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{{Status|Canon}}{{Status|Featured}}
{{Status|Canon}}{{Status|Featured}}
[[File:BirthOfASpartan - Augmentation.png|thumb|300px|A screen monitoring [[Carter-A259]]'s augmentations.]]
[[File:BirthOfASpartan - Augmentation.png|thumb|300px|A screen monitoring [[Carter-A259]]'s augmentations.]]
{{Quote|Read. New training protocols have been outlined as well as an improved augmentation regime. We've learned much from the unfortunate medical processes Dr. Halsey had at her disposal.|[[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]] introducing the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations to [[Kurt Ambrose]]{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}}}}
{{Quote|Read. New training protocols have been outlined as well as an improved augmentation regime. We've learned much from the unfortunate medical processes Dr. Halsey had at her disposal.|[[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]] introducing the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations to [[Kurt Ambrose]]<ref name="goo63"/>}}
'''Project CHRYSANTHEMUM''' was the codename given to the [[biological augmentation]] procedures performed on the [[Spartan-III]] supersoldiers. They represented a significant improvement over [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|the augmentations]] used in the previous [[SPARTAN-II program]],<ref name="goo63">'''Halo: Ghost of Onyx''', ''page 63''</ref> retaining the procedures' effectiveness but being safer and less invasive to perform.<ref name="GoO102">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 101-102''</ref>
'''Project CHRYSANTHEMUM''' was the codename given to the [[biological augmentation]] procedures performed on the [[Spartan-III]] supersoldiers. They represented a significant improvement over [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|the augmentations]] used in the previous [[SPARTAN-II program]],<ref name="goo63">'''Halo: Ghost of Onyx''', ''page 63''</ref> retaining the procedures' effectiveness but being safer and less invasive to perform.<ref name="GoO102">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 101-102''</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
[[File:BirthOfASpartan - AugmentationCarter.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Carter-A259]] undergoing the Project CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations.]]
[[File:BirthOfASpartan - AugmentationCarter.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Carter-A259]] undergoing the Project CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations.]]
The CHRYSANTHEMUM bioaugmentation set improved upon the augmentations of the SPARTAN-II program,{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}} pioneered by [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. With advances in technology, the casualty rate for Spartan-III candidates was usually 0%, as opposed to the 56% casualty rate of the Spartan-IIs. Most of the Spartan-IIIs' augmentations were chemically induced instead of surgically implanted like many of the Spartan-II enhancements.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}
The CHRYSANTHEMUM bioaugmentation set improved upon the augmentations of the SPARTAN-II program,<ref name="goo63"/> pioneered by [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. With advances in technology, the casualty rate for Spartan-III candidates was usually 0%, as opposed to the 56% casualty rate of the Spartan-IIs. Most of the Spartan-IIIs' augmentations were chemically induced instead of surgically implanted like many of the Spartan-II enhancements.<ref name="GoO102"/>


The genetic requirements for the Spartan-III candidates were loosened from the exceedingly strict criteria of the SPARTAN-II program,{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}} although the range of compatible individuals still remained incredibly narrow, and any aberrations from the required genetic set geometrically increased the failure rate.<ref name="goo82">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 82-83''</ref><ref name="goo67">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 67-68, 70''</ref> [[Colonel James Ackerson]], the mastermind of the SPARTAN-III program, requested to have mandatory genetic screening put in place in the [[Outer Colonies]] in order to find more genetic matches for his program, but the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] leadership felt this would only provoke the colonists for further [[Insurrection|aggression]] against the UNSC.{{Ref/Reuse|goo82}} As a result of the more lenient selection criteria, the Spartan-III candidate pool was less physically and psychologically consistent, with a higher likelihood of behavioral problems;{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}} many of the Spartan-III candidates were more lively and predisposed for aggression than their forebears.{{Ref/Reuse|goo67}}
