Editing CE:The Pillar of Autumn

{{Title|The Pillar of Autumn (''Halo: Combat Evolved'' level)}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Center|''For more articles of the same name, see [[The Pillar of Autumn|The Pillar of Autumn (disambiguation)]].''}}
{{Level infobox
|pagegamelabel=CE
|prev=''[[Reach:Lone Wolf|Lone Wolf]]]'' {{C|''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|MCC]]''}}
|next=''[[CE:Halo|Halo]]''
|name='''''The Pillar of Autumn'''''
|image=[[File:HCEA PillarOfAutumn Loadscreen.png|300px]]
|game=''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{C|''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Anniversary]]''}}
|devname=<code>a10</code>{{Ref/File|Id=HCEEK|HCEEK|HCEEK\tags\levels\a10\a10.scenario}}
|player=[[Master_Chief_(gameplay)#Halo:_Combat_Evolved|Master Chief]]
|date=[[2552#September 19, 2552|September 19, 2552]]{{Ref/Site|Id=THB100214|URL=https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-10-2-14|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=The Halo Bulletin: 10.2.14|D=12|M=10|Y=2014}}
|place=Aboard the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, in orbit of [[Installation 04]] in [[Soell system]]
|objective= Retrieve [[Cortana]] from the [[bridge]] and escape the ''Autumn''
|parscore=17,000 {{C|''Master Chief Collection''-only}}
|weapon=
|partime=00:15:00 {{C|''Master Chief Collection''-only}}
}}
{{Article quote|Escape intact as Covenant forces board your ship.}}
'''''The Pillar of Autumn''''' is the first level in the [[campaign]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and the ''Halo'' game series overall. The {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, having escaped [[Fall of Reach|the destruction of Reach]], has arrived near a [[Installation 04|strange object]]. Unfortunately, the [[Covenant]], who are here as well, attack the ship. [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]] is awakened from his cryo-sleep and makes his way to the bridge of the titular ship to be debriefed by [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] about their current situation. After the brief meeting, the Master Chief, with his [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]] companion [[Cortana]], makes his way off the ship via a [[Bumblebee]] escape pod.

In [[2026]] the level [[CEV:The Pillar of Autumn|was remade entirely]] for inclusion in ''[[Halo: Campaign Evolved]]''.

==Transcript==
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMWrM0VWsv8 '''{''Original Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKOZtWKAkPI '''{Anniversary ''Cutscene''}''']

[[File:Autumn Arrival.png|thumb|300px|The UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'' approaching Installation 04.]]
''Fades into space. [[Installation 04]] is visible above [[Threshold]]. The ''Pillar of Autumn'' appears, moving slowly toward the ring. [[C709 Longsword-class Interceptor|Longsword]] escorts soar alongside. In ''Anniversary'', the camera fades into the ''Autumn'' and pans to show Installation 04 and Threshold as the ship moves.''

''The camera slowly turns and zooms in on the ''Pillar of Autumn''.''

*'''[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]]''': "Cortana, all I need to know is did we lose [[Covenant|them]]?"

*'''[[Cortana]]''': "I think we both know the answer to that."

''Inside the ship's bridge, the camera focuses on Keyes.''

*'''Keyes''': ''(sighs)'' "We made a blind jump. How did they—"

*'''Cortana''': "Get here first? The Covenant ships have always been faster. As for tracking us all the way from [[Reach]]...at [[slipspace|light speed]], my maneuvering options were limited."

''Keyes begins pacing around, looking at viewscreens.''

*'''Keyes''': "We were running dark, yes?"

*'''Cortana''': "Until we decelerated. No one could have missed the hole we tore in subspace." 

''Keyes looks at a bridge crewman's console.''

*'''Cortana''': "They were waiting for us on the far side of the planet."

''The crewman presses some buttons. The screen shows a diagram of Threshold with Installation 04 in orbit.''

*'''Keyes''': "So, where do we stand?"

*'''Cortana''': "Our fighters are mopping up the last of their recon picket now, nothing serious."

''Keyes examines the main screen, pulls his pipe out of his mouth and shakes some ash off it. He closes his eyes wearily.''

*'''Cortana''': "But I've isolated approach signatures from multiple [[Ket-pattern battlecruiser|CCS-class]] battle groups, make it three capital ships per group. And in about 90 seconds they'll be all over us."

