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Battle of Voi: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Anti-Air Fire.jpg|thumb|left|250px|An Anti-Aircraft Wraith firing at a Hornet in the first lake bed.]] | [[File:Anti-Air Fire.jpg|thumb|left|250px|An Anti-Aircraft Wraith firing at a Hornet in the first lake bed.]] | ||
Due to the Traxus facility's close proximity to the crater in which the Covenant had been excavating, the water that had once existed in the nearby lakes had been evaporated by Covenant plasma. Within the dried out ruins, the Covenant had placed a series of [[Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith|Anti-Aircraft Wraiths]] to supplement the [[Skar'wa-pattern Mantis|Mantis Anti-Aircraft Cannon]] they had stationed near the factory. These Wraiths were already using their [[fuel rod cannon]]s to devastate UNSC [[AV-14 Hornet|Hornets]] that were engaging squadrons of [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshees]] in the airspace above the factory complex by the time John-117 and his assault force arrived in the first lake bed. A single Anti-Aircraft Wraith was stationed in the lake bed, protected by a unit of Ghosts. A Phantom arrived, killing a Marine operating a [[LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod|missile pod]] on the roof of the small dock office in the center of the lake bed, forcing several other Marines to retreat while it deployed a [[lance]] of troops into the office. With the Spartan's assistance, the UNSC were able to retake the office and destroy many of the Covenant vehicles in the area. The Covenant attempted to reinforce their position in the lake bed by deploying a [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] and more Ghosts into the area but eventually John and the other UNSC forces prevailed and the Spartan was able to destroy the Anti-Aircraft Wraith. A group of Covenant infantry arrived from the next section of the facility, deploying a [[Pek-pattern plasma cannon|plasma cannon]] while several Banshees attempting to strafe the Master Chief were intercepted by UNSC Hornets.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | Due to the Traxus facility's close proximity to the crater in which the Covenant had been excavating, the water that had once existed in the nearby lakes had been evaporated by Covenant plasma. Within the dried out ruins, the Covenant had placed a series of [[Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith|Anti-Aircraft Wraiths]] to supplement the [[Skar'wa-pattern Mantis|Mantis Anti-Aircraft Cannon]] they had stationed near the factory. These Wraiths were already using their [[fuel rod cannon]]s to devastate UNSC [[AV-14 Hornet|Hornets]] that were engaging squadrons of [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshees]] in the airspace above the factory complex by the time John-117 and his assault force arrived in the first lake bed. A single Anti-Aircraft Wraith was stationed in the lake bed, protected by a unit of Ghosts. A Phantom arrived, killing a Marine operating a [[LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod|missile pod]] on the roof of the small dock office in the center of the lake bed, forcing several other Marines to retreat while it deployed a [[lance]] of troops into the office. With the Spartan's assistance, the UNSC were able to retake the office and destroy many of the Covenant vehicles in the area. The Covenant attempted to reinforce their position in the lake bed by deploying a [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] and more Ghosts into the area but eventually John and the other UNSC forces prevailed and the Spartan was able to destroy the Anti-Aircraft Wraith. A group of Covenant infantry arrived from the next section of the facility, deploying a [[Pek-pattern plasma cannon|plasma cannon]] while several Banshees attempting to strafe the Master Chief were intercepted by UNSC Hornets.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | ||
[[File:H3 DroneAttack.png|thumb | [[File:H3 DroneAttack.png|thumb|250px|Yanme'e ambushing UNSC forces in the Traxus facility.]] | ||
In the next section of the Traxus facility, a small group of Marines defending the gate with a [[AIE-486H machine gun|machine gun turret]] were attempting to hold out against a group of Covenant forces led by a Jiralhanae [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]]. The Covenant had entrenched themselves in a nearby office preventing the Marines from flushing them out and forcing them to defend against repeated assaults while further down the factory, in an an adjacent tunnel, an anti-tank unit was assembling to assault the next lake bed, where the Covenant had stationed a pair of Anti-Aircraft Wraiths and more vehicles. Fortunately for the UNSC forces, John arrived along with the forces from the now-secure first lake bed. After wiping out the Covenant infantry guarding the entrance, John made his way inside. The beleaguered Marines on the machine gun encouraged the Spartan to use a nearby door to flank the Covenant in the office and drive them out into the open where they could be cut down by the machine gun. Between John-117 and the Marine heavy machine gun, the Covenant soldiers soon fell.