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{{Era|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Newcontent}}
{{Character infobox
{{Character infobox
|variant=Human
|variant=Human
|name=Fernando Esparza
|name=Fernando Esparza
|image=[[File:HINF Pilot Render.png|225px]]
|image=[[File:HINF Pilot Render.png|225px]]
|homeworld=
|homeworld=[[Charybdis IX]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=91}}
|birth=
|birth=[[2518#May|May 7, 2518]]{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|death=
|death=
|causeofdeath=
|causeofdeath=
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|spouses=
|spouses=
|children=
|children=
|species=[[Human]]{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
|species=[[Human]]{{Ref/Quest|Id=wg|HI|Ringfall|Warship Gbraakon}}
|gender=Male{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
|gender=Male{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
|height=
|height={{Convert|180.3|cm|ftin|dis=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|mass=
|mass={{Convert|86.2|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|hair=Brown{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
|hair=Dark brown{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
|eyes=Brown{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
|eyes=Brown{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|rank=
|rank=Civilian contractor{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|sn=
|sn=CC-434323{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|notable=
|notable=
}}
}}
{{Quote|This is UNSC Pelican ''Echo 216''. Can you hear me?|Fernando Esparza tries to hail a friendly signal.}}{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
{{Quote|no=four|1=Fernando Esparza|q1=I'm not you. I'm not a pilot. I'm not even a soldier, a marine! I'm a fraud. I stole that Pelican. I stole it! You know why? Of course you don't. Have you ever been scared? So scared that you... I'm worthless. You should leave me here with the rest of the garbage.|2=John-117|q2=We all fail. We all make mistakes. It's what makes us human.|3=Fernando Esparza|q3=I'm sorry, Chief. But how have you ever failed?|4=John-117|q4=I should have protected Cortana. Stopped everything from going wrong. I failed her. I will not fail you.|5=Fernando Esparza's anguished outburst being met with John-117 revealing his failures.{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}}}
'''Fernando Esparza''' was a civilian contractor who worked in engineering on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. During the attack on the ''Infinity'' by [[Banished]] forces, Esparza fled for [[Pelican]] [[Echo 216]], commandeering the craft and becoming stranded after the conflict. In [[2560#May|May 2560]] he had a chance encounter with [[Spartan-II]] [[John-117]] after being stranded in the [[dropship]] for 6 months around the shattered remains of the [[Halo Array|Halo]] [[Installation 07|ring]].<ref name="DH">''[[Discover Hope]]''</ref> He brought the Master Chief aboard the craft shortly before it came under attack. The two became inseparable as they both needed each other, albeit for different reasons.
'''Fernando Esparza''' is a [[civilian]] contractor who worked in engineering on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}{{Ref/Quest|Id=sequence|HI|Reformation|The Sequence}}


==Biography==
==Biography==
{{Quote|We lost. Lost everything. There's nothing left for us here. I don't even know where here is.| Esparza lets the Chief know about their present situation.}}{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
===Early life===
At some point in early [[2560]] Esparza was asleep in the cockpit of [[Echo 216|his]] [[Pelican]] around [[Installation 07]] when a shaking of the craft and repeated warnings suddenly woke him.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}} Pressure was building in multiple lines but he managed to initiate a protocol which caused the warnings to cease. Just then, however, a piece of debris impacted ''[[Echo 216]]'s'' rear, creating a breach. Esparza rushed to seal it and was successful in doing so, but in the process, he slipped and fell from the box he had been standing on to reach it. When he hit the floor a recording device came out of his pocket and rolled away. This device—containing a recorded message from his wife and daughter—was a small comfort to him over the weeks which followed, during which time he remained stranded in the Pelican near the damaged ring.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
Fernando Esparza was born on [[Charybdis IX]] on [[2518#May|May 7, 2518]].{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} He has a wife and a young daughter.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}{{Ref/Note|Despite their prominent appearances in ''[[Discover Hope]]'' and the opening cinematic of the retail version of ''Halo Infinite'', the mother and daughter in Esparza's Holorecorder were not mentioned by Esparza when the Weapon asked him whether he had any family or close ones in the level [[The Sequence]]. Based on his response (''"No... not anymore."''), it is possible they were killed at some point before May 2560.}}


