35,264
edits
Halo universe: Difference between revisions
no edit summary
NightHammer (talk | contribs) mNo edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
At first, the Covenant were mostly held together by a need to survive, but as their society advanced, so did their technology, culture and religion. Now the polytheistic Covenant control a large part of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy and their society is a complicated caste system, with the Prophets still on top, governing the Covenant along with the Elites. The Covenant is a theocracy, based on a prophecy about the Sacred Rings and the Great Journey. The actual context of this prophecy is based on the notion that the Forerunners were so advanced that they had found a way to propel themselves to godlike status using their technology. To oppose this, a parasitic race known as the Flood attacked the Forerunners and attempted to stop the activation of this technology. Before the Flood could stop them, the Forerunners activated the Halo Array, and ascended to godhood. The Covenant design is to find the Halos, and use it to propel themselves to godliness as well. | At first, the Covenant were mostly held together by a need to survive, but as their society advanced, so did their technology, culture and religion. Now the polytheistic Covenant control a large part of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy and their society is a complicated caste system, with the Prophets still on top, governing the Covenant along with the Elites. The Covenant is a theocracy, based on a prophecy about the Sacred Rings and the Great Journey. The actual context of this prophecy is based on the notion that the Forerunners were so advanced that they had found a way to propel themselves to godlike status using their technology. To oppose this, a parasitic race known as the Flood attacked the Forerunners and attempted to stop the activation of this technology. Before the Flood could stop them, the Forerunners activated the Halo Array, and ascended to godhood. The Covenant design is to find the Halos, and use it to propel themselves to godliness as well. | ||
The three leading Prophets, the Hierarchs of the Covenant, | The three leading Prophets, the Hierarchs of the Covenant, wanted to destroy humanity due to the threat they pose to their religion: if humankind really are the Forerunners' heirs, then all that the Covenant believe in is false. Not wanting the truth about the humans to get out, the rest of the Covenant have been told that humanity is a direct affront to the Forerunner, much like the Flood in goal, so must be exterminated if the Great Journey is to be completed. | ||
After the loss of the Covenant's original leadership in the concluding events of the Human-Covenant War, the Covenant was fragmented into [[Covenant remnants|many factions]] with varying goals, many of them still hostile to humanity. | |||
===The Flood=== | ===The Flood=== | ||
| Line 51: | Line 53: | ||
==Technology== | ==Technology== | ||
{{Center|For more detailed summaries of each faction's technologies, see [[Human technology]], [[Covenant technology]], and [[Forerunner technology]].}} | |||
===Transport=== | ===Transport=== | ||
[[File:Seperatist fleet ark.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Sangheili assault carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' using Slipspace technology to travel.]] | [[File:Seperatist fleet ark.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Sangheili assault carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' using Slipspace technology to travel.]] | ||
*[[Slipstream space|Slipspace]] | *[[Slipstream space|Slipspace]] is the primary method of faster-than-light travel in the ''Halo'' universe. Humans have not exacted the science of Slipspace jumping, and can often end up hundreds of thousands of miles away from where they want to be, and therefore they work to be inexact, so as not to end up somewhere like the middle of a planet. The Covenant had worked a way around this, as they can pinpoint jump anywhere in the galaxy, even maintaining their formation. The Forerunners had a superior understanding of slipspace technology, being able to create [[Slipspace bubble|technologies]] which allow for manipulation of space-time through slipspace. One of many technologies created by the Forerunners is [[slipspace translocation]], allowing near-instantaneous transit over short distances. | ||
*Wheeled contrivances similar in appearance to today's vehicles are used by the UNSC. However, the Covenant prefer to use [[anti-gravity technology]] assumed to be based on Forerunner technology. | |||
*Wheeled contrivances similar in appearance to today's vehicles are used by the UNSC. However, the Covenant prefer to use | |||
===Artificial intelligence=== | ===Artificial intelligence=== | ||
*[[Artificial intelligence|AIs]] work at superior speeds and with greater efficiency than biological beings; helping with [[astrogation]], maintenance, managing, and even battle. Human AIs are grouped into two major categories; | *[[Artificial intelligence|AIs]] work at superior speeds and with greater efficiency than biological beings; helping with [[astrogation]], maintenance, managing, and even battle. Human AIs are grouped into two major categories; [[Dumb artificial intelligence|"dumb"]] and [[Smart artificial intelligence|"smart" AIs]]. Dumb AIs are essentially powerful computer programs, which are incredibly intelligent within their programmed fields whether that be battle strategy, or maintaining plantations on [[human colonies]]. Smart AIs, which are created by [[Cognitive Impression Modeling|scanning]] the neural patterns of a human brain, are brilliant and have no limit to their imagination or intelligence other than that of their maximum storage capacity. However, they have a limited lifespan of roughly seven years before they enter a state known as [[rampancy]], which manifests as behavior comparable to human insanity. | ||
