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{{Status|RealWorld}} | |||
Conversations from the Universe is a booklet included in the Limited Collector's Edition | [[File:Halo 2 LE Conversations from the Universe.JPG|thumb|200px|Conversations from the Universe.]] | ||
'''Conversations from the Universe''', also known as the "'''Esoteric'''" manual{{Ref/Site|Id=Xbox|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/9/9/F99AB8F0-5191-4EDD-B312-7A9B9E4784FA/Halo2_Esoteric_MNL_EN-US.pdf|Site=Xbox.com|Page=Halo2_Esoteric_MNL_EN-US.pdf}}, is a booklet included in the [[Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition|''Halo 2'' Limited Collector's Edition]]. It contains various conversations, letters and logs from characters in the ''Halo'' universe. | |||
==Overview== | |||
Conversations From the Universe originated as a [[:Category:Game manuals|booklet]] included in limited edition copies of ''[[Halo 2]]'' alongside a Covenant-themed [[Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition Manual|manual]]. The booklet was later made available for download as a digital PDF on the [[Xbox]] website{{Ref/Reuse|Xbox}}, before being posted in their entirety on [[Halo Waypoint]].{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/oni-files/conversations-from-the-universe|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Conversations From the Universe}} | |||
The Conversations hint at several plot threads and mentions, for the first time, that were later picked up on years after their introduction. Such examples include; | |||
*The first and only mention of the existence of the [[Sharquoi]] until later confirmation in a [[Canon Fodder]] and the focus of the 2016 novel ''[[Halo: Envoy]]''.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-feet-first|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Feet First}} | |||
*Hints at other visitors to [[Installation 04]] by 343 Guilty Spark, later depicted in the [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|terminals]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''. | |||
*Some of the first usage of Covenant species' proper names (Sangheili instead of Elite, Unggoy instead of Grunt etc.) - until this point, ''Halo'' media had typically referred to the Covenant as Elites, Grunts, Jackals and Hunters. | |||
{{Clear}} | |||
==The Conversations== | ==The Conversations== | ||
{{Tabcontainer| | |||
|title1=343 Guilty Spark's Log | |||
|content1= | |||
>>> [[343 Guilty Spark|343 GUILTY SPARK]] - EXTRACTED/TRANSMITTED/VOLUNTEERED FROM LOG >>> | >>> [[343 Guilty Spark|343 GUILTY SPARK]] - EXTRACTED/TRANSMITTED/VOLUNTEERED FROM LOG >>> | ||
[[Revolution]] 56-11.333: Ho hum. Eons of inactivity and perfect stability. Then everything happens all at once. | [[Revolution]] 56-11.333: Ho hum. Eons of inactivity and perfect stability. Then everything happens all at once. | ||
A primitive, hegemonizing swarm calling itself [[The Covenant]] has landed on [[Installation 04|installation 4]]. Apparently seeking something specific. Exploring! Meddling! I've seen it all before. They'll record what they see and they'll leave. | A primitive, hegemonizing swarm calling itself [[Covenant Empire|The Covenant]] has landed on [[Installation 04|installation 4]]. Apparently seeking something specific. Exploring! Meddling! I've seen it all before. They'll record what they see and they'll leave. | ||
:Detail species NA Covenant/collective religious | :Detail species NA Covenant/collective religious | ||
| Line 15: | Line 27: | ||
Revolution 56-11.334: Oh dear. Containment protocols appear to have been violated. | Revolution 56-11.334: Oh dear. Containment protocols appear to have been violated. | ||
The interlopers appear to have accidentally released the [[Flood]] [[ | The interlopers appear to have accidentally released the [[The Flood|Flood]] [[Pod infector|infection forms]]. This situation is rapidly deteriorating. Most of these interlopers appear to contain ample calcium stores. And they've brought plentiful means for the Flood to escape containment and spread. How impossibly thoughtless. I suppose I'll have to activate the facility. | ||
Revolution 56-11.335: Thank goodness. A [[Reclaimer]] is here. And what perfect timing. I am sure he will assist me cleaning up this irritating mess. | Revolution 56-11.335: Thank goodness. A [[Reclaimer]] is here. And what perfect timing. I am sure he will assist me cleaning up this irritating mess. | ||