Eventually, after repeated viewings of the same message his recording device lost power.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}} It was almost immediately after this, however, that ''Echo 216'' alerted him to the presence of a signal with a [[Identification friend or foe|friendly]] designation. He raced to the cockpit and hailed the signal, but before he could identify himself twice he wiped away frost on the cockpit window to reveal an armored [[Spartan]] floating nearby: [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]]. Bringing the hulking warrior aboard revealed that [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|his armor]]'s survival mode had been triggered. To override it, Esparza rerouted what little power remained to ''Echo 216'' into the armor, and was thrilled when parts of the Pelican's interior which had gone dark from a lack of energy suddenly flared to life thanks to the suit's [[fusion reactor]] recharging the Pelican's depleted batteries. Esparza enthusiastically welcomed the Chief back after seeing that he'd reawakened. He also noticed that something appeared to be wrong with the [[Wikipedia:Servomechanism|servos]] the man's gauntleted hands, but before he could locate a tool to check his armor's diagnostics John approached him and asked for a status report. This caught Esparza off guard, but he then realized the Chief may not know about what had happened to the nearby ring and so turned his attention to the cockpit. As the Spartan laid eyes on what remained of it he explained that they had lost everything here—though he added that he didn't even know where "here" was. Then, without warning, ''Echo 216'' was hit by something which generated electrical discharges within it and enveloped it in bright light. Esparza panicked at this and signaled to the Chief that he had witnessed this sort of attack before. He advised that they needed to flee, but John disagreed, instead stating that they needed to fight. At that point, Esparza sealed himself within the cockpit while the Spartan took up a position in the troop bay. The Chief told him to get ready right before Esparza opened the rear hatch so he could go on the offensive.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
===Battle for Zeta Halo===
{{Main|Battle for Zeta Halo}}
{{Quote|How long has it been since I met you? Six hours? Maybe seven. It's been... eventful. Six months on my own, surviving... barely. Seems like a dream now. This on the other hand... mostly feels like a nightmare. Mostly.|Esparza to John-117 during .{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}}}}
On [[2559#December|December 12, 2559]], Esparza was onboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} when it was [[Battle over Installation 07|ambushed]] by [[Banished]] forces upon arrival at [[Installation 07]].{{Ref/Game|Id=ia4|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Infinity's Approach 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Infinity's Approach #04 - Arrival}} Upon hearing that Master Chief [[John-117]] was defeated, Esparza fled for [[Pelican]] ''[[Echo 216]]'',{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}} commandeering the craft and becoming stranded.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}{{Ref/Quest|Id=pdown|HI|Graveyards|[[Pelican Down (Halo Infinite level)|Pelican Down]]}} After being stranded in the [[dropship]] for six months, in [[2560#May|May 2560]],{{Ref/Generic|Id=Premiere|[[Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere]]}} he came across John-117 around the shattered remains of the [[Halo Array|Halo]] [[Installation 07|ring]]; the Spartan's armor triggered survival mode. Esparza brought John-117 onboard ''Echo 216'' and rerouted the Pelican's power to the Spartan's armor, awakening the Chief. Their introduction was brief, with Esparza revealing to the Master Chief that it's been nearly six months since the initial battle with the Banished over the ring. Then, without warning, ''Echo 216'' was hit by the ''[[Ghost of Gbraakon]]''{{'}}s stasis beam; Esparza began to panic, but the Chief resolved to fight, leaving the Pelican to infiltrate the warship. While Esparza recharged the Pelican's batteries, the Chief made his way to the dreadnought's bridge to shut down its stasis beam. However, the system was locked down, so the Spartan opted to scuttle the ship instead. Chief and ''Echo 216'' narrowly escaped the dreadnought's destruction; Esparza piloted the dropship to pickup the Spartan shortly afterwards.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}}


On May 28, Esparza found himself flying ''Echo 216'' through a series of newly-created gorges—thanks to the breakup of the ring—whilst being fired at by [[Banished anti-aircraft cannon|anti-aircraft cannon]]s constructed by the [[Banished]]. The Pelican took at least a hit each from two of cannons, forcing Esparza to make an emergency landing in a shallow stream. The final impact which stopped the dropship's forward momentum made knocked Esparza briefly unconscious, but when he came to panic and disbelief seized him immediately. The Master Chief attempted to calm him but with little success, instead being berated by Esparza for putting them both in their present predicament. The Spartan decided he needed to eliminate the cannons, of which he'd counted three, and instructed Esparza to remain put with the Pelican until he returned. Doubtful that he would be safe on his own, Esparza protested this. Before hitting the ground he'd spotted a number of [[Condor]]s and was determined to check whether any of them retained a working [[slipspace drive]] which they could use to flee the system. The Master Chief agreed to help him with such a search, but only after he'd first dealt with the cannons.
Esparza then reluctantly followed John-117's instruction to bring the Pelican to the subterranean section at the damaged portion of the ring. There, the Chief jumped out, in search of a UNSC signal.{{Ref/Quest|Id=foundation|HI|Ringfall|[[Foundation (Halo Infinite)|Foundation]]}} The Spartan eventually emerged from the ring's surface, clearing out the garrison and landing pad at [[Outpost Tremonius (location)|Outpost Tremonius]] for ''Echo 216'' to land. Initially, Esparza was ecstatic to be on the ground, but was terrified when he was introduced to [[the Weapon]]—the source of the UNSC signal—who he mistook as [[Cortana]]. After John-117 clarified that Cortana was no longer a threat, to Esparza's dismay, the Weapon directed the two to another UNSC signal coming from [[Tower|a nearby Banished outpost]].{{Ref/Quest|HI|Ringfall|Outpost Tremonius}} Esparza piloted ''Echo 216'' to its vicinity, where John-117 launched a one-man assault on the outpost.{{Ref/Quest|HI|Lockdown|Recovery}}{{Ref/Quest|HI|Lockdown|The Tower}} The Chief was then led to [[Site Novem|a Banished excavation site]] into the [[Conservatory (location)|Conservatory]], leaving Esparza waiting onboard ''Echo 216''.{{Ref/Quest|HI|Connections|Excavation Site}}{{Ref/Quest|HI|Connections|Conservatory}} Esparza flew ''Echo 216'' to extract the Chief when his mission led him to the destruction of a [[Reformation Spire]]; the Spartan jumped out of the collapsing Spire, forcing Esparza to bring the Pelican to a nosedive to catch the Chief in the Pelican's troop bay.{{Ref/Quest|Id=spire|HI|Connections|[[Spire (Halo Infinite level)|Spire]]}}