The genetic requirements for the Spartan-III candidates were loosened from the exceedingly strict criteria of the SPARTAN-II program,<ref name="goo63"/> although the range of compatible individuals still remained incredibly narrow, and any aberrations from the required genetic set geometrically increased the failure rate.<ref name="goo82">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 82-83''</ref><ref name="goo67">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 67-68, 70''</ref> [[Colonel James Ackerson]], the mastermind of the SPARTAN-III program, requested to have mandatory genetic screening put in place in the [[Outer Colonies]] in order to find more genetic matches for his program, but the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] leadership felt this would only provoke the colonists for further [[Insurrection|aggression]] against the UNSC.<ref name="goo82"/> As a result of the more lenient selection criteria, the Spartan-III candidate pool was less physically and psychologically consistent, with a higher likelihood of behavioral problems;<ref name="goo63"/> many of the Spartan-III candidates were more lively and predisposed for aggression than their forebears.<ref name="goo67"/>


While the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations still had to be administered at the onset of puberty as the bodies of either prepubescents or adults would reject the chemicals, Colonel Ackerson's age restriction protocol for the SPARTAN-III program was considerably looser than that of the Spartan-IIs.{{Ref/Reuse|goo82}}{{Ref/Reuse|goo98}} The Spartan-III candidates' ages upon induction typically ranged from four to six years old,<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 362''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 16''</ref> with the nominal ages of some of them (such as [[Carter-A259]]) exhibiting more extreme deviation from the standard age range.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24526 '''Bungie.net''': ''Carter-A259 Personnel Profile'']</ref>
While the CHRYSANTHEMUM augmentations still had to be administered at the onset of puberty as the bodies of either prepubescents or adults would reject the chemicals, Colonel Ackerson's age restriction protocol for the SPARTAN-III program was considerably looser than that of the Spartan-IIs.<ref name="goo82"/><ref name="goo98"/> The Spartan-III candidates' ages upon induction typically ranged from four to six years old,<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 362''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 16''</ref> with the nominal ages of some of them (such as [[Carter-A259]]) exhibiting more extreme deviation from the standard age range.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24526 '''Bungie.net''': ''Carter-A259 Personnel Profile'']</ref>
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{{Clear}}


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|-
|-
| 8942-LQ99
| 8942-LQ99
| "carbide ceramic ossification catalyst" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}
| "carbide ceramic ossification catalyst" drug.<ref name="GoO102"/>
| Skeletons become virtually unbreakable, allowing survival in harder impacts.
| Skeletons become virtually unbreakable, allowing survival in harder impacts.
|-
|-
| 88005-MX77
| 88005-MX77
| "fibroid muscular protein complex" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}
| "fibroid muscular protein complex" drug.<ref name="GoO102"/>
| Increased density of individual's muscles, greatly enhancing physical strength.
| Increased density of individual's muscles, greatly enhancing physical strength.
|-
|-
| 88947-OP24
| 88947-OP24
| "retina-inversion stabilizer" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}
| "retina-inversion stabilizer" drug.<ref name="GoO102"/>
| Color sharpness is significantly improved upon, and night vision is heightened.
| Color sharpness is significantly improved upon, and night vision is heightened.
|-
|-
| 87556-UD61
| 87556-UD61
| "improved colloidal neural disunification solution" drug.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}
| "improved colloidal neural disunification solution" drug.<ref name="GoO102"/>
| Greatly improves the individual's reaction time, decreasing the time taken to react by 300%; "Spartan time".
| Greatly improves the individual's reaction time, decreasing the time taken to react by 300%; "Spartan time".
|-
|-
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| 009762-OO
| 009762-OO
| Neural-altering non-carcinogenic mutagen.
| Neural-altering non-carcinogenic mutagen.
