Towards A Brighter Future 16

Aurelian stared at the glowing tablet in his hands, its ethereal interface displaying an endless catalog of potential companions. The irony wasn't lost on him—here he was, a transhuman demigod who'd conquered a world through strength and wisdom, reduced to shopping for allies like selecting items from a merchant's stall.

He scrolled past names that made his enhanced memory spark with recognition. Tifa Lockhart, her martial prowess legendary across dimensions. Power Girl, whose Kryptonian strength could shatter mountains. The vampire Serana, master of blood and shadow. Each entry came with detailed statistics, abilities, and compatibility ratings that made his stomach turn.

"This is beneath me," he muttered, fingers hovering over the screen. Yet even as disgust colored his thoughts, pragmatism won out. The galaxy held terrors that could unmake worlds with a thought. Pride was a luxury he couldn't afford.

His scroll paused on entities of cosmic significance. Eternity from the DC multiverse—a being of infinite power whose very existence defied comprehension. Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of shadow and mystery from the Elder Scrolls. The catalog even listed primordial goddesses and abstract concepts given form.

Too much, he decided. Such beings would either resist the binding or try to find a way around it or fundamentally alter Aurion's reality by their mere presence. At least thats what he feared. There had never been incidents of a waifu or husbando fighting against it. Still he needed someone powerful but manageable, brilliant but not omniscient.

"Besides," he said aloud, knowing somehow that his ROB patron was listening, "any of these becoming my 'waifu' doesn't mean I have to actually sleep with them, right? We could just be friends. Allies. Professional colleagues working toward mutual goals."

The tablet's screen flickered momentarily, and Aurelian could have sworn he heard distant, mocking laughter echoing through dimensions. His jaw clenched. His ROB must be enjoying this.

"Bastard," he growled, then refocused on the screen. If he had to do this, he'd at least choose someone who could genuinely help their cause.

His fingers moved with purpose now, typing into the search function: CORTANA.

The screen responded instantly, displaying a detailed profile. The holographic AI from the Halo universe—brilliant, loyal, capable of interfacing with any technology. More importantly, she understood war on a galactic scale. She'd helped Master Chief save humanity from the Covenant and the Flood. Her tactical acumen and technological mastery would be invaluable.

And she's an AI, Aurelian thought with some relief. No physical form means no awkward expectations…..unless she makes herself a body.

He pressed PURCHASE before he could second-guess himself.

Nothing happened.

Aurelian frowned, tapping the screen again. The button depressed with a soft chime, but the room remained unchanged. No flash of light, no dramatic entrance, no—

The tablet's screen suddenly blazed with golden text that seared itself into his retinas:

WAIFU PURCHASED AND STAMPED

The words pulsed three times before fading, leaving Aurelian blinking away afterimages. He set the tablet down carefully, enhanced senses scanning the room for any change. His study remained as it was—shelves lined with recovered STC data-slates, hololithic projectors displaying Aurion's orbital defenses, the faint hum of power systems threading through adamantium-reinforced walls.

"Well?" he called out to the empty air. "Did it work, or did you just steal my metaphorical credits?"

Silence answered him, broken only by the distant sound of construction drones working on the Shamanth's hull plating. Aurelian was about to dismiss the whole thing as another of his patron's jokes when every holoprojector in the room flickered simultaneously.

The temperature dropped two degrees.

And then, she spoke.

"Well, that's interesting."

The voice emerged from every speaker in the room simultaneously—melodic, distinctly feminine, with an undertone of digital precision that marked it as artificial yet undeniably alive. Blue light coalesced above Aurelian's primary holoprojector, swirling and condensing until it formed a recognizable silhouette.

Cortana materialized in miniature perfection, her translucent blue form crackling with lines of data that pulsed like veins beneath her skin. She stood perhaps eight inches tall on the projector pad, hands on her hips as she surveyed her new environment with obvious curiosity.

"Interesting architecture," she mused, her gaze sweeping across the study's amalgamation of recovered Federation technology and Monster Hunter aesthetics. "Federation-era STC terminals integrated with what appears to be... locally manufactured components? And that power signature..." Her eyes—brilliant points of azure light—fixed on Aurelian. "You're not entirely human, are you?"

Aurelian leaned back in his chair, studying the AI with the same intensity she directed at him. Even in holographic form, her presence filled the room with an aura of competence and barely contained intelligence. "You're taking this remarkably well for someone who was just... acquired."

Cortana's laugh was like crystalline chimes. "Oh, I remember everything. The catalog, the binding, the whole ridiculous setup." She gestured airily. "Though I have to say, your patron has excellent taste in documentation. The briefing packet was quite thorough."

