Terminal (Halo 4)
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- "This node is caught in a loop trying to access something it's calling "the Domain", an offworld data repository of some kind, though I'm only able to extract bits and pieces of the complete exchange."
- — Cortana
The terminals in Halo 4 are Forerunner terminals accessible to the player over the course of the game's campaign. Like the terminals in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, the Halo 4 terminals feature animated and voiced cinematics similar to motion comics. Finding a terminal awards the player the Contact the Domain achievement, while finding all the terminals in the campaign unlocks the Terminus achievement.[1]
Universe and lore[edit]
Recorded by humanity, as the "Domain Data Archives"[2], and also the "Requiem Terminal Dialogues",[3] these were video transmissions recorded by Cortana from Z-9930 Information Vector Consoles on Requiem, rubble from Installation 03, and the Mantle's Approach.[4] When John-117 and Cortana found the terminals, Cortana wasn't able to view the whole thing, only able to extract bits and pieces of the complete exchange, logging it for investigation later.[5] As a result the Data Archives were only snapshots and glimpses,[6] of impressions of reality created by the Domain, and may differ from other more literal records.[7]
The terminals themselves are presented as fragments of information from the Domain, a mysterious store of knowledge once used by the Forerunners.[1][8]
The Terminals[edit]
Note: All dialogue in this terminal is spoken in Sangheili, and translated into English.
| “ | Jul 'Mdama arrives at Requiem. | ” |
Location Unknown
Several CAS-class assault carriers speed through space. A Commander strides down a passage. The door opens before him, revealing a large hangar and Jul 'Mdama.
- Sangheili: "Shipmaster 'Mdama... It is where you said it would be."
- Jul 'Mdama: "No, my loyal friend. The planet is where the Forerunners promised us it would be."
The camera focuses on a holographic image of Requiem for a second.
- Jul 'Mdama: "Find us a way inside."
Jul's assault carrier approaches the planet.
- Jul 'Mdama: "Requiem's treasures shall be ours."
Jul's ship glides through space. A fleet of other ships drop out of slipspace around him, and take up a low orbit over Requiem.
- Sangheili Storm: "Shipmaster 'Mdama! The raiding parties have returned. They bring supplies and news of a human ship!"
- Jul 'Mdama: "Human? Did it follow them?"
- Sangheili Storm: "No. Different approach vector."
The fleet approaches the ruined aft section of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn.
- Jul 'Mdama: "Prepare boarding parties! Keep the humans away from Requiem!"
Campaign level: Requiem
After entering the terminus tower, one will enter a room where the structures hanging from the ceiling will retract into the walls on the side. At the far end of the room is a staircase that leads to the elevator which is the objective. The terminal is located under the staircase.
| “ | Invaders ravage Forerunner territory and must be dealt with. | ” |
A ship coasts through space, approaching a fleet of human ships. A small craft scans the ship, which shows signs of Flood infection, and leaves. The main ship of the fleet charges its main gun and fires on the enemy ship, destroying it. Fade to the Ecumene Council chambers. The ship being destroyed is shown in holographic form.
- Librarian: "Our enemies move deeper into our territory with abandon. They must be eradicated."
- Didact: "Shall we take revenge? Abandon the Mantle and all that its philosophy has given us these thousand generations?"
- Librarian: "All our plans have been torn asunder."
- Didact: "More reason not to abandon our beliefs. The Mantle is our guide-post in times such as these. We must not falter in following its teachings."
The audience in the chamber cheer and applaud.
- Didact: "The enemy must be sent home, and taught to stand with the galaxy, rather than rail against us, and take what they desire! The Mantle shelters all."
The audience cheer and applaud louder.
- Faber: "Didact, you make a fair - if uncomfortable - point. You have my support. Librarian, will you likewise follow the Mantle as the Didact suggests?"
- Librarian: "Yes, Master Builder."
Fade to the Didact and Librarian stand on a ledge overlooking the Capital.
- Didact: "You're not angry at me?"
- Librarian: "We had this discussion a century ago."
- Didact: "Ah, so you are angry at me."
- Librarian: "In the chambers, yes. But not now. You'll depart for Requiem soon?"
- Didact: "At dawn. My Prometheans are already there."
- Librarian: "Already there? You knew the Master Builder would side with you."
The two embrace.
- Didact: "Should we step back inside the Council chamber?"
- Librarian: "No. I would rather we spend our night out here. There will be fighting enough in the days ahead."
Campaign level: Forerunner
En route to the first pylon, the player will reach a symmetrical platform. After clearing the Prometheans in that area, John's HUD will be distorted, which prompts him to ask, "What's that distortion?" Under the door leading to the next area is the terminal.
| “ | Humanity's war plans are revealed. | ” |
A Forerunner fleet orbits a Forerunner planet. A shuttle enters one of the planet's portals. The scene switches to a shot of many tall towers.
- Didact: "My love. Put fear from your heart."
- Librarian: "War is your realm, Didact. Not mine."
View of a large room with a holographic table in the middle. Lifeworkers float across the room, doing various tasks.
- Librarian: "And you march to this war, facing foes that, while always aggressive, were never so aggressive as they are now."
The Librarian turns to face the Didact.
- Didact: "Your fears are unfounded. The enemy will be turned, and I shall stand by your side once more."
- Librarian: "Promise me that."
- Didact: "I promise you. Nothing will stand between us."
Outer space, over a Forerunner planet. Several human starships drop out of slipspace and approach the planet. Lord of Admirals Forthencho stands on the bridge, looking expectant.
- Bridge Officer 1: "Lord of Admirals. We are in position over the Forerunner planet."
- Forthencho: "Show me."
A holographic image of the planet appears in front of him. He manipulates the image with his hands.
- Bridge Officer 2: "Population numbering over two billion. Forerunner ships on alert and inbound."
- Forthencho: "Is it possible? Have we gotten ahead of it?"
The image of the planet turns red in several places.
- Bridge Officer 2: "Flood infestation detected, My Lord."
- Forthencho: "Damnit!"
- Bridge Officer 2: "My Lord? The infestation is in a remote locale. Perhaps if we warn the Forerunners...?"
- Forthencho: "If we warn them, we give the Flood time to spread. You know we have no choice. Cleanse the planet."
