In the recent episode of Halo season 2, titled "Aleria," Soren, a former Spartan now turned pirate and Rubble insurrectionist, is on a mission to find his son, Kessler, with the help of his strong-willed wife Laera. Before Soren was tasked with protecting Dr. Catherine Halsey during the Covenant invasion of Reach, Laera and Kessler attempted to escape the Rubble on Soren's ship. However, Soren's rebellious crew once again become violent, leading Kwan Ha to separate from Kessler in order to ensure Laera's safety. Donning his Master Chief helmet, Kessler boards a ship and leaves the Rubble behind.
Soren's Son Abducted by the UNSC
During episode 5's opening, Soren, Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber), and the other Fall of Reach survivors are cornered by a Brute. Just before the Covenant glass the planet, Laera and Kwan Ha appear on Soren's ship to save Halo's key players. While Master Chief and Riz (Natasha Culzac) grapple with their futures — both as Spartans and as people — Soren and Laera dig up leads on Kessler's whereabouts. According to a shopkeeper on Aleria, he was taken in by two local women. When that turns out to be a lie, Soren and Laera uncover the truth.
Fiona O'Shaughnessy as Laera and Bokeem Woodbine as Soren-066 search for Kessler on Aleria in Halo season 2 - It’s Revealed In Halo Season 2, Episode 5 That Soren’s Son Was Abducted By The UNSC
Following the Fall of Reach, the search for Kessler sparks a heated conflict between Soren and Laera. Soren, a former Spartan, holds deep grudges against Halsey for ruining his childhood. On the other hand, Soren copes by maintaining a cheerful demeanor. However, Laera struggles to share his optimism as their son remains missing. She is frustrated with Soren for prioritizing his pursuit of Halsey over their family. Additionally, Laera is puzzled by Soren's seemingly lack of outward distress over Reach's devastation and Kessler's disappearance.
Laera's chance encounter with another child confirms that Kessler is no longer on Aleria. As the couple navigate their very different approaches to the issues at hand, they encounter the Alerian women who supposedly took Kessler in. These women not only refuse to believe that Laera and Soren are Kessler's parents, but claim to be keeping the orphaned kids' best interests in mind. Back at the main outpost, a frustrated Laera threatens the shopkeeper who initially lied to them and learns the truth: Kessler was taken by the UNSC.
How Kessler & Soren Factor Into Halo Season 2’s Larger Story
Kessler looks sad in Halo season 2 - How Kessler & Soren Factor Into Halo Season 2’s Larger Story
It's currently uncertain what the UNSC and ONI have planned for Kessler. Halo season 2, episode 6, "Onyx," might show Soren and Laera traveling to the UNSC-controlled planet to locate their son. Previous episodes of season 2 have hinted at Kessler's importance. In a significant moment from Halo's Fall of Reach episode, Soren and Dr. Halsey discuss Kessler. Halsey, curious about Soren's biologically impossible son, seeks more information for scientific reasons. However, Soren is reluctant to share any details.
The revelation of Kessler's existence is intriguing because Dr. Halsey's Spartan-II program was designed to make her soldiers unable to have children. This unexpected development sets the stage for James Ackerson's Spartan-III program to play a significant role in Halo season 2. With Halsey's growing interest in Kessler and the UNSC's search for new Spartan candidates, including a replacement for Master Chief, Soren's son could be vital not only to the UNSC's scientific pursuits but also to the future of the Spartans.
Editor's P/S:
The article effectively captures the captivating storyline of Halo season 2, episode "Aleria," focusing on the search for Soren's son, Kessler. The detailed description of the characters' motivations, conflicts, and the revelation of Kessler's existence as a biological anomaly adds depth to the narrative. The article highlights the complex emotions and tensions between Soren and Laera as they navigate the challenges of finding their son while grappling with their own past experiences.
The article also raises intriguing questions about the UNSC's intentions towards Kessler and the potential implications for the Spartan program. The possibility of Kessler's involvement in the Spartan-III program opens up new directions for the story, hinting at the ongoing scientific and military advancements within the Halo universe. Overall, the article provides a solid overview of the episode's key events and effectively piques the reader's interest in the unfolding storyline.
