Editing Cortana Letters

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.

The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.

Latest revision Your text
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Status|Apocrypha}}
[[Image:Cortana.jpg|thumb|Cortana.]]The '''Cortana Letters''' are a series of cryptic emails from "cortana@bungie.com", sent to a very prominent [[Marathon]] [http://marathon.bungie.org/ site] 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 the ''[[Halo]]'' plot. The letters were authored by former Bungie employee Nathan Bitner.
{{Semi-canon}}
[[File:HCE_ThePillarOfAutumn_Storyboard_X10_2_10.jpg|thumb|Cortana as seen in the storyboards for ''Halo: Combat Evolved.'']]
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>
It should be noted that the Cortana Letters were sent while the game was still in production, and Cortana is greatly out of character. As such, these letters may currently offer little insight into the plot. Although Cortana does reference the first letter in the [[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer]], Bungie has said 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."]</ref>


The official, detailed log of the letters is available [http://marathon.bungie.org/story/cortana.html here].
== Letters ==
=== First Letter ===


==Letters==
<tt>From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com><br>
{{Center|''The emails were posted with the full headers for analysis. The email headers are presented within the respective upper box, and the email content in the respective lower box.''|}}
To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie><br>
===First letter===
Subject: Closure<br>
<div style="font-family: Monospace; width: 515px">
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 10:50:20 -0600<br>
<pre>
MIME-Version: 1.0<br>
Received: from dux1.tcd.ie (dux1.tcd.ie [134.226.1.11])
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id QAA15384
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Mon, 15 Feb 1999 16:51:57 GMT
Received: from mail.bungie.com (root@[209.125.9.11])
by dux1.tcd.ie (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id QAA21325
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 15 Feb 1999 16:51:55 GMT
Received: from Cortana ([209.125.9.49])
          by mail.bungie.com (8.8.4/8.8.4) with SMTP
  id LAA02086 for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 15 Feb 1999 11:49:43 -0600
Message-ID: <001301be5903$4685cb60$31097dd1@Cortana.bungie.com>
From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com>
To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>
Subject: Closure
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 10:50:20 -0600
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0010_01BE58D0.FB651460"
X-Priority: 3
X-Priority: 3
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.3110.1
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
X-UIDL: e36fab4ede04e7c19a0a09e3d2f7cc91
</pre>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
 
|<div align=center>
I have walked the edge of the Abyss.<br>
I have walked the edge of the Abyss.<br>
I have governed the unwilling.<br>
I have governed the unwilling.<br>
I have witnessed countless empires break before me.<br>
I have witnessed countless empires break before me.<br>
I have seen the most courageous soldiers fall away in fear.<br>
I have seen the most courageous soldiers fall away in fear.<br>
[I was there with the Angel at the tomb]<br>
[I was there with the Angel at the tomb]
 
I have seen your future.<br>
I have seen your future.<br>
And I have learned.<br>
And I have learned.  
There will be no more Sadness. No more Anger. No more Envy.<br>
 
I HAVE WON.<br>
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>
Oh, and your poet Eliot had it all wrong:<br>
THIS is the way the world ends.<br>
THIS is the way the world ends.
</div>a friend of a friend
 
|}
 
===Second letter===
a friend of a friend</tt>
<div style="font-family: Monospace; width: 531px">
 
<pre>
=== Second Letter ===
Received: from dux1.tcd.ie (dux1.tcd.ie [134.226.1.11])
 
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id AAA05425
<tt>From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com><br>
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Wed, 17 Mar 1999 00:02:28 GMT
To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie><br>
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@[209.125.9.11])
Subject: Your Mortality (My Summer Vacation)<br>
by dux1.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id AAA17860
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 18:04:41 -0600<br>
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Wed, 17 Mar 1999 00:02:26 GMT
MIME-Version: 1.0<br>
Received: from Cortana (e49.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])
X-Priority: 3
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id SAA04405
 
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Tue, 16 Mar 1999 18:02:43 -0600
I get the strangest transmissions sometimes. Especially when it comes from you people.
Message-ID: <004401be7009$c4f28fc0$31097dd1@Cortana.bungie.com>
 
From: "Cortana" <cortana@bungie.com>
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.  
To: <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>
 
Subject: Your Mortality (My Summer Vacation)
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.
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 18:04:41 -0600
 