Later, while attempting to pick up the Chief and [[The Weapon]], Esparza was kidnapped by [[Blademaster]] [[Jega 'Rdomnai]] and taken to the [[House of Reckoning]], where he was tortured by [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]] in order to lure the Master Chief into a final confrontation. The Master Chief managed to kill both 'Rdomnai and Escharum and save Esparza. When the Chief showed respect to the fallen Escharum, Esparza was shocked and called Escharum a "monster". The Chief replied that in the end, Escharum was a soldier.  
While ''Echo 216'' made its way to the next objective, it was shot several times by [[Kywasky Workshop Gorespike cannon|anti-aircraft cannon]]s, forcing Esparza to make an emergency landing in a shallow stream. The final impact which stopped the dropship's forward momentum knocked Esparza briefly unconscious, but when he came to panic and disbelief seized him immediately. John-117 attempted to calm him but with little success; instead, he was berated by Esparza for putting them both in their present predicament. The Spartan decided he needed to eliminate the cannons, of which he'd counted three, and instructed Esparza to remain put with the Pelican until he returned. Doubtful that he would be safe on his own, Esparza protested this. Before hitting the ground he'd spotted a number of [[Condor]]s and was determined to check whether any of them retained a working [[slipspace drive]] which they could use to flee the system. John-117 agreed to help him with such a search, but only after he'd first dealt with the cannons. Esparza waited at the Pelican as he was instructed, until all three cannons were taken offline. He set out on his own to search the remains of the three Condors, but was distraught to find none had an intact slipspace drive. With the [[Hand of Atriox]] deployed nearby, Esparza hidden underneath a Condor's floor hatch until the Spartan defeated the Spartan Killers and rescued Esparza. Esparza broke down, revealing he had stolen ''Echo 216'', and called himself worthless in comparison to the fearless Master Chief. The Chief, in turn, revealed he also has made mistakes, citing his failure to protect Cortana and preventing her turn to being the [[Created]]'s [[Archon|leader]]. The Chief declared he would not fail Esparza, leaving the latter resolved to support the Spartan.{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}


Esparza later picked up the Chief and the Weapon following the defeat of [[the Harbinger]]. He expressed relief upon seeing them, thinking that they'd been lost in the three days they'd been missing. Prompted by the Weapon, Esparza, who'd only been known as Echo-216 until then, revealed his real name. The trio flew off in their Pelican, ready to take on the remainder of the Banished on the ring. {{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes}}
Esparza then piloted ''Echo 216'' to the Command Spire, dropping off John-117 to access its interior.{{Ref/Reuse|sequence}} Later, while attempting to pick up the Chief and the Weapon, Esparza was kidnapped by [[Blademaster]] [[Jega 'Rdomnai]] and taken to the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]],{{Ref/Quest|Id=commandspire|HI|Reformation|The Command Spire}} where he was tortured by [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]] in order to lure John-117 into a final confrontation.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}{{Ref/Quest|Id=repository|HI|Reckoning|Repository}} John-117 stormed the stronghold, defeating both 'Rdomnai and Escharum, thereby rescuing Esparza. Esparza was shocked when John-117 showed respect to the fallen Escharum, who he called a monster. John-117 replied that, in the end, Escharum was just a soldier who had died hoping that he had done the right thing.{{Ref/Quest|Id=hor|HI|Reckoning|House of Reckoning}} They retrieve ''Echo 216'', which Esparza flew to the [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]] to drop off the Chief to confront the [[Harbinger]].{{Ref/Quest|Id=sa|HI|Endless|Silent Auditorium}}
 
Esparza later picked up the Chief and the Weapon three days after the defeat of The [[Harbinger]]. He expressed relief upon seeing them, thinking that they'd been killed, and greeted the Chief with a hug. Prompted by the Weapon, Esparza, who had only been known as ''Echo 216'' until then, revealed his real name to the pair. The trio then flew off in their Pelican, ready to defeat the remainder of the Banished on the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|sa}}


==Personality and traits==
==Personality and traits==
{{Quote|I'll be safe? Safe?! I haven't been "safe" since I found you! I found you, remember? You were out there on your own and you'd still be out there if it wasn't for me! I thought I was going home!|Esparza frustrated with Chief after their Pelican was shot down by anti-air cannons.}}{{Ref/YouTube|HZtc5-syeAk|HALO|Halo Infinite <nowiki>|</nowiki> Campaign Gameplay Premiere – 8 Minute Demo|D=23|M=7|Y=2020}}
{{Quote|I'll be safe? Safe?! I haven't been "safe" since I found you! I found you, remember? You were out there on your own and you'd still be out there if it wasn't for me! I thought I was going home!|Esparza frustrated with the Master Chief after their Pelican was shot down by anti-air cannons.}}
Esparza cares deeply for his wife and daughter, both of whom he missed terribly during the prolonged period of isolation he experienced aboard his Pelican.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}{{Ref/Reuse|WHI19SGB}} Even then, at the lowest point in his life, he demonstrated extraordinary resilience.{{Ref/Reuse|WDH}} Despite being out of food and water, and being cold, isolated, over-exerted, and trapped, he did not give up.{{Ref/Reuse|DCHIDH}} When he eventually discovered the Master Chief, he felt relief and triumph.{{Ref/Reuse|DCHIDH}}
Esparza is an emotive person, often showing his excitement,{{Ref/Site|Id=WHI19SGB|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/29568daf8cd14083bd1b70a810bf3581/topics/halo-infinite-2019---screenshots-gifs-banners/04726fbf-c484-42da-a99e-7b4e2e3b8790/posts|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo Infinite 2019 - Screenshots, GIFs, Banners!|D=30|M=10|Y=2019}} despair,{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}} and frustrations.{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}} Esparza cares deeply for his wife and daughter, both of whom he missed terribly during the prolonged period of isolation he experienced aboard his Pelican. Even then, at the lowest point in his life, he demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Despite being out of food and water, and being cold, isolated, over-exerted, and trapped, he did not give up. When he eventually discovered the Master Chief, he felt relief and triumph.{{Ref/Reuse|wg}} His patience is not unwavering, however. He can be seen snapping at the Master Chief multiple times, irritated that his and the Spartan's motivations do not align.{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}}{{Ref/Reuse|pdown}}
 
