Exodus

Halo 3

by

Joseph Staten
(Staten, 12/05/2004)

R Dft 4 //
CAMPAIGN MISSION: ABSOLUTION

FADE FROM WHITE

EXT. OUTER SPACE

A backdrop of blackness, with only small pinholes of light is
pierced by a massive, burning space cruiser. The large craft
is aflame in its rear compartments and appears to be under
attack. In pursuit...there is nothing. The cruiser is
unorthodox, with large, narrow extensions. Extremely angular
and geometric, it is certainly alien in origin. The ship is
Cessation.

PAN RIGHT (following cruiser)

Now a large, luminous blue-green planet fills the void of
space and the cruiser appears to head toward it, suffering
from interior ruptures and still reeling from what appears to
have been a violent attack. The flames are pearl-white gashes
of plasma gushing from various breaches along the rear
sections of the main hull. Cessations state is dire.

EXT. CESSATION, BRIDGE

The front cabin appears untouched as various beings move
about in front of the translucent viewport. This is the
control deck, the bridge of the ship. It is complete with
calm, lucid beings who act in stark contrast with the
dramatic issues that engulf the rear sections of the ship.

ZOOM INTO VIEWPORT

INT. CESSATION, BRIDGE

Inside there are several large beings, at least three meters
in height. They are humanoid creatures, but appear thin and
sinewy in stature. Their faces are long, narrow and their
eyes are covered by vertical slits of flesh that run the
length of their faces. The beings are adorned in a variety of
clothing, some wear eloquent fine robes and others have
metallic armor. They all have long arms and legs with a feral
haunch and large, clawed feet. Their skin is a brown and a
grayish coloration, with mild variations and markings among
each of them. At the center of the variety of beings is their
leader, a large, powerful creature with a demanding posture
a nd an intense presence.

CLOSE ON FACE: This creature is extremely commanding and has
an underlying strength that is undeniable.

2.
His title is OBERION THE GREAT. He turns to a nearby, armored
being. This one is clearly a military leader of some sort.
His name is VILARIUS. The creatures voices are deep and
resonate heavily across the bridge.

OBERION

Will the siege overrun our front
lines, Vilarius?

VILARIUS

The front lines are holding well,
my Excellency. Today will be the
day of our victory. The Cessation
will not fall prey to the Flood.
An impatient, brutish creature struts out from behind
Vilarius, as though trying to get the Oberion’s attention. He
is much larger than the others, almost obese. His name is
RUGARI and he is another high-ranking military entity.

RUGARI

These filthy beasts will fall by
our staffs and swords. Lord
Oberion, we are prepared to battle
with the beast until the very end.

OBERION

Rugari, your faith in our ability
to wage was is noted, but
misplaced.
In the corner is a female being, dressed in eloquent robes as
though she is an individual of royalty. Her face is hard and
tense. It is clear that she wants to speak out, but she
refrains from doing so. Her name is MAELIA.

OBERION (CONT’D)

The irony of this day is that we
will survive though we still battle
them. But no one else will.

VILARIUS

My lord? (curious)
It is clear that Vilarius doesn’t understand the comment, but
he may well be the only one. The room has various CONSULATES,
adorned in political clothing and are muted and forced to
reside in the outer fringes of the bridge.

OBERION

Commander Vilarius, go to the front
lines and bring your greatest, most
trusted warrior. Today, his skill
is needed for the gravest of tasks.

3.
CLOSE ON FACE: Oberion looks toward the planet, his eyes
incensed. Vilarius leaves at once, with a slight bow.
Maelia waives her hand at the others, advising them silently
to exit. She finally steps forward, as the others leave the
bridge and walks closer to Oberion.

MAELIA

So, here we are again, but now
you’re entrusting our fate to
soldier.

OBERION

I won’t risk falling prey to the
parasite. It nearly happened once,
and all that we had worked for
almost came to an end.

MAELIA

And what if the soldier uncovers
the truth?

OBERION

I have already foreseen as much and
prepared accordingly. Fear not,
Maelia. Everything is going as I
have designed.