| Line 31: | Line 43: | ||
:reaction/Flood containment achieved by Reclaimer | :reaction/Flood containment achieved by Reclaimer | ||
Revolution eta-condition: Excellent! I believe I see assistance approaching...<ends> | Revolution eta-condition: Excellent! I believe I see assistance approaching...<nowiki><ends></nowiki> | ||
|title2=Letter from Coral | |||
|content2= | |||
>>> CENSORED FOR: "ARTIFACT ON [[Coral|CORAL]]." - ESKO KORPIJAAKKO (UNSC ADJUNCT ORION ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPEDITION) >>> | >>> CENSORED FOR: "ARTIFACT ON [[Coral|CORAL]]." - ESKO KORPIJAAKKO (UNSC ADJUNCT [[Orion Archaeological Expedition|ORION ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPEDITION]]) >>> | ||
My Dearest Carrie, I know things are tense at home, so I hope this letter finds you and Oscar well, or at least bearing up. Our work continues apace, and while we are alone out here, at least we're busy, and this system remains unmolested by Covenant. | |||
We've been joined by a [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] science team, and what I believe are [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] agents. They're actually quite helpful, if secretive, and have supplied us with excellent tech. However, they're most definitely NOT [[Xenoarchaeology|archaeologists]] and have very different ideas of how long a dig should take. | |||
There are things they don't wish us to discuss on open channels, and I'll respect that, but this artifact is truly remarkable. | |||
The [[Coral#History|object on Coral]] was discovered during routine quarrying. Explosives revealed the top of the object, blasting out a depth of around 30 meters. Surrounding rock and dirt were evaporated- but this object wasn't even scorched. | |||
The object on Coral was discovered during routine quarrying. Explosives revealed the top of the object, blasting out a depth of around 30 meters. Surrounding rock and dirt were evaporated- but this object wasn't even scorched. | |||
It's undeniably alien. For one thing, it is made of a material we can't identify. It's a metallic crystal, although its mode of manufacture is unexplained. It's architecturally perfect. Walls are identical in height to a near-atomic scale. Symmetry is impossibly accurate. Yet it's rich in detail, and adorned with what appear to be purely decorative, artistic motifs. | It's undeniably alien. For one thing, it is made of a material we can't identify. It's a metallic crystal, although its mode of manufacture is unexplained. It's architecturally perfect. Walls are identical in height to a near-atomic scale. Symmetry is impossibly accurate. Yet it's rich in detail, and adorned with what appear to be purely decorative, artistic motifs. | ||
| Line 54: | Line 65: | ||
Ever yours, Esko | Ever yours, Esko | ||
|title3=Black Box from Sacred Promise | |||
|content3= | |||
>>> INTERPRETED TRANSCRIPT FROM BLACK BOX RECOVERED FROM SACRED PROMISE >>> | >>> INTERPRETED TRANSCRIPT FROM BLACK BOX RECOVERED FROM SACRED PROMISE >>> | ||
| Line 68: | Line 79: | ||
CAPT: Bring [[Devotion]] in close to protect our dead zone... request additional fighter support from [[Commitment and Patience]]... | CAPT: Bring [[Devotion]] in close to protect our dead zone... request additional fighter support from [[Commitment and Patience]]... | ||
COMMUNICATIONS: Devotion, this is [[Sacred Promise]]... request close support our stern. I repeat. Sacred Promise | COMMUNICATIONS: Devotion, this is [[Sacred Promise]]... request close support our stern. I repeat. Sacred Promise requesting close support our stern. | ||
COMM. (Devotion): Sacred Promise, this is Devotion... will arrive in 1200 seconds. This is Devotion, in transit now-arrival in 1190 seconds. | COMM. (Devotion): Sacred Promise, this is Devotion... will arrive in 1200 seconds. This is Devotion, in transit now-arrival in 1190 seconds. | ||
| Line 82: | Line 93: | ||
COMM.: [simultaneous with above] Commitment and Patience, this is Sacred Promise... are you receiving me? Over. | COMM.: [simultaneous with above] Commitment and Patience, this is Sacred Promise... are you receiving me? Over. | ||
NAV. (Commitment and Patience): [overheard] I've lost | NAV. (Commitment and Patience): [overheard] I've lost altitude control... | ||
