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Halo Array: Difference between revisions
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The '''Halo Array''', known individually as '''Halos''' or '''Halo Rings''',<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''</ref> referred to by the [[Covenant]] as the '''Sacred Rings'''<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', page 38</ref><ref name="gravemind">'''Halo 2''', level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>, and labeled '''Fortress Worlds'''<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', page 193</ref> and '''Installations''' by the [[Forerunners]] and [[Monitor]]s, is a system of colossal ring-shaped superweapons. | The '''Halo Array''', known individually as '''Halos''' or '''Halo Rings''',<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''</ref> referred to by the [[Covenant]] as the '''Sacred Rings'''<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', page 38</ref><ref name="gravemind">'''Halo 2''', level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>, and labeled '''Fortress Worlds'''<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', page 193</ref> and '''Installations''' by the [[Forerunners]] and [[Monitor]]s, is a system of colossal ring-shaped superweapons. | ||
The first Halos were constructed by order of | The first Halos were constructed by order of [[Master Builder]] [[Faber]] circa [[101,000 BCE]] with the intent of being an ultimate weapon, one that would secure the pre-eminence of the [[Builder]] rate in Forerunner society.<ref name="c274">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 274''</ref> Eventually, five were destroyed and/or lost while the remaining [[List of "seven" references in Halo|seven]] were used by the Forerunners as a last resort when combating the parasitic [[Flood]]. All sentient beings in the galaxy were killed, robbing the Flood of hosts and starving it to death. | ||
In addition to serving as weapons of last resort, Halo installations are also research facilities dedicated to containing and studying many different kinds of life forms. The life forms that were hand-selected by [[ | In addition to serving as weapons of last resort, Halo installations are also research facilities dedicated to containing and studying many different kinds of life forms. The life forms that were hand-selected by the [[Librarian]] included marine life, fauna, and land vertebrates. With the Master Builder's permission, the Librarian would research each animal to detect if their bodies reacted to Flood infection. The research on the animals would be more deeply analyzed if they did become infected. The Librarian's studies also helped determine if the rings could be used to repopulate the galaxy. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
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[[File:H2_halo_surfaceland.jpg|thumb|right|175px|A section of an Installation's surface.]] | [[File:H2_halo_surfaceland.jpg|thumb|right|175px|A section of an Installation's surface.]] | ||
As it is known in modern times, the Halo Array is a network of seven ring-shaped megastructures created by the Forerunners, designed to exterminate all sentient life within the Milky Way galaxy.<ref name="great journey">'''[[Halo 2]]''', level ''[[The Great Journey]]'', '''343 Guilty Spark:''' ''"After exhausting every other strategic option, my creators activated the rings. They, and all additional sentient life in three radii of the galactic center, died, as planned."''</ref> Built following the [[Human-Forerunner | As it is known in modern times, the Halo Array is a network of seven ring-shaped megastructures created by the Forerunners, designed to exterminate all sentient life within the Milky Way galaxy.<ref name="great journey">'''[[Halo 2]]''', level ''[[The Great Journey]]'', '''343 Guilty Spark:''' ''"After exhausting every other strategic option, my creators activated the rings. They, and all additional sentient life in three radii of the galactic center, died, as planned."''</ref> Built following the [[Human-Forerunner War]], these ringworlds were used as a last resort against the Flood, a parasitic extra-galactic species that threatened to consume every sentient life-form in the galaxy. By activating the rings, the Forerunners wiped out every sentient being in the galaxy, effectively starving the Flood to virtual extinction, though specimens were kept in a number of Forerunner containment facilities, including the Halo installations themselves.<ref name="library">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', level ''[[The Library]]''</ref> | ||
A total of eighteen Halo rings existed during the reign of the Forerunners, split into separate arrays of twelve 30,000km rings and six 10,000km rings. Of these, only seven survived to be included in the final Array. The two most well-known Halo installations, [[Installation 04]] and [[Installation 05]], both orbit gas giants, though it is not known whether this is the case with all Halos. Installation 04 maintained an atmospheric [[Threshold gas mine|mining facility]] in [[Threshold]]'s atmosphere until [[Battle of the Threshold gas mine|it was destroyed]] by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> | A total of eighteen Halo rings existed during the reign of the Forerunners, split into separate arrays of twelve 30,000km rings and six 10,000km rings. Of these, only seven survived to be included in the final Array. The two most well-known Halo installations, [[Installation 04]] and [[Installation 05]], both orbit gas giants, though it is not known whether this is the case with all Halos. Installation 04 maintained an atmospheric [[Threshold gas mine|mining facility]] in [[Threshold]]'s atmosphere until [[Battle of the Threshold gas mine|it was destroyed]] by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> | ||
