Editing H2:The Great Journey

{{Title|H2:The Great Journey}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{disambig header|the Halo 2 campaign level||Great Journey}}
{{Level infobox
|pagegamelabel=H2
|prev=''[[H2:High Charity|High Charity]]''
|next=*[[Halo 2 credits|''Halo 2'' credits]] {{C|''[[Halo 2]]''}} {{C|''[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|Vista]]''}}
*''[[H3:Arrival|Arrival]]'' {{C|''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|MCC]]''}}
|name='''''The Great Journey'''''
|image=[[File:H2A TheGreatJourney Loadscreen.png|300px]]
|game=''[[Halo 2]]'' {{C|''[[Halo 2: Anniversary|Anniversary]]''}}
|devname=<code>08b_deltacontrol</code>{{Ref/File|Id=H2EK|H2EK|H2EK\tags\scenarios\solo\08b_deltacontrol\08b_deltacontrol.scenario}}
|player=[[Arbiter_(player_character)#Halo_2|Arbiter]]
|date=*[[2552#November 3, 2552|November 3, 2552]] <br>
*[[2552#November 17, 2552|November 17, 2552]]
*Retold on [[2558#October|October 27, 2558]] {{C|''Anniversary''}}
|place=The surface of [[Installation 05]], in and around the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]].
|objective=Stop [[Tartarus]] from activating Halo
|weapon=
|partime=00:15:00 {{C|''Master Chief Collection''}}
|parscore=8,000 {{C|''Master Chief Collection''}}
}} 
{{Article quote|''Form an unexpected alliance, keep [[Tartarus]] from activating the [[Installation 05|ring]].''}}
'''The Great Journey''' is the fifteenth and final [[campaign]] level of ''[[Halo 2]]''. 

In [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]], upon completing this level on [[Normal]] or higher will reward the player "[[The Great Journey (achievement)|The Great Journey]]" [[Achievement]] and 30 [[Gamerscore]].

==Summary==
[[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], reunited with [[Rtas 'Vadum]] and a [[Special Operations Sangheili]], heads to the "[[Bastion of the Brutes]]" to take control of a {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}}. Defeating numerous [[Karo'etba-pattern Ghost|Ghost]]s and three [[Muz-pattern Wraith|Wraith]]s, they reach the far end of the canyon, finding another Special Operations Sangheili as well as a [[Mgalekgolo]] pair. 'Vadum leaves the team to take control of a cruiser, while the Arbiter and the other Sangheili and Mgalekgolo continue on, freeing several imprisoned [[Sangheili Councilor]]s and more Mgalekgolo. They reach a landing pad, and stop a [[pack]] of [[Jiralhanae]] from executing [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Junior Johnson]], [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Stacker]] and [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Banks]]. While the [[Sangheili]] kill the Brutes, Johnson takes his chance and commandeers the Scarab. Forming an unexpected alliance, 'Vadam takes a [[Oghal-pattern Banshee|Banshee]] and escorts Johnson and the Scarab to [[Installation 05|Delta Halo]]'s [[Control room]].  Johnson uses the Scarab's [[focus cannon|main cannon]] to destroy the Control room's door. 'Vadam then enters the Control Room and confronts [[Tartarus]], who is trying to force Miranda Keyes to activate Halo. Backed up by Johnson, 'Vadam gets 343 Guilty Spark to reveal Halo's true purpose to everyone.  However, Tartarus refuses to accept the truth and forces [[Commander (UNSC)|Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] to activate the ring. With no other choice, 'Vadam battles and kills the Chieftain.  Keyes removes the [[Activation Index]], stopping the ring from firing, but activating a fail safe mechanism in the process. Explained by [[343 Guilty Spark]], the fail-safe of the ring sends a signal to the [[Installation 00|Ark]], where all Halos will be activated from. Meanwhile, [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] returns to Earth on board the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]], ready to finish the fight.

Meanwhile, on the Flood-infested ''High Charity'', the Gravemind demands information from Cortana. 

==Transcript==
[[File:H2A - Arbiter and 'Vadum.png|300px|thumb|Thel 'Vadam and Rtas 'Vadum look at [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Delta Halo's control room]].]]

