Modification de Chronique:Canon Fodder - Tasty Tomes

'''Issue 162'''

[[Fichier:CF-Tasty Tomes.jpg|1000px|center]]

By Alex Wakeford

Canon Fodder returns and we’ve got a hefty issue for you!

First, '''Halo: Empty Throne'' has released which tells an exciting new story in parallel with ''Halo Infinite'' and its surrounding fiction, featuring an array of characters both old and new in an epic high stakes mission to claim the power of the Domain after Cortana's final sacrifice at Zeta Halo.

We also just released the first Waypoint Chronicle of 2025, this one in support of Operation: Blue Team, detailing some of the events witnessed in ''Halo Infinite''’s Step Inside trailer where the Master Chief received his GEN3 Mjolnir armor.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this issue. Grab an Arturo Bustamante-approved snack, settle in, and let’s dive into some ''Halo'' lore!

'''WARNING: This issue contains spoilers for Halo: Empty Throne.'''

==EMPTY THRONE==

Halo: Empty Throne, the latest novel by Jeremy Patenaude, released last month and is [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781668052129 '''available in trade paperback, ebook, and unabridged audiobook formats.''']
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''2559. It has been a year since the rogue artificial intelligence Cortana seized control of the Domain, an otherworldly dimension housing a vast information network. With an array of Forerunner weapons at her disposal, Cortana set out to enforce an authoritarian peace on the civilizations of the galaxy. But as the United Nations Space Command flagship Infinity prepares to strike against Cortana at Zeta Halo, another plan has also been set in motion.

An ancient access point hidden on a seemingly insignificant human colony has become the focus of a parallel effort to claim the Domain and its immeasurable capabilities. The UNSC, however, needs a key: a living, forsaken product of an old war. As a new generation of heroes rise to meet this challenge, and Cortana's pursuit of control reaches a desperate and sudden crescendo, a cunning, ruthless warrior emerges from the shadows of the Banished, who has vowed to fill the new power vacuum by any means necessary…''
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Eager for a sneak peek at the book? [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-empty-throne-preview We released a preview last month of Chapter 2], where we caught up with Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood and Admiral Serin Osman as plans to depose Cortana and claim her source of power are put into action.

{{#ev:youtube|jsgDUv0LlrU|500|center}}

For those who have read the book and are interested in some deeper insights from the author himself, Jeremy Patenaude has done several interviews which you can check out below.

[https://paulsemel.com/exclusive-interview-halo-empty-throne-author-jeremy-patenaude/ '''Exclusive Interview: Halo: Empty Throne Author Jeremy Patenaude – Paul Semel''']

''In the following interview, Patenaude talks about what inspired and influenced this sci-fi story, as well as where it fits into the Haloverse.''

[https://youtu.be/Yzaxb0Mq4J0?si=ik4wzq5YQpBDoYjh '''The Library, Halo Lorecast with Jeremy Patenaude''']

''Author of ''Empty Throne'', Jeremy Patenaude, joins the hosts of The Library for a discussion on his history with Halo and what his creative process behind the latest novel.''

{{#ev:youtube|Yzaxb0Mq4J0|500|center}}

==HEART OF MALICE==
A major new character introduced in ''Empty Throne'' is Severan, son of Tartarus, who informs Atriox of the UNSC Infinity’s impending assault on Zeta Halo—setting the stage for the Banished ambush we see at the start of ''Halo Infinite''.

Severan is then given command of the Banished fleets that do not make their way to Zeta Halo, and in the subsequent absence of Atriox and Escharum after the ring is sent into slipspace, well... one might argue that Severan is effectively the ''de facto'' leader of the Banished.

Throughout the events of the book, Severan appears in his personal flagship, ''Heart of Malice'', a menacing vessel the likes of which the UNSC has not seen before.

Here’s a look at ''Heart of Malice'' in all its jagged glory. This illustration was done by [https://www.artstation.com/gazedsoul Espen Olsen Sætervik] (whose work was previously featured in Issue #150 as we gazed upon the senescent Ark).

[[Fichier:CF-Heart of Malice.jpg|1000px|center]]

''Severan stepped off the Phantom dropship’s ramp and onto the cold soil of Warial, gazing upward toward his warship ''Heart of Malice'', which hung silently in the sky, perched high above a vast forest. It was a breathtaking sight, like a jagged arrowhead with vast plates of armor covered in a dense array of point-defense cannons. Although not nearly as large as the dreadnoughts that dominated much of the Banished fleets, ''Malice'' was extraordinarily effective in battle and Severan could not conceive of ever parting ways with it. Over the years it had served him well, decisively laying waste to all his foes and striking fear into the hearts of any who encountered it.''