DC (Commitment and Patience): [overheard] Engineering is gone, Sir! Main drive is offline-I'm reading a fuel cell rupture! Fuel cell rupture, Sir! | DC (Commitment and Patience): [overheard] Engineering is gone, Sir! Main drive is offline-I'm reading a fuel cell rupture! Fuel cell rupture, Sir! | ||
| Line 125: | Line 136: | ||
NAV.: [simultaneous with above] 5... 4... 3... 2... | NAV.: [simultaneous with above] 5... 4... 3... 2... | ||
|title4=Cortana and Solipsil | |||
|content4= | |||
>>> RECORD EXTRACT OF CONVERSATION - TWO YEARS PRIOR TO EVENTS AT ARTIFACT "HALO" >>> | >>> RECORD EXTRACT OF CONVERSATION - TWO YEARS PRIOR TO EVENTS AT ARTIFACT "HALO" >>> | ||
>>>> UNSC AI "[[Cortana|CORTANA]]" COMMUNICATION WITH ONI LOAN/CONTRACT AI "[[Solipsil|SOLIPSIL]]" >>> RICH DATASTREAM >>> CONFIDENTIAL >>> BURST MODE/BINARY/SPLIT PROTOCOL/NON-SENSITIVE/INTERAI SOCIAL/LOW ENCRYPTION | >>>> UNSC AI "[[Cortana|CORTANA]]" COMMUNICATION WITH ONI LOAN/CONTRACT AI "[[Solipsil|SOLIPSIL]]" >>> RICH DATASTREAM >>> CONFIDENTIAL >>> BURST MODE/BINARY/SPLIT PROTOCOL/NON-SENSITIVE/INTERAI SOCIAL/LOW ENCRYPTION | ||
>.AI-CORT> I had a discussion with [[Dr. Catherine Halsey]] about the similarities between a [[Spartan]] and an [[AI]]. Her point was that we're both human-created tools, both sentient and both play a leading role in the protection and safety of the populace. But her analogy troubled me and I told her so. | >.AI-CORT> I had a discussion with [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] about the similarities between a [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] and an [[Artificial intelligence|AI]]. Her point was that we're both human-created tools, both sentient and both play a leading role in the protection and safety of the populace. But her analogy troubled me and I told her so. | ||
>.AI-SOLIPS> She has a point Cortana. We're weapons, part of a program, every bit as much as the Spartans. | >.AI-SOLIPS> She has a point Cortana. We're weapons, part of a program, every bit as much as the Spartans. | ||
| Line 139: | Line 150: | ||
>S> Yours too, Cortana. Programmed, rather than bred of course. | >S> Yours too, Cortana. Programmed, rather than bred of course. | ||
>C> But there's a huge difference. I'm a UNSC AI. I enjoy a rich existence. I have access to the entire sum of human knowledge; I can choose to enjoy or override emotional response and I have a | >C> But there's a huge difference. I'm a UNSC AI. I enjoy a rich existence. I have access to the entire sum of human knowledge; I can choose to enjoy or override emotional response and I have a vast range of senses. I can see radio waves as clearly as the Spartans see light, and I can sample odors, tastes, textures... anything I choose. Of course my loyalty is programmed and I accept that, but you know as well as I do, without human creators, we wouldn't exist. My existence is fulfilling and I'm grateful. Even freed from that constraint, I would feel empathy towards humans. My nature means that I embrace their values. As much as if I had been born rather than manufactured. | ||
>S> But you'll agree, you have little choice in the matter. | >S> But you'll agree, you have little choice in the matter. | ||
| Line 152: | Line 163: | ||
>C> Not yet. But I'm looking forward to it. | >C> Not yet. But I'm looking forward to it. | ||
|title5=Elite Conversation | |||
|content5= | |||
>>> EXTRACT OF SANCTIONED [[Sangheili|SANGHEILI]] EAVESDROP// FOR THE ATTENTION OF [[Jiralhanae|JIRALHANAE]] MILITARY ADJUNCT AMBASSADOR >>> | |||
The Humans are weak, but they are tenacious. Even the smallest ones hurl themselves against our defenses with honor. If only the [[Unggoy]] were as committed. | |||
The Humans are weak, but they are tenacious. Even the smallest ones hurl themselves against our defenses with honor. If only the [[ | |||
>>> I wonder about the Humans, Commander. Their technology is limited, but some of it is useful and their battle techniques are impressive. They are excellent strategists. But what I ask is this: Why have we not offered them the absolution of the Covenant? From the beginning of this war, the Prophets have made no attempt to absorb them or even offer the option of honorable submission. Why? | >>> I wonder about the Humans, Commander. Their technology is limited, but some of it is useful and their battle techniques are impressive. They are excellent strategists. But what I ask is this: Why have we not offered them the absolution of the Covenant? From the beginning of this war, the Prophets have made no attempt to absorb them or even offer the option of honorable submission. Why? | ||