[https://youtu.be/VbARwdIv6Ns '''{''Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGEWsBfYjaE '''{''Anniversary Cutscene''}''']

''Scene fades in on [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]], who is in a [[Muz-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] with its hatch open, conversing. The two are looking towards the [[Control Room]] of [[H2:Delta Halo|Delta Halo]]. The door has just slammed shut with a loud bang.''

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "What is that place?"

*'''[[Rtas 'Vadum]]''': "Where the [[Councilor]]s were meant to watch the consecration of the [[Index|Icon]]. The start of the [[Great Journey]]."

''Focus on 'Vadam:''

*'''[[Gravemind]]''' ''(flashback)'': "There is still time to stop the key from turning."

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "I must get inside."

*'''Rtas 'Vadum''': "Then mount up, Arbiter. I know a way to break those doors."

'' 'Vadam turns to face the Control Room as Rtas 'Vadum enters his Wraith and closes the hatch behind him.''

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

===Your Ass, My Size-24 Hoof===
''The Arbiter takes the Wraith (on Legendary, the player cannot take the Wraith) or the [[Wuzum-pattern Spectre|Spectre]] that drives up to him. He and Rtas 'Vadum then fight past multiple waves of Jiralhanae-controlled [[Karo'etba-pattern Ghost|Ghosts]], a Wraith tank and even a [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]]. A {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} can be seen in the distance.''

''As they travel to where a [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] is visible, docked up on a ledge.''

*'''Rtas 'Vadum''': "There, Arbiter. That Scarab's main gun will break the Control Room's door. At the far end of the beach there's a passage into the cliff. It'll take you up to the Scarab."

''They clear the area, and reach the far end of the canyon.''

*'''[[Rtas 'Vadum]]''': "The [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] control that cruiser, Arbiter. I'll remain here, make sure no reinforcements get in behind you. Then, I'm going to take the cruiser back!"

'' 'Vadam walks into a room where a [[Sangheili]] and two [[Mgalekgolo]] are waiting.''

*'''[[Special Operations Sangheili]]''': "The Arbiter? I thought he was dead! Hold your fire. The Hunters have come to our aid, Arbiter. They will fight by our side." 

'' 'Vadam and his allies fight their way through several areas guarded by Jiralhanae, [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Yanme'e]]. Eventually they reach a room where two [[Sangheili Councilor]]s and a Mgalekgolo pair are being held prisoner behind force field doors.''

''If the [[Special Operations Sangheili]] lives at this point and follows the player into the room:''

*'''[[Special Operations Sangheili]]''': "Free our brothers! Death to the Brutes!"

''A massive fight breaks out in the detention center. The [[Sangheili]] manage to free the prisoners and together they crush the [[Covenant]] forces. The Arbiter and his allies continue through a corridor, eventually stepping out onto the platform where they discover a group of Jiralhanae preparing to execute some [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] prisoners, including [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]].''

*'''[[Tartarus]] (COM)''': "[[Miranda Keyes|Mine will do]]. Kill the others."

*'''Jiralhanae #1''': "Yes, Chieftain. ''(to other Jiralhanae)'' A day's ration says I can do this in one cut."

*'''Jiralhanae #2''': "Two cuts at least."

*'''Jiralhanae #1''': "Done. Wait, movement!"

*'''Jiralhanae #2''': "Elites!"

*'''[[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]]''': "Go, go, go!"

''[[Gunnery Sergeant (UNSC)|Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Marcus Stacker]] and [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Banks]] start firing at the Jiralhanae with concealed [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]]s, while Johnson jumps into the Scarab and heads inside it. The Scarab starts moving.''

''The Sangheili and Mgalekgolo kill the Jiralhanae on the platform.''

[https://youtu.be/VbARwdIv6Ns?t=24 '''{''Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvAZdQiiC0Q '''{''Anniversary Cutscene''}''']

----
'''Original version:'''

''The Arbiter turns around to see the Scarab's main cannon aimed at him.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Listen, you don't like me and I sure as hell don't like you."

''Cut to Scarab's helm, Johnson at the controls.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "But if we don't do something, [[Tartarus|Mr. Mohawk's]] gonna activate this [[Halo Array|ring]]. And we're ''all'' gonna die."

''Cut to a close-up of 'Vadam.''

*'''[[Thel 'Vadam]]''': "[[Tartarus]] has locked himself inside the [[Control Room]]."

