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[[File:UNSC insignia (post-war).png|thumb|150px|The emblem of the UNSC.]] | [[File:UNSC insignia (post-war).png|thumb|150px|The emblem of the UNSC.]] | ||
{{Main|United Nations Space Command}} | {{Main|United Nations Space Command}} | ||
In the 26th century, most of humanity is ruled by the [[Unified Earth Government]] (UEG). As most of the [[ | In the 26th century, most of humanity is ruled by the [[Unified Earth Government]] (UEG). As most of the [[Category:Canon|canon]] material from the ''Halo'' universe is from the ongoing war we see the future mainly through the eyes of the UEG's military arm, the [[United Nations Space Command]] (UNSC). During the events of ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', the UNSC [[Battle of Earth|fought]] the Covenant over [[Earth]] in a last-ditch attempt to protect the human race. The events of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' are fought defending the planet [[Reach]], the UNSC's former military headquarters. | ||
The UNSC was formed by the [[United Nations]] when overpopulation on [[Earth]] and conflict in the [[Sol System]] started becoming a severe problem in the early 22nd century. In the wake of the [[Interplanetary War]] in the 2160s, the UNSC became the military and space exploratory arm of the newly-established Unified Earth Government. After the emergence of the Covenant threat, the UNSC was given power over the UEG and its colonial governing agency, [[Colonial Administration Authority]], although the civilian government was formally returned its power after the war. | The UNSC was formed by the [[United Nations]] when overpopulation on [[Earth]] and conflict in the [[Sol System]] started becoming a severe problem in the early 22nd century. In the wake of the [[Interplanetary War]] in the 2160s, the UNSC became the military and space exploratory arm of the newly-established Unified Earth Government. After the emergence of the Covenant threat, the UNSC was given power over the UEG and its colonial governing agency, [[Colonial Administration Authority]], although the civilian government was formally returned its power after the war. | ||
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The Swords of Sanghelios is a splinter faction of the Covenant formed by the [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]], based upon an ancient Sangheili order. Formed from the [[Fleet of Retribution|initial alliance]] out of desperation with their former human enemies, the UNSC, they played a key role in ensuring the salvation of the galaxy and start a new era of relative peace alongside the UNSC. | The Swords of Sanghelios is a splinter faction of the Covenant formed by the [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]], based upon an ancient Sangheili order. Formed from the [[Fleet of Retribution|initial alliance]] out of desperation with their former human enemies, the UNSC, they played a key role in ensuring the salvation of the galaxy and start a new era of relative peace alongside the UNSC. | ||
Facing civil war after the end of the Human-Covenant War, the Swords became a major faction within the galaxy's political and military state. Alongside the UNSC they shared the [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s, research and monitoring stations on the Halo rings as well as MJOLNIR armor. Much of the Swords' trouble came from the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s emerging [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant faction]], both directly and indirectly caused by the Office of Naval Intelligence which | Facing civil war after the end of the Human-Covenant War, the Swords became a major faction within the galaxy's political and military state. Alongside the UNSC they shared the [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s, research and monitoring stations on the Halo rings as well as MJOLNIR armor. Much of the Swords' trouble came from the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s emerging [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant faction]], both directly and indirectly caused by the Office of Naval Intelligence which sought the destabilization of the Sangheili race. | ||
Ruled by a large council of [[kaidon]]s, the Swords of Sanghelios attempt to bring peace and unity to Sanghelios, the Elite homeworld, as well as returning the old values and traditions of Sangheili past. With their UNSC allies, they are succeeding in creating a new era of peace. | Ruled by a large council of [[kaidon]]s, the Swords of Sanghelios attempt to bring peace and unity to Sanghelios, the Elite homeworld, as well as returning the old values and traditions of Sangheili past. With their UNSC allies, they are succeeding in creating a new era of peace. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
===The Covenant=== | ===The Covenant=== | ||
[[File:Covenant LogoHD.png|thumb|150px|right|The Covenant's symbol.]] | [[File:Covenant LogoHD.png|thumb|150px|right|The Covenant's symbol.]] | ||
