Halo: The Journey Home/Episode 1

{{TJH|Enlightenment|

Preface
"It's confusing, after everything you've ever known changes in an instant. Those whom you've loved like brothers, and your worst enemies, all dead.  When the situation that you are in goes from bad to worse, all in an instant, and you find yourself unable to cope with the current reality.  Now imagine being unable to even remember all that you've been through, but holding on to the little bit that you do remember, refusing to ever let go.  But eventually, we do have to let go, and then what?  Then you are like a child again, having to learn everything from the beginning again. This," Cortana explained, "Is what you might be facing."

"So you are a hologram, again?" Spartan John-117 asked, Cortana made it obvious that she was annoyed with him before responding "Yes". She continued to stare at him, "Now stop asking me that! Did you even pay attention to a single thing that I have said in the past minute!?" "Yes, everything. It just seems like such a foreign idea to me.  I already told you that I do remember a lot about you." Spartan John-117 replied. "Yes, I know, you just seem... different." elaborated Cortana,

"Now let me brief you about everything you must know," she began again, "The date was December 16th, 2552, that was fifteen years ago, by the way. You, me, and Sergeant Johnson..." John listened to Cortana's whole story about the destruction of Installation 04B. It seemed that as the story wet on, he began to remember more and more about not just this event, but his whole life as she spoke. For the first time today he payed her full attention. "... and now we are on the rear section of the UNSC Forward unto Dawn after the portal collapsed. You must remember that, don't you?" "Yes, I do". He looked puzzled, and Cortana knew that he was paying attention to her. She knew that the man sitting across from her was now the real John-117.

"What is our ships status?" John-117 inquired, "I have restored the artificial gravity and most systems years ago. As of now, we are about 133,984 light-years away from Earth, and far from the Ark.  We are about half-way to our destination." Cortana explained. "We can only go a few light-years a day. So let me tell you, we won't be home anytime soon." "So why did you wake me, Cortana?" John asked, Suddenly an unfamiliar-looking humanoid figure walked into the room, "I do need you. You see, I made a new friend who is willing to help get home.  Let me elaborate please."

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