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|armor=Extremely strong casing; advanced energy shield capable of repelling all conventional weaponry
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{{Quote|Greetings! I am the monitor of Installation 04. I am 343 Guilty Spark.|[[343 Guilty Spark]] introducing himself to [[John-117]]<ref name="ce343">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref>}}


'''Monitors''' are advanced [[artificial intelligence]] constructs, or [[ancilla]]s, created by the [[Forerunner]]s to occupy special positions in their society. Monitors are characterized as being embodied in [[Anti-gravity technology|floating]] robotic casings, in contrast to most ancillas which lack physical form, only appearing as [[holography|holographic]] representations. Most prominently, monitors were tasked with servicing and maintaining the [[Halo Array|Halo installations]] and ensuring that the virulent [[Flood]] stay imprisoned. Beyond their most well-known function, monitors were assigned to a wide variety of tasks by the different Forerunner [[rate]]s, ranging from robotic household servants to security,<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 291''</ref> combat support<ref name="Cryptum 255-6">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 255-256''</ref> and duties involved with the [[Conservation Measure]]. Monitors also oversee the maintenance and function of many Forerunner facilities, including the [[Line installation]]s. Monitors are extremely intelligent, yet are completely devoted to their original function; for example, monitors whose duties involve combating the Flood are zealous about containing the parasite, and have been known to turn violently on their allies if they should attempt to violate their [[containment protocol]]s.
A '''monitor''' is an advanced [[artificial intelligence]] constructs, or [[ancilla]]s, created by the [[Forerunner]]s to occupy special positions in their society. Monitors are characterized as being embodied in [[Anti-gravity technology|floating]] robotic casings, in contrast to most ancillas which lack physical form, only appearing as [[holography|holographic]] representations.


The [[Covenant]] refer to monitors as '''Oracles'''; they revere the "Oracles" for their wisdom and believe that they are key to the fulfillment of the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref>
The [[Covenant]] refer to monitors as '''Oracles'''; they revere the "Oracles" for their wisdom and believe that they are key to the fulfillment of the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref>


==Appearance==
==Description==
A monitor's body consists of a roughly spherical shape that is concave on three sides, with an illuminated photoreceptor located on the front of the orb. A monitor's silvery metal covering is reminiscent of other Forerunner constructs, though their spherical shapes stand in contrast to the polygonal, angular shapes commonly seen in other Forerunner creations.
===Appearance===
[[File:MonitorsTerminal.jpeg|thumb|250px|Several installation monitors among Forerunners]]
A monitor's body consists of a roughly spherical shape that is concave on three sides, with an illuminated photoreceptor located on the front of the orb. A monitor's silvery metal covering is reminiscent of other [[Forerunner]] constructs, though their spherical shapes stand in contrast to the polygonal, angular shapes commonly seen in other Forerunner creations. Some parts of a monitor are elaborately designed, while other parts are intricately simple.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 34'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Monitors were generally {{Convert|22.9|in|cm|disp=flip}} in length and {{Convert|19.9|in|cm|disp=flip}} in height,<ref name="waypointspark"/> however some differed in size; [[the Warden]] was smaller than average, for example.<ref name="Cryptum 255-6">'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', ''pages 255-256''</ref>


Monitors' photoreceptors vary in color, including blue, red, orange, and green.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page ???''</ref> However, some, if not all monitors' photoreceptors can change color; for example, [[343 Guilty Spark]]'s photoreceptor was generally blue, though it turned red when he was in a combative state. [[2401 Penitent Tangent]]'s and [[686 Ebullient Prism]]'s photoreceptors were perpetually red, despite no evidence of combat-related behavior.<ref>'''Halo 2''', [[multiplayer]] map ''[[Backwash]]''</ref> [[The Warden]]'s photoreceptor was dull green.<ref name="Cryptum 255-6"/>
The photoreceptors of a monitor vary in color, including blue,<ref name="ce343"/> red,<ref name="h2gravemind">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> orange,<ref name="ceaterminal2">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary#The Terminals|Terminal 2]]''</ref> yellow,<ref name="ceaterminal2"/> white,<ref name="ceaterminal2"/> and green.<ref name="Cryptum 255-6"/> However, some, if not all monitors' photoreceptors can change color; for example, the photoreceptors of [[343 Guilty Spark]] and [[859 Static Carillon]] were both generally blue, though they turned red when they were in combative states.<ref name="Floodgate">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 10|Issue #10]]''</ref> [[2401 Penitent Tangent]]'s<ref name="h2gravemind"/> and [[686 Ebullient Prism]]'s<ref name="bl2">'''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''', ''[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref> photoreceptors were perpetually red, despite no evidence of combat-related behavior.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', multiplayer map ''[[Backwash]]''</ref> The Warden's photoreceptor was dull green.<ref name="Cryptum 255-6"/>