| Alters key regions in the individual's frontal lobe to enhance aggressive response, making the animal part of the brain more accessible in times of stress. This allows the subject access to enormous reserves of strength and endurance and enables them to remain fighting even under the influence of a wide systemic shock that would be instantly fatal to a normal human.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}} Depresses higher reason centers of the brain over time; requires regular doses of 009127-PX and 009927-DG to be taken to avoid uncontrollable aggression.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}}
| Alters key regions in the individual's frontal lobe to enhance aggressive response, making the animal part of the brain more accessible in times of stress. This allows the subject access to enormous reserves of strength and endurance and enables them to remain fighting even under the influence of a wide systemic shock that would be instantly fatal to a normal human.<ref name="GoO102"/><ref name="GoO107"/> Depresses higher reason centers of the brain over time; requires regular doses of 009127-PX and 009927-DG to be taken to avoid uncontrollable aggression.<ref name="GoO107"/>
|-
|-
| 009127-PX
| 009127-PX
| cyclodexione-4, bipolar integration drug
| cyclodexione-4, bipolar integration drug
| Counters the effects of 009762-OO.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}}
| Counters the effects of 009762-OO.<ref name="GoO102"/><ref name="GoO107"/>
|-
|-
| 009927-DG
| 009927-DG
| miso-olanzapine
| miso-olanzapine
| Counters the psychological effects of 009762-OO.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}{{Ref/Reuse|GoO107}}
| Counters the psychological effects of 009762-OO.<ref name="GoO102"/><ref name="GoO107"/>
|}
|}


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The CHRYSANTHEMUM procedures took place aboard the mobile hospital ship {{UNSCShip|Hopeful}}. Because of the SPARTAN-III program's secrecy, the ''Hopeful'' was stationed in interstellar space at [[Margaret Parangosky|Vice Admiral Parangosky]]'s order for the duration of the procedures. The ship's docking cluster Bravo and the eight decks surrounding it were entirely cleared of personnel to allow ONI to move in their personnel and equipment.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 97''</ref>
The CHRYSANTHEMUM procedures took place aboard the mobile hospital ship {{UNSCShip|Hopeful}}. Because of the SPARTAN-III program's secrecy, the ''Hopeful'' was stationed in interstellar space at [[Margaret Parangosky|Vice Admiral Parangosky]]'s order for the duration of the procedures. The ship's docking cluster Bravo and the eight decks surrounding it were entirely cleared of personnel to allow ONI to move in their personnel and equipment.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 97''</ref>


The augmentations were administered over the course of a week; the subject was kept in a mostly sedated state throughout the process, which was conducted in a large, open operations room housing 400 sections separated by semi-opaque plastic curtains. Each compartment was filled with medical equipment, including a [[sterile field generator]] overhead as well as vital signs monitors and a chemotherapeutic infuser. The infuser contained vials for the various chemicals, which were administered to the subject via IV and osmotic patches. The Spartans were given a number of drugs to allow them to withstand the procedures themselves and counter their potential negative effects; these included shock reducers, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, and pH buffers.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}}
The augmentations were administered over the course of a week; the subject was kept in a mostly sedated state throughout the process, which was conducted in a large, open operations room housing 400 sections separated by semi-opaque plastic curtains. Each compartment was filled with medical equipment, including a [[sterile field generator]] overhead as well as vital signs monitors and a chemotherapeutic infuser. The infuser contained vials for the various chemicals, which were administered to the subject via IV and osmotic patches. The Spartans were given a number of drugs to allow them to withstand the procedures themselves and counter their potential negative effects; these included shock reducers, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, and pH buffers.<ref name="GoO102"/>


===Performance===
===Performance===
{{Quote|Even for a [[Spartan]], the attack had been a masterwork, and it made Fred wonder just how deeply Mark-G313 had devoted himself to the fine art of killing.|[[Frederic-104]] pondering the prowess of a Spartan-III.{{Ref/Reuse|LL1}}}}
{{Quote|Even for a [[Spartan]], the attack had been a masterwork, and it made Fred wonder just how deeply Mark-G313 had devoted himself to the fine art of killing.|[[Frederic-104]] pondering the prowess of a Spartan-III.<ref name="LL1"/>}}
[[File:HM-MLGSIII.png|thumb|230px|A Spartan-III attacking a [[Sangheili Minor]].]]
[[File:HM-MLGSIII.png|thumb|230px|A Spartan-III attacking a [[Sangheili Minor]].]]