His patience is not unwavering, however. He can be seen snapping at The Chief multiple times, irritated that his and the Spartan's motivations do not align.
 
[[File:Nic.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Nicolas Roye.{{Ref/Reuse|DCHIDH}}]]


==Production notes==
==Production notes==
{{Quote|We're not talking a lot about the pilot at E3 this year. But he is a new character to the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' universe]] and we're really taking our time to introduce the pilot and bring him in for players in a really careful way; where you get to learn about the pilot and emotionally connect with him throughout [[Discover Hope|this piece]]. You'll be seeing the pilot more in ''Halo Infinite''.|343 Industries studio head [[Chris Lee]] speaks to the pilot's introduction.}}<ref name="343UE3HIT">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jye1-0zh41E '''YouTube''' - ''343 Unpacks E3 2019 Halo Infinite Trailer'']</ref>
[[File:Nic.jpg|thumb|300px|Nicolas Roye performing motion capture for Esparza.{{Ref/Reuse|DCHIDH}}]]
Details of this pilot's character design, such as the [[UNSC]] logo on his flight suit, are meant to showcase the art direction pursued for ''Halo Infinite''—one that draws significant inspiration from the most iconic and historic parts of the ''[[Halo (disambiguation)|Halo]]'' franchise.{{Ref/Reuse|WDH}}<ref name="WOJB">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/our-journey-begins '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Our Journey Begins'']</ref> ''Echo 216'' and her pilot were first introduced in the [[2019]] [[E3|Electronic Entertainment Expo]] trailer for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', dubbed "''[[Discover Hope]]''".{{Ref/Reuse|DH}} According to [[343 Industries]], the pilot will be an important character within that game.<ref name="WDH">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/discover-hope '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Discover Hope'']</ref> In ''Discover Hope'', his resuscitation of [[John-117]] and the life and courage the Chief then brings him were meant to speak to the theme of rebirth.<ref name="DCHIDH">[http://danchosich.com/halo-infinite-discover-hope '''Dan Chosich''' - ''Halo Infinite: Discover Hope'']</ref> Both [[MEGA Brands Halo Toys|Mega Construx]] and [[Wicked Cool Toys]] have produced representations of the character that will become available for purchase.<ref name="GR">[https://gamerant.com/halo-infinite-classic-armor-villains-toys/ '''Game Rant''' - ''Halo Infinite Toys Confirm Classic Armor and New Villains'']</ref><ref name="MC">[https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-us/community/gallery/sneak-peek-halo-pelican-pilot '''Mega Construx''' - ''Sneak Peek: Halo Pelican Pilot'']</ref> Wicked Cool Toys' figure will come armed with a [[BR75 battle rifle]] and an earthen base to stand on.{{Ref/Reuse|GR}}
{{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes}}
 
