Alright guys, sorry to post this chapter up again, but I needed to fix a few things up. The whole conversation in that medical room and all has been changed, Commander Keyes was WAY too shocked, and she never gets speechless. There are a few more changes in this chapter as well, so don't stop at the first change you see. If you read this chapter before it was modified, then I suggest you look at the new changes. I had no idea what was going through my head when I posted the old version of this chapter...
If you were somehow wondering, just to make clear, the Master Chief does not know of Sleeper's existence, so don't get confused by anything. Everything that you don't recognize is mine. Anything that you do is the property of Bungie.
Chapter eleven: Betrayal
The Master Chief and Commander Keyes pushed through the marines who were prepared to leave for their promised reward. They both entered the medical bay to find dozens of marines placed in the beds located to the sides of the room, each faced opposite to each other. The Master Chief reached the end of the corridor, and looked inside the first room on his left, and entered the room, Commander Keyes following his move. The Master Chief saw his old companion sitting cross-legged on the bed, humming an unfamiliar tune. He didn't want to startle her, so he deliberately made his steps harder on the floor, to make her realize that she had company. Cortana's humming stopped and her eyes shot open, and looked at her guests.
"About time I have some company. I was getting bored," she said, in her usual tone of voice. "Commander Keyes, meet Cortana" said the Master Chief, gesturing to the female figure on the bed. Commander Keyes just looked at the woman, supposed to be Cortana, and shook her head in amusement. "Not that I don't believe any of this, it's just strange to see an AI trapped inside a human being that looks almost like their holographic image". Cortana had her usual smirk on and replied, "Ma'am, I understand the fact that it's hard to believe any of this, but it's true". "Cortana, I was informed by the Master Chief that you will be on board when we depart. Am I correct?" the Commander asked. "Correct" Cortana answered. After a few short seconds, Commander Keyes closed her eyes, and looked down in thought, only to bring her eyes back to Cortana, who was still waiting on a reply. "Well, I guess we'll have to make arrangements to bring another passenger on board".
The Master Chief looked at Cortana through his helmet. There was something about her that seemed out of place. Other than her appearance, something had changed about her, like she was hiding something. He shook it off and thought positively. This was Cortana he was thinking about. "Chief?" said a distant voice. He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to look at the Commander, who was sitting beside Cortana. "Chief, I need you to che--" Commander Keyes was cut in mid-sentence by the knocking on the door, which revealed Sergeant Thompson and Sergeant Johnson in the doorway. "Just thought you'd like the stats on our marines before we leave, Commander" said Sergeant Thompson. "Alright, Sergeant. Whats the news?" asked the Commander.
"We've got three hundred and eleven soldiers dead, fifteen affected by the nuclear bomb, and forty-two soldiers injured, nineteen of them with explicit injuries. That's as far as I know, Commander" and he glanced at his watch. "I guess I should leave now. It's almost time to take that trip downtown. Oh, and those elites are looking for you. Best not to keep them waiting" he finished, and departed and left the small group to themselves. Sergeant Johnson looked at the other three, quiet in the medical room. Wait a minute...three?
"Alright, which one of you decided to bring along a civilian to this base?" he questioned, looking between Commander Keyes and the Master Chief. It wasn't too hard to mistake Cortana for a civilian. Other than her dark, midnight eyes and her streaked hair, she looked fairly simple to the human eye, and to top it off she was wearing a normal black top and matching pants, which were supplied to her by the marines at the base. "Sergeant Johnson, this is Cortana. Don't worry, I'll explain on the way" said Commander Keyes, and she shoved the Sergeant out of the doorway, only to stop in mid-step. She turned and looked at the two figures in the room, and ordered, "Meet the both of us at the landing zone. Don't take too long," and with that, she left.
Cortana sighed, and looked at the Master Chief, who now sat next to her. "Don't we need to get going, Chief?" she asked, wondering why they were waiting. "Yeah, sure," the Master Chief responded, and she started to get up, only to have the Chief's gloved arm hold her shoulder gently. Cortana flinched at the sudden act of movement. "Is there something wrong?" she asked, her eyes soft. The Master Chief just fell silent for a few seconds, before finally admitting, "Cortana...It's good to have you back". Cortana just gave him a small smile, before answering "It's good to be back. Now come on, the Commander's waiting" she replied, before quickly moving out of the Chief's grasp, and through the doorway. Something's up with her, John thought to himself, but trusted her statement and followed her out.
John arrived with Cortana at the landing zone, with the elites waiting patiently beside their Phantoms. "Oh, finally. What took you guys so long?" asked Sergeant Johnson, upon seeing the arrival of the two humans. "Do not worry yourselves, we must leave now" said the Arbiter, breaking up the starting argument. The grav-lift on the Phantom activated and the four humans boarded the vessel, along with the remaining elites who stood outside. As the Phantom took off and headed for the main flagship, the Undying Justice, The Master Chief and Cortana were informed of the current plan, that the elites would only drop them off at the Cairo, and then they would depart for their own mission. By the time the explaining had finished, the Phantom had landed in the Undying Justice, and the Phantom emptied it's passengers. The Master Chief felt the flagship's floor rumble as the Undying Justice started to move towards it's destination, the Cairo.