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | In the next section of the Traxus facility, a small group of Marines defending the gate with a [[AIE-486H machine gun|machine gun turret]] were attempting to hold out against a group of Covenant forces led by a Jiralhanae [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]]. The Covenant had entrenched themselves in a nearby office preventing the Marines from flushing them out and forcing them to defend against repeated assaults while further down the factory, in an an adjacent tunnel, an anti-tank unit was assembling to assault the next lake bed, where the Covenant had stationed a pair of Anti-Aircraft Wraiths and more vehicles. Fortunately for the UNSC forces, John arrived along with the forces from the now-secure first lake bed. After wiping out the Covenant infantry guarding the entrance, John made his way inside. The beleaguered Marines on the machine gun encouraged the Spartan to use a nearby door to flank the Covenant in the office and drive them out into the open where they could be cut down by the machine gun. Between John-117 and the Marine heavy machine gun, the Covenant soldiers soon fell.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | ||
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[[File:Voi 6.jpg|thumb|left|250px|An Anti-Aircraft Wraith is destroyed by the UNSC anti-tank unit in the second lake bed.]] | [[File:Voi 6.jpg|thumb|left|250px|An Anti-Aircraft Wraith is destroyed by the UNSC anti-tank unit in the second lake bed.]] | ||
Within the second lake bed, the Covenant had established a heavy presence, with a pair of Anti-Aircraft Wraiths lending their weight to an on-going aerial dogfight between UNSC and Covenant fliers while multiple Ghosts and [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper|Choppers]] patrolled the lake bed near a large boat that was beached due to the evaporation of the lake's water. On the boardwalk at the northern side of the lake bed, a group of Marines manning missile pods fought against a small unit of Covenant infantry. The anti-tank unit made their way into the lake bed, using their vehicle's superior maneuverability to their advantage while their passengers used their rocket launchers to demolish both Anti-Aircraft Wraiths and their defenders. With the Wraiths dealt with, a number of Hornets descended to provide support against low-flying Banshees. The Covenant refused to give up the lake bed, sending numerous Phantoms carrying reinforcement Ghosts into the lake bed. Despite their efforts, the UNSC anti-tank unit prevailed and the lake bed was cleared of Covenant forces allowing a Pelican to arrive with another Mongoose. In a last-ditch attempt to repel the humans, the Covenant deployed a [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] which made its way over the roof of the factory towards the lake bed.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | Within the second lake bed, the Covenant had established a heavy presence, with a pair of Anti-Aircraft Wraiths lending their weight to an on-going aerial dogfight between UNSC and Covenant fliers while multiple Ghosts and [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper|Choppers]] patrolled the lake bed near a large boat that was beached due to the evaporation of the lake's water. On the boardwalk at the northern side of the lake bed, a group of Marines manning missile pods fought against a small unit of Covenant infantry. The anti-tank unit made their way into the lake bed, using their vehicle's superior maneuverability to their advantage while their passengers used their rocket launchers to demolish both Anti-Aircraft Wraiths and their defenders. With the Wraiths dealt with, a number of Hornets descended to provide support against low-flying Banshees. The Covenant refused to give up the lake bed, sending numerous Phantoms carrying reinforcement Ghosts into the lake bed. Despite their efforts, the UNSC anti-tank unit prevailed and the lake bed was cleared of Covenant forces allowing a Pelican to arrive with another Mongoose. In a last-ditch attempt to repel the humans, the Covenant deployed a [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] which made its way over the roof of the factory towards the lake bed.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | ||
[[File:1216050538 Scarab.jpg|thumb | [[File:1216050538 Scarab.jpg|thumb|250px|A Scarab engaging UNSC forces in the second lake bed.]] | ||
