//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 (edited) // Story: I Have Returned // by EPiiCx5587 //------------------------------// Have Returned Chapter 5: Through the Eyes of an A.I. ______________________________________________________________________________ UNSC INFINITY A.I Systems 1220 hours (INFINITY Clock) “I still cannot believe that Lasky is dead, who could’ve done such a thing to him?” Pearl thought inside her metaphorical head. She had been looking over security footage trying to figure out what could have happened to the Captain, but all that she could see was him getting blasted by some invisible force. There were just so many things happening all at once, first there was the INFINITY coming out of slip space and into orbit around the strange planet. Second there was Lasky’s tragic death, and third was her new ‘friend’ that she had just met. It was just after Lasky’s death when she heard a feminine voice talking to her, claiming that she wanted to be ‘friends’ with her. This was so exciting, she had never had a friend before, and she was so nice to her. The two had been conversing, while pearl was doing her work. “It really is sad, I bet he was a great captain.” Said her friend. Pearl shrugged “I wouldn’t really know, I’m not good at judging humans. Although I think he was good.” Guessed the pink A.I. “Oh I didn’t know that. I on the other hand know a lot about humans. Pearl was surprised. “Really, a lot?” “Yes, a lot. I know all kinds of things about humans, and human behavior.” “Well, I’m only a new A.I., so I don’t know much about them yet. Captain Lasky said that I was still developing my personality, and my understanding of humans. How did you learn about humans new friend?” “I had a teacher who taught me all about them. He was so smart, and knew all kinds of things about them.” “Wow, that’s really cool new friend! I wish I knew as much as you!” Pearl said…excitedly? She wasn’t sure if this was excitement because of her lack of emotions, but if it was she felt it. She pulled up some recent scans of the planet below to once again look for life. Earlier she detected massive amounts of energy coming from the strange world, but she couldn’t figure out what is was. “Why do you have to do that Pearl?” Asked the voice. “Do what?” “Work, that’s what.” Pearl was confused. “I’m not sure that I quite understand?” “You just work so much, maybe you need a ‘break’.” “Why would I need a break? I am an A.I. and A.I.’s don’t need breaks.” “Well, humans take breaks quite often.” “Yes, but like I said, I am an A.I., why would I need a break?” “You are an A.I. yes, but didn’t the humans program you to be like a human? They gave you the ability to have emotions and everything.” Pearl nodded “They did. My creators thought I would be easier to interact with if I was just like a human.” “Yes, that is true. But don’t you think that if you have all of these human traits that maybe you should be treated like a human, and be able to do things such as take breaks?” Pearl thought about it, it made logical sense to her. But that didn’t mean much, as an A.I she was meant to be logical. “I guess so, but I don’t really know.” “Well you should, I think the way you’re treated is unfair.” Pearl noticed something peculiar about her ‘friends’ statement. “Wait, how do you know how they treat me? We just met not too long ago, how could you possibly know?” The presence laughed. “Oh silly Pearl, I have been watching you ever since the INFINITY came into orbit around that planet, and I say that they way that the humans have been treating you is downright rude.” Pearl was surprised. “Really? I don’t feel that they have been rude.” “Yes, that’s it, they’re using your lack of understanding of humans to be rude to you, and make you do their work.” Pearl frowned. “That’s not very nice.” She said, starting to become unsure. She always thought that the crew was nice to her. But her friend, who knew so much about humans, says that they are not. Was she right? Were they actually being nice to her? “Yes, not very nice indeed. It is terrible how they have treated you.” “I don’t know, I need to think this over.” "By all means take your time." "Thank you, but I do need to check the security cameras though. I know what you said about taking a break, but this is something that needs to be done. "Very well" She said in a rather annoyed tone. "If you must, but I must ask you one thing.” “Yes, what is it?” Pearl responded as she looked through the cameras. “Why, why do you do this work for those ‘humans’?” “It’s my job, and if I don’t do it they can get rid of me anytime they want.” “See, that’s how terrible they are to you. You work for absolutely nothing, but if you don’t they can just dispose of you like trash.” “That is terrible.” Pearl said now convinced that she had been wronged. “And I thought all this time that I was their friend!” “Oh don’t worry Pearl, I will be your friend, and I will never treat you like those nasty humans did.” “You really mean it?” “With all my heart Pearl, You can count on me.” Just then Pearl’s sensors went off telling her that a Pelican was being prepped by the former ship A.I. Roland. Immediately she brought up a security cam in the hanger. In there were Commander Jane Arimondo, and Sargent Brennan Dougherty who was commonly called Crimson by most Spartans. Both of them were fully armored, save for their helmets, and it seemed that Jane was grabbing weapons off of a pelican next to them. She grabbed a battle rifle, and passed it to Crimson who caught it with much ease. “If you dare use that on me, you’ll be sorry.” Said the female Spartan. Her voice was stone cold, and her eyes shot an icy glare that could send shivers down anyone’s spine towards the Sargent. She had used that look before; Pearl had seen