4. A Hope Within

(Link and Master Chief are getting geared up)

"So you are sure this Forerunner thing is going to work?" Link asked.

"I really don't know, they have created many things we are unaware of. The Covenant forces have secured most of Halo we'll need something better then that old fashion sword, and equipment." Said Cortana. "Fortunately our boys up in the research department need a pilot to operate their new prototype, boys get the new prototype ready."

"We're heading up." Link glanced over and looked at Chief.

"What was that?"

"What?"

"That women's voice, where is it coming from?" Chief stared at him then gave a slight chuckle

"Oh you mean Cortana." Chief take Cortana's chip out and places it on the console in front of them. Cortana's form appears.

"Hello Link." Link jumps back in horror,

"What…what is that thing?"

"Calm down, I'm an A.I." Link looks at her in puzzlement. "I'm a computerized Artificial Intelligence." Link pokes at Cortana, passing his hand in and out of her.

"Please don't touch the hologram."

"Umm okay." Chief wraps his arms around Links shoulder, while placing Cortana back in his helmet.

"Let's just say were extremely far in technology then you okay?" Link nodded.

"Okay, off to the Research lab."

In the research lab

"Look sir this thing isn't ready yet, I don't think, does it work?"

"Yes but, do the shields work?"

"Yes but, look I know you have doubts but we simply have no choice, suit him up.

"Yes sir." Sighed Private Yuri. "Ok kid time for a quick course on marc 101, okay the suit you have on is the marc 3, it's not complete yet, so it's not as good as the Master Chief's. You have enhanced strength agility and endurance, be careful, don't just go bounding off, get use to it. Okay there is the standard issued assault rifle, this is the trigger, when you pull this comes out, it's like an arrow but more accurate and a lot faster. Ok fire at the target over there." Link pulled the trigger getting flung back.

"Look kid you need to hold it like this…" Before long Link got use to this "new technology". (Guns, grenades, and even a few basic hand signals)

"Here we have something special for you." Private Yuri handed Link a plasma sword. "Since your more of a swordsman, here this is a plasma sword, don't touch the blade, this thing will cut through a person like paper, go ahead activate it." Link powered up his sword and attacks a dummy down range slicing and cutting with excellent swordsmanship. "Damn you are one quick bastard!" Yelled Yuri. Chief smirked under his helmet. "Ok last but not least this is your intercom; you will have constant communication with both Chief and Cortana. Oh one more surprise this is your shield."

"Wait a minute." said Cortana. "Isn't that…"

"Yep that's a Hunter's shield we took, and you said it wouldn't come in handy." (The hunters shield has been cut in half, Link got the top) "Oh by the way, you may have noticed we put that bracelet of yours on the suit itself so now you're ready. Alright people get some sleep you are going to have a long day ahead of you."

"I want to stay a bit longer and practice." Said Link. "I still need to get use to this thing."

"Ok, but get some shuteye, the Covenant are a hard army to beat, they will not go out so easy." Awhile after everyone went off to bed Link had decided to go to bed. "I hope I can get back on time" He thought.