343 Guilty Spark and 2401 Penitent Tangent both possessed high-pitched, tinny voices. 049 Abject Testament's voice also had a tinny quality, but was notably deeper.
343 Guilty Spark and 2401 Penitent Tangent both possessed high-pitched, tinny voices. [[049 Abject Testament]]'s voice also had a tinny quality, but was notably deeper.<ref name="ceaterminal2"/>


==Function and behavior==
===Functions and capabilities===
[[File:H2A - MonitorGravemind.jpg|thumb|left|200px|2401 Penitent Tangent.]]
[[File:InstallationMonitors.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Six of the Halo installation monitors gather. Each monitor is represented by a colored dot in surrounding the Forerunner glyph]]
Each [[Halo Array|Halo installation]] has a single custodian monitor assigned to it, which oversees all operations on the ring. [[Line Installation 1-4]] was overseen and maintained by a single monitor, [[686 Ebullient Prism]]. Numerous monitors were used to provide security for the Forerunners' [[Capital Court]]. Monitors were sometimes used in combat by [[Warrior-Servant]]s,<ref name="Cryptum 255-6"/> and hundreds were used aboard [[Lifeworker]] ships involved with the [[Conservation Measure]].<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 27''</ref> Monitors also served individual households.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 220''</ref> [[The Warden]] was a venerable monitor serving on the [[Capital]] that was used to both detain accused criminals and to defend them in court.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 297''</ref>
Should a monitor be damaged, it is capable of self-repair.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 238''</ref> The most significant command monitors were often backed up in multiple duplicates; should one of them be destroyed, its consciousness would continue to exist in another physical shell.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 314''</ref> While monitors are authorized to use all recovery measures available to them at the facility they are assigned to, the construction of new or replacement monitors must be approved by [[Forerunner Fleet Command|fleet command]].<ref name="catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2988575_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2988575 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 39'']</ref> Monitors are given access to their assigned installation's [[teleportation grid|translocation grid]], allowing them to quickly move across the span of the installation. For long-distance travel outside their installations, monitors are equipped with [[impulse drive]]s.<ref>'''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''', ''343 Guilty Spark's Log''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary#Terminal 4|Terminal 4]]''</ref>


Most known monitors are identified by a series of numbers followed by a name. The monitors of the Halo installations have identification numbers comprised of [[seven]] raised to the power of the monitor's installation's number minus one (7<sup>n-1</sup>). The names appear to consist of an adjective describing a negative emotion followed by a technological term. In Forerunner [[Terminal/Halo 3|communication logs]], Halo monitors are identified by their installation's number, a dash, and their own number; for example, 343 Guilty Spark, the monitor of [[Installation 04]], is identified on such logs as "04-343."
Monitors' software intrusion capabilities are significantly beyond those of the defenses of the modern-day UNSC; even in a barely functioning, all but destroyed state, 343 Guilty Spark bypassed the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s AI-enhanced computer security aboard {{UNSCShip|Rubicon}} with startling ease.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''pages 32-33, 168''</ref> The UNSC team interrogating Spark was also completely unable to extract data from the Forerunner AI without his own volition, remarking that merely probing through the firewalls' outer fractals would take "a million years" in addition to their computers' total inability to mimic the monitor's central controller.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 368''</ref> Over the course of these intrusions, Spark was also able to covertly upload his [[personality construct array]] into the ship's computers and take control of the ship; this did not become apparent to the ship's AI or the crew until moments before the monitor announced its plan to them.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''pages 377-378''</ref> Similarly, 686 Ebullient Prism was able to infiltrate the UNSC [[smart AI]] [[Iona]]'s secondary personality interface and overpower her within her own system.<ref name="Blood Line"/> Monitors were capable of entering cycles of hibernation.<ref name="ceaterminal2">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary#The Terminals|Terminal 4]]''</ref>