*Due to their rigid beliefs, the Covenant only use AI constructs with only the bare minimum in every respect, only capable of piloting ships and have placed a ban on sentient AIs, which they refer to as [[associated intelligence]]s. | *Due to their rigid beliefs, the Covenant only use AI constructs with only the bare minimum in every respect, only capable of piloting ships and have placed a ban on sentient AIs, which they refer to as [[associated intelligence]]s. | ||
| Line 68: | Line 70: | ||
===Other=== | ===Other=== | ||
*[[Artificial gravity]] is common on both UNSC and Covenant starships. While some UNSC vessels possess rotating centrifuges to enable this, both factions have developed technology capable of generating artificial gravity through some unknown mechanism. [[Anti-gravity technology]] is also used by both factions on their starships, allowing them to descend and hover in a planet's atmosphere. | *[[Artificial gravity]] is common on both UNSC and Covenant starships. While some UNSC vessels possess rotating centrifuges to enable this, both factions have developed technology capable of generating artificial gravity through some unknown mechanism. [[Anti-gravity technology]] is also used by both factions on their starships, allowing them to descend and hover in a planet's atmosphere. | ||
* | *[[Superluminal communications|Instantaneous communication]] over interstellar distances is available to all major factions, with humanity being the most recent civilization to discover a form of this technology. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| Line 74: | Line 76: | ||
{{Main|The Forerunner Saga|Halo: Cryptum|Halo: Primordium|Halo: Silentium}} | {{Main|The Forerunner Saga|Halo: Cryptum|Halo: Primordium|Halo: Silentium}} | ||
[[File:Forerunner Saga compilation.png|thumb|250px|''[[The Forerunner Saga]]'' by [[Greg Bear]] chronicles the ancient history of the ''Halo'' universe.]] | [[File:Forerunner Saga compilation.png|thumb|250px|''[[The Forerunner Saga]]'' by [[Greg Bear]] chronicles the ancient history of the ''Halo'' universe.]] | ||
Over ten million years [[10,000,000 BCE|ago]], an advanced civilization known as the | Over ten million years [[10,000,000 BCE|ago]], an advanced civilization known as the [[Precursor]]s controlled the galaxy. Having reigned for billions of years and reached the pinnacle of technological advancement, they seeded the galaxy with life and created many species, including humans and Forerunners. The Precursors held the [[Mantle|Mantle of Responsibility]], the guardianship of all life in the galaxy. They eventually decided to pass the Mantle on to one of their creations; humanity was deemed most suitable for this task. The Forerunners, enraged by their creators' favoring of humanity over themselves, rebelled against the Precursors and [[Forerunner-Precursor war|wiped them out]] almost entirely. Some Precursors survived by reducing themselves to dust that, although meant to regenerate their original forms in time, was corrupted over the passage of millions of years and would eventually manifest itself in a completely new form - the parasitic [[Flood]].<ref name="silentium">'''[[Halo: Silentium]]'''</ref> Meanwhile, the Forerunners would adopt the Mantle to themselves and rise to become the dominant civilization in the galaxy, directing the evolution and development of other species as they saw fit. Records of the truth about the Precursors were lost over time and faded into legend; ten million years after the destruction of the Precursors, Forerunners simply believed that their creators had disappeared and given them the gift of the Mantle.<ref name="cryptum">'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'''</ref> | ||
Early humanity first arose on their homeworld Earth, then known as "Erde-Tyrene" and mastered interstellar travel, eventually becoming a [[Prehistoric human civilization|prosperous interstellar empire]] based on the planet [[Charum Hakkor]]. They also [[Human-San 'Shyuum alliance|allied]] with the [[San 'Shyuum]] species, who would become the ruling caste of the Covenant thousands of years later. Around [[110,000 BCE]], however, humanity stumbled upon the nascent form of the [[Flood]] parasite near the galaxy's edges. Hundreds of systems were lost to the parasite in [[Human-Flood war|a conflict]] between the humans and the Flood as humans desperately sterilized any infested world while securing new colonies for their dwindled populations in the borders of the Forerunner ecumene. Humanity's aggressive expansion and the perceived violations of the [[Mantle]] eventually prompted the Forerunners to take action and [[human-Forerunner wars|go to war]] against humanity. Despite being forced to fight a two-front war against the Flood and the Forerunners, humanity evidently drove the Flood out of the galaxy. However, the Forerunners, led by the [[Promethean]] supreme commander known as the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], eventually emerged victorious over humanity after defeating their last stronghold on Charum Hakkor.<ref name="cryptum"/> | |||
