I opened my eyes. Despite the length of the dream, it seemed as though I had been out for some time; the first signs of dawn were visible. I checked the holographic clock and my suspicions were confirmed: 0545. That little bit of consolation didn't give my mind any rest however. My head swam with thoughts.
	Was I really in love with an AI? I had felt a sense of connection for a while but nothing like this. Whenever I tried to think of her, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of affection for her. I cared what happened to her, and I cared what she thought of me. What's more, I couldn't help but think about her either. How her blonde hair fell clung to her shoulders, how her flat stomach poked out from her slightly-too-short shirt, even how good her perfectly formed ass looked in her jeans. I thought about what she'd look like out of them as well. Jesus Christ I thought, did I seriously just think about fucking an AI? What is wrong with me? But part of me couldn't help but feel as though it were natural, in one sense. Or at least justified. I never really was given the chance for love. The other Spartans were too awkward to engage in a relationship with, and inter-service relationships never seemed to work out, along with being a major breach in protocol. I never spent enough time off-duty to hone one with a civilian either. Besides, they would have to be interested in 7 foot tall super-soldiers, which I was pretty sure was a niche fetish.
	I sighed. I was angry at myself for the thoughts I was having and angry at life for putting me in this position. I needed breakfast, or at least some coffee. I got up and got dressed in my BDUs. “Hey”, a familiar female voice said as I finished putting on my boots. I looked up and say Jennifer. Something about her seemed...different, although I couldn't put my finger on it. Something seexier. She cocked her head and gave me a sweet look. “Good morning sleepyhead. You're up a bit early, aren't you?” “No rest for the wicked, as you know. Besides, I don't need that much sleep. 6 hours is a lot for a Spartan you know.” “Yes, I do...I'll be honest, I really wanted to talk to you about something. Did you have another one of your dreams last night?” I looked at her for a few seconds. How did she know? 
	“You could say that. It was a little different this time.” 
	“What happened?” 
	“That's a bit private, don't you think?” 
	“Oh come on Jake, you know you can trust me. Besides, I think we're...close enough we can talk about stuff like this.” 
	“Well alright, if you really want to know. I dreamt I was on the Vienna and someone...” I paused. “Crawled into bed with me. Then I woke up. Why are you so interested might I ask? It was just a dream, not much unlike the other ones I've been having recently.” 
	She looked down at the floor, then looked up. She gave me a look I hadn't seen before. She seemed concerned, but there was something else. Was it lust? “You said my name last night, in your sleep I mean.” Her revelation hit me like a brick wall. My heart dropped, and my beat hastened. I could feel my cheeks burning up. I suddenly felt like I couldn't bare her gaze. 
	“Jenn...I uh, need to eat and suit up. I'm sure the General will want me first thing. I need to go.” I got up abruptly and walked towards the exit. 
	“Wait! Jake, there's something I need to tell-” The door shut behind me and her voice was cut off. 
	I stood at the other side of the door for a few seconds, debating whether or not to go back in. I decided to walk for a while, maybe get some fresh air while I was at it. Fuck, she knows. There's no way she didn't put two and two together. And especially how I've been flirting with her recently. I don't know how I'll get myself out of this...Do I want to get myself out of this one? Once more I weighed the options. Still I was nowhere. I stopped and turned to see a balcony. A metal railing was the only thing obstructing the view of the coming sunrise, as the rest of the structure was made of glass. I suddenly felt a compulsion, and went looking for the PX. Few people were there, so it seemed like I would have an easy time getting what I needed. The cashier gave me a bit of an amazed look when I first approached him, which turned to confusion when I handed him the Zippo lighter and Cuban cigar. Still though, he gave me my products and I was on my way. I made a beeline for the balcony and hunched over the railing. I put the cigar in my mouth and lit it. The lighter made a satisfying cling sound as I turned it off and put it back in my pocket. I looked out into the distance. The first rays of sun were beginning to bathe the city in soft golden light. Despite all that had happened yesterday and this morning, I couldn't help but feel relaxed. No, it was more than that. I felt at peace.
	“You know, that shit will kill you.” I turned around to see Pulowski, looking not much better than he did when we arrive last night. I laughed at his comment. 
	“Yeah, because I'm worried about one cigar killing me. Riiight.” He walked up beside me. “Beautiful isn't it,” he said. “One of the thing I miss most about Reach was waking up in New Alexandria and watching the sun go up. I don't think I'll ever forget that.” He sighed. “Looks like that'll be just a memory now. Thanks to those Covvie fucks. God I wish I could kill them all.” 
	“I take it you didn't sleep last night.” 
	“Yeah, I didn't sleep very well. Only got maybe an hour or two maybe, who knows. I couldn't keep my mind off the day,” he said. 
	“It was your first time, wasn't it? In combat I mean.” 
	“Yeah. Mind if I have a light? I got some cigs and I could use the distraction right now.” 
	“Sure thing man,” I said as I gestured for him to come closer. I cupped my hands as he puffed a few clouds from the newly lighten cigarette. “Thanks man, I need this.” A few seconds passed by. I felt like I had to say something to cheer him up. “You know, you performed well yesterday. Commendably in fact. I'd say with a little more experience under your belt, you'd definitely be ODST material.” He looked up with a smile on his face and a glint in his eye. 
	“Really? You mean that?” 
	“Of course. You should talk to Barnes about it when this is all over. I'm sure he could pull some strings and get you in the program.” He gave me a pat on the back. “Thanks man, really, I mean it. Thank you. Come on, let's get some breakfast.” He motioned to follow him. I guess he already figured out where the mess was.