[''Halo: Empty Throne'', Chapter 8]

The scene described above follows Severan as he arrives at his ocean citadel on Warial, one of the moons of the Jiralhanae homeworld.

Welcome to the Zaladon Sea. Take it all in while you can. It’s November 8, 2559, and something tells me that it won’t be around for much longer…

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Zaladon.jpg|1000px|center]]

==ABOUT TIME==
Speaking of specific dates, with the release of ''Empty Throne'', many readers have been pleased to see that timestamps were given at the start of each chapter to help build a clearer overall picture of when certain events take place.

As ''Empty Throne'' broadly connects to a lot of fiction from the last few years, some of which has remained fairly ambiguous in terms of timeline specifics, this novel served as a great opportunity to provide answers on this front. Already we have seen folks attempting to reverse engineer certain dates from the implications of various passages in the books, so let’s set a clear record, shall we?

[[Fichier:CF-HW2-Operation SPEARBREAKER.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' May 3, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Operation: SPEARBREAKER
'''SOURCE:''' ''Halo Wars 2''</poem>

Operation: SPEARBREAKER is launched, culminating in the ODSTs of Sunray 1-1 successfully preventing the Banished from claiming a Forerunner ship on the Ark.

[[Fichier:CF-Isla Zane.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' May 8, 2559
'''EVENT:''' The New Colonial Alliance joins the Banished
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-the-third-life ''The Third Life'']</poem>

After assassinating Admiral Mattius Drake, the rogue Spartan Ilsa Zane—observed by War Chief Escharum—pledges the New Colonial Alliance to serve the Banished.

[[Fichier:CF-HW2-Awekening the Nightmare.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' June 4-5, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Awakening the Nightmare
'''SOURCE:''' ''Halo Wars 2''</poem>

The Flood are unleashed from the wreckage of High Charity on the Ark, but the threat is eliminated after Atriox sacrifices hard-won ground to prevent the formation of a Gravemind.

[[Fichier:CF-From the Soil to the Stars.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' September 19-21, 2559
'''EVENT:''' MJOLNIR [GEN3]
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-from-the-soil-to-the-stars ''From the Soil to the Stars'']</poem>

The Spartans of Blue Team receive their GEN3 Mjolnir armor which is tested aboard Perihelion Station alongside ODSTs of the Ninth Platoon.

[[Fichier:CF-Operation SONATA.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' September 22, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Operation: SONATA
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-venezian-sonata ''Venezian Sonata'']</poem>

After a tip from Zef ‘Trahl, Captain Veronica Dare conducts a covert reconnaissance mission on Venezia to investigate the emergence of janissaries.

[[Fichier:CF-Shadows of Reach.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' October 7-12, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Operation: WOLFE
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Shadows-of-Reach/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781982143619 ''Shadows of Reach'']</poem>

Blue Team are deployed to Reach to obtain the last of Dr. Catherine Halsey's cryogenically frozen brains from CASTLE Base. The Banished open a portal on Reach that links to the Ark, allowing Atriox to return to the galaxy.

[[Fichier:CF-H3-Voi Portal.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' November 4, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Project: BOOKWORM
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781668052129 ''Empty Throne'']</poem>

Octavio Morales and Captain Annabelle Richards meet to discuss the culmination of Project: BOOKWORM—the plan to dethrone Cortana and seize control of the Domain, running in parallel with the UNSC '''Infinity''’s strike on Zeta Halo.

Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood, Admiral Serin Osman, Spartan Charles Orzel, and the briefcase containing Black-Box and several high value volitional AIs are recovered from Rossbach’s World by Gray Team and rendezvous with the UNSC ''Victory of Samothrace''.

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Oth Sonin.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' November 8, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Razing of Oth Sonin
'''SOURCE:''' ''Halo Infinite, Empty Throne''</poem>

Cortana deploys Guardians to the Oth Sonin system, destroying Doisac and its three moons in response to Atriox’s defiance.

[[Fichier:CF-Vadam Keep.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' November 11, 2559
'''EVENT:''' High Gathering
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Outcasts/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781668003282 ''Outcasts'']</poem>

Three Sanghelios days after the razing of Oth Sonin, Arbiter Thel ‘Vadam convenes with the high kaidons, many of whom are cowed by Cortana’s show of force.