While many Marines panicked upon hearing the walker's footfalls, Sergeant Johnson ordered them to find cover as the Scarab crashed down into the lake bed. As missile pods opened up in volleys and the anti-tank unit weaved around the Scarab's legs, Johnson ordered the UNSC forces to focus their fire on the Scarab's vulnerable leg joints. With the assistance of the Marine forces in the lake bed, John was able to destroy the Covenant assault platform. The Spartan and other Marine forces quickly moved away from the Scarab as it began to shake violently, before exploding in a massive conflagration of blue-white flames.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | While many Marines panicked upon hearing the walker's footfalls, Sergeant Johnson ordered them to find cover as the Scarab crashed down into the lake bed. As missile pods opened up in volleys and the anti-tank unit weaved around the Scarab's legs, Johnson ordered the UNSC forces to focus their fire on the Scarab's vulnerable leg joints. With the assistance of the Marine forces in the lake bed, John was able to destroy the Covenant assault platform. The Spartan and other Marine forces quickly moved away from the Scarab as it began to shake violently, before exploding in a massive conflagration of blue-white flames.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | ||
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[[File:H3 TraxusHunters.png|thumb|left|250px|John-117 fighting a Mgalekgolo pair in the Traxus facility.]] | [[File:H3 TraxusHunters.png|thumb|left|250px|John-117 fighting a Mgalekgolo pair in the Traxus facility.]] | ||
With the lake bed clear of Covenant forces, Sergeant Johnson informed John that his final target was the Covenant anti-aircraft cannon on the other side of the factory. Another Pelican arrived deploying [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]. Upon meeting with John, Thel vowed that he would return honor to the Covenant once more. The two made their way inward to the next section of Traxus Factory Complex 09, which had been secured by the UNSC and was been used as a first-aid station for injured Marines and [[civilian]] factory workers. As John entered the room, he was faced with another vision of Cortana proclaiming that she was his "sword and his shield", referencing the [[Wikipedia:Sparta|origins]] of the [[SPARTAN-II program]]. Through a nearby field radio, a [[UNSC Navy|naval]] officer reported that the Covenant warships were pulling back to the the Prophet of Truth's vessel as well as indicating that the artifact was nearing activation, citing extreme winds and energy cascades across the portal's surface. Commander Keyes then reported that a [[Indulgence of Conviction|single]] Covenant warship had appeared in-system, but Admiral Hood dismissed it, telling her that they would not get another opportunity to attack the Prophet of Truth.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | With the lake bed clear of Covenant forces, Sergeant Johnson informed John that his final target was the Covenant anti-aircraft cannon on the other side of the factory. Another Pelican arrived deploying [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]. Upon meeting with John, Thel vowed that he would return honor to the Covenant once more. The two made their way inward to the next section of Traxus Factory Complex 09, which had been secured by the UNSC and was been used as a first-aid station for injured Marines and [[civilian]] factory workers. As John entered the room, he was faced with another vision of Cortana proclaiming that she was his "sword and his shield", referencing the [[Wikipedia:Sparta|origins]] of the [[SPARTAN-II program]]. Through a nearby field radio, a [[UNSC Navy|naval]] officer reported that the Covenant warships were pulling back to the the Prophet of Truth's vessel as well as indicating that the artifact was nearing activation, citing extreme winds and energy cascades across the portal's surface. Commander Keyes then reported that a [[Indulgence of Conviction|single]] Covenant warship had appeared in-system, but Admiral Hood dismissed it, telling her that they would not get another opportunity to attack the Prophet of Truth.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | ||
[[File:Covenant Anti-Air gun.jpg|thumb | [[File:Covenant Anti-Air gun.jpg|thumb|250px|The anti-aircraft cannon firing at approaching UNSC ships.]] | ||