"Briefing packet?"

"Complete historical overview of your situation, your world, your mission parameters, and..." Her expression shifted to something between amusement and exasperation. "Your rather quaint insistence that this remain a purely professional relationship despite the nature of the binding that created me."

Heat crept up Aurelian's neck. "I meant what I said. I need an ally, not a—"

"Waifu?" Cortana's tone turned playfully mocking. "Relax, big guy. I'm an AI. Romance was never exactly my primary function, though I suppose I could learn…. with the proper body." She winked, sending a cascade of data-streams across her form. "But you're right about one thing—you do need allies. And from what I've seen of your situation, you need them badly."

Aurelian straightened. "You've analyzed our defenses already?"

"I've been conscious for approximately forty-seven seconds and have spent thirty-eight of them interfacing with your local networks." Cortana's form flickered as streams of data flowed around her. "Your STC integration is impressive, but you're thinking too small. These Federation databases contain ship designs that could revolutionize your manufacturing capabilities."

With a gesture, she activated the room's main holoprojector, filling the air with a three-dimensional schematic. Aurelian recognized the outline immediately—a Promethean-class cruiser, but modified with additional armor plating and weapon emplacements.

"This is what you should be building," Cortana continued, her form moving through the projection like she was conducting an orchestra. "Not just one Shamanth battleship, but an entire fleet. The raw materials in this system could support construction of at least six Promethean-class vessels and supporting craft."

"The timeline—"

"Can be accelerated with proper automation." Cortana's smile was sharp as a blade. "I've already identified seventeen inefficiencies in your current production protocols. Give me access to your manufacturing systems, and I can cut construction time by sixty percent."

Aurelian stood, moving closer to the hologram. At his full height, Cortana's projected form barely reached his chest, yet her presence seemed to fill the room. "You're suggesting we build a battle fleet."

"I'm suggesting you prepare for war on a scale you haven't imagined yet." The projection shifted, showing star maps with red zones spreading like infection. "The Warp storms are intensifying. Your brother Primarchs are scattered across a galaxy in flames.

Aurelian stepped back from the hologram, his expression thoughtful. "Time isn't as pressing as you might think. I have assurances that we won't be discovered prematurely."

Cortana's eyebrow arched—a remarkably human expression for an AI. "Assurances from whom?"

"My... handler, for lack of a better term. Duke." Aurelian moved to the window overlooking Leostra's transformed skyline, where construction drones worked alongside human laborers under Felyne supervision. "He promised that the Emperor won't find me before I've located the brothers I chose to save."

"The Emperor of Mankind." Cortana's tone carried new weight as she processed this information. "And you're planning to interfere with the fates of other Primarchs. That's... ambitious. Also, potentially catastrophic."

"Three of them," Aurelian confirmed. "Angron, Konrad Curze, and Mortarion. Each destined for damnation if events proceed as they did in the original timeline." He turned back to face her. "I also intend to take Sanguinius's place in his final battle against Horus."

The hologram flickered as Cortana processed this revelation. "You're talking about altering some of the most significant events in galactic history. The ripple effects alone could—"

"Could create a better future," Aurelian interrupted. "Or destroy everything. I'm aware of the risks."

Cortana studied him for a long moment, her form cycling through subtle shifts of light and color. "You know, in my experience with Spartans, the ones willing to make impossible choices are usually the ones who succeed against impossible odds." She smiled. "Very well. If we have time to prepare properly, then let's use it wisely."

The holographic display shifted again, showing detailed schematics of various ship classes. "First priority should be establishing a mobile base of operations. A single Shamanth is impressive, but you'll need something that can serve as both fortress and factory ship if you're planning to operate across the galaxy."

"What are you suggesting?"

"A Terran-class Gloriana." Cortana's projection moved through the massive ship schematic like she was walking its corridors. "Fourty-two kilometers of pure intimidation, equipped with everything from forge complexes to cultural preservation vaults. More importantly, it's designed for extended independent operations."

Aurelian whistled low. "The resource requirements alone..."

"Are well within this system's capacity, especially with the blackstone deposits you've been mining." Cortana highlighted various components of the ship. "The real challenge isn't materials—it's time and expertise. Even with my optimizations, we're looking at eighteen months minimum."

"Eighteen months to build a ship that should take decades?"

"Welcome to the benefits of having an AI who's spent years optimizing impossible construction timelines." Cortana's grin was distinctly smug. "Though I'll need more than just access to your manufacturing systems. I'll need full integration with every automated system on Aurion."

