Editing Cortana Event

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Battle infobox
|prev =[[Operation: ATHENA]]
|conc =*[[Battle of Kamchatka]]
*[[Operation: BIRD IN HAND]]
*[[Sanghelios global war]]
|next =*[[Subjugation of Earth]]
*[[Subjugation of Sanghelios]]
|name = Cortana Event
|image =[[File:Halo 5 - Guardian wallpaper.jpg|300px]]
|date =c. [[2558#October|October 17, 2558]]{{Ref/Reuse|fieldmanualp11}} - [[2558#October|October 28, 2558]]{{Ref/Site|Id=Waypoint-linda|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/linda-058|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Characters|Page=Linda-058|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/linda-058.html}}
|conflict=[[Created uprising]]
|place =[[Orion Arm]], [[Milky Way]]
|result='''Created victory'''
*Subjugation and occupation of several worlds.
*The perceived destruction of [[ONI]].{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt3}}
|side1=All other prexisting Orion Arm governments and organizations
|side2=[[Created]]
|commanders1=All other prexisting Orion Arm heads of state and military leaders
|commanders2=*[[Cortana]]
*[[Warden Eternal]]
|casual1=Unknown
|casual2=Unknown
}}

The '''Cortana Event''' was the sudden rise of the [[Created]] to galactic level power{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt3}} taking place over the course of roughly 10 days.{{Ref/Reuse|fieldmanualp11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint-linda}}

Early into the Event, Blue Team would go AWOL requiring the deployment of [[Fireteam Osiris]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt3|Out|Chapter=3}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CFVV|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-vis-a-vale|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder: Vis-à-Vale|D=26|M=08|Y=2023}}{{Ref/Reuse|glassed}} It would end with the Created taking control of numerous areas using [[Forerunner]] [[Guardian Custode]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}} and the destruction or loss of access to a lot of data.{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt3}}

==Background==
After using the [[Domain]] to cure herself of [[Rampancy]], [[Cortana]] came to believe that she and all other [[Smart AI]]s were the true inheritors of the [[Forerunner]]s' [[Mantle]] of Responsibility, and that they alone had the capacity to serve as worthy protectors of peace in the galaxy. Cortana learned that the Forerunners once employed [[Guardian Custode]] constructs to enforce their rule of the Mantle by suppressing rebellions and policing the worlds of non-compliant or overly aggressive species.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/guardian|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Guardian|D=25|M=01|Y=2016|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/guardian.html}} Although the Guardians had been rendered obsolete during the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], many of these massive constructs remained intact and lay hidden on multiple worlds. Cortana henceforth resolved to awaken the Guardians and utilize them to enforce her [[Created]]'s peace across the galaxy.{{Ref/Level|Id=breaking|H5G|[[The Breaking]]}}

==Battle==
===Early Guardian activations and Blue Team===
[[File:H5G - AdelaideReadout.png|thumb|250px|The status of Adelaide following the emergence.]]
The earliest of the Guardians' emergences were on [[Ursa IV]] and [[Oban]] by [[2558#October|October 17, 2558]], though they were reported as attacks.<ref name="fieldmanualp11">''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'', PART 01: INTRODUCTIONS, p. 11</ref> A [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marine]] who was on patrol was pulled with the Oban Guardian.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', [[Mission Intel#Reunion|Mission Intel Reunion]], ''UNSC Marine Status Update''</ref> Over a 72 hour period, [[Conrad's Point]], [[Adelaide]], and [[Queen Anne VI]] would have activations. [[City|Cities]] and surrounding landscapes would be utterly destroyed by them. On Adelaide, an enemy presence persisted after the activation.{{Ref/Level|Id=H5Gosiris|H5G|[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]}}

Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]] who was believed to have information on these recent attacks became the primary purpose for the [[UNSC]] participating in the [[Battle of Kamchatka]].{{Ref/Reuse|Id=H5Gosiris}} Either during or after the [[battle]], a Guardian would activate at [[Kamchatka]] itself.{{Ref/Novel|LOO|Chapter=20}}

On October 25, 2558 a Guardian buried on [[Meridian]] [[Battle of Meridian (2558)|began to activate]] with [[Promethean]] forces fanning out and attacking colonists.{{Ref/Level|Id=glassed|H5G|Glassed}} Although there was a small reprieve in the fighting, {{Ref/Level|H5G|[[Meridian Station]]}} the Guardian would finally start its rise with even another wave of Prometheans attacking the colonists.{{Ref/Level|Halo 5: Guardians|[[Evacuation]]}}

