spartans palmer and davis are stationed on the planet draetheus v when it comes under attack from a rogue group of covenant who have ignored the ceasefire. palmer and davis work to repel the invaders. this new covenant leadership discovers that draetheus' moon is actually a weapon built by an ancient race known as the forerunners. the covenant activates the weapon, tearing apart draetheus and triggering an evacuation. spartan davis gives his life to allow the remaining human forces enough time to escape. spartan palmer tracks down the covenant leader merg vol, kills him, sabotages the forerunner weapon, and escapes the moon.