Despite the Spartan-IIIs' expendable nature and lower-grade equipment than the Spartan-IIs, their enhancements represented a "quantum leap" over the previous program's bioaugmentation set.{{Ref/Reuse|goo63}}
Despite the Spartan-IIIs' expendable nature and lower-grade equipment than the Spartan-IIs, their enhancements represented a "quantum leap" over the previous program's bioaugmentation set.<ref name="goo63"/>


The muscular augmentations administered gave a Spartan-III the strength of "three normal soldiers".{{Ref/Reuse|goo99}} During [[Operation: TORPEDO]], Spartan-IIIs ran at a speed of nearly 30 KPH (around 18 MPH).<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 17''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Sprinting is the act of running at one's top speed for a short period of time. Given how this is a sprint speed obtainable by normal un-augmented humans, it seems unlikely that this is truly the Spartan IIIs' top speed. It is possible that "sprinting" in the context of this particular instance could mean covering a long distance with a relatively fast pace rather than actually sprinting. This is reinforced by page 14 of ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', which mentions the Spartan IIIs having to cross a terrain of over five kilometers on foot, which would imply maintaining the fastest pace possible while not losing any stamina. This would also indicate that the Spartan IIIs in this context were not running at their top speed, but rather a slower pace to conserve stamina.}} Spartan-IIIs were also described to have been moving with "speed and reflexes that no Covenant could follow". "They dodged, snapped necks and limbs, and with captured energy swords, they cut through the enemy until the field ran with rivers of gore and blue blood".{{Ref/Reuse|goo21}} The Spartans of [[Team Foxtrot]] engaged six [[Kig-Yar]] in close quarters and left the aliens' bodies "snapped like rag dolls".{{Ref/Reuse|goo21}} [[Tom-B292]], 12 years old at the time and equipped with SPI armor, engaged a [[Sangheili]] armed with a [[plasma pistol]] and an [[energy sword]] in hand-to-hand combat. The Spartan's enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge a plasma pistol bolt and sword swing at point blank range. He then proceeded to throw the Sangheili warrior to the ground and finish it off with his assault rifle. During the battle, the Sangheili and Kig-Yar forces moved out of cover because they realized that it was suicidal to face Spartans in close quarters.<ref name="goo21">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 21-23''</ref>  
The muscular augmentations administered gave a Spartan-III the strength of "three normal soldiers".<ref name="goo99"/> During [[Operation: TORPEDO]], Spartan-IIIs ran at a speed of nearly 30 KPH (around 18 MPH).<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 17''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Sprinting is the act of running at one's top speed for a short period of time. Given how this is a sprint speed obtainable by normal un-augmented humans, it seems unlikely that this is truly the Spartan IIIs' top speed. It is possible that "sprinting" in the context of this particular instance could mean covering a long distance with a relatively fast pace rather than actually sprinting. This is reinforced by page 14 of ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', which mentions the Spartan IIIs having to cross a terrain of over five kilometers on foot, which would imply maintaining the fastest pace possible while not losing any stamina. This would also indicate that the Spartan IIIs in this context were not running at their top speed, but rather a slower pace to conserve stamina.}} Spartan-IIIs were also described to have been moving with "speed and reflexes that no Covenant could follow". "They dodged, snapped necks and limbs, and with captured energy swords, they cut through the enemy until the field ran with rivers of gore and blue blood".<ref name="goo21"/> The Spartans of [[Team Foxtrot]] engaged six [[Kig-Yar]] in close quarters and left the aliens' bodies "snapped like rag dolls".<ref name="goo21"/> [[Tom-B292]], 12 years old at the time and equipped with SPI armor, engaged a [[Sangheili]] armed with a [[plasma pistol]] and an [[energy sword]] in hand-to-hand combat. The Spartan's enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge a plasma pistol bolt and sword swing at point blank range. He then proceeded to throw the Sangheili warrior to the ground and finish it off with his assault rifle. During the battle, the Sangheili and Kig-Yar forces moved out of cover because they realized that it was suicidal to face Spartans in close quarters.<ref name="goo21">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 21-23''</ref>  


Approximately 300 Spartan-IIIs faced thousands upon thousands of Covenant, including Covenant air support, and were described to have been winning the battle until 7 [[Covenant cruiser]]s emerged as reinforcements.{{Ref/Reuse|goo21}} During the battle on Pegasi Delta, most of Beta Company were roughly twelve years old. The physical abilities of any Spartan-IIIs who lived long enough to mature would supposedly have improved significantly as [[Franklin Mendez|CPO Mendez]] stated that Spartans only grew stronger and faster as their bodies grew accustomed to their augmentations.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 73''</ref>{{Ref/Note|While Mendez's statement was in reference to the Spartan-IIs, it can be assumed to hold true to their successors due to the similar nature of the augmentations.}} Although the carbide ceramic ossification rendered the Spartan-IIIs' bones "virtually unbreakable",{{Ref/Reuse|GoO102}} they can still be broken by extreme physical trauma. This was demonstrated when [[Olivia-G291]]'s legs were broken in several places{{Ref/Reuse|hll114}} by a three-meter-long slab of rock falling on them.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 118'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
