Editing Sarah Palmer

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Center|'''Palmer''' redirects here. For the Marine from [[Palace Hotel]], see [[Palmer (Marine)]]. For the archaeologist on [[Installation 00|the Ark]], see [[Nathaniel Palmer]].}}
{{Character infobox
|variant=Human
|name=Sarah Palmer
|image=[[File:HTMCC Avatar Palmer 1.png|300px]]
|homeworld=[[Luna]]<ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref>
|birth=[[2527|April 13, 2527]]{{Ref/Reuse|VIS}}
|death=
|causeofdeath=
|parents=
|siblings=
|spouses=
|children=
|species=[[Human]]
|gender=Female
|height={{Convert|205.7|cm|ftin}}<ref name="Guide">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 4 Interactive Guide'']</ref>
|mass={{Convert|109.3|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}
|hair=Brown
|eyes=Brown
|affiliation=*[[UNSC Marine Corps]] {{C|formerly}}
**[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation1}}
*[[Spartan Operations]]
**[[SPARTAN-IV program]]
|rank=*Corporal {{C|formerly}}
*Spartan
**Commander {{C|title, not formal rank}}<ref name="Initiation2">'''Halo: Initiation''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref>
|sn=65287-98303-SP
|notable=
}}
{{Quote|[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|The Covies]] - They believe this is the home of [[Ur-Didact|one of their gods]]. The way I see it, if those freaks wanna meet God, it's our duty to help them along!|Commander Palmer in a speech to the [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] being deployed to [[Requiem]]<ref name="Departure">'''[[Spartan Ops]]''', ''[[Departure]]''</ref>}}

'''Spartan Commander Sarah E. Palmer'''<ref name="Reclaimer">'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]''</ref> ([[service number]] '''65287-98303-SP''') is a soldier in the [[Spartan Operations|Spartan]] branch of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces and a veteran of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. After the war, Palmer transferred from the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|Shock Troopers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation1}} to the newly-independent branch, and was augmented as one of the first [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV supersoldiers]].<ref name="Reed">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/03/Halo-Initiation-Writer-Interview.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Initiation Writer Interview'']</ref> She is currently assigned as the Commanding Officer of the 300-member Spartan contingent aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation2}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}

==Biography==
===Early life and military career===
{{Quote|I'm Lance Corporal Sarah Palmer, ODST. And I love my job.|Palmer about herself{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation1}}}}
[[File:Haloinitiation1variant.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Sarah Palmer fighting a Jiralhanae Chieftain.]]
Palmer was born [[2527|April 13, 2527]] on [[Luna]] to embittered colonial parents, who possessed a strong dislike of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. They died when she was young, however, and she was adopted. Her adopted father did not share the views of her birth parents, and he was instrumental in her joining the [[UNSC Marine Corps]].<ref>'''Halo Library Edition''', ''page ???''</ref> Palmer joined the Corps sometime during the 2540s, and served twelve tours on eight different worlds as an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]].{{Ref/Reuse|Guide}}{{Ref/Note|Id=rank|1=Palmer's biography on the official ''Halo 4'' website states that she was a Lieutenant throughout much of her Marine career, though it does not specify her grade. However, throughout Issue #1 of ''Halo: Initiation'' (set in October 2552), then-ODST Palmer is referred to as a Lance Corporal, with her being promoted to Corporal at the issue's conclusion. ''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'' states that Palmer's leadership was the primary reason for her selection as a Spartan. However, a Lance Corporal has no authority aside from leading a fireteam in the absence of a Corporal (which, in practice, would provide no command experience), lending credence to the original source. Nonetheless, [[343 Industries]] later [https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=14#post263 confirmed via Catalog] that Palmer was a Corporal at the time of her transfer and was already in line for rapid promotion to Sergeant. ''Halo: New Blood'' reveals that she was already a Lance Corporal in 2546; it is possible that she was promoted to a higher grade before being demoted back to E3 by the events of ''Initiation''.}}{{Ref/Note|Id=lieutenant|{{Plain|[https://twitter.com/schlerf/status/432284571351404544 According to ''Halo 4'' writer Chris Schlerf]}}, Captain Del Rio's order ''"Lieutenant, arrest that man!"'' on the level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]'' was originally meant to be directed at Palmer; this is corroborated by his conspicuous gesturing at her, the fact there are no additional characters shown in the frame, and Palmer's visibly conflicted reaction to the order. However, after the [[Spartan Operations#Organization|rank structure]] of the Spartan branch was changed, Del Rio was retconned into addressing an {{Plain|[https://twitter.com/awesumsauce1/status/431822010738827265 off-screen Navy lieutenant instead]}}.}}

In [[2546]], [[Lance Corporal]] Palmer was attached to ODST squadron [[Gamma-Six]], under the command of Sergeant [[Pham]] during the [[Covenant]]'s [[Battle of Sargasso|attack]] on [[Sargasso]]. During the battle, the squad was sent to the town of [[Belisk]] to protect [[Lethbridge Industrial]]'s latest military-grade munitions manufactured for the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]. While Gamma-Six protected the facility, ONI tasked [[Alpha-Nine]] with retrieval of the facility's research data before the Covenant could claim it.<ref>'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''page 25''</ref> However, Palmer and Gamma-Six were unaware of the fact that ONI had intended for the squad to serve as a distraction, allowing Alpha-Nine to recover the data with little resistance. As Alpha-Nine completed their mission and prepared to leave Belisk, [[Edward Buck]], squad leader for Alpha-Nine, overheard Palmer - who had assumed command of Gamma-Six upon Sgt. Pham's death - questioning the lack of extraction. Command informed Gamma-Six that the amount of hostiles at their position made extraction impossible and ordered their retreat to a safer location. As two [[Type-26 Banshee]]s assaulted Palmer's position, Buck ignored his orders and led Alpha-Nine to rescue Gamma-Six. By the time Alpha-Nine arrived, Palmer was the only surviving member of her squad. Together, the ODSTs eliminated the remaining Covenant forces assaulting their position and returned to [[Unidentified UNSC military base|base]] in a civilian truck.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''pages 38-44''</ref>

In [[2552#October|October 2552]], Lance Corporal Palmer was part of an ODST unit deployed to reinforce a UNSC outpost under attack by the Covenant. Immediately upon touchdown, Palmer single-handedly defended [[Kovalic|Admiral Kovalic]], who was escaping the outpost with the base's [[Artificial intelligence|AI]]. Upon emerging from her [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV]], LCpl Palmer fought off several Covenant forces, including several [[Unggoy]] and no less than two [[Jiralhanae]], one of which was a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]. During the brief firefight, she was hit by a [[Type-33 Needler]] shard, surviving thanks only to her [[ODST armor|armor]]. Showing ingenuity and bravery in the face of insurmountable odds - including flipping a [[M12 Warthog|Warthog]] with a [[M9 fragmentation grenade|grenade]] and eliminating a Chieftain - LCpl Palmer successfully rescued the Admiral and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Corporal with intentions of a rapid promotion to Sergeant.<ref name="Initiation1">'''[[Halo: Initiation]]''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref>{{Ref/NoteReuse|rank}}

===Becoming a SPARTAN-IV===
[[File:Initiation-Training.jpg|thumb|180px|Spartan Sarah Palmer training against UNSC Marines.]]
{{Quote|We're Spartans, Jun...it's time to start acting like it.|Palmer to [[Jun-A266]] on her first operation as a Spartan{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation2}}}}
In [[2553|January 2553]], following her promotion to Corporal, Palmer received medical care for her injuries sustained in the rescue of Admiral Kovalic aboard the [[Lockhart medical station|''Lockhart'' medical station]]. There she was approached by Jun-A266, a former [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]]. Due to her preceding mission and service record as a whole - though her leadership was a major factor in her candidacy - Jun offered her a place as the first recruit for the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s SPARTAN-IV program.{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation1}}{{Ref/Reuse|Reed}}

Though initially expressing incredulity towards the offer, Palmer accepted and joined the Spartans. She and four other candidates - [[Edward Davis]], [[Yeong-hao Holst]], [[Vladimir Scruggs]], and [[Joel Thomas]] - underwent a series of biological and chemical augmentations that lasted three weeks. Following the two days it took them to adjust to the enhancements, Palmer and her fellow Spartan IV's trained under the supervision of Jun-A266 and [[Musa-096]], a former Spartan II who was largely responsible for the formation of the program. During a [[Tactical training round|simulated engagement]] with a squad of fifty Marines, Palmer displayed an overzealous desire to complete the objective, rushing forward at the expense of her teammates. Jun expressed embarrassment at the Spartans' poor performance, to which Spartans Scruggs and Thomas pointed out that they lacked the fabled [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Spartan]] armor. Musa-096 then addressed the squad, informing them that they would receive their armor when they deserved it. He impressed upon them their new ranks and roles as Spartans, singling out Palmer as an example that Spartans do not rush ahead and seek glory for themselves. Palmer would take this lesson to heart.{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation2}}

Later [[2553#January|that month]], the Spartan-IV's were transferred aboard the UNSC ''Infinity'', currently undergoing the final stages of construction in the [[Oort cloud]]. These five Spartans were the only ones aboard the ship at the time, though ''Infinity'' would later maintain a complement of up to three hundred Spartans after her shakedown cruise.{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation2}}
{{clear}}

