Chapter 3

Chief silently looked out the large window, gazing into the universe when Cortana appeared on his HUD. She spared him a small smile and sighed. "I know you are worried, about her." She began, but Chief continued to look out into space. "The doctors were able to take off the device. I watched the procedure." Cortana made a face of pure disgust, than continued. "Those metal cylinders… they were used to restrain her vocal cords, in the most cruel and painful way possible."

Chief looked at the image of Cortana and noticed the slight shakiness in her voice. She may be an A.I. but she was the only one that could feel some kind of emotion. She was disgusted of the cruelty that was bestowed upon White-013. "She's in the recovery room, you should go and see her. I'm sure she's waking up right about now." She spoke in a soft pleading voice, something that Chief couldn't ignore.

He made his way through the sliding doors and into the long corridors of the ship. In no hurry, he took his time walking in silence cutting his usual long strides by half. The sliding doors whipped open to a waiting room with an information desk placed in the center. Behind the desk was a woman with red hair and green eyes, busying herself with paperwork and glancing at the computer every now and then. Making his way up to the front desk, he quietly cleared his throat, catching the attention of the red head.

Realizing who stood in front of her she quickly stood at attention saluting. Nodding his head to the woman confirming she didn't have to be so formal, "At ease." She dropped her hand to her side, " What can I do for you Master Chief?" her voice wavering slightly. "There was a Spartan that was rushed into the ER a few ours ago for emergency surgery." The expression on the red heads face was one of surprise. "Oh yes, she just woke up an hour ago! Are you here to visit?" Making a subtle yes motion by nodding his head. "Would you like me to show you to her room?" She asked nervously.

Gesturing for her to lead the way, Chief and the red head made their way to the recovery rooms. When they stopped in front of a door, the small woman gently knocked and opened the door. Peeking inside she spoke in a soft voice, "you have a visitor, are you okay if he comes in?" There was a faint whisper that Chief could not make out, but it didn't matter as the red head opened the door all the way to let him in.

He nodded his head in thanks, slowly making his way into the room. There lying in front of him was the awakened Spartan. Cerulean eyes curiously gazed into Chiefs golden visor. A smile formed on her light pink lips, and she waved for him to come in. He closed the door behind him and walked further into the small recovery room. Walking up to the hospital bed he stopped and looked her over, "glad to see you're up Spartan." A soft melodic voice spoke flowed off the fellow Spartans tongue.

"Glad to be up sir."