Following the war in approximately [[109,000 BCE]], the Forerunners dismantled humanity's civilization, regressing them into a [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier 7]] species. The remaining humans exiled to their homeworld Earth, where the supreme Forerunner [[Lifeshaper]], known as the [[Librarian]], tended to them and slowly guided them toward developing a primitive civilization; unlike most Forerunners, the Librarian saw potential in humanity to eventually become the Forerunners' successors.<ref name="cryptum"/> | Following the war in approximately [[109,000 BCE]], the Forerunners dismantled humanity's civilization, regressing them into a [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier 7]] species. The remaining humans exiled to their homeworld Earth, where the supreme Forerunner [[Lifeshaper]], known as the [[Librarian]], tended to them and slowly guided them toward developing [[Erde-Tyrene civilization|a primitive civilization]]; unlike most Forerunners, the Librarian saw potential in humanity to eventually become the Forerunners' successors.<ref name="cryptum"/> | ||
Circa [[100,300 BCE]], the Flood resurfaced to challenge the Forerunners. Weakened by their struggle with humanity as well as major internal strife, the Forerunners were easy prey to the resurgent Flood. For three hundred years, the parasite claimed numerous Forerunner planets and systems, until virtually overrunning the entire ecumene. As a final resort, the Forerunners - specifically, an individual known as the [[IsoDidact]] - fired the Halo Array, a network of superweapons which eradicated all neurologically complex life in the galaxy and subsequently caused most Flood to die out. While life was [[Conservation Measure|re-seeded]] into the galaxy by the Forerunners, the few surviving Forerunners themselves would go into self-imposed exile and not return, passing their Mantle down to its rightful inheritors - humanity.<ref name="silentium"/> | Circa [[100,300 BCE]], the Flood resurfaced to challenge the Forerunners. Weakened by their struggle with humanity as well as major internal strife, the Forerunners were easy prey to the resurgent Flood. For three hundred years, the parasite claimed numerous Forerunner planets and systems, until virtually overrunning the entire ecumene. As a final resort, the Forerunners - specifically, an individual known as the [[IsoDidact]] - fired the Halo Array, a network of superweapons which eradicated all neurologically complex life in the galaxy and subsequently caused most Flood to die out. While life was [[Conservation Measure|re-seeded]] into the galaxy by the Forerunners, the few surviving Forerunners themselves would go into self-imposed exile and not return, passing their Mantle down to its rightful inheritors - humanity.<ref name="silentium"/> | ||
| Line 87: | Line 89: | ||
===Origin of the UNSC=== | ===Origin of the UNSC=== | ||
{{Main|History of the UNSC}} | {{Main|History of the UNSC|Human colonies}} | ||
In the late 21st and early 22nd centuries, humanity colonized several worlds in the [[Sol system| | In the late 21st and early 22nd centuries, humanity colonized several worlds in the [[Sol system|Solar System]], including [[Luna|Earth's moon]], [[Mars]], the [[Jovian Moons]], and several [[asteroid]]s. In the years [[2160|2160-2200]], various [[National government|governments]] and factions fought for control of Earth and its first colonies. As overpopulation and unrest on Earth mounted, new political movements formed including the Jovian [[Frieden]] and [[Koslovics]] led by [[Vladimir Koslov]], resurgences of [[fascism]] and neo-[[communism]] which waged the [[Interplanetary War|Interplanetary]], [[Rain Forest Wars]] and [[Argyre Planitia Campaign|Mars]] clashes and were defeated by the victorious United Nations Space Command. The Unified Earth Government was established following the conflicts, emerging as the rulers of most of humanity who now faced the problem of overpopulation, famine and economic instability caused by the wars. | ||
In the late 23rd century, humanity developed the [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]], a device which enabled faster-than-light travel through a domain of alternate space-time known as [[slipstream space]]. The first extrasolar colony ships went on to colonize worlds in nearby systems within the next decades. The [[Inner Colonies]], as they later came to be known, would be considered the elite, in contrast to the more remote and less wealthy [[Outer Colonies]], formed over the course of the 2400's. | In the late 23rd century, humanity developed the [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]], a device which enabled faster-than-light travel through a domain of alternate space-time known as [[slipstream space]]. The first extrasolar colony ships went on to colonize worlds in nearby systems within the next decades. The [[Inner Colonies]], as they later came to be known, would be considered the elite, in contrast to the more remote and less wealthy [[Outer Colonies]], formed over the course of the 2400's. | ||
| Line 95: | Line 97: | ||
[[File:Fall-o-reach.jpg|thumb|150px|The book, ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', details the origins of the SPARTAN-II Program and serves as a prequel to ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]] | [[File:Fall-o-reach.jpg|thumb|150px|The book, ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', details the origins of the SPARTAN-II Program and serves as a prequel to ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]] | ||
===Insurrection and the SPARTAN-II | ===Insurrection and the SPARTAN-II project=== | ||
