"Operation: HOT GATES"@en . "--09-17"^^ . . . . . "1.4"^^ . . "ALERT! Security Breach Detected!"@en . "Star System: \nAlpha Canis Minoris [~11.9 light-years from Sol]\n\n\nPlanet Type: \ninner star system terrestrial planet\n\n\nNatural History: evidence of inhabitation by native \n fauna and flora between the Late Cretaceous and Late Pleistocene \neras. Planetary extinction caused by unknown environmental catastrophe \n\n\nColonial History: Discovered in 2492, after colonisation of \nArcadia in same system, investigated by Terra Invictus Mining Corporation for \nabundant alluvial and mineral deposits. Established as a mining colony in 2507, \na site of Insurrectionist activity from 2511 through to 2524. Abandoned by \ncivilians in 2531 after first invasion of Arcadia, full military withdrawal in \n2542. No known inhabitants, unable to exclude possibility of remnant \nInsurrectionist activity.\n\n\nPlanetary Characteristics: tectonically active, several \nvolcanic mountain ranges along the equator. Evidence of terrestrial impact by \norbital debris throughout the past 16 million years. Atmosphere consists of \noxygen-nitrogen mix, with traced of hydrogen, helium, and other Earth-natural \nelements. Land is concentrated in one supercontinent, Avalon, with surface area \ndominated by 75% water in super-ocean, Marina. Biospheres are separated into \npolar icecaps, northern and southern temperate zones, and equatorial tropical \nzone.\n\n\nOrbital Characteristics: occupying habitable field around \nProcyon. Possesses one satellite, Juno, approximately 1/5 planetary mass. \nSurrounded by a thick asteroid belt, only accessible by a narrow tunnel devoid \nof debris known as the \u201CJuno Corridor.\u201D"@en . "1.2"^^ . "//INITIATING PRIMARY SECURITY SCAN JULIET-ALPHA 4492//\n\n\n\n//14 DATA COURRUPTIONS DETECTED//\n\n\n\n//INITIATING CORRUPT DATA PURGE//\n\n\n\n//FIREWALL BREACH DETECTED// \n\n\n\n//INFILTRATING TERMINAL IDENTIFIED: JULIET ALPHA-20101//\n\n\n\n//TERMINAL TAGGED AS HOSTILE// \n\n\n\n//UPLOADING MIL.VIR.3442A \u201CWIDOW-MAKER\u201D//\n\n\n\n//UPLOAD COMPLETE//\n\n\n\n//HOSTILE INTRUDER ATTEMPTING TO PURGE//\n\n\n\n//PURGE FAILED//\n\n\n\n//FIREWALL BUFFER ENHANCED PER {ONI.SEC.PROG.333/7B \u201CENIGMA\u201D}//\n\n\n\n//NO FURTHER SECURITY BREACHES DETECTED//\n\n\n\n//SECURITY BREACH FORWARDED TO UNSC OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS//"@en . "1.3"^^ . . . "Indigo"@en . . "Initiated by Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb, NOVA was intended to develop a super weapon to level the playing field against the Covenant in the orbital theatres of combat, where the UNSC has traditionally been at its weakest. Consisting of nine hafnium warheads contained within a tritium case, the blast yield of a single NOVA is sufficient to devastate significant portions of a planet, and to destroy small planetoids. It was hoped that NOVA could be used in an offensive capacity, aimed at Covenant worlds in order to bring them to the negotiation table at last, but here I intend to use it in a defensive application. NOVA is currently still in the prototype and testing stages, but [ULYSSES] assures me that he can have a bomb ready by early 2553."@en . "Excerpt from UNSC UniCom/NavCom Combat Field Manual \n\n\nPlanetary:\n\n\nCovenant weaponry differs dramatically from \nUNSC standard equipment, in most cases firing a form of superheated ionised gas, \n\u201Cplasma\u201D guiding and containing this plasma via a controlled electromagnetic \nfield. These types of weapons seem to be the most common in the Covenant\u2019s \narsenal, used as offensive weaponry on vehicles, aircraft and starships, and as \nhandheld firearms by infantry. These weapons also seem to have an effect on \nelectronic equipment, likely the influence of the electromagnetic field. Most \ncommon weapons to use this type are the Plasma Pistol, Plasma Rifle, and Plasma \nRepeater. Other weaponry, such as the Needler and Needle Rifle, use crystalline \nammunition that tracks and embeds in biological targets, exploding with \nsignificant force. Multiple needles embedded in the same target will produce a \nchain reaction, equivalent to a HE-DP Fragmentation Grenade with approximately \nequivalent force and area of effect. Still other weapons, such as the Carbine \nand the Fuel Rod Cannon, use irradiated projectiles, with similar penetration \nand operation to UNSC weaponry but with the added hazard of irradiation of the \ntarget and, reportedly, the user. Brute weaponry is much more primitive than \nother Covenant, or even UNSC, technology, and is still be based on accelerated \nmetal projectiles, though Brutes seem to prefer large, bulky fletchettes or \ngrenade launchers. Naturally, until further research can be performed, all \nCovenant equipment and weaponry is to be treated with caution and collected at \nany and all opportune moments \n\nCovenant ground forces in general seem to \nprefer to use sheer firepower and overwhelming numbers to eliminate groundside \nthreats, rather than invest effort into tactically and strategically effective \nmanoeuvres. Some exceptions can be found \u2013 Elite and Brute units are far more \ncapable than other Covenant units, and require extreme caution when dealing \nwith, and special operations units exist \u2013 but in general, the Covenant reserve \ntheir most elite units for desperate situations, of which there have been scarce \nfew. Covenant forces use a colour-based ranking system, differing between \nspecies.