Most of the time was spent in the control room, wandering about and chatting every now and then. Cortana had a splitting headache, not only from the tiring battle, but from the pressure that was put on her from the fear of hiding a secret from her older friend. She knew that the Master Chief was trying to help her, to protect her like he had done in the past, but something about him made her feel a bit on edge. Young one, how are you feeling? Sleeper said, breaking the calm silence in her head. I'm fine, will you stop worrying. I've got enough things to deal with Cortana replied mentally, but only resulted in increasing her headache, and received a painful stab to her head. Do not worry, young one. All of this will be over soon, Sleeper whispered. Cortana didn't answer, in risk of receiving another mental stab. Sleeper mentally finished off her sentence, making sure that Cortana wouldn't hear. Sooner than you think.
The Arbiter stood in the shadowy area of the control room, talking to the white spec-ops commander, Half-Jaw. "Arbiter, the other Sangheili have been notified of our first heading. It is clear to them to what we must do. But, they are doubting that we will find enough warriors to fight the Parasite. It is not an easy task" said Half-Jaw, speaking in his own tongue in silent whispers. "Worry not, Commander. I have high hopes for my warriors; we will eliminate the Parasite, or die trying" replied the Arbiter, still speaking in whispers.
"And what of the female, Arbiter? You know she must be protected at all costs. The Jiralhanae will stop at nothing to get her back"
"I believe the Demon is capably well of protecting his friend. I know of their bond, hopefully it will last until the battle with the Jiralhanae. But, I must say that she is a curious one. It will be a challe---"
"Hey, you mind tellin' us what you're talkin' about?" interrupted Sergeant Johnson. The Arbiter and Half-Jaw turned to look at the intruder, and gave him a blank look. Commander Keyes stood behind Sergeant Johnson and gave the two elites an apologetic look. Half-Jaw was about to answer, when an announcement was made over the speakers. "Humans, we have reached the Cairo. Make your way to the landing bay, a Phantom is waiting for you". The Arbiter exchanged a glance with Half-Jaw, before escorting the four humans to the landing bay, where a Phantom was waiting for them as planned. "Humans, I will only stay with you until we reach the Cairo, then I must depart" said the Arbiter, and the Commander and Sergeant nodded, while they boarded the Phantom along with the Master Chief and Cortana.
At first, it was nothing but silence when the Phantom took off, until the Arbiter broke it. "Humans, I believe there is a chance that we may never cross paths again. I speak for all the Sangheili when I say this, it was an honor to be fighting beside you, enemies or not. But time moves quickly, you only have a short moment before you depart, so let us make this quick". Sergeant Johnson couldn't help getting his answers first before the Arbiter said anymore, so he asked his previous question again. "So, what the hell were you talkin' about back there anyway?" he asked. The Arbiter just shook his head like an older sister would when trying to explain something to a younger sibling. "Patience, Sergeant. It is something that you need not to know, at least not yet" replied the Arbiter, and paused for a moment, before saying, "The Sangheili and I have agreed to pass the opportunity to kill the brutes, against all our person wishes," and he said that looking at the Sergeant, remembering the time he had used that term not long ago, "and leave it to you," and he was silenced by the sound of the grav-lift activating beside them. "Go, humans. We will talk again when the time comes. But for now, you must wait until the moment arrives" he finished, while Sergeant Johnson, the Master Chief and Cortana dropped from the Phantom.
Commander Keyes looked at the grav-lift, before turning to the Arbiter and saying, "How will we find Kronos and his brutes? We don't even know where to look!" said Miranda to the Arbiter. The Arbiter stared at her, before replying, "You will find him when he wants to be found. He will come to you when he is ready". Miranda nodded her head once as a farewell, the Arbiter doing the same, and she left the Phantom without another word. Miranda landed on the ground to see the grav-lift of the Phantom disappear, and then move back towards the Undying Justice without a sound.
Cortana found herself exiting the landing bay of the Cairo, accompanied by two other marines and the three other humans who had been with her. It was so strange to her. She was once the all-knowing Artificial Intelligence who occupied the Cairo's network system, and the guidance system who helped the Master Chief on his missions. Now, well, she didn't really know who she was, nor did she even think about it. All seemed lost to her. She could still feel the strange pressure of what she assumed was fear and guilt welling up inside her. Sleeper? Are you there? Cortana asked, while still being led by the two marines. I'm here, young one. What do you need?
I...need to know more about the Prophecy
What more do you need to know?
