The John-Cortana Relationship

Community Halo Universe
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I’ve recently seen a thread in which the original poster questioned the reason behind John’s sadness over Cortana’s death. The OP claimed that Cortana was “just a computer”. I have seen this statement many times. Yes, factually, Cortana is an AI- a tool created by the UNSC to serve their needs. But to John, she was much more, and for good reason.

In this post, I will analyze the John-Cortana relationship (Corjohna, if you will).

First off, Cortana’s origins. Cortana is unique among other smart AIs in that she was created using living brain tissue- the cloned brain of Dr. Halsey herself. Although there is no factual evidence, this facet of her creation has arguably made her more “human”. She has feelings, desires, thoughts, fears. Like some AI before her, she has expressed a longing to be human. To be truly alive. To say that she is “nothing more than an object” is an injustice to the character.

Next, the intimacy of her relationship with John. Cortana is based off of the mind of Halsey- a mother figure to the Spartans. There was already a “familiarity” with John when she first interfaced with him. She CHOSE him, as HER Spartan. And that brings me to the point I’m making. She has literally been “inside John’s head”. She has felt what he’s felt. She probably knew him better than he knew himself.

From John’s perspective, the closeness of this relationship would obviously have a profound effect on him. When socializing with his fellow Spartans and other UNSC personnel, John has to keep a kind of emotional distance, as explained in First Strike. One of the burdens of command. With Cortana, this military equipmet that acts very much like a civilian, John is allowed more “emotional freedom”, as evidenced by his multitude of wry jokes and sarcastic comments geared toward her.

After the fall of Reach, when John thought all of his fellow Spartans dead, he still had the ever-so-friendly Cortana in his head. He was never truly alone, not on Halo, not on High Charity, not on The Ark, not on Requiem, so long as Cortana was with him. Given all this time, given all the hardships they’ve been through, John would grow accustomed to and like that voice in his head, his friend. It was his job to protect her, it was her job to protect him.

John didn’t let the Gravemind keep her, he didn’t let Del Rio take her, he refused to accept that she couldn’t be saved from rampancy. Cortana has saved John’s life more times than I’d like to list.

On to her death. After all of what I just mentioned, of course it would affect him like it did. Cortana was the last friend that he had (Blue Team is still MIA as far as he knows). He’s lost his fellow Spartans, Keyes, Miranda, Johnson, numerous others, and now Cortana. It’s not that John considered her more important than the others. Her death was, simply put, the breaking point.

With all that said, you can’t say that Cortana is simply a computer. She was much more than that to John. And as far as I’m concerned, she IS human.

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You are partly correct. I agree Cortona and Chief were close. I don’t agree with Cortona being held more important then other Spartans however (Blue team).

A romantic relationship would be ludicrous and make Halo be cheesy.

I also never saw anything that implied he was more “emotional” around Cortona then any other spartan (although your point is valid, I’m referring to the lore).

I don’t believe John was even aware Blue team went MIA. We have a detailed history of all the events from halo 2 to 4 and their was never an opportunity for him to learn that.

I highly doubt chief would let anyone of his “team/friends” be treated the way the grave mind or Del Rio treated them.

Cortona has saved chiefs life quite a bit… So have the other Spartans. Also an important point to note is the fact that the other spratans have been with chief his ENTIRE LIFE. Cortona is a mere footnote comparted to that (NO NO I’m not saying she is a footnote I love Cortona, all I’m saying is TIMELINE wise)

She was more then a computer to John this was obvious. She was a Friend/team member (Evolved over the curse of the halo’s me thinks).

In an ATTEMPT to summarize. Cheif and Cortona are close (obviously), But she is nothing special (in my opinion) compared to all of chiefs other relationships. Yes, Cortona is human and EXTREMELY important, But I think the game has overextended the relationship deepness in relation to all the other relationships.

May I ask the point of this essay? Are you implying it was romantic, chiefs BEST relationship, or simply that she was human?

Sorry if this seems like I’m trying to tear this apart, But I’m simply disagreeing with you (I enjoy a debate too). Kodos for your essay.

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I think the “who’s really a machine line” also sort of got to him. Especially since he repeats it on the ship afterward.

It’s also important that unlike before, the conflict for survival is seemingly over, and the only ‘friend’ he has to celebrate it with is a person he knew for a couple of hours almost 30 years ago.

He’s spent all this time being a machine, and what has it earned him? It may seem a bit selfish, but at the same time he’s pretty much mostly everyone he knew for this.