Approximately 300 Spartan-IIIs faced thousands upon thousands of Covenant, including Covenant air support, and were described to have been winning the battle until 7 [[Covenant cruiser]]s emerged as reinforcements.<ref name="goo21"/> During the battle on Pegasi Delta, most of Beta Company were roughly twelve years old. The physical abilities of any Spartan-IIIs who lived long enough to mature would supposedly have improved significantly as [[Franklin Mendez|CPO Mendez]] stated that Spartans only grew stronger and faster as their bodies grew accustomed to their augmentations.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 73''</ref>{{Ref/Note|While Mendez's statement was in reference to the Spartan-IIs, it can be assumed to hold true to their successors due to the similar nature of the augmentations.}} Although the carbide ceramic ossification rendered the Spartan-IIIs' bones "virtually unbreakable",<ref name="GoO102"/> they can still be broken by extreme physical trauma. This was demonstrated when [[Olivia-G291]]'s legs were broken in several places<ref name="hll114"/> by a three-meter-long slab of rock falling on them.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 118'' (Google Play edition)</ref>


During the [[Onyx Conflict]], one of the Spartan-IIIs briefly fought the Mjolnir-armored [[Kelly-087]]. The Spartan-III in question was able to momentarily hold their own against Kelly, being strong enough to twist Kelly's wrist and escape from her arm lock as well, despite wearing only SPI armor, which does not significantly increase the wearers speed and strength, unlike MJOLNIR. While Kelly was able to quickly defeat the Spartan-III afterward with a palm strike, she took note that she would have easily torn her opponent's arm off if he or she were unaugmented; it should be noted that the Spartan III was on the move mere moments later.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 165 - 166''</ref><ref>'''Halo Mythos''', ''page 77''</ref> Additionally, [[Mark-G313]] was able to support and haul the weight of [[Frederic-104]], who was equipped with [[Mark VI]] MJOLNIR armor and barely conscious.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 308''</ref>
During the [[Onyx Conflict]], one of the Spartan-IIIs briefly fought the Mjolnir-armored [[Kelly-087]]. The Spartan-III in question was able to momentarily hold their own against Kelly, being strong enough to twist Kelly's wrist and escape from her arm lock as well, despite wearing only SPI armor, which does not significantly increase the wearers speed and strength, unlike MJOLNIR. While Kelly was able to quickly defeat the Spartan-III afterward with a palm strike, she took note that she would have easily torn her opponent's arm off if he or she were unaugmented; it should be noted that the Spartan III was on the move mere moments later.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 165 - 166''</ref><ref>'''Halo Mythos''', ''page 77''</ref> Additionally, [[Mark-G313]] was able to support and haul the weight of [[Frederic-104]], who was equipped with [[Mark VI]] MJOLNIR armor and barely conscious.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 308''</ref>
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The Spartan-IIIs' augmentations allow them to remain conscious and even function effectively while exposed to the vacuum of space for up to a minute. However, the Spartans still suffer from the negative effects of exposure to space and require medical treatment directly after to recover.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', "[[Lessons Learned]]", ''page 5''</ref> While on board a spacecraft, [[Kevin-A282]] walked through the forces of rapid decompression while carrying Captain [[Darren Leone]] to safety. Later on, Kevin shot the rifle out of the hands of [[Ryan Larsson]] from a quarter mile away and successfully jogged to his location before Ryan could recover.<ref>'''Halo: Fractures''', ''Breaking Strain''</ref>
The Spartan-IIIs' augmentations allow them to remain conscious and even function effectively while exposed to the vacuum of space for up to a minute. However, the Spartans still suffer from the negative effects of exposure to space and require medical treatment directly after to recover.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', "[[Lessons Learned]]", ''page 5''</ref> While on board a spacecraft, [[Kevin-A282]] walked through the forces of rapid decompression while carrying Captain [[Darren Leone]] to safety. Later on, Kevin shot the rifle out of the hands of [[Ryan Larsson]] from a quarter mile away and successfully jogged to his location before Ryan could recover.<ref>'''Halo: Fractures''', ''Breaking Strain''</ref>