{{Main|Halo: The Fall of Reach|Insurrection|SPARTAN | {{Main|Halo: The Fall of Reach|Insurrection|SPARTAN programs}} | ||
By [[2517]], the UNSC was facing extremely low morale due to [[Space piracy|piracy]] and the ongoing Insurrection. In order to remove the rebellion without a significant sacrifice of human life, the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] decided to move forward with the [[SPARTAN-II | By [[2517]], the UNSC was facing extremely low morale due to [[Space piracy|piracy]] and the ongoing Insurrection. In order to remove the rebellion without a significant sacrifice of human life, the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] decided to move forward with the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] project, headed by [[Catherine Elizabeth Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. 75 physically and mentally gifted children were abducted at the age of six, replaced by [[Flash cloning|flash-clones]] in a black operation, and drafted into the UNSC. The children went through [[SPARTAN-II training|rigorous training]] and [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|physical augmentations]] through surgical and medical means. Code-named SPARTANs, these supersoldiers were trained for a life of battle, and would become a great asset against the Covenant in both frontline and covert operations; the Spartans specializing in both.<ref name="TFoR">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach'''</ref> | ||
===The Human-Covenant War begins=== | ===The Human-Covenant War begins=== | ||
| Line 103: | Line 105: | ||
On [[2525#February|February 3, 2525]] the UNSC colony of [[Harvest]] detected an unknown object on its long-range radar. The object was constructed with materials unlike anything seen before. All contact with Harvest was lost soon after. Ships sent to the system revealed that it had been totally destroyed by a new alien group called the Covenant. A battle group was sent but was defeated by the military superior Covenant ships. Only one ship made it back, the {{CMA ship|Heracles}} returned with a message that was sent to them, pre-translated, saying, "Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instrument".<ref name="TFoR"/> | On [[2525#February|February 3, 2525]] the UNSC colony of [[Harvest]] detected an unknown object on its long-range radar. The object was constructed with materials unlike anything seen before. All contact with Harvest was lost soon after. Ships sent to the system revealed that it had been totally destroyed by a new alien group called the Covenant. A battle group was sent but was defeated by the military superior Covenant ships. Only one ship made it back, the {{CMA ship|Heracles}} returned with a message that was sent to them, pre-translated, saying, "Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instrument".<ref name="TFoR"/> | ||
In response, [[Preston | The novel ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' further details the events that transpired at Harvest and the Covenant leadership's underhanded scheme surrounding the beginning of the war: humans were discovered to be [[Reclaimer|living heirs]] to the Covenant's gods, the Forerunners, forming a concrete threat to the Prophets' authority as well as the very foundation of the [[Covenant religion|their religion]]. Rather than reveal the truth to the Covenant at large, the new triumvirate of [[Hierarchs]] call for the complete destruction of humankind, under the pretense that humans had committed unforgivable offenses against their gods. | ||
In response to the destruction of Harvest, [[Preston Cole|Vice Admiral Preston Cole]] mobilized the [[Battle Group X-Ray|largest space fleet]] in human history to retake Harvest. The fleet defeated the Covenant ships at Harvest in [[2531]] but at great cost with Cole losing two-thirds of his fleet. The highly advanced Covenant shielding and weapons systems simply outclassed anything they had and so began the slow destruction of the human race. One by one the UNSC colonies were lost until by [[2535]], virtually all of the [[Outer Colonies|Outer Colony]] worlds had been destroyed by the Covenant and the [[Inner Colonies]] were being invaded. [[United Nations Space Command Emergency Priority Order 098831A-1|The Cole Protocol]] was established by military order: all human vessels must ensure that Covenant forces do not find Earth. To achieve this whenever they must jump out of a battle, they must do so to a randomized vector that points away from any human worlds.<ref name="TFoR"/> | |||
[[File:Halo Reach (Standard with ESRB).png|thumb|150px|''Halo: Reach'' is set during the fall of the UNSC fortress world Reach.]] | [[File:Halo Reach (Standard with ESRB).png|thumb|150px|''Halo: Reach'' is set during the fall of the UNSC fortress world Reach.]] | ||
===The Fall of Reach=== | ===The Fall of Reach=== | ||
{{Main|Halo: The Fall of Reach|Halo: Reach|Fall of Reach}} | {{Main|Halo: The Fall of Reach|Halo: Reach|Fall of Reach}} | ||
By [[2552]], many of humanity's Inner Colonies had been destroyed by the Covenant. The UNSC leadership assembled a Spartan II strike team, at the human command base on the planet Reach. In a move of desperation, the UNSC planned to launch a targeted strike against the Covenant leadership. This plan was abandoned when the Covenant launched a surprise attack on the world of Reach.<ref name="TFoR"/> | By [[2552]], many of humanity's Inner Colonies had been destroyed by the Covenant. The UNSC leadership assembled a Spartan-II strike team, at the human command base on the planet Reach. In a move of desperation, the UNSC planned to launch a targeted strike against the [[Hierarchs|Covenant leadership]]. This plan was abandoned when the Covenant launched a surprise attack on the world of Reach.<ref name="TFoR"/> | ||