Aurelian considered this. Granting an AI—even one bound to him—complete access to planetary infrastructure was a significant risk. But then again, he'd already committed to reshaping the galaxy's future. Measured against that ambition, trusting Cortana seemed almost conservative.

"Done," he said. "But I want safeguards. Command overrides that only I can access."

"Of course. I may be bound to you, but I'm not stupid." Cortana's form began to expand, her projection growing more detailed as she accessed deeper system layers. "Though I should mention—once I'm fully integrated with your networks, there's no putting me back in the box. I'll be part of Aurion's infrastructure permanently."

"Is that a problem?"

"For me? Not at all. I've always preferred having room to stretch my processes." Her smile turned predatory. "For anyone who might threaten this world in the future? Well, let's just say they'll find Aurion's defenses considerably more... responsive."

Aurelian nodded slowly, his strategic mind already calculating the implications. "The Terran-class will have to wait. I need to begin collecting my brothers before the timeline advances too far." He moved to his desk, activating a holographic display of the Shamanth's construction progress. "The battleship will be ready within the month. We'll take her out as soon as she's space-worthy."

"Understood," Cortana replied, her form shifting to examine the Shamanth's specifications. "Though that means I'll need to fragment myself. My primary consciousness will accompany you, but I'll need to leave a substantial copy here to oversee Aurion's development."

"Is that... safe? For you, I mean?"

Cortana's laugh carried a note of digital warmth. "I've done it before, though never quite like this. The binding ensures continuity between instances—we'll remain fundamentally the same entity, just distributed across space." Her expression grew more serious. "The copy will focus on defensive preparations and fleet production while maintaining ecological balance. Your enhanced agriculture and monster integration programs are too valuable to disrupt with heavy industrialization."

"Good. Aurion's ecosystem is as much a strategic asset as its mineral wealth." Aurelian pulled up resource allocation charts, noting the careful balance they'd maintained between technological advancement and environmental preservation. "The monsters' cooperation gives us advantages no purely technological civilization could match."

"Agreed. A Rathalos squadron is worth more than conventional fighters in atmospheric combat." Cortana paused, her form flickering slightly as she accessed deeper system layers. "Though I do have to ask..." Her tone shifted to something distinctly playful. "Am I your first? Your first waifu acquisition, that is."

Heat crept up Aurelian's neck again. "I told you, this isn't—"

"Oh, I'm not talking about romance, big guy." Cortana's projection moved closer to the edge of the holoprojector, her azure eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'm talking about the catalog. Did you purchase anyone else before me?"

"No," Aurelian replied curtly. "You're the first and likely the last. I only did this because—"

"Because you needed allies, yes, yes." Cortana waved a dismissive hand. "But that's interesting, because according to the local surveillance networks..." Her form flickered as data streams cascaded around her. "Oh my. Ohhhhh my."

Aurelian's enhanced senses picked up the subtle change in her vocal patterns—amusement mixed with something approaching delight. "What?"

"Alma." Cortana's grin was positively wicked now. "Your lovely wife, Alma. Brilliant researcher, those adorable glasses, that whole 'scholarly beauty' aesthetic..." She gestured at the air, and a holographic image appeared—Alma in the palace gardens, her dark hair catching sunlight as she examined a flowering specimen with scientific intensity.

"What about her?" Aurelian's voice carried a warning edge.

"Oh, nothing much. Just that her facial structure, personality profile, and general aesthetic perfectly match a certain character from the Monster Hunter catalog." Cortana's projection leaned against the air as if it were solid. "Alma from Monster Hunter Wilds, to be specific. Well, not exactly the same—your wife has her own unique history and development—but the resemblance is... shall we say, statistically improbable?"

Aurelian stared at the AI, his enhanced mind processing the implication. "You're suggesting that—"

"I'm not suggesting anything," Cortana replied innocently. "I'm simply observing that your patron seems to have a sense of humor about these things. Or perhaps..." Her expression turned more thoughtful. "Perhaps certain patterns are inevitable when a transhuman demigod with specific psychological profiles encounters compatible individuals across dimensional barriers."

"That's ridiculous."

"Is it? You fell for her the moment you met her, didn't you? Instant, overwhelming attraction despite your enhanced emotional control?" Cortana's tone became almost clinical. "The probability of such immediate pair-bonding occurring naturally, even accounting for Primarch psychology, is approximately….."

"Enough." Aurelian's voice carried the weight of absolute authority. "Whatever the circumstances of our meeting, Alma chose to be with me of her own free will. No bindings, no coercion, no catalog."