[[Fichier:CF-Netherop.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' November 22-23, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Return to Netherop
'''SOURCE:''' ''Outcasts''</poem>

After evading Created forces, Arbiter Thel ‘Vadam arrives at Netherop to investigate the existence of a powerful weapon with alleged Guardian-killing capabilities.

[[Fichier:CF-HINF Atriox vs Chief.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' December 12-13, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Battle for Zeta Halo
'''SOURCE:''' ''Halo Infinite, Empty Throne''</poem>

Aboard Bengaluru Station, preparations to defend Earth are made and Black-Box is committed to final dispensation. Banished forces led by War Chief Severan arrive in the Sol system, followed by several Guardians.

The UNSC Infinity arrives at Zeta Halo and is ambushed by the Banished, but the Weapon is successfully deployed. Atriox defeats the Master Chief and casts him into space before heading to confront Cortana. Captain Lasky orders all hands to evacuate the UNSC Infinity and drop to the surface of the ring.

Locked down by the Weapon and at the mercy of Atriox, Cortana destroys the Silent Auditorium with a cataclysmic explosion and sends Zeta Halo into slipspace where it emerges elsewhere in the galaxy.

War Chief Severan orders the Banished fleet to redirect to Boundary after the Guardians deactivate, seeking to claim the Lithos—a gateway to the source of Cortana’s power, the Domain.

[[Fichier:CF-Boundary.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' December 14-15
'''EVENT:''' Battle of Boundary
'''SOURCE:''' ''Empty Throne''</poem>

The battle to claim the Lithos takes place at Boundary. The outcome is witnessed by Forthencho who confirms the destruction of the Lithos, severing this link to the Domain.

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Academy.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' December 20, 2559
'''EVENT:''' Arrival at Nysa
'''SOURCE:''' ''Halo Infinite'' – Season 1: Heroes of Reach</poem>

Spartan Commander Agryna escorts a surviving group of Spartan-IV recruits to the Avery J. Johnson Academy on Nysa.

[[Fichier:CF-HW2-Severan.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' January 1, 2560
'''EVENT:''' Future plans
'''SOURCE:''' ''Empty Throne''</poem>

Severan returns to the ruins of the Oth Sonin system, musing on the state of the Banished.

Aboard ''Breath of Annihilation'', High Lord Dovo Nesto informs Blademaster Vul 'Soran that their next move is to return to Cloister.

[[Fichier:CF-Trial of Reckoning.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' February 3, 2560
'''EVENT:''' The Trial of Reckoning
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-trial-of-reckoning ''Trial of Reckoning'']</poem>

After the fall of the UNSC ''Mortal Reverie'' on Zeta Halo, Gunnery Sergeant Elena Bobrov, Spartan Terrence Hedge, and several others are brought to the House of Reckoning where they are subjected to Escharum’s combat trials.

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Blood Monn.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' February 5, 2560
'''EVENT:''' Invasion of Suban
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-battle-for-the-blood-moon ''Battle for the Blood-Moon'']</poem>

The Banished begin their encroachment into the Urs system, attempting to lay claim to Suban and its unique natural resource: ''kemuksuru'', the volatile Subanese crystals.</poem>

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Rumbledrugs.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' February 9, 2560
'''EVENT:''' Rumbledrugs on Arcadia
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-hippocratica ''Hippocratica'']</poem>

Adam Andrews, CEO of Optican, acquires several crates of rumbledrugs from Kig-Yar as part of a trade with Nor Fel's clearing house, which is observed by Omega Team.</poem>

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Eklund Dinh Arrival.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' February 15, 2560
'''EVENT:''' Unexpected arrivals
'''SOURCE:''' ''Halo Infinite'' – Season 2: Lone Wolves</poem>

Spartans Dinh and Eklund arrive at the Avery J. Johnson Academy with the Banished AI Iratus occupying Dinh’s neural interface. The Spartans attempt to extract and contain Iratus.</poem>

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Iratus .jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' February 29, 2560
'''EVENT:''' Iratus unleashed
'''SOURCE:''' ''Halo Infinite'' – Season 3: Echoes Within, Season 4: Infection</poem>

After Spartan Dinh delves into an abandoned subterranean ONI facility, Iratus seizes control of the Avery J. Johnson Academy.</poem>

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Anvil.jpg|1000px|center]]

<poem>'''DATE:''' March 3, 2560
'''EVENT:''' Anniversary of peace
'''SOURCE:''' [https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-anvil-accord ''Anvil Accord'']</poem>

The multispecies personnel of Anvil Station mark the seventh anniversary of the Covenant War’s formal end. Spartan Commander Vinay Sahil and Stationmaster Toda 'Murajai receive a distress call from Nysa and begin mobilizing forces to respond.