While most Spartan-IIIs were issued [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] as opposed to [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mjolnir]] for budgetary reasons, a small number of Spartan-III candidates—called "cat 2s" by [[Kurt Ambrose]]—were set apart from the general population of the program by Ambrose and [[Franklin Mendez]] on the basis of possessing exceptional skill and performance either in general or in specific fields.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/kat-b320 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Kat-B320'']</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/carter-a259 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Carter-A259'']</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/emile-a239 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Emile-A239'']</ref> These Spartans were removed from the program's mainline companies, given Mjolnir armor and assigned to separate special forces units.<ref name="comm">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24040 '''Bungie.net''': ''Communique from Kurt to Mendez'']</ref> Kurt regarded the "cat 2" Spartan-IIIs as being on par with the Spartan-IIs in regard to sheer natural ability, though he would also later assess [[Gamma Company]] on the whole as being comprised of the "finest Spartans ever".{{Ref/Reuse|goo98}} Additionally, [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] noted how [[SPARTAN-B312]]'s "hyper-lethal" rating was shared by only one other Spartan,{{Ref/Note|The notion that the label "hyper-lethal" applies only to two Spartans is somewhat questionable, given that the information sheet for Spartans in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'' also states that ''"each Spartan is a hyper-lethal special forces operative"''.}} and remarked that [[Jun-A266]]'s skills as a sniper were "unmatched".<ref name="aswr">'''[[Halo: Reach ViDoc: A Spartan Will Rise]]'''</ref> Spartan-B312 was also noted to have singlehandedly broken [[Insurrectionist]] organizations and made entire militia groups disappear.<ref>[https://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel '''Bungie.net''': ''Spartan-B312 Personnel Profile'']</ref>
While most Spartan-IIIs were issued [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] as opposed to [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mjolnir]] for budgetary reasons, a small number of Spartan-III candidates—called "cat 2s" by [[Kurt Ambrose]]—were set apart from the general population of the program by Ambrose and [[Franklin Mendez]] on the basis of possessing exceptional skill and performance either in general or in specific fields.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/kat-b320 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Kat-B320'']</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/carter-a259 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Carter-A259'']</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/emile-a239 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Emile-A239'']</ref> These Spartans were removed from the program's mainline companies, given Mjolnir armor and assigned to separate special forces units.<ref name="comm">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24040 '''Bungie.net''': ''Communique from Kurt to Mendez'']</ref> Kurt regarded the "cat 2" Spartan-IIIs as being on par with the Spartan-IIs in regard to sheer natural ability, though he would also later assess [[Gamma Company]] on the whole as being comprised of the "finest Spartans ever".<ref name="goo98"/> Additionally, [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] noted how [[SPARTAN-B312]]'s "hyper-lethal" rating was shared by only one other Spartan,{{Ref/Note|The notion that the label "hyper-lethal" applies only to two Spartans is somewhat questionable, given that the information sheet for Spartans in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'' also states that ''"each Spartan is a hyper-lethal special forces operative"''.}} and remarked that [[Jun-A266]]'s skills as a sniper were "unmatched".<ref name="aswr">'''[[Halo: Reach ViDoc: A Spartan Will Rise]]'''</ref> Spartan-B312 was also noted to have singlehandedly broken [[Insurrectionist]] organizations and made entire militia groups disappear.<ref>[https://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel '''Bungie.net''': ''Spartan-B312 Personnel Profile'']</ref>


While making his last stand on [[Reach]], SPARTAN-B312, wearing Mjolnir armor, knocked out a [[Sangheili General]] with a single elbow strike and shot him twice in the head as he was struggling to get up. He then continued to make his final effort by dealing single strikes to multiple [[Sangheili Ultra]]s and [[Sangheili Zealot]]s causing them to forcefully stagger backwards, before being subdued himself.<ref name="Lonewolf">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''Lone Wolf''</ref> During the Battle of Meridian in 2548, [[Owen-B096]] took the hit of a [[Mgalekgolo]] full force which sent him flying through the wall of a warehouse. Thereafter, he beat the Hunter in CQC only suffering a minor limp from the encounter.<ref>'''Halo: Battle Born''', ''Chapter 10''</ref>
While making his last stand on [[Reach]], SPARTAN-B312, wearing Mjolnir armor, knocked out a [[Sangheili General]] with a single elbow strike and shot him twice in the head as he was struggling to get up. He then continued to make his final effort by dealing single strikes to multiple [[Sangheili Ultra]]s and [[Sangheili Zealot]]s causing them to forcefully stagger backwards, before being subdued himself.<ref name="Lonewolf">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''Lone Wolf''</ref> During the Battle of Meridian in 2548, [[Owen-B096]] took the hit of a [[Mgalekgolo]] full force which sent him flying through the wall of a warehouse. Thereafter, he beat the Hunter in CQC only suffering a minor limp from the encounter.<ref>'''Halo: Battle Born''', ''Chapter 10''</ref>