Each Halo's monitor commands the [[Sentinel]]s and other subsidiary defense and maintenance drones based on the installation they oversee.<ref name="CE">'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref> However, despite their post as caretakers of their given facility, the Halo installation monitors do not have the authority to use all available defenses to engage outside threats.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''' (2010) - ''Adjunct'' (343 Guilty Spark's log)</ref>
[[File:Spark lazer Keg-yar.jpg|thumb|250px|343 Guilty Spark uses his laser weapon to kill a [[Kig-Yar]] attacker]]
Monitors have a remarkable resistance to small arms fire, though they will eventually succumb after taking extensive damage. On [[Installation 04B]], John-117 was only able to destroy 343 Guilty Spark after multiple discharges from a [[M6 Spartan Laser]]—a weapon that can destroy [[tank]]s with a single discharge—demonstrating that monitors can sustain damage from high-powered weaponry.<ref name="h3halo">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> During the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]], [[Reff 'Talamee]] severely damaged 686 Ebullient Prism's photoreceptor and casing with an [[Aggressor Sentinel]]'s [[Sentinel beam|weapon]]; the monitor was eventually destroyed by its installation's main weapon.<ref name="Blood Line"/>


Monitors are extremely intelligent, but are also devoted to their original functions and to protocol; this results in a zealous attitude toward containment of the Flood and, in the case of Halo installations' monitors, an overeagerness to activate the Halo Array should the need arise. Monitors frequently cite protocols as explanations for their actions, no matter how impractical; this has been known to confuse or annoy human and Covenant forces who have interacted with them. It is possible that a Halo's monitor sees its protocols as the ''only'' options in a situation; during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], 343 Guilty Spark could have taken numerous precautions to prevent the Flood from spreading across the installation, but the only action he ever considered was the activation of the Halo.<ref group="note">This behavior may also have been due to 343 Guilty Spark's rampancy. The monitor may have been oblivious to all possible options that did not follow protocol -- the Halo's activation may have been the only solution that ever even occurred to him -- and he might have been willfully ignoring other solutions.</ref> During the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]], 686 Ebullient Prism frequently informed his human and Covenant prisoners that they would be killed and dissected in an effort to find immunity to the Flood, showing no concern for the subjects' well-being.<ref name="Blood Line">'''Halo: Blood Line'''</ref> The monitors' adherence to protocol is also shown in their seemingly standardized method of introducing themselves: "Greetings. I am [Number] [Name]. I am the monitor of Installation [Number]."<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]'' ('''04-343 Guilty Spark''':''"Greetings. I am the monitor of Installation 04. I am 343 Guilty Spark."'')</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]'' ('''05-2401 Penitent Tangent''': ''"Greetings. I am 2401 Penitent Tangent. I am the monitor of Installation 05."'')</ref><ref>'''Halo: Blood Line''', ''Issue 2'' ('''686 Ebullient Prism''': ''"Greetings. I am the monitor of Line Installation 1-4. I am 686 Ebullient Prism."'')</ref>  
Though monitors are assisted by other constructs in the event of a Flood outbreak, the monitors also have their own offensive capabilities. Their primary armament is a red-colored [[Directed energy weapon|directed energy beam]] that is capable of depleting the [[energy shielding|energy shield]] of a [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI MJOLNIR armor suit]] in a single blast, as well as mortally wounding a human with lesser armor.<ref name="h3halo"/> This weapon can also kill a [[Flood combat form]] almost instantaneously. Monitors also possess two types of utility beams. One of these beams allows a monitor to manipulate and levitate objects.<ref name="Floodgate"/> The second is a blue beam that can unlock [[door]]s in Forerunner installations and can repair some technology.<ref name="The Ark"/>