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Though separated by thousands of light-years, the installations are networked together and capable of remote activation at [[Installation 00|the Ark]], an [[intergalactic space|extragalatic]] fallback point. Each Halo installation has a maximum effective range of 25,000 light-years in every direction.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary#Terminal 8|Terminal 8]]'' (''"25,000 light years. That is the effective range of this installation."'')</ref><ref name="radius">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', level ''[[Two Betrayals]]'', 343 Guilty Spark: ''"Technically, this installation's pulse has a maximum effective radius of twenty-five thousand light years."''</ref> The method utilized by the array to conduct this "mass sterilization protocol"<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', level ''[[The Library]]'', 343 Guilty Spark: ''"Why the Flood is, naturally, simply too dangerous to release, and mass sterilization protocols may again need to be enacted."''</ref> involves the superluminal conveyance of a burst of cross-phased super-massive neutrinos, tuned to emit a harmonic frequency that destroys the nervous system of any life form within range. Simpler organisms lacking a neural system are unaffected, along with inanimate structures. [[Precursor]] technology, however, is extremely susceptible to damage from the Halo effect.<ref> '''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 132''</ref><ref name="c274"/> | Though separated by thousands of light-years, the installations are networked together and capable of remote activation at [[Installation 00|the Ark]], an [[intergalactic space|extragalatic]] fallback point. Each Halo installation has a maximum effective range of 25,000 light-years in every direction.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary#Terminal 8|Terminal 8]]'' (''"25,000 light years. That is the effective range of this installation."'')</ref><ref name="radius">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', level ''[[Two Betrayals]]'', 343 Guilty Spark: ''"Technically, this installation's pulse has a maximum effective radius of twenty-five thousand light years."''</ref> The method utilized by the array to conduct this "mass sterilization protocol"<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', level ''[[The Library]]'', 343 Guilty Spark: ''"Why the Flood is, naturally, simply too dangerous to release, and mass sterilization protocols may again need to be enacted."''</ref> involves the superluminal conveyance of a burst of cross-phased super-massive neutrinos, tuned to emit a harmonic frequency that destroys the nervous system of any life form within range. Simpler organisms lacking a neural system are unaffected, along with inanimate structures. [[Precursor]] technology, however, is extremely susceptible to damage from the Halo effect.<ref> '''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 132''</ref><ref name="c274"/> | ||
The Halo Array in its entirety has been fired only once in known history, approximately 100,000 years ago, by the [[ | The Halo Array in its entirety has been fired only once in known history, approximately 100,000 years ago, by the [[Didact]]<ref>'''[[Iris]]''', ''Array Recorder Data''</ref> in order to stop the Flood from overwhelming the galaxy. Despite being the network's builders, the Forerunners were - as far as any can tell - killed in this last suicidal attempt to save the rest of the galaxy from a worse fate.<ref name="great journey"/> The array has come close to activation three times since; Installation 04 was almost activated by the [[John-117|Master Chief]], Installation 05 was activated by Commander [[Miranda Keyes]] at the behest of the [[Brute]] [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]], and [[Avery Junior Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]] was forced by the [[Prophet of Truth]] to activate the Array from the Ark. None of these attempts were successful; the first was stopped by Cortana, while the second and third were halted by UNSC and Covenant separatist intervention. A [[Installation 04B|replacement]] Halo for the destroyed Installation 04 was successfully activated outside of the galaxy, eliminating the Flood massed at [[Installation 00]], but it was incomplete and thus not networked to the rest of the Array.<ref name="halo3halo">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> | ||
Each of the Halo installations in the final Array is given a designation number, from 01 to 07, and is overseen by a [[monitor]]. The monitors are given control of the Installations' [[Sentinel]] automatons, from [[Sentinel Aggressor|Aggressors]] to [[Constructor]]s and [[Enforcer]]s, and are responsible for containing the Flood test subjects in their [[Flood research facility|research facilities]] and protecting the Halo from intruders. | Each of the Halo installations in the final Array is given a designation number, from 01 to 07, and is overseen by a [[monitor]]. The monitors are given control of the Installations' [[Sentinel]] automatons, from [[Sentinel Aggressor|Aggressors]] to [[Constructor]]s and [[Enforcer]]s, and are responsible for containing the Flood test subjects in their [[Flood research facility|research facilities]] and protecting the Halo from intruders. | ||
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===Construction=== | ===Construction=== | ||
[[File:HaloLatticework.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The foundational latticework of a Halo installation.]] | [[File:HaloLatticework.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The foundational latticework of a Halo installation.]] | ||
