Pillar of Autumn

The Pillar of autumn refers to the heavily modified halcyon-class starship in the halo computer game, often referred to as the POA in halo player’s lingo. It is used by the master chief to escape reach and attempt to proceed with his mission (see halo: combat evolved). It contains the smart AI Cortana, a highly intelligent being programmed for extreme mathematical ability, specifically decoding. Its modifications include re-enforced armour, increased missile capacity, an improved shaw-fujikawa engine and a MAC (magnetic accelerator cannon) capable of firing three shredder shots on a single charge. It is a relatively small ship for its class but its design places it in the higher tonnage range of ships due to extensive cross bracing and hull re-enforcement. Pre-modification, it was due to be scrapped as the halcyon class was widely regarded as a joke by UNSC officers and crewmen, however the improved Pillar of Autumn is one of the most powerful ships available to the UNSC.