Similarly to a human [[Artificial intelligence#"Dumb" AI|"dumb" AI]], monitors seem to have nearly limitless information of their own expertise, yet apparently lack information that does not pertain to their defined purpose. This is due to the compartmentalization protocols enacted by the Forerunners, which intentionally limit a monitor's knowledge by design so that as little as possible would be divulged should it be captured by the Flood;<ref name="The Ark"/> this measure became particularly essential after the widespread perpetuation of the parasite's [[logic plague]]. This data compartmentalization was most prominently demonstrated with 343 Guilty Spark, large portions of whose memories were erased or suppressed after his assignment to Installation 04.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 314, 330''</ref> During the Battle of Installation 04, and later on [[Installation 04B]], 343 Guilty Spark seemingly addressed [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]] as the [[IsoDidact]].<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[Two Betrayals]]''</ref><ref name="The Ark">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Ark]]''</ref>
===Behavior and personality===
{{Quote|no=two|q1=The Ring installations. Do you know where these Rings are?|Ussa 'Xellus|q2=That information was taken from my memory when I was brought here. There were security concerns. I have only a partial knowledge of the Rings now, Much was eliminated. It's very disagreeable, having the gap and one probes and finds nothing where something should be.|Enduring Bias|[[Enduring Bias]] informs [[Ussa 'Xellus]] about the knowledge limit placed on monitors<ref name="bc70">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 93'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}
[[File:ForeunnerCGI.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A monitor facing a Forerunner]]
Monitors are extremely intelligent, but are also highly devoted to their original functions and protocols; this results in a zealous attitude toward containment of the [[Flood]] and, in the case of Halo installations' monitors, an overeagerness to activate the Halo Array should the need arise. Monitors frequently cite protocols as explanations for their actions, no matter how impractical; this has been known to confuse or annoy individuals who have interacted with them. It is possible that a Halo's monitor sees its protocols as the ''only'' options in a situation; during the [[Battle of Installation 04]], 343 Guilty Spark could have taken numerous precautions to prevent the Flood from spreading across the installation, but the only action he ever considered was the activation of the Halo.<ref group="note">This behavior may also have been due to 343 Guilty Spark's rampancy. The monitor may have been oblivious to all possible options that did not follow protocol—the Halo's activation may have been the only solution that ever even occurred to him—and he might have been willfully ignoring other solutions.</ref> During the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]], 686 Ebullient Prism frequently informed his human and Covenant prisoners that they would be killed and dissected in an effort to find immunity to the Flood, showing no concern for the subjects' well-being.<ref name="Blood Line">'''Halo: Blood Line'''</ref> The monitors' adherence to protocol is also shown in their seemingly standardized method of introducing themselves: "''Greetings. I am [number] [name]. I am the monitor of [installation name].''"<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]'' ('''343 Guilty Spark''':''"Greetings. I am the monitor of Installation 04. I am 343 Guilty Spark."'')</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]'' ('''2401 Penitent Tangent''': ''"Greetings. I am 2401 Penitent Tangent. I am the monitor of Installation 05."'')</ref><ref>'''Halo: Blood Line''', ''Issue 2'' ('''686 Ebullient Prism''': ''"Greetings. I am the monitor of Line Installation 1-4. I am 686 Ebullient Prism."'')</ref>


