1.) Jackals 2.) If memory serves me well... 879 BCE? Damn... 938 BCE actually. 3.) Based on what we know, all Covenant forces present at Earth traveled to the Ark. 4.) They are still in containment. 5.) Bodies with intact nervous systems are grouped together, and then assimilated with Flood tissue. 6.) Ghibalb is located on the outskirts of the Orion Complex.