{{Quote|We're not talking a lot about the pilot at E3 this year. But he is a new character to the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' universe]] and we're really taking our time to introduce the pilot and bring him in for players in a really careful way; where you get to learn about the pilot and emotionally connect with him throughout [[Discover Hope|this piece]]. You'll be seeing the pilot more in ''Halo Infinite''.|343 Industries studio head [[Chris Lee]] speaks to the pilot's introduction.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=343UE3HIT|Jye1-0zh41E|Xbox|343 Unpacks E3 2019 Halo Infinite Trailer}}}}
He will be voiced by Nicolas Roye, and the character was named by Roye himself, after his two best friends from childhood.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/halo-infinite-villain-and-story-details-revealed '''IGN''' - ''Halo Infinite Villain and Story Details Revealed'']</ref>
*Esparza is voiced and performance-captured by Nicolas Roye, and the character was named by Roye himself, after his two best friends from childhood.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.ign.com/articles/halo-infinite-villain-and-story-details-revealed|Site=IGN|Page=Halo Infinite Villain and Story Details Revealed|D=10|M=12|Y=2023}}
*Details of Esparza 's character design, such as the [[UNSC]] logo on his flight suit, are meant to showcase the art direction pursued for ''Halo Infinite''—one that draws significant inspiration from the most iconic and historic parts of the ''[[Halo (disambiguation)|Halo]]'' franchise.{{Ref/Site|Id=WOJB|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/our-journey-begins|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Our Journey Begins|D=18|M=06|Y=2018}} ''Echo 216'' and her pilot were first introduced in the [[2019]] [[E3|Electronic Entertainment Expo]] trailer for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', dubbed "''[[Discover Hope]]''". His resuscitation of [[John-117]] and the life and courage the Chief then brings him were meant to speak to the theme of rebirth.{{Ref/Site|Id=DCHIDH|URL=http://danchosich.com/halo-infinite-discover-hope|Site=Dan Chosich|Page=Halo Infinite: Discover Hope|D=07|M=11|Y=2020}}
*Both [[MEGA Brands Halo Toys|Mega Construx]] and [[Wicked Cool Toys]] have produced representations of the character that are available for purchase.{{Ref/Site|Id=MC|URL=https://gamerant.com/halo-infinite-classic-armor-villains-toys/|Site=Game Rant|Page=Halo Infinite Toys Confirm Classic Armor and New Villains|D=02|M=03|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Site|Id=GR|URL=https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-us/community/gallery/sneak-peek-halo-pelican-pilot|Site=Mega Construx|Page=Sneak Peek: Halo Pelican Pilot|D=18|M=05|Y=2020}} Wicked Cool Toys' figure comes armed with a [[CQS48 Bulldog]] and an earthen base to stand on.{{Ref/Reuse|GR}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Concept art===
===Concept art===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HI Pilot Concept 1.png
File:HINF-Fernandoconcepts.jpg|Various concepts of Fernando Esparza for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HI_Pilot_Concept_2.png|Concept art created for ''Discover Hope''.{{Ref/Reuse|DCHIDH}}
File:HINF FernandoConcepts.jpg|More concepts of Fernando by Theo Stylianides.
File:HI_DiscoverHope_Storyboard_1.png|Part of a [[wikipedia:Storyboard|storyboard]] made for ''Discover Hope''.{{Ref/Reuse|DCHIDH}}
File:HINF FernandoGearConcepts.jpg|Concept art exploration of Fernando's face and gear.
File:HI DH FoundHope Concept.jpg|This piece of concept art shows the planned moment in which the pilot first sees the Master Chief.<ref name="WHI19SGB">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/29568daf8cd14083bd1b70a810bf3581/topics/halo-infinite-2019---screenshots-gifs-banners/04726fbf-c484-42da-a99e-7b4e2e3b8790/posts '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo Infinite 2019 - Screenshots, GIFs, Banners!'']</ref>
File:HINF Concept FernandoFaces.png|Concept art of Fernando's face and hair styles.
File:HINF FernandoFaceConcepts.jpg|More concept art of Fernando's face and hair styles.
File:HI Pilot Concept 1.png|Concept art of Fernando by Devid Heidhoff.
File:HINF-Fernandoconcepts1.jpg|More concept art.
File:HINF-Fernandoconcepts2.jpg|Even more concept art.
File:HI_Pilot_Concept_2.png|Concept art created for ''[[Discover Hope]]''.
File:HI_DiscoverHope_Storyboard_1.png|Part of a [[wikipedia:Storyboard|storyboard]] made for ''Discover Hope''.
File:HI DH FoundHope Concept.jpg|Concept art depicting Fernando's discovery of John-117.
File:HINF Concept Pilot on Pelican Wing.jpg|Concept art of Fernando on the surface of Installation 07.
</gallery>
</gallery>
===Pre-release images===
 
===Prerelease===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:DH Pilotasleep.png|''Echo 216''{{'}}s pilot slumbers in the Pelican's cockpit.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:DH Pilotasleep.png|Fernando Esparza sleeping in his Pelican's cockpit.
File:Halo Infinite E319 The Desire For Connection.jpg|The pilot watches a recording of his wife.{{Ref/Reuse|WHI19SGB}}
File:Halo Infinite E319 The Desire For Connection.jpg|Fernando watches a recording of his wife.
File:HI DH1.png|The voices of the pilot's wife and daughter bring him comfort.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:HI DH1.png|The voices of Fernando's wife and daughter bring him comfort.
File:Halo Infinite E319 A Human Story.jpg|The pilot mourns his solitude and separation from his family.{{Ref/Reuse|WHI19SGB}}
File:Halo Infinite E319 A Human Story.jpg|Fernando mourns his solitude and separation from his family.
File:HI Brohammer.PNG|The pilot is alerted to a friendly signal.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:HI Brohammer.PNG|Fernando is alerted to a friendly signal.
File:Halo Infinite E319 Legendary Cargo.jpg|The pilot prepares to reroute power to John-117's [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|armor]].{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:Halo Infinite E319 Legendary Cargo.jpg|Fernando prepares to reroute power to John-117's [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|armor]].
File:HINF John117 PoweredDown.png|The pilot looks over John-117.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:HINF John117 PoweredDown.png|Fernando looks over John-117.
File:HI_DH_FirstPerson.png|The pilot responds enthusiastically to reawakening the Chief.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:HI_DH_FirstPerson.png|Fernando responds enthusiastically to reawakening the Chief.
File:HI E319 Pilot_FPView.jpg|[[John-117]] is greeted by ''Echo 216''{{'}}s pilot.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:HI E319 Pilot_FPView.jpg|[[John-117]] is greeted by Fernando.
File:HI DH3.jpg|The pilot tries to halt John.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:HI DH3.jpg|Fernando tries to halt John.
File:Halo Infinite E319 Go Forth.jpg|John-117 and ''Echo 216''{{'}}s pilot both have their attention drawn by something.{{Ref/Reuse|WHI19SGB}}
File:Halo Infinite E319 Go Forth.jpg|John-117 and Fernando both have their attention drawn by something.
File:HI DH2.png|''Echo 216'' comes under attack.{{Ref/Reuse|DH}}
File:HI DH2.png|''Echo 216'' comes under attack.
File:HINF_PilotLookingatWreckage.png|The pilot stands looking over wreckage of UNSC origin.
File:HINF_PilotLookingatWreckage.png|Fernando stands looking over a Condor wreckage.
File:HINF_XGS2020_Pilot_Kneeling.png|The pilot falls to his knees at the sight of a UNSC wreckage site.
File:HINF_XGS2020_Pilot_Kneeling.png|Fernando falls to his knees in the midst of UNSC wreckage.
</gallery>
===Halo Infinite===
<gallery>
File:HINF PilotCable 1.png|Esparza prepares to restore power to John-117's armor.
File:HINF PilotCable 2.png|Esparza reacts in joy seeing Chief's armor reactivated.
File:HINF Warship G diagnostic test.png|Esparza runs a diagnostic test on the Chief's suit.
File:HINF Outpost Tremonius Esparza meets Weapon.png|Esparza surprised to see the Weapon.
File:HINF Pilot&Weapon.png|Esparza meeting the Weapon.
File:HINF Fernando John.png|John-117 and Esparza conversing.
File:HINF-Finale.jpg|Fernando smiles after finding John and the Weapon again.
File:HINF Chibi Pilot Emblem.png|A multiplayer emblem of Fernando.
File:HINF-ChiefBirthday.jpg|Fernando and UNSC Marines celebrating John-117's birthday in a promotional image.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 85: Line 108:
</gallery>
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Discover Hope]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Category:UNSC personnel]]
 