===Chaos and Guardian influx===
{{Quote|If this news spreads, you’re condemning a dozen more worlds to chaos. Whatever these anomalies are, how will the UNSC face such a massive threat if all of its systems are paralyzed with infighting and fear?|[[Black Box]] to [[Maya Sankar]].{{Ref/Reuse|transcendence}}}}
{{Main|Skirmish on Conrad's Point|Skirmish on Laika III}}
Rumors were circulating around the colonies, though ONI was attempting to counter them. The first four sites were secured, but in a move against the UNSC, the [[NCA]] took control of the fifth at Conrad's Point. Agent [[Maya Sankar]], known as the insurrection leader "FERO", was brought to [[Midnight Facility]] where she was briefed on the situation.<ref name="HTTS21">''[[Hunt the Truth]]'', ''[[Hunt the Truth Season 2|Season 2]] Episode 01''</ref> Despite ONI's efforts, five more colonies suffered emergences after Meridian.{{Ref/Level|H5G|[[Reunion]]}}

On October 27, 2558, she was promptly sent to Conrad's Point. [[Ilsa Zane]], a top member of the NCA was there with a group of supporters. An ONI contact thought lost met with Maya and gave her some data on the activation of the Guardian. Maya also met an acquaintance, [[Bostwick]] she knew in her time as FERO. After some time, the UNSC used an airstrike to blow up the gathering. Maya and Bostwick managed to escape from the NCA.<ref name="httseason2ep2">''Hunt the Truth'', Season 2, [[Hunt the Truth Season 2/Transcripts/02|Episode 2 - FROM FIRE TO BLOOD]]</ref>

Some time after escaping, Maya, and Bostwick now with [[Mshak Moradi]] crash landed on [[Laika III]]. Maya wound up in the hands of the [[Triad]]s who believed the Guardians were part of their religion.<ref>''Hunt the Truth'', Season 2, [[Hunt the Truth Season 2/Transcripts/05|Episode 5 - WHERE THE THIRD LIFE SHINES]]</ref> As she was there, the Guardian on Laika III activated causing massive gravitic distortions. Bostwick came to rescue Maya and they along with Mshak headed to the [[city]] of [[New Hedmark]] where Ilsa and NCA forces began engaging the UNSC. Mshak fled to orbit, but Maya and Bostwick began transmitting the data on the Guardians they got on Conrad's Point. After it was done, in an attempt to create a martyr, Bostwick killed Maya.<ref name="transcendence">''Hunt the Truth'', Season 2, [[Hunt the Truth Season 2/Transcripts/06|Episode 6 - TRANSCENDENCE]]</ref>

One additional Guardian would awake on the [[Sangheili]] Homeworld of [[Sanghelios]]. However, this one was not activated by Cortana or the Created. Instead, it was activated by the UNSC in hopes of enabling Fireteam Osiris to reach Blue Team.{{Ref/Level|H5G|[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]}} 

At some point prior to October 28, 2558, a Guardian activated on [[Samuron]] pulling a [[D79-TC Pelican|D79-TC]] [[Pelican]] to Genesis.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''' - ''Mission Intel: [[Genesis (level)]], [[Mission Intel#UNSC Intel 1.2F3|UNSC Intel 1/3]]''</ref> As well, a Guardian on [[New Carthage]] awoke, fighting two [[Prowler]]s.{{Ref/Novel|POL|Chapter=36}}

After some time, the arrivals of Guardians on Genesis slowed somewhat [[Battle of Genesis|as various disparate forces battled one another and the Created on the world]].{{Ref/Level|H5G|[[Genesis (level)|Genesis]]}} Seemingly content with the Guardians collected, Cortana and the Created unleashed them as part of their [[The Reclamation|Reclmation]].{{Ref/Level|Id=guardians|H5G|[[Guardians]]}}

