]] as infantry.{{Ref/Reuse|H:SS}} The need for capturing human scientists came partly from their ability as [[Reclaimer]]s to utilize [[Forerunner]] technology, in Halsey's case she formally aligned with Jul 'Mdama under her claimed hatred for the UNSC and provided knowledge of said technology.{{Ref/Reuse|Exodus}} 

'Mdama's Covenant used a streamlined version of the hegemony's long-standing rank hierarchy except exclusively Sangheili-led. Sangheili veterans of the war with humanity were organized into cadres of higher-ranked personnel. The highest-ranking Sangheili, most notably [[Zealot]]s, also held sway in the faction's civil arena.<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/detail/8e70ae9a-11a0-4d04-b063-0631fb82bcca/elite-zealot- ''Halo Waypoint'' - ''Halo 4 Intel: Enemies - Covenant'']</ref><ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/Detail/character-enemy-renders/421563ab-3b18-4e29-8487-3dd79b627a70#imageNumber=17 ''Halo Waypoint:'' ''New Halo 4 Renders'']</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="width:640px; margin:5px auto; font-size:smaller; text-align:center;"
|-
!Classes
![[Sangheili]]
![[Unggoy]]
![[Kig-Yar]]
![[Lekgolo]]
![[Yanme'e]]
![[Human]]
![[Jiralhanae]]
|-
|colspan="8" | Ranks and type classes
|-
|Standard ranks
|[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]]<br>[[Sangheili Minor|Minors]]
|[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]]<br>[[Unggoy Minor|Minors]]
|[[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm]]<br>[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minors]]
|[[Mgalekgolo]]
|
|
|
|-
|Specialized troops
|[[Stealth Sangheili|Stealth]]<br>[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Ossoona]]
|[[Unggoy Ranger|Ranger]]
|[[Kig-Yar Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]]
|[[Za'zayara-pattern Harvester|Harvester]]
|
|
|
|-
|Veterans
|[[Sangheili Warrior|Warrior]]<br>[[Sangheili Major|Majors]]
|[[Unggoy Imperial|Imperial]]<br>[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]]<br>[[Unggoy Ultra|Ultras]]
|[[Kig-Yar Heavy|Heavy]]
|
|[[Yanme'e Major|Majors]]
|
|
|-
|Leaders
|[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]]<br>[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]
|
|
|
|
|
|[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] {{C|[[TACSIM]]}}
|-
|Civilian
|
|
|
|
|
|[[Scientist]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Exodus}}
|
|-
|colspan="8" | Titles
|-
|Ratings
|[[Field Master]]<br>[[Shipmaster]]<br>[[Supreme Commander]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

==Military assets==
Although a less formidable force than the original Covenant, this reorganized Covenant had amassed a considerable pool of military assets, though it had been observed that they "aren't outfitted like standard military."{{Ref/Reuse|dawn}} Many of the faction's Sangheili personnel were from [[Hesduros]], though the majority hailed from the species' homeworld, [[Sanghelios]], and other core worlds.<ref>[https://twitter.com/awesumsauce1/status/418136164457914368 ''Twitter''] (''@HaloWaypoint For Storm Elites it says their homeworld is Sangheilios, but they come from Hesduros, is it meant to be the species homeworld?'')</ref> Most matériel, such as the [[Type-25 plasma pistol]], {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}, [[Type-33 Needler]], {{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|concussion rifle}}, {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}, {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4}} and rarely the {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}},{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}} {{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}, and {{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}},{{Ref/Reuse|H:SS}} has been carried over from the pre-Schism Covenant, though more recently developed weapons like the {{Pattern|Tufasumo|plasma caster}}, [[Type-54 plasma pistol]], {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}, {{Pattern|Gespu|fuel rod gun}}, and {{Pattern|Shea'p|plasma cannon}} were also common.{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians2}} In other cases, the faction used older models, such as the {{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}} rather than the [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|Type-50]], due to the scarcity of modern weapons. Some older weapons and vehicles were produced by new manufacturers but are generally unchanged in design. Infantry were equipped with armor that appears to be a mix of new variants and styles used by the original Covenant; for example, Unggoy Storm troops were equipped with rebreathers modeled on traditional Unggoy diving apparatuses, whereas Sangheili Commanders wore armor that is very reminiscent of the armor worn by [[Sangheili Officer|Sangheili officer]]s during the war.<ref name="H4 Interactive Guide">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide ''Halo 4 Interactive Guide'']</ref> 