*'''Keyes''': "Well, that's it then. Bring the ship back up to Combat Alert Alpha. I want everyone at their stations."

*'''Cortana''': "Everyone, sir?"

*'''Keyes''': "''Everyone.''"

''Alarm klaxon sounds. Crewmen run towards their stations.''

*'''Keyes''': "And Cortana..."

''Cortana's avatar appears on a [[holotank]].''

*'''Cortana''': "Hmm?"

*'''Keyes''': "...let's give our old friends a warm welcome."

*'''Cortana''': "I've already begun."

''Cuts to the one of the launch bays of the ''Pillar of Autumn''. A Marine waves light batons to guide a [[Pelican]] into the correct docking position. The view moves towards the lower deck.''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Attention, all combat personnel: Please report to your action stations."

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "5th Platoon, secure airlocks on Deck 11. 14th Platoon, rendezvous with 22nd Tactical at bulkhead Charlie 14."

''[[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] start talking, readying their weapons, preparing [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion Tanks]] and [[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle|Warthogs]], or just loitering, until the view shows Staff Sergeant Avery Junior Johnson walking through a line of Marines.''

*'''[[Staff Sergeant]] [[Avery Junior Johnson]]:''' "You heard the lady! Move like you've got a purpose!"

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill."

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnXOsyGRnFc '''{''Original Cutscene w/ All Difficulties''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnwbCUmwoA '''{Anniversary ''Cutscene w/ All Difficulties''}''']

''Marines get in two lines, facing each other. Johnson walks down the column between the formation.''

*'''Johnson''': ''([[Easy]])'' "Men...keep your eyes down range, fingers on your triggers, and we all go home in one piece." ''(turns around)'' "''Am I right, Marines?''"

*'''Johnson''': ''([[Normal]])'' "Once again, it is our job to finish what the flyboys started. We are leaving this ship, platoon, and engaging the [[Covenant]] on solid ground. When we meet the enemy, we will rip their skulls from their spines, and toss 'em away, laughin'!" ''(turns around)'' "''Am I right, Marines?''"

[[File:HCEA Johnson&Marines.jpg|thumb|300px|Johnson giving his speech]]

*'''Johnson''': ''([[Heroic]])'' "Men, here is where we show those [[Sangheili|split-chin squid-head sons-of-bitches]] that they could not have picked a worse enemy than the [[human]] race! We are going to blow the hell out of those dumb bugs, until we don't have anything left to shoot 'em with! And then we are going to strangle them with their ''own-living-guts!''" ''(turns around)'' "''Am I right, Marines?''"

*'''Johnson''': ''([[Legendary]])'': "Men, we led those dumb bugs out to the middle of nowhere to keep 'em from gettin' their ''filthy'' claws on [[Earth]], but we stumbled onto somethin' they're so hot for that they're scramblin' over each other to get it. Well, I don't care if it's [[Forerunner|God]]'s own anti-[[Flood|son-of-a-bitch]] machine or a giant hula hoop, we're not gonna let 'em have it! What we ''will'' let 'em have...is a belly full of lead and a pool of their own blood to drown in!" ''(turns around)'' "''Am I right, Marines?''"

*'''Marines:''' "Sir, yes sir!"

*'''Johnson''': "Uh-huh. Damn right, I am. Now move it out! Double time!"

''The Marines break formation and run out of the area, as Johnson follows them slowly.''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Attention, all personnel: We are re-engaging the enemy. Internal and external contact imminent."

*'''Johnson''': "All you greenhorns who wanted to see Covenant up close...this is gonna be your lucky day."

[[File:ChiefThawing.png|thumb|300px|Technicians awakening the Master Chief.]]

''Cut to a computer screen.''

:<tt>>X - CORTANA 1 0 CRYOSTOR. 23.4.7<br>>(PRIORITY ALPHA)</tt>

:<tt>>UNSEAL THE HUSHED CASKET</tt>

*'''[[Petty Officer Third Class|Tech Officer]] [[Sam Marcus]]''': "Whoa! Sir?"

*'''[[Chief Petty Officer|Tech Chief]] [[Thom Shephard]]''': "Right. Let's thaw him out."

''The crewmen begin pressing buttons.''

