Establishing contact with the Ark became crucial for the UNSC after the Created took over the Galaxy. With the help of Forerunner monitor Exuberant Witness, the UNSC found a new portal to the Ark. They opened the portal using the aid of Huragok. However, limited resources meant the UNSC could only send a scouting ship. The scouting ship saw the SoF and the Banished forces fighting for control of the Ark. Because of this discovery the UNSC managed to bring in a Savannah Class Heavy Frigate and modified Marathon Class Heavy Cruiser. Deployed among them were the Spartan Fives. After their arrival, the UNSC helped fend against the Banished. Receiving further reinforcements, the UNSC pulled back Spartan Red Team and the Crew of the SoF. After a week's rest Red Team received their newly delivered Svalinn Mk I. stylized as Mjolnir Mk IV. The team and SoF's crew were then brought to a Forerunner ship forge where a new carrier had been constructed. Dubbed the Spirit of Fire II, the ship and Spartans joined the Infinity and its fleet in their mission to defeat Cortana, leaving the Ark to the Spartan Fives and other UNSC personnel.