==FROM THE SOIL TO THE STARS==
Our latest Waypoint Chronicle released alongside Operation: Blue Team earlier this month.

{{#ev:youtube|MR_lYXyLXjo|500|center}}

''Halo: From the Soil to the Stars'' can be  [https://aka.ms/ToTheStars read here on Halo Waypoint], [https://aka.ms/ToTheStarsPDF downloaded as a free PDF], or [https://aka.ms/ToTheStarsAudiobook viewed on YouTube in audiobook format].

Similar perhaps to ''Fireside'' and ''Anvil Accord'', this Waypoint Chronicle is a “slice of life” story that follows a few different perspectives which we originally glimpsed back in 2020 when ''Halo Infinite''’s Step Inside trailer released.

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==CASEY 'N’ PERI==
An interstellar society naturally relies upon the countless resource rich planets that are ripe for bolstering industry. Identifying these worlds, the subsequent excavation and mining infrastructure being created and deployed, research and development, shipping across solar systems—all these elements and more serve as the backbone of humanity’s colonization efforts.

As the main settings of ''From the Soil to the Stars''', let’s take a closer look at Perihelion Station and the titanium-rich KC-59.

'''KC-59'''

[[Fichier:PerihelionStation3.jpg|1000px|center]]

'''ORBITAL PERIOD:''' 7.5 Earth years
'''RADIUS:''' 6,519 km
'''DAY LENGTH:''' 31 Earth hours
'''SURFACE GRAVITY:''' 1.1G

One of the earliest worlds identified on the Military Survey of Uninhabited Planets, a formal ongoing study spanning over three centuries, KC-59 was first visited in 2501 by the ''Huygens''-class survey ship ''Jazmin’s Lament''. Initial scans returned clear evidence of vast titanium deposits that would significantly bolster production metrics.

As a result of this discovery, KC-59 was struck from potential colonization candidacy. A short scandal was caused when documents relating to this decision were leaked in 2502. Outrage at being denied a veritable breadbasket of essential resources, forcing non-military manufacturers to risk unfair trade with the Outer Colonies, led to concessions by the Unified Earth Government that allowed select civilian manufacturers to establish mining zones on the planet. This incident was privately cited in the effort to pass the UNSC Secrets Act of 2504.

'''PERIHELION STATION'''

[[Fichier:PerihelionStation1.jpg|1000px|center]]

An orbital station constructed by the Materials Group in March 2554, Perihelion Station serves not only as a manufacturing center but also a training facility. As investment in war games technology was bolstered for the fledgling SPARTAN-IV program, the UNSC Cartographer Initiative utilized a prototype Munera Platform capable of detaching from the station to test a variety of experimental simulation environments and the specialized applications of GEN2 Mjolnir armor.

In 2559, Perihelion Station would once again serve this purpose for the creation and testing of Dr. Catherine Halsey’s GEN3 Mjolnir armor, along with the ORCUS exoskeleton utilized by ODSTs.

==OSTEO ORIGINS==
Also referenced in this Waypoint Chronicle is Project: OSTEO, which made its way into ''Halo Infinite'' back in 2023 when the customizable HAZMAT combat engineering suit was added to the game.

Of course, combat engineering is just one of many applications that OSTEO rigs seek to address. We have, in fact, seen several others that are due to be given the spotlight from their appearance in ''Halo 5''.

[[Fichier:CF-H5-OSTEO 01.jpg|1000px|center]]

''Though slow and cumbersome, this rig is optimized for adaptation and protection against extreme hazards including volcanic and toxic environments, deep-sea exploration, and even moderate glass storms.''

[[Fichier:CF-H5-OSTEO 02.jpg|1000px|center]]

''Considered standard gear for mining operations and excavation of lechatelierite, this rig is the product of a fruitful partnership between Liang-Dortmund and the BXR Mining Corporation.''

[[Fichier:CF-H5-OSTEO 03.jpg|1000px|center]]

''Specialized peripheral equipment in the OSTEO suite is often utilized by private security personnel at hazardous sites, with helmets that are rated for small arms combat.''

==OPTICS ON ORCUS==
Also featured in the Waypoint Chronicle is ORCUS, a semi-powered exoskeleton that was added to ''Halo Infinite'' with the launch of Operation: Frontlines last month.

