Back in July, we reported that Microsoft and Machinima have teamed up for the web series Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, a series of 15-minute episodes that tie in to the Halo 4 video game. The first two episodes have been released for your viewing pleasure. The series was originally slated to include five episodes, although it seems the rest are being held for the Blu-ray and DVD release December 4. At any rate, enjoy the first two episodes of this web series, and read on for more details regarding the story.

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn tells an exciting story of heroism and sacrifice on a scale never before seen in the "Halo" universe, taking fans back to the beginning of the human and Covenant war and leading into the events of Halo 4. Set against the backdrop of a United Nations Space Command (UNSC) military academy, a group of highborn cadets are training to be the next generation of soldiers in the UNSC's ongoing war with insurrectionists in the outer colonial planets. Among these cadets, Thomas Lasky struggles with his doubts about this war, and with the burden of expectations he may not be able to carry. As Lasky comes to terms with his potential as a military leader, the terrifying alien alliance known as the Covenant arrives and turns his world upside down. Inspired by the Master Chief, he must decide what it means to be a hero.

Halo fans who experience Lasky's thrilling origin story in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn will be rewarded with special insights into the story of Halo 4 and the "Halo Infinity Multiplayer" experience.

Directed by Stewart Hendler (H+, Sorority Row) and written by Todd Helbing and Aaron Helbing (Smallville, Spartacus), Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn features a diverse cast of established and up-and-coming Hollywood talent, including Tom Green as Thomas Lasky, Anna Popplewell (The Chronicles of Narnia) as Chyler Silva, Daniel Cudmore (X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Twilight Saga) as the Master Chief, Ayelet Zurer (Angels & Demons, Munich) as Mehaffey, Mike Dopud (Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol) as General Black, Enisha Brewster (Footloose) as April Orenski, Masam Holden (Grey's Anatomy, Elizabethtown) as Michael "Sully" Sullivan, Osric Chau (2012) as JJ Chen, Iain Belcher (Supernatural) as Vickers, and Kat De Lieva as Dimah.