During this battle, most of Reach is overrun and glassed, and the human fleet obliterated. One of the Spartans, [[John-117]], is able to escape on the ship ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]]'' along with her crew. In fleeing the Covenant fleet, the ''Autumn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard AI, [[Cortana]], uses a set of coordinates from a recently discovered Forerunner artifact that leads them straight to the Forerunners' [[Installation 04]].<ref name="TFoR"/> | During this battle, most of Reach is overrun and glassed, and the human fleet obliterated. One of the Spartans, [[John-117]], is able to escape on the ship ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]]'' along with her crew. In fleeing the Covenant fleet, the ''Autumn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard AI, [[Cortana]], uses a set of coordinates from a recently discovered Forerunner artifact that leads them straight to the Forerunners' [[Installation 04]].<ref name="TFoR"/> | ||
In the game ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', the Spartans of [[Noble Team]] defend Reach against the Covenant invasion, most of them sacrificing their lives in the process. At the finale, they are given the task of transporting a fragment of Cortana housing critical data to the ''Pillar of Autumn''. [[Noble Six]] holds off the Covenant long enough for the ''Autumn'' to escape, indirectly enabling humanity's survival in the war. | |||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Alpha Halo=== | ===Alpha Halo=== | ||
| Line 148: | Line 154: | ||
[[File:Onyx cover.jpg|thumb|150px|Set mainly on the mysterious world of [[Onyx]], ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'' establishes the SPARTAN-III Program.]] | [[File:Onyx cover.jpg|thumb|150px|Set mainly on the mysterious world of [[Onyx]], ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'' establishes the SPARTAN-III Program.]] | ||
===SPARTAN-III Program and Onyx=== | ===SPARTAN-III Program and Onyx=== | ||
{{Main|Halo: Ghosts of Onyx|SPARTAN-III | {{Main|Halo: Ghosts of Onyx|SPARTAN-III program|Battle of Onyx}} | ||
''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', which tells the story of the events that occurred on the planet [[Onyx]], begins in [[2545]], with the [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]] of [[SPARTAN-III | ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', which tells the story of the events that occurred on the planet [[Onyx]], begins in [[2545]], with the [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]] of [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] [[Operation: TORPEDO|deploying]] to a Covenant fleet refueling depot on [[Pegasi Delta]]. They proceed to destroy the facility, but due to unexpectedly heavy Covenant resistance, all but two of the three-hundred-strong Spartan company is wiped out. The only survivors, [[Tom-B292]] and [[Lucy-B091]], are revealed to be only twelve years old, and Lucy is traumatized and [[post-traumatic vocal disarticulation|rendered mute]]. | ||
In [[2531]], SPARTAN-II [[Blue Team]] [[Raid on Camp New Hope|raid]] a rebel base on planet [[Victoria]] to recover stolen nuclear warheads. The team is nearly captured by a rebel ambush, but is saved by the timely, intuitive intervention of [[Kurt-051]]. Some time afterward, [[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]] presents the top leadership of ONI with his proposal for a new Spartan project. They agree that the SPARTAN-II program is prohibitively expensive and that a more streamlined, "disposable" breed of Spartans must be trained for high-risk operations. Kurt-051 and [[Franklin Mendez|SCPO Mendez]] are brought in to train the new generation of Spartans on the restricted planet of [[Onyx]]. | In [[2531]], SPARTAN-II [[Blue Team]] [[Raid on Camp New Hope|raid]] a rebel base on planet [[Victoria]] to recover stolen nuclear warheads. The team is nearly captured by a rebel ambush, but is saved by the timely, intuitive intervention of [[Kurt-051]]. Some time afterward, [[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]] presents the top leadership of ONI with his proposal for a new Spartan project. They agree that the SPARTAN-II program is prohibitively expensive and that a more streamlined, "disposable" breed of Spartans must be trained for high-risk operations. Kurt-051 and [[Franklin Mendez|SCPO Mendez]] are brought in to train the new generation of Spartans on the restricted planet of [[Onyx]]. | ||
| Line 185: | Line 191: | ||
[[File:Glasslands cover.jpg|thumb|150px|''Halo: Glasslands'' is the first novel to be set in the post-war ''Halo'' universe.]] | [[File:Glasslands cover.jpg|thumb|150px|''Halo: Glasslands'' is the first novel to be set in the post-war ''Halo'' universe.]] | ||
===Post-war era=== | ===Post-war era=== | ||
{{Main|Kilo-Five Trilogy|Halo: Glasslands|Halo: The Thursday War}} | {{Main|Kilo-Five Trilogy|Halo: Glasslands|Halo: The Thursday War|Halo: Mortal Dictata}} | ||