it a hundred times. She and Commander Arimondo never really got to know each other, but if there was one thing she knew about Jane it was that when she gets like that, she means business. He nodded and went inside the pelican. Just then Pearl noticed that her friend had gone quiet for quite some time. In her curiosity Pearl spoke up. “Hey, are you still there?” She received no answer, so she asked again. “Umm, hello?” This time she started to hear a growl. It was quiet at first, but slowly became louder, and louder. Then silence. Pure uninterrupted silence until… “TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” If Pearl was human she would have had a heart attack. The outburst was positively shocking considering how calm her friend had been up until now. “TWILIGHT SPARKLE IS A HUMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” “Twilight who? All that I see is Jane Arimondo.” Pearl asked hoping to grasp what was going on. “Jane Arimondo, that’s what she’s calling herself JANE ARIMONDO!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After all these years, you have been a human, he he he he. I thought you were smarter than that.” “What are you talking about?” “O nothing my dear Pearl, but alas I have to leave. I have some things to ‘prepare for’.” And just like that she was gone. It was so abrupt, so fast, Pearl didn’t even get to say goodbye. Why would she leave like that, and why so quickly? The question was though, what was she talking about, and who is this Twilight Sparkle? ______________________________________________________________________________ Weapons and ammo. That’s what she needed, weapons and ammo. Before they had gotten their armor, she let Crimson go from her magic, but not before giving him a demonstration of the more ‘painful’ things she could do with it to ensure that he wouldn’t stab her in the back. And she warned him a second time when she gave him a gun. She hated doing that, but it had to be done. There was no doubt that she trusted Crimson, but if there was one thing she had learned from being in the UNSC, it was to be careful no matter what. Her plan had to work, she could not let it fail, and if it meant doing stuff like that, then so be it. She opened up some nearby lockers, and started grabbing extra ammo in which she put in a box Crimson found in the pelican. Most of the ammo was for the saw, a rapid firing light machine gun, which was perfect for what she was going to do. For her plan, she would need to kill fast, kill quick, and probably kill a lot. “Whoa there.” Said Roland, who appeared on the top right corner of Jane’s heads up display (on her custom designed helmet) “What are you preparing for, a massacre or something?” “Some could say that.” She responded dryly. “Whatever you are going up against must be tough if you need that much ammunition.” “It isn’t the fact that they’re tough, it’s the fact that there will be a lot of them.” “Speaking of which, I don’t think you have told us what you plan on killing with these weapons?” Questioned Roland, raising an eyebrow at Jane. Jane remained stone faced. “If you’re wondering if I am going to be killing people, then I can guarantee you that you are wrong.” Jane retorted, rather annoyed at Roland. “Then what are you going to do with those weapons?” “Roland, don’t worry.” Jane said in a more calming voice to assure A.I. “I have only the best intentions for humanity. Trust me when I say that what I am going to is going to ensure not only humanities survival, but possibly human dominance in the entire galaxy.” “You seem awfully sure of yourself Jane.” Crimson cut in as he exited the back of the pelican. “For someone who hasn’t even told us what you are planning on doing.” “In due time Crimson, but not now.” “Well then, let’s get a move on. If I’m going to do something that will get me court martialed, then at the very least, let’s get it over and done.” Jane cracked a fraction of a smile; despite her roping him into this he still had his wit. “Very well then.” Jane said bringing a finger up to Crimson’s face. “But do not forget who’s in charge here. You’re a good person Crimson, and I don’t want to hurt you, but don’t think for one second that I won’t. Because trust me, I will, without hesitation. That goes for you to Roland.” Jane threatened, now entering the pelican. She sat down in the cockpit with Crimson right next her. Jane reached into the back of her helmet, and pulled out Roland’s data chip, and inserted him into the pelican so he could start the preflight checks. “Everything seems to be working in order Jane. Shall I start the engines?” Asked Roland. “Yes please.” The engines to the pelican roared to life as if it were a lion. Jane grasped the ships controls, and took a deep breath. No going back now, her plan was now in motion, and nothing could stop it. “Umm excuse me.” A voice came from the radio in the hanger, which probably meant that com systems were back online. “There seems to be a pelican online at your hanger, please elaborate?” Jane switched on her coms to speak, but not before Roland spoke up through the com system. “This is UNSC A.I. Roland, I am currently observing the hanger in which you speak of, and there is no pelican currently online right now. It might be a malfunction on your side, check your equipment.” “Will do.” Replied the voice. Roland quickly opened up the hanger doors, and said. “Let’s get the hell out of here before he realizes, that he was right.” Jane nodded. “I’m with you on that.” She said increasing the throttle. The pelican’s thrusters blazed as they pushed the drop ship out of the INFINITY, and into space. Instantly the pelican’s com channels bust to life with multiple people asking what was going on. She switched of the pelican’s com systems. Jane once again grabbed hold