Several Marines accompanied John and Thel as they left the first-aid station, moving through an area of corrugated plates before arriving in the warehouse section of the facility, where Marines were pinned down by Jiralhanae forces. The group moved in, eliminating the Covenant soldiers and allowing a Marine to operate the machine gun mounted on a nearby catwalk to support the UNSC advance. A pair of Marines retreated from the next area, pursued by another pack of Brutes while further back, more Jiralhanae were violently killing factory workers. As John and Thel moved forward, clearing out the Covenant soldiers, many cowering civilians armed themselves with [[M6G magnum|pistols]] and joined the UNSC advance. As the group approached the exit to the warehouse, they witnessed a group of retreating factory workers getting blown up by [[assault cannon]] fire. A pair of [[Mgalekgolo]] charged into the warehouse to stop the humans while more Covenant infantry led by a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] waited outside. The Marines and civilians managed to distract the Mgalekgolo long enough for John-117 to kill the gestalts. As the group traded fire with the Covenant outside, killing several Unggoy, the Chieftain and his [[Jiralhanae Bodyguard|bodyguards]] fell back up the street to a larger group of Covenant soldiers and a [[holotank]] projecting an image of the Prophet of Truth. While the opposing forces clashed, the Prophet attempted to inspire his forces by claiming that they were close to victory. As the Covenant forces dwindled, the Chieftain charged the UNSC forces with his [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]] but ultimately fell before the humans. As the UNSC continued towards the anti-aircraft cannon, Thel briefly paused by the holotank, angrily stating that he would never again be shamed by the Prophet.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | Several Marines accompanied John and Thel as they left the first-aid station, moving through an area of corrugated plates before arriving in the warehouse section of the facility, where Marines were pinned down by Jiralhanae forces. The group moved in, eliminating the Covenant soldiers and allowing a Marine to operate the machine gun mounted on a nearby catwalk to support the UNSC advance. A pair of Marines retreated from the next area, pursued by another pack of Brutes while further back, more Jiralhanae were violently killing factory workers. As John and Thel moved forward, clearing out the Covenant soldiers, many cowering civilians armed themselves with [[M6G magnum|pistols]] and joined the UNSC advance. As the group approached the exit to the warehouse, they witnessed a group of retreating factory workers getting blown up by [[assault cannon]] fire. A pair of [[Mgalekgolo]] charged into the warehouse to stop the humans while more Covenant infantry led by a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] waited outside. The Marines and civilians managed to distract the Mgalekgolo long enough for John-117 to kill the gestalts. As the group traded fire with the Covenant outside, killing several Unggoy, the Chieftain and his [[Jiralhanae Bodyguard|bodyguards]] fell back up the street to a larger group of Covenant soldiers and a [[holotank]] projecting an image of the Prophet of Truth. While the opposing forces clashed, the Prophet attempted to inspire his forces by claiming that they were close to victory. As the Covenant forces dwindled, the Chieftain charged the UNSC forces with his [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]] but ultimately fell before the humans. As the UNSC continued towards the anti-aircraft cannon, Thel briefly paused by the holotank, angrily stating that he would never again be shamed by the Prophet.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | ||
[[File:Storm1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The ''Anodyne Spirit'' departing through the now-opened portal to Installation 00]] | [[File:Storm1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The ''Anodyne Spirit'' departing through the now-opened portal to Installation 00]] | ||
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[[File:Voi 7.jpg|thumb|left|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam watch the Flood-infested ''Indulgence of Conviction'' arriving at Earth.]] | [[File:Voi 7.jpg|thumb|left|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam watch the Flood-infested ''Indulgence of Conviction'' arriving at Earth.]] | ||
John and Thel moved to the edge of the cliff as the battle group soared overhead; several squadrons of Longswords bombarding the ''Anodyne Spirit'' while {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}s opened fire with their [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s. Explosions carpeted the [[Forerunner]] [[keyship]]'s surface but the vessel was undamaged. The portal began to activate, the keyship lowered into the structure as an energy beam growing in intensity focused through the ship. As the wind of the storm intensified, John and Thel were knocked backward. The portal activated, sending out a shockwave that temporarily caused John-117 to black out. The Spartan came to in time to witness the ''Anodyne Spirit'' depart through the now-opened portal, followed by the rest of his fleet. As Thel 'Vadam roared in anger, Admiral Hood asked if the Prophet had activated the Ark, to which Commander Keyes responded in the negative. As Hood gave the order for UNSC forces to regroup, the [[Flood]]-infested {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} exited slipspace near the city of Voi. The ship flew in low over the city, trailing rancid smoke, before crashing into Traxus Factory Complex 09. As Thel pondered the possible arrival of more Covenant, John responded that it was in fact, a far more dangerous threat - the Flood.