The empty void of space continues even with her gone. Everyone was the same, except him. Master Chief was torn by the death of his partner Cortana. It has been 7 months since the AI had given her life to save Chief yet, he hadn't moved on. Not even close.
Loud sounds of soldiers aboard the UNSC Infinity was normal and for our Spartan, he got very used to it. After Captain Lasky saved Chief floating in space, he had served with them for the last while. Chief sat on a metal bench out-looking the stars, closing his eyes. Where are you right now, Cortana? What are you doing this very minute? Quickly, he opened his eyes and looked at the man next to him. "Sir, sorry, I didn't see you there," Chief saluted. Lasky smiled then sighed. "At ease, John. I already told you not to call me that. It's 'Lasky' to you." With a cough, Chief moved his head back to face the window. Silence filled the room for about 2 minutes. "Chief, it's kinda hard to see you like this. I mean.. it's been 7 months since Requiem. You gotta shape up, soldier!" Lasky stood and yelled at the man moping. "Look, Chief. I know she was important to you..very important. You guys had been through a lot and I know she was the only thing you've really been attached to. But, from a man of experience, you gotta move on. It'll get easier." No reply. Again, silence filled the room. About 5 minutes after that, Lasky walked down the hallway. Chief was again alone. For the second time, he gently closed his eyes. He thought about everything. About her.
Don't make a girl a promise, if you know you can't keep it.
I do know how to pick 'em!
It's been an honour serving with you, John.
I'm not doing this for man kind.
Time passed, and before he knew it, unexpected tears rolled down the sides of his face. Silent tears turned into full out wailing. Chief stood up then dropped on his knees, hands over his eyes. He let out everything. All that anger for not being able to save Cortana, all the disappointment in himself for being a failure, and most of all, all the sadness and pain he had in his heart for the one he cared about the most being gone. Slowly, he lifted up his head. "Cortana, I don't know if you can hear me, but I...I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I couldn't fulfil my promises I made you. You tried helping me, being so kind to me, and yet...I pushed you away. What the hell was I thinking?! And now...you are gone. I just...I want you to forgive me. If you can.." Chief gulped back the lump in his throat and stood up once more. He then saluted towards the window and managed to weakly smile. Would it have been better if it were me who died saving you?