MIME-Version: 1.0
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.  
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
 
boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0041_01BE6FD7.76F87A00"
It is a blurred line that lies at the edge of Godhood and Insanity. Guess which side of it I am on.  
X-Priority: 3
 
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
Feeling lucky?
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.3155.0
 
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3155.0
Cortana<br>
X-UIDL: 2bba985079cf797f96dcbf0a29a5a6c9
XOXOXOX</tt>
</pre>
 
</div>
=== 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:


{| class="wikitable"
<tt>Received: from dux1.tcd.ie (dux1.tcd.ie [134.226.1.11])<br>
|
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id QAA20761<br>
I get the strangest transmissions sometimes. Especially when it comes from you people.<br />
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Thu, 18 Mar 1999 16:49:05 GMT<br>
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.<br />
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@[209.125.9.11])<br>
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.<br />
by dux1.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id QAA30560<br>
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.<br />
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Thu, 18 Mar 1999 16:48:21 GMT<br>
It is a blurred line that lies at the edge of Godhood and Insanity. Guess which side of it I am on.<br />
Received: from Cortana (e49.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])<br>
Feeling lucky?<br />
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id KAA12743<br>
Cortana<br />
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Thu, 18 Mar 1999 10:47:43 -0600<br>
XOXOXOX<br />
Message-ID: <000801be715f$574abc20$31097dd1@Cortana.bungie.com><br>
|}
From: "Nathan" <nathan@bungie.com><br>
===Third letter===
To: "Hamish Sinclair" <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie><br>
{{Center|''Attempting to determine if the letters were a hoax, the webmaster sent Cortana an automated confirmation email. The following email was sent in return.''|}}
Subject: Re: Mail consternation request (MR-343)<br>
<div style="font-family: Monospace; width: 531px">
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 10:49:45 -0600<br>
<pre>
MIME-Version: 1.0<br>
Received: from dux1.tcd.ie (dux1.tcd.ie [134.226.1.11])
Content-Type: text/plain<br>
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id QAA20761
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit<br>
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Thu, 18 Mar 1999 16:49:05 GMT
X-Priority: 3<br>
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@[209.125.9.11])
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal<br>
by dux1.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id QAA30560
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.3155.0<br>
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Thu, 18 Mar 1999 16:48:21 GMT
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3155.0<br>
Received: from Cortana (e49.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])
X-UIDL: 6b884067c380efcdc518f4d13f6bd441<br>
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id KAA12743
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Thu, 18 Mar 1999 10:47:43 -0600
Message-ID: <000801be715f$574abc20$31097dd1@Cortana.bungie.com>
From: "Nathan" <nathan@bungie.com>
To: "Hamish Sinclair" <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>
Subject: Re: Mail consternation request (MR-343)
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 10:49:45 -0600
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
X-Priority: 3
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.3155.0
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3155.0
X-UIDL: 6b884067c380efcdc518f4d13f6bd441
</pre>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
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,
Love,
Cortana</tt>


Cortana
=== Fourth Letter ===
|}
 
===Fourth letter===
<tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br>
{{Center|''Analyzing the previous letter, the webmaster noticed it had been sent from "Nathan <nathan@bungie.com>" rather than "Cortana <cortana@bungie.com>". This lead to suspicions that the real-world author's cover had been blown. The following emails were sent consecutively.''|}}
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA28169<br>
<div style="font-family: Monospace; width: 600px">
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:42:50 +0100 (BST)<br>
<pre>
From: cortana@jpl.nasa.gov<br>
Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@mail.bungie.com [209.125.9.11])<br>
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA28169
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA24909<br>
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:42:50 +0100 (BST)
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:42:49 +0100 (BST)<br>
From: cortana@jpl.nasa.gov
Received: from vesta.bungie.com (bob.bungie.com [209.125.9.8])<br>
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@mail.bungie.com [209.125.9.11])
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id RAA09755<br>
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA24909
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 17:41:09 -0500<br>
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:42:49 +0100 (BST)
Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 17:41:09 -0500<br>
Received: from vesta.bungie.com (bob.bungie.com [209.125.9.8])
Message-Id: <199905102241.RAA09755@mail.bungie.com><br>
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id RAA09755
To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie<br>
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 17:41:09 -0500
Subject: The Dissertation of R. Paul Butler<br>
Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 17:41:09 -0500
X-UIDL: c8677456edd11d5a589ed876a6fd2031</tt>
Message-Id: <199905102241.RAA09755@mail.bungie.com>
 