The Halos were constructed by the [[Faber|Master Builder]] and his Forerunner [[Builder]]s several thousand years after [[prehistoric human civilization|early humanity]] first encountered and drove the Flood from the Milky Way. The most extreme faction of Builders, which at the time controlled the [[Ecumene Council]], claimed that more extreme measures should be used to protect the galaxy against a possible Flood resurgence and proposed building the Array for this purpose. Although they faced strong opposition from the [[Promethean]]s, including [[ | The Halos were constructed by the [[Faber|Master Builder]] and his Forerunner [[Builder]]s several thousand years after [[prehistoric human civilization|early humanity]] first encountered and drove the Flood from the Milky Way. The most extreme faction of Builders, which at the time controlled the [[Ecumene Council]], claimed that more extreme measures should be used to protect the galaxy against a possible Flood resurgence and proposed building the Array for this purpose. Although they faced strong opposition from the [[Promethean]]s, including the [[Didact]], for thousands of years, the faction eventually won the approval of the Council and commenced work on the Array.<ref name="c274"/> | ||
However, at this point, [[ | However, at this point, the [[Librarian]] went to the Council and invoked the Mantle, stating the the Halos should be used as biological preserves in the [[Conservation Measure]], a plan to repopulate the galaxy should the Array ever be activated. The Council approved her request, and ordered that the Halo installations be constructed to have a range of natural environments for the Lifeworkers to preserve their biological specimens in. However, the Master Builder later altered the initial plan, and his researchers began to use these specimens for a series of brutal experiments involving Flood infection.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 188-190''</ref> | ||
Twelve Halos, each 30,000 kilometers in diameter, were originally commissioned by | Twelve Halos, each 30,000 kilometers in diameter, were originally commissioned by Master Builder Faber and constructed by the [[guild]] of [[Bornstellar's father]] at the [[greater Ark]], one of the two [[Ark]] installations in existence at the time. Only one of these original rings ultimately survived to be used in the Forerunners' final plan; this ring was designated [[Installation 07]]. A separate array of six installations was also constructed and remained under [[the Librarian]]'s control at the [[Installation 00|lesser Ark]].<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 329'' (''"Slowly it dawned on me that I was looking upon another array of installations: six rings, each rising from one of the petals of an enormous flower."'')</ref> The final array, activated at the conclusion of the Forerunners' conflict with the Flood, was comprised of seven rings, each 10,000 kilometers in diameter. | ||
===Forerunner-Flood war=== | ===Forerunner-Flood war=== | ||
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The Halo rings achieve their "gravity" through centripetal force. As the ring spins, centripetal force pushes all spinning bodies away from the center of rotation. The ring is uniform, and because of this, all points are the same distance from the center, therefore centripetal force applies evenly. This force also pushes objects on the surface of the ring away from the center of rotation, or pushes them down on the surface of the ring, translating into gravity. When the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} was detonated, it blasted a large mass from Installation 04; no longer a full loop, the centripetal force applied in much greater strength on the newly formed weak point, causing the ring to rip apart. | The Halo rings achieve their "gravity" through centripetal force. As the ring spins, centripetal force pushes all spinning bodies away from the center of rotation. The ring is uniform, and because of this, all points are the same distance from the center, therefore centripetal force applies evenly. This force also pushes objects on the surface of the ring away from the center of rotation, or pushes them down on the surface of the ring, translating into gravity. When the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} was detonated, it blasted a large mass from Installation 04; no longer a full loop, the centripetal force applied in much greater strength on the newly formed weak point, causing the ring to rip apart. | ||
The Halo installations are also equipped with drive engines spaced along their rim. In the event of an emergency, a Halo can maneuver itself to avoid damage from a collision or weaponry.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum,''', ''page 314''</ref> In addition, they possess [[hard light]] reinforcement to stabilize and protect them against tidal and gravitational forces from other objects.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 311''</ref> One of the most extraordinary systems possessed by the Halos is their ability to lock entire sections of the ring, or, if necessary, the entirety of it, into reflective slipspace stasis. This effectively suspends these sections in time and renders them invulnerable to damage from the outside. However, it also consumes an enormous amount of energy.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 331-332''</ref> | The Halo installations are also equipped with drive engines spaced along their rim. In the event of an emergency, a Halo can maneuver itself to avoid damage from a collision or weaponry.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum,''', ''page 314''</ref> In addition, they possess [[hard light]] reinforcement to stabilize and protect them against tidal and gravitational forces from other objects.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 311''</ref> One of the most extraordinary systems possessed by the Halos is their ability to lock entire sections of the ring, or, if necessary, the entirety of it, into reflective slipspace stasis. This effectively suspends these sections in time and renders them invulnerable to damage from the outside and allows the occupants of the ring to survive the main weapon's firing. However, it also consumes an enormous amount of energy.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 331-332''</ref> | ||