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At first, the Covenant were mostly held together by a need to survive, but as their society advanced, so did their technology, culture and religion. Now the polytheistic Covenant control a large part of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy and their society is a complicated caste system, with the Prophets still on top, governing the Covenant along with the Elites. The Covenant is a theocracy, based on a prophecy about the Sacred Rings and the Great Journey. The actual context of this prophecy is based on the notion that the Forerunners were so advanced that they had found a way to propel themselves to godlike status using their technology. To oppose this, a parasitic race known as the Flood attacked the Forerunners and attempted to stop the activation of this technology. Before the Flood could stop them, the Forerunners activated the Halo Array, and ascended to godhood. The Covenant design is to find the Halos, and use it to propel themselves to godliness as well. | At first, the Covenant were mostly held together by a need to survive, but as their society advanced, so did their technology, culture and religion. Now the polytheistic Covenant control a large part of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy and their society is a complicated caste system, with the Prophets still on top, governing the Covenant along with the Elites. The Covenant is a theocracy, based on a prophecy about the Sacred Rings and the Great Journey. The actual context of this prophecy is based on the notion that the Forerunners were so advanced that they had found a way to propel themselves to godlike status using their technology. To oppose this, a parasitic race known as the Flood attacked the Forerunners and attempted to stop the activation of this technology. Before the Flood could stop them, the Forerunners activated the Halo Array, and ascended to godhood. The Covenant design is to find the Halos, and use it to propel themselves to godliness as well. | ||
The three leading Prophets [[Truth]], [[Mercy]], and [[Regret]] who were the [[Hierarchs]] of the Covenant, wanted to destroy humanity due to the threat they pose to their religion: if humankind really are the Forerunners' heirs, then all that the Covenant believe in is false. Not wanting the truth about the humans to get out, the rest of the Covenant have been told that humanity is a direct affront to the Forerunner, much like the Flood in goal, so must be exterminated if the Great Journey is to be completed. | The three leading Prophets [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]], [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], and [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]] who were the [[Hierarchs]] of the Covenant, wanted to destroy humanity due to the threat they pose to their religion: if humankind really are the Forerunners' heirs, then all that the Covenant believe in is false. Not wanting the truth about the humans to get out, the rest of the Covenant have been told that humanity is a direct affront to the Forerunner, much like the Flood in goal, so must be exterminated if the Great Journey is to be completed. | ||
===Covenant remnants=== | ===Covenant remnants=== | ||
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===Insurrectionists=== | ===Insurrectionists=== | ||
[[File: | [[File:HM Icon Insurrectionist.png|thumb|left|100px|An Insurrectionist emblem.]] | ||
The Insurrectionists are various rebel groups opposed to the rule of the UNSC throughout human space who seek the colonies' liberation from the Unified Earth Government's influence. Following the rapid volumetric growth of the region of space controlled by the human race throughout the 25th century, the UEG found it increasingly difficult to maintain its hold over the Outer Colonies, hundreds of which were scattered across exceedingly large swathes of space. By 2490, the Outer Colonies surpassed the core worlds in number by several hundred. Despite their more discrete composition, the Outer Colonies proved an ample breeding ground for a strong nationalist sentiment among their citizens which in turn led to their perceiving the Earth government—and the UNSC which imposed its will—as a draconian outside force. In 2513, the UNSC initiated [[Operation: TREBUCHET]], one of the largest operations in UNSC history; spanning ten years and costing hundreds of thousands of lives, the goal was to root out the Insurrectionists and impose order in the Outer Colonies. Following the Covenant attack on Harvest and the onset of the Human-Covenant War in 2525, Operation: TREBUCHET was put on halt by the UNSC. Insurrectionist activity as a whole, while not completely gone, died down during the Covenant War. | The Insurrectionists are various rebel groups opposed to the rule of the UNSC throughout human space who seek the colonies' liberation from the Unified Earth Government's influence. Following the rapid volumetric growth of the region of space controlled by the human race throughout the 25th century, the UEG found it increasingly difficult to maintain its hold over the Outer Colonies, hundreds of which were scattered across exceedingly large swathes of space. By 2490, the Outer Colonies surpassed the core worlds in number by several hundred. Despite their more discrete composition, the Outer Colonies proved an ample breeding ground for a strong nationalist sentiment among their citizens which in turn led to their perceiving the Earth government—and the UNSC which imposed its will—as a draconian outside force. In 2513, the UNSC initiated [[Operation: TREBUCHET]], one of the largest operations in UNSC history; spanning ten years and costing hundreds of thousands of lives, the goal was to root out the Insurrectionists and impose order in the Outer Colonies. Following the Covenant attack on Harvest and the onset of the Human-Covenant War in 2525, Operation: TREBUCHET was put on halt by the UNSC. Insurrectionist activity as a whole, while not completely gone, died down during the Covenant War. | ||
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{{Main|Halo Wars: Genesis|Halo Wars|Harvest Campaign|Battle of Arcadia|Battle of the Etran Harborage}} | {{Main|Halo Wars: Genesis|Halo Wars|Harvest Campaign|Battle of Arcadia|Battle of the Etran Harborage}} | ||
[[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Halo Wars'' is set twenty one years before the events of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and centers around the crew of the ''UNSC Spirit of Fire''.]] | [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Halo Wars'' is set twenty one years before the events of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and centers around the crew of the ''UNSC Spirit of Fire''.]] | ||