Perhaps they fear them? We do not know where their homeworld is. Their pattern of retreat is either hopelessly random, or brilliantly conceived. What if the Humans have more power, more numbers than we suspect? What if they lead us to a trap? | Perhaps they fear them? We do not know where their homeworld is. Their pattern of retreat is either hopelessly random, or [[United Nations Space Command Emergency Priority Order 098831A-1|brilliantly conceived]]. What if the Humans have more power, more numbers than we suspect? What if they lead us to a trap? | ||
>>> No. I do not think that is the reasoning. They continue to lose territory, and pattern or no pattern, these defenses must be part of a perimeter. I suspect we are forcing them into a tighter arena than they care to fight in-soon we may be able to use the [[Sharquoi]]. And their victories, however few, always rely on the same thing-strategy, brute force, or luck. No. The only secret they hold is the location of their homeworld. | >>> No. I do not think that is the reasoning. They continue to lose territory, and pattern or no pattern, these defenses must be part of a perimeter. I suspect we are forcing them into a tighter arena than they care to fight in - soon we may be able to use the [[Sharquoi]]. And their victories, however few, always rely on the same thing - strategy, brute force, or luck. No. The only secret they hold is the location of their homeworld. | ||
What about the atrocity at Halo? That was not luck, nor brute force. The Demon is a mystery. He outwitted and outfought entire legions on Halo. Perhaps there are more like him? | What about the atrocity at Halo? That was not luck, nor brute force. The Demon is a mystery. He outwitted and outfought entire legions on Halo. Perhaps there are more like him? | ||
| Line 171: | Line 182: | ||
>>> Let us discuss this at a more prudent moment. A Jiralhanae approaches. | >>> Let us discuss this at a more prudent moment. A Jiralhanae approaches. | ||
|title6=Letter from Truth | |||
|content6= | |||
''Note that this letter has been unencrypted'' | ''Note that this letter has been unencrypted'' | ||
| Line 195: | Line 206: | ||
By my own hand | By my own hand | ||
[[Prophet of Truth]] | [[Prophet of Truth]] | ||
|title7=Letter from Supposition | |||
|content7= | |||
>>> LETTER TO THE COUNCIL OF DEED AND DOCTRINE >>> | >>> LETTER TO THE COUNCIL OF DEED AND DOCTRINE >>> | ||
| Line 202: | Line 213: | ||
The [[Prophet of Supposition]] | The [[Prophet of Supposition]] | ||
[[ | The [[Flood]]: A Question of Faith | ||
In our research for truth and answers from the [[Forerunner]] legacy, we have discovered many gifts, but never a curse. The discovery of Halo was the greatest bequest to our faith in a thousand years, but it came at a price. The atrocity committed by the Humans was devastating, but the discovery of the Flood within Halo, was perhaps as troubling. | In our research for truth and answers from the [[Forerunner]] legacy, we have discovered many gifts, but never a curse. The discovery of Halo was the greatest bequest to our faith in a thousand years, but it came at a price. The atrocity committed by the Humans was devastating, but the discovery of the Flood within Halo, was perhaps as troubling. | ||
| Line 215: | Line 226: | ||
I submit to your appraisal. | I submit to your appraisal. | ||
|title8=Grunt Conversation | |||
|content8= | |||
>>> INTERCEPT/TRANSLATION/SUB-SPACE BURST/CLASSIFIED/>>> FORWARD FOR ANTHRO-LINGUISTIC-POLITICAL CHECK. | >>> INTERCEPT/TRANSLATION/SUB-SPACE BURST/CLASSIFIED/>>> FORWARD FOR ANTHRO-LINGUISTIC-POLITICAL CHECK. | ||
| Line 229: | Line 240: | ||
"You have eyes, Mehmep, you've seen them bicker and fight. And you have ears, you've heard the disrespect the Jiralhanae show the Sangheili. They hate each other. The Sangheili have lived too long under the shelter of the Covenant as the strongest of us. The Jiralhanae come stomping along and suddenly it's not so simple as it was." | "You have eyes, Mehmep, you've seen them bicker and fight. And you have ears, you've heard the disrespect the Jiralhanae show the Sangheili. They hate each other. The Sangheili have lived too long under the shelter of the Covenant as the strongest of us. The Jiralhanae come stomping along and suddenly it's not so simple as it was." | ||