Following the end of the war, humanity begins to rebuild and achieves a number of technological breakthroughs with the aid of an increasing amount of discovered Forerunner artifacts. Despite the alliance with [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], the political situation in the known galaxy remains volatile, with ONI concerned about reprisal on part of the now-divided Sangheili. A Sangheili group known as the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]] push for an insurrection against the Arbiter and his forces, whom they consider to be blasphemous for colluding with humanity. In response to the growing strife among the Sangheili, ONI Commander in Chief [[Admiral]] [[Margaret Parangosky]] assembles a black operations team known as [[Kilo-Five]], which is assigned on a covert mission to sow discord between disparate Sangheili factions by any means necessary, as well as to arrest [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] once she has been located. In a concurrent storyline which directly follows that of ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', Dr. Halsey, [[Franklin Mendez|SCPO Franklin Mendez]], and a group of [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-IIs]] and [[SPARTAN-III Program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] look for a means of escape from a [[Forerunner]] [[Trevelyan|shield world]] locked in a [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] bubble in the remnants [[Onyx]]. While they are eventually recovered and the shield world is claimed by the UNSC as a research facility christened [[Trevelyan]], Admiral Parangosky has Dr. Halsey arrested and imprisoned as personal retribution. | Following the end of the war, humanity begins to rebuild and achieves a number of technological breakthroughs with the aid of an increasing amount of discovered Forerunner artifacts. Despite the alliance with [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], the political situation in the known galaxy remains volatile, with ONI concerned about reprisal on part of the now-divided Sangheili. A Sangheili group known as the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]] push for an insurrection against the Arbiter and his forces, whom they consider to be blasphemous for colluding with humanity. In response to the growing strife among the Sangheili, ONI Commander in Chief [[Admiral]] [[Margaret Parangosky]] assembles a black operations team known as [[Kilo-Five]], which is assigned on a covert mission to sow discord between disparate Sangheili factions by any means necessary, as well as to arrest [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] once she has been located. In a concurrent storyline which directly follows that of ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', Dr. Halsey, [[Franklin Mendez|SCPO Franklin Mendez]], and a group of [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-IIs]] and [[SPARTAN-III Program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] look for a means of escape from a [[Forerunner]] [[Trevelyan|shield world]] locked in a [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] bubble in the remnants [[Onyx]]. While they are eventually recovered and the shield world is claimed by the UNSC as a research facility christened [[Trevelyan]], Admiral Parangosky has Dr. Halsey arrested and imprisoned as personal retribution. | ||
With Halsey out of the picture, Kilo-Five has another growing priority in the rebel-leaning planet of [[Venezia]] which may present yet another threat to the UNSC. Meanwhile, the situation on Sanghelios escalates as [[Avu Med 'Telcam]] rallies the Servants of the Abiding Truth and their allies into an all-out war against the Arbiter. However, the insurgent forces are driven back as the UNSC's newest and most powerful warship, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, arrives in the aid of the Arbiter. All the while this is taking place, [[Jul 'Mdama]], a member of the Abiding Truth imprisoned on Trevelyan, looks for a way to escape his confinement and soon learns of the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], a mighty Forerunner commander who once held a hatred for humanity. Seeking to enlist the Didact's aid in his crusade against humanity, Jul manages to escape the shield world to the Sangheili colony of [[Hesduros]], where the locals agree to join forces with him in his search for the Didact, laying the foundations for a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant resurgence]]. | With Halsey out of the picture, Kilo-Five has another growing priority in the rebel-leaning planet of [[Venezia]] which may present yet another threat to the UNSC. Meanwhile, the situation on Sanghelios escalates as [[Avu Med 'Telcam]] rallies the Servants of the Abiding Truth and their allies into an all-out war against the Arbiter. However, the insurgent forces are driven back as the UNSC's newest and most powerful warship, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, arrives in the aid of the Arbiter. All the while this is taking place, [[Jul 'Mdama]], a member of the Abiding Truth imprisoned on Trevelyan, looks for a way to escape his confinement and soon learns of the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], a mighty Forerunner commander who once held a hatred for humanity. Seeking to enlist the Didact's aid in his crusade against humanity, Jul manages to escape the shield world to the Sangheili colony of [[Hesduros]], where the locals agree to join forces with him in his search for the Didact, laying the foundations for a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|powerful new Covenant group]]. | ||