On, [[2531|January 3, 2531,]] the UNSC [[UNSC Spirit of Fire|''Spirit of Fire'']] is sent to Harvest to assist the crippled [[UNSC Prophecy|UNSC ''Prophecy'']]. When the ''Spirit of Fire'' arrives, the Cole Protocol is then enacted on the ''Prophecy'', in so ensuring its destruction. While scientist [[Ellen Anders]] and captain [[James Cutter]] discuss the northern regions of Harvest, they realize the Covenant might be after something that is specifically there. Cutter sends Sergeant [[John Forge]] to assemble a team and investigate. Forge and his team soon find the presence of a [[Relic|Forerunner relic]], and that the Covenant are after it. After clearing a way through Covenant forces, the UNSC's forces enter the relic and find out where the Covenant have been pointed to— [[Arcadia]]. Following the Covenant fleet there, ''Spirit of Fire'' soon gets entangled in an evacuation process, but they do safely extract some civilians from the colony. After a few more battles, Anders gets taken by the [[Arbiter]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]]. The chase continues as the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows the Covenant fleet to the [[Etran Harborage]]. | On, [[2531|January 3, 2531,]] the UNSC [[UNSC Spirit of Fire|''Spirit of Fire'']] is sent to Harvest to assist the crippled [[UNSC Prophecy|UNSC ''Prophecy'']]. When the ''Spirit of Fire'' arrives, the Cole Protocol is then enacted on the ''Prophecy'', in so ensuring its destruction. While scientist [[Ellen Anders]] and captain [[James Cutter]] discuss the northern regions of Harvest, they realize the Covenant might be after something that is specifically there. Cutter sends Sergeant [[John Forge]] to assemble a team and investigate. Forge and his team soon find the presence of a [[Relic (location)|Forerunner relic]], and that the Covenant are after it. After clearing a way through Covenant forces, the UNSC's forces enter the relic and find out where the Covenant have been pointed to— [[Arcadia]]. Following the Covenant fleet there, ''Spirit of Fire'' soon gets entangled in an evacuation process, but they do safely extract some civilians from the colony. After a few more battles, Anders gets taken by the [[Arbiter]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]]. The chase continues as the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows the Covenant fleet to the [[Etran Harborage]]. | ||
The search for Ellen Anders starts while it is revealed to both factions that the Flood has taken over the exterior of the shield world. ''Spirit of Fire'' enters the shield world's inner shell, looking for Anders, who is now being forced to activate a once-hidden [[Sojourner-class dreadnought|Forerunner fleet]] for the purposes of being reverse-engineered into the Covenant naval force for easy extermination of the human species. Anders then escapes using a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]] and then conveniently links up with the UNSC again. This news reaches ''Spirit of Fire'', which then has her FTL drive extracted for the purpose of destroying the Shield World's sun, therefore denying the Covenant the fleet it wants, which would lead to the extinction of the human race. This plan works out, but at the cost of Forge's life, who heroically stays behind to detonate the FTL drive. Without an FTL drive, and the long expected journey home most likely going to take years or decades, the Spirit of Fire's crew enters into cryonic storage, now drifting in space until contact is made. | The search for Ellen Anders starts while it is revealed to both factions that the Flood has taken over the exterior of the shield world. ''Spirit of Fire'' enters the shield world's inner shell, looking for Anders, who is now being forced to activate a once-hidden [[Sojourner-class dreadnought|Forerunner fleet]] for the purposes of being reverse-engineered into the Covenant naval force for easy extermination of the human species. Anders then escapes using a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]] and then conveniently links up with the UNSC again. This news reaches ''Spirit of Fire'', which then has her FTL drive extracted for the purpose of destroying the Shield World's sun, therefore denying the Covenant the fleet it wants, which would lead to the extinction of the human race. This plan works out, but at the cost of Forge's life, who heroically stays behind to detonate the FTL drive. Without an FTL drive, and the long expected journey home most likely going to take years or decades, the Spirit of Fire's crew enters into cryonic storage, now drifting in space until contact is made. | ||
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[[File:Firststrike2.jpg|thumb|150px|''Halo: First Strike'' takes place between ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2''.]] | [[File:Firststrike2.jpg|thumb|150px|''Halo: First Strike'' takes place between ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2''.]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: First Strike|Operation: FIRST STRIKE}} | {{Main|Halo: First Strike|Operation: FIRST STRIKE}} | ||