The Halos are capable of repairing themselves to some degree, replacing damaged plates of foundation material and restoring biological sections.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 77-78''</ref> Rings with a 30,000 km diameter could also be reduced to a smaller size by shedding large portions of the foundation. In order to prevent the ring from falling apart during this process, it can generate a hard light hub with spokes which hold each of the foundation plates in place.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 345-346''</ref> | The Halos are capable of repairing themselves to some degree, replacing damaged plates of foundation material and restoring biological sections.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 77-78''</ref> Rings with a 30,000 km diameter could also be reduced to a smaller size by shedding large portions of the foundation. In order to prevent the ring from falling apart during this process, it can generate a hard light hub with spokes which hold each of the foundation plates in place.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 345-346''</ref> | ||
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The Halo Array is complex, but each ring can be activated individually by a Reclaimer, also activating the other installations, or they can all be activated simultaneously from Installation 00. In the event of a major Flood outbreak, an installation's Monitor will seek out a Reclaimer if available, whom they will enlist to aid them. It will teleport them to the installation's Library and will assist the individual in retrieving the Index. The Monitor then stores the Index within its data arrays for safe transportation, lest the Reclaimer fall prey to the Flood before they can activate the installation. Once at the control room, the Reclaimer is given back the Index and must insert it into the control panel in order to begin the activation sequence. | The Halo Array is complex, but each ring can be activated individually by a Reclaimer, also activating the other installations, or they can all be activated simultaneously from Installation 00. In the event of a major Flood outbreak, an installation's Monitor will seek out a Reclaimer if available, whom they will enlist to aid them. It will teleport them to the installation's Library and will assist the individual in retrieving the Index. The Monitor then stores the Index within its data arrays for safe transportation, lest the Reclaimer fall prey to the Flood before they can activate the installation. Once at the control room, the Reclaimer is given back the Index and must insert it into the control panel in order to begin the activation sequence. | ||
The main weapon is amplified by [[phase pulse generator]]s, three of which are close to the control room, at least on Installation 04. Each installation has a maximum effective radius of 25,000 light-years<ref name="radius"/> and functions via form of lethal radiation.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 183''</ref> The pulse is designed to kill all sentient life in the installation's three-dimensional radius, with the array covering the entire galaxy. The pulse targets the nervous system of sentient life forms via the issuing of a harmonic frequency.<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''pages 170-174''</ref> The only known way to avoid the effects of these pulses is to seek shelter in a [[shield world]] or to escape to Installation 00, which is out of range of the array. Once activated from Installation 00, the other installations will fire simultaneously, eradicating all sentient life in the galaxy, thus starving and killing the Flood.<ref name="great journey"/> | The main weapon is amplified by [[phase pulse generator]]s, three of which are close to the control room, at least on Installation 04. Each installation has a maximum effective radius of 25,000 light-years<ref name="radius"/> and functions via form of lethal radiation.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 183''</ref> The pulse is designed to kill all sentient life in the installation's three-dimensional radius, with the array covering the entire galaxy. The pulse targets the nervous system of sentient life forms via the issuing of a harmonic frequency.<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''pages 170-174''</ref> The Halo effect does not seemingly disintegrate biomass, destroying the nervous systems of any biological being and thus rendering them useless to the Flood, but leaving their bodies mostly intact.<ref>'''Halo 3''', ''Terminal 6'' (''"I toss around [37,654 tonne] dreadnoughts like they were fighters; dimly aware of the former crews being crushed to liquescence."'')</ref> | ||
The only known way to avoid the effects of these pulses is to seek shelter in a [[shield world]] or to escape to Installation 00, which is out of range of the array. Once activated from Installation 00, the other installations will fire simultaneously, eradicating all sentient life in the galaxy, thus starving and killing the Flood.<ref name="great journey"/> | |||
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