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  • Subject: Cortana may start thinking herself to death...
Subject: Cortana may start thinking herself to death...
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Those of you who have read the books will understand. Not only is Cortana in distress during the video but she may be reaching the end of her rope. Since she is a 'smart AI' she has a life span of about 7-10 years if my memory serves. I would expect to see her demise at the end of Halo 3.
Who knows though, she may have found a way to extend he lifespan with information from the Covenant and all the information they had about the Forerunners. But if the game follows the books expect to see her start thinking herself to death pretty soon.

  • 05.10.2006 6:30 PM PDT
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Posted by: AMWstratos
Those of you who have read the books will understand. Not only is Cortana in distress during the video but she may be reaching the end of her rope. Since she is a 'smart AI' she has a life span of about 7-10 years if my memory serves. I would expect to see her demise at the end of Halo 3.

Posted by: PTown650
supposedly, and it actually looks likely, she has gone crazy. the speech patterns we hear are not from our friendly neighborhood AI, but it sounds more like it is influenced by durandal-ish/gravemind type speech. The cortana we know speaks logically and never in riddles. Check out the cortana letters, they might give you some insight on the subject.


I believe that she has gone crazy... or corrupted...or at least something close to it. If you go back to Fall of Reach, re-read the part that introduces Cortana.
"She would pay a price for her genius, however. Such a growth would lead eventually lead to self-interference. Cortana would one day literally start thinking too much at the expense of her normal functions. It was as if a human were to think with so much of his brain that he stopped sending impulses to his heart and lungs.
Like all smart AI that Dr. Halsey had worked with over all the years, Cortana would effectively "die" after an operational life of seven years." (Fall of Reach, og 235)
Notice the SEVEN
Of course, we don't know how "old" Cortana is, but if she is nearing seven, that could mean that she is becoming corrupted. Add on to that all the time in the Forerunner and Covenant technology and systems, and I believe you would have a failing AI.
Also, notice how in the trailer that Cortana is missing parts of her face. I belive that I have read somewhere that AIs chose their own appearence. (I'm too lazy to find the quote) If this is so, this might prove more that Cortana is crazy/corrupte.
Just my thoughts

  • 05.10.2006 6:31 PM PDT
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My hope is, since I believe we humans are the forerunners, she may be able to find a way to keep herself going. Like Guilty spark.

  • 05.10.2006 6:38 PM PDT

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Actually one could check her age by comparing dates at the chapter beginnings.

  • 05.10.2006 6:40 PM PDT

// UNSC Database - ODST Fire Teams • [Operation: Twilight Zone] • Mission: Classified - Fire Team Xenon...
- X01... KIA
- X10... KIA
- X25... KIA
- X51... MIA

Interesting theory i read first strike and i know what you mean

  • 05.10.2006 6:43 PM PDT
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One word: rampancy.

I think shes gone rampant. She's escaped her programming, her limitations, and now wshe has a mind of her own that isn't limited/inhibiited by anything.

[Edited on 5/10/2006]

  • 05.10.2006 6:50 PM PDT
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Rampancy can have odd outcomes.

  • 05.10.2006 6:51 PM PDT
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Maybe shes knows and is aware that she may think herself to death and may be doing it on purpose to keep Gravemind from getting valuable information. She may have even realized it when whe was trying to get Master Cheif of High Charity. Remember when she said "Don't make a girl a promise if you can't keep it""? Maybe she knew she would never get off of High Charity.

  • 05.10.2006 6:54 PM PDT