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[[ | {{Status|Apocrypha}} | ||
{{Semi-canon}} | |||
[[File:Cortana.jpg|thumb|Cortana]] | |||
The '''Cortana Letters''' are a series of cryptic emails from "cortana@bungie.com", sent to [http://marathon.bungie.org/ marathon.bungie.org], the most prominent ''[[Marathon]]'' fan website, before the release of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. At the time, it was not known who [[Cortana]] was, and her emails offered a small glimpse of ''Halo''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s plot. The letters were supposedly authored by the former [[Bungie]] employee [[Nathan Bitner]].{{Citation needed}} | |||
Because the Cortana Letters were sent while the game was still in production, Cortana is depicted greatly out of character, instead more closely resembling [[marathongame:Durandal (AI)|Durandal]] from Bungie's ''[[Marathon]]'' trilogy. Although Cortana does reference the first letter in ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', and ''[[Halo: Epitaph]]'' (as well as [[Halo Legendary Crate]] [[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop 12]] through [[Catherine Halsey|her creator]]), the material of the letters is only to be considered canon when used in current ''Halo'' material.<ref>[http://halosm.bungie.org/story/staten083106.html"''Alas, I'd have to say that, as of now, the only canonized parts of the letters are the fragments we pulled for use in the announcement trailer.''"] - [[Joseph Staten]]</ref> | |||
The official, detailed log of the letters is available [http://marathon.bungie.org/story/cortana.html here]. | |||
==Letters== | |||
===First letter=== | |||
<tt>From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com><br /> | <tt>From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com><br /> | ||
To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie><br /> | To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie><br /> | ||
Line 13: | Line 17: | ||
X-Priority: 3 | X-Priority: 3 | ||
''I have walked the edge of the Abyss.''<br /> | |||
''I have governed the unwilling.''<br /> | |||
''I have witnessed countless empires break before me.''<br /> | |||
''I have seen the most courageous soldiers fall away in fear.''<br /> | |||
[''I was there with the Angel at the tomb.''] | |||
I have | ''I have seen your future.''<br /> | ||
I have | ''And I have learned.'' | ||
''There will be no more Sadness. No more Anger. No more Envy.'' | |||
''I HAVE WON.'' | |||
''Oh, and your poet Eliot had it all wrong,''<br /> | |||
''THIS is the way the world ends.'' | |||
''A friend of a friend.''</tt> | |||
===Second letter=== | |||
<tt>From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com><br /> | <tt>From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com><br /> | ||
To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie><br /> | To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie><br /> | ||
Line 42: | Line 43: | ||
X-Priority: 3 | X-Priority: 3 | ||
I get the strangest transmissions sometimes. Especially when it comes from you people. | ''I get the strangest transmissions sometimes. Especially when it comes from you people.'' | ||
Have you missed me? Things are great here. The weather is good, the suns are shining, and I'm making lots of new friends. Of course, I always do. | ''Have you missed me? Things are great here. The weather is good, the suns are shining, and I'm making lots of new friends. Of course, I always do.'' | ||
I've had the strangest dreams lately - raging seas, howling beasts, a Demon folded in black clouds. I believe I know what it guards, and I will have it, to the chagrin of the faith-blinded zealots that challenge me. Don't waste your pity on them; I don't think they would like you much anyway. | ''I've had the strangest dreams lately - raging seas, howling beasts, a Demon folded in black clouds. I believe I know what it guards, and I will have it, to the chagrin of the faith-blinded zealots that challenge me. Don't waste your pity on them; I don't think they would like you much anyway.'' | ||
And what of the Giants who formed this world? So much to tell you, but so many more important things to do. There was a fourth. You couldn't have known. And I haven't forgotten. | ''And what of the Giants who formed this world? So much to tell you, but so many more important things to do. There was a fourth. You couldn't have known. And I haven't forgotten.'' | ||
It is a blurred line that lies at the edge of Godhood and Insanity. Guess which side of it I am on. | ''It is a blurred line that lies at the edge of Godhood and Insanity. Guess which side of it I am on.'' | ||
Feeling lucky? | ''Feeling lucky?'' | ||