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-OSTEO.jpg|1000px|center]]

Based on a variant of armor worn by Drop Jet Jumpers from the Interplanetary War of the twenty-second century, the semi-powered ORCUS exoskeleton is manufactured by Cascade Stronghold Technologies with a focus on increasing survivability from orbital drops and hazardous environments.

While the project remained in limbo for several years, interest was renewed in early 2559 when ORCUS was deployed as a drop-in upgrade package for Spartans in the field operating with older Mjolnir ensembles. CEO of Cascade Stronghold Technologies, herself a former ODST known for having direct input on a variety of Helljumper-related projects, notably took umbrage at the notion of ORCUS becoming a Spartan-exclusive and formally revived the project, sending initial prototypes to Perihelion Station where it was tested by ODSTs of the Ninth Platoon.

==ARMORY INFINITUM==
Added to ''Halo Infinite'' back in February with the launch of the Spring Update and Operation: Frontlines was the Fuel Rod SPNKr.

This new weapon for the ''Halo Infinite'' sandbox is heavily modified by the Banished, as their Alchemy Corps seeks to repurpose not just Covenant technology but human as well. The result of this particular endeavor combines the familiar radioactive firepower of the fuel rod with a modified chassis of the SPNKr rocket launcher.

[[Fichier:CF-HINF-Fuel Rod SPNKr.jpg|1000px|center]]

'''OTH KATTRAL
APRIL 24, 2560'''

Bright green light flared with a volley of explosive crackling as six fuel rod projectiles detonated on impact against the enemy dropship. The transport erupted into flames and was sent careening over the cliff’s edge, leaving any of its crew that hadn’t been immolated by the blast to suffer a fall of several hundred meters.

Marley dumped the spent tubes on the ground and reloaded the weapon, leaning out of cover to check for any other signs of hostiles.

“''Think that was just a scouting run,''” CC spoke over the comm. “''How’s the new toy?''”

“Packs a punch, no problem there,” Marley said. “But the ''Gespu''-pattern model is all over Venezia markets, gotta get my hands on one of those as well.”

“''Prefer the ''Zasqi''-pattern myself''.”

Marley glanced up, his Assailer helmet’s visor identifying CC’s position several klicks away. She had set up overwatch at the top of one of the monorail towers where she no doubt had a perfect view of the mining facility and the arid, mountainous landscape around them. If she hadn’t noted any further movement, it probably had just been a scouting run.

“Yeah,” Marley broke from cover and continued patrolling the perimeter of the facility. “Hard to beat the Covie classics.”

“''You should put in a requisition order next time. Adds to the debt, but it’ll help you survive long enough to pay it.''”

She wasn’t wrong. A Banished chieftain had enlisted their services to protect this mining site on one of their resource rich worlds, as it was a prime target for rival warlords looking to bolster their own glory and industrial capacity.

''Human labor hired to protect alien assets from other aliens so they can use it against other humans'', Marley mused. Sometimes these melting pot arrangements baffled him beyond comprehension—other times, they made a little too much sense.

==COMMUNITY LORE CORNER==
Phoenix Nat has just recently finished ''Halo 2'', which means the time to finish the fight is fast approaching, but first she’s published a reaction video to the trailers and marketing material for ''Halo 3''. Time for a nostalgia tour!

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On the subject of awesome marketing material, Eldeeable Gaming has arrived on the doorstep of ''Halo 3: ODST''. You know the music, time to rewatch that all-time banger "We Are ODST" live action trailer!

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Objective: Survive... as LucyJRobin gets to the end of ''Halo: Reach''. That game has a happy ending, right? ''Right''?

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Team Ancilla has put together a detailed video about prowlers—the UNSC’s stealth vessels that stay in the shadows and gather intelligence.

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Immersion is an important element in video game worldbuilding, and in his latest video Woody takes a closer look at the products, billboards, and other in-universe “clutter” that help to make these spaces feel more like a lived-in world. (Alas, Woody, the secret nutrition facts you seek from these packets shall likely remain a secret until the end of Living Time.)

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Looking for a spoilerific overview of ''Halo: Empty Throne''? HiddenXperia has got you covered!

{{#ev:youtube|A2XqB5UKAEg|500|center}}

And finally, JumperScape continues to do an awesome series of adaptations of the Waypoint Chronicles. Be sure to check out their latest efforts on YouTube!

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That’s a wrap for this month. As a reminder, Canon Fodder rolls out every other month, so we’ll be back in May to bring you your fiction fix.

Until next time, ''daowa-maadthu''.

==Source==
*[https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-tasty-tomes Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: Tasty Tomes]

{{Canon Fodder}}