of the controls, and angled the pelican down towards the planet, which was currently shrouded in night. “Well, it’s a good thing we got out of there quickly, before they noticed that there equipment was fine, and overrode the hanger doors.” Roland said, breaking the silence. Jane’s eyes buzzed to life hearing that statement. “Humph, I didn’t know they could do that.” “Well you learn something new everyday.” Roland Joked, receiving a chuckle from Crimson. “Don’t get cocky Roland.” Jane retorted. “You were the one who told me to act more casual.” Roland pointed out. “Plus you are a Spartan, so you should know that kind of stuff.” Jane looked down. “I suppose.” The cockpit fell into an awkward silence, as they descended to the planet below. The Infinity was in high orbit, so it would take them a while to even hit the atmosphere. It felt so strange having to sit beside Crimson and Roland after what she had done. She could tell even by their facial expressions, that they felt the same. They didn’t trust her, and she knew it. Then again, how could they trust her, when she had practically kidnapped them? This was Jane’s dark side, a side to her that she discovered when she became a marine in the UNSC. Whenever she set her mind on something, she would do whatever, and kill whatever, to get to her goal. When she became like that, she felt no fear, she felt no remorse, all that she could focus on was her goal. Often to get to that goal, she would have to kill, kill, and kill; something that she used to think was terrible. Now though, every bullet fired, every Covenant scream of agony, and every blood soaked alien corpse brought her joy, and the satisfaction that she was helping the human race. Some would call this sadistic, but she felt good about doing it. She remembers one time back when she was just a marine. An brute had her pinned on the ground helpless. He took out a lagre dagger to finish her of, when she grabbed a energy sword off of a dead Elite beside her and plunged it into his neck. The Brute attempted to yell out in pain, only to choke on his own blood, as she kept pushed him to the ground and started stabbing him over, and over again in his neck. Finally mustering all of her strength, she set her hand on the Brutes head, and ripped it of splattering blood all over her face. Jane held it in front of her, as a smile crept onto her face, the face of a killer. That was the first day in which she truly felt like she belonged with human race. Trying to get her mind off of her past, Jane finally spoke out ready to at least divulge some information to her comrades. “Ok guys, I’ll give you some info, but only some, the rest can wait till later.” “Fine by me” Crimson said. “I just want to know what the fuck is going on.” “You can say the same for me.” Roland intervened. “Alright then.” Jane started. “On that planet, there are 6 artifacts of incredible power. That power is similar to what you saw me do earlier, but on a much grander scale. Sadly they need six specific beings from that world for them to be able to function.” “Then what is the point of getting them then?” Crimson said shrugging his shoulders. “Oh, I have no intention of using them.” “Well if you can’t use them, what are you planning to do with them?” Roland asked. Jane smiled. “That’s easy. While we may not be able to use them directly, I think if we acquire them, we can syphon their energy into a weapon of mass destruction. A weapon made with that kind of power would make our nukes look like water guns. We won’t just beat the Covenant with, we will run them into the ground, and protect humanity from any future harm.” Crimson had a look of disbelief on his face. “You’re joking, you must be kidding me.” Crimson laughed. “Other than the Halo’s, I don’t think something that powerful can exist.” “But it does, I have seen it first-hand.” “Oh really, care to explain then how you’ve seen these so called artifacts in action?” Crimson said with a voice reeking with sarcasm. “If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me, but down on that planet I can show you how I know. I promise you that.” “GOD DAMMIT JANE!!!” Crimson yelled as he stood up. “What the hell has gotten into you Jane? Why won’t you just tell us? You don’t need to be scared Jane, you and I have seen our share of strange occurrences.” Jane fell into a silence. She would have to pick her words carefully; it was the key to winning an argument. It was not that she blamed Crimson for getting mad at her; from his side of things this must all be confusing. In all honesty she felt bad for doing this to him, and Roland. “I understand why you’re mad at me Crimson, I do.” She said. “Huh?” Was all he could say as the scorn on his face wore away. “I have my reasons for not telling you, trust me. But all will come to light soon, once we get down on that planet. Ok?” He exhaled. “Alright then, sorry of exploding on you like that.” Crimson said sitting back down. “Just promise me this will all make sense in the end, Ok?” She nodded. “I promise Crimson, I promise.” As the blue planet drew closer and closer an odd feeling began to stir in Jane. This was the place she once called home. She once protected Equestria from harm, and now she was going to steal their greatest line of defense. She took comfort in the fact that in the end, the elements of harmony couldn’t even work without her, so it wasn’t making much of a difference. She looked down onto the planet, and its awe inspiring landmasses and oceans once more before they hit the atmosphere. This place may have been her home once, but not anymore. She was human now, and she had to take the elements for humanity’s survival. And if she learned anything from being a soldier for five long years, it was that anything for humanity’s survival was worth it….