To the Readers, from the Author

And so, after fifteen chapters, my 'On the Beach' fan fiction finally comes to an end. This is not another chapter, but rather I decided to give a message to all of those who took the time to read and critique it.

I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your support on this story. Originally I intended for it to be nothing more than a one shot, but after I got rave reviews on the first chapter, I decided to make it an ongoing series instead. So it was all of you who encouraged me to do that, and for that I think you should give yourselves a bit pat on the back!

Originally, I never thought I would be able to write a smut fic, but the idea formed in my head after reading an article in ZOO Magazine (I don't read them anymore, but I got lots of enjoyment out of them when I did!). In those types of mags, they always have beautiful women gracing the cover, and every now and then, they have articles of their love lives. I have long since come to the conclusion that many of those stories are most likely made up simply for the sake of telling interesting stories and selling more magazines. In all honesty, it would probably be better if they were made up, as it does not engender the most positive image of them.

Anyway, in one story, the model in question (a gorgeous brunette, by the way!) was telling about a time when she was doing some nude sunbathing on the beach, and was approached by an attractive male surfer, and the two of them headed into the dunes for some loving, with him laying her down on his surfboard, apparently. I doubt that's true, but if it is, well, her having sex with a complete stranger… you draw your own conclusion.

Despite my initial jealousy (she was very attractive, this model) I figured that the story was false, made up just to increase interest in the magazine.

Regardless, it nonetheless spawned this little idea in my head, and I found myself thinking about how it would be if John came across a now-human Cortana in similar circumstances. Originally, I was unsure, then I decided "what the hell! I'll write a fanfic about it!". I did not know how readers would react to it, but I was amazed and pleased when I saw the overwhelmingly positive reviews for it. So when some of you requested (in some cases, demanded) some more chapters, I figured I might as well give it a shot.

The end result was this fic that you have been reading, and the great feeling of satisfaction that I feel when I see the reviews you give. Sure, there's bound to be some out there who think negatively about it, and they were simply too polite to post, but even if they did, I don't think I'd mind too much. The fact that you took time out of your lives to read gives me a warm feeling inside. Do not underestimate the power of support, my friends!

And so, I sign off this fic for the last time. Even though 'On the Beach' now comes to an end, I may decide to write some more stories to post in the future. Some of them may be 'Halo', but they could also be something entirely different. But chances are that it will be quite a long time before I do any of this, as I am now attempting to focus all of my energies on my own original writing, since I am aiming to become a professional author in the very near future. Sadly, this will draw my attention away from fanfic, but nonetheless, I will never forget the enjoyment I felt when writing it or, more significantly, reading your amazing reviews.

So thank you all for your support, my friends. True fans are a lot like Spartans; they never die, they just go to Hell and regroup!

Take care,

FuryanJedi13