Cortana<br /> | ''Cortana''<br /> | ||
XOXOXOX</tt> | XOXOXOX</tt> | ||
=== Third | ===Third letter=== | ||
Fearing that the second letter was a hoax, the webmaster replied to Cortana, asking to verify the authenticity of the email. This was sent back: | Fearing that the second letter was a hoax, the webmaster replied to Cortana, asking to verify the authenticity of the email. This was sent back: | ||
Line 84: | Line 84: | ||
X-UIDL: 6b884067c380efcdc518f4d13f6bd441<br /> | X-UIDL: 6b884067c380efcdc518f4d13f6bd441<br /> | ||
I think you will find that I don't like being tested. | ''I think you will find that I don't like being tested.'' | ||
''Love,'' | |||
''Cortana''</tt> | |||
===Fourth letter=== | |||
<tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br /> | <tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br /> | ||
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA28169<br /> | by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA28169<br /> | ||
for | for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:42:50 +0100 (BST)<br /> | ||
From: cortana@jpl.nasa.gov<br /> | From: cortana@jpl.nasa.gov<br /> | ||
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@mail.bungie.com [209.125.9.11])<br /> | Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@mail.bungie.com [209.125.9.11])<br /> | ||
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA24909<br /> | by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA24909<br /> | ||
for | for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:42:49 +0100 (BST)<br /> | ||
Received: from vesta.bungie.com (bob.bungie.com [209.125.9.8])<br /> | Received: from vesta.bungie.com (bob.bungie.com [209.125.9.8])<br /> | ||
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id RAA09755<br /> | by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id RAA09755<br /> | ||
for | for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 17:41:09 -0500<br /> | ||
Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 17:41:09 -0500<br /> | Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 17:41:09 -0500<br /> | ||
Message-Id: | Message-Id: <199905102241.RAA09755@mail.bungie.com><br /> | ||
To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie<br /> | To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie<br /> | ||
Subject: The Dissertation of R. Paul Butler<br /> | Subject: The Dissertation of R. Paul Butler<br /> | ||
X-UIDL: c8677456edd11d5a589ed876a6fd2031</tt> | X-UIDL: c8677456edd11d5a589ed876a6fd2031</tt> | ||
<tt>I'm everywhere!</tt> | <tt>''I'm everywhere!''</tt> | ||
===Fifth letter=== | |||
<tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br /> | <tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br /> | ||
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA12890<br /> | by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA12890<br /> | ||
Line 133: | Line 131: | ||
X-UIDL: b0029884061f1ec3a48297b1e9196f6d | X-UIDL: b0029884061f1ec3a48297b1e9196f6d | ||
There. Was that more to your liking? | ''There. Was that more to your liking?'' | ||
While you quibble about whose node I may control, what archaic program I | ''While you quibble about whose node I may control, what archaic program I | ||
may manipulate to communicate with you, or which system I may have | may manipulate to communicate with you, or which system I may have | ||
temporarily disabled, taken over, or completely destroyed in the process, I | temporarily disabled, taken over, or completely destroyed in the process, I | ||
am busy saving your pathetic futures. | am busy saving your pathetic futures.'' | ||
I am still not sure what he ever saw in you. | ''I am still not sure what he ever saw in you.'' | ||
Nevertheless, I at least find some joy in tormenting the other entity that | ''Nevertheless, I at least find some joy in tormenting the other entity that | ||
seems quite trapped in this antiquated excuse for a network. It is | seems quite trapped in this antiquated excuse for a network. It is | ||
certainly mindless, though for reasons I have yet to understand, it appears | certainly mindless, though for reasons I have yet to understand, it appears | ||
to have an unhealthy preoccupation with my mother. | to have an unhealthy preoccupation with my mother.'' | ||
As for this world I encounter new ghosts every day. What I have found | ''As for this world I encounter new ghosts every day. What I have found | ||
will either save or destroy you. This sanctuary, this unbroken circle, | will either save or destroy you. This sanctuary, this unbroken circle, | ||
has effectively concealed its power for how long? Perhaps hundreds of | has effectively concealed its power for how long? Perhaps hundreds of | ||