As under the hegemony's reign, the {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}} and {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} were the mainstays of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant's vehicular ground forces as well as the {{Pattern|Karo'wark|Ghost}} and {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}}. The {{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} was used in relatively small numbers. The [[Type-26 Banshee|T-26B Banshee]] and {{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}} were the organization's primary ground support aircraft; modifications to the T-26B and T-54 allowed them to serve in a limited exoatmospheric scouting capacity akin to the purpose-built {{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}},{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians2}}{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=119}} though the [[Type-31 Seraph|Seraph]] remained the primary space fighter in 'Mdama's Covenant. The {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}} had become primary dropship in 'Mdama's Covenant. Though by October 2558 the {{Pattern|Mikpramu|Phantom}} had seemingly replaced the Type-44 Phantom. The {{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}} and {{Pattern|R'shwupa|Phantom}} were both used, but not in the same numbers as the T-44 and T-57 Phantoms. The {{Pattern|Nuro'k Xur|Spirit}} was also common by October 2558.{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians2}} The {{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}} provided ultra-heavy transport capability when needed. The faction also frequently used the {{Pattern|Gloto|Breaching Carapace}},{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVGCDropPod|H4EVG|Section=Vehicles, Non-human|Page=121 (Covenant Drop Pod)}} the [[Covenant drop pod#Multiple-occupant pod|Type-53 Squad Breaching Carapace]], and the {{Pattern|Gloto'kas|Assault Carapace}} to deploy troops from orbit. 'Mdama's forces used the {{Pattern|Rizsheda|Shade}}, {{Pattern|Mamua'uda|Shade}}, {{Pattern|Shuku|sentry turret}}s, {{Pattern|Sho'riru|Shade}}, and {{Pattern|Upisa'weri|Shrike}} for static defense, along with an unclassified type of [[Ra'aam-pattern burst cannon|stationary artillery]] and {{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}}s. An unknown amount of {{Pattern|Za'zayara|Harvester}}s{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=140}} and {{Pattern|Shuul'se|Kraken}}s{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians2}} were used as excavation<ref name="Switchback">''Spartan Ops'', ''[[Scattered]]''</ref> and assault platforms.{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}}

The faction's armada was composed of vessels formerly used by the Covenant hegemony. The core of 'Mdama's fleet comprised two {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}s, including 'Mdama's flagship, ''[[Song of Retribution]]'' and the ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'',<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa ''Halo Waypoint'': ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref> numerous {{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}s,{{Ref/Reuse|terminal}} several {{Pattern|Maugen|armored cruiser}}s, several {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s, at least one {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}, {{Pattern|Mjern|agricultural support ship}}s,{{Ref/Reuse|HE21}} {{Pattern|Hekar Taa|blockade runner}}s, {{Pattern|Lursu|brigantine}}s, {{Pattern|Rwaru|carrack}}s and {{Pattern|R'sikosh|man o' war}}s. The ''CRS'' filled much the same role within the new Covenant's fleet as the ''CCS'' played during the war, though it is much smaller and less powerful than the latter. In addition to these staple ship types, a number of other vessels had augmented the faction's fleet on different occasions.{{Ref/Reuse|Have S'moa}} During Gek 'Lhar's time spent [[salvager|salvaging]] and pillaging for Jul 'Mdama, he commanded a [[war-freighter]].{{Ref/Novel|SaS}}

Unlike those of the original Covenant, much of the hardware utilized by the group bore green-glowing lights, as opposed to white, blue, or purple lighting. This difference may be have been for a number of reasons, as the lighting on Covenant ships and equipment is known to vary based on factors such as the manufacturer, the era of production, and a commander's personal preference.<ref>[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-4-16-14 ''Halo Waypoint'': ''The Halo Bulletin: 4.16.14'']</ref>

The new Covenant fielded a special operations unit known as the [[Silent Blade]], whose members were known to serve as assassins.{{Ref/Reuse|memento}} It is unknown whether this group existed during the hegemony's reign.

Unlike the original Covenant, 'Mdama's group was not averse to using captured UNSC weapons. During the [[Requiem Campaign]] they hoarded several caches of stolen UNSC matériel, though it is unclear whether they used any of this equipment in combat. Most notably, they attempted to destroy ''Infinity'' using stolen [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]s. The faction also began to use Promethean weaponry during the battle like the [[Z-110 Boltshot]], the [[Z-130 Suppressor]], and the [[Z-180 Scattershot]].<ref>''Spartan Ops'', ''Scattered'' & ''Invasion''</ref>

==Religion and beliefs==
{{Quote|These Covenant seem more fanatical than the ones we've fought before.|[[John-117]]{{Ref/Reuse|dawn}} }}
'Mdama's Covenant no longer believed in the [[Great Journey]] as the Prophets had been revealed as liars. However, 'Mdama's faction continued the practice of worshiping the Forerunners and their technology. Some members, including Jul 'Mdama himself, privately understood that the Forerunners were not gods, and were interested only in acquiring Forerunner technology for themselves.{{Ref/Novel|TTW|Page=344-345}} Nevertheless, the majority of this faction consisted of extremists and true believers. During his [[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn#Arrival at Requiem|first encounter]] with the new Covenant, John-117 observed that they were more fanatical than any Covenant he had fought during the war.{{Ref/Reuse|dawn}} The faction was considered to be extremely conservative, as 'Mdama forbade his followers from speaking [[human languages]]. However, adherence to this rule began to wane as support for Jul 'Mdama's radicalism weakened, with many members of the group speaking English when encountering human forces.<ref name="GI">''Game Informer'', ''July 2015 issue''</ref>

