Episode 4 of Halo unfolded a tragic tale that left viewers heartbroken. In the fifth installment of season 2, titled "Aleria," the story takes a somber turn as the weakened Master Chief is summoned by Riz amidst chaos and desperation.
Riz's voice rang out, calling for everyone to abandon their hopeless defense against the relentless Covenant forces and flee for their lives. The situation spiraled out of control when a hulking Brute warrior, wielding a massive hammer, joined the fray. The monster seemed invincible, tearing through their defenses with brute force.
Just when all seemed lost, a ship suddenly appeared in the skies of Reach, slicing through the air with deadly precision. Its pilot, Laera, revealed herself as Soren's wife, delivering a crucial blow that toppled the menacing Brute. The remaining survivors, led by the injured Master Chief, scrambled onto the ship, but Riz refused to abandon Vannak's body without giving him a proper burial. Despite her valiant efforts, Riz sustained severe injuries in the process.
As John awoke from his stupor, he was consumed by guilt, blaming himself for being too harsh on Riz. It seemed as if she had something to prove to him, something she felt deeply about. Riz's condition was dire; she required immediate surgery or faced the grim reality of death.
Master Chief was also informed of the disturbing news that Kai was still missing, his fate unknown. It was revealed that the fall of Reach was not merely a military defeat but a political ploy, forcing them into hiding for the time being.
Elsewhere, Makee found herself embroiled in a heated exchange with the Arbiter, who was furious for being stopped from executing the Master Chief, whom he loathed as "The Demon." The Arbiter's anger was palpable, making it clear that Makee's life hung by a thread, solely dependent on his whim.
After the Arbiter's departure, Makee summoned Cortana, hoping to glimpse John's memories. But Cortana refused, speaking in the alien tongue of Sangheili. Frustrated, Makee threatened to destroy Cortana, but her words fell on deaf ears. In a moment of defiance, Cortana deactivated herself, leaving Makee helpless and alone.
John received the startling news that they were destined to descend upon the nearby planet, Aleria, where Riz would finally receive the aid she desperately needed. Soren added a layer of complexity to the situation, revealing that his son, Kessler, was also residing on Aleria. However, upon their arrival, a sense of panic overcame them as Kessler was nowhere to be found. After extensive inquiries, they uncovered the shocking truth that he had been abducted by a group of ruthless bandit women.
Later revelations added further intrigue to the mystery, as they discovered that the boy they had mistakenly assumed to be Kessler was actually an innocent bystander who had been entrusted with Kessler's helmet.
Meanwhile, Riz's life hung in the balance as she underwent a risky surgical procedure. Fortunately, she persevered and emerged victorious from the ordeal. Master Chief's memories also resurfaced, revealing that it was Parangosky who had severed his connection with Cortana, indirectly leading to the fall of Reach.
As the episode unfolded, Vannak was honored with a dignified ceremony, and John swore vengeance against all those responsible for his friend's demise, including Parangosky and Ackerson. However, Halsey cautioned John against his vengeful impulses, reminding him of the crucial secret he carried - the knowledge of the Halo rings. She firmly believed that John was the sole individual capable of guiding humanity to these rings, which she saw as the sole salvation for mankind.
Elsewhere, an elderly tribal woman, seemingly acquainted with Kwan Ha, revealed a profound vision to her. In this vision, Kwan Ha was declared as the guardian of the planets, entrusted with the sacred task of safeguarding all life.
Makee's heart was filled with dread as she learned that the ship was headed towards High Charity. The realization that she would be executed for failing her mission sent a chill down her spine. Her anger boiled over, and she lashed out at the Prophets, accusing them of deceit. Her outburst only added to the Arbiter's fury, but his anger dissipated when Cortana showed him a projection of the Halo Rings' surface, leaving him perplexed. Makee seized the opportunity to further confuse him, ultimately convincing the Arbiter to alter the ship's course.
Back on Aleria, Laera employed forceful tactics to coerce the innkeeper, who kept detailed records of all visitors, to reveal that Kessler was in the custody of the UNSC. As the episode drew to a close, preparations were made for everyone to board the ship and depart the planet, resuming their battle. Riz, however, was hesitant, and John's attempts to persuade her fell on deaf ears. She firmly stated that her fight was over and that she desired peace.
With no other option, everyone reluctantly boarded the ship. But in the final fleeting moments, a glimpse of Kai on Onyx revealed a startling turn of events. It appeared that she had been promoted and entrusted with command of a new unit, possibly an ONI-affiliated Spartan Unit, hinting at a new chapter in her journey.
