(Cliccie for larger piccie)

When saw this picture I had to think of Sue Glover’s poem “Someone to watch over me“ somehow it does convey very well what happened between Cortana and Gravemind. Moreover what Cortana let happen to her just to save humanity and the Master Chief  in particular.

I’ll not harm a hair of her head.

Picked her up off the street, put a shirt on her back. Paid over the odds for the tint and the perm. The bracelet, the nylons, the powder, the paint. Showed her of round bars. Hard work all that.

No-I’ll not harm a hair of that head.

I’d not put a mark on that flesh.

Tried and tasted it well, taught a few fancy tricks. Real sweetness at first – even felt it myself. Fed her only the best. Decent dope, strong drink. But trust can turn sour, day in, night out.

Still – I’d not put a mark on that flesh.

No need for a threat or a slap.

No need for that now there’s the kid – sleeping through there in the other room, thumb in his mouth, milk on his chin. She won’t leave the kid, and I won’t let him go. Mother and baby – the lock and the key.

No need for blows, not a hair, not a mark.

I look out for them both: my girl, my kid. Shut the door, Mummy’s working.

I’ll not harm a hair of her head.

For the thick ones yes I know Cortana was tortured by Gravemind but I don’t think she was tortured physically since that is imho impossible for an AI. I think she was tortured mentally

Piccie found here.