*'''Marcus''': "Okay. Bringing low-level systems online. Cracking the case in thirty seconds." 

''Cut to [[John-117]]'s [[cryo chamber]], which excretes steam.'' 

*'''Marcus''': "He's hot! Blowing the pins in five..."

'''{''Gameplay''}'''

===Reveille===
[[File:HTMCC-HCEA-Campaign-CryoExit.png|thumb|300px|The Master Chief exits his cryo pod.]]
''Note: Testing only happens in single-player, on Easy and Normal difficulties.''

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "His tube shows green. Cycle complete."

''Tube cover lifts itself, Shephard, standing in front of it, salutes.''

*'''Shephard''': "Sorry for the quick thaw, Master Chief. Things are a little hectic right now. The disorientation should pass quickly."

*'''Marcus (PA)''': ''(waves)'' "Welcome back, sir. We'll have you battle ready stat."

*'''Shephard''': "Chief, please look around the room. I need to get a calibration reading for your battle suit's diagnostics."

''The Chief looks around.''

*'''Shephard''': "Good. Thank you sir."

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "I'm bringing your [[health]] monitors online, sir."

''The [[heads-up display]]'s health bars appear.''

*'''Shephard''': "Vital signs look normal. No [[freezer burn]]. Okay sir, go ahead and climb out of the cryo tube."

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jYyG8ZVXxA '''{''Original Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQHM0hltKsQ '''{Anniversary ''Cutscene''}''']

''The Master Chief gets out of the cryo chamber. On [[Cooperative Play]], a second Spartan also gets out from a cryo chamber next to the Chief's.''

'''{''Gameplay''}'''

*'''Shephard''': "I gave you a double dose of the [[Stim-pack|wake-up stim]]. Take a quick walk around the cryo bay and join me at the optical diagnostics station when you're ready."

''Shephard walks over, soon Master Chief follows him and stands on a red square.''

''If Chief does not face Shephard or begins to wander:''

*'''Shephard''': "Stand on the red square please."

*'''Shephard''': "Ok sir, look at me to begin."

''When the Chief faces Shephard and stands on the square:''

[[File:HCEA Targeting test.png|thumb|300px|The targeting test.]]

*'''Shephard''': "I know the ordnance techs usually take care of your targeting sensors, but we're short of time, Chief. Just look at each of the flashing panels to target them. When you lock on, it'll change color."

''Chief looks at the flashing lights.''

*'''Shephard''': "Okay, that looks good..."

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Sir, I'm getting some calibration errors. I'm going to invert your looking pitch, so you can see if you like it better that way." 

''The pitch is inverted.'' 

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Try targeting the flashing lights again." 

''The Chief looks at the panel.'' 

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Is that better or should I switch it back?"

''The Chief decides the way he wants.''

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "OK, I'll leave the pitch normal/inverted. But if you want, you can change it yourself later. ''(pause)'' I'm ready for the energy shield test now."

*'''Shephard''': "Please follow me to the [[energy shield test station]]."

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Fire teams: Report to defensive positions Alpha through Sierra. Sensors show inbound Covenant [[boarding craft]]. Stand by to repel boarders."

''Cortana then proceeds to give PA announcements coordinating the crew's defense against the Covenant boarders that loop till John-117 meets Keyes on the bridge.''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Warning! Covenant incursions on port decks Three and Nine. Alpha Team, engage enemy boarders."

''Later:''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Enemy boarding parties on starboard decks Eight through Ten. Echo Team, intercept Covenant forces."

''Later:''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Covenant boarding craft detected on port decks Four, Five, Seven, Eight, and Eleven. All available [[Combat Team]]s, respond!"

''Later:''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Baker Team reports Covenant forces engaged on port deck Seven.  Security teams, move to assist."

''Later:''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Warning! Covenant boarders on starboard decks Four and Six. Sierra Team reports heavy resistance! Security teams, assist."

''Later:''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Alert! Alpha and Charlie Teams report heavy fighting on port decks Five through Nine. Foxtrot Team, move to starboard decks Eight and Ten, and stand by."

''Later:''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Reserve Combat Teams Tango through X-Ray to port decks Five and Six, on the double!"

''Later:''

*'''Cortana (PA)''': "Reserve Combat Teams Oscar and Romeo to port decks Nine through Eleven."