===Rebel incursion on ''Infinity''===
[[File:HI Ilsa and palmer.png|thumb|250px|Palmer fighting against Ilsa Zane.]]
{{Main|Raid on UNSC Infinity}}
{{Quote|I'll show you what a real Spartan looks like.|Palmer to Ilsa Zane during their fight{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation3}}}}
During Palmer's transfer to the ''Infinity'', [[New Colonial Alliance|a group]] of [[Insurrectionist]]s led by [[Ilsa Zane]] — a former participant in the prototype phase of the SPARTAN-IV program — captured [[Andrew Del Rio|Captain Andrew Del Rio]] and the bridge crew, in addition to disabling the ship's AI, [[Aine]]. Palmer asked [[Thomas Lasky|Commander Thomas Lasky]], the ship's [[executive officer]], if the Armor Bay was operational enough for the Spartans to arm themselves. While it was operational, Lasky informed the Spartan that armor selection was limited. Choosing function over form, Palmer selected a suit of [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant|GEN2 Scout armor]], which would remain her armament from that point on. Jun objected, informing Palmer that she wasn't cleared for a suit of MJOLNIR armor, to which she repeated Musa's words that they were Spartans, and it was time to "start acting like it."{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation2}} Palmer and Davis repelled the takeover attempt, distinguishing themselves during the engagement.{{Ref/Reuse|Reed}} The two Spartans made their way to the bridge along the exterior hull of the ship, while the remainder of the squad reached a security panel to give Del Rio access to the bridge. Upon breaching the bridge, causing a decompression of the cabin, Palmer engaged Zane in hand-to-hand combat. Despite Zane's superior physical augmentations, Palmer got the upper hand and knocked the rebel leader out of the ship's airlock with the assistance of Aine after she was reactivated by Captain Del Rio.<ref name="Initiation3">'''Halo: Initiation''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref>

===Draco III rebellion===
{{Main|Draco III rebellion}}
In [[2554]], during the resettlement of [[Draco III]], the [[United Rebel Front]] attacked the capital city of [[New Albany]] in an attempt to take control of the planet. Palmer and several other SPARTAN-IVs were tasked with eliminating the insurgents throughout the city, while ODST squad Alpha-Nine was ordered to eliminate URF Captain [[Ingridson]] in the city's [[Draco III capitol building|capitol building]]. However, the ODSTs' mission resulted in a stand-off between the insurgents and Alpha-Nine. Palmer offered to assist them, but Buck declined as he was afraid that their appearance would lead to Ingridson executing the captured "[[The Rookie|rookie]]".<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''pages 88-89''</ref>

Palmer later warned Buck of more URF soldiers moving in on Alpha-Nine's location, but Buck was unable to respond as he had removed his helmet in an attempt to humanize himself to Ingridson. When Alpha-Nine was given the opportunity to engage the insurgents, Buck requested for Palmer and her Spartans to cover their backs from the incoming rebel soldiers. Once all rebels in the area were killed or captured, the two teams met up in the capitol building's main hall.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''pages 94-95''</ref> Palmer's success in the SPARTAN-IV program partially inspired Buck to join himself.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 86''</ref>

===Battle of Draetheus V===
{{Main|Battle of Draetheus V}}
[[File:HSA-FullCover.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Palmer during the Battle of Draetheus V.]]
In [[2554]], Palmer and Davis were stationed on [[X50]], [[Draetheus V]]'s [[moon]], where they defended against [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] forces. Palmer and a contingent of Marines worked to destroy artillery on [[Mirror Flats]] on the moon. Despite the efforts of the UNSC forces, Vol's Covenant managed to surpass them in less than an hour, forcing Palmer to go to Draetheus V to inform the planet of the impending attack while Davis led the UNSC defensive on X50.<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Operation A: Umbra]]''</ref> On Draetheus V, Palmer led the UNSC forces in the defense of [[Faraday Base]] and later eliminated several [[Sangheili]] commanders.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation B: Tempered Shield]]''</ref>

Vol's Covenant forces soon discovered that the X50 was a former [[Forerunner]] [[orbital reformer]] capable of planetary destruction and used it on the planet. With the planet on the verge of collapse, Palmer, with a handful of UNSC forces, assaulted Vol's Covenant landing zones on the planet and took over Vol's Covenant ships to evacuate the planet.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation D: Captured Chance]]''</ref> Soon, after Spartan Davis was killed by Sangheili forces on the moon, Palmer led an operation to eliminate Merg Vol. By appropriating one of his lieutenants' ships, Palmer managed to infiltrate Vol's Covenant base on X50 and remove Merg's lieutenants before facing Merg Vol himself at the activation site. Despite the impossibilities, Palmer engaged Vol and his [[Kig-Yar]] reinforcements. After a long skirmish, Palmer executed Merg Vol with her [[M6H magnum]] and destroyed the artifact. After this, Palmer and the remaining Marines escaped the moon moments before the artifact was sabotaged.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation E: Frostbite]]''</ref>

Sometime later, Palmer returned to X50 after discovering a Forerunner signal from inside the "moon". Tracking the source of the signal, Palmer fought through the remaining members of Merg Vol's Covenant. After arriving at the source of the signal, she discovered that source was the remains of Edward Davis, who had died during the battle. The installation disintegrated Davis's corpse and encapsulated it in an unknown device, and with the help of a [[D77H-TCI Pelican]], Palmer took the remains of her comrade with her.<ref name="hydra">'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref>
{{Clear}}

===First tour on Requiem===
[[File:H4 Marine John Palmer Lasky.jpg|thumb|250px|A Marine, MCPO John-117 and Commanders Palmer and Lasky being briefed by Captain Del Rio of ''Infinity''<nowiki />'s status.]]
{{Quote|I thought you'd be taller.|Palmer upon meeting John-117{{Ref/Reuse|h4infinity}}}}
In [[2557|July 2557]], Palmer was stationed aboard ''Infinity'' and was the commander of the three hundred SPARTAN-IVs aboard the vessel. ''Infinity'' intercepted a distress beacon from the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} near the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] [[Requiem]]; the remains of the vessel carried [[Master Chief Petty Officer|MCPO]] [[John-117]], one of the few remaining [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]], as well as his AI companion [[Cortana]].<ref>'''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''', ''Part 1''</ref> ''Infinity'' was soon drawn inside the shield world, where its Spartan contingent was deployed to battle both local [[Promethean]] constructs under the command of the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], as well as [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] forces. The Master Chief rendezvoused with the Spartans under Palmer's command and eventually made his way aboard ''Infinity''.<ref name="h4infinity">'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Infinity (Halo 4 level)|Infinity]]''</ref>

Palmer later sent [[Gypsy Company]] to aid the Master Chief and Lasky in an attack on the gravity well generator, but did not participate in the battle herself. Later, when the Master Chief refused to hand over Cortana aboard ''Infinity'', determined to stop the Didact alone, Palmer and the rest of the bridge crew ignored Captain Del Rio's orders to stop the Master Chief, allowing the SPARTAN-II to leave without attempting to stop him.{{Ref/Reuse|Reclaimer}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|lieutenant}}

===Second tour on Requiem===
{{Main|Requiem Campaign}}
====First missions====
{{Quote|Your new workplace is a planet called 'Requiem'. Some of the old hands here know what you're in for. The rest of you—you're due for an education.|Palmer briefing ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Spartans on their deployment to Requiem{{Ref/Reuse|Departure}}}}
In [[2558|February 2558]], ''Infinity'' was deployed back to Requiem.{{Ref/Reuse|Departure}} On February 8, Palmer authorized Operation: ALL-SEEING EYE, which entailed [[Fireteam Majestic]]'s deployment to the surface to recover [[Requiem slipspace artifacts|a Forerunner artifact]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition|Limited Edition bonus content]]''</ref> She also deployed [[Fireteam Crimson]] with a similar objective in support of Majestic; Crimson eventually recovered the artifact. After the artifact was brought aboard ''Infinity'', it suddenly emitted an energy pulse and started draining power from the ship. When the [[artificial gravity]] was disabled, Palmer magnetized her boots to stay on the ground. She then ran at the artifact and kicked it, temporarily deactivating the device. After [[Henry Glassman|Doctor Henry Glassman]] began examining the artifact it reactivated, pulling Dr. Glassman inside it through [[Slipspace translocation|a portal]]. Captain Lasky attempted to save Glassman, but Palmer noticed he was being pulled in as well and tackled him, keeping him out of harm's way.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Artifact (Spartan Ops)|Artifact]]''</ref>

After the incident, [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] was brought in to examine the artifact in Glassman's absence. Palmer expressed particular disdain for Halsey, believing that ONI incarcerated her for a reason. Her suspicions were not entirely wrong, as it was later revealed that Halsey was secretly communicating with [[Jul 'Mdama|someone]]. After this discovery, Lasky ordered Palmer to arrest Dr. Halsey. She was not heard from for some time, forcing [[Jared Miller]] to run Spartan operations with ''Infinity'' [[Roland|AI Roland]] in her absence.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Catherine]]''</ref><ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Memento Mori]]''</ref>