Occurring between ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'', ''Halo: First Strike'' starts off with Master Chief and a few other survivors in space above the destroyed Halo. They capture the Covenant flagship ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' and make their way back to Reach. When they arrive they find the entire planet ravaged; however, on a small patch of the surface left unscathed, it is discovered that Dr. Halsey and several Spartans who survived the fall of Reach have found a [[Menachite | Occurring between ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'', ''Halo: First Strike'' starts off with Master Chief and a few other survivors in space above the destroyed Halo. They capture the Covenant flagship ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' and make their way back to Reach. When they arrive they find the entire planet ravaged; however, on a small patch of the surface left unscathed, it is discovered that Dr. Halsey and several Spartans who survived the fall of Reach have found a [[Menachite portal complex|Forerunner structure]] under ONI's [[CASTLE Base]]. There they find a [[Forerunner crystal|special artifact]] that warps space-time, before being retrieved by the UNSC forces aboard the ''Ascendant Justice'' along with other survivors, including [[Danforth Whitcomb|Vice Admiral Whitcomb]]. | ||
Cortana, now in control of the Covenant ship, docks with the damaged UNSC frigate ''[[UNSC Gettysburg|Gettysburg]]'' and combines their power, also allowing them to return to Earth without violating the Cole Protocol by bringing a potentially "bugged" Covenant ship with them. Damaged in a battle with pursuing Covenant ships, the ''Ascendant Justice'' travels to a [[Eridanus Secundus|hidden rebel base]] in the [[Eridanus system]] for repairs. The rebels agree to a truce with the UNSC forces, but the Covenant soon discover their location. In the ensuing chaos, Dr. Halsey abducts [[Kelly-087]] and flees into slipspace aboard the [[Jacob Jiles|rebel governor]]'s [[Beatrice|ship]]. Admiral Whitcomb grimly decides to leave the rebels to fend for themselves while the ''Ascendant Justice'' escapes. | Cortana, now in control of the Covenant ship, docks with the damaged UNSC frigate ''[[UNSC Gettysburg|Gettysburg]]'' and combines their power, also allowing them to return to Earth without violating the Cole Protocol by bringing a potentially "bugged" Covenant ship with them. Damaged in a battle with pursuing Covenant ships, the ''Ascendant Justice'' travels to a [[Eridanus Secundus|hidden rebel base]] in the [[Eridanus system]] for repairs. The rebels agree to a truce with the UNSC forces, but the Covenant soon discover their location. In the ensuing chaos, Dr. Halsey abducts [[Kelly-087]] and flees into slipspace aboard the [[Jacob Jiles|rebel governor]]'s [[Beatrice|ship]]. Admiral Whitcomb grimly decides to leave the rebels to fend for themselves while the ''Ascendant Justice'' escapes. | ||
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[[File:Halo 2 cover.jpg|thumb|left|150px|''Halo 2'' takes place on Earth and around Installation 05 (Delta Halo).]] | [[File:Halo 2 cover.jpg|thumb|left|150px|''Halo 2'' takes place on Earth and around Installation 05 (Delta Halo).]] | ||
{{Main|Halo 2|Battle of Earth|Battle of Installation 05|Great Schism|Halo: Broken Circle}} | {{Main|Halo 2|Battle of Earth|Battle of Installation 05|Great Schism|Halo: Broken Circle}} | ||
''Halo 2'' starts with the beginning of a Covenant attack on Earth. John-117 begins on ''[[Cairo Station]]'', one of the three hundred [[Orbital defense platform|space defense platforms]] that orbit the planet. After repelling the Covenant [[boarding|boarding parties]], the battle shifts to [[Battle of Mombasa|Earth's surface]]. During the battle, the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s carrier, ''[[Solemn Penance]]'', makes a Slipspace jump and the UNSC ship ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]'', with the Master Chief aboard gets swept up in the ship's wake in a desperate effort to follow it. The ''In Amber Clad'' is transported to the vicinity of another Halo ring - [[Installation 05|Delta Halo]] - on which they land. | ''Halo 2'' starts with the beginning of a Covenant attack on Earth. John-117 begins on ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'', one of the three hundred [[Orbital defense platform|space defense platforms]] that orbit the planet. After repelling the Covenant [[boarding|boarding parties]], the battle shifts to [[Battle of Mombasa|Earth's surface]]. During the battle, the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s carrier, ''[[Solemn Penance]]'', makes a Slipspace jump and the UNSC ship ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]'', with the Master Chief aboard gets swept up in the ship's wake in a desperate effort to follow it. The ''In Amber Clad'' is transported to the vicinity of another Halo ring - [[Installation 05|Delta Halo]] - on which they land. | ||
The game also follows an alternating story, viewed through the perspective of the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]], an Elite commander disgraced for his failure to prevent the first Halo's destruction. During a mission to quell [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|a movement]] regarded by the [[Hierarchs|Covenant leadership]] as heretical, the Covenant recover [[343 Guilty Spark]]. After their mobile capital, ''[[High Charity]]'', arrives at Delta Halo, the Covenant becomes embroiled in a power struggle discreetly engineered by the [[Prophet of Truth]], with [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] usurping the role of the Elites, beginning an apocalyptic civil conflict known as the [[Great Schism]]. | The game also follows an alternating story, viewed through the perspective of the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]], an Elite commander disgraced for his failure to prevent the first Halo's destruction. During a mission to quell [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|a movement]] regarded by the [[Hierarchs|Covenant leadership]] as heretical, the Covenant recover [[343 Guilty Spark]]. After their mobile capital, ''[[High Charity]]'', arrives at Delta Halo, the Covenant becomes embroiled in a power struggle discreetly engineered by the [[Prophet of Truth]], with [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] usurping the role of the Elites, beginning an apocalyptic civil conflict known as the [[Great Schism]]. | ||