\n\nGrunts: Grunts are the most \ncommon infantry among the Covenant armed forces, and exemplify their military \nphilosophy \u2013 generally regarded as less skilled \nthan their human equivalents, Grunts are nevertheless bred and fielded in \nsufficient numbers to more than compensate for their deficiencies. Often found \nin squads, either led by a high-ranking Grunt or by an Elite or Brute, Grunts \nare often poorly armed and possess little effective armour beyond a simple \nharness to carry their gas tanks and to ensure limited modesty. Possess a \ndependency on methane, which they carry strapped to their backs outside of \nspecially designed environments, and which can erupt with explosive force. In \nsmall numbers, Grunts are among the lowest threats presented by the Covenant.\n\nJackals: though far more skilled \nthan their Grunt counterparts, Jackals are present in lesser numbers. Possessing \nboth reptilian and avian characteristics, Jackals are well known for using \ndurable arm-mounted energy shields for defence, though these shields can be \ncircumvented by precision weaponry by weapons with parabolic trajectories, such \nas grenades, or overloaded by explosives or EMP devices. Jackals possess keen \nsenses of sight, smell and sound, and use these to great effect in \nsniper/sharpshooter/scout roles. Most often found individually or in teams of \ntwo. Of the Covenant\u2019s infantry forces, Jackals are regarded as the most \nequivalent to UNSC forces. WARNING: Jackals are known to execute and battlefield \nsurvivors, civilian or military, and butcher them. Treat with caution.\n\nDrones: encountered \ncomparatively recently, Drones are an intelligent hive-minded arthropod species \nused by the Covenant as menial workers and technicians. Deployed in swarms of \nsufficient size, Drones can present a significant airborne threat, circumventing \nUNSC ground defences and attacking from unexpected directions, but possess no \nprotection beyond a naturally tough exoskeleton.\n\nEngineers: far more proficient than \nDrones in technical expertise, Engineers are rarely deployed and even more \nrarely observed by UNSC forces. They appear to be mostly harmless unless \nthreatened, ignoring even the closest UNSC forces until obstructed. Potentially \nneutral in this conflict \u2013 standing orders are to attempt to capture one alive \nif possible.\n\nHunters: deployed like heavy \ndemolitions equipment, Hunters serve as heavy shock troops, using their massive \nhulking form and thick armour to engage enemy units at close range. One arm is \nequipped with a powerful Fuel Rod Cannon, while the other carries a thick and \ndurable shield of unknown material. Limited weak spots presented on the back and \nneck areas, otherwise vulnerable only to heavy weaponry, such as grenades and \nother explosives.\n\nBrutes: Brutes are tactically \nskilled warriors, often fielded leading squads of Grunts and/or Jackals, or in \npurely Brute squads, deployed as heavy infantry in combat. Possess limited \nenergy shield technology, but compensate with naturally thick hide and \ndistributed nervous system, making them extremely difficult to bring down. \nHighest-ranking brutes wield large hammers in combat, charging to close in on \nand engage an enemy. Physically powerful and fast, Brutes are to be regarded \nwith extreme caution on the battlefield. NOTE: Brutes appear to have a rivalry \nwith the higher-ranking Elites for dominance, perhaps explaining Elite \nreluctance to deploy them among their forces. This may be able to be exploited \nto cause tension among the Covenant\u2019s internal hierarchy.\n\nElites: Elites are the most \ncapable warriors among the Covenant, tactical and strategic skill, physical \nstrength and speed, proficient in most forms of Covenant weaponry and possessing \nrecharging energy shields. Lower-ranking Elites are deployed as squad leaders, \nheading units consisting of Grunts and/or Jackals, but are sufficiently tough \nenemy units on their own to warrant caution. The highest ranks serve as \nbattlefield leaders, equivalent to generals or admirals. Seem to take pride in \nhand-to-hand combat ability, using energy swords to this effect.\n\nProphets: so far only engaged at \nextreme range and in a limited capacity, Prophets are the leaders of the \nCovenant, and normally take no part in military operations. Frail and dependent \non technology to move, Prophets are little threat on their own but are normally \nsurrounded by large numbers of bodyguards, all of whom are selected based on \nskill and dedication.