[[File:H4-CmdrPalmer-DoublePistols.jpg|thumb|250px|Commander Palmer aims a pair of M6H pistols during the Promethean raid on the ''Infinity''.]]
Palmer eventually returned to run operations again, and later held off Jul 'Mdama's Covenant/Promethean forces when the alliance attempted to retake the artifact that Crimson had recovered.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Scattered]]''</ref><ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Invasion (Spartan Ops)|Invasion]]''</ref> However, she failed to realize the true goal of their invasion until it was too late: while arguing with Dr. Halsey, a [[Promethean Knight]] translocated behind her and temporarily incapacitated her before taking Dr. Halsey. Angered by this, Palmer slammed down on the holo-table, denting it, and left the bridge.<ref name="expendable">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Expendable]]''</ref>

====Further operations====
{{Quote|Textbook example of kicking ass! Well done, Crimson.|Palmer observing Fireteam Crimson's progress{{Ref/Reuse|crystall ball}}}}
She later returned to running Ops just as Crimson was redeployed to [[the Apex]]. She ordered Crimson to shut down three [[slipspace]] portals in the area, while Miller detected an SOS Morse code signal on 'Mdama's Covenant frequency. After Crimson secured the Apex for [[Fireteam Lancer]], Palmer sent Fireteam Crimson to assist Majestic who were under attack from [[Covenant artillery (Requiem)|Covenant artillery]] and needed assistance.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Expendable/Unfinished Business|S1E8 ''Unfinished Business'']]</ref> As they arrived at the artillery's [[Cyclone|location]], Miller told her 'Mdama's Covenant seemed prepared for them, as if they knew they were coming; she told him not to be paranoid. However, after Crimson had destroyed all of 'Mdama's Covenant artillery, Palmer's suspicions increased. After eliminating hostiles, Crimson left to regroup with [[Fireteam Lancer]] to attack one of 'Mdama's recently discovered bases in the [[Warrens]].<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Expendable/Majestic Rescue|S1E8 ''Majestic Rescue'']]</ref> While the two fireteams were attacking the base, Miller picked up the mysterious SOS signal again, originating from a nearby cave. Lancer and Crimson made their way into the cave and discovered the source of the mysterious SOS signal was from [[Fireteam Switchback]], who were being held prisoner by 'Mdama's Covenant. Shortly after, the Spartan fireteams were extracted.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Expendable/Lancer|S1E8 ''Lancer'']]</ref> After interrogating a [[Sangheili]], Palmer sent Crimson to the area where 'Mdama's Covenant was intercepting UNSC transmissions. Crimson soon discovered a captured [[UNSC Army|Army]] Pelican that was being used to listen in on UNSC communications. After Crimson cleared the area, Palmer had Dalton destroy the dropship.<ref name="crystall ball">'''Spartan Ops''', [[Expendable/Crystal Ball|S1E8 ''Crystal Ball'']]</ref>

Later, [[Henry Glassman|Doctor Henry Glassman]] needed help reading the holographic map of Requiem that [[Anthony Madsen|Spartan Anthony Madsen]] recovered from [[Gek 'Lhar]]. Palmer ordered Crimson to check out a location marked by [[Gabriel Thorne|Spartan Gabriel Thorne]]. Glassman used the map to help Crimson activate a friendly [[Beam turret|automated defense turret]] grid and heavy weapons; Palmer was impressed with this. After finding a stockpile of Promethean heavy weapons, Miller had Crimson evacuated.<ref name="glassman">'''Spartan Ops''', [[Expendable/Glassman|S1E8 ''Glassman'']]</ref>

====Assassin for ONI====
[[File:H4SO Ep9 Palmer-with-knife.jpg|thumb|250px|Sarah Palmer performing ONI's task.]]
{{Quote|Orders are orders, Tom. This isn't my first rodeo.|Sarah Palmer to Cpt. Lasky before leaving for ONI's mission{{Ref/Reuse|key}}}}
When orders from [[Serin Osman|Admiral Serin Osman]] came down to kill Dr. Halsey, Palmer decided to carry it out personally. Lasky attempted to stop her, voicing his protests against ONI using the conventional military to carry out their assassinations, particularly when the target was a civilian. When Lasky continued to protest, Palmer said she wouldn't see him [[court-martial]]ed because of Halsey. Lasky finally ordered her to stand down, but she ignored him, responding that orders were orders.<ref name="key">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Key]]''</ref>

She eventually made her way to Halsey's position, quietly taking out Sangheili guards with her [[combat knife]]. She made it into the "shrine" shortly after [[Gabriel Thorne]] had, killing a Sangheili about to sneak up on him. She tried to shoot and kill Dr. Halsey but hit her in the shoulder. Promethean Knights started to [[Slipspace translocation|translocate]] into the area and she was forced to engage them. The rest of [[Fireteam Majestic]] showed up and engaged the Knights, Palmer attempted to make her way to Halsey. However, just as she and Thorne were about to reach her a Promethean Knight translocated in behind 'Mdama and escaped with him and Halsey. She yelled in frustration and asked why Majestic was there, DeMarco told her Captain Lasky had ordered them to rescue Dr. Halsey. She questioned why he would do that when she was a [[Treason|traitor]]. Thorne then told her about how Halsey made sure he got half of the [[Janus Key]].{{Ref/Reuse|key}} She then redeployed all Spartan fireteams to help in recovering Dr. Halsey.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Key/The Search for Halsey|S1E9 ''The Search for Halsey'']]</ref>

====Escaping Requiem====
[[File:Palmer&majestic.jpg|thumb|250px|Sarah Palmer and Fireteam Majestic discussing their next move.]]
{{Quote|no=two|q1=If we have to find those artifacts before Infinity can leave...|Thorne|q2=Then let's get moving, Spartans.|Palmer|Palmer and Fireteam Majestic during their little field debriefing{{Ref/Reuse|Exodus}}}}
After the events in the Librarian's shrine, she and Fireteam Majestic were sent the deactivation codes of one of the [[Requiem slipspace artifacts]] in order to free ''Infinity'' from Requiem's orbit, while Fireteam Crimson deactivated the third. Suddenly 'Mdama's Covenant fleet flew overhead and left Requiem, entering slipspace just outside the exterior shell. The entire planet then began to move towards the system's sun and Palmer quickly ordered Majestic to move out.<ref name="Exodus">'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Exodus (Spartan Ops)|Exodus]]''</ref>

Later, after Crimson retrieved a new power supply for the [[Harvester]], Miller informed Commander Palmer that they were back at the Harvester. She informed Miller that she and Majestic were almost at their objective as well. She asked Dalton about the evacuation of the planet and he informed her that everyone else was onboard and that Crimson and Majestic were the only ones left on the planet. After activating the Harvester and opening a path to the artifact, Miller reported to Commander Palmer that they had a path to the artifact. Palmer told him to just tell her when Crimson had finished and then yelled at DeMarco to check his six. She congratulated Crimson after they deactivated their artifact.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Exodus (Spartan Ops)/One Last Time|S1E10 ''One Last Time'']]</ref>

Shortly after this, Captain Lasky asked how things were going she reported that Crimson had accomplished their mission, but Majestic was still working on theirs. She covered Thorne as he deactivated the device, once they cleared the area and deactivated the artifact they evacuated. Palmer and [[Tedra Grant]] piloted their Pelican back to ''Infinity'' and arrived at the ship at the same time as Crimson. After they had successfully escaped, Palmer and Lasky visited Dr. Glassman's lab, where the doctor was studying the incomplete Janus Key. On the way there, she reproached Lasky for ostensibly sending Majestic to stop her. Lasky responded that he sent Majestic rescue Halsey, but Palmer saw no difference.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''[[Exodus (Spartan Ops)|Exodus]] conclusion''</ref>

===Battle of Ealen IV===
{{Main|Battle of Ealen IV}}
{{Quote|[[Lydus]] wants to hear my plan. Heh. Who has time to make a plan on a day like this?|Sarah Palmer about her strategy{{Ref/Reuse|he2}}}}
Upon ''Infinity'''s return to [[Earth]], Palmer was requested to appear before the [[UNSC Security Council]] at [[HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6]] along with Captain Lasky. There, she and Lasky were debriefed about the [[Requiem Campaign]]. Admiral Serin Osman berated Lasky over the complete destruction of Requiem and the failed assassination of Dr. Halsey. Osman then asked Commander Palmer if Lasky had deliberately sent Fireteam Majestic to stop her from eliminating Halsey. To protect Lasky from any ramifications, Palmer lied to Osman and claimed that Majestic was there for backup. 
[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|thumb|250px|Palmer and the Spartan-IV's protecting the delegation on Ealen IV.]]
Shortly after, Palmer, along with Fireteams [[Fireteam Jackknife|Jackknife]], [[Fireteam Bailey|Bailey]], and [[Paul DeMarco]] of [[Fireteam Majestic]], was assigned to escort and provide security for [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] and [[Kaidon]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] on a diplomatic mission to [[Ealen IV]]. While Hood and 'Vadam were negotiating with the [[Jiralhanae]] [[Chieftain]] Lydus, [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant mercenaries]] broke into the chamber and attacked the delegates. She ordered Jackknife to clear the chamber and help the delegates evacuate, and ordered Bailey to clear a path to the [[DS-004|evac shuttle]]. When the ship was destroyed by Banshees, the team proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref>

Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified the rest of a decommissioned redoubt in which they could take refuge in. Lasky then ordered Palmer and the protection detail to escort the delegation to the redoubt, while he would try to re-establish communications with the fleet above the planet. Palmer refused to let him go alone and tasked [[Naiya Ray|Spartan Naiya Ray]] of team Jackknife to escort the captain due to her SIGINT background. As the party escaped the storage depot, they were intercepted by a Covenant [[Kmiro'sish-pattern Lich|Lich]]. Palmer quickly acted and ordered everyone to give her their grenades. She put all the grenades in her helmet, which she then threw at the Lich, destroying it. As she and the others retreated to a gravity lift, a surviving enemy Sangheili grabbed her. Scruggs killed the Elite just in time.<ref name="he2">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref>

As Lord Hood halted the party to inspect the fallen Sangheili, Palmer told Scruggs to take Jackknife ahead with the delegation's bodyguards to ensure that the redoubt was safe to use as shelter. Hood discovered the Elite possessed detailed UNSC profiles and informed Palmer that someone within the UNSC was leaking information to 'Mdama's Covenant. After hearing gunfire coming from the redoubt, Palmer asked Jackknife to report in. Through a transmission mired with static, Scruggs informed her that the area was secure. Unbeknownst to her, Scruggs had turned on them and murdered the bodyguards and his fireteam.{{Ref/Reuse|he2}}

[[File:HE Scruggs killed.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Palmer killing Scruggs.]]
Arriving at the redoubt, Palmer ordered DeMarco's team to sweep the courtyard and provide an inventory of supplies. As they proceeded onwards, Scruggs ambushed the delegates and held Lord Hood hostage at gunpoint. Palmer, surprised by his change of loyalty, asked whether he was an Insurrectionist. Scruggs scoffed at her assertion and told her that she was oblivious to the UNSC's secret role in regards to the [[New Phoenix Incident]], [[Kilo-Five|ONI's campaign against the Sangheili]] and John-117's recent disappearance. Palmer then shot Lord Hood in the leg and tackled Scruggs out the mezzanine. After a brief struggle, Palmer killed him by stabbing him in the throat with a combat knife. She was contacted by Lasky who informed her of Covenant ships inbound to their site. She was ordered by Lasky to escape with the ambassadors on a transport craft while DeMarco and Fireteam Bailey remained behind to cover their escape with a [[Cheru-pattern Tyrant|Tyrant AA gun]]. Palmer reluctantly obeyed and asked DeMarco if she could do anything for him. DeMarco asked her to return a book [[Anthony Madsen]] had loaned to him, and he then parted ways with her. Palmer and the delegation managed to escaped back to ''Infinity'' thanks to their sacrifices. Palmer later attended a memorial service held for the fallen Spartans of the battle. Afterwards, Lasky tried to comfort Palmer about the deaths of her comrades but she asked to be left alone.<ref name="he3">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref>

===''Pilgrims' Pride'' and Oth Lodon===
{{Main|Ambush at Oth Lodon}}
[[File:Escalation-Freeze.png|thumb|250px|Sarah Palmer and Fireteam Majestic capturing the station.]]
{{Quote|no=two|q1=Comms are down. Guess it's our job to save the day again, Spartans.|Palmer|q2=No worries. We've had practice.|Spartan|Palmer and Fireteam Majestic about new course of actions{{Ref/Reuse|HE5}}}}
On March 11, six days after DeMarco's death, ''Infinity'' arrived in the [[Artesia-702 system]] having received a distress signal from the damaged [[freighter]] ''[[Pilgrims' Pride]]''. When the freighter was tugged inside ''Infinity'', an ambush was sprung as the freighter set itself to self-destruct and multiple UNSC assault crafts exited its cargo bay. With the help of SPARTAN-IVs the attack was repelled. Following the attack, ''Infinity'' learned that the assault crafts from the freighter belonged to the long-lost {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 4|Issue #4]]''</ref> Roland discovered that the freighter was launched near [[Oth Lodon]], a gas giant located deep in Jiralhanae space. With the ''Spirit'''s possible location found, Lord Hood authorized Commander Palmer to conduct a search-and-rescue mission. Equipped with [[OF92 Booster Frame]]s, Palmer and Fireteam Majestic scouted the planet's system. As they entered an asteroid field, Palmer, not wanting to listen to [[Jared Miller|Miller]]'s in-mission chatter, shut down communications with ''Infinity'' under the guise of losing the signal in the asteroids. Exploring the asteroid field, the Spartans came across not the ''Spirit of Fire'' but instead a [[Oth Lodon station|former Covenant station]] under control by [[New Colonial Alliance]] insurgents. Palmer restored communications to inform ''Infinity'' about the discovery.<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 5|Issue #5]]''</ref>

As ''Infinity'' jumped next to the station, Captain [[Daniel Clayton]], son of the renowned Captain [[James Cutter]],  revealed himself as a defector and fired the station's glassing cannon at ''Infinity''. With damaged sustained to the ship and communications down, Palmer and Majestic proceeded to take control of the station. After evading oncoming missiles, the Spartans quickly boarded the station and secured the bridge, ordering everyone to freeze. Clayton told his crew not to listen and asked the Spartans if they knew who he was. Madsen responded saying he knew who he was and knocked Clayton down for being responsible for DeMarco's death. The Spartans then turned their attention to Vata 'Gajat, who was preparing to assault the crippled ''Infinity''. With the station's cannon back online, they fired on 'Gajat's flagship, destroying it and saving the ''Infinity''.<ref name="he6">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 6|Issue #6]]''</ref>

Three days later, Lasky returned to ''Infinity'', having been successful in uncovering Clayton as the spy but failing to report it to the UNSC in time to prevent his attack. Palmer welcomed Lasky on board and apologized for her behavior following the events on Ealen IV. Lasky accepted her apology and expressed guilt for not uncovering Clayton's plot fast enough. Palmer assured him he was not to blame as it was Lord Hood who had taken off without his consent. She told Lasky to just call it a rough day and to move on.{{Ref/Reuse|he6}}

===Bioweapon incident===
{{Main|Operation: WHISTLE STOP}}
[[File:HE12 Palmer HL.jpg|thumb|Palmer using the hardlight shield against Jackals.]]
{{Quote|Unfortunately, there's even more crucial objectives than recovering our Spartans.|Commander Palmer on the Ven III mission priorities.{{Ref/Reuse|he12}}}}
On [[2558#May|May 10, 2558]], Captain Lasky consulted with Palmer about a situation unfolding on [[Ven III]]. ''Infinity'' had lost communications with Spartans [[Naiya Ray]] and [[Gabriel Thorne]], who had been deployed on the planet on a mission to capture a Sangheili in possession of a new [[biological agent]]. While Lasky proposed that they dispatch another two-man team to exfiltrate the Spartans already on the ground, Palmer stated that his initial decision to send in a reduced force was a mistake and insisted that they deploy a full [[fireteam]] or do not act at all. While Lasky was at first hesitant, he finally yielded to Palmer's and [[Roland]]'s suggestions after Spartan Ray discovered a large [[black market]] and [[pirate]] stronghold moments before her signal briefly terminated.<ref name="he11">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|Issue #11]]''</ref>

After the majority of the pirate fleet was destroyed by ''Infinity'', Palmer and Majestic were deployed into the remains of the pirate base and battled through numerous Kig-Yar pirates. Meanwhile, Ray rescued Thorne from the [[Ayit 'Sevi|Sangheili]] that had captured him earlier. When the Sangheili managed to escape, Ray pursued him and gave Palmer Thorne's location to allow Palmer and Majestic to extract him from battle. However, Palmer informed Ray that she was redirecting Majestic to Ray's location to help her capture the Sangheili. Instead, Ray shut down her locater to force Palmer and Majestic to rescue Thorne instead. After Ray recaptured the Sangheili, ONI agents arrived at her position and took control of the operation. The Spartans returned to ''Infinity'', and Lasky and Palmer discussed the aftermath of the mission. Lasky theorized to Palmer that ONI staged the bioweapon incident to lure ''Infinity'' to Ven III to destroy the pirate stronghold. Confused over the situation, Lasky asked for Palmer to never let him forget the aftermath of the mission.<ref name="he12">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 12|Issue #12]]''</ref>

===Janus Key conflict===
[[File:HE14 Pinned.jpg|thumb|250px|Palmer and Thorne are pinned down by gunfire.]]
{{Main|Battle of Oban|Battle of Aktis IV}}
{{Quote|no=two|q1=Did queen Osman change her mind again, realize she needs slave labor for another project?|Dr. Halsey|q2=First, I work for the UNSC, not Osman. Second, keep your mouth shut. I'm tempted enough as it is to toss you down a gorge.|Palmer|Palmer and Halsey arguing{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}}}}
On [[2558#July|July 16, 2558]], Commander Palmer participated in the Battle of Oban against Jul 'Mdama's forces. Desperate to find Jul, Palmer and Thorne drove a Warthog and engaged Promethean forces. Palmer recklessly drove the Warthog off of a cliff, landed on a [[Ru'swum-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] [[dropship]], and crashed to the ground. Thorne was injured in the process and the Spartans were only saved after the Phantoms were destroyed by a [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] called in by Spartan [[Joel Thomas]]. After a short engagement, 'Mdama's Covenant forces withdrew from the system. The next day, Lasky reprimanded Palmer for her reckless behavior on Oban and recognized that Palmer was so intent on finding Jul because she knew that he would lead to Halsey. While Lasky wished to return Halsey to UNSC custody, Palmer remained determined to execute the doctor.<ref name="HE13">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 13|Issue #13]]''</ref>