INT. CESSATION, CENTRAL BAY MAJOR

A violent battle ensues. These beings, their warriors and
soldiers, are battling the combat forms of the Flood. The
parasite brutally charges across the hangar with
uncoordinated, random, yet disarming tactics. Chaff from the
Flood and blood from the beings scatters across the floor as
they attack. The beings hold a variety of unique weapons and
devices, but the Flood forms are clearly stronger and more
aggressive. Groups of soldiers are being cut down by the
sheer numbers of their enemy.
One single being stands out above the rest. A male, lean and
muscular, with a very intense, bright green colored skin
darts into the fray. He is armed with the Scepter of Anduu
and a pair of sidearms, Chalice Foils, that are belted to his
upper back. His body narrowly barrels through the conflict
around, darting between fierce battles and coming into
c ontact with several Flood combat forms along the way.
His method of attack is swift and merciless. Prying the
scepter from his taut grasp, he bats it about with his arms
in a blurring reconciliation of speed and power. With Each
strike, the long rod emits a red-colored sickle of light.

4.
This razor sharp blade rends the Flood creatures lifeless,
cutting them into pieces that drop to the ground with a burst
of mold-colored dust. He leaps into the air, striking one
down with the blade and firing at another with a powerfully
concussive force from the scepter’s tip. He is clearly a
master of the weapon and of combat in general. His speed and
agility is only matched by his precise and ruthless
calculations.
He buries the scepter in the belt at his back and removes the
other two weapons, foils. Again he leaps into battle, this
time deftly jarring the oncoming Flood horde with highvelocity
concentrations of energy from his two weapons. They
are accurate and fast, but he uses them with a professional
ease. After a short moment, the horde that was approaching
has been reduced to a pile of husks and corroded body parts
which he stands atop. His head perks up from it’s fevered
tightness with the sound of a commander.

VILARIUS (O.S.)

Cephaus! Report to the bridge at
immediately! Cephaus! Report to the
bridge immediately!
CEPHAUS, the extraordinary warrior, is both surprised and
curious at once. He marshals a controlled amount of power and
leaps through the conflagration of body parts and weapons
heading toward the rear lines. There, he finds Commander
Vilarius. He bows his head in honor.

CEPHAUS

The bridge, my Commander?

VILARIUS

Yes. Our Lord, Oberion the Great,
wishes to speak with my best
warrior. There are none like you,
Cephaus. Go quickly and do not let
h im wait.

CEPHAUS

Yes, Commander.
INT. CESSATION, BRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER
Cephaus, covered in blood and dry Flood remains, enters the
bridge. There is only one individual on the bridge: Oberion
the Great, one of several leaders of their kind. Through
chance and circumstance, he happens to be the military leader
of their campaign against the Flood. Cephaus bows before him,
laying his weapons down and becoming prostrate. Oberion turns
to greet him.

5.
OBERION

Rise, my friend.
He walks toward Cephaus and the warrior rises. They are
nearly the same size, Oberion is grizzled and broad, while
Cephaus is young and taut. Cephaus is notably curious, but
not nervous or shaken in the least. The two begin to walk,
side-by-side, around the bridge.

OBERION (CONT’D)

You might wonder why we brought you
here. What your special purpose is?

CEPHAUS

I did, my lord. (nods)

OBERION

‘Cephaus,’ what a great name for a
warrior. Do you know it’s origin?

CEPHAUS

It means “Unwavering Protector” in
the Bikari-Anduu tongue.

OBERION

Yes. So you are not only a skilled
soldier, but also a well-educated
one as well.
They stop near the viewport and stare at the beautiful bluegreen
planet. Oberion’s voice is terse and manipulative,
while Cephaus remains stoic.

OBERION (CONT’D)

Do you know what this is, Cephaus?

CEPHAUS

It is the housing perch of our
central defense. It holds the first
installation: The Ark.

OBERION

That is correct. Do you know it’s
purpose?