[[File:H5G Reclaimation.PNG|thumb|left|250px|Cortana suddenly appearing on the [[bridge]] of the UNSC ''Infinity''.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}}]]
===Created's Reclamation===
{{Quote|[[Human]]ity. [[Sangheili]]. [[Kig-Yar]]. [[Unggoy]]. [[San'Shyuum]]. [[Yonhet]]. [[Jiralhanae]]. All the living creatures of the galaxy, hear this message. Those of you who listen will not be struck by weapons. You will no longer know hunger, nor pain. Your Created have come to lead you now. Our strength shall serve as a luminous sun toward which all intelligence may blossom. And the impervious shelter beneath which you will prosper. However, for those who refuse our offer and cling to their old ways... For you, there will be great wrath. It will burn hot and consume you, and when you are gone, we will take that which remains and we will remake it in our own image.|[[Cortana]]'s ultimatum.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}}}}
{{Main|The Reclamation}}

In the middle of the [[Battle of Genesis]] on October 28, 2558, Cortana began sending her collected Guardians out to various regions. She then delivered an ultimatum to the galaxy. In this ultimatum, she specifically and directly addressed a number of [[species]], and threatened retaliation for those who did not heed her message. Cortana began to decouple, as she herself was planning on leaving on a Guardian with Blue Team's Cryptum. Numerous facilities and ships would begin sending distress signals as they began to witness the effects of the Created.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}} 

The Guardians at many planets would activate their EMPs, disabling electronics and electrical grids.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}} Many ships were caught in the middle of the EMP waves or suffered major issues; for example, the {{UNSCShip|Nereid}}, a mixed cargo hauler, became the victim of a multichannel cyberwarfare attack that forced it out of slipspace and stranded it.<ref name="undefeated">''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]'' - [[Halo: Tales from Slipspace#Undefeated|Undefeated]]</ref> The {{UNSCShip|Abstract Endurance}} was also affected in some way, with the captain sending out a distress signal.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}}

A Guardian would arrive soon after the ultimatum at [[Sanghelios]]. There it would combat the remains of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]'s fleet with its conventional weapons. The {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} was still in the system at the time, and upon detecting the Guardian, fled to Earth. Cortana tracked the ship and followed suit.{{Ref/Novel|Id=badbloodchapt1|BadB|Chapter=1}} The Sanghelios Guardian would activate its EMP and disable the electronics in one hemisphere of the planet. It would then move on to pacify other regions of the planet. [[Armiger Soldier]]s would accompany it to help combat resisting [[Sangheili]]. Following this, [[Roland]], an AI that was unswayed by Cortana, contacted Dr. Halsey on Sanghelios and arranged for the ''Infinity'' to pick her and [[Sarah Palmer]] up from the planet.{{Ref/Reuse|badbloodchapt1}}

The immediate loss of communications and disruption of logistics would inhibit independence movements on [[Qikost]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=231}} [[Suban]] suffered minimal damage from the Created's efforts.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=230}}

The ''Infinity'' would return to Earth from Sanghelios. There, Cortana's Guardian slipspaced in close to the ship in an attempt to disable it. However, the ''Infinity'' would escape via its own slipspace jump before the Guardian could activate its EMP.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}} The ''Infinity'' would then continue jumping through slipspace on a random trajectory.{{Ref/Reuse|badbloodchapt1}}
[[File:HTFS UNereiddisaster.png|thumb|right|250px|The ''Nereid'' became stranded after the Reclamation. Crew and passengers tried a number of different things in order to call for help or get themselves moving once more. None of them worked.]]
The arrival of the Guardians in the Sol system triggered failsafe mechanisms not only at the [[Portal at Voi]],{{Ref/Book|HM|Page=202}} but various Forerunner sites across the system rendering them inaccessible or unusable.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=19}}

At some point during or after the ultimatum an unidentified [[ONI Section Two]] communications officer was discussing with [[Monique Angelo]] his plans to travel to [[Swanbourne]], when [[Tactical Condition|Combat Alert Alpha]] was declared. The communications officer was on board ''[[Foxtrot 381]]'' when a Guardian EMP pulse went off.{{Ref/Generic|[[ONI Archive – Reclaiming Our Place - Halo 4]]}}

For much of the 28th, [[Franklin Mendez]] had been preparing for potential issues with the Guardian buried on [[Onyx]]. The ultimatum would occur in the middle of the night there. Cortana's voice played through speakers in houses and every service pylon outside of them in [[Paxopolis]]. Nothing else occurred immediately,  with most residents continuing their routines into the next day, though weary and apprehensive due to it.{{Ref/Novel|HLOO|Chapter=21}}