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Well, I just happen to have a key." ''(The Scarab's cannon opens)'' "Come on. Grab a [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee]] and give me some cover. He's gonna know we're comin'."

----
'''Anniversary version:'''

[[File:H2A - Scarab console.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Avery Johnson|Johnson]] commandeers the [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]].]]

''The Arbiter, surrounded by the dead Jiralhanae he just killed, turns around to see the Scarab's main cannon aimed at him.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Listen, you don't like me..."

''Cut to Scarab's helm, Johnson at the controls.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "...and I sure as hell don't like you. But if we don't do something, Mister..."

''Cut to 'Vadam as he listens.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "...[[Tartarus|Mohawk's]] gonna activate this [[Halo Array|ring]]."

''Cut back to Johnson.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "And we're ''all'' gonna die."

''Cut back to 'Vadam.''

*'''[[Thel 'Vadam]]''': ''(cautiously)'' "[[Tartarus]] has locked himself inside the [[Control Room]]."

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Well, I just happen to have a key." ''(The Scarab's cannon opens)'' "Come on. Grab a [[Oghal-pattern Banshee|Banshee]]..."

''Cut back to Johnson.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "...and give me some cover. He's gonna know we're comin'."

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

===Backseat Driver===
''Two Banshees arrive and their Sangheili pilots jump out.''

*'''Sangheili''': "Take my Banshee, Arbiter!"

'' 'Vadam does so, Johnson fires the Scarab's main cannon and destroys an enemy [[Muz-pattern Wraith|Wraith]].''

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Ha! How do ''you'' like it?!"

''They approach the Control Room, fighting off more Wraiths, [[Wuzum-pattern Spectre|Spectre]]s, [[Eeo'Pimu-pattern Shade|Shade]] turrets and hostile Banshees.''

''Vadam destroys several more Wraiths and Banshees in the area in front of the Control Room. The Scarab comes in firing range of the Control Room.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Stay clear of the doors. Hey, bastards, knock knock!"

''If the player stalls:''

*'''Johnson (COM)''': "Stay clear of the doors!"

*'''Johnson (COM)''': "Are you trying to get killed? Gimme some room!"

''If the player still stalls:''

*'''Johnson (COM)''': "What, do I have to spell it out for you? ''MOVE''!!!"

*'''Johnson (COM)''': "Hey, listen, I'm gonna count to three. One... two... don't say I didn't warn ya!"

''If the player moves when Johnson is counting:''

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Good! Now stay put!"

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': "Hey, bastards. Knock knock!"

''If the player turns back:''

*'''Sergeant Johnson (COM)''': ''(unamused)'' "Ha ha, that's real funny. I'm still shootin'!"

''The Scarab's cannon fires, destroying the Control Room's door. A hostile Phantom lands and deploys a Wraith beside the Scarab. 'Vadam destroys the Wraith and flies toward the Control Room. (If 'Vadam does not have a Banshee then a friendly Sangheili will land one on the beach near the Scarab).''

===Delusions and Grandeur===
'' 'Vadam lands his Banshee and enters the Control Room. He runs into a [[pack]] of Jiralhanae, including several [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen]].''

*'''[[Jiralhanae]] #3''': "Do not let the Arbiter into the chamber! The [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain]] must complete his holy work!" 

''(Alternatively, the Jiralhanae might say "them" instead of "the Arbiter")''

'' 'Vadam either kills the guards or sneaks past them, then heads into the main chamber of the Control Room.''

[https://youtu.be/ceCstDfYVeM '''{''Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwjHU8KkLXU '''{''Anniversary Cutscene''}''']

''Tartarus and four [[Jiralhanae Captain]]s approach and stand in front of the control panel, holding [[Miranda Keyes|Keyes]] and [[343 Guilty Spark]].''

*'''Tartarus''': "Come, human, it is easy." ''(He tries to get Keyes to insert the [[Activation Index]])'' "Take the Icon in your hands... ''(growls impatiently)'' And do as you are told!"

''He slams the Index on the console, which flashes red lights.''

*'''[[343 Guilty Spark]]''': "Please, use caution! This [[Reclaimer]] is delicate."

*'''Tartarus''': "One more word, Oracle, and I'll rip your eye from its socket!" ''(he turns to Keyes, pushes her forward)'' 

*'''Commander Keyes''': ''(exhales sharply)''

*'''Tartarus''': ''(soft menacing growl)'' "Which is ''nothing'' compared to what I'll do to ''you''." ''(Miranda grimaces defiantly)''

''Thel 'Vadam walks in.''

