"I am Cortana's mission," he says. He understands this now. Cortana here is from a point in time where she didn't break down, she has plenty of other priorities, but the slide into rampancy he witnessed made it abundantly clear that he's her most important. It's maybe kind of a problem, the Chief knows it's not an ideal longterm situation for Cortana as a person and the UNSC would not approve, but at least it's not mission critical and is something that can be worked out eventually.
Maybe.
"She prioritizes my wellbeing more than I do. The two of you have that in common."
They've had multiple discussions, it's definitely an established fact.
"You're not a threat to my safety, you're not a threat to my effectiveness, and this is probably the best I've felt out of the field in a long time."
The Chief looks Wash in the eyes, steady and serious.
no subject
...Apparently it's that simple to him.
"I am Cortana's mission," he says. He understands this now. Cortana here is from a point in time where she didn't break down, she has plenty of other priorities, but the slide into rampancy he witnessed made it abundantly clear that he's her most important. It's maybe kind of a problem, the Chief knows it's not an ideal longterm situation for Cortana as a person and the UNSC would not approve, but at least it's not mission critical and is something that can be worked out eventually.
Maybe.
"She prioritizes my wellbeing more than I do. The two of you have that in common."
They've had multiple discussions, it's definitely an established fact.
"You're not a threat to my safety, you're not a threat to my effectiveness, and this is probably the best I've felt out of the field in a long time."
The Chief looks Wash in the eyes, steady and serious.
"Cortana doesn't have to like you, Wash. I do."