Now, there is still halsey and blue team, we don’t know if he knows they’re alive still.

Its not so much purely cortana, but the weight of all those he’s lost.

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@Dragoth2000
You should reread my post, because at no point did I claim that Cortana was more important than the others. In fact, I directly acknowledged that she wasn’t. I said that she was the breaking point for John finally showing some real emotion.

I never claimed that it was a romantic relationship. It is simply a deep friendship.

Yes, John has had other comrades, but his relationship with Cortana was more unique and intimate.

How could he not know that Blue Team was MIA? Where else would they be during the events of Halo 3?

The point of my “essay”, as you call it, is to simply analyze the relationship between John and Cortana. I also made it to explain why Cortana’s death had such a profound effect on him, and why she is more than “just a machine”.

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> @Dragoth2000
> You should reread my post, because at no point did I claim that Cortana was more important than the others. In fact, I directly acknowledged that she wasn’t. I said that she was the breaking point for John finally showing some real emotion.
>
> I never claimed that it was a romantic relationship. It is simply a deep friendship.
>
> Yes, John has had other comrades, but his relationship with Cortana was more unique and intimate.
>
> How could he not know that Blue Team was MIA? Where else would they be during the events of Halo 3?
>
> The point of my “essay”, as you call it, is to simply analyze the relationship between John and Cortana. I also made it to explain why Cortana’s death had such a profound effect on him, and why she is more than “just a machine”.

I’m sorry, I regard you saying “Cortona’s relationship was more unique and intimate” then the Spartans as saying she was more important then the other Spartans. Could you please clarify?

You are correct, My apologizes. I guess I was trying to read in between your lines.

(See top paragraph) I don’t see how Cortona being in Johns head means anything. She can’t “see” his thoughts or feel his emotions (I think). They simply work together like a team. Like any other spartan team.

I BELIEVE in halo 2, Blue team was dispatched to take over a Covi crusior over the artic. That’s the last chief saw of them. We have detailed event between halo 2 and 3, and He was never informed of blue team. WE play him in halo 3… So we know he wasn’t informed there. He never heard they were MIA. Halo 2 and 3 were not terribly far apart time wise either.

I agree with you here partly. Yes, they have a deep relationship and she is more of a machine, she is probably equal in worth to a spartan. I guess my problem is the fact that I’m interpreting your writing as saying “Cortona is more important relationally then blue team”.

Again, I’m not sure if I’m coming off as harsh… Sorry If I am. Your “essay” is really well thought out.

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@Dragoth2000
As I’ve said, Cortana’s relationship with John isn’t necessarily more important than his relationship with the Spartans, but it is more unique.

When BB interfaced with Naomi, he could feel her breathing, feel her adrenaline. Essentially, they were one being. Cortana and John presumably have the same kind of experience, and the closeness of that would bring them together in ways not possible with other people.

Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”

Anyway, you’re not coming off as harsh, just challenging.

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> @Dragoth2000
> Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”

to be fair, you cant say that without a canon source attached to it. your just assuming at this point with no evidence to back it as this has never happened.

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> > @Dragoth2000
> > Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”
>
> to be fair, you cant say that without a canon source attached to it. your just assuming at this point with no evidence to back it as this has never happened.

There’s nothing wrong with theorizing, and to be honest it makes sense that he’d ask

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I spy Blue Team.

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> > > @Dragoth2000
> > > Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”
> >
> > to be fair, you cant say that without a canon source attached to it. your just assuming at this point with no evidence to back it as this has never happened.
>
> There’s nothing wrong with theorizing, and to be honest it makes sense that he’d ask

oh certainly. im just saying dont state it as fact is all.

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> > > > @Dragoth2000
> > > > Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”
> > >
> > > to be fair, you cant say that without a canon source attached to it. your just assuming at this point with no evidence to back it as this has never happened.
> >
> > There’s nothing wrong with theorizing, and to be honest it makes sense that he’d ask
>
> oh certainly. im just saying dont state it as fact is all.

Oh yeah, I agree with that :]

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> @Dragoth2000
> As I’ve said, Cortana’s relationship with John isn’t necessarily more important than his relationship with the Spartans, but it is more unique.
>
> When BB interfaced with Naomi, he could feel her breathing, feel her adrenaline. Essentially, they were one being. Cortana and John presumably have the same kind of experience, and the closeness of that would bring them together in ways not possible with other people.
>
> Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”
>
> Anyway, you’re not coming off as harsh, just challenging.

How does the uniqueness of a releationship mean anything? It IS unique. But I don’t see how it makes it “special” (at least that’s what I think your saying).