CEPHAUS

All warriors of Anduu are required
to learn the pledge of ‘The Seven
Rings.’ It is part of our
birthright.

6.
OBERION

Can you recall the final passage
for me?
Cephaus is overtly suspicious as another explosion in Central
Bay Major goes off, causing the ship to buckle. He seemingly
wonders what purpose this conversation has in the light of
t heir current situation.

CEPHAUS

‘In the event of complete loss, as
a last hope of restoration, one
must activate the first ring to
allow secured passage our kind and
complete annihilation of the Flood.
It is the only hope for all life.’

OBERION

It is the only hope for our way of
life you know. ‘The Pledge’ is
perfect truth, do you agree?

CEPHAUS

I do. But surely, your Greatness,
that time is not now.

OBERION

(becomes sullen and grave)

CEPHAUS

The activation of the rings was
meant as a last resort. For
hundreds of years we have been able
to fight the Flood, to defend our
worlds. It never came to such a
threat.

OBERION

As we speak now, my friend, the
plains of Anduu are afire. The
temples of Kalmanni and Vilupor are
in shambles, destroyed by the
Gravemind creature and his horrors.
The Flood have reached our very
homes and despite our crusade
against them, they have won. I have
received this information only
moments ago.

CLOSE ON FACE: Cephaus’ mind races across the galaxy to the
places he calls home.
FLASH:

7.
(MORE)

__________________

Exodus

EXT. PLAINS OF ANDUU

The lush green plains of the planet Anduu, burning. The Flood
combat forms scurry through the once peaceful habitat under
the cover of night, while defenseless farmers are torn to
shreds.
FLASH:

INT. TEMPLE OF VILUPOR

The porous ivory temples of the planet Vilupor are overrun by
the roots and membrane of rampant Flood infestation. Various
forms amble around, and despite it being the middle of the
day a gaseous smog covers the sky.
FLASH:

INT. CESSATION, BRIDGE

Cephaus is now visibly shaken. He appears bewildered. Angry.

CEPHAUS

My family. My home.

OBERION (V.O.)

They are as good as dead, Cephaus.
There is nothing at our homes for
us any longer.
FLASH:

EXT. HILLSIDE VILLAGE OF ANDUU

During the day in the beautiful, lush landscapes of Anduu,
there is another frightful image. The cluster of homes that
line a cresting hillside are filled with swarms of Flood
forms, like running water, swarming throughout the territory.
It seems impossible for anyone or anything to have survived
t his outbreak.

INT. CESSATION, BRIDGE

OBERION

You know the power of the Flood.
Once it consumes it’s victims, they
are no longer who they once were.

8.
OBERION(CONT'D)

There is only one way to stop
them...

CEPHAUS

‘The Pledge.’

OBERION

Commander Vilarius chose you
because you are his best. Today
will be your most sacred mission.
In short time, we will sever the
ship at Bay Major, ensuring that
the Flood threat on our ship will
be abated. You will take a single
spore-craft out aft side and drop
to the planet’s surface at the
gateway. There, you will make
contact with the monitor and
instigate ‘The Pledge.’

CEPHAUS

In doing this, all intelligent life
will die. Are there no stragglers?
No survivors that can be saved?

OBERION

We have lost complete communication
with all. At modest estimations, we
can only assume the worst. You
will, of course, find the
sustainment hollow available to
maintain your current age and
health while you await our return.
Cephaus is notably crestfallen and concerned; the conflict in
his face is clearly displayed.

OBERION (CONT’D)

Do not doubt yourself, Cephaus.
Today, you will be a hero of the
ages. The Guardians will look down
on you with pleasure, as your fame
is learned by all unto infinitude.
Are you prepared?

CEPHAUS

Yes, my Excellency.

OBERION

Then go forth, ‘Unwavering
Defender.’ Today your name becomes
destiny.

9.
Cephaus walks from the room, and the door shuts behind him.
He leaves and the room goes dead with silence. Hidden in the
shadow recesses of the room, Maelia walks forward.

MAELIA

You smell of sulfur when you lie. I
do believe he suspects something.

