Halo – Jun-A266 – "In Black Ink"
Location: Lockhart Medical Facility
18th January, 2553
"So? What did you think?"
As Jun made his way to the landing bay so he could catch his ride back to HIGCOM Facility Bravo-6, he decided to engage in conversation with his personal A.I.
"She has potential, as we have previously discussed. I still see a 'lone wolf' in that girl," said Death, as he appeared visible and sat on Jun's shoulder. "Better keep a vigilant eye on that one." He playfully poked his scythe against Jun's cheek.
To that, the Spartan-III smiled. "Our first recruit. But we have a ways to go, don't we?"
"Indeed, little Spartan. We still have Edward Davis, Yeong-Hao Holst, Vladimir Scruggs and Joel Thomas to go. I have their locations. We can visit them all within a week. Or less, if you wish."
"I think Musa would appreciate it if we get it down sooner, don't you?"
Death shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose. David and Scruggs are located at another medical facility. Holst and Thomas are stationed at a base back on Earth. Who shall we see first?"
Jun thought about that for a bit. "David and Scruggs then. Let's do that tomorrow."
"Ah, ah, ah," Death wiggled his armored finger at the Spartan. "Not tomorrow, little Spartan. You have a therapy session scheduled."
Jun muttered something in Russian under his breath in displeasure as his palm connected with his face.
To that, Death chuckled amiably. "Just get it over and done with."
"How long would I have to deal with this, Death?" He questioned.
"Until your condition improves."
"But I'm fine!"
"Jun," Death called out for him in a concerned manner. So he knew it was the cue for him to stop walking and look at his A.I. So he did. "You know as well as I do that you are not alright. Not yet, at least. You still have many issues in your heart that need to be sorted out."
Jun turned his head away in further discontentment.
"Now, now, little Spartan," Death said affectionately. "Do not despair. I am here for you. You can complain to me all you like once the session is over."
Location: HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6
Sydney, Australia.
January 18th, 2553
I didn't want to admit it but Death was right. There were still so many things I had in my heart that I didn't speak of thoroughly or didn't want to speak of at all.
Whenever I wanted to talk to Death, he was ready. He always knew what was in my heart and was ready to listen and advise me too. Like I said, Death has every single one of my memories. He knows of all the horrors I've seen and been through. So he totally understands.
But understanding is not enough. I need solutions.
My own mind has become my personal Hell. I can't stop thinking about past events and they keep driving me crazy. The last time I had such trauma, I covered it all up. Found that being around friends, joking around, I was able to distract myself. But when I'm all alone, it starts.
Sometimes I wonder how Death deals with it. If he knows everything, surely there's a part of him that's just as traumatized and frightened as I am right now. Maybe there is, and he just keeps it locked away somewhere.
I wished humans could do that to.
That's all for today, I guess. I think I'll speak to Death a little more before I turn in. Another therapy session tomorrow…
Jun shut the journal and buried his face in his hands, sighing heavily.
A few seconds later, he felt something poking the top of his head. When he removed his hands, he was staring into a gaping black hole.
"I sense that my little Spartan requires a talk from his little A.I."
Jun smirked at Death, realizing that his A.I. was now activating one of his abilities – the ability to appear life-sized. Death pulled away from leaning over the desk and kept his tall scythe close to him.
"I know you are dreading therapy tomorrow, Jun, but you have no choice in the matter," He reminded. "Perhaps if you put a little effort into actually speaking to the doctor, you might get some solutions."
Jun leaned against the chair. "What, you peeking into my journal now?"
Jun somehow felt a smile come from the A.I. "It has been 2 weeks, Jun. 2 weeks," He held up two fingers. "I think it is a reasonable amount of time to fully understand you. Oh! And I believe that I… obtained every single one of your memories?" He then gasped dramatically, to further emphasize his sarcasm. "YES, I DID."
Jun leaned forward to rest his head in the palm on his hand, still smirking.
"I know you inside and out, Jun," He said. "I know what you are feeling, what you are thinking. Some may call it disturbing but…" He shrugged his shoulders. "They simply never had an artificial intelligence created from the mind of their carrier."
Now the Spartan knew exactly where his A.I. was going.
"You can write and write all you want in black ink, Jun. You can never hide anything from me."
Jun glanced down at his journal, suddenly finding it hard to look at his A.I. companion to ask his question. "How do you do it, Death?"
Death titled his head at him. "Do what?"
"I mean, do you ever feel trapped by the painful memories you inherited?"
Death took a few seconds to reply. "Well, little Spartan… when I created, I felt like I was meant to be somebody else. What with all the memories and feelings and the personality I had. They felt like they were not mine to claim. Then I was told that I was created from you and that you would be my carrier. Immediately, I understood what all of the memories, both good and bad meant. So to answer your questions, Jun, no: I don't feel trapped by those horrible memories you possessed. Because I locked them away."
He narrowed his eyes at the A.I. "Locked them away? How?"
"Because I am that talented," He said with much amusement in his voice.
And Jun managed to grin at that. "Yes, you are, Death. Thanks."
"Do not mention it, my little Spartan. Just give therapy a try, alright? And I'll see you tomorrow."
The Spartan nodded with understanding. "Sure, Death. Good night."
And the A.I. disappeared in a cloud of sage-colored mist.
However, Jun quickly his pen and opened the journal to write down something new under the same entry:
It's time to give therapy a try. At least for Death's sake. Because the last thing I want is for him to dig into those memories and harm himself like how I'm doing to myself.
A/N: More dialogue than intended, but hope it's okay :) More coming your away!