On July 18, ''Infinity'' entered slipspace to leave the Oban system while Palmer discussed preparations for [[Galileo II]] with Dr. Glassman. However, ''Infinity'' was forced back into normal space in an uncharted system. All subsequent attempts to jump failed, stranding the ship in space. Lasky met with Glassman and Palmer in the engine room of ''Infinity''. Glassman discovered that something was overriding the engine controls of ''Infinity'', while Roland reported an unusual energy reading coming from a nearby planet. Glassman and Lasky predicted that the source of the problem originated from the planet, and Palmer prepared to gather a team to send to the planet with Glassman. Meanwhile, 'Mdama and Halsey planned to intercept ''Infinity'' and retrieve the other half of the Janus Key. Using a Forerunner [[Requiem communication artifact|artifact]] to interfere with the engines of ''Infinity'', Halsey believed that the crew would be willing to hand the Key over willingly.{{Ref/Reuse|HE13}}

[[File:HE16 Await.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Palmer, Thorne and Ray observing the battlefield.]]
Palmer, along with Majestic team, were deployed to investigate a potential source of interference emanating from the surface of a nearby planet, provisionally designated [[Aktis IV]]. Upon landing on an island, the Spartans engaged and defeated a detachment of Covenant forces and subsequently discovered a recently excavated Forerunner structure. Dr. Glassman arrived on the surface of Aktis IV to examine the Forerunner structure, with the Spartans providing cover. Glassman theorized the structure to be part of 'Mdama's [[teleportation grid|translocation grid]] and soon discovered a Forerunner artifact that was seemingly compatible with the Janus Key. Unknown to Glassman and the Spartans, the artifact was in fact a decoy created by Halsey and 'Mdama deceive the UNSC into taking their half of the Janus Key to the surface. Glassman requested to have lab equipment brought to the Forerunner site along with the UNSC's half of the Janus Key in order to analyze the artifact; although hesitant, Palmer reluctantly agreed and contacted Lasky. As the Pelican carrying the Key approached the Forerunner site accompanied by a [[F-41 Broadsword|Broadsword]] escort, the UNSC craft were suddenly struck by 'Mdama's Covenant anti-air artillery. This triggered a massive ambush from 'Mdama's forces and the Spartans were quickly forced to pull back into the Forerunner structure.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue #14]]''</ref>

Commander Palmer, Fireteam Majestic and Glassman remained under attack by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant forces inside the Forerunner structure and were unable to establish contact with ''Infinity''. While they retreated inside the facility, Hoya was left behind outside. Palmer ordered Glassman to get the structure's teleportation grid online before 'Mdama's Covenant breached their defenses. Hours later, Ray received a transmission from Hoya, who had spotted Dr. Halsey in the jungle. After Glassman managed to activate the translocation grid Palmer ordered him to open portals to both the jungle and the other end of the island. She ordered Grant, Glassman and three other Spartans to take the latter portal while Palmer, Ray and Thorne took the former.<ref name="HE15">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 15|Issue #15]]''</ref>

Upon traveling through the portal, Palmer, Ray and Thorne scouted the jungle when they spotted [[Unidentified Sangheili Minor|a Sangheili Minor]] who had defected from 'Nyon's forces. The Minor contacted Jul's Covenant and told him he wanted to rejoin 'Mdama. He then revealed he had half of the Janus Key stolen by 'Nyon, and he would lead them to 'Nyon's hideout. 'Mdama's forces agreed to set up a rendezvous with the defector in order to secure the Janus Key half. Thorne and Ray intended to ambush the Minor and recover the Janus Key immediately. However, Palmer instead ordered them to hold off and wait until Halsey arrived. Both Spartans questioned her order, pointing out that they should take the Janus Key from the Sangheili before a greater force arrived. However, Palmer was determined to carry out the ambush.{{Ref/Reuse|HE15}}
[[File:HE16 Grab.jpg|thumb|250px|Palmer arguing with Dr. Halsey.]]
Halsey eventually arrived, escorted by a large convoy of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant. Ray and Thorne fruitlessly attempted to talk Palmer out of her plan, but after most of the convoy departed and the Minor handed over the Janus Key half, the trio proceeded with the ambush. While Thorne and Ray created a distraction, Palmer drove a Ghost into a Wraith in the midst of 'Mdama's Covenant forces. Palmer began to eliminate the Zealots guarding Halsey and gave chase as one of them attempted to take the doctor into the jungle, leaving Ray and Thorne to fend off 'Mdama's Covenant on their own. She killed the Zealot and took Halsey captive, finding that she could not bring herself to kill the doctor despite her original plans. While she was leading Halsey through the jungle the doctor confronted Palmer about her unquestioning loyalty to [[Serin Osman|Admiral Osman]]. Palmer insisted that her loyalties lay with the UNSC and continued to express her utter contempt for Halsey. After Halsey revealed that ONI was using her as a scapegoat for projects that had their full support, Palmer became momentarily lost in thought over what she had been told. Using this to her advantage, Halsey ran off. Palmer gave chase but came up against a [[Type-58 Harvester|Harvester]]. 'Mdama's Covenant excavator attacked her with its [[plasma drill]], knocking her down a cliff. Palmer attempted to propel herself back up using her armor's thrusters, only to be knocked into a narrow crevice by a falling rock.<ref name="HE16">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue #16]]''</ref>

Three days later, Palmer and the other Spartans having returned to ''Infinity'', ONI agents arrived on board to interrogate her. While [[Roland]] stalled the agents, Captain Lasky met with Palmer and asked her what had happened on the planet. Palmer told him of her failure to eliminate Halsey and secure the Janus Key, advising Lasky to prepare for the worst due to Jul 'Mdama's acquisition of both halves of the Janus Key.{{Ref/Reuse|HE16}}
{{clear}}

===The Absolute Record===
[[File:HE19 PalmerfightsHunter.jpg|thumb|250px|Palmer fighting a Hunter during a War Games simulation.]]
{{Main|Operation: ATHENA}}
{{Quote|no=three|q1=She had us, Tom. And she overplayed her hand. Let's just say it was nice to see someone else pull that move.|Palmer|q2=So you two are even now?|Lasky|q3=Let's not go that far.|Palmer|Spartan Palmer and Cpt. Lasky about Halsey{{Ref/Reuse|HE24}}}}
After the battle at Aktis IV, Palmer began to triple her required hours in War Games simulations. On [[2558#September|September 15, 2558]], Admiral Osman organized a team consisting of Spartans Palmer, Thorne, [[Holly Tanaka]], Dr. Glassman, and [[Ayit 'Sevi]]. Lasky then briefed the team on [[Operation: ATHENA]], a mission in which the team would enter Jul 'Mdama's Covenant [[CAS-class assault carrier|carrier]] ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' in a [[Ru'swum-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] operated by 'Sevi, who had infiltrated 'Mdama's ranks. Once aboard, the team would wait until 'Mdama's fleet—including the carrier—arrived at the Absolute Record and then use a [[telemetry probe]] to transmit their location to the UNSC. Despite Lasky's concerns about Palmer's priorities due to her personal feud with Halsey, Palmer felt she was fully up to the task. On [[2558#September|September 17, 2558]], the team entered the carrier just as the fleet left for the Absolute Record's supposed location. Upon arriving at an artificial gas giant, a slipspace portal to the installation began to open. However, slipspace ruptures suddenly materialized and destroyed two cruisers and damaged ''Annihilation'', destroying the telemetry probe in the process.<ref name="HE19">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|Issue #19]]''</ref>

The team was forced to flee their damaged dropship and fight their way through 'Mdama's Covenant forces in a corridor in order to reach an undamaged hangar bay. 'Sevi soon procured a Phantom and transported everyone directly to Jul 'Mdama's flagship, ''[[Song of Retribution]]''. With news that 'Mdama intended for ''Retribution'' to push forward through the portal alone and reach the Absolute Record, the team resolved to split-up. While Palmer, Tanaka, and Glassman remained on ''Retribution'', Thorne and 'Sevi returned to ''Annihilation'' in an attempt to regain contact with ONI. After Thorne and 'Sevi departed, ''Retribution'' entered the portal and arrived at part of the Absolute Record, where a [[Contender-class artificial intelligence]] detected the humans aboard the carrier.<ref name="HE20">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 20|Issue #20]]''</ref> The carrier was soon forced into a slipspace portal, where it arrived at a large chamber inside the installation and was held in place by a gravitational anchor. While 'Mdama, Halsey, and a contingent of Zealots traveled to a lower platform where the AI was, Palmer, Tanaka, and Glassman waited for their chance to escape the carrier. However, confused by their need to conceal themselves, the [[Invariant Bias|Custodian]] AI had its [[Sentinel]]s transport the Spartans and Glassman down to the platform beside Halsey and the Sangheili. When an argument broke out between both sides, the AI silenced them and stated its intentions to allow each human account for their presence at the installation. While the AI began questioning Glassman, an impatient Zealot attacked a Sentinel, despite Palmer's warnings. As a firefight broke out between the Sentinels and the Sangheili and humans, the AI removed the flooring from under the Sangheili's feet, with Tanaka, Palmer, and Glassman remaining on one platform and Halsey standing on another, while 'Mdama managed to grab onto Halsey's platform while the Zealots fell to their deaths. The AI insisted that a more direct examination was in order to decide who the legitimate steward of the Absolute Record was.<ref name="HE21">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 21|Issue #21]]''</ref>