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "Tartarus, stop."

*'''Tartarus''': ''(gasps, jerks his neck up in surprise)'' "Impossible!"

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "Put down the Icon."

''Tartarus turns to face 'Vadam.''

*'''Tartarus''': "Put it down? And disobey the [[Hierarchs]]?"

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "There are things about Halo even the Hierarchs do not understand."

''Jiralhanae step forward menacingly, Tartarus stops them.''

*'''Tartarus''': "Take care, Arbiter. What you say is heresy!"

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "Is it? ''(gently)'' Oracle, what is Halo's purpose?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Collectively, the [[seven]]—"

''Tartarus grabs 343 Guilty Spark and jerks him around.''

*'''Tartarus''': "Not another word!"

*'''Sergeant Johnson''' ''(off screen)'': "Please..." 

''Tartarus lowers 343 Guilty Spark to see Johnson approaching standing next to 'Vadam. He holds a [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|beam rifle]] and aims it directly at Tartarus.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Don't shake the light-bulb."

''The Jiralhanae Captains growl and approach. Johnson raises the beam rifle to Tartarus' head.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "If you wanna keep your brain inside your head, I'd tell those boys to chill."

''Tartarus barks a command, and the Jiralhanae back off.''

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(to 'Vadam)'' "Go ahead. Do your thing."

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': ''(to Guilty Spark)'' "The Sacred Rings, what are they?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Weapons of last resort, built by the [[Forerunners]] to eliminate potential [[Flood]] hosts, thereby rendering the parasite harmless."

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "And those who made the rings? What happened to the Forerunners?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "After exhausting every other strategic option, my creators activated the rings. They and all additional sentient life in three radii of the galactic center, died, as planned."

''Close up on 'Vadam, he lowers his head in sadness. Johnson lowers his Beam Rifle and looks on to the disillusioned Arbiter in acknowledgement.''

[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Tartarus]] activates [[Installation 05]] and readies himself to kill the Arbiter.]]

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': ''(slightly awkward)'' "Would you... like to see the relevant data?"

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': ''(turns his attention back to Tartarus)'' "Tartarus. The [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]] have betrayed us."

''Tartarus pauses, considering the Monitor's words, but quickly makes up his mind and throws 343 Guilty Spark at Johnson's head, knocking him down. He then grabs Keyes' hand and forces the Index into the console.''

*'''Tartarus''': "No, Arbiter! The [[Great Journey]] has begun. And the Brutes, ''not the Elites'', shall be the Prophets' escort!"

''Tartarus grabs [[Fist of Rukt|his hammer]] as his energy shield turns on. Miranda jumps out of the way (In the Anniversary, Tartarus throws her aside).''

''The main platform at the center of the Control Room splits into three as Halo charges up, emitting a massive beam of energy.''

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

''Sangheili reinforcements show up and wipe out the Jiralhanae Captains. Tartarus jumps to the central platform. The Sangheili pursue him. Johnson hangs back, firing on Tartarus with his Beam Rifle. Commander Keyes stands on one of the rotating platforms, 343 Guilty Spark follows her.''

[[File:H2A - Delta Halo activated.jpg|300px|thumb|Halo's Control Room, now fully activated by Tartarus as it prepares to fire.]]

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Charging sequence initiated. Primary generators coming online."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Well, shut them down!"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Apology. Protocol does not allow me to interfere with any aspect of this sequence."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Then how do I stop it?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Well, it will take some time to go over the proper procedures, I—"

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Quit stalling!"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Under more controlled circumstances, I would suggest the [[Reclaimer]] simply remove the Index."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "That's it? Johnson, I'm on it!"

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Hang tight, ma'am! Not until that Brute is dead! ''(when knocking off Tartarus' shield for the first time)'' Hey, Mohawk! How'd that feel?"

----

''If the player stalls:''

*'''Tartarus''': "You want revenge? Well, here I am. Come and take it!"

''or'' 

*'''Tartarus''': "What's the matter, Arbiter? Afraid of my little hammer?"

''or''

*'''Tartarus''': "Beneath that fancy armor, you're nothing but a coward!"