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''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', which tells the story of the events that occurred on the planet [[Onyx]], begins in [[2545]], with the [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]] of [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] [[Operation: TORPEDO|deploying]] to a Covenant fleet refueling depot on [[Pegasi Delta]]. They proceed to destroy the facility, but due to unexpectedly heavy Covenant resistance, all but two of the three-hundred-strong Spartan company is wiped out. The only survivors, [[Tom-B292]] and [[Lucy-B091]], are revealed to be only twelve years old, and Lucy is traumatized and [[post-traumatic vocal disarticulation|rendered mute]]. | ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', which tells the story of the events that occurred on the planet [[Onyx]], begins in [[2545]], with the [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]] of [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] [[Operation: TORPEDO|deploying]] to a Covenant fleet refueling depot on [[Pegasi Delta]]. They proceed to destroy the facility, but due to unexpectedly heavy Covenant resistance, all but two of the three-hundred-strong Spartan company is wiped out. The only survivors, [[Tom-B292]] and [[Lucy-B091]], are revealed to be only twelve years old, and Lucy is traumatized and [[post-traumatic vocal disarticulation|rendered mute]]. | ||
In [[2531]], SPARTAN-II [[Blue Team]] [[ | In [[2531]], SPARTAN-II [[Blue Team]] [[Operation: SMOKING ACES|raid]] a rebel base on planet [[Victoria]] to recover stolen nuclear warheads. The team is nearly captured by a rebel ambush, but is saved by the timely, intuitive intervention of [[Kurt-051]]. Some time afterward, [[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]] presents the top leadership of ONI with his proposal for a new Spartan project. They agree that the SPARTAN-II program is prohibitively expensive and that a more streamlined, "disposable" breed of Spartans must be trained for high-risk operations. Kurt-051 and [[Franklin Mendez|SCPO Mendez]] are brought in to train the new generation of Spartans on the classified planet of [[Onyx]]. | ||
Over twenty years later, in [[2552]], [[Team Saber|Teams Saber]], [[Team Katana|Katana]], and [[Team Gladius|Gladius]] of [[SPARTAN-III Gamma Company|Gamma Company]], the third S-III generation, conduct a training exercise when they run into previously undiscovered [[Onyx Sentinel|Forerunner Sentinels]]. Through a series of events, a [[Joyous Exultation Covenant|group]] of Sangheili-led Covenant discover the existence of Onyx and the potential Forerunner treasures within, prompting the UNSC to dispatch reinforcements to the planet. Meanwhile, Dr. Halsey, having disappeared on a quest of her own during the events of ''First Strike'', arrives at Onyx and joins with the UNSC forces there. | Over twenty years later, in [[2552]], [[Team Saber|Teams Saber]], [[Team Katana|Katana]], and [[Team Gladius|Gladius]] of [[SPARTAN-III Gamma Company|Gamma Company]], the third S-III generation, conduct a training exercise when they run into previously undiscovered [[Onyx Sentinel|Forerunner Sentinels]]. Through a series of events, a [[Joyous Exultation Covenant|group]] of Sangheili-led Covenant discover the existence of Onyx and the potential Forerunner treasures within, prompting the UNSC to dispatch reinforcements to the planet. Meanwhile, Dr. Halsey, having disappeared on a quest of her own during the events of ''First Strike'', arrives at Onyx and joins with the UNSC forces there. | ||
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Prior to the slipspace rupture in ''Halo 2'', a large number of ODSTs are destined to drop into the [[Solemn Penance|Covenant carrier]] that evaded Earth's orbital defenses. The drop is initiated, but the [[Unidentified Shock Trooper squad|ODST squad]] of [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Edward Buck]] is commandeered by his superior, and former love interest, [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Veronica Dare]] of the Office of Naval Intelligence to drop into the city of New Mombasa, as opposed to the Covenant carrier. The slipspace rupture causes the squad to scatter and land in different parts of the city. | Prior to the slipspace rupture in ''Halo 2'', a large number of ODSTs are destined to drop into the [[Solemn Penance|Covenant carrier]] that evaded Earth's orbital defenses. The drop is initiated, but the [[Unidentified Shock Trooper squad|ODST squad]] of [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Edward Buck]] is commandeered by his superior, and former love interest, [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Veronica Dare]] of the Office of Naval Intelligence to drop into the city of New Mombasa, as opposed to the Covenant carrier. The slipspace rupture causes the squad to scatter and land in different parts of the city. | ||
The Rookie wakes about six hours later and must find his squad. He roams the night-time city, fighting off Covenant patrols and discovering, with the aid of the city's [[Superintendent]] AI, clues that allow him to discover the fate of his fellow squad mates (with each discovery putting the player into that squad member's place for a level). He then picks up on Captain Dare's distress signal. The Rookie fights his way into and through an [[New Mombasa Data Center|underground facility]] where they meet up, and continue to fight their way through a massive [[Drone]] hive (awakened by the earlier detonation of an [[ONI Alpha Site|ONI building]] at the top of the shaft at the hands of [[Michael Crespo|Mickey]] and [[Taylor H. Miles|Dutch]]). They both fight their way to the Superintendent data core, and discover a Covenant [[Huragok|Engineer]], one of many biological supercomputers and