- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Near the end of the game, the Covenant have found a way to begin the activation process for the Ark. Cortana, in a burst of clarity (she overcomes her rampancy for vital moments with the help of Master Chief), searches frantically for a way to halt the activation of the Ark.
The Arbitor and Master Chief stand by, helpless, in the control room found in the depths of the Forerunner structure on Earth. Cortana's sporatic whispers resound through the room.
Suddenly, the Arbitor gasps as he watches rows and rows of Covenant and Forerunner characters flash by on a holographic screen. He takes a hesitant step forward.
"No..." His voice his weak and wavering.
There is silence. Master Chief turns to look at the alien.
Cortana's pained voice comes through, sounding grainy and helpless. "There is... one way," she utters.
Master Chief faces the screens again. He understands.
Turning back to the Arbitor, he speaks. Two words. His voice is hard and emotionless. "One minute."
Cortana is silent. The Arbitor nods. "It has been... an honor." He bows to the armored sentry before him.
Standing, he pivots, and races out of the room.
The Master Chief faces the screens again. In his heart, he knows what he must do.
Counting in his head, he reaches sixty.
He is silent, but Cortana is not. She speaks.
"Thank you..."
***
So, in the end, Chief saves himself for the good of the universe.
(By the way, I might have gotten slightly out of hand.)