Chapter 19: Don't Make a Promise...Never Mind
It was the end of an era.
Sixteen days had passed since Truth had slipped from their grasp. Twelve days had gone by since Doctor Halsey, working closely with Cortana, had managed to revive Miranda from her status pod. Two days had passed since Cortana piloted the Light and the newly commissioned Harbinger back to Earth.
And now, five minutes ago, John had received orders about his next mission. He looked down at the tablet that held his instructions for an assignment that he had personally requested with mixed feelings.
"You've received new orders."
John felt a wave of deja vu settle over him. Had it only been a month since he had said the same thing to her? He turned to look at Cortana who was standing with a hand on her hip and a smirk on her lips. He felt a wave of something like happiness at seeing her back to normal.
"It didn't take you long to read them," he noted.
"Well, I am the best UNSC AI for a reason," she replied cheekily. She crossed her arms and looked at him pointedly. "I assume that the rumors are true, that you petitioned for the mission yourself."
John nodded. "The Arbiter wants our help."
"He wants your help," corrected Cortana. "That's the only reason why The Shadow of Intent followed us back to earth. He needs you with him. The only thing that is more terrifying to the Covenant than Truth is the Demon."
John knew she was right. And it was for that reason, with the threat of the Covenant rebuilding with the UNSC so weak, John volunteered to fight alongside the Arbiter. He had done it before and trusted the former Elite. But, there was another factor, a more difficult one, that he had to accept now that he had been given clearance to search for Truth.
Cortana would no longer be assigned to work with him.
"You're locking down the Halo rings." There was no question in his voice.
"You know I don't have a choice, John," she replied, frowning slightly. The holographic key suddenly hovered over her hand. "I have the Key and until all of the Halo rings are disabled, humanity, every life form in this galaxy is in danger."
"I know." Her commitment to protect people rivaled his own.
"Don't worry, Chief. I've got some good company with me," she assured him.
John agreed with her. The Harbinger was being used as a prototype for the newly formed alliance between the UNSC and the Seperatists. The ship would have a crew consisting of officers from both forces. It was, according to Cortana, an olive branch extended to building up the tentative partnership between the two people. There would be at least one familiar face in the crew; Johnson had offered to join the crew when he was presented the option.
"I've already talked to Johnson," he admitted.
She let out a soft laugh. "I think I'm more than capable of taking care of myself, Chief." She smiled at him. "But your concern is appreciated."
She sat down, cross-legged, hovering over the holotank. "I'll miss you," she admitted softly.
This was usually the point in the conversation when John would tuck himself safely inside his emotional bunker, hiding from any significant feelings. But, after everything that had happened between the two of them throughout the course of the Halo campaign, he owed her more than that.
He strode across the room and knelt down to be eye-level with her. He leaned on his chin. "I'll miss you too," he rumbled.
"Of course you will. You're going to be stuck with the Arbiter for a while," she retorted, falling back on sarcasm. She looked thoughtful for a second. "Normally this would be the point of the conversation where I'd give you a handshake or," she said with a gleam in her eye, "a kiss on the cheek..."
John felt himself blush slightly at her suggestion.
"...but you'll just have to accept my sincere wish for luck."
"That's enough," he said seriously. He stood up and grabbed his helmet from the ground. "When I get finished with Truth, I'll put in my request to be assigned to the Harbinger."
Cortana raised an eyebrow as she pulled herself up into a standing position. "I would advise you against making impossible promises, but we both know how stubborn you are." She took a deep breath. She hated this goodbye as much as John did. With a resolute look, she said, "Good luck, John."
"Good luck, Cortana."
Then, she faded away.
John put the helmet on his head as he started making his way to the hangar where the Arbiter was waiting for him. He would find Truth. Cortana would lock down the Halo rings. Humanity would be safe from the Covenant threat.
He was ready to finish the fight. Again.