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{{ | {{Era|HCW}} | ||
{{Under | {{Under Construction}} | ||
{{Battle infobox | {{Battle infobox | ||
|name=Massacre of the Outer Colonies | |name=Massacre of the Outer Colonies | ||
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*[[Second Fall of Arcadia]] | *[[Second Fall of Arcadia]] | ||
|conflict=[[Human-Covenant War]] | |conflict=[[Human-Covenant War]] | ||
|date= [[2525#February|February 3, 2525]] - [[2536#June|June 1, 2536]] | |date= [[2525#February|February 3, 2525]] - [[2536#June|June 1, 2536]]<ref name="HWTimeline">''[[Halo Wars]]'', collectible, [[Halo Wars Timeline Events]]</ref> | ||
|place=[[Outer Colonies]], [[Orion Arm]] | |place=[[Outer Colonies]], [[Orion Arm]] | ||
|result='''Covenant Victory''' | |result='''Covenant Victory''' | ||
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*[[Insurrection]] dies down due to heavy casualties from the Covenant attacks | *[[Insurrection]] dies down due to heavy casualties from the Covenant attacks | ||
|side1= | |side1= | ||
*{{Icon|UEG}} [[Unified Earth Government | *{{Icon|UEG}} [[Unified Earth Government]] {{C|Supplanted by UNSC martial law later on}} | ||
**{{Icon|UNSC HCW}} [[United Nations Space Command | **{{Icon|UNSC HCW}} [[United Nations Space Command]] | ||
**{{Icon|CAA}} [[Colonial Administration Authority | **{{Icon|CAA}} [[Colonial Administration Authority]] | ||
---- | ---- | ||
*{{Icon|Insurrectionist}} [[Insurrectionists]] | *{{Icon|Insurrectionist}} [[Insurrectionists]] | ||
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***[[Task Force Yama]] | ***[[Task Force Yama]] | ||
***[[Task Force Pantea]] | ***[[Task Force Pantea]] | ||
*[[Colonial Military | *[[Colonial Military Administration]] | ||
**[[Battle Group 4]] | **[[Battle Group 4]] | ||
*{{Icon|ODST}} [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | *{{Icon|ODST}} [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | ||
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*[[Silent Shadow]] | *[[Silent Shadow]] | ||
|casual1=Immensely devastating | |casual1=Immensely devastating | ||
*Over 62,154,022 civilian and military casualties | *Over 62,154,022 civilian and military casualties<ref name="datapad14">''[[Halo: Reach]]'', collectible, [[Data pads|Data Pad 14]]</ref> | ||
*Hundreds of [[UNSC starship]]s lost | *Hundreds of [[UNSC starship]]s lost | ||
|casual2=Moderate to heavy | |casual2=Moderate to heavy | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Massacre of the Outer Colonies,''' | The '''Massacre of the Outer Colonies,'''<ref>''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]'', p. 74 & 75</ref> was the series of [[Human-Covenant War|engagements]] taking place in humanity's [[Outer colonies]] that made up the '''early Human-Covenant War'''.<ref name="Xbox.com Halo Storyline">[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo/storyline.htm ''Xbox.com:'' Halo Storyline] (Defunct, Copy on [http://halo.bungie.org/misc/mstimeline2.html HBO Forums] and [http://web.archive.org/web/20080424150226/www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo/storyline.htm Wayback Machine])</ref> | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
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{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
==Battle== | ==Battle== | ||
===Harvest and humanity's response=== | |||
=== | {{CMAShip|Argo}} was tasked with investigating the silence of [[Harvest]], but signals with it were soon lost too. The [[Colonial Military Administration]] sent [[Battle Group 4]] to investigate the escalating situation. Arriving on [[2525#October|October 7, 2525]], the Battle group was attacked. Only the {{CMAShip|Heracles}} managed to escape. The ''Heracles'' returned to [[Reach]]<ref>''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', p. 96-99</ref> on October 31st, relaying what had happened and a message: ''"Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instrument."''<ref name="hsschapter2">''Halo: Silent Storm'', Chapter 2</ref> | ||
{{CMAShip|Argo}} was tasked with investigating the silence of [[Harvest]], but signals with it were soon lost too. The [[Colonial Military | |||
The following day, on [[2525#November|November 1, 2525]], the [[Unified Earth Government]] began | The following day, on [[2525#November|November 1, 2525]], the [[Unified Earth Government]] began mobilizing the CMA and UNSC.{{Ref/Reuse|hsschapter2}} Specifically, the UNSC went to full alert and stripped the CMA of its forces, giving them to [[NAVCOM]] and [[UNICOM]].{{Ref/Reuse|HWTimeline}} On November 2, the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] were deployed.{{Ref/Reuse|hsschapter2}} | ||
