Cyberpunk: Spartan Walker

Dr. Halsey turned back to the screen with the memory-devouring worm and moved it to a new information point within Cortana's core. She executed the program—and the AI's memory of the conversation was wiped clean.

Tell me the latest on SPARTAN-058, Cortana.

The body core temperature rises steadily at a rate of 0.2 degrees Celsius per minute, reaching 37 degrees Celsius within ten minutes.

Very good. Do the pre-operative work, take out the rapidly cloned liver and kidneys from the storage, and arrange the operating room No. 3.

Yes, doctor.

Linda's medical data flashed on a monitor, along with a list of all Spartans: each Spartan's operational status listed one by one. There are only a few that are functioning properly, and almost every one is labeled WIA (Wounded In Action) or MIA.

No KIA? Dr. Halsey muttered. She touched SPARTAN-034's entry. Sam is listed as missing in action. Why is that?

Military Intelligence Division II Directive 930. Cortana replied, When MI announced the 'SPARTAN II Project', it realized that reports of Spartan losses would be catastrophic to morale. Impact. As a result, any Spartan casualties were classified as MIA or WIA in order to preserve the myth of the Spartans' immortality.

Spartans never die? Dr. Halsey whispered softly. It would be great if it was true.

There was a flash of sadness and guilt in her eyes. She knew she had an unshirkable responsibility to these warriors, that she was their creator and their destroyer. She had considered them her children, but she also considered them her guinea pigs. She gave them power and glory, but also pain and sacrifice. She loved them and hated them.

There was so much to do and so little time left for her, the Spartans, and the humans. But there are still things she can do. She could save one person at a time, starting with Linda, then Kelly, and then a few other very important people.

She had a plan, one that she thought could change everything. A plan she was afraid to tell anyone. A plan she was afraid to even admit she had. A plan she didn't know the consequences of.

Of course, this means betraying everyone who has trusted her - but if that's the only way she can save herself and her soul, she won't look back.

There were heavy footsteps outside the door.

Doctor, Colonel Price is here, Cortana reported.

Let him in. She pulled a monitor to her side and typed in a command that locked Cortana's mind, and her holographic image disappeared.

The door opened again and Tommy walked slowly in. PhD?

Tommy, your body—

Just tell me what you have to say, doctor. We will jump out of the slip space in three hours. You are not a person who likes to chat.

Dr. Halsey frowned and pushed up his glasses calmly. She should be annoyed by his attitude, but thinking of this Spartan's pitiful experience, she felt that she was actually in no position to be angry with him - even Tommy's attitude towards him was surprisingly good now, which would have been twenty years ago Before, he would definitely rush up and beat her up.

You're right, I really don't like to chat. Halsey said in a flat tone. She suddenly realized that she was not as caring to him as she was to John. Maybe it was the same for other Spartans. Well, I asked you to come here because I want to talk about Sergeant Johnson. You have served in the Military Intelligence Agency for many years, so you should understand what I want to say.

Tommy's body didn't waver. Understood. If the three departments find out, they will send him to the autopsy table.

Okay, it seems there is no barrier to communication between us. Dr. Halsey raised a finger, Let me just say it bluntly, I've had enough of nonsense like 'sacrifice the small self to fulfill the greater self' .The situation of the war is getting worse and worse, and there are fewer and fewer expendable objects. Don't blame me for playing the emotional card, Tommy, you fought side by side with Avery and the militiamen he trained during the Harvest contact period. No, that must be an unforgettable memory.

Tommy folded his arms and stared at her with his helmet panels. Halsey couldn't see any of his expressions through the helmet. Without this information, she couldn't figure out his thoughts and felt a little annoyed.

That's right, doctor. I admit that it is too early to send Sergeant Johnson to the autopsy table. This war needs people like him alive. Therefore, as early as Halo, I put the relevant medical data of Sergeant It has been transferred to Mendoza’s file, and the Military Intelligence Agency will not embarrass him.”

Halsey frowned. Is what he said true or false? He has worked for the Military Intelligence Agency for so many years, how much can she still trust him? If it were the Master Chief, she could trust him without reservation - but not him.

The things Tommy had done before were still vivid in his mind - he personally executed the II Spartan warrior Sauron-066 just because he turned to the rebels; in order to incite the rebellion of Cavendish IV, he shot and smashed He took the head of an infant baby - so, could the experience of contact with Harvest really move his hard heart?

Halsey never believed in human nature, and this was no exception.

I believe what you said, but the data inside is related to Sergeant Johnson's life and death. I want to add an insurance policy to this matter.

Insurance?

That artificial intelligence called 'Ellie', you have to give me her core matrix. Trust me, freeing up some memory processing space won't be a bad thing.

Tommy crossed his arms and looked down at the Doctor with his unmistakable height. He has not taken another step forward since he entered this room, and the distance between the two is like a chasm. I've changed a lot, but you've barely changed, Doctor. I'm no longer the little boy who obeyed everything I said. Worm, it's an old trick. Can you guarantee that Ellie won't be harmed by it?

Dr. Halsey paused, but in the end she couldn't lie. She was afraid that he would laugh at her as soon as she said it. She's just an artificial intelligence.

Would you do the same to Cortana?

Yes I will.

Tommy shook his head. Sorry, I won't. I have promised you that the MI will not cause trouble for Sergeant Johnson. Whether you believe it or not, it is impossible for me to hand over Ellie's chip to you. He put down his hand, Is there anything else, Doctor?

Halsey stared at him and was silent for a long time. No, Tommy, she said. You should think about it.

I thought about it very clearly. Tommy turned around without any hesitation, but then stopped, Doctor, please bring Linda back.

He quickly left the cabin until he disappeared at the end of the corridor.

With a long sigh, Dr. Halsey turned around in his chair and stood up. Then he suddenly pushed the monitor out of the way and walked into Linda's operating room.