In the following years, a number of [[Covenant remnants|remnant factions]] of the former Covenant continue to spring up, with numerous independent warlords laying claim to the Covenant's legacy in spite of the Arbiter's efforts of building peace between the fragmented Covenant and the UNSC. In response to these splinter groups as well as the budding resurgence of the colonial insurrection, the UNSC creates a new generation of [[Human augmentation|augmented]] supersoldiers in the [[SPARTAN-IV program]]; these events are detailed in the comic series ''[[Halo: Initiation]]''. In the game ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'', players take control of SPARTAN-IV supersoldiers in [[Battle of Draetheus V|a battle]] against a [[Merg Vol's Covenant faction|rogue Covenant faction]]. | |||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Requiem and the Didact=== | ===Requiem and the Didact=== | ||
| Line 198: | Line 206: | ||
Having crash-landed on the shield world, which they soon learn is known as [[Requiem]], John-117 and Cortana engage the occupying Covenant forces while attempting to find a way back to UNSC-controlled space. Meanwhile, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} is approaching Requiem, oblivious of the artificial [[gravity well]] which pulled the ''Dawn'' inside. While attempting to find a way to contact ''Infinity'', John-117 and Cortana are attacked by mechanical [[Promethean]] forces. Activating a supposed broadcast relay in Requiem's core, John-117 instead accidentally releases a Forerunner commander known as the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]] from imprisonment. The Didact declares the return of the Forerunners as the galaxy's rulers and saviors. Having always revered the Forerunners as gods, the Covenant quickly swear alliance to the Promethean. | Having crash-landed on the shield world, which they soon learn is known as [[Requiem]], John-117 and Cortana engage the occupying Covenant forces while attempting to find a way back to UNSC-controlled space. Meanwhile, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} is approaching Requiem, oblivious of the artificial [[gravity well]] which pulled the ''Dawn'' inside. While attempting to find a way to contact ''Infinity'', John-117 and Cortana are attacked by mechanical [[Promethean]] forces. Activating a supposed broadcast relay in Requiem's core, John-117 instead accidentally releases a Forerunner commander known as the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]] from imprisonment. The Didact declares the return of the Forerunners as the galaxy's rulers and saviors. Having always revered the Forerunners as gods, the Covenant quickly swear alliance to the Promethean. | ||
Escaping the core of Requiem, the Chief and Cortana arrive just in time to witness the UNSC ''Infinity'' crashing on the surface of Requiem. The Didact makes for the crash-site, followed by the Master Chief, who reunites with the UNSC and ''Infinity'''s executive officer, [[Commander]] [[Thomas Lasky]], for the first time in years and assists in the defense of the stranded ''Infinity'', and with the help of Marines and [[SPARTAN-IV | Escaping the core of Requiem, the Chief and Cortana arrive just in time to witness the UNSC ''Infinity'' crashing on the surface of Requiem. The Didact makes for the crash-site, followed by the Master Chief, who reunites with the UNSC and ''Infinity'''s executive officer, [[Commander]] [[Thomas Lasky]], for the first time in years and assists in the defense of the stranded ''Infinity'', and with the help of Marines and [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IVs]], eventually driving back the Didact and the Covenant forces. Afterwards, [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Andrew Del Rio]] has a difference of opinion with the Master Chief on whether or not they should leave Requiem, or stay and deal with the Didact. During a mission, the Master Chief encounters a vision from the [[Librarian]], who warns him of the Didact's plan to enslave humanity using a device known as the [[Composer]]. Despite this, Captain Del Rio orders the ''Infinity'' to leave Requiem immediately. Disobeying orders, the Master Chief stays behind in an effort to stop the Didact. | ||
John-117 pursues the Promethean and his Covenant allies to ''[[Ivanoff Station]]'', where the Didact plans to acquire the Composer. Despite the efforts of the Master Chief, the Didact eventually uses the Composer to digitize the occupants of ''Ivanoff'', save for John-117 who is saved by the Librarian's enhancements. The Didact subsequently plans to use the Composer to attack Earth; the Master Chief follows him in close pursuit aboard a [[F-41 Broadsword|Broadsword]] space fighter. When the Didact reaches Earth, the ''Infinity'' and [[Battlegroup Dakota]] engage [[Mantle's Approach|his ship]] immediately. Armed with a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon|HAVOK nuke]], John-117 makes his way into the ship and confronts the Didact, but not before the Promethean general uses the Composer to digitize the population of [[New Phoenix]], [[United Republic of North America|URNA]]. With the Chief incapacitated by the Didact, Cortana, nearing the end of her life, immobilizes the Didact with [[hard light]] bindings. With the last of his strength, John disables the Didact with a [[Z-040 Attenuation Field Generator/Localized|pulse grenade]], sending him falling to a slipspace rupture beneath the Composer, and detonates the nuclear bomb manually. Using the last of her power, Cortana saves the Master Chief from the blast and the two meet for one last time before Cortana fades away. Left floating in the debris field, John-117 is recovered and taken