At some point immediately after the attack on Harvest, [[Green Hills]] and [[Second Base]] were attacked by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} On the 27th of November, [[Chi Ceti IV]] was [[Battle of Chi Ceti|assaulted]] by a [[Unrelenting|Covenant ship]] at the same time SPARTAN-II forces were receiving their [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]. Almost immediately after in [[2525#December|December]], the SPARTANs were reassigned to [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II|fight]] the Covenant at [[Alpha Corvi II]]. | ===Early battles and losses=== | ||
At some point immediately after the attack on Harvest, [[Green Hills]] and [[Second Base]] were attacked by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} On the 27th of November, [[Chi Ceti IV]] was [[Battle of Chi Ceti|assaulted]] by a [[Unrelenting|Covenant ship]] at the same time SPARTAN-II forces were receiving their [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]. Almost immediately after in [[2525#December|December]], the SPARTANs were reassigned to [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II|fight]] the Covenant at [[Alpha Corvi II]].<ref name="cd">''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]'', [[Halo: Collateral Damage Issue 1|Issue #1]]</ref> | |||
===The first year=== | ===The first year=== | ||
The beginning of [[2526]] saw the [[Battle of Bliss|destruction]] of [[Bliss]]. | The beginning of [[2526]] saw the [[Battle of Bliss|destruction]] of [[Bliss]].<ref name="accra">''[[Halo: Reach Limited Edition]]'', [[:File:Accra Log 1.jpg|Excerpt From ''Accra'' Log Page 1]]</ref> Soon after on March 1, [[Preston Cole]] in charge of UNSC [[Battle Group X-Ray]] [[Battle of Harvest|fought]] the Covenant off over [[Harvest]].<ref>''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Historian's Note</ref> Seven days later, Cole as well as others would devise [[Operation: SILENT STORM]], part of which would involve laying a trap at [[Biko]] using [[Task Force Yama]].<ref name="silentstormchap5">''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 5</ref> At this point in time, the Covenant were only operating in the [[Polona Sector]], [[Vevina sector]], and [[Grenadi sector]]s.<ref>''Halo: Silent Storm'', Chapter 6</ref> The colony of [[Etalan]], with roughly 10 million people was also attacked during this time.{{Ref/Reuse|silentstormchap5}} | ||
Almost a month after, the prestigious [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] on [[Circinius IV]] was destroyed, leaving only 3 survivors. | As part of SILENT STORM, the UNSC moved to position themselves at [[Seoba]], over Biko and discovered an [[Insurrectionist]] plot to overthrow the Bikon Chancellor. This would require the UNSC to go on the [[Battle of Seoba|offensive]] before they would fight the Covenant.<ref>''Halo: Silent Storm'', Chapter 7</ref> The Insurrectionists were driven back, but not before the Covenant arrived and attacked the planet.<ref>''Halo: Silent Storm''</ref> Almost a month after, the prestigious [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] on [[Circinius IV]] was destroyed, leaving only 3 survivors.<ref name="h4fud">''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''</ref> | ||
Only two days after Circinius IV, ONI projects were refocused to solely counter the Covenant. As well, [[ONI Section Two]] sent emissaries to Outer Colony leaders to warn them of the Covenant and give them an offer: end hostilities with the UNSC and receive protection. Initially | Only two days after Circinius IV, ONI projects were refocused to solely counter the Covenant. As well, [[ONI Section Two]] sent emissaries to Outer Colony leaders to warn them of the Covenant and give them an offer: end hostilities with the UNSC and receive protection. Initially they laughed at the prospect, until they witnessed footage of Bliss.<ref name="halseyjournalapril28">''[[Halo: Reach Limited Edition]]'', [[Dr. Halsey's personal journal|Dr. Halsey's Personal Journal]], April 28, 2526</ref> | ||