	We were joined by the helljumper, who proceeded to tell us about the best night of sleep in his entire life. We got our lunch as the two troopers talked about the ODST program. Me, I zoned out, still thinking about Jennifer. Barnes must have noticed how quiet I was at the table because he asked if I was “all right”. 
	“Yeah, I'm good man. Thanks.” 
	“Come on and cut the bullshit, what's the matter? You haven't said a word to me since I said hi.” 
	“It's nothing Barnes.” He stared at me for a few seconds. I broke under peer pressure: “Alright, it's some girl trouble. That's all, not a big deal or anything.” A devilish look appeared in his eyes and I instantly regretted telling him anything. 
	“So who rejected your ass, Jake?” He gave a hearty laugh. 
	“I wasn't rejected, although I do appreciate your sympathy dickweed.” 
	“What's the deal then bro? Has my brave Spartan fallen in love with one of his squadmates? Ooooh, is it Alaina the Corpsman? Granted, she's too manly for my taste, but everyone's entitled to her own opinion dude.”
	 Fed up with his bullshitting, I decided to give him the deadly knife-hand. “No, it's not her, or anyone in the squad for that matter. And even if it was, I wouldn't tell you. Now fuck off with this shit already and let me enjoy my meal. It might be my last real one before the Major General sends me on some asinine mission again.” As if on cue, Lieutenant Morrison entered the room and began walking towards me. “Oh God,” I murmured as I put put my head in my arms. The two Marines turned around to see the source of my misfortune and immediately began to giggle like schoolgirls upon seeing one of my favorite people. They barely contained their laughter as he arrived at our table. “Petty Officer.” I got up and saluted him, which he returned crisply. 
	“Yes sir. What is it that you need sir?” 
	“Major General Andropova wants you to suit up and come to the briefing room immediately. You're to be filled in on your next mission.” 
	“Alright sir, I'll be there as soon as possible.” 
	“Very well, and...try not to be late.” I saluted him once more and he left our presence. “Well, looks like I get some time away from you assholes. Cheerio.” I said as I walked away. The giggling turned into open laughter as I departed the room.
	Fifteen minutes later and I was suited up and at the door to the briefing room. I went in and was shocked to see along with a seated General Andropova, was a hologram of Dr. Catherine Halsey. She gave me a warm, motherly smile. It always made me felt weird. Admittedly, I had a few moments of weakness as a child where I cried in her arms, but outside of that I never viewed her as anything more than a caregiver. The thought that she viewed me as one of her own made me uncomfortable. It had been about two years since I'd last seen her. The years had taken their toll on her, and it seemed far longer. 
	“Hello, Jake. It's good to see you.” 
	“It's been a while,” I replied with little emotion. 
	“It has. I wish you would talk to me more often. I miss you, just like I miss all my Spartans.” 	“I'm sorry,” I replied defensively. There was a bit of guilt in my voice. “I've just been busy recently.” She gave me a sad smile. 
	“I know you have.” 
	“Where are you right now though? I take it you got off Reach, thankfully.” 
	“It's hard to explain. Onyx, but the planet is proving to be more than we initially thought it was. It seems as though the Covenant has become interested in it too. I'm in good hands though, don't worry. Chief Mendez is here, as is Blue Team minus John.” I was a bit surprised by the last statement. 
	“Fred? Is he with you?” Fred-104 was one of the few Spartans I could understand and communicate with deeply, and had been my best friend for many years. “Yes, would you like to talk with hi-” Andropova cut us off. “Please, can we keep the pleasantries for later? I have a briefing I'd like to give out so you can be on your way, Spartan.” The Doctor and I apologized. As much as I hated to admit it, she was in the right. “Please, Doctor. You may begin.” 
	“Well, ok...” She turned to face me. “Jake, as you know, three months ago BXR Corporation unearthed an ancient subterranean structure. It is my belief, along with many at ONI, that this complex is Forerunner in nature. We haven't been able to explore it much, with Reach and all, so you'll be doing most of that yourself with your AI. Whatever it is, it must be quite important for the Covenant to not only refrain from glassing the planet, but from continuing their attack on the city as well. We need you to slip in and investigate what it is before the Covenant find it. And if it's a threat, we need you to destroy it. Now, to you Major General.” 
	“Yes, we are quite fortunate that Mr. Silverman, despite the tragic loss of his daughter, gave us the necessary information on it's location.” I shot Andropova a dirty look, and Halsey looked at me with confusion, not knowing the events of the night before. “A Pelican will ferry you to the dig site on Epoch at 1200 hours. From there you will investigate the site, determine the purpose of the complex, and destroy it if need be. We will insert you here, at the mouth of the cave. That will be the extent of support you will receive until a Pelican picks you up here, in this forest to the east, at 2300 hours. Do you have any questions?” I gave myself a few seconds. It seemed like an obvious plan, although I didn't particularly like the idea of operating alone, with noone to support me if things went south. “No ma'am, that will be all.” I gave her a crisp salute, and nodded towards Dr. Halsey. 
	“Goodbye Catherine. Say hi to Fred for me.” 
	“Of course, and Jake?” “Yes?” 
	“Stay safe, ok?” 
	“I will, don't worry.” I gave her a brief smile and left the room.
	
	I returned to my room to get Jennifer. I held her in my hand for a moment, studying her true form before putting her in one of my pouches. I didn't feel like talking to her until the ride. I couldn't help but feel the relationship was impossible given the fact that she wasn't even really a person. Shortly, I was on a Pelican, and I put her in the AI slot. She was strangely quiet this time, and I felt guilty about walking out like I did, and waiting to plug her back in. The Pelican took off and we made our way out of the city and into the countryside. Towards Epoch. Towards the unknown.