Well, it's just the whole idea with protecting this 'Chosen One'. I understand that only time will show me who or what it is, but what am I supposed to do in between? I can't go aski--
Of course you cannot go asking, young one. Our secret must be kept between the two of us, no one else should know. I will explain what you need to know later, for now, concentrate on the man standing in front of you, you day-dreaming fool!
Day-dreaming fool? Cortana mentally made a confused look, but soon realized why Sleeper had said that because the Admiral was standing in front of everyone, and talking to her. "Cortana. Cortana can you hear me?". Cortana snapped out of her glare on the floor, and put her attention back on the Admiral. "Sorry sir. My mind just..." she said, but ended up trailing off silently with her words. She just couldn't bring herself up to insult herself with a silly excuse like 'Blanked out' or 'Brainwashed'.
The Master Chief observed the conversation behind the visor of his helmet. He knew Cortana more than anyone on the entire Cairo station, and he knew that she always had a reason behind everything. His mind wandered around, and a question formed in his head. Could it even be possible that a woman, who was actually an AI in physical form, become rampant at any second? He would have to ask someone with more knowledge on that subject, and snapped back to reality just in time to hear his orders. "Master Chief, I need you to be ready for anything by tomorrow. Those brutes can attack at any second, and I want an experienced fighter on the field" said the Admiral. "Understood, sir" replied the Master Chief, and the Admiral dismissed him.
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The Arbiter entered the Undying Justice's control room, to find the rest of his warriors waiting patiently for his orders. Half-Jaw walked up to the Arbiter and said, "I assume that you did not inform the humans of our current plans". The Arbiter shook his head, saying "They have a right to know. If we were to fail, we could put their lives at risk, along with their kind. If that were to happen, it would not be anyones fault but ours". Half-Jaw understood the Arbiter's worry, and put a slender hand on his shoulder and leading him closer to the Undying Justice's controls. "Worry not, Arbiter. The humans will be aware of our plan sooner or later. But for now, we must focus on our task. What will be our first heading?" finished Half-Jaw.
The Arbiter sighed in acceptance, and ordered, "Set a course for Varkerei. It is time that we visit our brothers for assistance". The elites at the controls obliged, and the path was set to Varkerei, the training grounds for all Sangheili warriors. "Arbiter, what makes you think that the brutes have not discovered the location of Varkerei?" asked Half-Jaw. The Arbiter turned to the white spec-ops commander, and answered, "Because, if they had, the brutes would not of attacked the human's base. It would take more than a large assault on Varkerei before the Sangheili surrender to the brutes". Half-Jaw nodded in agreement, and was about to leave when a question popped up in the Arbiter's head.
"Commander, have you seen the Oracle since the battle?". Half-Jaw stopped in his tracks and turned his head to the Arbiter, and replied, "Actually, I have not. He should be somewhere around this vessel, otherwise he should be with the humans". The Arbiter left it at that, but thought to himself. The Oracle did not leave with the humans, and I did not see him board this vessel, but he shoved those thoughts for later. Now, he had more important tasks at hand, and stood behind the pilots at the controls. I wonder where he could be...
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The Oracle bobbed up and down merrily humming a tune through the think green fog, hovering through the passageways of High Charity. During the battle, he had slipped away without anyone noticing, hoping to fulfill his plan, which remained a mystery to both Human and Sangheili. As he glided lower and deeper into the heart of High Charity, a deep and rough voice entered his thoughts. Welcome, Monitor. Your presence here enlightens us deeply. Has your task been completed? The Oracle looked around, trying to find the source of sound, but soon gave up and replied to the unseen source of sound. "Actually, it is delightfully fascinating to be greeted by your presence. Your first task has been completed, as planned". The deep voice filled his thoughts again, this time he felt a calming presence enter his mind. You have proved yourself well, Monitor. Now, the brutes will have no choice but to join us with their lessened army, and then, we will be a raging force of undefeated warriors
"Not that I don't agree with your plan, but how exactly are we going to convince the brutes to join us? The bug that I planted to wipe them out at the exact moment that human device went off wasn't exactly the best way to convince them to join us. In my opinion, the brutes would be absolutely furious!"
Do not worry yourself, Monitor. All we need is the proper leverage to help us get what we want, and what they need that we want is simple.
"Oh, riddles are my specialty, are they not? I believe you should leave this task to me. I've already got it sorted out, the human will be in their hands very soon. Oh, I am a genius!" said the Monitor, as he left High Charity once more to complete his new task.
End chapter 11: Betrayal
So, how do you like the changes to this chapter? The first reason I changed this chapter for is because I didn't like the way it was structured, it seemed rushed to me and it didn't really make sense. Secondly, Chapter 12 was really hard for me to make because of the information in this chapter, so now that I've changed most of chapter 11, I had to delete most of chapter 12 which didn't really make sense anyway!
By the way Varkerei is also my own creation, it is not an unknown creation of Bungie yet to be announced. Stay tuned for the next chapter, and please review!
MizzStarlight