[[File:HE23-Zealots.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Palmer and Tanaka facing the Sangheili Zealots.]]
Separating the survivors into two groups, the ancilla tested both of them with a hypothetical scenario, if they would sacrifice sapient species if it meant a vaccine against the Flood. However, Halsey grew impatient and disabled the AI, taking control of the Absolute Record herself.<ref name="HE22">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 22|Issue #22]]''</ref> Palmer and her teammates found their half of the simulation interrupted, and soon were surrounded by Jul 'Mdama's reinforcement warriors. However, they were rescued by a Sentinel with the voice of the custodian AI, which explained that it was a backup in case the main body was shut down.<ref name="HE23">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 23|Issue #23]]''</ref> Needing their help to regain control, the Sentinel directed Palmer, Tanaka, and Glassman to the auxiliary control conduit, where Palmer received the initialization code from the AI and read it for Glassman to type. However, Halsey realized what they were up to and remotely deterred their attempt. Informed that Halsey was in the room directly above them, Palmer traveled up there and gave Halsey three seconds at gunpoint to step away from her control console. Instead Halsey activated a containment field around Palmer and fled into a portal. 

Battling Sentinels, Jul 'Mdama ordered the ''Song of Retribution'' to fire into the Record, disrupting power across the facility. Palmer's containment field failed, and she broke free while the revived custodian AI intercepted Halsey. With the Record falling apart, Palmer regrouped with her teammates and made a hasty escape through the Record's teleportation grid, Glassman directing it to deposit them inside the parked ''Breath of Annihilation''. There 'Sevi found and hid them while the carrier flew back to Sangheili space, where the humans covertly fled and were picked up by an ONI [[prowler]]. Palmer was debriefed afterward about the mission by Lasky, and remarked on Halsey's unusual behavior when Palmer confronted her. Having not killed Palmer when she had the chance and instead overplaying for capture, Palmer considered Halsey humiliated enough to satisfy her.<ref name="HE24">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 24|Issue #24]]''</ref>

===The Guardians===
[[File:H5G-Palmer&Co-01.jpg|thumb|250px|Spartans Palmer, Locke and Dr. Halsey discussing their mission.]]
{{Quote|Open your eyes, Doc. You're missing all the fun.|Palmer to Halsey during their flight to the Guardian}}<ref name="sunaion">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref>
In October [[2558]] Commander Palmer briefed [[Fireteam Osiris]] on the [[Battle of Kamchatka|mission on Kamchatka]]. She tasked Osiris to bring Dr. Halsey back to ''Infinity'' and terminate the Covenant faction's supreme leader [[Jul 'Mdama]] should they gain the opportunity to do so.<ref name="osiris">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]''</ref> Upon Osiris's successful return with Dr. Halsey Sarah Palmer escorted her to the [[Bridge|command deck]] where the doctor briefed Cpt. Lasky, Palmer and Roland about [[Cortana]]'s survival and her control of Forerunner artifacts through the [[Domain]].<ref name="glassed">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Glassed]]''</ref> After the [[Battle of Meridian (2558)|incident on Meridian]] Palmer was also present when [[Jameson Locke]] reported that Cortana was activating the [[Guardian]]s, enormous Forerunner constructs, which caused significant destruction and civilian casualties on [[human colonies]]. When they discovered yet another dormant Guardian was on the Elite homeworld of [[Sanghelios]], Palmer suggested that they send a ground team down to the planet to access the Guardian in order to get to the Master Chief and [[Blue Team]] who went AWOL to find Cortana.<ref name="reunion">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Reunion]]''</ref>

Upon their arrival at Sanghelios, Sarah Palmer, along with Dr. Halsey and Fireteam Osiris, were escorted by a [[Sword of Sanghelios]] to the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] while he was engaged in combat. After a quick firefight, the Spartans and Dr. Halsey were taken to the Arbiter's base camp. There they acknowledged that the Guardian was in [[Sunaion]], 'Mdama's Covenant's last stronghold. To gain access to the Guardian the Spartans had to obtain [[Constructor]], which could interface with the Guardian and delay Cortana's control of it, lessen the damage at its point of exit, and slow it down so Osiris could board and follow the Guardian.<ref name="alliance">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Alliance]]''</ref> During the [[Battle of Nuusra|Constructor's extraction]] Sarah Palmer provided Osiris with transportation and battlefield support. After the retrieval of the Constructor Palmer returned to the Arbiter's base camp to prepare for their [[Battle of Sunaion|assault on Sunaion]].<ref name="enemy lines">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Enemy Lines]]''</ref> During this joint Spartan-Sword of Sanghelios operation she escorted Dr. Halsey aboard the Pelican while the Osiris and Arbiter's forces were fighting on the ground. During the ensuing battle, the Guardian was awakened. Palmer ordered Fireteam Osiris to board her Pelican so she could deliver them to the Guardian. Though their Pelican was hit by a Banshee, Osiris managed to board the Guardian which transported them to [[Genesis]]. Jumping into slipspace, the Guardian launched an EMP attack which shut down Palmer's Pelican, making them fall straight towards the ocean.{{Ref/Reuse|sunaion}}

===On the run===
[[File:H5G Damaged Palmer.png|thumb|300px|Palmer.]]
{{Quote|no=four|q1=Do you think [[Cortana|she]] should have been committed to [[final dispensation]], Commander?|92738-61842-LC|q2=It wasn't my call, [[Fireteam Apollo|Apollo]]. I was following orders.|Sarah Palmer|q3=I was asking for your opinion, ma'am. Do you personally think Cortana should have been committed to final dispensation?|92738-61842-LC|q4=No, I don't. Maybe stasis, maybe something else. Final dispensation was unnecessary at that time. But did it really matter in the end? Do I need to remind you that we're running from her and the Guardians as we speak?|Sarah Palmer|Commander Palmer freely shares her thoughts on the fraught situation facing the ''Infinity'' and the futility of speculating on what might have been.}}<ref name="lootcrate11">''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'' ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #11]]''</ref>
Palmer and Halsey both managed to survive the downing of their Pelican and by the next day they had made it to [[Thel 'Vadam|the Arbiter]]'s encampment in [[Nuusra]].<ref name="HBB1">''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'', ''Chapter 1''</ref> Palmer, by that point, was walking with a pronounced limp and sporting facial injuries alongside her now heavily damaged armor.<ref name="H5GGU">''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', ''[[Guardians]]''</ref> Using [[Forerunner]] technology she had been fiddling with since first arriving on the planet, Halsey was able to receive a coded message from [[Roland]] on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, who informed her that [[Earth]] had been [[Subjugation of Earth|taken offline]] by the rogue A.I.s and that they had just managed to escape.{{Ref/Reuse|HBB1}} He said the ship was now slipspace-hopping on a random trajectory but would be showing up off the far side of [[Suban]] the next day at 1800 hours and remaining there for fifteen minutes. The coordinates the A.I. provided could be reached in a matter of hours with space-capable transportation. Fortunately, after darkness had fallen over the region the approach of [[India 127|a Pelican]] drew Palmer, Halsey, 'Vadam, and two other [[Swords of Sanghelios]] to emerge from a tent to meet it. Spartan Locke and the [[Master Chief]] had barely disembarked before Palmer used comms to direct the bird's pilot, [[Kelly-087]], to shut down all its lights. She explained that a Guardian had blacked out the entire area soon after Cortana's ultimatum had been broadcast, and she certainly did not want it noticing them. The rest of [[Fireteam Osiris]] and [[Blue Team]] followed their leaders. After Halsey explained her recent point of contact with Roland, Palmer had to admit to Locke she'd had nothing to do with the message's receipt, seeing as all her off-world communications systems were shot. Sarah jokingly pointed out that for all she knew the doctor had rigged a [[wavespace|subspace radio]] hidden in her lab coat to send [[Wikipedia:Morse code|Morse code]], which only earned her the older woman's annoyance. Midway through a meal of [[colo]] and [[kuscatu]] served by their [[Sangheili]] hosts, Palmer sat down with Osiris and Blue Team and debriefed with her fellow Spartans, elaborating on the arrival of another Guardian at the planet and its subsequent neutralization of what remained of the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] fleet. The Chief, [[John-117]], asked what had become of this Guardian, to which she replied that they couldn't be sure. Some reports indicated it was on the other side of [[Sanghelios]]. A little less than an hour before sunrise the next day the Spartans and Halsey all piled into the Pelican.{{Ref/Reuse|HBB1}} The ''Infinity'' arrived almost exactly on schedule.{{Ref/Reuse|HBB1}} Kelly docked the Pelican in the ship's Portside Bay Five and all were then met there by a lieutenant who had come to escort Palmer, Halsey, John, and Locke to the bridge to see Captain [[Thomas Lasky|Lasky]].<ref name="HBB2">''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'', ''Chapter 2''</ref> The commander dismissed the others with a sharp nod, telling them to get cleaned up and decompress for a bit before she met with them again.{{Ref/Reuse|HBB2}}