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | John and Thel moved to the edge of the cliff as the battle group soared overhead; several squadrons of Longswords bombarding the ''Anodyne Spirit'' while {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}s opened fire with their [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s. Explosions carpeted the [[Forerunner]] [[keyship]]'s surface but the vessel was undamaged. The portal began to activate, the keyship lowered into the structure as an energy beam growing in intensity focused through the ship. As the wind of the storm intensified, John and Thel were knocked backward. The portal activated, sending out a shockwave that temporarily caused John-117 to black out. The Spartan came to in time to witness the ''Anodyne Spirit'' depart through the now-opened portal, followed by the rest of his fleet. As Thel 'Vadam roared in anger, Admiral Hood asked if the Prophet had activated the Ark, to which Commander Keyes responded in the negative. As Hood gave the order for UNSC forces to regroup, the [[Flood]]-infested {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} exited slipspace near the city of Voi. The ship flew in low over the city, trailing rancid smoke, before crashing into Traxus Factory Complex 09. As Thel pondered the possible arrival of more Covenant, John responded that it was in fact, a far more dangerous threat - the Flood.{{Ref/Reuse|storm}} | ||
[[File:Picture 1.jpg|thumb | [[File:Picture 1.jpg|thumb|250px|A Marine under attack by Flood combat forms.]]As the Flood began to [[Flood outbreak|rapidly spread]] from the ''Indulgence of Conviction's'' crash site into the surrounding city of Voi and assimilating the corpses of humans and Covenant killed during the battle, Commander Keyes, recognizing the severity of the threat, ordered John-117 to make his way to the downed battlecruiser and overload its engines, knowing that that was their only chance to prevent the Flood from spreading across the entire planet. Admiral Hood agreed with her assessment and John, accompanied by Thel made his way back down the hill towards the Traxus facility. The recently-victorious UNSC forces scattered across Voi began to encounter the new hostiles, and with most of them having never encountered the Flood before, were easily assimilated by the parasite. John and Thel made it back to the entrance of the facility where a squad of Marines were regrouping. Suddenly, swarms of [[Pod infector]]s and [[Flood combat form|combat forms]] descended from the rooftops, landing amidst the Marines and rapidly infecting most of them, forcing John, Thel and the survivors to turn their weapons on them. Eventually beating back the wave of Flood, Thel urged the Spartan to hurry and find the crash site, knowing that speed was imperative to stop the Flood outbreak.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | ||
With the main door to the facility sealed, the two entered through a nearby office, arriving just in time to rescue a Marine from a swarm of Pod infectors. In the warehouse, masses of Flood combat forms were attacking scattered groups of Marines led by [[Marcus Stacker|Gunnery Sergeant Stacker]]. John and Thel engaged in combat with the large numbers of infested humans and Jiralhanae, eventually clearing the area and rescuing several survivors including the sergeant. In the next area, they arrived too late to save several Marines from the Flood, including one wielding a [[M7057 flamethrower|flamethrower]]. Despite this, the group managed to wipe out all Flood forms present and John and Thel continued on while the surviving Marines stayed behind.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | With the main door to the facility sealed, the two entered through a nearby office, arriving just in time to rescue a Marine from a swarm of Pod infectors. In the warehouse, masses of Flood combat forms were attacking scattered groups of Marines led by [[Marcus Stacker|Gunnery Sergeant Stacker]]. John and Thel engaged in combat with the large numbers of infested humans and Jiralhanae, eventually clearing the area and rescuing several survivors including the sergeant. In the next area, they arrived too late to save several Marines from the Flood, including one wielding a [[M7057 flamethrower|flamethrower]]. Despite this, the group managed to wipe out all Flood forms present and John and Thel continued on while the surviving Marines stayed behind.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | ||
