Editor’s note: This short story takes place in a fractured canon that is unlikely to be revisited in the future. In this fracture, the Master Chief died by the hands of Chieftain Cathegus on the Ark and the Prophet of Truth successfully activated the Halo Array in December 2552. The story that follows is about a survivor.
Vespula-class research vessel Nerve Growth Factor
Suban, Sanghelios, Urs system
September 16th, 2560
Historian's Note
Many were killed during the raid of Suban earlier this year, but none in such a curious fashion as the Unggoy researcher Babbo.
In service within the Mines of Shua'ree, Babbo was studying the Subanese crystals unique to this moon. Also known colloquially as kemuksuru or blamite, these peculiar pink shards are heavily sought after for their natural homing and explosive properties, as evidenced by the aforementioned raid.
Babbo's task was to increase the efficiency of the kemuksuru refining process. Secretly, however, he seemed to have taken on a project of his own design.
While studying the attraction these crystals exhibit toward living creatures, Babbo developed a deeper understanding of the underlying chemistry and physics of this phenomenon. In doing so, he also stumbled upon new insights regarding the anomalous survivors of the Activation of the Halo Array in 25521.
At an atomic level, the crystallization process of this unique matter is fairly typical. However, the crystals seem to be specifically excited by neurology through a neural physical mechanism still under investigation. And although the attraction has long been weaponized and made lethal, kemuksuru crystals may offer safe and possibly even medicinal applications.
When ground into a dust Kemuksuru demonstrates the same attraction properties as crystal shard munitions, but without the sharp edges. It can be safely administered without injury, but still carries the risk of sudden and disastrous volatility when agitated. Any sudden loss of stability can cause a "super-combine" chain reaction similar to what has been seen on the battlefield.
When administered in a laboratory setting the dust of these crystals is carried by the blood to the nervous system and has a way of coating or otherwise strengthening the myelin sheath of axons. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the dust embeds itself into neurons and strengthens or fossilizes the underlying connections. This process offers an extra layer of protection that is, perhaps, a natural insulation against the effects of Halo. But the risks are uncertain, and possibly dangerous.
All of the resulting research around these topics are still quite theoretical. And a lot more testing is required to explore it. It should be noted that, at least for now, all of our known data stem from this one sample of the now-deceased Unggoy researcher, Babbo.
When we found him, Babbo had been dead for some time. He still sat at his workstation; slack but held upright by the apparent crystallization of his neurological system. Even as his body began to decay and slump downward toward his desk, his brain and spinal cord stood erect like some sort of crystalline sculpture of pink lightning sprouting from his body.
The cause of death is unknown, but not expected to be due to the fighting. Upon further investigation, we expect that the cause of death will have been due to his unsanctioned self-experimentation.
Perhaps the volatile crystal violently erupted from his body and killed him in the process. Or perhaps self-administered kemuksuru dust fatally fossilized his nervous system over time. Then again, maybe the kemuksuru didn't take part in his death at all, but merely preserved his nervous system for study. We will know in time.
Regardless of how he died, Babbo's nervous system has been so well preserved that modern neuroimaging has been able to decode it. Although imperfectly translated, Babbo's final thoughts have been dutifully transcribed and attached to this document for your review.
Begin Transcription
To my sons. I miss you every day.
It is not fair to anyone what my job demands of me; that I be away from home for so long. But it is the burden of parents to do what is necessary instead of what is easy; to teach and instill in you the ideals that I am often incapable of putting into practice.
I've never been strong, quick, or particularly smart. But I endeavor to pursue wisdom and practice patience. And this job has been the truest test of my patience.
Your mother and I have worked tirelessly to put a roof over your heads and food on the table. It has never been easy. But nothing worth doing is.
In just a few more years our debts will be paid. A few more years until we're free to build our lives according to our own vision. A few more years until I can walk away from this job and look for real meaningful work closer to home; to take a pay cut to be home every night. To share meals and memories. To be there to teach you, and watch you grow. To invest in your future instead of someone else's.
A few more years to find the time to teach you how Nonna spices the sausage for Sunday gravy.
To share with you the Feast of the Fishes as my parents prepared it, and their parents before them.
To teach that hospitality is antipasti, wine, and good table conversation.
That a home is built by a father's will, mother's way, child's play, grandma's wisdom, and grandpa's tools.
That home and hearth are a beacon of warmth to all of the family no matter how distant or tired.
That a meal at the table is sacred, the door is always open, and company is always welcome.
First and above all else: family, feast, and fables.
I love you. I miss you. I miss your mother. I'll be home soon. Be good and have fun.
End transcription.
Image generated by Microsoft Copilot (2024)
The divergent point of the Halo: Wayfinder Fracture Universe is contrasted from the Core Canon and contextualized by the following emergency broadcast from the acting commander of the Forward Unto Dawn, stranded on the Ark in 2552:
“Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is UNSC FFG-201 Forward Unto Dawn, requesting immediate evac. Survivors aboard.
“The Master Chief is dead. The Covenant successfully activated the Halo Array on December 24th, 2552.
“If anyone is out there, please respond.”