unwilling assistants to the Covenant, whom has taken apart the Superintendent's memory core and possesses vital information on the Covenant which could turn the tide of the war. | The Rookie wakes about six hours later and must find his squad. He roams the night-time city, fighting off Covenant patrols and discovering, with the aid of the city's [[Superintendent]] AI, clues that allow him to discover the fate of his fellow squad mates (with each discovery putting the player into that squad member's place for a level). He then picks up on Captain Dare's distress signal. The Rookie fights his way into and through an [[New Mombasa Data Center|underground facility]] where they meet up, and continue to fight their way through a massive [[Drone]] hive (awakened by the earlier detonation of an [[ONI Alpha Site (location)|ONI building]] at the top of the shaft at the hands of [[Michael Crespo|Mickey]] and [[Taylor H. Miles|Dutch]]). They both fight their way to the Superintendent data core, and discover a Covenant [[Huragok|Engineer]], one of many biological supercomputers and unwilling assistants to the Covenant, whom has taken apart the Superintendent's memory core and possesses vital information on the Covenant which could turn the tide of the war. | ||
They, along with Buck, fight their way down the city's [[New Mombasa Waterfront Highway|Waterfront Highway]], where they witness the Covenant begin to glass parts of the city. They hold off against waves of Covenant until Mickey, Dutch and [[Kojo Agu|Romeo]] arrive to pick them up. They arrive just before the Covenant prepare to glass their previous position, actually discovered to be an excavation project. They manage to escape just in time, only to realize that the Covenant has found what they were looking for. | They, along with Buck, fight their way down the city's [[New Mombasa Waterfront Highway|Waterfront Highway]], where they witness the Covenant begin to glass parts of the city. They hold off against waves of Covenant until Mickey, Dutch and [[Kojo Agu|Romeo]] arrive to pick them up. They arrive just before the Covenant prepare to glass their previous position, actually discovered to be an excavation project. They manage to escape just in time, only to realize that the Covenant has found what they were looking for. | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
====End of the war==== | ====End of the war==== | ||
{{Main|Halo 3|Battle of | {{Main|Halo 3|Battle of Kenya|Battle of Installation 00}} | ||
[[File:Halo3coverart.JPG|thumb|150px|''[[Halo 3]]'' takes place on Earth and the Ark.]] | [[File:Halo3coverart.JPG|thumb|150px|''[[Halo 3]]'' takes place on Earth and the Ark.]] | ||
''Halo 3'' takes place two weeks after the end of ''Halo 2''. The Covenant have all but obliterated human resistance on Earth, and have committed most of their forces in East Africa, near the ruins of Mombasa. Marines and the Arbiter [[ | ''Halo 3'' takes place two weeks after the end of ''Halo 2''. The Covenant have all but obliterated human resistance on Earth, and have committed most of their forces in East Africa, near the ruins of Mombasa. Marines and the Arbiter [[Recovery of John-117|recover]] Master Chief John-117 after he jumps from the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] as it entered Earth's atmosphere, and they all make their way back to the local UNSC base, [[Crow's Nest (location)|Crow's Nest]]. The Master Chief [[Attack on Crow's Nest|defends the base]], ultimately destroying it with a [[Improvised UNSC bomb|bomb]]. He regroups with a small group of Marines and they rally scattered UNSC forces before [[Assault on the Tsavo Highway|assaulting]] the Covenant-held [[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]], clearing a path into [[Voi]]. | ||
It is revealed that a large Forerunner artifact has been dug up under the African desert by the Covenant, and the Prophet of Truth is planning to activate it. Presumably this is the Ark, so therefore this would activate the Halos, and so a hasty attack is set in motion by Lord Hood to destroy the Forerunner Dreadnought with a surprise aerial assault. Master Chief clears Voi of all Covenant anti-air units to clear the path for Lord Hood's frigates for an assault on the dreadnought. However, the assault on the dreadnought has absolutely no effect, and Truth activates the artifact all the same. A large portal is created above the artifact, into which the Covenant forces disappear. Soon after, a [[unidentified Flood-captured battlecruiser|derelict Covenant cruiser]] appears out of Slipspace, and crashes nearby, infested with Flood. | It is revealed that a large Forerunner artifact has been dug up under the African desert by the Covenant, and the Prophet of Truth is planning to activate it. Presumably this is the Ark, so therefore this would activate the Halos, and so a [[Battle of Voi|hasty attack]] is set in motion by Lord Hood to destroy the Forerunner Dreadnought with a surprise aerial assault. Master Chief clears Voi of all Covenant anti-air units to clear the path for Lord Hood's frigates for an assault on the dreadnought. However, the assault on the dreadnought has absolutely no effect, and Truth activates the artifact all the same. A large portal is created above the artifact, into which the Covenant forces disappear. Soon after, a [[unidentified Flood-captured battlecruiser|derelict Covenant cruiser]] appears out of Slipspace, and crashes nearby, infested with Flood. | ||