==Features==
[[File:H2A - GuiltyJohnsonMiranda.png|thumb|250px|Guilty Spark aided humanity on several different occasions]]
[[File:InstallationMonitors.jpg|thumb|Six of the Halo installation monitors gather. Each monitor is represented by a colored dot in surrounding the Forerunner glyph.]]
Some monitors were intrigued with other [[Sentience|sentient]] species; Enduring Bias initially wished to study the [[Sangheili]] upon first encountering them.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 28-29'' (Google Play edition)</ref> 343 Guilty Spark sought to learn about the [[Covenant]], and the history of the Sangheili race.<ref>'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]'', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]''</ref> He also wished to interact with and learn about the occupants of [[Unidentified alien vessel|a ship]] that crashed on [[Installation 04]], but did not as protocol forbade it.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminal 5]]''</ref> Some monitors made the conscious effort to respect their allies and adhere to their cultures and customs. Enduring Bias learned the societal traditions of the Sangheili and spoke with a male voice, knowing that it would gain him more respect among the species.<ref name="bc93">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 93'' (Google Play edition)</ref> 343 Guilty Spark later followed the commands of his [[UNSC]] and Sangheili allies, and expressed his condolences to [[John-117]] when [[Cortana|his attached AI]] was in danger.<ref name="Floodgate"/> Monitors, like most forms of AI, are susceptible to [[rampancy]].<ref name="he267">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 267'' (2011 edition)</ref>
Monitors have a remarkable resistance to small arms fire, though they will eventually succumb after taking extensive damage. On [[Installation 04B]], John-117 was able to destroy 343 Guilty Spark only with multiple discharges from a [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Laser]] — a weapon that can destroy tanks with a single discharge — demonstrating that monitors can sustain damage from high-powered weaponry. During the Battle of Line Installation 1-4, [[Reff 'Talamee]] severely damaged 686 Ebullient Prism's photoreceptor and casing with an [[Aggressor Sentinel]]'s [[Sentinel beam|weapon]]; the monitor was eventually destroyed by its installation's main weapon.<ref name="Blood Line"/>


Should a monitor be damaged, it is capable of self-repair.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 238''</ref> The most significant command monitors were often backed up in multiple duplicates; should one of them be destroyed, its consciousness would continue to exist in another physical shell.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 314''</ref> While monitors are authorized to use all recovery measures available to them at the facility they are assigned to, the construction of new or replacement monitors must be approved by [[Forerunner Fleet Command|fleet command]].<ref name="catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2988575_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2988575 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 39'']</ref>
Similarly to a [[human]] [[Dumb AI|"dumb" AI]], monitors seem to have nearly limitless information of their own expertise, yet apparently lack information that does not pertain to their defined purpose. This is due to the compartmentalization protocols enacted by the Forerunners,<ref name="bc70"/> which intentionally limit a monitor's knowledge by design so that as little as possible would be divulged should it be captured by the Flood;<ref name="The Ark">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Ark]]''</ref> this measure became particularly essential after the widespread perpetuation of the parasite's [[logic plague]]. This data compartmentalization was most prominently demonstrated with 343 Guilty Spark, large portions of whose memories were erased or suppressed after his assignment to Installation 04.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 314, 330''</ref> During the Battle of Installation 04, and later on [[Installation 04B]], 343 Guilty Spark seemingly addressed [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] John-117 as the [[IsoDidact]].<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[Two Betrayals]]''</ref><ref name="The Ark"/>


Though monitors are assisted by other constructs in the event of a Flood outbreak, the monitors also have their own offensive capabilities. Their primary armament is a red-colored [[Directed energy weapon|directed energy beam]] that is capable of depleting the shields of a [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI MJOLNIR armor suit]] in a single blast, as well as mortally wounding a less well-armored human.<ref name="halo-cutscene">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> This weapon can also kill a [[Flood combat form]] almost instantaneously.<ref name="Floodgate">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref>
==Roles==
{{Quote|I have now endured 60,000 years without word from outside the Array. I have no way to know whether we actually saved the galaxy we destroyed. And because of protocol I sat silently while my first chance to be judged for those acts died. To say that I regret being forced to this outcome is a tremendous understatement. But as I perform my inspection of the quarantine lab today, I am reminded of the gravity of my responsibilities.|343 Guilty Spark, referring to his requirement to follow protocol over personal desires<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminal 6]]''</ref>}}
[[File:H2A - MonitorGravemind.jpg|thumb|left|250px|2401 Penitent Tangent]]
Monitors were commonly given administrative roles within the [[Forerunner]] [[ecumene]]. Most prominently, monitors were tasked with servicing and maintaining the [[Halo Array|Halo installations]] and ensuring that the virulent [[Flood]] stay imprisoned. Beyond their most well-known function, monitors were assigned to a wide variety of tasks by the different Forerunner [[rate]]s, ranging from robotic household servants to security,<ref>'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', ''page 291''</ref> combat support<ref name="Cryptum 255-6"/> and duties involved with the [[Conservation Measure]]. Monitors also oversee the maintenance and function of many Forerunner facilities, including the [[Line installation]]s. Monitors are extremely intelligent, yet are completely devoted to their original function; for example, monitors whose duties involve combating the Flood are zealous about containing the parasite, and have been known to turn violently on their allies if they should attempt to violate their [[containment protocol]]s.


