 Near the beginning of Halo 2 , the Covenant stumble upon humanity 's best @-@ guarded secret — the location of Earth — and launch a direct attack on the city of New Mombasa , Kenya . By the time players arrive at the city in Halo 2 , it is deserted ; " Second Sunrise " , which takes place during the attack , explains that this was not always the case . The story is told through the eyes of a reporter who creates propaganda for the UNSC . When the Covenant invade the city , the reporter and fellow citizens take to its defense , until they are forced to flee as the city faces ruin . 
