SWORD Base

Sword Base was an Office of Naval Intelligence facility located near the Babd Catha Ice Shelf, Eposz on the colony of Reach.

Description
The base's interior consisted of a long and tall main atrium, with smaller rooms, walkways and staircases on its both sides. The atrium had a ceiling of glass running along its length, which also extended down the wall on the other end of the atrium. Two specimens of Covenant technology recovered during Operation: GUARDIAN LANCE were on display in the main atrium. Outside the main complex lies a military airfield. The base also has several maintenance hallways for the facility's engineers. In addition, a Forerunner ruin was located deep below the facility. The Forerunner ruin contained numerous research stations and also housed Dr. Halsey's lab.

History
At some point during the Fall of Reach in August 2552, Sword Base became the target of a Covenant attack. As the facility became compromised, "Condition Alpha" was declared and the base was defended by Noble Team and the UNSC Army. Shortly after the Covenant launched a full invasion on Reach, Sword Base was ultimately invaded resulting in the deaths of most its ONI personnel. The Covenant forces at the facility soon realized that the base was built on top of a Forerunner site. The Covenant reinforced the ruined facility with numerous ground forces and two Anti-Air Cannons. Noble Team was dispatched to destroy the site and prevent any of the facility's secrets from falling into the Covenant's hands. Noble Team was soon contacted by Dr. Halsey who asked them to take a package from her to the Pillar of Autumn. During the package's recovery, the Covenant discovered the Forerunner ruin was actually reachable through the frozen lake near the Sword Base and began sending numerous Phantoms and Banshees to secure the site. Both Sword Base and the Forerunner ruin are ultimately destroyed by an explosive charge in order to ensure the Covenant don't capture it.

Trivia

 * A multiplayer map of the same name in Halo: Reach takes place in the facility.
 * The Firefight map Courtyard takes place outside of Sword Base.