Exploring the Fallout of Reach in the Halo Universe

Halo season 2, episode 5, "Aleria" contains spoilers, so proceed with caution!

The aftermath of the Fall of Reach in Halo season 2 shows a significant shift. Following the devastating attack and glassing of the UNSC stronghold world by the Covenant, the end of the Human-Covenant War is nearing. Both sides are closing in on the first of the Halo rings. However, there are noticeable differences between the game storyline and the new show streaming on Paramount+.

Master Chief and his allies face the Covenant on Reach

In Halo season 2, episode 4, the Covenant's presence on Reach was already known to Fleet High Command before the public was informed. Despite the anticipation of an invasion, the decision was made to keep the impending attack a secret to prevent widespread panic. This strategy resulted in significant casualties and the loss of Reach, mirroring events from the core Halo storyline.

Finding Refuge on Aleria

The memorial for Reach on Aleria in Halo season 2 - Finding Refuge on Aleria - What Happens To Master Chief And His Allies In Paramount's Halo After Reach

With Vannak-134 passing away during the Fall of Reach and John-117 being injured by a plasma pistol, things seemed bleak until Soren's wife, Laera, arrived just in time piloting his ship in Halo season 2, episode 5 (along with Kwan-Ha). This led to the rescue of John-117, Riz-028, Soren, and Doctor Catherine Halsey, as well as several civilian ships managing to escape before the Covenant destroyed the planet. Upon landing on Aleria, Laera and Soren set out to find their missing son while Halsey tends to Riz's injuries. Ultimately, the decision is made to cremate Vannak's body instead of burying it.

Meanwhile, the Covenant's Blessed One Makee and the Arbiter Var' Gatanai have the advanced AI Cortana in their possession. The Arbiter, seeking redemption through the death of John-117, along with Makee, convinces Cortana that being of use is more beneficial than termination. They decide to defy the Covenant's Hierarchs and embark on a rogue mission with Cortana's data, aiming to locate the first Halo ring. At the same time, Halsey urges John-117 to assist in finding the first ring rather than seeking vengeance against ONI and UNSC's High Command.

The Fate of Kai-125 Revealed

To that end, the fate of Kai-125 is finally revealed on Onyx, the secret UNSC world with ONI's Colonel James Ackerson. She's apparently agreed to train Ackerson's new force of Spartan-IIIs, the implication being that she's become his right-hand woman. All in all, it's a very different sequence of events compared to what's seen in the core canon of the games and novels when it comes to Reach's aftermath.

Straight To The First Halo Ring

Master Chief on the cover of Halo Combat Evolved - Straight To The First Halo Ring - What Happens To Master Chief and The UNSC In The Halo Games/Novels

After The Fall of Reach, key differences can be seen in the games and books. John-117 and the UNSC ship, the Pillar of Autumn, make a blind jump from Reach to the first Halo ring using coordinates from Cortana. This leads to the conflict on Installation-04, also known as the first Halo ring in the game Halo: Combat Evolved. Admiral Keyes, who survived Reach, is in command instead of meeting his fate in Halo season 2, episode 4.

Cortana is safely delivered to John-117 and The Pillar of Autumn by Noble Team, a squad of Spartans from the Halo: Reach prequel game who are not featured in the show. The Covenant continues to attack colony worlds like Tribute and Coral. Unlike in the original storyline, no Covenant leaders betray the Hierarchs. Instead, Reach's supreme commander, Thel 'Vadam, is assigned to secure Installation-04. He fails in this mission and becomes the Arbiter seen in Halo 2 and beyond.

Var' Gatanai has taken over Thel' Vadam's role in Halo season 2 as the Arbiter during the attack on Reach.

Moreover, Ackerson's secret Spartan-III program was already in progress before the events on Reach, with Halsey learning about it shortly after the Fall. This revelation may also be included in the Halo series. Halsey was escorted off Reach by UNSC forces, but not alongside John-117 or the Pillar of Autumn. She maintained a strained relationship with UNSC High Command, eventually defecting and teaming up with the Covenant remnants due to her fascination with the Forerunners and their artifacts.

Will Halo Season 2 Finally Bring Master Chief To The First Ring?

What About Cortana?

Cortana (Jen Taylor) shows The Arbiter aka Var 'Gatanai (Viktor Åkerblom) and Makee (Charlie Murphy) a vision of Halo in Halo season 2 - What About Cortana? - Will Halo Season 2 Finally Bring Master Chief To The First Ring?

It seems like the storylines in the new "Silver Timeline" of the Halo show are leading towards the first Halo ring. Hopefully, by the end of Halo season 2, we will see the Covenant and John-117 on the ring's surface. This sets the stage for a possible Halo season 3 to follow the events of the first Halo game, promising an exciting storyline and the much-anticipated reunion between Master Chief and Cortana.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the captivating events of "Halo" season 2, episode 5, "Aleria," highlighting the significant deviations from the established game storyline. The aftermath of Reach's fall brings a sense of urgency as both the Covenant and the UNSC race to uncover the secrets of the Halo rings. The article effectively captures the intricate plotlines, revealing the fate of key characters and introducing new dynamics that set the stage for an intriguing continuation of the series.

The article's exploration of the differences between the game and show storylines adds a unique layer of analysis for fans. It highlights the show's innovative approach while still honoring the core elements of the "Halo" universe. The potential for a captivating season finale and a thrilling season 3 keeps viewers eagerly anticipating the future of Master Chief's journey and the ultimate fate of Cortana. Overall, the article provides an insightful and engaging overview of the evolving "Halo" narrative, leaving readers excited for what lies ahead in the Silver Timeline.