[[Category:Human characters]]
[[Category:Human civilians]]

Latest revision as of 19:26, June 2, 2024

Fernando Esparza
A render of Echo 216's pilot
Biographical information

Homeworld:

Charybdis IX[1]

Born:

May 7, 2518[1]

Personal details

Species:

Human[2]

Gender:

Male[2]

Height:

180.3 centimeters (5 ft 11.0 in)[1]

Weight:

86.2 kilograms (190 lb)[1]

Hair color:

Dark brown[2]

Eye color:

Brown[2]

Political and military information

Affiliation:

United Nations Space Command[1]

Rank:

Civilian contractor[1]

Service number:

CC-434323[1]

 

Fernando Esparza: "I'm not you. I'm not a pilot. I'm not even a soldier, a marine! I'm a fraud. I stole that Pelican. I stole it! You know why? Of course you don't. Have you ever been scared? So scared that you... I'm worthless. You should leave me here with the rest of the garbage."
John-117: "We all fail. We all make mistakes. It's what makes us human."
Fernando Esparza: "I'm sorry, Chief. But how have you ever failed?"
John-117: "I should have protected Cortana. Stopped everything from going wrong. I failed her. I will not fail you."
— Fernando Esparza's anguished outburst being met with John-117 revealing his failures.[3]

Fernando Esparza is a civilian contractor who worked in engineering on the UNSC Infinity.[1][4]

Biography[edit]

Early life[edit]

Fernando Esparza was born on Charybdis IX on May 7, 2518.[1] He has a wife and a young daughter.[2][Note 1]

Battle for Zeta Halo[edit]

Main article: Battle for Zeta Halo

"How long has it been since I met you? Six hours? Maybe seven. It's been... eventful. Six months on my own, surviving... barely. Seems like a dream now. This on the other hand... mostly feels like a nightmare. Mostly."
— Esparza to John-117 during .[4]

On December 12, 2559, Esparza was onboard UNSC Infinity when it was ambushed by Banished forces upon arrival at Installation 07.[5] Upon hearing that Master Chief John-117 was defeated, Esparza fled for Pelican Echo 216,[4] commandeering the craft and becoming stranded.[1][3] After being stranded in the dropship for six months, in May 2560,[6] he came across John-117 around the shattered remains of the Halo ring; the Spartan's armor triggered survival mode. Esparza brought John-117 onboard Echo 216 and rerouted the Pelican's power to the Spartan's armor, awakening the Chief. Their introduction was brief, with Esparza revealing to the Master Chief that it's been nearly six months since the initial battle with the Banished over the ring. Then, without warning, Echo 216 was hit by the Ghost of Gbraakon's stasis beam; Esparza began to panic, but the Chief resolved to fight, leaving the Pelican to infiltrate the warship. While Esparza recharged the Pelican's batteries, the Chief made his way to the dreadnought's bridge to shut down its stasis beam. However, the system was locked down, so the Spartan opted to scuttle the ship instead. Chief and Echo 216 narrowly escaped the dreadnought's destruction; Esparza piloted the dropship to pickup the Spartan shortly afterwards.[2]

Esparza then reluctantly followed John-117's instruction to bring the Pelican to the subterranean section at the damaged portion of the ring. There, the Chief jumped out, in search of a UNSC signal.[7] The Spartan eventually emerged from the ring's surface, clearing out the garrison and landing pad at Outpost Tremonius for Echo 216 to land. Initially, Esparza was ecstatic to be on the ground, but was terrified when he was introduced to the Weapon—the source of the UNSC signal—who he mistook as Cortana. After John-117 clarified that Cortana was no longer a threat, to Esparza's dismay, the Weapon directed the two to another UNSC signal coming from a nearby Banished outpost.[8] Esparza piloted Echo 216 to its vicinity, where John-117 launched a one-man assault on the outpost.[9][10] The Chief was then led to a Banished excavation site into the Conservatory, leaving Esparza waiting onboard Echo 216.[11][12] Esparza flew Echo 216 to extract the Chief when his mission led him to the destruction of a Reformation Spire; the Spartan jumped out of the collapsing Spire, forcing Esparza to bring the Pelican to a nosedive to catch the Chief in the Pelican's troop bay.[13]