''If the player further stalls:''

*'''Tartarus''': "Just like the rest of your race, cowardly and weak!"

----

''During the battle, Tartarus can say any of the following lines, depending on what's happening:''

:'''Said at random:'''
*"Uppity prey!"
*"Faithless dog!"
*"Accept defeat!"
*"Cursed Arbiter!"
*"Cursed heretic!"
*"Damned Arbiter!"
*"Are you fighting or dancing?"
*"Do you take your death so lightly?"
*"Come, little fly. Let me swat you!"
*"I'll flay your heretic hide!"
*"You'll die beneath my [[Fist of Rukt|hammer]]!"
*"I'll gnaw your bones while I walk the Path!"
*"Your flesh will make a fine snack for the Journey!"
*"My hammer will be the end of you, Arbiter!"
*"''(snarls)'' This time I'll be certain of your death!"
*''(various growling, snarling and roaring noises)''
:'''Tartarus attacks the player or another Sangheili''':
*"The Prophets' will be done!" 
*"In the name of the Hierarchs!" 
*"For the Journey!"
*"Hammer time!"
:'''Tartarus kills the player or another Sangheili''':
*"Howl, my pack! I've struck a fatal blow!"
*"Hahahahahahaha!"
*"Such an easy hunt."
----

''After the Arbiter scores a hit on Tartarus for the first time, Tartarus slams his hammer on the ground.''

*'''Tartarus''': "A lucky hit. You shall not land another."

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(when knocking off Tartarus' shield for the second time)'' "His shield is down, let 'em have it!"

''If the fight goes on long enough, Guilty Spark and Keyes will continue to argue:''

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Secondary generators charging. All systems are performing well within operational parameters."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "You're telling me that you can't stop the sequence?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Reclaimer, please understand that interrupting the wave generation process will severely damage this installation."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Give me a direct answer!"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "I am but a [[Monitor]]. The Reclaimer can do as it likes."

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(knocking down Tartarus' shield for the third time)'' "There goes his shield!" 

''Johnson knocks down Tartarus' shield for the fourth time:'' 

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Got his shield! Hit him now!" 

''Johnson knocks down Tartarus' shield for the fifth time:'' 

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Quick while his shield is down!"

''The fight continues:''

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Power generation phase complete. The installation is ready to fire. Starting final countdown."

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Come on, Arbiter! Kick that guy's ass!"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Firing sequence initiated. And may I say, Reclaimers, it has been a pleasure to serve you both. Goodbye."

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "I can keep his shield down, but you've gotta finish the job!"

'' After a long battle, 'Vadam finally kills Tartarus.''

[https://youtu.be/lo9x7Nq9MTg '''{''Ending Cutscene''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgFf-bfMbII '''{''Anniversary Ending Cutscene''}''']

[[File:H2A - Battle of Delta Halo.jpg|thumb|300px|Installation 05's firing sequence is aborted, creating a massive discharge of energy.]]

=== Ending ===
''Keyes jumps onto a rotating platform, ducks to avoid one of the other platforms passing right above her, jumps onto the main platform, and grabs the Index. The entire room shakes, making Miranda hold the Index up to her chest in fear.''

''Cut to exterior of the Control Room. All the built up energy fires into space.''

''Cut to Halo's exterior, a large pulsing ball of energy is being formed in the center, the shot from the Control Room reaches it, the ball glows, explodes, then dissipates.''

''Cut to interior of Control Room, which seems to be running on emergency power, as many of the lights are dimmed or not functioning. Keyes stands in front of a holographic depiction, Johnson rides 343 Guilty Spark to her.''

*'''Commander Keyes''': "What's that?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "A beacon."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "What's it doing?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Communicating. At superluminal speeds with a frequency of—"

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Communicating with what?"

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': ''(a bit surprised)'' "The... other installations."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Show me."

''343 Guilty Spark interfaces with the hologram, it [[star map|depicts]] the seven Halos, a red message points to one ring ([[Installation 04]], which has been destroyed).''

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "Fail-safe protocol: In the event of unexpected shutdown, the entire system will move to standby status. All remaining platforms are now ready for remote activation."

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Remote activation? From here?"

[[File:H2A - GuiltyJohnsonMiranda.png|thumb|300px|343 Guilty Spark informs Johnson and Keyes of the current status of the Halo Array after the shutdown of Delta Halo.]]

