Departure/Core

Core is the fifth chapter of Spartan Ops ' first episode, Departure.

Summary
The data pulled from the previous mission pointed to earlier reports of Covenant archeological teams working within Requiem. The data leads to a Forerunner complex, in which the Covenant had set up a dig site. Fireteam Crimson is sent in to investigate. They encounter stiff resistance from the Covenant, which incites curiosity of Commander Palmer, who wonders what they could be guarding. Spartan Jared Miller discovers Covenant anti-air batteries operating within the vicinity and redirects Fireteam Castle to take them out. After eliminating all Covenant resistance, Crimson discovers an unknown Forerunner artifact guarded by Prometheans. The Spartans clear the area, but are again attacked. Spartan Robert Dalton sends in a Pelican dropship to retrieve the artifact as Crimson defends the area. After Fireteam Castle successfully disables the anti-air defenses, both Fireteam Crimson and the artifact are extracted out of the area before enemy reinforcements arrive.

Trivia
The first Red vs. Blue Easter egg is found on this level.