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{{Quote|no=four|q1=And if you don't get your injections, you... what? Start hearing voices? Go berserk?|[[Veta Lopis]]|q2=Something like that. Except we don't always hear voices.|[[Ash-G099]]|q3=Or see flying dinosaurs. That only happens sometimes.|[[Mark-G313]]|q4=But we can usually... read thoughts. I kind of like that, especially when there are civilians around, thinking about sex and stuff.|[[Olivia-G291]]|Exchange between [[Special Inspector]] Veta Lopis and the three Gamma Company Spartans of [[Blue Team]] regarding the latter's augmentations in a joking manner<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 136'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}
{{Quote|no=four|q1=And if you don't get your injections, you... what? Start hearing voices? Go berserk?|[[Veta Lopis]]|q2=Something like that. Except we don't always hear voices.|[[Ash-G099]]|q3=Or see flying dinosaurs. That only happens sometimes.|[[Mark-G313]]|q4=But we can usually... read thoughts. I kind of like that, especially when there are civilians around, thinking about sex and stuff.|[[Olivia-G291]]|Exchange between [[Special Inspector]] Veta Lopis and the three Gamma Company Spartans of [[Blue Team]] regarding the latter's augmentations in a joking manner<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 136'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}


The mutagen 009762-OO, administered only to the Spartans of Gamma Company, makes the Spartans more resistant to pain and injury, with stress or pain only increasing their physical prowess. The Gammas are almost completely immune to shock, allowing them to endure injuries and physical pain beyond Spartans of any other generation; for example, [[Dante-G188]] was able to function for some time after a number of Needler rounds had blown his chest open, initially not even realizing his grave injuries.<ref name="goo dante">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 309''</ref> As a side effect, the drug suppresses higher brain functions over time; without the regularly administered counteragents, cyclodexione-4 and miso-olanzapine (the cocktails containing which are colloquially known among the Gamma Company Spartans as "Smoothers"),<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 123'' (Google Play edition)</ref> the Spartan will lose their strategic judgment and become more prone to impulsive, instinct-driven behavior.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 340''</ref> This may also occur in combat under extreme pain and stress; after both of her legs were broken, [[Olivia-G291]] engaged and destroyed an [[Aggressor Sentinel]] with her bare hands by forcing it to the ground and smashing it repeatedly with a "rock as large as her torso" in an uncontrolled berserk rage.<ref name="hll114">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 114''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Assuming the rock was made from limestone, which was mentioned to be present in the cave on page 114 of ''Halo: Last Light'', the rock potentially could have weighed anywhere from 1,400lbs to 11,200lbs (approx. 630 to 5000 kilograms) depending on the relative size of Olivia's torso and the gravity on [[Gao]]. [http://www.delawarequarries.com/landscape/boulders/boulderwt.html Link to boulder weight scale.]}} [[Frederic-104]] noted that she could easily have indiscriminately attacked both allies and enemies in this state, and in order to immediately return her to normal, Fred was forced to strike her in the head with the butt of his rifle. The blow had enough force to knock off her helmet and was just enough to snap her out of this state.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 102-104'' (Google Play edition)</ref> It should be noted that life-threatening—or, indeed, even fatal—injuries do not invariably result in uncontrollable aggression, as demonstrated by the example of Dante-G188, who calmly limped into safety before saluting [[Kurt Ambrose|Lieutenant Commander Ambrose]] and informing the commander that he had been "nicked".{{Ref/Reuse|goo dante}} Rather, Olivia's case is suggested to have been the result of her using her immense pain to compound her strength and rage to the point she could no longer control herself.{{Ref/Reuse|hll114}}
The mutagen 009762-OO, administered only to the Spartans of Gamma Company, makes the Spartans more resistant to pain and injury, with stress or pain only increasing their physical prowess. The Gammas are almost completely immune to shock, allowing them to endure injuries and physical pain beyond Spartans of any other generation; for example, [[Dante-G188]] was able to function for some time after a number of Needler rounds had blown his chest open, initially not even realizing his grave injuries.<ref name="goo dante">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 309''</ref> As a side effect, the drug suppresses higher brain functions over time; without the regularly administered counteragents, cyclodexione-4 and miso-olanzapine (the cocktails containing which are colloquially known among the Gamma Company Spartans as "Smoothers"),<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 123'' (Google Play edition)</ref> the Spartan will lose their strategic judgment and become more prone to impulsive, instinct-driven behavior.