Promises
When they took off his armor, everything felt different. He had been wearing that armor for over four years now. The last it was changed was when he was back at the Cairo station. Everything was different then...She was still with him…His thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
Suit Specialist Woman: Master Chief, you are good to go.
Master Chief walked off the suit station. He looked back at his armor. Would he be putting that back on ever again? Then he looked at some Spartans talking.
When did they start the Spartan program back up? These Spartans looked nothing like his fellow Spartans from years ago. Those were the real Spartans. Master Chief began walking past the Spartans. They don't know how it was like for us. They weren't kidnapped or stolen from their families. These Spartans chose to be in this war. We didn't have a choice. Since we were six years old, we were being trained for war. Kelly, me, and….Sam…
While John was walking and thinking about his past, he was interrupted once again.
Sarah Palmer: Master Chief, sir!
She saluted him.
Master Chief: What is it?
Sarah Palmer: Captain Lasky wants to speak with you on the bridge.
John nodded and began to proceed to the bridge. Who issued the order for the new Spartan program? Halsey? Halsey! John remembered how Halsey might have been able to fix Cortana. He needed to find her. Master Chief arrived at the bridge and went inside. He was greeted by Lasky.
Lasky: Chief, thank you for coming. The UNSC board of command has heard of your return. And they wish to offer you something.
Master Chief: Like what?
Lasky: They wish honorably relieve you of your duties in the UNSC. You have been in this war for a long time, and they think you should not have to fight anymore.
Master Chief was completely shocked by this. He has been fighting for twenty-six years. How could he just go to a normal life? The only life he had ever known was with the UNSC. Would his parents still be alive? Would they believe that John was cloned and stolen from them? There were so many questions.
Master Chief: Sir, with all due respect, I can still fight.
Lasky: That's why the choice is up to you.
Master Chief: I'm staying.
Lasky nodded and told something to a nearby crew member.
Lasky: They'll receive the word soon, you are free to go.
Master Chief: Sir
Lasky turned back around
Lasky: Yes, Chief?
Master Chief: Where is Doctor Halsey?
Lasky: Chief, I…I wish I knew. I only know that the UNSC has her locked up still.
Master Chief: Lord Hood?
Lasky: He's over there.
The captain pointed out the window towards a space station.
Lasky: That's the Cairo station. He's there.
John looked at the station. They must have repaired it from the attack years ago.
Master Chief: I could use a ride.
Lasky: There should be a pelican docked and prepped for takeoff in the hangar. Take it.
Master Chief nodded and left the bridge. He began walking back to the suit station. When he arrived at it, he spoke to the suit specialist.
Master Chief: I'm gonna need this back.
John climbed back on the machine. Then the robotic arms started putting his armor back on. The machine put everything back on except for the helmet which was handed to John. John stared at the helmet. The side of it was cracked from his fight with Didact. All he could think about was Cortana. There's got to be a way to get her back. He still had hope. Then he looked at the back of his helmet. Cortana's chip was still in his helmet. He took it out and looked at it. Her voice echoed through his head.
Don't make a girl a promise…if you know you can't keep it.
He clutched onto it in his hand. Then he put on his helmet. John climbed off the machine, and nodded to the suit specialist. John walked over to the nearby hangar. He could hear Spartan Sarah Palmer talking over the intercom.
Sarah Palmer: Alright, Crimson, team Majestic, and Fire team Alpha, we're going to prep for slip space, and then we're gonna send you off once we're back at Requiem.
They're going back? Master Chief walked over to the nearest pelican. Then Palmer stepped in front of him.
Sarah Palmer: What do you think you are doing?
Before John could say anything, a voice came on the com. channel.
Lasky: That'll be alright commander; I authorized the pelican for him.
Sarah Palmer: Apologies, Master Chief.
Master Chief ignored her, and climbed into the pelican. He closed the hatch, and sat down in the seat. He noticed something on the ground. It was a chain for a dog tag. He picked it up, and looked at it. Then he pulled out the chip. He connected the two, and he wrapped it around his hand. There's got to be a way. Then he put his hands on the controls. The pelican's engine roared to life as he started it. The pelican lowered down into the takeoff tunnel. Then he pulled back on the stick at full throttle. With a flash, the pelican shot out of the ship.