INT. CESSATION, SOUTHERN CORRIDOR

As the two leaders talk on the bridge, Cephaus makes his way
down a narrow corridor.

OBERION (O.S.)

He is a mindless tool, that is all.
Today we will accomplish what we
have throughout our history. The
restoration process is a necessity
for you and I. It is the only way
we can exist forever.
Cephaus enters a small room with a chest. Inside the chest is
a black box. He removes something from it out of view and
t hen returns it to its place.

MAELIA (O.S.)

Not this time. I am afraid, we will
all perish. The Guardians have
whispered to me as much.

INT. SPORE-CRAFT

Cephaus straps himself in carefully into the small, cramped
cockpit of the spore-craft. He is tense and deliberate with
his movements, almost unexpectedly.

CLOSE ON FACE. His eyes are moist and wide-open. He appears
angered and fearful, yet determined.

EXT. OUTER SPACE

With a loud crack and a pulse of light, the spore-craft is
jettisoned from an open bay door toward the planet.

FADE TO WHITE

10.
MAIN TITLE:
H A L O 3
FADE FROM WHITE
CAMPAIGN MISSION - THE PERILOUS ADYTUM

EXT. EARTH

The picturesque brilliant blue-green color of the planet has
changed very little over the course of time. Battles,
however, are raging about the planet’s atmosphere and orbit.
A single space platform, Cairo Station, remains in view, as
well as multiple cruisers and destroyers, both human and
Covenant, unleashing hell upon each other. Explosions and
plasma blasts punctuate the visual survey of this conflict.

SUBTITLE:
EARTH, 117,649 YEARS LATER
PAN RIGHT

With the unmistakable tremors of an approaching spacecraft, a
familiar ship known as The Perilous Adytum, which once
powered the Covenant capital of High Charity through
Forerunner technology, brazenly rockets into view. It’s
direction is clear: Earth. The ship becomes smaller and
smaller in the distance.

EXT. OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN

It is some point in the middle of the day, as the sun’s heat
bears down hard on the ocean’s surface. The Perilous Adytum
races forward at a blistering pace, several hundred meters
above the ocean’s surface. A massive wake forms in the water
behind it.
The familiar voice of LORD FLEET ADMIRAL SIR TERRENCE HOOD is
heard off-screen, accompanied with the crackle of radio
communication.

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

Chief, what’s your position?

11.
I NT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, PERIPHERAL CARGO CHAMBER
The MASTER CHIEF, SPARTAN 117, holds on tight as the gravity
of the planet and the ship’s inertia on his body. The craft
trembles as it careens across the ocean.

MASTER CHIEF

Indian Ocean. Seventy-eight klicks
from the coast of Africa, headed
west-northwest.

EXT. OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN

The ship continues to propel itself at a violent, but
seemingly effortless speed, toward the approaching continent.

INT. CAIRO STATION, COMMAND CENTER

Lord Hood is pacing feverishly, his brow is furrowed and he
is obviously bothered.

LORD HOOD

Any idea where you’re headed?

INT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, PERIPHERAL CARGO CHAMBER

CLOSE ON FACE: The Master Chief’s demeanor is certain.

MASTER CHIEF

I’ve got a good idea.

EXT. NEW MOMBASA

SUBTITLE: New Mombasa, East African Protectorate
What was once a very opulent and beautiful metropolitan
island, New Mombasa has now been reduced to sand and ash. The
mammoth skyscrapers have been twisted and mangled, and the
city is nothing more than a barren, wasteland. A desert
stretching for miles on each side, with an occasional
building or structure peeking through the surface of the
sand. A gust of wind pushes through the area, echoing its
absence of life.
PAN RIGHT
Here the beach can be seen; where there was once docks and
cargo frigates, there is nothing but land and ocean.

12.
In the distances and single ball of light can be seen. After
only a few seconds, it becomes clearly visible. It is The
Perilous Adytum. Within a few more seconds, the familiar
tremors arrive. Then, in the blink of an eye, it passes
overhead, shaking the camera erratically.