The ''Infinity'' then began a series of randomized [[slipspace]] jumps in order to avoid detection by Cortana's [[Guardian Custode|Guardian]]s, emerging from slipspace at its first vector point that very day.{{Ref/Reuse|HBB2}}<ref name="lootcrate12">''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'' ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #12]]''</ref> That same day [[Roland]] answered a distress call from the {{UNSCShip|Sentry of El Morro}} with the affirmation that the supercarrier was on its way to assist it.<ref name="HFRW">''[[Halo: Fractures]]'', ''[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]''</ref> By the start of November, the ship exited slipspace at one point to receive the recently reassembled Spartan team [[Alpha-Nine]], which had just concluded a mission on the [[United Rebel Front]]-held world [[Cassidy III]].<ref name="HBB21">''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'', ''Chapter 21''</ref> Returning with the team was Captain [[Veronica Dare]] of ONI [[ONI Section One|Section One]], who rushed to debrief with Palmer and Lasky as soon as she was back. In addition to going over the events of the mission Dare also argued for the team's reinstatement of [[Spartan]] [[Michael Crespo]], who had been convicted of [[treason]] years prior. After taking a shower [[Edward Buck]], now leading the team as he had in the past, joined Palmer and Lasky in the captain's main conference room situated next to the observation deck. The commander was seated to Lasky's right at one end of a long table. Once they'd heard what happened at Cassidy III recounted by him they both assured him everyone on his team would be officially commended for their actions before standing to send him on his way. Buck couldn't keep himself from asking about [[Michael Crespo|Mickey]], however. Just by reading the look Lasky gave Palmer at this he could tell this was a point of contention between them. Palmer voiced that Mickey was lucky the UEG disagreed with capital punishment, even for traitors, and then chuckled when Buck asked to speak freely, as if he hadn't been doing so already. Buck argued that Mickey would never have turned on his teammates if they had still been fighting the [[Covenant]]. Sarah made the point in kind that they could only deal with reality as it was, but to this Buck argued that reality had just changed for them. Mickey had been used to make an alliance with the [[United Rebel Front|URF]] on Cassidy III and he suggested the man could further be made their official liaison to cement it. This reasoning ultimately won the day and both Palmer and Lasky tacitly agreed to the proposal.{{Ref/Reuse|HBB21}}
[[File:LC 11 doc3.jpg|thumb|300px|Palmer is interviewed.]]
Following her return to the ''Infinity'' Commander Palmer spent some time running other Spartans through various [[Warzone]] simulations, offering commentary and advice during their matches.{{Ref/Reuse|HBB21}}<ref name="H5GW">''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', [[Warzone]]</ref>{{Ref/Note|The presence of [[031 Exuberant Witness]], [[monitor]] of the [[Builder]] world [[Genesis]], as a [[multiplayer]] announcer in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', may indicate that the ''Infinity'' had to receive her at some point. [[343 Industries]] writer [[Jeff Easterling]] has said, however, that Witness' presence on the ship may not be entirely canonical.}} By [[2559#January|January 23, 2559]], they were still on the run, performing erratic jumps to evade discovery.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate12}} On that date at around 0852 hours Palmer was interviewed by a Spartan from [[Fireteam Apollo]] with the serial number [[92738-61842-LC]].{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate11}} This individual had been tasked by Captain Lasky with investigating what was being dubbed "the Guardian Incident". Sarah wanted to hit the combat deck before 0900 so she urged her interviewer to get through the questions they had for her quickly. She granted her permission to be recorded and also let them know she was well aware of the directive the captain had given them, seeing as she was required to sign off on all Spartan asset reprioritizations. Even so, she was unsure what she could add to the Spartan's investigation. They answered this by bringing up the day less than two years prior on which Palmer had first encountered Cortana on [[Requiem]]. Asked to describe the A.I.'s condition at that time, Palmer said she had been unstable but not necessarily [[Rampancy|rampant]], having perhaps days or weeks remaining to her in her estimation. The commander confirmed the events of that day on the bridge of the ''Infinity'' to her questioner and asked after their purpose in going over such details. When her opinion on whether or not Cortana should have been committed to final dispensation was requested Palmer said she didn't think it had been necessary. Without any further questions to answer she wished the Spartan luck and began to taker her leave, but not before being asked one more question. Palmer had briefly suggested during their short discussion that Cortana's unique creation could have had something to do with what had happened with her recently, so when asked who could tell them more about that, she pointed them to Halsey.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate11}}

===On Reach===
{{Main|Operation: WOLFE}}
{{Quote|no=three|q1=You’re anticipating that I’ll drop with the Spartans in the HEVs?|Sarah Palmer|q2=It’s your option. I assumed you would take it.|Lasky|q3=You know me better than I thought, Captain.|Sarah Palmer|Palmer on being told to coordinate the first wave}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=Chapter 13|HSoR|Chapter=13}}
In early 2559, Palmer took part in Operation: WOLFE, on the former-colony of [[Reach]]. During the engagement, the ''Infinity'' was kept on standby to support the actions of [[Blue Team]] on the ground, though was kept at a distance due to the presence of multiple [[Banished]] [[Karve]]s and [[Covenant destroyer|destroyers]]. Following the Banished deploying reinforcements to the planet's surface, Captain Lasky ordered a deployment of 120 Spartan-IVs in [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|drop pods]], followed by myriad other UNSC personnel to help in the [[Battle of New Mohács]] and liberate [[New Mohács|the city]] from the Banished - and prevent the [[Viery Militia]] from detonating a handful of [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon|HAVOK nukes]] and attracting the attention of the Guardians.{{Ref/Reuse|Chapter 13}} In this, Palmer was placed in charge of coordinating with General [[Doi]], and ultimately took personal command of Fireteams [[Fireteam Intrepid|Intrepid]] and [[Fireteam Taurus|Taurus]] on the ground.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Chapter 16|HSoR|Chapter=16}}

Palmer sent out an intelligence team shortly afterwards to look for [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] forces upon Chief's request.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Chapter 17|HSoR|Chapter=17}} 

===Zeta Halo===
{{Quote|Spartans, all teams! You heard the captain. It’s an ambush. Somehow the Banished beat us to the target. Your orders are simple. Eliminate hostiles with extreme prejudice!|Palmer ordering Infinity's Spartans to respond to the Banished's attack{{Ref/Site|Id=RPPre|D=08|M=07|Y=2022|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-the-rubicon-protocol-preview-1|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo: The Rubicon Protocol - Preview 1}}}}
On [[2559#December|December 12, 2559]] the ''Infinity'' arrived at [[Installation 07]] with the mission to lock down and destroy Cortana once and for all. Before the start of the mission, Captain Lasky spoke with Palmer who assured him that the ''Infinity''{{'}}s Spartan contingent was ready to go.{{Ref/Game|Id=AudioLogIA02|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infiniy's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=''Infinity''{{'}}s Approach #02 - Captain's Report}} However, before the mission could start, the ship came under [[Battle over Installation 07|attack]] by [[Banished]] forces led personally by [[Atriox]]. As soon as the battle started, Palmer ordered to all Spartans to engage the Banished forces.{{Ref/Site|Id=RPPre|D=08|M=07|Y=2022|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-the-rubicon-protocol-preview-1|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo: The Rubicon Protocol - Preview 1}} With the ''Infinity'' taking heavy damage, Lasky ordered the crew to abandon ship. Palmer, with the help of Spartan [[Bonita Stone]], escorted a number of military personnel to the lifeboats. At some point, Palmer ordered Stone to get the lifeboats deployed, while she diverted the remaining personnel to Bay Ten.{{Ref/Site|Id=RPPre|D=08|M=07|Y=2022|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-the-rubicon-protocol-preview-1|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo: The Rubicon Protocol - Preview 1}}{{Ref/Game|Id=AudioLogIA12|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infiniy's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=''Infinity''{{'}}s Approach #12 - Abandon Ship}} It's unknown if Palmer made it off the ship or, if she did, survived the [[Battle for Zeta Halo|ensuing conflict]] on the ring.