The Master Chief and the Arbiter make their way toward the ship, and as they near its location, an [[Fleet of Retribution|Elite-controlled fleet]] appears, striking up an alliance with the humans and helping rid the city of Flood. Master Chief enters the ship and retrieves a message from Cortana, warning that High Charity is heading to Earth, full of Flood. It is decided that only the frigate ''[[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|Forward Unto Dawn]]'', the ship of [[Miranda Keyes]], along with the Elites, will go through the portal after Truth, and stop him from activating the rings, as well as finding the "solution" to the Flood that Cortana's message spoke of. | The Master Chief and the Arbiter make their way toward the ship, and as they near its location, an [[Fleet of Retribution|Elite-controlled fleet]] appears, striking up an alliance with the humans and helping rid the city of Flood. Master Chief enters the ship and retrieves a message from Cortana, warning that High Charity is heading to Earth, full of Flood. It is decided that only the frigate ''[[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|Forward Unto Dawn]]'', the ship of [[Miranda Keyes]], along with the Elites, will go through the portal after Truth, and stop him from activating the rings, as well as finding the "solution" to the Flood that Cortana's message spoke of. | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 8|Halo: Escalation Issue 9|Halo: Escalation Issue 10|Skirmish on Installation 03}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 8|Halo: Escalation Issue 9|Halo: Escalation Issue 10|Skirmish on Installation 03}} | ||
[[File:HaloEscalation10.jpg|thumb|150px|''The Next 72 Hours'' takes place shortly after the events of ''Halo 4''.]] | [[File:HaloEscalation10.jpg|thumb|150px|''The Next 72 Hours'' takes place shortly after the events of ''Halo 4''.]] | ||
In ''The Next 72 Hours'', an arc of the comic series ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'', it is revealed that the Didact survived his defeat aboard ''Mantle's Approach''. After falling through the Composer's slipspace portal, he finds himself on [[Installation 03]] and encounters the [[monitor]] [[859 Static Carillon]]. John-117, reunited with his SPARTAN-II compatriots of [[Blue Team]] — [[Linda-058]], [[Kelly-087]] and [[ | In ''The Next 72 Hours'', an arc of the comic series ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'', it is revealed that the Didact survived his defeat aboard ''Mantle's Approach''. After falling through the Composer's slipspace portal, he finds himself on [[Installation 03]] and encounters the [[monitor]] [[859 Static Carillon]]. John-117, reunited with his SPARTAN-II compatriots of [[Blue Team]] — [[Linda-058]], [[Kelly-087]] and [[Frederic-104]] — after several years, confronts the Didact and with the aid of Static Carillon, defeats the Forerunner commander by subjecting him to the effects of multiple Composers. Static Carillon takes Installation 03 for safekeeping while the Spartans return to Earth. After being debriefed, the Master Chief returns to his team and they depart for new battles — without the knowledge or authorization of [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]]. | ||
====Return to Requiem==== | ====Return to Requiem==== | ||
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Blue Team go to the ONI station [[Argent Moon]] and destroy it, but not before John-117 has a vision of Cortana. Blue Team flees the Argent Moon in a [[Winter-class prowler]] and head for [[Meridian]]. Fireteam Osiris is told about Blue Team going to Meridian, and they follow. Osiris helps the colony before they eventually set out to find Blue Team. Osiris then encounters the [[Warden Eternal]] and they fight. | Blue Team go to the ONI station [[Argent Moon]] and destroy it, but not before John-117 has a vision of Cortana. Blue Team flees the Argent Moon in a [[Winter-class prowler]] and head for [[Meridian]]. Fireteam Osiris is told about Blue Team going to Meridian, and they follow. Osiris helps the colony before they eventually set out to find Blue Team. Osiris then encounters the [[Warden Eternal]] and they fight. | ||
After Fireteam Osiris defeats the Warden they follow Blue Team's footsteps and come across a [[Guardians]]. Locke and John fight, and eventually the Guardian leaves with Blue Team aboard, while destroying most of Meridian. | After Fireteam Osiris defeats the Warden they follow Blue Team's footsteps and come across a [[The Guardians]]. Locke and John fight, and eventually the Guardian leaves with Blue Team aboard, while destroying most of Meridian. | ||
Osiris then joins [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s forces on Sangheilios, to find another Guardian that has been resting under [[Sunaion]]. After defeating many Covenant forces, and even a Kraken, the Arbiter and Osiris head to Sunaion. The Arbiter defeats the Jul's Covenant, and Osiris boards the Guardian, with [[Sarah Palmer]]'s help. | Osiris then joins [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s forces on Sangheilios, to find another Guardian that has been resting under [[Sunaion]]. After defeating many Covenant forces, and even a Kraken, the Arbiter and Osiris head to Sunaion. The Arbiter defeats the Jul's Covenant, and Osiris boards the Guardian, with [[Sarah Palmer]]'s help. | ||
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The first Halo title ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' quickly became known as the first "Killer App"<ref>''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' issue 150</ref> for Microsoft's popular [[Xbox]] video game console when it was released on November 15, [[2001]], achieving both critical acclaim and financial success. ''Halo'' was later published on the PC and finally released for the Mac (for which it was originally developed prior to Microsoft's acquisition of developer Bungie). Shortly after that, the company (Gearbox Software) that ported Halo to PC released ''[[Halo Custom Edition|Halo: Custom Edition]]'' as a free, downloadable and achievable extension to the Windows port of Halo. | The first Halo title ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' quickly became known as the first "Killer App"<ref>''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' issue 150</ref> for Microsoft's popular [[Xbox]] video game console when it was released on November 15, [[2001]], achieving both critical acclaim and financial success. ''Halo'' was later published on the PC and finally released for the Mac (for which it was originally developed prior to Microsoft's acquisition of developer Bungie). Shortly after that, the company (Gearbox Software) that ported Halo to PC released ''[[Halo Custom Edition|Halo: Custom Edition]]'' as a free, downloadable and achievable extension to the Windows port of Halo. | ||