\n\nCovenant vehicles and aircraft invariably \nuse anti-gravity propulsion of a type still being analysed by ONI. Lighter \nvehicles are swift, making use of their anti-gravity propulsion for speed and \nefficient thrust-vectoring capability, but may lack manoeuvrability. Covenant \naircraft use their anti-gravity propulsion systems in a similar way, usually \nusing them for attaining extreme high velocity, but also for thrust-vectoring \nand vertical movement. Almost all Covenant vehicles are equipped with plasma \nweaponry of some sort, either light plasma cannons or heavier versions for \nanti-vehicle support. Heavier vehicles, such as the Type-52 Assault Gun Carriage \n, carry either a Plasma Mortar or a number of Type-52 Light \nAnti-Aircraft Weapons for engaging vehicles or aircraft at range, with a lighter \nType-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon for anti-infantry support. Covenant \naircraft, such as the Type-26 Ground Support Vehicle , Type-52 Troop \nTransport , Type-42 Troop Transport and Seraph Fighter are \nable to operate in both atmospheric and exoatmospheric environments, though \nfighters have comparatively short ranges compared to dropships. All aircraft \ncarry plasma cannons for offense and defence, but the Banshee carries a Fuel Rod \nCannon and the Seraph carries a plasma torpedo launcher for attacking heavier \ntargets.\n\n\nOrbital\n\nIn orbital combat against UNSC space \nforces, Covenant forces have had little cause to develop any sophisticated \ntactics and strategies, relying on their technological superiority. Covenant \nwarships use drives that are fast and accurate, allowing extremely rapid transit \nthrough Slipspace to make pinpoint precision jumps; directed energy weapons, \nconsisting of a mixture of chemical lasers, plasma torpedo launchers, and \nparticle beam weapons; and electromagnetic fields providing shielding from UNSC \nweaponry. This advantage in precision formation, firepower, and defence means \nthat the UNSC must usually enjoy a numerical advantage of 3:1 for a level \nplaying field, and more if a victory is to be achieved. Covenant ships are \nusually crewed by Elites, though Jackals have been known to field small, agile \nbut lightly armed and defended ships for piracy operations. Brutes have also \nbeen known to crew ships, usually outdated Covenant models and rarely deployed. \nMost warships larger than frigate class carry at least a small complement of \nSeraph fighters for point defence and interception, and carriers can carry up to \nthree hundred fighters. Typically, Covenant warships engage all targets at hand, \neliminating any threat that might be presented to them methodically and \nruthlessly, especially targeting Orbital Tethers that might be used for escaping \ncolonists or military personnel. After all orbital threats have been removed, \nregardless of whether UNSC ground forces remain, the Covenant will them bombard \nthe planet from orbit using their plasma weaponry in a criss-crossing grid \npattern, designed to melt the surface of the entire planet to render it \nuninhabitable. Intelligence indicates this to be partly religious in function, \nand partly practical, denying the UNSC the chance to re-colonise these worlds. \nNo Covenant warships have ever been observed agreeing to surrender regardless of \nhow badly damaged the ship, and UNSC boarding parties have encountered stiff \nresistance, to the extent that the Covenant will destroy their ship rather than \nlet it fall into our hands."@en . "1.1"^^ . "Hoping to capitalise on the possible military applications of the Zeta Doradus / Onyx ruins, TEMERITY was originally formed in 2490 to assist in the excavation and analysis of any possible technologies recovered by the xenoarcheological dig team, consisting of both military personnel and civilian consultants. The gradual loss of interest in the Onyx ruins meant that TEMERITY was practically on the verge of collapse when the Covenant attacked Harvest. Now repurposed by ONI to recover and analyse any alien technology, for the past twenty four years worked on studying captured or recovered alien technology and reverse engineering these for UNSC applications. Though certainly not the only operating Project working on such applications, it has had the most success \u2013 improvements in directed energy weapons, solid light barriers, holographic emitters and a wide variety of useful equipment have all been derived from TEMERITY."@en . "1.5"^^ . "1.6"^^ . . "By 2535, it was readily apparent that the UNSC\u2019s then-current arsenal was woefully inadequate to deal with such a technologically advanced and numerically superior opponent such as the Covenant. In order to remedy this, Project EXCALIBUR was set up by the office of Naval Intelligence in order to develop equipment for the Navy and Marine Corps, and even the Army in some limited cases of inter-branch cooperation, intended to modernise the UNSCDF to compete against superior Covenant ships and weapons using improvements developed by TEMERITY. The results of EXCALIBUR have been varied \u2013 many were not adopted for cost reasons, or because of safety concerns, while others have been outstanding successes. EXCALIBUR\u2019s experiments in starship modernisation would eventually produce ships like the Pillar of Autumn and Aeneas, and would introduce a range of missile, kinetic, and directed energy weapons into service. Through its operative span, EXCALIBUR has cooperated with a number of other projects, such as VAJRA-II, NAEGLING and ARONDIGHT to improve combat infantry survivability and development of powered armour."@en .