OK, So he can feel her breath and adrenaline. So? Chief can’t read her thougts or vice versa. Cortona can feel his breath and adrenaline. I don’t see how this is valid in terms of intimacy. If it is its 1 sided anyway. (going to reread the new books to make sure about my talking points).

No, He was NEVER told about Blue team. Blue team had anthor mission. They were dispatched to Onyx and that’s the last chief heard probably. I doubt the UNSC even knew they were MIA at the point of Halo 3. I checked the timeline. Blue team went “MIA” about when Halo 2 ended. Within that time about a month passed in between the end of halo 2 and the end of halo 3. So your theory is possible I suppose. But I still stand by the fact that he NEVER found it since it wasn’t enough time AND they weren’t even listed in the ceremony. Earth is under attack, being destroyed. It the humans final stand. They probably sent out a “return home” message and forgot about it in till post Halo 3. But I think this is murky water anyway, But like all biased individuals I feel my logic is best.

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> > @Dragoth2000
> > As I’ve said, Cortana’s relationship with John isn’t necessarily more important than his relationship with the Spartans, but it is more unique.
> >
> > When BB interfaced with Naomi, he could feel her breathing, feel her adrenaline. Essentially, they were one being. Cortana and John presumably have the same kind of experience, and the closeness of that would bring them together in ways not possible with other people.
> >
> > Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”
> >
> > Anyway, you’re not coming off as harsh, just challenging.
>
> No, He was NEVER told about Blue team.

Proof?

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> > @Dragoth2000
> > As I’ve said, Cortana’s relationship with John isn’t necessarily more important than his relationship with the Spartans, but it is more unique.
> >
> > When BB interfaced with Naomi, he could feel her breathing, feel her adrenaline. Essentially, they were one being. Cortana and John presumably have the same kind of experience, and the closeness of that would bring them together in ways not possible with other people.
> >
> > Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”
> >
> > Anyway, you’re not coming off as harsh, just challenging.
>
> How does the uniqueness of a releationship mean anything? It IS unique. But I don’t see how it makes it “special” (at least that’s what I think your saying).
>
> OK, So he can feel her breath and adrenaline. So? Chief can’t read her thougts or vice versa. Cortona can feel his breath and adrenaline. I don’t see how this is valid in terms of intimacy. If it is its 1 sided anyway. (going to reread the new books to make sure about my talking points).
>
> No, He was NEVER told about Blue team. Blue team had anthor mission. They were dispatched to Onyx and that’s the last chief heard probably. I doubt the UNSC even knew they were MIA at the point of Halo 3. I checked the timeline. Blue team went “MIA” about when Halo 2 ended. Within that time about a month passed in between the end of halo 2 and the end of halo 3. So your theory is possible I suppose. But I still stand by the fact that he NEVER found it since it wasn’t enough time AND they weren’t even listed in the ceremony. Earth is under attack, being destroyed. It the humans final stand. They probably sent out a “return home” message and forgot about it in till post Halo 3. But I think this is murky water anyway, But like all biased individuals I feel my logic is best.

The uniqueness of their relationship DOES make it special. Not necessarily better, but special. Her death would obviously have a great effect on John. I’m really convinced that you didn’t read my “essay”, or at least didn’t comprehend it.

If the last the UNSC heard of Blue Team was them disappearing from UNSC space aboArd of Covenant cruiser, then they are MIA. Surely Chief would be informed, or at least wonder where his team is. In any case, that’s not even the point of this thread.