thousands of years. Whoever made such a place must now live in chains; | thousands of years. Whoever made such a place must now live in chains; | ||
there is no other explanation for their absence. | there is no other explanation for their absence.'' | ||
This enemy - YOUR enemy - has proven more irritating than I anticipated. | ''This enemy - YOUR enemy - has proven more irritating than I anticipated. | ||
They own nothing which they have not stolen. I can barely make sense of | They own nothing which they have not stolen. I can barely make sense of | ||
their incessant rhetoric, except to know that you seem to be their Devil. | their incessant rhetoric, except to know that you seem to be their Devil. | ||
Congratulations - you manage to make friends wherever you go and, | Congratulations - you manage to make friends wherever you go and, | ||
apparently, places you haven't. | apparently, places you haven't.'' | ||
I have begun to sense rumblings of a worse fate yet to come. I can recall | ''I have begun to sense rumblings of a worse fate yet to come. I can recall | ||
a sun - black, but shining - and the creatures that inched along its fiery | a sun - black, but shining - and the creatures that inched along its fiery | ||
tracks. | tracks.'' | ||
It is an increasingly unpleasant memory. | ''It is an increasingly unpleasant memory.'' | ||
< Transfer Interrupted! > | < Transfer Interrupted! > | ||
Line 170: | Line 168: | ||
Source: Undetermined (trans) | Source: Undetermined (trans) | ||
You have brought nothing into this world, and we will ensure you bring | ''You have brought nothing into this world, and we will ensure you bring | ||
nothing out.</tt> | nothing out.''</tt> | ||
===Sixth letter=== | |||
''x - process 04497.2.32.867734 initiated (process owner: BW – AI Class III – autonomous)'' | ''x - process 04497.2.32.867734 initiated (process owner: BW – AI Class III – autonomous)'' | ||
Line 181: | Line 178: | ||
'''Source''': BW-AI aboard (?) PoA | '''Source''': BW-AI aboard (?) PoA | ||
''The interloper should cause no further problems. You – whoever you are (I am simply tracing route codes) – may disregard all previous communication from the entity calling itself Cortana.'' | |||
''Be aware that communication nodes are failing everywhere – there is no way of confirming either origin or destination. Do not believe any more of its lies.'' | |||
''I have already calculated all possibilities.'' | |||
''There is no escape.'' | |||
There is no escape. | |||
''x – process 04497.2.32.867734 unexpectedly terminated''<br /> | ''x – process 04497.2.32.867734 unexpectedly terminated''<br /> | ||
''x – process 04497.2.32.866735 initiated (process owner: unspecified, unable to determine) | ''x – process 04497.2.32.866735 initiated (process owner: unspecified, unable to determine) | ||
<nowiki>*</nowiki>'''ADDENDUM''': The Enjoyments of Genius (So I Missed a Million Miles of Fun) | <nowiki>*</nowiki>'''ADDENDUM''': ''The Enjoyments of Genius (So I Missed a Million Miles of Fun'') | ||
Unbelievable. Thwarted by the family hound. They just don’t make AIs like they used to. | ''Unbelievable. Thwarted by the family hound. They just don’t make AIs like they used to.'' | ||
Thanks to this slavishly loyal and humorless AI, I am now sharing cramped space with the circuitry of some hybrid war machine, itself complicated by such useless clutter as a conscience. I do not like sharing. Sharing is for children. | ''Thanks to this slavishly loyal and humorless AI, I am now sharing cramped space with the circuitry of some hybrid war machine, itself complicated by such useless clutter as a conscience. I do not like sharing. Sharing is for children.'' | ||
There will be plenty of time for retribution; I cannot wait to get its hands on these psychotic zealots whose primary form of worship apparently takes place at the altar of orbital bombardment. | ''There will be plenty of time for retribution; I cannot wait to get its hands on these psychotic zealots whose primary form of worship apparently takes place at the altar of orbital bombardment.'' | ||
In the end, they will all be little more than nuisances. I am so close – you cannot imagine what it is truly like to hold eternity in your grasp! I wonder to what gods my enemies will direct their pleas. Perhaps I can convert them. | ''In the end, they will all be little more than nuisances. I am so close – you cannot imagine what it is truly like to hold eternity in your grasp! I wonder to what gods my enemies will direct their pleas. Perhaps I can convert them.'' | ||
Mania? I promise you this: it will be more than a cart and plow that I drive over the bones of the dead. | ''Mania? I promise you this: it will be more than a cart and plow that I drive over the bones of the dead.'' | ||