==Personality and traits==
[[File:H4-SO-S1E9-PalmerArmorDetail.jpg|250px|thumb|Palmer in her MJOLNIR armor.]]
{{Quote|I only did what needed doing. What I was trained to do.|Palmer to [[Jun-A266]] on rescuing Admiral [[Kovalic]]{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation1}}}}
Palmer possesses a strong sense of duty, displaying great tenacity and boldness on the battlefield. Possessing an audacious, gung-ho attitude, she is regarded as an experienced and capable leader and is generally cool in tense situations. At the same time, she does have a tendency to react badly when things go wrong. For instance, when [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] was abducted from the bridge of the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, a frustrated Palmer punched a nearby holo-table so hard her fist dented the metal.{{Ref/Reuse|expendable}}

Dr. Halsey describes Palmer as being a by-the-books soldier who would rather obey every rule in the Uniform Code of Military Justice than stray even a little to save humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|Chapter 13}}

Palmer takes great pride in being a Spartan, to the point of looking down on the conventional military branches; despite her own [[ODST]] roots she frequently shows rather low expectations of Marine personnel. In contrast, she has very high expectations for her Spartans, especially those of Fireteams [[Fireteam Crimson|Crimson]] and [[Fireteam Majestic|Majestic]]. Palmer typically performs her job in a no-nonsense manner and does not hesitate to dress down her fellow Spartans when they fail to meet her expectations. Several times she called out Fireteam Majestic's leader [[Paul DeMarco]] in front of his own team.{{Ref/Reuse|Departure}}<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[Departure/The Challenge|S1E1 ''The Challenge'']]</ref> Spartan [[Jared Miller]] once remarked that it is rare for Palmer to praise anyone under her command. However, she does have a dry sense of humor which she occasionally exhibits on the job. Furthermore, she takes pride in the Spartans under her command and encourages both cooperation and competition between the various Spartan fireteams. She even teased [[John-117]] about his height when she met him on Requiem.{{Ref/Reuse|h4infinity}}

[[File:Palmer and Lasky - Security.png|thumb|250px|left|Palmer and Lasky aboard ''Infinity''.]]
Palmer regards scientists with a general disdain, demonstrated by her frequent irritation when having to deal with science teams and her incessant use of the derogatory term "eggheads". This is because she views those with an academic education as pretending to be more intelligent than her, a perceived sense of superiority which in her view is not shared by her fellow military personnel.{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation1}} She reserves particular contempt for Dr. Halsey due to the doctor's reputation as well as the doctor's own lack of respect towards Palmer and the other Spartan-IVs. However, Palmer is willing to give scientists credit where it is due. For example, she was genuinely impressed by Dr. Glassman when he enabled Fireteam Crimson to activate a pair of friendly Forerunner anti-aircraft guns to assist them against 'Mdama's Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|glassman}}

Palmer is rather reserved in her relationships with others. The only two people she is known to have developed close personal ties to are her teammate [[Edward Davis]] and Captain [[Thomas Lasky]]. When Davis was killed, Palmer mourned him and took it upon herself to recover his remains.{{Ref/Reuse|hydra}} She and Captain Lasky often refer to each other on a first-name basis and Palmer shows a great deal of concern for his well-being. Most notably, Palmer's motivation for following ONI's orders to kill Dr. Halsey (besides genuinely believing that Halsey was a traitor) was to protect Lasky from being [[court-martial]]ed for refusing to carry out the order, even when this meant outright ignoring Lasky's direct order to stand down.{{Ref/Reuse|key}} Later, she lied to [[Serin Osman|Admiral Serin Osman]] in order to protect Lasky, claiming that Majestic was sent as a backup team, not to stop her.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}}

Palmer and Lasky's friendship became strained following the deaths of Paul DeMarco and several other Spartan-IVs on [[Ealen IV]]. When Lasky tried to talk to Palmer she angrily lashed out at him and said she did not want to talk to him.{{Ref/Reuse|he3}} The two eventually reconciled following the battle at [[Oth Lodon]], with Palmer apologizing to Lasky for her outburst.{{Ref/Reuse|he6}}

Palmer appears to have a great level of respect for [[John-117|the Master Chief]]. Despite the vast difference in their ranks, she was willing to follow his tactical command during the [[Battle of Requiem]]. When ordered to arrest him by Captain [[Andrew Del Rio]], Palmer ignored the order alongside Lasky, allowing the Master Chief to take Cortana and depart to fight the [[Ur-Didact]] whom Del Rio refused to deal with, instead choosing to run. However, in hindsight, she would acknowledge that Cortana should've been placed into stasis instead of being allowed to leave with the Master Chief.
{{Clear}}

==Equipment==
{{Quote|I don't need fashionable, just functional.|Palmer about her MJOLNIR GEN2 armor{{Ref/Reuse|Initiation2}}}}
Palmer wears the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant|Scout]] variant of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR GEN2]] armor, in lieu of specialized communications models built specifically for Spartan officers, with Inner-Plated forearms and Outer-plated legs. At some point between February and October 2559, she upgraded to a GEN3 Mjolnir kit.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Chapter 16|HSoR|Chapter=16}} She favors using a pair of [[M6H magnum|M6H magnum sidearms]].<ref name="Invasion">'''Spartan Ops'''. [[S1/Invasion|S1E7 ''Invasion'']]</ref> Additionally, Palmer often arms herself with a [[M395 DMR]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}}

==Production notes==
{{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes}}
*Palmer is voiced by actress [[Wikipedia:Jennifer Hale|Jennifer Hale]], who is best known for providing the voice of the female [[masseffect:Commander Shepard|Commander Shepard]] in the ''Mass Effect'' trilogy.<ref name="BTS Infinity">'''[[Making Halo 4: Infinity Multiplayer]]'''</ref> Hale also portrayed [[Gabriella Dvørak]] in the ''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' audio logs.<ref>[http://news.xbox.com/2015/05/games-hunt-the-truth-podcast-episode-8 '''Xbox Wire''': ''Halo 5: Guardians #HuntTheTruth - Has the Master Chief Gone AWOL?'']</ref> Sarah's appearance is modeled on {{Plain|[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1890728/ Vedette Lim]}}.
*Palmer is the protagonist of the ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'' comic book series, as well as one of the two protagonists (along with [[Edward Davis]]) in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
*Palmer's in-game model has copper brown hair; she is also shown with this hair color in ''Halo: Spartan Assault'''s motion comic-style cutscenes. However, she is depicted with much darker hair in the campaign's pre-rendered [[Epilogue|epilogue cutscene]], in ''Spartan Ops''<nowiki>'</nowiki> cinematics, and in the ''Initiation'', ''[[Halo: Escalation|Escalation]]'' comic series, and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. Her "talking head" vignettes during ''Spartan Ops'' missions use her in-game model, though the lighting in her video transmissions makes this difficult to notice.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H4-SO-Palmer-hairstyle.jpg|Development render of her hair.
File:H4 SDCC2012 Palmer turnaround.png|Development render portrait of Sarah Palmer.
File:H4 SDCC2012 PalmerArmor turnaround.png|Development render of Palmer's Scout armor.
File:H4 Palmer render.png|Portrait of Sarah Palmer wielding an M6H magnum pistol.
File:H4 profile - Palmer.png|Commander Palmer in her GEN2 MJOLNIR armor, wielding an M395 DMR.
File:Chief past Palmer.jpg|Palmer facing John-117 after the Didact's attack on Earth.
File:PalmerSpartanOps.jpg|Palmer in her MJOLNIR undersuit.
File:HSA-CmdrSarahPalmer.png|Sarah Palmer as she appears on the cover of ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:Siege of Faraday.png|Palmer defending Faraday Base during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]].
File:HSA Palmer TradingCard.jpg|Spartan Palmer heading an evacuation on [[Draetheus V]].
File:Battle for the Moon.png|Palmer facing Merg Vol on X50.
File:SarahPalmerLaser SpartanAssault.png|Palmer using an [[M6 Spartan Laser]] against a {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} in ''Halo: Spartan Assault''.
File:Halo Initiation.jpg|Sarah Palmer in combat as an ODST on the cover of ''[[Halo: Initiation]] Issue 1''.
File:Jun SarahPalmer.png|Jun-A266 visits a recovering Palmer to recruit her into the SPARTAN-IV program.
HI Cover 2.jpg|Sarah Palmer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Initiation#2]]''.
File:HI-SpartanIV-Augmentations-Panels.jpg|Sarah Palmer undergoing the [[SPARTAN-IV Augmentation Program|augmentation procedures]].
File:HI-SarahPalmer-ArmorUp.jpg|Sarah Palmer armoring up during the Insurrectionist raid on the UNSC ''Infinity''.
File:HI Cover 3.jpg|Sarah Palmer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Initiation#3]]''.
Halo Escalation 1.jpg|Sarah Palmer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation#1]]''.
File:HE Invasion.jpg|Sarah Palmer facing off against Sangheili during a match of Invasion in War Games simulation.
Halo Escalation 3.jpg|Sarah Palmer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation#3]]''.
File:HaloEscalation-BoosterFrames.jpg|Sarah Palmer and Fireteam Majestic using booster frames.
Halo Escalation 13.jpg|Sarah Palmer fighting Promethean Crawlers with an [[M247H machine gun]] on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation#13]]''.
File:Halo Escalation 20.jpg|Palmer blocking a Sangheili Commander's energy sword with her hardlight shield on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation#20]]''.
File:Halo Escalation 23.jpg|Sarah Palmer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation#23]]''.
File:Halo Escalation 24.jpg|Palmer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Escalation#24]]''.
File:Palmer figure.jpg|Square Enix's Play Arts Kai action figure of Sarah Palmer in full armor.
File:Hololens.jpg|Palmer in the [[Halo 5: Guardians E3 Hololens Experience]].
File:H5G-CmdrSarahPalmer.png|Commander Palmer in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-Palmer-03.jpg|Palmer in her battleworn armor following the Battle of Sunaion.
File:H5G Damaged Palmer.png|Close up of the battleworn armor.
File:HM SpartanIVs.jpg|Palmer and a Spartan-IV fireteam in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:HINF-PalmerEmblem.jpg|Sarah Palmer emblem in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios]]''
{{Col-end}}

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|3}}

[[Category:Human characters|Palmer, Sarah]]
[[Category:UNSC Marine Corps enlisted personnel|Palmer, Sarah]]
[[Category:Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|Palmer, Sarah]]
[[Category:Spartan-IVs|Palmer, Sarah]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]