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 340''</ref> This may also occur in combat under extreme pain and stress; after both of her legs were broken, [[Olivia-G291]] engaged and destroyed an [[Aggressor Sentinel]] with her bare hands by forcing it to the ground and smashing it repeatedly with a "rock as large as her torso" in an uncontrolled berserk rage.<ref name="hll114">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 114''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Assuming the rock was made from limestone, which was mentioned to be present in the cave on page 114 of ''Halo: Last Light'', the rock potentially could have weighed anywhere from 1,400lbs to 11,200lbs (approx. 630 to 5000 kilograms) depending on the relative size of Olivia's torso and the gravity on [[Gao]]. [http://www.delawarequarries.com/landscape/boulders/boulderwt.html Link to boulder weight scale.]}} [[Frederic-104]] noted that she could easily have indiscriminately attacked both allies and enemies in this state, and in order to immediately return her to normal, Fred was forced to strike her in the head with the butt of his rifle. The blow had enough force to knock off her helmet and was just enough to snap her out of this state.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 102-104'' (Google Play edition)</ref> It should be noted that life-threatening—or, indeed, even fatal—injuries do not invariably result in uncontrollable aggression, as demonstrated by the example of Dante-G188, who calmly limped into safety before saluting [[Kurt Ambrose|Lieutenant Commander Ambrose]] and informing the commander that he had been "nicked".<ref name="goo dante"/> Rather, Olivia's case is suggested to have been the result of her using her immense pain to compound her strength and rage to the point she could no longer control herself.<ref name="hll114"/>


There are several different types of "Smoother". The most common type used during combat operations is administered via a hypodermic injection and lasts approximately twelve hours, after which its effectiveness begins to steadily decrease. Several factors such as stress and fatigue can precipitate the mental unraveling process.<ref name="ll145">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 145-146'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The first symptoms, appearing within several hours after the Smoothers' effect wears off, include nervousness and irritability,<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 182'' (Google Play edition)</ref><ref name="ll214">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 214-215'' (Google Play edition)</ref> eventually followed by paranoia, fits of temper and physical outbursts.{{Ref/Reuse|ll145}} After well over a day without a Smoother injection,{{Ref/Reuse|ll214}} [[Mark-G313]] began having difficulties distinguishing friend from foe in the middle of a firefight, holding a combat knife to [[Nguyen|a Marine sergeant]]'s throat before being successfully convinced by Fred-104 that the Marine was an ally rather than an enemy infiltrator.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 247'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Another, significantly more expensive type of Smoother is a subcutaneous insert with a longer-lasting effect. While they can only be changed out in a medical facility, they also cannot be lost or destroyed during a mission like the more commonly used kind.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 249'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
There are several different types of "Smoother". The most common type used during combat operations is administered via a hypodermic injection and lasts approximately twelve hours, after which its effectiveness begins to steadily decrease. Several factors such as stress and fatigue can precipitate the mental unraveling process.<ref name="ll145">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''pages 145-146'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The first symptoms, appearing within several hours after the Smoothers' effect wears off, include nervousness and irritability,<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 182'' (Google Play edition)</ref><ref name="ll214">'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 214-215'' (Google Play edition)</ref> eventually followed by paranoia, fits of temper and physical outbursts.<ref name="ll145"/> After well over a day without a Smoother injection,<ref name="ll214"/> [[Mark-G313]] began having difficulties distinguishing friend from foe in the middle of a firefight, holding a combat knife to [[Nguyen|a Marine sergeant]]'s throat before being successfully convinced by Fred-104 that the Marine was an ally rather than an enemy infiltrator.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 247'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Another, significantly more expensive type of Smoother is a subcutaneous insert with a longer-lasting effect. While they can only be changed out in a medical facility, they also cannot be lost or destroyed during a mission like the more commonly used kind.<ref>'''Halo: Last Light''', ''page 249'' (Google Play edition)</ref>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==

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