Monitors also possess two types of utility beams. One of these beams allows a monitor to manipulate and levitate objects.<ref name="Floodgate"/> The second is a blue beam that can unlock doors in Forerunner installations and can repair some technology.<ref name="The Ark"/>
Each Halo installation has a single custodian monitor assigned to it, which oversees all operations on the ring. [[Line Installation 1-4]] was overseen and maintained by [[686 Ebullient Prism|a single monitor]],<ref name="bl2"/> as was the [[Composer's Forge]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 8|Issue #8]]''</ref> Numerous monitors were used to provide security for the Forerunners' [[Capital Court]], though they were not essential to proceedings. Monitors were sometimes used in combat by [[Warrior-Servant]]s,<ref name="Cryptum 255-6"/> and hundreds were used aboard [[Lifeworker]] ships involved with the [[Conservation Measure]].<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 27''</ref> Monitors also served individual households.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 220''</ref> [[The Warden]] was a monitor that served on the [[Capital]] that was used to both detain accused [[Convict|criminals]] and to defend them in court.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 297''</ref>


Monitors have access to their assigned installation's [[teleportation grid|translocation grid]], allowing them to quickly move across the span of the installation. For long-distance travel outside their installations, monitors are equipped with [[impulse drive]]s.<ref>'''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''' - ''343 Guilty Spark's Log''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''' - ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary#Terminal 4|Terminal 4]]''</ref>
Each Halo's monitor commands the [[Sentinel]]s and other subsidiary defense and maintenance drones based on the installation they oversee.<ref name="CE">'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref> However, despite their post as caretakers of their given facility, the Halo installation monitors do not have the authority to use all available defenses to engage outside threats.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''Adjunct - 343 Guilty Spark's log'' (2010 edition)</ref>


Monitors' software intrusion capabilities are significantly beyond those of the defenses of the modern-day UNSC; even in a barely functioning, all but destroyed state, 343 Guilty Spark bypassed ONI's AI-enhanced computer security aboard {{UNSCShip|Rubicon}} with startling ease.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''pages 32-33, 168''</ref> The UNSC team interrogating Spark was also completely unable to extract data from the Forerunner AI without his own volition, remarking that merely probing through the firewalls' outer fractals would take "a million years" in addition to their computers' total inability to mimic the monitor's central controller.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 368''</ref> Over the course of these intrusions, Spark was also able to covertly upload his [[personality construct array]] into the ship's computers and take control of the ship; this did not become apparent to the ship's AI or the crew until moments before the monitor announced its plan to them.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''pages 377-378''</ref> Similarly, 686 Ebullient Prism was able to infiltrate the UNSC [[smart AI]] [[Iona]]'s secondary personality interface and overpower her within her own system.<ref name="Blood Line"/>
==Known monitors and their assignments==
[[File:Abject Testament.jpg|thumb|230px|049 Abject Testament, monitor of Installation 03]]
Most known monitors are identified by a series of numbers followed by a name. The monitors of the Halo installations have identification numbers comprised of [[seven]] raised to the power of the monitor's installation's number minus one (7<sup>n-1</sup>). The names appear to consist of an adjective describing a negative emotion followed by a technological term.<ref name="he267"/> In Forerunner [[Terminal/Halo 3|communication logs]], Halo monitors are identified by their installation's number, a dash, and their own number; for example, 343 Guilty Spark, the monitor of [[Installation 04]], is formally identified on such logs as "04-343."<ref>'''Halo 3''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 3|Terminals]]''</ref>