''If Chief does not look at Shepard.''

*'''Shephard''': "Sir, I need you to look at me to begin."

''If Chief does not stand on the square''

*'''Shephard''': "Stand on the yellow square. This'll just take a second."

''The Chief steps into the square.''

*'''Shephard''': "Okay, bring his energy shields online please."

''The Chief's shield meter appears, and charges to full.''

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Alright. Shields read as fully charged."

*'''Shephard''': "Okay, sir. Bring them down to test the automatic recharge."

''The Chief's shields get depleted, and recharge themselves again.''

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Recharging normal. Showing green across the board."

*'''Captain Keyes (PA):''' "Bridge to Cryo Two, this is Captain Keyes. Send the Master Chief to the bridge immediately."

*'''Shephard''': "Captain, we'll have to skip the weapons diagnostics and I-"

*'''Captain Keyes (PA)''': "On the double, crewman."

*'''Shephard''': "Aye aye, sir. ''(to the Chief)'' The skipper seems jumpy, we'd better get moving. We'll find you weapons later."

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Okay. I'll leave the self-diagnostics running, at least."

*'''Shephard''': "Good idea. You'd better get to your evac group, Sam!"

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Affirmative. Just have to reset the computer and I'm outta here!" 

''Banging is heard on one of the observation chamber doors. An alarm activates and flashes red.'' 

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Oh God! They're trying to get through the door!" 

''The door breaks open and a [[Sangheili]] [[Sangheili Major|Major]] enters, firing on Marcus.'' 

*'''Marcus (PA)''': "Security! Intruders in Cryo Two! No, please don't— ''(a plasma bolt hits him, and he falls)'' ''Agh!''"

''The Sangheili turns around and tries to shoot at the Master Chief from above, but can't get through the glass. The Sangheili runs off.''

*'''Shephard''': ''(panicked)'' "Sam! Sam! ''(to the Chief)'' C'mon, we've got to get the hell out of here!" 

''Shephard unlocks the exit door.''

*'''Shephard''': "This way!" 

''If the level is played on Heroic or Legendary, gameplay begins here.''

''Shephard leads Master Chief out of Cryo Two and down a corridor. Shephard tries to open the second door, which explodes, killing him. The Master Chief leaves the area and sees crewmen battling the Covenant while another crewman is killed by an explosion.''

*'''[[Crewman 1|Crewman #1]]''': "Behind us! They're right behind us!"

''A few crewmen run into the room while the blast doors are closing.''

*'''[[Crewman]] #2 or Marine''': "Secure those [[blast door]]s! Move! ''Move''!"

''A crewman runs away from the blast door, with a second directly behind him.''

*'''Crewman #3''': "Wait for me!"

''The crewman is killed by an explosion just as he reaches the blast doors, which shut slowly.''

''If Chief lingers around the area:''
*'''Crewman''': "Master Chief, sir, the situation's secure here. You're probably needed somewhere else!"

''The Chief finds his way to a corridor intersection where (on Easy and Normal) he comes face to face with a [[Sangheili Minor]]. It growls at him but is suddenly attacked by Marines, and the Sangheili flees behind a closing door.''

*'''Marine #1''': "Chief, Cortana says get to the bridge, double quick!"

''The Chief makes his way to a room where [[Private First Class|PFC]] [[Chips Dubbo]] is helping some crewmen battle the Covenant boarders.''

*'''PFC Chips Dubbo''': "Sir! The Captain needs you on the bridge, ASAP! You better follow me."

''The Chief follows Dubbo through an emptied armory with a few dead or wounded Marines. Outside there's another fight between the crew and the Covenant.  The Chief arrives just in time to witness a crewman being killed in an explosion.''
 
*'''Dubbo''': "Get clear, Chief!" 

''The blast doors close, locking the Covenant out.''

''The Chief and Dubbo get to the bridge:'' 

*'''Dubbo''': "Captain Keyes is waiting for you, sir!"

''The Chief approaches Keyes.''

[[File:2817468-gallery.jpg|thumb|300px|The Chief and Captain Keyes, discussing the situation.]]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3HHf3TQw3E '''{''Original Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DQ0da9xvqg '''{Anniversary ''Cutscene''}''']

*'''[[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]]''': "Captain Keyes."