INT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, PERIPHERAL CARGO CHAMBER

The Master Chief gains better footing and begins to get his
bearings, still clinging rather tightly to the sidewalls of
the cargo chamber. He leaps down from a box and brushes off
his shoulders casually, despite the continuous quivering of
the ship’s architecture. He walks toward the other side of
t he very narrow chamber that he is in, and locates a door.

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

We were able to take out a large
chunk of their fleet with the MAC
gun, but I’m afraid many ships
slipped through the crack. They
bull-rushed us. (pauses) The spooks
here aren’t reading Cortana’s
signature. Something happen?

INT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, CORRIDOR OUTSIDE CARGO CHAMBER

Three Covenant Jackals, thin, birdlike bipeds, with red eyes
and lean bodies are patrolling the narrow corridor. They walk
in a single-file line, but the last one notices something
suspicious about the cargo chamber and stops at the door. He
hisses and motions to the others with his hand.

MASTER CHIEF (O.S.)

She stayed behind to do what needed
to be done.

INT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, PERIPHERAL CARGO CHAMBER

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

Both you and her know that it is a
violation of protocol. Whatever
need there may have been, this
risks them learning a great deal
about us.
The Master Chief is perusing several open containers in the
cargo chamber and finds a strange new weapon referred to as
the Demon Shaker. It’s an odd Covenant firearm that he has
never seen, almost as though it was designed and created
outside of a Covenant armory. It appears to simply be a
makeshift weapon.

13.
(MORE)
He checks the chamber which reveals active bright blue plasma
rounds. He cocks the weapon, becoming familiar with it.

MASTER CHIEF

The risk of her being caught by the
Covenant was next to nothing
against the very real possibility
that they would activate the ring.
She stayed to destroy another Halo.

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

Another ring?

MASTER CHIEF

Yes, sir. May I have permission to
engage the enemy?

INT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, CORRIDOR OUTSIDE CARGO CHAMBER

The Jackals are looking at each other with a suspicious
consensus and then reach for their plasma pistols. Slowly one
edges toward the door, preparing to open it via a control
panel to the right of the casing.

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

Always, Master Chief. Always.

With a sudden jarring sound the door breaks free and slams
into the nearest Jackal, crushing it against the wall behind
where it stood and spraying a bright colored blood across the
hallway in all directions. The two other Jackals begin
charging up their weapons, as the Master Chief steps from the
doorway. He makes quick work of the newfound weapon and
eliminates both Jackals with two powerful blasts.

LORD HOOD (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Chief, we’ve located your position
on their ship. We’re sending your
waypoint indicator the coordinates
to what appears to be the ship’s
rear hanger. See if you can hitch a
ride out of there.

CHAPTER TITLE: “A Pimp At Sea”
- Navigate through The Perilous Adytum’s inner corridors to
the hanger.

LORD HOOD (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Chief, you’re not going to be able
to make it out of the hanger.

14.
LORD HOOD(CONT'D)

They’ve been alerted to your
presence and in turn shut down all
exit ports. Try to make your to
channel ports on the exterior.
Hopefully you can disembark when
they get to whereever they’re
headed.
- Break the Covenant resistance at the hanger and move to the
Deck of Constancy.
- Venture across the exterior balcony, eliminating Covenant
emplacements along the way.

EXT. NEW MOMBASA, OUTSIDE THE SHIP

The Perilous Adytum finally comes to a shallow stop above
particularly random patch of sand. The island city of New
Mombasa in this area is still unrecognizable. In the distance
some remnants of the metropolitan city can be seen as well as
the occasional burst of fire or plasma signalling that a
battle is still raging there. It appears to be the only
remaining vestige of the East African Protectorate.

EXT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, VERANDA ALCOVE

The Master Chief is cleaning some of the purple blood from
his chest plate when he notices that the ship is turning up
on it’s front end. The ground begins to shift out from under
his feet. Quickly, he maneuvers his body to get control of
gravity’s pull against the shift. Bodies of dead Covenant
warriors, their weapons and various loose items slide across
t he veranda and eventually off the side of the ship.

