Up until a year ago, Arterus was a backwater planet with virtually no strategic signifigance whatsoever. Its inhabitants lived in peace as farmers and traders, oblivious to the war that was approaching their doorstep. It was quickly conquered as the Alliance and Arcanists began their push into the 9-12 quadrant and now serves as the staging ground for their campaign against the Covenant's military production yards. It is rumored that something that may hold the key to the Commen's past is buried deep beneath the planet's surface.