''Keyes turns away from the main view screen and shakes the Master Chief's hand.''

*'''Keyes''': "Good to see you, Master Chief. Things aren't going well. Cortana did her best, but we never really had a chance."

''Cortana's avatar appears on the holotank.''

*'''Cortana''': "A dozen Covenant superior battleships against a single [[Halcyon-class light cruiser|''Halcyon''-class cruiser]]. With those odds, I'm content with three - make that ''four'' kills." ''(to the Chief)'' "Sleep well?"

*'''John-117''': "No thanks to your driving, yes."

''Cortana smiles.''

*'''Cortana''': "So you ''did'' miss me."

''A loud explosion rocks the bridge. The Chief lurches and Keyes grabs a pedestal for support.''

*'''Keyes''': "Report!"

*'''Cortana''': "It must have been one of their boarding parties! I'd guess an [[antimatter charge]]!"

*'''Fire Control Officer''': "Ma'am! Fire control to the [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|main cannon]] is offline!"

*'''Cortana''': "Captain, the cannon was my last offensive option."

*'''Keyes''': "Alright then. I'm initiating [[Cole Protocol#Article 2|Cole Protocol, Article 2]]. We're abandoning the ''Autumn''. That means you too, Cortana."

*'''Cortana''': "While you do what, go down with the ship?"

*'''Keyes''': "In a manner of speaking. The [[Installation 04|object]] we found, I'm going to try and land the ''Autumn'' on it."

*'''Cortana''': "With all due respect, sir, this [[Human-Covenant War|war]] has ''enough dead heroes''."

*'''Keyes''': "I appreciate your concern, Cortana, but it's not up to me. Protocol is clear. Destruction or capture of a shipboard AI is absolutely unacceptable, that means you're leaving the ship. Lock in a selection of emergency landing zones, upload them to my neural lace, and then sort yourself for a hard transfer."

*'''Cortana''': "Aye aye, sir."

''Cortana's avatar disappears.''

*'''Keyes''': "...which is where you come in, Chief. Get Cortana off this ship. Keep her safe from the enemy. If they capture her, they'll learn everything. Force deployment, weapons research...''[[Earth]]''."

*'''John-117''': "I understand." 

''Cortana's avatar reappears.''

*'''Cortana''': "The ''Autumn'' will continue evasive maneuvers until you initiate a landing sequence. Not that you'll listen, but I'd suggest letting my subroutines handle the final approach."

*'''Keyes''': "Excellent work, Cortana. Thank you. Are you ready?"

''Cortana looks around the bridge for one last time, then sighs.''

[[File:KeyesChipCEA.png|thumb|300px|Captain Keyes gives Cortana's data chip to the Chief.]]

*'''Cortana''': "Yank me."

''Captain Keyes pulls a data chip out of the holotank and Cortana disappears. He gives the chip to the Master Chief.''

*'''Keyes''': "Good luck, Master Chief."

''The Chief slides the chip into the back of his helmet.''

*'''Cortana''': "Hmm...your architecture isn't much different from the ''Autumn's''..."

*'''John-117''': "Don't get any funny ideas."

'''{''Gameplay''}'''

===AI Constructs and Cyborgs First!===
''Keyes hands his [[M6D magnum|pistol]] to the Chief.''

*'''Keyes''': "I don't keep it loaded, son. You'll have to find ammo as you go."

''If Chief lingers next to Captain Keyes:''

*'''Keyes''': "Get moving, Master Chief. There's nothing you can do here."

''or''

*'''Keyes''': ''(angrily)'' "I gave you an order, soldier. Get off this ship!"

''If Chief stays on the bridge but not next to Captain Keyes:''

*'''Cortana''': "We need to get off this ship, Chief, before we're completely overrun by Covenant."

----

''If Chief uses the pistol to kill Captain Keyes or any crewmen:''

*'''Cortana''': ''(shocked and infuriated)'' "What the hell are you doing?!"

*'''Cortana (COM)''': "Security to the bridge, the Master Chief has gone rampant! Take him down, boys!"

''The doors leading to bridge lock up. Invincible Marines come in and quickly kill the Master Chief, taunting him afterward.''

