Spartan Valor Part 4

Chief looked at the projection in front of him wondering why the covenant had chosen Reach.
"It's going to be strange going back." He looked at Kelly as she came up beside him.
"Yeah it is but I'm just trying to figure out why they chose Reach. I don't like it Kelly." He said straightening to his full height of nearly eight feet.
"Tanis will be fine we'll get her out of this." He just nodded as he saw Cortana walk into the room.
"I hope you're right Kelly. We got lucky with Tanis." He said as he made his way over to his wife. Cortana smiled weakly as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"John…" He kissed her forehead just before she led him from the room.

Cortana helped John out of his armor and pulled him towards the bed. John lay down with Cortana net to him her head resting on his chest.
"We'll find her Tana I swear it." She turned her face into his chest as she let the tears run down her face.
"I know I'm just scared of what they'll do to her." John ran his hands through her hair wishing the most painful deaths upon the remnants of the Covenant.  
"I know Tana I know." He said as he felt her breathing even out. For the first time in his life he prayed. He prayed to whatever gods were out there to keep his daughter safe.

John woke as the vidcom in his quarters went off.
"What is it sir?" He asked as he looked at Johnson then back to Cortana thankful that she was still asleep.
"We've got some old friends here who want to talk to you." He said stepping aside to the arbiter take his place.
"Arbiter"
"Spartan if I could speak to you on the bridge."
"I'll be there fifteen." He said as the arbiter nodded before he closed the connection.
"What is it?" He Cortana mumble into the pillow.
"The Arbiter's here." He said as he put his armor back on. "Sleep Tana we'll be there soon enough." He said giving her a light kiss before he left the room

As he stepped onto the bridge the Arbiter turned to him. John removed his helmet sitting it on the holo-platform before holding out his hand. The Arbiter was shocked knowing the greeting was more for friends but returned the gesture all the same.
"It is good to see you again Spartan."
"You as well."
"I have news on the covenant I think you need to know." John nodded as the Arbiter pulled up the map of reach and the surrounding stars.
"I was hoping so since my daughter's life depends on it." The Arbiter's attention snapped to John in surprise.
"I hadn't realized this prophet was so desperate." He said looking back to map. "His name Wrath and he's bent on vengeance. He picked Reach since that is where the Spartans began." He said before he pointed out the area where the prophet had set up his base.

"How could you let he escape?!" The prophet yelled as his staff connected with the brute's side.
"She attacked me." He said as he knelt in front of the prophet.
"She is nothing more than a child. We need her to find recorder and to destroy the Spartan's." He growled. "I will not tolerate failure." He said looking to the brutes in the room.
"Forgive me Prophet." Wrath narrowed his eyes again at the brute.
"Death to any who fail me…end him" He said before turning away from the kneeling brute. The brute let his eyes fall shut now knowing that he had been wrong to follow the prophet. 'May the child be protected and the recorder never found." Was the last thought that passed through his head before he was put down like a dog.

Tanis sat shivering in the cave that she was hiding in. She had slipped from the brute grasp after she had bitten the massive beast's arm. 'I want daddy.' She thought as she got up and wandered through the cave. As she wandered she noticed the walls became smoother and more uniform till it opened up into a large circular room. She stood in awe as she looked at the large pedestal in the center of the room
"Welcome child." She started as the pedestal flickered to life as a female A.I. stood there. "Come sit and talk with me I haven't had any company a very long time." Tanis same and sat at the base of the pedestal as the A.I. made its way to the floor next to her.
"What's your name?" Tanis asked curious since her mother had once been an A.I.
"I am Themis and what about you child?" The A.I.'s purple eyes focusing on her.
"My name is Tanis Kora Spartan." She said with a small shrug.
"Cortana's daughter."
"How do you know my mom?" She asked he eyes widening in fear.
"I am the recorder of all A.I. history." Themis said standing. "I was the first created by the forerunners as they are know now and all A.I. after have been connected to me. Just as you are."  Themis was back in the center of the pedestal. "Now come child you have much to learn."