Monitors (Halo)
Monitors are a class of artificial intelligences that feature in the Halo universe.
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History
Monitors were advanced artificial intelligences known as ancillas and created by the Forerunners that occupied a special place in their civilization.
Following the creation of the Halo Arrays, a single Monitor was assigned to manage each of the various Installations. From the Ark, the installations were deposited across the galaxy by way of slipspace portal allowing for complete coverage of known space.
In time, a number of the alien races established the Covenant that views the Forerunners as gods. Similarly, they saw the Monitors as Oracles and saw them as sources of wisdom that were key in fulfilling the Great Journey.
Whilst investigating the Halo, the Master Chief encountered Guilty Spark who looked to get the aid of the Reclaimer to contain the Flood threat.
At some point, 2401 Penitent Tangent neglected repairs of his Installation's Flood Containment Facility resulting in several breaches by the parasite. This ultimately led to the Monitors capture by a Gravemind that had manifested on Installation 05.
After the Didact's defeat, the UNSC AI Cortana came to be transported into the Domain and emerged free of rampancy at the Forerunner world of Genesis. Whilst there, she took over the facility from the Monitor stationed there namely 031 Exuberant Witness and began awakening Guardian constructs all over the galaxy.
By December 12, 2559, Cortana came to relocate to Installation 07 where she came to take control of the Halo Array's systems from its Monitor. From its systems, she came to learn about the existence of the Endless and looked to release them. Despite 117649 Despondent Pyre's efforts, the Monitor was unable to stop UNSC AI's takeover over of the Halo.
Overview
In appearance, they resembled as roughly spherical constructs that was concave on three sides with an illuminated photoreceptor in the front. From the receptor, they were able to project energy beams capable of eliminating targets. Monitors were an ancilla artificial intelligence that was concealed within the governing spherical armature that was capable of managing and operating the various functions of a Forerunner installation. They were capable of developing distinct eccentric personalities over thousands of years. A Monitor was an extremely intelligent construct that were highly devoted to their original functions and protocols.
Despite their small frames, they were remarkably able to resist small arm fire but extensive assaults by high-powered weaponry were able to destroy them. The central photoreceptor was capable of firing a powerful red energy beam capable of killing or fatally injuring a person. It could switch to an alternative blue beam that could manipulate or levitate objects or manipulate technology. Their impulse drives allowed them to even travel through space under their own power giving them the capacity to move between worlds without the aid of a ship. A Monitor was capable of entering long cycles of hibernation in order to pass the centuries.
Monitors were extremely intelligent constructs but were also devoted to their original functions and to protocol. In some cases, an installation possessed a Monitor and was assisted by a Sub-Monitor that activated in cases when their superior was inactive.
Monitors were often placed in charge of Forerunner installations such as a Halo Array. Access to the technology in the facility allowed them to use the translocation grid allowing for teleportation of themselves or others.
Members
- 000 Tragic Solitude :
- 007 Contrite Witness :
- 049 Abject Testament : Forerunner AI construct charged with oversight of Halo Installation 03 (Gamma Halo).
- 343 Guilty Spark : Forerunner AI construct charged with oversight of Halo Installation 04 (Alpha Halo).
- 2401 Penitent Tangent : Forerunner AI construct charged with oversight of Halo Installation 05 (Delta Halo). At some point, a breach occurred in containment leading to the Flood taking over the ring and a Gravemind taking over the Monitor.
- 031 Exuberant Witness : a Forerunner AI that was tasked by the Builders with maintaining the Genesis installation.
- 859 Static Carillon : a Forerunner AI that was tasked with the care of the Composer's Forge and its cache of Composers.
- 117649 Despondent Pyre : a Forerunner AI with a female personality who was the caretaker of Installation 07 charged with ensuring the continued imprisonment of the Xalanyn.
- Adjutant Resolution : a Forerunner AI serving as a Sub-Monitor at Installation 07.
Notes
- The Monitors were created by Bungie Entertainment where they featured in the setting of Halo.
Appearances
- Halo: Combat Evolved:
- Halo 2:
- Halo 3:
- Halo 5: Guardians:
- Halo Infinite:
External Links
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