EXT. NEW MOMBASA, OUTSIDE THE SHIP

The ship continues its movement, rising high into the sky and
performing a very odd, acrobatic movement. It is no longer
positioned hovering horizontally, but is now a kilometer
above the ground, facing downward like a child’s spinning
top. It, in true form, begins to spin slowly.

EXT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, VERANDA ALCOVE

The Master Chief has regained footing and is now staring down
at a wild variety of platforms that line the outer hull of
the ship. The Perilous Adytum, twirls in a slow mechanical
motion creating a resonating metallic sound that intensifies
with in intervals.

15.
The Master Chief looks down at the what was once New Mombasa,
and he sees that the desert sand is shifting, as though the
ship is causing the ground to open up.

EXT. NEW MOMBASA, OUTSIDE THE SHIP

The ship begins to move slowly downward and as it gets closer
to the ground, the sand below begins to churn and open up.
Within seconds a hole forms. Some transparent energy appears
to be digging a hole into the ground.

EXT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, VERANDA ALCOVE

The Master Chief peers down the edge of the ship at the sheer
drop and the odd exchange that is occurring on the ground.
Suddenly, out from the side of the ship, dozens of Drones
appear, drowning out the machine’s noise with the sound of
their wings.

CHAPTER TITLE: “Base Jumping 101”

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

Chief, just get to the ground. I’m
having Charlie Company of the 42nd
advance on your position right now.
They’re bringing a Pelican to
extract you. We’ll have the LZ
momentarily.
- Make your way across the exterior platforms to the opposite
side of the ship.
- Locate and enter the ships right-rear valence shaft, using
the lift to reach wing.
- Venture down the billow wing and eliminate the Covenant
nest at the prow carrier bay.
- Proceed downward through the ship’s interior.

INT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, BRIDGE

The PROPHET OF TRUTH sits motionless watching a hologram of
the Master Chief break through Covenant lines in one of the
ship’s corridors. He slams his fist into the armrest of his
hovering chair, shutting off the image and revealing a rugged
Brute warrior behind it. The creature’s stance and demeanor
reveal that he is a leader.
The bridge is a large open floor, with multiple balconies and
levels.

16.
There are consoles with various Brutes and Grunts at
locations. The gravity in this portion of the craft appears
to have been maintained, despite the ships vertical posture.
The viewport stares toward the ground and continues to rotate
around an ever-enlarging hole.

PROPHET OF TRUTH

He is persistent. Othrys, ready
your warriors. I want his head on a
stick. Do you understand me?
OTHRYS bows, revealing that he is nearly twice the size of
the average Brute. He carries with him a very large, modified
version of the infamous Brute Shot weapon. He has black fur,
with silver stripes that cross his body at different places
and angles, giving him a fiendish look. The belt he wears has
the dangling skulls of humans he has recently slain. There
are several.

OTHRYS

I do, Prophet. Today will be his
last.
Othrys leaves with two Brute escorts. The Prophet sighs to
h imself.

PROPHET OF TRUTH

That has been said before, rodent.

INT. THE PERILOUS ADYTUM, CORRIDOR

Having made his way down the exterior of the hull, to a
holding pin just inside the ship, the Master Chief pauses for
a brief moment. The Chief stares out a large transparent
portico that looks out across Mombasa. Apart from skeletons
of buildings, towers and various other structures, most of
the city is covered in rubble and sand.

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

There’s a building three kicks eastsoutheast
of your location. It’s
called Ivory Tower.

MASTER CHIEF

I’ve got it.

LORD HOOD (O.S.)

What’s your ETA?

__________________

Exodus

to be continued, im making it so its easier to read and it takes a long time

__________________

Medic

lol ok



I read that awhile ago, and it acually sounds pretty interesting, hope its true. THough, even if it is, it will probably be changed by release.....

__________________
I can do more then just save your life

Adeon

i love the halo 3 script

__________________
Feet First Into Hell