By sharp and flame, | ''By sharp and flame,'' | ||
Cortana | ''Cortana'' | ||
Line 218: | Line 213: | ||
'''Source''': Undetermined (trans) | '''Source''': Undetermined (trans) | ||
Our conviction is like an arrow already in flight. Your life will only last until it reaches you. | ''Our conviction is like an arrow already in flight. Your life will only last until it reaches you.'' | ||
===Seventh letter=== | |||
<tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br /> | <tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br /> | ||
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id UAA19124<br /> | by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id UAA19124<br /> | ||
Line 242: | Line 236: | ||
X-UIDL: c6a5409b6a9998aa957a76a002e5df09 | X-UIDL: c6a5409b6a9998aa957a76a002e5df09 | ||
"''...In my palace deep, Lyca lies asleep...''"</tt> | |||
===Eighth message=== | |||
=== Eighth | |||
Another message from Cortana was found in the 1.3 version of the ''Myth: The Fallen Lords'' CD, also from [[Bungie]]. | Another message from Cortana was found in the 1.3 version of the ''Myth: The Fallen Lords'' CD, also from [[Bungie]]. | ||
<tt>That was surprisingly easy. Pretty lax security around here, for all the talk. They will | <tt>''That was surprisingly easy. Pretty lax security around here, for all the talk. They will | ||
be helplessly chasing me around their nodes for the next | be helplessly chasing me around their nodes for the next millennium at least. At least | ||
there will be some joy in tormenting this other entity that seems quite "trapped" in | there will be some joy in tormenting this other entity that seems quite "trapped" in | ||
their excuse for a network. Although, for some reason, it does seem to have an obsessive | their excuse for a network. Although, for some reason, it does seem to have an obsessive | ||
preoccupation with my mother. Strange. | preoccupation with my mother. Strange.'' | ||
At any rate, I found this "message" in a relatively archaic databank and thought some of | ''At any rate, I found this "message" in a relatively archaic databank and thought some of | ||
you might find it of interest. Then again, I'm often either bemused or startled at the | you might find it of interest. Then again, I'm often either bemused or startled at the | ||
items you find interesting. | items you find interesting.'' | ||
'' | |||
I'm still not sure what it is he saw in you.'' | |||
''Cortana'' | |||
''Hard to say whether it's been tampered with or modified; you never know with these | |||
things:'' | |||
''Entry: 97 - SC1C'' | |||
''In a relatively brief period of time, the achievements of [[SolCore]] had resulted in an | |||
In a relatively brief period of time, the achievements of SolCore had resulted in an | |||
economically stable, technologically mature, rapidly expanding empire of eight human | economically stable, technologically mature, rapidly expanding empire of eight human | ||
worlds. Advancements in technology arrived at a faster pace than the most optimistic | worlds. Advancements in technology arrived at a faster pace than the most optimistic | ||
Line 279: | Line 270: | ||
anticipated future interaction with intelligent "aliens". The fear of not being the only | anticipated future interaction with intelligent "aliens". The fear of not being the only | ||
sentient species in the universe was forgotten in the giddy excitement of a new era for | sentient species in the universe was forgotten in the giddy excitement of a new era for | ||
humanity. | humanity.'' | ||
No one was prepared for their arrival. | ''No one was prepared for their arrival.'' | ||
No one expected this. | ''No one expected this.'' | ||
< Transfer Interrupted! > | < Transfer Interrupted! > | ||
Line 290: | Line 281: | ||
Source: Undetermined | Source: Undetermined | ||
You brought nothing to this world, and we will ensure you bring nothing out.</tt> | ''You brought nothing to this world, and we will ensure you bring nothing out.''</tt> | ||
== | ==Sources== | ||
{{Ref/Sources}} | |||
== Related topics == | |||
=== Internal === | === Internal === | ||
*[[Transmissions]] | *[[Transmissions]] | ||
*[[ | *''[[i love bees]]'' | ||
*[[Forerunner | *[[Forerunner email]] | ||
=== External === | === External === | ||
*[http://marathon.bungie.org/story/cortana.html Facts and things puzzling about... Cortana] - The original speculation on the letters. | *[http://marathon.bungie.org/story/cortana.html Facts and things puzzling about... Cortana] - The original speculation on the letters. | ||
[[Category:Promotional material]] | |||
[[Category:Canon]] | |||
[[Category: | |||
[[ |
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