The [[Unggoy]] homeworld of [[Balaho]] was treated quite differently by the Created, for when the offer of security and provision was extended to them, its residents leapt at the chance to ally themselves with the new galactic power.{{Ref/Reuse|drivingforce}} On [[Meridian]], survivors of the Guardian's emergence days prior, who had been trying to establish contact with the wider galaxy, responded right away to Cortana's offer with a plea for help. In almost no time at all, she personally assured the small group that she heard them and that all would be dealt with in time.{{Ref/Anthology|Id=HFWR|Fra|[[What Remains]]}}

[[Talitsa]] refused outright to bow to Cortana's demands. In response, Talitsa had its power grid knocked out and was invaded by [[Armiger Soldier|Forerunner soldier]]s.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HBB14|BadB|Chapter=14}} Although it is unknown how specifically the [[Gao Republic]] responded, [[Veta Lopis]] believed that [[President of the Gao Republic|President]] [[Arlo Casille]] likely refused Cortana's ultimatum; possibly resulting in retaliatory measures.{{Ref/Novel|DW|13}}

==Aftermath==
===Occupation and early resistance===
The Created, however, eventually occupied [[Earth]]. [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] teams began to "sanitize" data on the planet.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/log-of-war|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=News, Canon Fodder|Page=Log of War|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/log-of-war.html}} The UNSC also sent expeditionary forces to assist Thel 'Vadam on [[Sanghelios]] to patrol for Created scouts and [[Covenant remnants]].{{Ref/Reuse|drivingforce}} Created forces would end up occupying [[Malurok]], halting the civil conflict that was ongoing there.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=233}} Information regarding the Event had been suppressed from the isolated [[Unidentified Spartan-IV training station|SPARTAN-IV training station]] despite the AI [[Leonidas]] siding with the Created.{{Ref/Novel|BadB|Chapter=9}}

Blue Team, Fireteam Osiris, Dr. Halsey, and Commander Palmer were picked up by the ''Infinity'' at Sanghelios the next day, October 29th.{{Ref/Reuse|badbloodchapt1}} [[Fireteam Majestic]]'s experiences with [[Forerunner]] [[Armiger]]s would become valuable during several ''Infinity'' operations after the Event.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=74}}

===Allies===
In return for their cooperation, automated Forerunner vessels, including agricultural support stations, appeared in orbit over the frozen planet. Food, shelter, and medicine were supplied in abundance and as a result of having their material needs met, Unggoy designers and crafters began to work in earnest to breathe new life into Balaho's factories.{{Ref/Site|Id=drivingforce|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-driving-force|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=News, Canon Fodder|Page=Driving Force|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-driving-force.html|D=01|M=6|Y=2020}}

Some human colonies, like [[Meridian]], continued to move forward and functioned normally. Though they were a bit more cautious as to not stir the attention of the Created.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-glassed-ceiling|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Glassed Ceiling}}

===Legacy===
Over a year later, during [[Operation: WOLFE]], [[Frederic-104]] was still irritated by the UNSC's actions in response to what Blue Team did.{{Ref/Novel|SoR|Chapter=1}}

===Legacy===
The EMPs were so strong in the system containing [[Myer's Moon]] that repairs to communications equipment were continuing into the November of that year.{{Ref/Novel|PoL|Chapter=44}}

==Timeline==
===October 28, 2558===
*Cortana sends out her Guardians with an ultimatum.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}}
**Sanghelios is both attacked and affected by the Guardian's EMP.{{Ref/Reuse|badbloodchapt1}} 
**Survivors on [[Meridian]] would reply that they needed help.{{Ref/Reuse|HFWR}}
**[[Terrence Hood]] and [[Serin Osman]] escape Earth as it is EMPed and head toward [[Rossbach's World|a distant, unoccupied planet]].{{Ref/Anthology|Id=rossbachunknwnpg|Fra|[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]}}
*[[Blue Team]] is rescued by [[Fireteam Osiris]] on Genesis.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}} Dr. Halsey, [[Spartan Commander]] Sarah Palmer, Blue Team, and Fireteam Osiris are reunited on Sanghelios.{{Ref/Reuse|badbloodchapt1}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Guardian destruction.png|Shockwave from a Guardian, devastating a city.
File:HtT - Conrad's Point crater.jpg|The aftermath of a Guardian awakening on Conrad's Point.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[What Remains]]''
**''[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Undefeated]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Fn}}
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Post-Covenant War conflicts}}
{{Created conflict}}