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': ''(patronizing)'' "Don't be ridiculous."

*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Listen, tinkerbell, don't make me..."

''Keyes puts a hand on his shoulder.''

*'''Commander Keyes''': "Then where? Where would someone go to activate the other rings?"

''343 Guilty Spark is truly baffled by the humans' supposed ignorance.''

*'''343 Guilty Spark''': "...Why, [[Installation 00|the Ark]], of course."

'' 'Vadam comes up behind Johnson and Miranda Keyes.''

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "And where, Oracle, is that?"

''Fade to black.''

[[File:H2A - Earth and Dreadnought.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Anodyne Spirit|Forerunner Dreadnought]] arrives at Earth amidst the ongoing space battle for control of the planet.]]
''Fade in on the [[Anodyne Spirit|Forerunner Dreadnought]] exiting [[slipspace]], and heads straight to [[Earth]]. [[Covenant]] and [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] ships are engaging each other.''

*'''Officer (COM)''': "We've got a new contact, unknown classification!"

''Fade in on the interior of the [[Forerunner]] ship, [[John-117]] listens in.''

*'''[[Lord Hood]] (COM)''': "It isn't one of ours, take it out."

*'''[[John-117]]''': "This is SPARTAN-117."

''Cut to [[Cairo Station]]'s bridge, everything looks damaged. (In the Anniversary version, the bridge is intact and Lord Hood stands at the main display screen as station personnel scramble to their stations.)''

*'''John-117 (COM)''': "Can anyone hear me? Over."

*'''Lord Hood''': ''(to officer)'' "Isolate that signal! Master Chief? You mind telling me what you're doing on that ship?"

''Cut to Master Chief.''

[[File:H2A - Finishing the Fight.jpg|thumb|300px|The Chief returns to Earth to finish the fight.]]

*'''John-117''': "Sir. [[Halo 3|Finishing this fight]]."

''Fades to black.''

''Level ends.''

''[[Halo 2 Credits|Credits]] play.''

=== Epilogue ===
[https://youtu.be/lo9x7Nq9MTg?t=138 '''{''Epilogue''}''']
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YKY63ikeFQ '''{''Anniversary Epilogue''}''']

''Fades in on the Flood-infested [[High Charity]].''

''A [[Flood spore]] floats through the air, the camera pans off to the walkway outside the [[Council Chamber]].''

''Cut to a damaged door that keeps trying to close, [[Gravemind]]'s tentacles creep through.''

*'''Gravemind''': "Silence fills the empty grave, now that I have gone."

''Cuts to the Council Chamber, Gravemind's tentacles reach across.''

*'''Gravemind''': "But my mind is not at rest, for questions linger on. I will ask, and ''you'' will answer."

''[[Cortana]]'s hologram appears, she holds up her hand, the tentacles stop and move off.''

''Close-up on Cortana's face''

*'''Cortana''': "All right... shoot."

''Fades to black.''

=== Friend or Foe? ===
{{Semi-canon|section}}
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQwRN1AjiSs '''{''Anniversary-only Cutscene''}'''] (later removed)

''Open to end of the [[H2:The Heretic#Transcript|Prologue]]. Thel 'Vadam is facing away from [[Jameson Locke]]. 'Vadam looks up in response to a voice from the loudspeaker.''

*'''Sangheili (loudspeaker)''': "Arbiter, we are nearing the target."

''Vadam turns to his [[Swords of Sanghelios]].''

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "Prepare for action."

''The Swords of Sanghelios growl and raise their {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}s. Cut to Locke, who nods at other members of [[Fireteam Osiris]]: [[Holly Tanaka]], [[Edward Buck]], and [[Olympia Vale]]. The [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IVs]] turn around to face the [[Kmiro'sish-pattern Lich|Lich's]] door. 'Vadam and his Majors join them.''

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "What do you call him, Spartan Locke?"

*'''Jameson Locke''': "I don't understand the question."

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "One-one-seven. The Master Chief. He is not your friend. Is he your foe?"

''Locke turns to 'Vadam.''

*'''Locke''': "He's gone AWOL and the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] want him back. I'm going to bring him home."

''The two of them look at the door in front them.''

*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "I admire your sense of duty, Spartan."
[[File:MCC - Locke and Arbiter.png|thu