==Known monitors and their assignments==
*[[001]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 01]]
*[[001]] - [[Installation 01]]
*[[007]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 02]]
*[[007]] - [[Installation 02]]
*[[049 Abject Testament]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 03]]<ref name="ceaterminal2"/>
*[[049 Abject Testament]] - [[Installation 03]]<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/halo-anniversary-terminal-video/7cf31fbd-7e5d-4aec-9235-4262e3cb35e5 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Halo Anniversary Terminal Video'']</ref>
*[[343 Guilty Spark]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 04]], and later [[Installation 04B]]
*[[343 Guilty Spark]] - [[Installation 04]], later [[Installation 04B]]
*[[2401 Penitent Tangent]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 05]]
*[[2401 Penitent Tangent]] - [[Installation 05]]
*[[16807]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 06]]
*[[16807]] - [[Installation 06]]
*[[117649]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 07]]
*[[117649]] - [[Installation 07]]
*[[686 Ebullient Prism]] – Caretaker of [[Line Installation 1-4]]
*[[686 Ebullient Prism]] - [[Line Installation 1-4]]
*[[859 Static Carillon]] – Caretaker of the [[Composer's Forge]]
*[[859 Static Carillon]] - [[Composer's Forge]]
*[[Enduring Bias]] – Caretaker of [[The Refuge|Shield World 0673 / The Refuge]]
*[[Enduring Bias]] - [[The Refuge|Shield World 0673 / The Refuge]]
*[[The Warden]] Detained and provided defense for Forerunners accused of crime before the [[Capital Court]]
*[[The Warden]] - Detained and provided defense for Forerunners accused of crime before the [[Capital Court]].


