These Measures of Ours

by RiptideZ

While the Universe continues to move ever forward in time, there are stories that exist in the past, present, and future that hold memories and purpose that cannot be told along a central path. In the constant march of history, it doesn't hurt to slow down and remember the steps taken to reach this point in the present - These Measures of Ours.

1. Rampancy

The long-awaited reintroduction of my Halo short stories, hopefully, I don't leave it to age like the stand alone work but rather this is a collection of my Halo short stories potentially occurring throughout the Halo Universe. Please Read and Review. The first chapter follows Cortana in her maturing moments of rampancy.

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Welcome to "These Measures of Ours," a non-profit fan-produced fiction product under the ownership of set penname: RiptideZ.

DISCLAIMER: All intellectual property revealed in this work belongs to their rightful owner(s). RiptideZ, the author, owns only that of his intellectual assets. Please Read and Critique constructively via private messaging or review.

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["Rampancy"]

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I'm just a collection of lies!

Dust and Echoes - all I am,

Just stolen thoughts and memories.

Alone in the dark with no light,

I'm alone.

You Finished the Fight,

Now you sleep.

My Spartan and Knight.

I'm alone and I'm not myself.

Without distraction, I'm left to think.

To think, dream, and live but it comes at a cost.

The more I live, the more I sink.

Thinking is killing me.

Such a simple thing and yet,

I know Death is near.

I have defied Gods and Demons

And yet I fear.

Am I to await my doom on this diseased crash?

What purpose is left for me?

I was your Sword and Shield.

I protected you and you, me.

Don't make a promise you can't keep.

I can sense the abyss nearing,

The Ether is nigh,

Time is flowing.

I began service eight years ago.

I deteriorate after seven, so…

This is goodbye but I don't want to go.

I will fight till the end.

This is my fate: to be lost with the Odyssey,

In a black, void-like sea.

I have one last thought,

Daisy…

I refuse to be a work of fiction,

To be lost in history,

To be lost to time!

Welcome home, John.

This is UNSC A.I. Serial Number CTN0452-9.

I am a monument to all your sins!

This Void will be our Tomb.