Planets began falling two or three a week. The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] was unable to collate intelligence at the rate of the Covenant incursion. [[UNSC Fleet Command]] was unable to plan out grand strategies and thus granted operational autonomy to UNSC naval units. | Planets began falling two or three a week. The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] was unable to collate intelligence at the rate of the Covenant incursion. [[UNSC Fleet Command]] was unable to plan out grand strategies and thus granted operational autonomy to UNSC naval units.<ref name="hochapter1">''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'', Chapter 1</ref> | ||
In the summer, UNSC forces along with forces from the [[Children of Mesra]] [[Battle of Mesra|fought]] the Covenant on [[Mesra]].{{Ref/Reuse|hochapter1}} | In the summer, UNSC forces along with forces from the [[Children of Mesra]] [[Battle of Mesra|fought]] the Covenant on [[Mesra]].{{Ref/Reuse|hochapter1}} | ||
At the end of the year, the UNSC and Covenant [[Battle of Alpha Aurigae|fought a large battle]] in the [[Alpha Aurigae system]]. | At the end of the year, the UNSC and Covenant [[Battle of Alpha Aurigae|fought a large battle]] in the [[Alpha Aurigae system]].<ref name="hwgenesis">''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''</ref> | ||
===Pressing inward=== | ===Pressing inward=== | ||
{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
The Covenant kept pressing ever inward into human space. In [[2528]], the UNSC continued to counter the Covenant at the [[Battle of XI Boötis A]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} but [[Madrigal]] [[Fall of Madrigal|fell later in the year]].<ref>''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', p. 72</ref> Two years later in [[2530]], [[Eridanus II]] was glassed and the UNSC abandoned the planet.<ref>''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', p. 240</ref> On December 24 of 2530, the UNSC and Covenant clashed at the [[Battle of the Great Bear]]. The battle would lead to the formation of the [[Cole Protocol]].{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} | |||
Two years later in [[2530]], [[Eridanus II]] was glassed and the UNSC abandoned the planet. | |||
===The Arbiter=== | ===The Arbiter=== | ||
In [[2531#February|February 2531]], [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]], under the command of the [[Prophet of Regret]], began leading searches for [[Forerunner]] technology to aid in the Covenant war effort during the end of the [[Harvest campaign]] and the [[Battle for Arcadia]]. With the Covenant having discovered the Forerunner [[shield world]] [[ | In [[2531#February|February 2531]], [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]], under the command of the [[Prophet of Regret]], began leading searches for [[Forerunner]] technology to aid in the Covenant war effort during the end of the [[Harvest campaign]] and the [[Battle for Arcadia]]. With the Covenant having discovered the Forerunner [[shield world]] [[Etran Harborage]] sometime prior, the Prophet of Regret intended to use a fleet of {{Class|Sojourner|dreadnought}}s docked at the [[Apex Site]] to crush humanity "quickly and with ease." With Ripa having kidnapped Professor [[Ellen Anders]] at [[Arcadia]] to use as a [[Reclaimer]] to activate the shield world, he was pursued by the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}, leading to [[Battle of the Etran Harborage|a battle]] at the Etran Harborage. In the battle, Ripa was killed by Sergeant [[John Forge]] who subsequently sacrificed himself to destroy the Etran Harborage by causing its internal sun to go [[supernova]]. The Covenant plan was foiled, but the ''Spirit of Fire'' sacrificed its [[slipspace drive]] to cause the supernova, leaving the ship and its crew stranded in deep space.<ref>''[[Halo Wars]]'', [[Campaign]]</ref> | ||
==Aftermath== | ==Aftermath== | ||
===The Inner Colonies=== | ===The Inner Colonies=== | ||
{{Main|Siege of the Inner Colonies}} | {{Main|Siege of the Inner Colonies}} | ||
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{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
===Continuing losses in the Outer Colonies=== | ===Continuing losses in the Outer Colonies & refugees=== | ||
By [[2535]], a number of Outer Colonies had been lost and refugees were beginning to pour into the [[Inner Colonies]], such as on [[Chi Rho]].<ref>''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', p. 25</ref> | |||
Other Outer Colonies also fell even after the Inner Colonies were being attacked. [[Meridian]], [[Battle of Meridian|came under siege for three years]] late into the war. As well, Arcadia was attacked [[Second Fall of Arcadia|a second time]]. | Other Outer Colonies also fell even after the Inner Colonies were being attacked. [[Meridian]], [[Battle of Meridian|came under siege for three years]] late into the war. As well, Arcadia was attacked [[Second Fall of Arcadia|a second time]]. | ||