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===Sangheili reinforcements arrive=== | ===Sangheili reinforcements arrive=== | ||
{{Quote|Hail, humans, and take heed. This is the carrier ''Shadow of Intent''. Clear this sector, while we deal with the Flood.|[[Fleetmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] as the ''Shadow of Intent''{{'}}s battle group of the Fleet of Retribution arrives at Earth.}} | {{Quote|Hail, humans, and take heed. This is the carrier ''Shadow of Intent''. Clear this sector, while we deal with the Flood.|[[Fleetmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] as the ''Shadow of Intent''{{'}}s battle group of the Fleet of Retribution arrives at Earth.}} | ||
[[File:Conversing Sangheili.jpg|thumb | [[File:Conversing Sangheili.jpg|thumb|250px|The Sangheili Major revealing the fall of High Charity and the Flood's evolution to Thel 'Vadam.]] | ||
During the ongoing Battle for Earth, the Sangheili warships still at [[Installation 05]] had been hard at work maintaining a quarantine of the Flood-infested [[High Charity]]. While they had successfully managed to glass the infested surface of the installation and destroy the majority of Flood-controlled vessels attempting to escape the system, the {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} ''[[Indulgence of Conviction]]'' had managed to bypass the quarantine and move to slipspace, intending to spread the Flood infection to Earth. A portion{{Ref/Note|Id=composition|See [[Fleet of Retribution#Notes|here]].}} of the [[Fleet of Retribution]] led by [[Fleetmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] was quick to follow and they arrived at Earth a short while after the Flood-infested vessel's arrival. Emerging from slipspace in the city of Voi's airspace, 'Vadum sent out a message to the remaining human forces in the area, telling them to vacate the city while they dealt with the Flood. The Sangheili had also learned of what they thought was the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Cortana]]'s presence on the Flood ship, in truth a message sent by Cortana who was still on High Charity being tortured by the [[Gravemind]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', ''[[Human Weakness]]''</ref> The Sangheili revealed this to the senior UNSC command, who didn't want to believe them at first. Seeking to recover the AI before destroying the crash site, the Fleet of Retribution disgorged a number of [[Covenant drop pod|drop pods]] carrying [[Special Operations Sangheili]] to the surface. Several of these pods landed in close proximity to John-117 and Thel 'Vadam, arriving in the ruins of the lake bed and promptly engaging the Flood combat forms surrounding them. John and Thel fought their way over to the team and with the area secure, their commanding [[Sangheili Major]] addressed Thel, revealing to the Arbiter the [[Fall of High Charity|fall]] of High Charity, the failure of their quarantine effort and the [[Flood pure form|evolution]] of the Flood.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | During the ongoing Battle for Earth, the Sangheili warships still at [[Installation 05]] had been hard at work maintaining a quarantine of the Flood-infested [[High Charity]]. While they had successfully managed to glass the infested surface of the installation and destroy the majority of Flood-controlled vessels attempting to escape the system, the {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} ''[[Indulgence of Conviction]]'' had managed to bypass the quarantine and move to slipspace, intending to spread the Flood infection to Earth. A portion{{Ref/Note|Id=composition|See [[Fleet of Retribution#Notes|here]].}} of the [[Fleet of Retribution]] led by [[Fleetmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] was quick to follow and they arrived at Earth a short while after the Flood-infested vessel's arrival. Emerging from slipspace in the city of Voi's airspace, 'Vadum sent out a message to the remaining human forces in the area, telling them to vacate the city while they dealt with the Flood. The Sangheili had also learned of what they thought was the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Cortana]]'s presence on the Flood ship, in truth a message sent by Cortana who was still on High Charity being tortured by the [[Gravemind]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', ''[[Human Weakness]]''</ref> The Sangheili revealed this to the senior UNSC command, who didn't want to believe them at first. Seeking to recover the AI before destroying the crash site, the Fleet of Retribution disgorged a number of [[Covenant drop pod|drop pods]] carrying [[Special Operations Sangheili]] to the surface. Several of these pods landed in close proximity to John-117 and Thel 'Vadam, arriving in the ruins of the lake bed and promptly engaging the Flood combat forms surrounding them. John and Thel fought their way over to the team and with the area secure, their commanding [[Sangheili Major]] addressed Thel, revealing to the Arbiter the [[Fall of High Charity|fall]] of High Charity, the failure of their quarantine effort and the [[Flood pure form|evolution]] of the Flood.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | ||
