- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
They said that it is a Covenant controlled earth, that would mean that all the meaningful defenses have been destroyed. That does not mean the human race has been obliterated there. Think about it, the threat of Covenant invasion has been looming over their heads for years, so much effect it has had they made a huge network of MAC cannons in space. Do you think they wouldn't have made shelter and defenses specifically to protect civilians in case of an all out attack by the Covenant? Tunnel networks and the like I mean. I am guessing that the toll on the Earths defenses was catastropic, but as of yet, the toll for civilians is comparatively light, and if you think about it, with their most holy artifact within hands grasp they might not be completely thorough with their extermination efforts. As for glassing the planet? I'm not sure they would dare do so until they found out the exact nature of Ark. Would the Prophets risk damaging their precious Great Journey for the purpose of eradicating what they no longer consider a threat? Sure out of principle they would still hunt them down, but it can be hard to be found if you don't want to. Their technology might make it easier.. I admit to have never read any of the books, so I don't really know how well their technology for detects life signs goes, so I can't really extrapolate on that.