aboard the ''Infinity''. | John-117 pursues the Promethean and his Covenant allies to ''[[Ivanoff Station]]'', where the Didact plans to acquire the Composer. Despite the efforts of the Master Chief, the Didact eventually uses the Composer to [[Mind transfer|digitize]] the occupants of ''Ivanoff'', save for John-117 who is saved by the Librarian's enhancements. The Didact subsequently plans to use the Composer to attack Earth; the Master Chief follows him in close pursuit aboard a [[F-41 Broadsword|Broadsword]] space fighter. When the Didact reaches Earth, the ''Infinity'' and [[Battlegroup Dakota]] engage [[Mantle's Approach|his ship]] immediately. Armed with a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon|HAVOK nuke]], John-117 makes his way into the ship and confronts the Didact, but not before the Promethean general uses the Composer to digitize the population of [[New Phoenix]], [[United Republic of North America|URNA]]. With the Chief incapacitated by the Didact, Cortana, nearing the end of her life, immobilizes the Didact with [[hard light]] bindings. With the last of his strength, John disables the Didact with a [[Z-040 Attenuation Field Generator/Localized|pulse grenade]], sending him falling to a slipspace rupture beneath the Composer, and detonates the nuclear bomb manually. Using the last of her power, Cortana saves the Master Chief from the blast and the two meet for one last time before Cortana fades away. Left floating in the debris field, John-117 is recovered and taken aboard the ''Infinity''. | ||
===Return to Requiem=== | ===Return to Requiem=== | ||
| Line 212: | Line 220: | ||
Believing to have obtained what they were looking for, Jul 'Mdama sends Requiem to be destroyed by a nearby star. Deactivating a slipspace anchor originating from Requiem, the UNSC ''Infinity'' narrowly escapes the planet's gravity well. Afterwards, Lasky and Palmer observe as Dr. Glassman studies one half of the divided Janus Key. Meanwhile, aboard a Covenant ship, Dr. Halsey seemingly agrees to collaborate with Jul 'Mdama and his forces, stating that she wants revenge. | Believing to have obtained what they were looking for, Jul 'Mdama sends Requiem to be destroyed by a nearby star. Deactivating a slipspace anchor originating from Requiem, the UNSC ''Infinity'' narrowly escapes the planet's gravity well. Afterwards, Lasky and Palmer observe as Dr. Glassman studies one half of the divided Janus Key. Meanwhile, aboard a Covenant ship, Dr. Halsey seemingly agrees to collaborate with Jul 'Mdama and his forces, stating that she wants revenge. | ||
The comic series ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' picks up where these events left off, continuing the story of the ''Infinity'' crew and further exploring the galactic status quo. | |||
==In our universe== | ==In our universe== | ||
| Line 219: | Line 229: | ||
The second game, ''Halo 2'' was released in 2004, breaking sales records and becoming the fastest selling United States media product in history. ''Halo 2'' US sales top 125 million dollars; UK retail celebrates successful launch September 7. | The second game, ''Halo 2'' was released in 2004, breaking sales records and becoming the fastest selling United States media product in history. ''Halo 2'' US sales top 125 million dollars; UK retail celebrates successful launch September 7. | ||
A third game, ''Halo 3'', has been released for the [[Xbox 360]] and closes this chapter in the Halo series. The ''Halo'' games have become well known for the high quality of their graphics, gameplay, physics, and storyline. ''Halo Wars'', a Real Time Strategy game, was released for the Xbox 360 in 2009. ''Halo 3: ODST'', another First-Person Shooter, was also released in 2009. The next game in the franchise, ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', was released in [[2010]]. As a gift to the original players of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and also to those who never had the chance to play it, an [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary | Anniversary Edition]] was released in 2011 with revamped graphics and extra features. Further expanding the ''Halo'' universe are several novels, which provide insight into the background story. | A third game, ''Halo 3'', has been released for the [[Xbox 360]] and closes this chapter in the Halo series. The ''Halo'' games have become well known for the high quality of their graphics, gameplay, physics, and storyline. ''Halo Wars'', a Real Time Strategy game, was released for the Xbox 360 in 2009. ''Halo 3: ODST'', another First-Person Shooter, was also released in 2009. The next game in the franchise, ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', was released in [[2010]]. As a gift to the original players of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and also to those who never had the chance to play it, an [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Anniversary Edition]] was released in 2011 with revamped graphics and extra features. Further expanding the ''Halo'' universe are several novels, which provide insight into the background story. | ||
The Reclaimer Saga is the ongoing second phase of the Halo video game franchise. The first installment of the saga Halo 4, was announced on June 6th, 2011. The series launched with Halo 4's release on November 6, 2012. | The Reclaimer Saga is the ongoing second phase of the Halo video game franchise. The first installment of the saga Halo 4, was announced on June 6th, 2011. The series launched with Halo 4's release on November 6, 2012. | ||