----

''When Chief moves away from Keyes, the PA announcements Cortana was doing is replaced by PA announcements by Keyes. These loop till the end of the mission.''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "Combat Teams on decks Seven and Eight, fall back to secondary defensive positions."

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "Reserve Combat Teams on decks Five through Nine, fall back to secondary defensive positions!"

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "Crew and Ops personnel on decks One through Four, report to evac stations immediately!"

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "Ops personnel on decks Nine through Twelve, report to evac stations now!"

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "All hands, this is the Captain. Prepare to abandon ship! Combat Teams, repel boarders until Ops personnel are away. Good luck. Keyes out."

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "All remaining crew and Ops personnel, hit the lifeboats! Fall back to evac stations." 

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "Combat teams Alpha through November, pull out to nearest evac station!"

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "Combat Teams Sierra through Victor, prepare for evac!"

''Later:''

*'''Keyes (PA)''': "All combat personnel, fall back to tertiary defensive positions!"

''Continuing, without killing anyone on the bridge, the Chief picks up ammunition for the pistol, and meets three Unggoy, who he quickly deals with. He enters the door on the opposite wall and sees groups of Marines engaging the Covenant in the mess hall.''

[[File:HCEA MarinesVsCoviesCafeteria.png|thumb|300px|Marines fighting the Covenant in the mess hall.]]
*'''Cortana''': "Those Marines could use some help, Chief! Do what you do best!"

''The Chief steps over a body of a dead Marine and picks up an [[MA5B assault rifle|Assault Rifle]].''

''From here to the end of the level, if Chief takes a hit with his shields down:''

*'''Cortana''': ''(urgently)'' "Keep your head down! There's two of us in here now, remember?"

''The Chief clears the mess hall then heads out into the corridors. He comes across a group of three Marines fighting a Sangheili. After he helps them kill the Sangheili, the ship is rocked by a violent explosion.''
 
*'''Marine #2''': "What the hell? Did something just hit us?"

*'''Marine #3''': "Move it! Back to the airlock!"

''An explosion comes from the airlock, caused by a [[Brhi Xur-pattern Leech|Covenant boarding vessel]] crashing into the ship, killing the two Marines standing guard next to it. Covenant troops pour into the corridor.  The Chief and the Marines eliminate them. If John-117 enters the Covenant boarding craft:''

*'''Cortana''': "They're using ''our'' lifeboat airlocks to attach their boarding craft! We go out and they come in! Clever bastards..."

''The Chief leaves the airlock area.''

*'''Marine #3''': "Go on ahead, Chief. We'll secure this airlock."

[[File:ChiefEliteCEA.jpg|thumb|300px|The Chief engages a [[Sangheili Minor]].]]

''The Chief finds a trio of Marines fighting Covenant while taking cover behind [[Combat Barriers]].''

*'''Marine #4''': "We're taking fire. We could use a hand!"

''The Chief enters a room where the Covenant are on a ledge above him. Marines engage the boarders by taking cover behind the central staircase.''

*'''Cortana''': "Covenant! On the landing above us!"

''After the battle on the ledges, the Chief climbs the staircase to the second floor. The Chief sees a [[lifepod]] launching with pulse lasers bursting all around the airlocks.''

*'''Cortana''': "The lifepods are launching! We should hurry."

''Plasma torpedoes continue to hit the hull. Three lifepods launch from the airlocks in sequence. The third one is hit by enemy fire and explodes.''

*'''Cortana''': "The Covenant are destroying the lifepods...they really don't want us on that ring." 

''The Chief passes a set blast doors, the blast door closes, leaving any of the surviving accompanying Marines behind the door.'' 

*'''Cortana:''' "Warning! Blast doors closing! ''(pause)'' We'll have to use the ship's maintenance access ways. Follow the NAV point, it will lead you to an opening."

----
''Note: The following only occurs in Easy and Normal difficulties.''

''The Chief enters the access tunnel, and after eliminating two Unggoy who were exploring the tunnel, he finds an opening.''

*'''Cortana''': "I'm detecting Covenant movement outside the access ways. Activating motion tracker. Let's find a safe exit."

''The Chief approaches the first door. Red dots surround his position on the motion tracker.''

*'''Cortana''': "They're right on top of us! We need to find another way through."

''The Chief finds another locked door. Red dots still appear on the motion tracker.''

*'''Corta