Battle of Ealen IV

The  was a relatively small-scale conflict that took place on the surface of Ealen IV on March 5th, 2558.

Beginning
One March 5th, 2558, a joint UNSC-Sangheili fleet arrived over Ealen IV. Admiral Hood, Captain Lasky and Kaidon 'Vadam traveled to the surface, each with a military escort, where they rendezvoused with the Jiralhanae Chieftain Lydus. The delegates met to negotiate peace between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae. While the talks were ongoing, a strike team of Sangheili Rangers infiltrated the hall and killed the Arbiter's troops, placing charges along the outside wall of the council chamber. Commander Palmer, who was attempting to communicate with the through Ealen IV's powerful nuclear storms, found one of the dead Commandos while trying to obtain a signal. She rushed back to the council chamber while trying to warn SPARTAN Scruggs, but was interrupted when the council chamber was blown apart.

The Firefight
The lance of Sangheili Rangers burst into the ruins of the council chamber, attempting to kill the delegates. Palmer arrived in time to save the delegates from the first wave of enemies. As she and the rest of Fireteam Jackknife escorted the delegates to the waiting diplomatic shuttle, Fireteams Bailey and Majestic reported that there was a massive army of Covenant Remnant attempting to break into the building. Knowing that Infinity's diplomatic shuttle was nearby and still ready to take off, Palmer had DeMarco and Fireteam Bailey clear a path through enemy forces. Once free of the ruins of the council chamber, the SPARTANs led the delegates towards the waiting diplomatic shuttle. Before they could board though, a wing of Banshees destroyed the craft, cutting off the delegates' only form of escape. Admiral Hood attempted to raise the Infinity, but was still unable to due to the strength of the perpetual electromagnetic storm raging in Ealen IV's atmosphere. Palmer located an old abandoned parts depot nearby, and Lasky led the group inside, with DeMarco locking the door behind them.