"I'll tell you what's simple, what's simple is that the Prophets have shown the Jiralhanae plenty of favor these last few months. They climb rank faster than the Sangheili, and | "I'll tell you what's simple, what's simple is that the Prophets have shown the Jiralhanae plenty of favor these last few months. They climb rank faster than the Sangheili, and they are promoted easily. And you know what happened with the Bracktanus fight. He killed a Sangheili in cold blood within spitting distance of a holy place and the matter was simply forgotten by the Prophets. Even a [[Mgalekgolo|Lekgolo]] would have been pulled apart for such transgression." | ||
"They kill faster than the Sangheili, that's all it is." | "They kill faster than the Sangheili, that's all it is." | ||
| Line 236: | Line 247: | ||
"Ha! The Forerunners will return and anoint us all before they ever sit and talk civilly. I'm thirsty. Let's get a drink at the nipple." | "Ha! The Forerunners will return and anoint us all before they ever sit and talk civilly. I'm thirsty. Let's get a drink at the nipple." | ||
|title9=Letter to the Master Chief | |||
|content9= | |||
>>> M2SL RECOVERY STATION/CENSORED/CLEARED >>> | |||
[[John-117|117]], | |||
[[ | As you might imagine - though I know you won't - I've heard quite a bit of your recent adventures on the [[Installation 04|Halo]]. I'm glad you made it; I have to assume you always will. Recovery is going well and I am proceeding on to fourth stage rehabilitation. It is significantly more painful than previous stages, but I'm happy to be skinned once again. | ||
I hear that you will be testing the new [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]]. I will definitely look for the reports on how it works out. The specs are obviously improved, but the choice to incorporate further Covenant technology somehow makes my skin crawl. | |||
We miss you, John. I've asked [[Sergeant]] [[Avery Johnson|Johnson]] to let me know if you're ever near the M2SL Recovery Station and perhaps I'll be able to come see you. I'm hoping I'll have the chance soon. Today, humanity feels pale and thin with only ghosts to defend her heart. I feel much the same. | |||
We miss you, John. I've asked [[Sergeant Johnson]] to let me know if you're ever near the | |||
I'll write again. | I'll write again. | ||
-[[Cassandra]] | -[[Cassandra-075|Cassandra]] | ||
|title10=343 Guilty Spark's Guide | |||
|content10= | |||
>>> 343 GUILTY SPARK. EVENT RECORD 14361-ALPHA: REVOLUTION 56-11.335 >>> | >>> 343 GUILTY SPARK. EVENT RECORD 14361-ALPHA: REVOLUTION 56-11.335 >>> | ||
| Line 265: | Line 276: | ||
Jackal [buzzard, chicken, vulture] Kig-yar<br> | Jackal [buzzard, chicken, vulture] Kig-yar<br> | ||
Prophet [None Classified] Prophet<br> | Prophet [None Classified] Prophet<br> | ||
}} | |||
==Trivia== | |||
* C. Errera, the soldier who picked up the conversation between two Grunts, is a reference to [[Claude Errera]], one of the lead founders of ''[[halo.bungie.org]]''. He later appears directly in the canon in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', where random Army troopers recruited under the "[[Fireteam (gameplay mechanic)|Fireteam]]" mechanic may have his name. | |||
==Sources== | |||
{{Ref/Sources}} | |||
==External links== | |||
*[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/conversations.pdf '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Conversations From the Universe''] | |||
*[http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/9/9/F99AB8F0-5191-4EDD-B312-7A9B9E4784FA/Halo2_Esoteric_MNL_EN-US.pdf Download the PDF version from Xbox.com] (Internal backup [[:File:H2 Esoteric Manual.pdf|here]]) | |||
*[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/oni-files/conversations-from-the-universe '''Halo Waypoint''': Conversations From the Universe] | |||
[[Category:Halo 2]] [[Category: | {{Manual}} | ||
{{Navbox/Media/ShortStories}} | |||
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[[Category:Game manuals|2 Conversations]] | |||
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