Ellen Anders

"Forge doesn't think it's safe for you to go down there yet. He's quite insistent."

- Captain James Cutter

"I can be quite insistent too, Captain. I can take care of myself."

- Anders

Professor Ellen Anders is a civilian researcher. Intelligent (with an IQ of 180) and fiercely opposed to the Covenant, she focused more on assisting mankind's survival than gaining a sense of grandeur. She was the type of person who hated disorder and was clean and organized. By extension, she also had the habit of solving unfinished jigsaw puzzles.

Biography
Stationed aboard the during the Second Battle of Harvest, Anders was granted her own quarters, the view of surrounding space "adding perspective to her work." Sergeant John Forge being assigned as a bodyguard was not as agreeable to her however, due to his excessive foul language and gruff demenour. She apparently studied under Doctor Catherine Elizabeth Halsey, though their relationship is tense, neither holding the other in a fond regard.

After getting some unexpected readings on an EM band in Harvest's north pole, Anders requested that a Hornet squadron en route to Rally Point Baker divert to investigate. A large force of Elites was also found, and Forge was dispatched to investigate. In the process, an unknown relic on the surface was detected along with numerous Covenant forces in the vicinity. Anders resolved to head down to investigate, despite protests from Forge. Captain Cutter agreed to the mission, but ordered that Anders be extracted should there be any sign of danger. After entering the Relic she found a map of the Galaxy, which "wasn't what [she] expected". However, in the end, after she, Forge, and their UNSC Marine bodyguards were ambushed, she had to be rescued from the artifact.

Before departing Harvest, Anders sent her father an analysis of Homer's Odyssey that slipped past ONI censors, informing him on what the UNSC had discovered.

Over the course of the Spirit of Fire's travels, Anders softened towards Forge, especially after noticing how much he cared for those around him.

Anders was once taken hostage by the Arbiter, but was rescued by Forge.

Abilities

 * Leader Power - CryoBomb —freezes enemies in place.
 * Unique Unit - Gremlin

Upgrades

 * Super Upgrade - Hawk—a complete upgrade to the Hornet.
 * Economy Bonus - cost and research time for unit upgrades reduced by half.

Trivia

 * Ellen Anders will be one of the Hero Units for the UNSC in Halo Wars.
 * She is one of the first main characters in the games to be dressed in civilian garb.