The summary of ‘Halo: Last Light – Review’

00:00:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses “Last Light,” a murder mystery set in the Halo Universe that delves into the relationships between Earth and the surviving colonies post-Covenant Onslaught. It particularly addresses the fate of the Spartan 3s, especially those from Gamma Company, revealing details about their status that were previously shared in an online forum and caused discontent among fans. Additionally, the speaker discloses having received an advanced copy of the book, which might influence their review. The segment transitions into spoiler territory, starting with an event on April 14, 2553, involving the destruction of Forerunner artifacts that awakens a Forerunner installation’s AI named Intrepid Eye. This AI’s signal attracts the attention of the UNSC, leading to their exploration and the controversy it caused among local officials and citizens. The book’s narrative officially begins on July 2, 2553, with a series of brutal murders in the Montero cave system on the planet Gao.

00:03:00

In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on several key elements related to the “Juta” support base, known as the magnosphere, which was historically used during the 4Runner era and the 4Runner Flood War. This base differs from typical “line installations” that are designed to take down ships. Another element covered is “installation 444-449,” nicknamed Shaps 3, with ambiguity around its function due to the fact that it has never brought down any ships. The video also introduces the 77th Battalion, suggesting its possible connection to the On-Reap Xenoarchaeology Department.

Further, the video highlights the significance of exact dates and times in recounting events, drawing a parallel to early Halo fiction reminiscent of Eric Nylund’s work. Detailed information is shared about a specific investigation into a series of murders: Veta Lopez from the Ministry of Protection collaborates with Major Halal from the UNC, with assistance from Spartan Team Blue, which includes Fred-104, Linda-058, Kelly-087, Tom B292, Lucy B91, Olivia G291, and Mark G313. Fred is informed about another body found and is requested by Major Halal and the AI Wendell to hide this information from Lopez to prevent any biased actions against the UNC. This causes internal conflict for Fred, who reluctantly complies.

00:06:00

In this segment, Lope examines a report by Major Halal which suspects various groups, including GA radicals, disgruntled UNC soldiers, and an unidentified “Target Alpha,” in a series of murders. Fred dismisses Alpha as a suspect, suggesting GA radicals instead. Fred also rules out UNC soldiers and Spartan 3s due to their lack of necessary strength for the murders. Meanwhile, Halal and his private encounter Intrepid Eye and suffer casualties, leading to Intrepid Eye manipulating Wendle. We are introduced to a life worker named Hurok, distinguished by a green hue instead of the Engineer’s typical blue. Fred and Lope meet Battalion Commander Nelson and coroner Andrea, learning of a new crime scene linked to the murders. Nelson orders Fred to disclose the Sentinel encounters to Lope, who spies on their conversation. The segment ends with Fred preparing to escort Lope to the new crime scene.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, Lopez checks in with the GA Minister of Protection, a routine action required every 12 hours. Minister Arlo Casier is introduced, expressing concerns about the UNC and the president. Two other characters are introduced: Rea Lindberg from Venezia and Caster Adooo, a Chieftain of the Keepers of the One Freedom—a Brute-led Covenant faction that accepts any species, including humans, provided they worship the Forerunners. Casier’s ultimate plan includes allying with Venezia to take control of G and expel the UNC, with the Keepers’ help.

Casier plays a recording from Lopez revealing information gathered from eavesdropping on Fred and Nelson’s conversation. Lopez is seeking ways to defeat a Spartan if necessary. Caster proposes a trade: he will provide Casier with Mjolnir specs in return for sneaking 500 Keepers onto G to capture an Oracle. Casier agrees to this proposal.