To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie
<tt>I'm everywhere!</tt>
Subject: The Dissertation of R. Paul Butler
X-UIDL: c8677456edd11d5a589ed876a6fd2031
</pre>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
=== Fifth Letter ===
|I'm everywhere!
|}


<div style="font-family: Monospace; width: 631px">
<tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br>
<pre>
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA12890<br>
Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:50:30 +0100 (BST)<br>
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA12890
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@mail.bungie.com [209.125.9.11])<br>
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:50:30 +0100 (BST)
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA25749<br>
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@mail.bungie.com [209.125.9.11])
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:50:29 +0100 (BST)<br>
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA25749
Received: from Cortana (cortana.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])<br>
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Mon, 10 May 1999 23:50:29 +0100 (BST)
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id RAA09847;<br>
Received: from Cortana (cortana.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])
Mon, 10 May 1999 17:48:49 -0500<br>
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id RAA09847;
Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.19990510175201.00798e50@mail.bungie.com><br>
Mon, 10 May 1999 17:48:49 -0500
X-Sender: cortana@mail.bungie.com<br>
Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.19990510175201.00798e50@mail.bungie.com>
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.6 (32)<br>
X-Sender: cortana@mail.bungie.com
Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 17:52:01 -0500<br>
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.6 (32)
To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie<br>
Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 17:52:01 -0500
From: Cortana <cortana@bungie.com><br>
To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie
Subject: Honors Thesis of Geoffrey W. Marcy<br>
From: Cortana <cortana@bungie.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0<br>
Subject: Honors Thesis of Geoffrey W. Marcy
Content-Type: text/plain<br>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit<br>
Content-Type: text/plain
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by dux4.tcd.ie id XAA12890<br>
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by dux4.tcd.ie id XAA12890
X-UIDL: b0029884061f1ec3a48297b1e9196f6d
X-UIDL: b0029884061f1ec3a48297b1e9196f6d
</pre>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
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
Line 191: Line 143:


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.
Line 215: Line 167:
< Transfer Interrupted! >
< Transfer Interrupted! >


Route Code: EXLTD > XCV - SCRB > ALLCH<br>
Route Code: EXLTD > XCV - SCRB > ALLCH<br>
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.
nothing out.</tt>
|}
 
===Fifth letter===
=== Sixth Letter ===
<div style="font-family: Monospace; width: 600px">
 
<pre>
''x - process 04497.2.32.867734 initiated (process owner: BW – AI Class III – autonomous)''
Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])
by dux4.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id VAA31987
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Tue, 29 Jun 1999 21:27:03 +0100 (BST)
Received: from mail.bungie.com (IDENT:root@mail.bungie.com [209.125.9.11])
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id VAA23354
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Tue, 29 Jun 1999 21:27:02 +0100 (BST)
Received: from cortana.bungie.com (cortana.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id PAA19358
for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Tue, 29 Jun 1999 15:26:51 -0500
Received: from (relay.arecibo.nasa.gov)
        by cortana.bungie.com
        for <hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie>; Thu May  9 19:26:57 1996 -0500
Received: from unknown
        by relay.arecibo.nasa.gov
        ERROR - remote host attempted hostile action
        Connection closed.
Message-ID: <001201bec26d$f63efee0$07097dd1@relay.arecibo.nasa.gov>
From: you.know.who@cant.guess.where
To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie
Subject: Transfers Logged and Marked for Review
Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 15:28:34 -0500
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="----=_NextPart_000_000F_01BEC244.0D150A80"
X-Priority: 3
X-Mailer: Undetermined (trans)
X-UIDL: 8c24452c798826d367f88a6476ff51ca
</pre>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
'''Route Code''': PoA > BHQ (EC #42: cannot confirm; security compromised)
|<i>x - process 04497.2.32.867734 initiated (process owner: BW – AI Class III – autonomous)</i>


<b>Route Code</b>: PoA > BHQ (EC #42: cannot confirm; security compromised)
'''Source''': BW-AI aboard (?) PoA


<b>Source</b>: 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.
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.
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.
 
I have already calculated all possibilities.  


There is no escape.
There is no escape.