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> > > @Dragoth2000
> > > As I’ve said, Cortana’s relationship with John isn’t necessarily more important than his relationship with the Spartans, but it is more unique.
> > >
> > > When BB interfaced with Naomi, he could feel her breathing, feel her adrenaline. Essentially, they were one being. Cortana and John presumably have the same kind of experience, and the closeness of that would bring them together in ways not possible with other people.
> > >
> > > Even if it was offscreen, there’s no way John wouldn’t be told Blue Team’s fate. Even if he just used common sense. At arguably the most important stage of the Human-Covenant War, shouldn’t all the Spartans be together? Surely John would ask someone, “Where are the rest of my Spartans?”
> > >
> > > Anyway, you’re not coming off as harsh, just challenging.
> >
> > How does the uniqueness of a releationship mean anything? It IS unique. But I don’t see how it makes it “special” (at least that’s what I think your saying).
> >
> > OK, So he can feel her breath and adrenaline. So? Chief can’t read her thougts or vice versa. Cortona can feel his breath and adrenaline. I don’t see how this is valid in terms of intimacy. If it is its 1 sided anyway. (going to reread the new books to make sure about my talking points).
> >
> > No, He was NEVER told about Blue team. Blue team had anthor mission. They were dispatched to Onyx and that’s the last chief heard probably. I doubt the UNSC even knew they were MIA at the point of Halo 3. I checked the timeline. Blue team went “MIA” about when Halo 2 ended. Within that time about a month passed in between the end of halo 2 and the end of halo 3. So your theory is possible I suppose. But I still stand by the fact that he NEVER found it since it wasn’t enough time AND they weren’t even listed in the ceremony. Earth is under attack, being destroyed. It the humans final stand. They probably sent out a “return home” message and forgot about it in till post Halo 3. But I think this is murky water anyway, But like all biased individuals I feel my logic is best.
>
> The uniqueness of their relationship DOES make it special. Not necessarily better, but special. Her death would obviously have a great effect on John. I’m really convinced that you didn’t read my “essay”, or at least didn’t comprehend it.
>
> If the last the UNSC heard of Blue Team was them disappearing from UNSC space aboArd of Covenant cruiser, then they are MIA. Surely Chief would be informed, or at least wonder where his team is. In any case, that’s not even the point of this thread.

@awesumsauce1

Circumstancal evidence only. I suppose that was a little strong…

You might be right. Let me try to explain. I believe your “essay” is attempting to explain that John and Cortona’s relationship was important and unique not as a human and “chip”, but as 2 HUMANS having a relationship. As well as explaining his emotional state in relation to all his other losses, and that thire relationship was “special”, OR even as an analysis of their relationship as you said a few posts up. I have been “attacking” issues (perceived by me, at least) that relate to your essay as a whole. For instance in your 1st reply back you said “Cortona’s relationship with chief was more unique and intimate”. I attacked that because I viewed it as untrue. I mean no disrespect and if you feel I’m not getting your essay, You have my apologizes.

Actually the debate on blue team relates to his emotional state, so it has a link in this thread. They dint go MIA aboard the Cruiser. They were ordered by Hood to help Halsey.

Not going to mention anything else about blue team because you feel its going of topic.

Anyway… If you feel I’m chasing a dead end (or hijacking your thread for whatever reason), Please whisper me to “get out”. I have no desire to Hijack your thread or make it go off topic. If you want to continue this argument (if you feel its off topic) we can always have a polite private chat debate.

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@Dragoth2000
It’s all good, bro. I love a good debate.

Their relationship is unique. And I do believe that they have a friendship akin to that of two humans. You can disagree, but that’d be ignoring years of character development.

My point is, after all I’ve just mentioned, do you still find it odd that John felt so depressed over Cortana’s death? Do you still think she was “just a machine”? This post was for people who thought that.

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> @Dragoth2000
> It’s all good, bro. I love a good debate.
>
> Their relationship is unique. And I do believe that they have a friendship akin to that of two humans. You can disagree, but that’d be ignoring years of character development.
>
> My point is, after all I’ve just mentioned, do you still find it odd that John felt so depressed over Cortana’s death? Do you still think she was “just a machine”? This post was for people who thought that.

Cool.

I never disagreed with THAT. I disagreed with with assumption that the relationship was better then with the other Spartans.

Well then I might have partly derailed your thread ^_-… I never assumed that. My beef was with the above.

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@Dragoth2000
Except I never made the assumption that John’s relationship with Cortana was greater than his relationship with his fellow Spartans. I did, however, say that it is more unique and close, and that makes it special to me. It’s like having your best friend inside your head (weird metaphor, but you get the idea).

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Yo halojunky117G I’m just curious if this thread is indeed in regards to my post a couple of days ago where I talked about “John’s Mental State” and his relationship with cortana?

I know this doesnt contribute to the discussion but I’m just curious…

I will give a dignified response to your OP in the not too distant future as I am currently busy.

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> Yo halojunky117G I’m just curious if this thread is indeed in regards to my post a couple of days ago where I talked about “John’s Mental State” and his relationship with cortana?
>
> I know this doesnt contribute to the discussion but I’m just curious…
>
> I will give a dignified response to your OP in the not too distant future as I am currently busy.

This post wasn’t necessarily a response to yours. You just reminded me about a common statement I see on the forums. The claim that Cortana is “just a computer” and John shouldn’t have been that sad over her death. Bluntly put, this post is dedicated to proving that statement wrong.