Well I'm not done with my other story but wanted to start something new. I'm a big Halo fan and with rumors of two new Halo games (I'm not counting Wars) I decided to try my hand in the Halo universe.
Chapter 1: Discovery.
The half of the frigate floated in space, unknown to the people of the universe that it contained two passengers from a time past.
Nearly twenty years had passed since the battle on the Ark. Since the Covenant was defeated, once and for all.
Nearby a ship, piloted by Captain Michael T. Ackerson, son of Colonel Ackerson. James had grown up with his father away battling the Covenant, so they weren't particularly close.
While most of his crew was human there were several Elites onboard. Two males and Two females. Twenty years ago, before the final battle on Instillation 00 this would have been unheard of. Elites were once the creatures that all human worlds feared. The Elites were the most loyal and powerful of the Prophets forces.
Until the Brutes came in to the picture. The Brutes arrival, the changing of the guard, the Prophets betrayal all lead to one conclusion: The Elites must band together with the humans to defeat their common enemy. It was supposed to be a temporary bond but it stuck.
For about five years after the War's end, neither group made contact. Then it was discovered that a few Elites had stayed behind by to learn among the humans. The government had tried to keep the secret quite, to allow the warriors adjust to their new surroundings.
That took a bit longer than anyone could have guessed. The Elites, advanced as they were couldn't figure their way through most human tech. Guns sure, but Microwaves, TV's, Bathrooms and other such appliances.
"Sir! There's an unidentified object floating just to our right flank." Said Sergeant Sterling.
"How far away?" said Ackerson, looking about.
"About 50 knots… within scanning distance."
"Can we get a visual?"
"Yes, sir."
An elite named Toko 'Medoree tapped the control and said "We have a visual contact."
A giant image appeared on screen.
"Good work- Oh my God…" said Captain Ackerson.
In the gloom of space, the hulk of a once massive frigate floated slowly, aimlessly.
"Men, suit up. We're going in."
The squad of Elites, Captain Ackerson and several marines got into their zero G suits and prepped to exit the ship.
"This ship… Is of a much older vessel." Said Eple 'Kimadee.
"Yes. The ship's build suggest that the ship from around the same time as the Ark wars. There seems to be…" then Rako 'Liboee trailed off. She was looking at the cryo pods.
"Sir." She said.
"Yes Rako?"
"Come to my position as quickly as possible. We've got cryo tubes."
"We're enrout."
The Elite warrior stood in the cold, dark room, her yellow eyes cat like and glowing.
In the center of what was once a cargo bay, a bright blue light appeared.
Rako stepped forward, growling in her pressure suit.
Then the blue light settled and began to form an image. It was a woman.
"I am UNSC A.I Cortana." Said the blue woman, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Captain Ackerson, We've got an A.I. It calls itself Cortana."
Just then the Captain and the others came into the room, floating weightlessly in the Zero Gees.
"Did you say Cortana?" asked the Captain.
"Yes she did." Said Cortana, looking annoyed.
"That's impossible. That was twenty years ago."
"Yeah, well… We're here." She said sternly.
"You mean he's here too?"
"In the cryo pod. I've kept him safe." Said Cortana with a smug look.
Then the seal was broken and the cryo lid lifted up slowly.
"Chief? Chief?!" came Cortana's voice.
"Uhhh… My head hurts." Thought John, sitting up.
"How long have I been out?" he said, looking around.
"Welcome back to the land of the living. To answer your question, twenty years."
John looked at the gathering around him.
"I'm Captain Ackerson."
"Captain? I thought you were… You look…"
"I'm his son. We'll answer all your questions on the ship. Grab that A.I of yours and let's go."
"I have a name, sir." Said Cortana.
John stood up and stepped out of the cryo chamber.
"Just lead the way, sir." Said John.
Then John stepped forward and pulled Cortana and inserted her into her slot in the back of his helmet. An icy sensation swept over him but it was different. Like it was melting.
"Cortana, is there anything wrong?" he whispered.
"Nothing, nothing…" she replied quickly.
He let the topic drop. But still the feeling bothered him. John knew that she didn't have long because smart A.I only "live" about seven years. He felt it would be strange for her to "die" because she'd been through the thick of it with him: the fall of reach, the discovery of the halos, the Gravemind…. Cortana had outlasted any of his squad mates and friends including both Keyes and Sergeant Johnson. How strange for that tiny, nagging female voice in his head to be silenced-forever. He then decided to try to help Cortana after all she had done for him. She deserved it.
On the ship…
"Sorry Chief, but we don't have a lot of room for passenger-"
"He can use my bed." Said Toko 'Medoree.
"I'll stay out here. I've been asleep for twenty years and need to stretch my legs alittle. But thanks, though."
"No, please. It would be an honor to aid the great Spartan that led the battle to defeat the prophets."
"What?"
"The warrior that lead the forces alongside the Arbiter. We are all honored by your presence." The three other Elites nodded.
"Thanks." Said John, not wanting to offend the alien warrior.
"Captain Ackerson? May I have a word?" said John.
"Of course, Chief. Come into my office, it's a bit more private." Said the man, waving the Spartan in.
"I don't suppose you'd want a seat?"
"No."
"I guessed as much. Now what is it that you wished to speak to me about?"
"Well I want to know what happened while I was down."
"For starters the UNSC's alliance with the Elites. It's weird that after being at war with them for such a long time that they would become our allies."
"Also, have you discovered what causes smart A.I to think themselves to death?"
"You're worried about Cortana aren't you?"
"Yes. I guess I am."
"Talk to Doctor Halsey when we get back to Earth. She might be able to help."
"How long until we get to Earth?"
"About twenty-four hours, give or take a few."
So, how was it? It's just an intro chapter, so future chapters will be a lot longer.