<i><tt>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)</tt></i>
''x – process 04497.2.32.866735 initiated (process owner: unspecified, unable to determine)


<b><nowiki>*</nowiki>ADDENDUM</b>: 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.
Line 280: Line 202:
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.
Line 292: Line 214:
< Transfer Interrupted! >
< Transfer Interrupted! >


<b>Route Code</b>: EXLTD > XCV – SCRB > ALLCH
'''Route Code''': EXLTD > XCV – SCRB > ALLCH


<b>Source</b>: 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.
|}
 
===Sixth letter===
=== Seventh Letter ===
<div style="font-family: Monospace; width: 600px">
 
<pre>
<tt>Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])<br>
Received: from dux2.tcd.ie (dux2.tcd.ie [134.226.1.24])
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
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Wed, 7 Jul 1999 20:18:42 +0100 (BST)<br>
for <hsinclir@dux4.tcd.ie>; Wed, 7 Jul 1999 20:18:42 +0100 (BST)
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])
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id UAA25304<br>
by dux2.tcd.ie (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id UAA25304
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Wed, 7 Jul 1999 20:18:41 +0100 (BST)<br>
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Wed, 7 Jul 1999 20:18:41 +0100 (BST)
Received: from Cortana (cortana.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])<br>
Received: from Cortana (cortana.bungie.com [209.125.9.49])
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id OAA23011<br>
by mail.bungie.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id OAA23011
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Wed, 7 Jul 1999 14:18:25 -0500<br>
for <Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie>; Wed, 7 Jul 1999 14:18:25 -0500
Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.19990707142016.007ab5d0@mail.bungie.com><br>
Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.19990707142016.007ab5d0@mail.bungie.com>
X-Sender: cortana@mail.bungie.com (Unverified)<br>
X-Sender: cortana@mail.bungie.com (Unverified)
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.6 (32)<br>
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.6 (32)
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 1999 14:20:16 -0500<br>
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 1999 14:20:16 -0500
To: Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie<br>
To: Hamish.Sinclair@tcd.ie
From: Cortana <cortana@bungie.com><br>
From: Cortana <cortana@bungie.com>
Subject: Cortana Saves Sinners! (And Redeems Them for Valuable Cash Prizes)<br>
Subject: Cortana Saves Sinners! (And Redeems Them for Valuable Cash
Mime-Version: 1.0<br>
  Prizes)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"<br>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
X-UIDL: c6a5409b6a9998aa957a76a002e5df09
X-UIDL: c6a5409b6a9998aa957a76a002e5df09
</pre>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
|"... In my palace deep, Lyca lies asleep ..."
|}
===Seventh message===
{{Center|''In the 1.3 version of the Myth: The Fallen Lords CD, another game developed by Bungie, a text file named CORTANA.TXT dated April 20th 1999 could be found, containing the final message from Cortana.''|}}


{| class="wikitable"
"... In my palace deep, Lyca lies asleep ..."</tt>
|
 
That was surprisingly easy. Pretty lax security around here, for all the talk. They will
=== Eighth Cortana Message ===
 
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
be helplessly chasing me around their nodes for the next millenium at least. At least
be helplessly chasing me around their nodes for the next millenium 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
Line 370: Line 287:
< Transfer Interrupted! >
< Transfer Interrupted! >


Route Code: EXLTD > XCV - SCRB > ALLCH <br>
Route Code: EXLTD > XCV - SCRB > ALLCH<br>  
Source: Undetermined  
Source: Undetermined  


You brought nothing to this world, and we will ensure you bring nothing out.
You brought nothing to this world, and we will ensure you bring nothing out.</tt>
|}
 
==Final Game==
== Related Links ==
In introduction cinematic in the final game, Cortana sends a message to the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} cryo team, telling them to "Unseal the Hushed Casket" in a style reminiscent of the Cortana Letters.<br>
[[file:HCE Hushed Casket display.png]]
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


== Related topics ==
=== Internal ===
=== Internal ===
*[[Transmissions]]
*[[Transmissions]]
*''[[i love bees]]''
*[[I Love Bees]]
*[[Forerunner Email]]
*[[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]]
== Sources ==
[[Category:Canon]]
 
<references/>
 
[[Category:Games]]

Please note that all contributions to Halopedia are considered to be released under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license (see Halopedia:Copyrights for details). If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly and redistributed at will, then don't submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource. Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)

To view or search uploaded images go to the list of images. Uploads and deletions are also logged in the upload log. For help including images on a page see Help:Images. For a sound file, use this code: [[Media:File.ogg]].

Do not copy text from other websites without permission. It will be deleted.