Episode 4 of Halo unfolds with a catastrophic series of explosions rocking the planet Reach, sending shockwaves across the landscape and claiming the lives of countless civilians, including Parez's beloved family, caught unaware in the midst of the chaos. It's evident that the Covenant has initiated its deadly plan to glass the planet, and Reach stands poised on the brink of annihilation, its fate all but sealed.
Amidst the devastation, a powerful surge of energy frees Soren and Dr. Halsey from their virtual imprisonment. Master Chief rushes to Fleet Com, while Parez frantically tries to spread warnings about the looming danger, only to be dissuaded by John, who fears chaos will only compound the situation. Meanwhile, John valiantly battles camouflaged Covenant aliens prowling the streets, intent on slaughtering humans. As always, John emerges victorious, escorting Parez to safety as they make their way to the fleet.
Elsewhere, Halsey attempts a heartfelt conversation with Soren, but he remains distant and unresponsive. Their exchange reveals that it was Halsey who facilitated Soren's escape decades ago. As they press onward, they stumble across scores of fallen Marines, a stark reminder that the Covenant has arrived on Reach. They arm themselves, bracing for the inevitable confrontation.
John reaches Fleet Com and encounters Riz, valiantly defending against the relentless alien attackers. However, Riz's defeated expression betrays the hopelessness of their situation; Reach has already fallen into enemy hands. Riz and Soren stumble upon Cortana, who urgently advises them to flee. Tragically, before Halsey can comprehend the gravity of the situation, she is incapacitated and abducted by Makee.
As the episode unfolds, John reaches Fleet Com and reunites with Vannak, who informs him that their armor has vanished from the armory, likely confiscated on Ackerson's orders. John's encounter with Keyes brings a surprising turn, as Keyes apologizes and acknowledges John's long-held suspicions about the Covenant's plans. Keyes reveals that the Covenant aims to disable the Mac Array, allowing their ships to breach the atmosphere and commence the glassing of the planet. The stakes have never been higher, and the fate of Reach hangs in the balance.
In the dire hour of need, Keyes rose to the occasion with a fiery speech, urging his marines to stand and fight, refusing to yield ground on Reach until their final breath. Despite the bleak realization that survival was beyond their grasp, the Marines stood resolute, swearing to repel the enemy and allow the civilians a chance at escape. Keyes himself was poised to join the fray, but John's persuasive words halted him, insisting that his value to the world outweighed any risk.
Meanwhile, Halsey and Soren made a dash for the Fleet Com, where Soren received the shocking news that Mackee was alive and had abducted Cortana. Determined to leave Reach on the final shuttle, Soren's plans were suddenly shattered by the Covenant forces' attack on the hangar. He quickly armed himself, valiantly defending the civilians from the relentless Covenant onslaught. However, the sacrifice of Keyes became necessary to ensure the shuttle's escape.
The Spartans, stripped of their suits and at a disadvantage, fought valiantly against the alien invaders, refusing to yield. As an Elite zeroed in on John, Makee intervened, thwarting the alien's attempt to deal a fatal blow. Sadly, Vannak's escape was not without cost, as he fell victim to a Covenant Elite's blade. With heavy hearts, the remaining Spartans rallied, dragging John to safety as a haunting melody echoed in the background, a somber reminder of the immense losses they had suffered today.