While Echo 216 made its way to the next objective, it was shot several times by anti-aircraft cannons, forcing Esparza to make an emergency landing in a shallow stream. The final impact which stopped the dropship's forward momentum knocked Esparza briefly unconscious, but when he came to panic and disbelief seized him immediately. John-117 attempted to calm him but with little success; instead, he was berated by Esparza for putting them both in their present predicament. The Spartan decided he needed to eliminate the cannons, of which he'd counted three, and instructed Esparza to remain put with the Pelican until he returned. Doubtful that he would be safe on his own, Esparza protested this. Before hitting the ground he'd spotted a number of Condors and was determined to check whether any of them retained a working slipspace drive which they could use to flee the system. John-117 agreed to help him with such a search, but only after he'd first dealt with the cannons. Esparza waited at the Pelican as he was instructed, until all three cannons were taken offline. He set out on his own to search the remains of the three Condors, but was distraught to find none had an intact slipspace drive. With the Hand of Atriox deployed nearby, Esparza hidden underneath a Condor's floor hatch until the Spartan defeated the Spartan Killers and rescued Esparza. Esparza broke down, revealing he had stolen Echo 216, and called himself worthless in comparison to the fearless Master Chief. The Chief, in turn, revealed he also has made mistakes, citing his failure to protect Cortana and preventing her turn to being the Created's leader. The Chief declared he would not fail Esparza, leaving the latter resolved to support the Spartan.[3]

Esparza then piloted Echo 216 to the Command Spire, dropping off John-117 to access its interior.[4] Later, while attempting to pick up the Chief and the Weapon, Esparza was kidnapped by Blademaster Jega 'Rdomnai and taken to the House of Reckoning,[14] where he was tortured by War Chief Escharum in order to lure John-117 into a final confrontation.[1][15] John-117 stormed the stronghold, defeating both 'Rdomnai and Escharum, thereby rescuing Esparza. Esparza was shocked when John-117 showed respect to the fallen Escharum, who he called a monster. John-117 replied that, in the end, Escharum was just a soldier who had died hoping that he had done the right thing.[16] They retrieve Echo 216, which Esparza flew to the Silent Auditorium to drop off the Chief to confront the Harbinger.[17]

Esparza later picked up the Chief and the Weapon three days after the defeat of The Harbinger. He expressed relief upon seeing them, thinking that they'd been killed, and greeted the Chief with a hug. Prompted by the Weapon, Esparza, who had only been known as Echo 216 until then, revealed his real name to the pair. The trio then flew off in their Pelican, ready to defeat the remainder of the Banished on the ring.[17]

Personality and traits[edit]

"I'll be safe? Safe?! I haven't been "safe" since I found you! I found you, remember? You were out there on your own and you'd still be out there if it wasn't for me! I thought I was going home!"
— Esparza frustrated with the Master Chief after their Pelican was shot down by anti-air cannons.

Esparza is an emotive person, often showing his excitement,[18] despair,[3] and frustrations.[7] Esparza cares deeply for his wife and daughter, both of whom he missed terribly during the prolonged period of isolation he experienced aboard his Pelican. Even then, at the lowest point in his life, he demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Despite being out of food and water, and being cold, isolated, over-exerted, and trapped, he did not give up. When he eventually discovered the Master Chief, he felt relief and triumph.[2] His patience is not unwavering, however. He can be seen snapping at the Master Chief multiple times, irritated that his and the Spartan's motivations do not align.[7][3]

Production notes[edit]

Nicolas Roye performing motion capture for Esparza.[19]
Graphic Halo.png Check out our collection of quotes related to Fernando Esparza on its quotes page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

"We're not talking a lot about the pilot at E3 this year. But he is a new character to the Halo universe and we're really taking our time to introduce the pilot and bring him in for players in a really careful way; where you get to learn about the pilot and emotionally connect with him throughout this piece. You'll be seeing the pilot more in Halo Infinite."
— 343 Industries studio head Chris Lee speaks to the pilot's introduction.[20]
  • Esparza is voiced and performance-captured by Nicolas Roye, and the character was named by Roye himself, after his two best friends from childhood.[21]
  • Details of Esparza 's character design, such as the UNSC logo on his flight suit, are meant to showcase the art direction pursued for Halo Infinite—one that draws significant inspiration from the most iconic and historic parts of the Halo franchise.[22] Echo 216 and her pilot were first introduced in the 2019 Electronic Entertainment Expo trailer for Halo Infinite, dubbed "Discover Hope". His resuscitation of John-117 and the life and courage the Chief then brings him were meant to speak to the theme of rebirth.[19]
  • Both Mega Construx and Wicked Cool Toys have produced representations of the character that are available for purchase.[23][24] Wicked Cool Toys' figure comes armed with a CQS48 Bulldog and an earthen base to stand on.[24]

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

  • Various concepts of Fernando Esparza for Halo Infinite.

    Various concepts of Fernando Esparza for Halo Infinite.

  • More concepts of Fernando by Theo Stylianides.

    More concepts of Fernando by Theo Stylianides.

  • Concept art exploration of Fernando's face and gear.

    Concept art exploration of Fernando's face and gear.

  • Concept art of Fernando's face and hair styles.

    Concept art of Fernando's face and hair styles.

  • More concept art of Fernando's face and hair styles.