The second game, ''Halo 2'' was released on November 9, [[2004]], for the Xbox breaking sales records and becoming the fastest selling United States media product in history. ''Halo 2'' US sales top 125 million dollars. | The second game, ''Halo 2'' was released on November 9, [[2004 (real world)|2004]], for the Xbox breaking sales records and becoming the fastest selling United States media product in history. ''Halo 2'' US sales top 125 million dollars. | ||
A third game, ''Halo 3'', was released on September 25, [[2007]], for the [[Xbox 360]] and closes this chapter in the Halo series. The ''Halo'' games have become well known for the high quality of their graphics, gameplay, physics, and storyline. ''Halo Wars'', a Real Time Strategy game, was released for the Xbox 360 on March 3, [[2009]]. ''Halo 3: ODST'', another First-Person Shooter, was released on the Xbox 360 on September 22, 2009. The next game in the franchise, ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', was released on September 14, [[2010]] for the Xbox 360. As a gift to the original players of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and also to those who never had the chance to play it, an [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Anniversary Edition]] was released for the Xbox 360 on November 15, [[2011]], with revamped graphics and extra features. | A third game, ''Halo 3'', was released on September 25, [[2007 (real world)|2007]], for the [[Xbox 360]] and closes this chapter in the Halo series. The ''Halo'' games have become well known for the high quality of their graphics, gameplay, physics, and storyline. ''Halo Wars'', a Real Time Strategy game, was released for the Xbox 360 on March 3, [[2009]]. ''Halo 3: ODST'', another First-Person Shooter, was released on the Xbox 360 on September 22, 2009. The next game in the franchise, ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', was released on September 14, [[2010]] for the Xbox 360. As a gift to the original players of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and also to those who never had the chance to play it, an [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Anniversary Edition]] was released for the Xbox 360 on November 15, [[2011]], with revamped graphics and extra features. | ||
The Reclaimer Saga is the ongoing second phase of the Halo video game franchise. The series launched with ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> release on November 6, [[2012]]. ''Halo: Spartan Assault'', a top-down shooter, was released on July 18, [[2013]] for Windows 8 and later for the [[Xbox One]], Xbox 360, and Steam. ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', a collection of ''Halo'' games including ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiplayer, ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' and ''Halo 2''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiplayer, ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> campaign, and ''Halo 4'', was released for the Xbox One on November 11, [[2014]]. ''Halo: Spartan Strike'', a spiritual sequel to ''Halo: Spartan Assault'', was released on April 16, [[2015]], for Windows 8. The second game of the Reclaimer Saga, ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', was released on October 27, 2015, for the Xbox One. | The Reclaimer Saga is the ongoing second phase of the Halo video game franchise. The series launched with ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> release on November 6, [[2012]]. ''Halo: Spartan Assault'', a top-down shooter, was released on July 18, [[2013]] for Windows 8 and later for the [[Xbox One]], Xbox 360, and Steam. ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', a collection of ''Halo'' games including ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiplayer, ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' and ''Halo 2''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiplayer, ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> campaign, and ''Halo 4'', was released for the Xbox One on November 11, [[2014]]. ''Halo: Spartan Strike'', a spiritual sequel to ''Halo: Spartan Assault'', was released on April 16, [[2015]], for Windows 8. The second game of the Reclaimer Saga, ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', was released on October 27, 2015, for the Xbox One. | ||
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File:Halo-Logo.png|The official ''Halo'' logo, 1999-2010. | File:Halo-Logo.png|The official ''Halo'' logo, 1999-2010. | ||
File:Halo logo.png|The ''Halo'' logo for ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and related media. | File:Halo logo.png|The ''Halo'' logo for ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and related media. | ||
File:Halo logo (2010-present).png|The ''Halo'' logo | File:Halo logo (2010-present).png|The ''Halo'' logo 2010–present. | ||
File:Halo Generations by Halcylon.jpg|The progression of the original Halo trilogy. | File:Halo Generations by Halcylon.jpg|The progression of the original Halo trilogy. | ||
File:Bungie Haloverse.jpg|An image covering the Halo Universe as developed by [[Bungie Studios]]. | File:Bungie Haloverse.jpg|An image covering the Halo Universe as developed by [[Bungie Studios]]. | ||