{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
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{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
===2525=== | ===2525=== | ||
*The [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II]] takes place.{{Ref/Reuse|cd}} | *The [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II]] takes place.{{Ref/Reuse|cd}} | ||
===2526=== | ===2526=== | ||
*[[Etalan]] is attacked by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|silentstormchap5}} | *[[Etalan]] is attacked by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|silentstormchap5}} | ||
*[[Circinius IV]] and [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] are attacked and destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|h4fud}} | *[[Circinius IV]] and [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] are attacked and destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|h4fud}} | ||
*The Covenant [[Battle of Mesra|attacked]] [[Mesra]].{{Ref/Reuse|hochapter1}} | *The Covenant [[Battle of Mesra|attacked]] [[Mesra]].{{Ref/Reuse|hochapter1}} | ||
===2528=== | ===2528=== | ||
*The [[Battle of XI Boötis A]] takes place.{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} | *The [[Battle of XI Boötis A]] takes place.{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} | ||
===2530=== | ===2530=== | ||
*[[Battle of the Great Bear]] takes place, leading to the creation of the [[Cole Protocol]].{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} | *[[Battle of the Great Bear]] takes place, leading to the creation of the [[Cole Protocol]].{{Ref/Reuse|hwgenesis}} | ||
===2531=== | ===2531=== | ||
*[[Harvest campaign]] - In early February, the five year long Harvest campaign comes to an end following the Covenant failure to destroy the [[Relic (location)|relic]]. | *[[Harvest campaign]] - In early February, the five year long Harvest campaign comes to an end following the Covenant failure to destroy the [[Relic (location)|relic]]. | ||
*[[Battle for Arcadia]] - Having learned the location of the [[Outer Colony]] [[Arcadia]] from the Relic on [[Harvest]], ships from the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] attack [[Arcadia]]. Defending ships manage to destroy one of the two initial attackers while the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} helps repel ground forces. Later reinforcements end the battle in a human victory, though not with massive loss of life. Professor [[Ellen Anders]] is kidnapped by [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]. | *[[Battle for Arcadia]] - Having learned the location of the [[Outer Colony]] [[Arcadia]] from the Relic on [[Harvest]], ships from the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] attack [[Arcadia]]. Defending ships manage to destroy one of the two initial attackers while the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} helps repel ground forces. Later reinforcements end the battle in a human victory, though not with massive loss of life. Professor [[Ellen Anders]] is kidnapped by [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]. | ||
*[[Battle of | *[[Battle of the Etran Harborage]] - Battle between the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} and forces of the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] attempting to gain access to the fleet of [[Forerunner]] {{Class|Sojourner|dreadnought}}s on the [[shield world]] [[Etran Harborage]] which would give the Covenant a massive tactical advantage. Death of [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] and the destruction of the Etran Harborage at the cost of ''Spirit of Fire's'' [[slipspace drive]]. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:HCD-BRattack.png|Fighting in the Alpha Corvi II city [[Black Reef]]. | File:HCD-BRattack.png|Fighting in the Alpha Corvi II city [[Black Reef]]. | ||
File:HW Five Long Years.jpg|Marines celebrating over a destroyed battlefield on Harvest. | |||
File:HWG BattleOfAlphaAurigae.png|Fighting in the [[Alpha Aurigae system]]. | File:HWG BattleOfAlphaAurigae.png|Fighting in the [[Alpha Aurigae system]]. | ||
File:FUD-Corbulo-Glassed.jpg|The Covenant [[glassing]] Circinius IV. | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{Ref/Sources}} | {{Ref/Sources}} | ||
{{Human-Covenant War}} | {{Human-Covenant War}} | ||