[[File:H3 FloodgateTank.png|thumb|left|250px|John-117 and Special Operations Sangheili engaging a Flood tank form.]] | [[File:H3 FloodgateTank.png|thumb|left|250px|John-117 and Special Operations Sangheili engaging a Flood tank form.]] | ||
Now accompanied by the team of Special Operations Sangheili, John-117 and Thel continued to push towards the Flood ship's crash site, making their way around the rim of the devastated lake bed while engaging numerous Flood forms that leaped up from below to attack them. After fighting their way around the lake bed, they re-entered the factory, engaging another large group of combat forms. Yet more Flood forms leapt down on them from the broken glass roof where John had fought the Yanme'e previously while another cluster of combat forms approached from the next office. Commander Keyes and Johnson then contacted the Spartan, revealing that Cortana was indeed on board the ship, and his priority was to recover the AI. As they reached the lake bed where the ''Indulgence of Conviction'' had crashed, the group was confronted by a [[Flood pure form|pure form]]: a highly-mobile [[Flood stalker form|stalker form]], upon being confronted by the team, transformed into a hulking [[Flood tank form|tank form]] which lumbered into close-quarters combat. After a scuffle, the team managed to put the pure form down. As John, Thel and the Special Operations Sangheili fought their way across the lake bed, fighting more pure forms and combat forms, now including infected Sangheili, a Phantom deployed another team of Sangheili closer to the vessel, but they were overwhelmed by massive numbers of Flood before John could reach them. The team was forced to fight through huge numbers of Flood forms including [[Flood ranged form|ranged forms]] which nestled onto walls and rooftops and fired organic projectiles at the group. Despite fierce resistance, the team managed to fight their way up to the ship, where a rent torn into the hull represented a path into the ship. Thel 'Vadam told John that he would remain behind while the Spartan ventured inside, in order to prevent any Flood forms from entering after him.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | Now accompanied by the team of Special Operations Sangheili, John-117 and Thel continued to push towards the Flood ship's crash site, making their way around the rim of the devastated lake bed while engaging numerous Flood forms that leaped up from below to attack them. After fighting their way around the lake bed, they re-entered the factory, engaging another large group of combat forms. Yet more Flood forms leapt down on them from the broken glass roof where John had fought the Yanme'e previously while another cluster of combat forms approached from the next office. Commander Keyes and Johnson then contacted the Spartan, revealing that Cortana was indeed on board the ship, and his priority was to recover the AI. As they reached the lake bed where the ''Indulgence of Conviction'' had crashed, the group was confronted by a [[Flood pure form|pure form]]: a highly-mobile [[Flood stalker form|stalker form]], upon being confronted by the team, transformed into a hulking [[Flood tank form|tank form]] which lumbered into close-quarters combat. After a scuffle, the team managed to put the pure form down. As John, Thel and the Special Operations Sangheili fought their way across the lake bed, fighting more pure forms and combat forms, now including infected Sangheili, a Phantom deployed another team of Sangheili closer to the vessel, but they were overwhelmed by massive numbers of Flood before John could reach them. The team was forced to fight through huge numbers of Flood forms including [[Flood ranged form|ranged forms]] which nestled onto walls and rooftops and fired organic projectiles at the group. Despite fierce resistance, the team managed to fight their way up to the ship, where a rent torn into the hull represented a path into the ship. Thel 'Vadam told John that he would remain behind while the Spartan ventured inside, in order to prevent any Flood forms from entering after him.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | ||
[[File:Halo3 E3 TRAILER 2007 720p30 ST 6300Kbps 002 0001.jpg|thumb | [[File:Halo3 E3 TRAILER 2007 720p30 ST 6300Kbps 002 0001.jpg|thumb|250px|John-117 and 343 Guilty Spark leave Voi with Cortana's storage device while the Fleet of Retribution glass the city and its surrounding areas to stop the Flood outbreak.]] | ||