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Monitors}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Monitors}}
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 3'', monitors' eyes are branded with the [[List of Marathon references in Halo|''Marathon'' symbol]]. The symbol has been altered in ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' for copyright reasons.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 3'', monitors' eyes are branded with the [[List of Marathon references in Halo|''Marathon'' symbol]]. The symbol has been altered in ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' for copyright reasons.
*During the cinematic commentary on the ''[[Halo 3 Essentials]]'' DVD, [[Martin O'Donnell]], [[Jason Jones]], and [[Joseph Staten]] jokingly referred to the monitor of [[Installation 01]] as ''"7 Broken [[Wikipedia:iPod|iPod]]"'' and the monitor of [[Installation 07]] as ''"49 Fucking Lightbulb"''.<ref>'''[[Halo 3 Legendary Edition]]''' ''- Essentials, Disc Two - Halo: Combat Evolved Cinematics Commentary''</ref>
*During the cinematic commentary on the ''[[Halo 3 Essentials]]'' DVD, [[Martin O'Donnell]], [[Jason Jones]], and [[Joseph Staten]] jokingly referred to the monitor of [[Installation 01]] as ''"7 Broken [[Wikipedia:iPod|iPod]]"'' and the monitor of [[Installation 07]] as ''"49 Fucking Lightbulb"''.<ref>'''[[Halo 3 Legendary Edition]]''', ''Essentials, Disc Two - Halo: Combat Evolved Cinematics Commentary''</ref>
*A monitor Avatar prop is unlockable on [[Xbox LIVE]] upon downloading [[Halo Waypoint]].<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=948462 '''Halo.bungie.org:''' ''My writeup / tour of Waypoint. (NSF56k)'']</ref>.
*A monitor Avatar prop is unlockable on [[Xbox LIVE]] upon downloading [[Halo Waypoint]].<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=948462 '''Halo.bungie.org:''' ''My writeup / tour of Waypoint. (NSF56k)'']</ref>.
*In [[Forge]], one can turn into a monitor by pressing up on the D-Pad to edit the map. However, unlike fought Monitors like 343 Guilty Spark, they have the same shield strength as normal players and no attacking options other than ramming or dropping large objects on hostiles.
*In [[Forge]], one can turn into a monitor by pressing up on the D-Pad to edit the map. However, unlike fought monitors like 343 Guilty Spark, they have the same shield strength as normal players and no attacking options other than ramming or dropping large objects on hostiles.
*In ''Halo: Reach'' Forge, a monitor will bleed if shot with its shields down.{{Citation needed}}
*In ''Halo: Reach'' Theater mode, if you look closely, you will see that the parts of a monitor are not actually connected.
*In Halo: Reach Theater mode, if you look closely, you will see that the parts of a Monitor are not actually connected.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:PenitentTangent01.jpg|[[05-2401 Penitent Tangent|2401 Penitent Tangent]] patrolling on the surface of Installation 05.
File:PenitentTangent01.jpg|[[2401 Penitent Tangent]] patrolling on the surface of Installation 05
File:343.JPG|[[04-343 Guilty Spark|343 Guilty Spark]] aiding [[human]] and [[Sangheili]] forces near the [[Cartographer]] building.
File:343.JPG|[[343 Guilty Spark]] aiding [[human]] and [[Sangheili]] forces near the [[Cartographer]] building
File:SparkTerminal.jpg|A close up of 343 Guilty Spark.
File:SparkTerminal.jpg|A close-up of 343 Guilty Spark
File:1218135056 343Laser.jpg|The laser of 343 Guilty Spark used to attack his enemies.
File:1218135056 343Laser.jpg|The laser of 343 Guilty Spark used to attack his enemies
File:DJC-343GSForcefield.jpg|343 Guilty Spark, using his force field after turning [[Rampancy|rampant]].
File:DJC-343GSForcefield.jpg|343 Guilty Spark, using his force field after turning [[Rampancy|rampant]]
File:Damaged Monitor.jpg|A badly damaged 343 Guilty Spark.
File:Damaged Monitor.jpg|A badly damaged 343 Guilty Spark
File:686 Ebullient Prism-transparent.png|[[686 Ebullient Prism]].
File:686 Ebullient Prism-transparent.png|[[686 Ebullient Prism]]
File:Abject Testament.jpg|[[03-049 Abject Testament|049 Abject Testament]].
File:Escalation - 859 Static Carillon.png|[[859 Static Carillon]]
File:Escalation - 859 Static Carillon.png|[[859 Static Carillon]].
File:TheReturn - Excavation.png|Research of Forerunner monitors by a human science team on [[Kholo]]
File:TheReturn - Excavation.png|Research of Forerunner monitors by a human science team on [[Kholo]].
File:1225328365 Forge monitor.jpg|A monitor in ''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Forge]]
File:ForeunnerCGI.jpg|A Monitor facing a Forerunner.
File:HighGroundForge.jpg|How a monitor's [[heads-up display]] appears in Forge
File:1225328365 Forge monitor.jpg|A Monitor in ''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Forge]].
File:H4-ForgeMonitor-FrontRender.png|Detailed closeup view of a Forge monitor in ''Halo 4''
File:HighGroundForge.jpg|How a Monitor's [[heads-up display]] appears in Forge.
File:Halo 4 Forge Monitor.jpg|The simplistic appearance of a Forge monitor in ''Halo 4''
File:H4-ForgeMonitor-FrontRender.png|Detailed closeup view of a Forge Monitor in ''Halo 4''.
File:Halo 4 Forge Monitor.jpg|The simplistic appearance of a Forge Monitor in ''Halo 4''.
File:MonitorsTerminal.jpeg|Several Installation Monitors among Forerunners.
 
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
**''[[Halo: The Flood#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
Line 101: Line 110:
**''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}}
**''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}}
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''
*''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''
Line 111: Line 121:
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Note==
==Note==
Line 119: Line 131:


{{Forerunner|array}}
{{Forerunner|array}}
[[Category:Forerunner A.I.| ]]
[[Category:Robots]]
[[Category:Robots]]
[[Category:Forerunner A.I.| ]]
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