    More concept art of Fernando's face and hair styles.

  • Concept art of Fernando by Devid Heidhoff.

    Concept art of Fernando by Devid Heidhoff.

  • More concept art.

    More concept art.

  • Even more concept art.

    Even more concept art.

  • Concept art created for Discover Hope.

    Concept art created for Discover Hope.

  • Part of a storyboard made for Discover Hope.

    Part of a storyboard made for Discover Hope.

  • Concept art depicting Fernando's discovery of John-117.

    Concept art depicting Fernando's discovery of John-117.

  • Concept art of Fernando on the surface of Installation 07.

    Concept art of Fernando on the surface of Installation 07.

Prerelease[edit]

  • Fernando Esparza sleeping in his Pelican's cockpit.

    Fernando Esparza sleeping in his Pelican's cockpit.

  • Fernando watches a recording of his wife.

    Fernando watches a recording of his wife.

  • The voices of Fernando's wife and daughter bring him comfort.

    The voices of Fernando's wife and daughter bring him comfort.

  • Fernando mourns his solitude and separation from his family.

    Fernando mourns his solitude and separation from his family.

  • Fernando is alerted to a friendly signal.

    Fernando is alerted to a friendly signal.

  • Fernando prepares to reroute power to John-117's armor.

    Fernando prepares to reroute power to John-117's armor.

  • Fernando looks over John-117.

    Fernando looks over John-117.

  • Fernando responds enthusiastically to reawakening the Chief.

    Fernando responds enthusiastically to reawakening the Chief.

  • John-117 is greeted by Fernando.

    John-117 is greeted by Fernando.

  • Fernando tries to halt John.

    Fernando tries to halt John.

  • John-117 and Fernando both have their attention drawn by something.

    John-117 and Fernando both have their attention drawn by something.

  • Echo 216 comes under attack.

    Echo 216 comes under attack.

  • Fernando stands looking over a Condor wreckage.

    Fernando stands looking over a Condor wreckage.

  • Fernando falls to his knees in the midst of UNSC wreckage.

    Fernando falls to his knees in the midst of UNSC wreckage.

Halo Infinite[edit]

  • Esparza prepares to restore power to John-117's armor.

    Esparza prepares to restore power to John-117's armor.

  • Esparza reacts in joy seeing Chief's armor reactivated.

    Esparza reacts in joy seeing Chief's armor reactivated.

  • Esparza runs a diagnostic test on the Chief's suit.

    Esparza runs a diagnostic test on the Chief's suit.

  • Esparza surprised to see the Weapon.

    Esparza surprised to see the Weapon.

  • Esparza meeting the Weapon.

    Esparza meeting the Weapon.

  • John-117 and Esparza conversing.

    John-117 and Esparza conversing.

  • Fernando smiles after finding John and the Weapon again.

    Fernando smiles after finding John and the Weapon again.

  • A multiplayer emblem of Fernando.

    A multiplayer emblem of Fernando.

  • Fernando and UNSC Marines celebrating John-117's birthday in a promotional image.

    Fernando and UNSC Marines celebrating John-117's birthday in a promotional image.

Merchandise[edit]

  • Mega Construx toy of the Pilot.

    Mega Construx toy of the Pilot.

  • Wicked Cool Toys action figure of the pilot.

    Wicked Cool Toys action figure of the pilot.

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Despite their prominent appearances in Discover Hope and the opening cinematic of the retail version of Halo Infinite, the mother and daughter in Esparza's Holorecorder were not mentioned by Esparza when the Weapon asked him whether he had any family or close ones in the level The Sequence. Based on his response ("No... not anymore."), it is possible they were killed at some point before May 2560.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 91
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Infinite, campaign mission Ringfall: Warship Gbraakon
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Infinite, campaign mission Graveyards: Pelican Down
  4. ^ a b c d Halo Infinite, campaign mission Reformation: The Sequence
  5. ^ Halo Infinite, UNSC Audio log: Infinity's Approach #04 - Arrival
  6. ^ Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere
  7. ^ a b c Halo Infinite, campaign mission Ringfall: Foundation
  8. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Ringfall: Outpost Tremonius
  9. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Lockdown: Recovery
  10. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Lockdown: The Tower
  11. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Connections: Excavation Site
  12. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Connections: Conservatory
  13. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Connections: Spire
  14. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Reformation: The Command Spire
  15. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Reckoning: Repository
  16. ^ Halo Infinite, campaign mission Reckoning: House of Reckoning
  17. ^ a b Halo Infinite, campaign mission Endless: Silent Auditorium
  18. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo Infinite 2019 - Screenshots, GIFs, Banners! (Retrieved on Oct 30, 2019) [archive]
  19. ^ a b Dan Chosich, Halo Infinite: Discover Hope (Retrieved on Nov 7, 2020) [archive]
  20. ^ YouTube - Xbox, 343 Unpacks E3 2019 Halo Infinite Trailer
  21. ^ IGN, Halo Infinite Villain and Story Details Revealed (Retrieved on Dec 10, 2023) [archive]
  22. ^ Halo Waypoint, Our Journey Begins (Retrieved on Jun 18, 2018) [archive]
  23. ^ Game Rant, Halo Infinite Toys Confirm Classic Armor and New Villains (Retrieved on Mar 2, 2022) [archive]
  24. ^ a b Mega Construx, Sneak Peek: Halo Pelican Pilot (Retrieved on May 18, 2020) [archive]
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