As John made his way through corridors of thick with Flood biomass and [[Flood blister|blisters]], passing several Sangheili corpses as he went, he was assailed by the voice of the Gravemind. The Flood central consciousness told him in a soothing voice not to be afraid, for he offered "peace" and "salvation". Eventually reaching a ledge, John dropped down to a lower level. As he entered a larger room, he heard the Gravemind's voice again, this time being told that the Flood was infinite, and that he should join them. Regardless, John eventually arrived at a Covenant pod, in which lay a small [[Covenant storage device|storage device]]. After activating it, Cortana's avatar appeared before him. Before she could say anything more than a mention of [[High Charity]], her avatar flickered out of existence due to the damage that the storage device had sustained. At that moment, a [[Covenant separatists|separatist]] Phantom arrived, hovering over the open chamber. From the dropship's gravity lift, [[343 Guilty Spark]], the [[monitor]] of the [[Battle of Installation 04|destroyed]] [[Installation 04]] arrived. Due to their prior encounter, which had been openly hostile, John kept his [[MA5C assault rifle|assault rifle]] levelled at Spark. Without warning, the monitor fired his laser beam over John's right shoulder, burning down a Flood combat form that had appeared behind the Spartan. The monitor then proceeded to use a small repair beam to interact with the Covenant storage device. John tore him away, warning him to leave Cortana alone. When Spark attempted to interface with the unit again, John reminded him of the monitor's [[Two Betrayals|attempt]] to kill both him and Cortana. To this, Spark replied that he had only been following his assigned protocol to protect his Installation, and due to its [[The Maw|destruction]], his sole remaining purpose was to help the Spartan. Reluctantly, John allowed Spark to pick up the storage device with his beam and carry it into the Phantom's [[gravity lift]], with John following him into the ship. As the Phantom departed Voi, the Fleet of Retribution [[glassing|glassed]] the city and the surrounding countryside, in order to eliminate the Flood presence and prevent it from spreading across the planet and effectively ending the Battle of Voi.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | As John made his way through corridors of thick with Flood biomass and [[Flood blister|blisters]], passing several Sangheili corpses as he went, he was assailed by the voice of the Gravemind. The Flood central consciousness told him in a soothing voice not to be afraid, for he offered "peace" and "salvation". Eventually reaching a ledge, John dropped down to a lower level. As he entered a larger room, he heard the Gravemind's voice again, this time being told that the Flood was infinite, and that he should join them. Regardless, John eventually arrived at a Covenant pod, in which lay a small [[Covenant storage device|storage device]]. After activating it, Cortana's avatar appeared before him. Before she could say anything more than a mention of [[High Charity]], her avatar flickered out of existence due to the damage that the storage device had sustained. At that moment, a [[Covenant separatists|separatist]] Phantom arrived, hovering over the open chamber. From the dropship's gravity lift, [[343 Guilty Spark]], the [[monitor]] of the [[Battle of Installation 04|destroyed]] [[Installation 04]] arrived. Due to their prior encounter, which had been openly hostile, John kept his [[MA5C assault rifle|assault rifle]] levelled at Spark. Without warning, the monitor fired his laser beam over John's right shoulder, burning down a Flood combat form that had appeared behind the Spartan. The monitor then proceeded to use a small repair beam to interact with the Covenant storage device. John tore him away, warning him to leave Cortana alone. When Spark attempted to interface with the unit again, John reminded him of the monitor's [[Two Betrayals|attempt]] to kill both him and Cortana. To this, Spark replied that he had only been following his assigned protocol to protect his Installation, and due to its [[The Maw|destruction]], his sole remaining purpose was to help the Spartan. Reluctantly, John allowed Spark to pick up the storage device with his beam and carry it into the Phantom's [[gravity lift]], with John following him into the ship. As the Phantom departed Voi, the Fleet of Retribution [[glassing|glassed]] the city and the surrounding countryside, in order to eliminate the Flood presence and prevent it from spreading across the planet and effectively ending the Battle of Voi.{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} | ||