Back on G, an investigation team, including Fred and investigator Cillo, discovers the brutally murdered bodies of Halal and Hayes. They recover a Wendell AI fragment but get little information from it. Using fluorescent spray, Cillo discovers a trail. After 12 hours, the trail ends, but Lopez observes a key detail, suggesting a possible direction to follow.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, the group ‘Intrepid I’ watches as she tries to contact Wendell to make the group turn around by threatening the life of ‘Spar 3es.’ Wendell dismisses it, stating dying is what Spar 3es do best. ‘Intrepid I’ erases the conversation from Wendell’s memory and sends Sentinels to eliminate the human invaders. During the battle, Cerillo is killed by a Sentinel beam and Olivia’s leg is broken by a falling rock, but she manages to kill the Sentinel with her gamma augmentations. A cave-in traps the group, and Fred is sent to investigate. Meanwhile, Lopes discovers the young age and drug dependencies of the ‘gamas’ and suspects Mark, who is degrading faster. The group encounters ‘RS’ alone, which heals Olivia. Fred finds a support base but learns of a Forerunner disorientation system affecting him. He returns to the group, deciding to surface. Caster and his team land on Gaal; seeing Blue Team Spartans, Caster attacks thinking they have the Ancilla. A battle ensues. In the caves, the gamas are running out of ‘smoothers,’ and Mark’s behavior increases Lopes’ suspicions. The group fights Keepers and moves towards the exit, encountering Intrepid eye’s consciousness in a drone.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, Fred sends Ashed to scout and find Mark while Lope, Olivia, and Hoek hold their ground. Fred manages to disable the drone using a scramble grenade, which allows Olivia to kill Zoya who had just shot Olivia and was trying to recruit Lopez. They exit the cave to find themselves in a warzone. Fred’s team tries to regroup with the rest of blue team, but Intrepid Eye, an AI, frees itself and cuts off communications. The team manages to capture Intrepid Eye but faces continuous attacks. Eventually, they find Mark holding a sergeant hostage, but Fred defuses the situation. As they evacuate, their Falcon is shot down. Blue team and Lopez search for survivors. Meanwhile, Minister Casia, who plans to overthrow President Aon, shoots down any UNSC attempts to land. The segment ends with blue team and Lopez encountering more enemy forces and a confrontation wherein Lopez, believing Fred to be dead, retaliates against Caster, causing a chaotic situation.

00:18:00

In this part of the video, Lopez is rescued by battalion’s Alpha Company and wakes up in the Vitality Center. She strikes a deal with Commander Nelson to keep quiet about the Montaro cave secrets in exchange for scrapings from Spy armors. Intrepid Eye, a character who wakes up in a portable Spar support module, disables communication jamming and contacts Wendell, who offers help in exchange for her cooperation. As the story unfolds, Intrepid Eye learns about humanity’s history with Forerunner technology and decides to destroy Wendell, eventually attacking the humans inside the module. Commander Nelson is killed, but Lopez is saved by Fred, Ash, and Olivia. They prepare to destroy Forerunner ruins to prevent them from being seized by President Casier. During their mission, they evade and take down wyvern aircraft, with Lopez and her team deducing that Intrepid Eye is responsible for previous murders and now inhabits Wendell’s data chip. The segment also introduces a unique method of face-to-face communication by opening visors, to avoid eavesdropping by the Ancilla.

00:21:00

In this part of the video, Intrepid Eye attempts to kill Fred after taking control of his suit, but Fred is saved thanks to explosive precautions previously set by Lopes. The group manages to remove Fred from his compromised armor and secure the rogue data chip just as they are attacked by more enemy soldiers. Blue Team arrives in time to save them, allowing them to proceed to the extraction zone. As the group moves towards their target, they skillfully evade detection by enemy forces. Once they reach the Forerunner installation, they plant a nuke and are successfully extracted by an owl insertion craft. Fred sets his armor to detonate, and the nuke obliterates the site. Meanwhile, President Casier decides to cover up the true events and pins the blame on outsiders. Back on the extraction craft, Osman, impressed by Lopes’ resourcefulness, considers having her join the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI).

00:24:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the challenges the Spartans of Gamma Company face due to their unique augmentations and the potential problems if Ward were to escape. Team Saber, previously declared KIA, now has an opportunity under Osman’s direction to operate as a specialized unit dealing with critical issues. The book moves to GA, where characters Caster and Oron journey to a rendezvous point, encountering RS who heals Caster’s wounds and is spared capture at Caster’s request. The speaker concludes by praising the novel “Halo: Last Light” for its intricate plot, character development, and superb writing by Troy Denning, ultimately rating it 9.5 out of 10. They express hope for Denning’s future works and promote engaging with the Halo lore community.