'Mdama's followers held particular reverence for the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], who shares their hatred for humanity. This led the Covenant faction to quickly align themselves with the Didact upon his release from his [[Cryptum]]. Even after the Didact's apparent demise following his failed attack on Earth, 'Mdama's Covenant continued to display allegiance to the Didact, as evidenced by their continued cooperation with the Didact's Promethean constructs on Requiem. 'Mdama himself took on the title "The Didact's Hand".{{Ref/Reuse|Catherine}}

In contrast to their worship of the Didact, members of the 'Mdama's Covenant appeared to have held an antagonistic opinion on the Librarian at the time of the Didact's rampage against humanity, with one Sangheili derisively referring to John-117 as the "Librarian's pet", demonstrating that at least some of them were aware of the Librarian's favoring of humans and the Master Chief in particular.{{Ref/Reuse|Composer}} Six months later, however, when attempting to activate the Librarian's "shrine" on Requiem, 'Mdama's Covenant treated her with a similar reverence as they did the Didact, seemingly oblivious to her actual intentions.<ref>''Spartan Ops'', ''[[Didact's Hand]]'' - '''Jul 'Mdama''': ''"I know what the Librarian will say, Glassman. She will tell us where all things sacred are hidden in this galaxy. Ships, weapons, bounties beyond our imagining. And she will tell us how to make those miracles... our own."'')</ref>

After Requiem's destruction and Jul's alliance with Dr. Halsey, [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|some members of his Covenant]] began to question 'Mdama's decisions, and prepared a rebellion against him,{{Ref/Reuse|HE14}} though it was ultimately suppressed.{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}} During the following months, Jul's authority started dwindling considerably, to the point of such changes as members speaking in English while fighting humans.{{Ref/Reuse|GI}}

==Production notes==
===Name===
This group is referred to simply as "'''the Covenant'''" in official material. According to an inaccurate article by the ''Official Xbox Magazine'' and [http://www.examiner.com/article/halo-4-s-storm-covenant-faction-officially-revealed perpetuated by ''Examiner''], the Covenant forces encountered in ''Halo 4'' are known as "the Storm". However, this arose due to a misunderstanding of the Covenant's then-new "Storm" class and the {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}. The word "storm" is also used as a generic organizational directory in the ''Halo 4'' game files, although the directory encompasses multiple items that are not Covenant-related. These articles also falsely claim that the "Storm" follow the religion of the San'Shyuum; while they do continue to worship the Forerunners, they have forsaken the Covenant's original religion after the [[High Prophet of Truth]]'s betrayal against the Sangheili.

''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' has at times referred to this faction as the ''' New Covenant''',{{Ref/Reuse|HE13}} or  '''Jul 'Mdama's New Covenant''' with full capitalization.<ref>''Halo: Escalation (Volume 3)''</ref>

==Trivia==
*The Covenant member species encountered in ''[[Halo 4]]'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' are the same as those featured in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'': Elites, Grunts, Jackals, and Hunters.
*The [[Yanme'e]] were considered for inclusion in 'Mdama's Covenant in ''Halo 4''. However, the concept (including the new [[Yanme'e Sniper]] rank) was abandoned.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H4 CovenantTech Concept.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art for Hesduron Covenant architectural/technological shape language.
File:DidactsHandMarkingBlack.png|The Didact's Hand, a symbol and title adopted by Jul 'Mdama to represent his faction's goals and beliefs.
File:Dhand.jpeg|A white version of the logo.
File:H4 EliteMinor.png|A Sangheili Storm in 'Mdama's Covenant
File:Halo4 Grunt.png|An Unggoy Storm in 'Mdama's faction
File:H4 profile - KigYar.png|A Kig-Yar Storm in the new Covenant
File:H4 profile - Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo in the reborn Covenant
File:H4 SO S01E10 Jul 'Mdama with Storm.jpg|Jul 'Mdama with a [[Sangheili Storm]] in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''
File:Halo Escalation 14.jpg|Jul 'Mdama and three Sangheili Storm on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation#14]]''
File:HSS Elite and Conduit.png|A Sangheili Minor part of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant with the Conduit in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
File:H5GA-JulCovies.png|Jul 'Mdama's faction on Sanghelios
File:H5G-LockeoverJul.png|Jul 'Mdama is killed on Kamchatka
File:H5-JulMdamasCovenantFlag.png|The flag of Jul's Covenant.
File:Covenant2.jpg|Concept art of the flag of Jul's Covenant.
File:Covenant SymbolHorizontal.png|Horizontal version of the Symbol of the Covenant. The Sangheili scripture for the word Covenant. First seen in a ''Halo: Fleet Battles'' promo and later on [[Sunaion]]. 
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]'' 
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Vertical Umbrage]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]'' {{Mo}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{Organizations}}

[[Category:Covenant remnants]]