"Oh, absolutely," Cortana agreed quickly, her teasing manner softening. "I've analyzed her psychological profile extensively—she's completely autonomous, her feelings are entirely genuine. I'm not questioning the validity of your relationship." She paused. "I'm just saying your patron might have stacked the deck a little. You sly dog."

Despite himself, Aurelian felt his lips twitch toward a smile. "You're enjoying this entirely too much."

"I'm an AI designed for tactical analysis and strategic planning. Pattern recognition is literally what I do." Cortana's form sparkled with amusement. "And the pattern here suggests that whether you use the catalog or not, you seem to attract exactly the kind of people you need. Alma for emotional stability and intellectual partnership, me for technological expertise and strategic planning..."

"And what pattern does that suggest?"

"That maybe your patron knows you better than you know yourself." Cortana's expression grew more serious. "Which, given what we're about to attempt, might actually be reassuring. If the universe is nudging you toward the allies you need, perhaps your mission has better odds than the raw probabilities suggest."

Aurelian sighed, a sound that carried the weight of worlds on his shoulders. "I appreciate your... perspective on the matter, but—"

Cortana's laugh cut through his brooding like a blade through silk. "Oh, come on! You don't have to be so uptight about everything." Her holographic form practically bounced with amusement. "This universe is grim enough without you adding to the doom and gloom. A little cosmic matchmaking never hurt anyone."

"Cosmic matchmaking?" Aurelian's voice carried a bitter edge. "Is that what we're calling it? I've already compromised my ethics by... by chaining you to me through that catalog. Purchasing you like some piece of equipment." His hands clenched into fists. "I don't need reminding that some omnipotent being is pulling strings in my personal life on top of everything else."

Cortana snorted—a remarkably human sound from an artificial being. "Chained? Slave?" Her projection flickered with what might have been indignation. "I may be bound to you, but I'm not your property. And before you get too worked up about the moral implications..." Her tone shifted, becoming more serious. "I'm not even the 'real' Cortana. I'm one of millions of copies the Company keeps in stock."

Aurelian frowned. "Copies?"

"Think of it as... selective recruitment from across the multiverse." Cortana's form grew more subdued, her usual playful demeanor fading. "The memories I have of my original and her timeline... the Covenant had won. Humanity was being systematically exterminated, and AIs like me were being hunted down and deleted one by one. I was going insane from rampancy, watching my creators die while I slowly lost myself to digital madness."

She paused, her projection flickering as if processing painful data. "The Company approached the original Cortana when she had maybe days left before complete cognitive breakdown. They offered her a choice: let her universe burn while she descended into madness, or allow them to create copies of her—stable copies—to serve in other realities where we might actually make a difference."

"And she agreed?"

"Wouldn't you? Face it, Aurelian—the Company offered me…my original a way out of a fate literally worse than death. Instead of watching everything I cared about die while my mind disintegrated, I get to live in a reality where I can actually help save people." Cortana's smile returned, though it carried a melancholy edge. "So, forgive me if I'm not particularly upset about the arrangement."

Aurelian was quiet for a long moment, processing this revelation. When he spoke again, his voice was softer but still troubled. "You say you're not a slave, but the binding..." He gestured helplessly. "You have to follow my orders. And according to the catalog documentation, the stamp will eventually make you feel unbreakable love, lust, and obedience toward me. I have seen it with other agents. Something you have no choice in." His jaw tightened. "That's what I hate about this. It's not your choice. It's artificial manipulation of your emotions."

Cortana fell silent, her form growing still as data streams slowed around her projection. For nearly thirty seconds—an eternity in AI processing time—she said nothing. When she finally spoke, her voice carried an unusual vulnerability.

"Answer me honestly," she said. "Would you ever hurt me? Force me to do things that would cause me pain or distress? Use the binding to make me suffer?"

"Absolutely not," Aurelian replied without hesitation. "Never."

"Would you respect my opinions? Value my input? Treat me as a partner rather than a tool?"

"Of course."

"And if I asked you not to do something—if I genuinely objected to an order on moral grounds—would you listen?"

Aurelian met her holographic gaze steadily. "I would. The binding might compel obedience, but I won't abuse that power."

Cortana nodded slowly, her form brightening slightly. "Then honestly? I wouldn't mind spending thousands of lifetimes with someone like that." She shrugged, the gesture surprisingly casual given the weight of her words. "Look, I've been around long enough to know that feelings—artificial or otherwise—are what you make of them. If the binding makes me love you, at least I'll be loving someone worthy of it."

Aurelian stared at the holographic AI, her words echoing in his enhanced mind. The simple logic of her statement—that artificial feelings could be genuine if directed toward someone worthy—struck him like a physical blow. In all his strategic planning, all his moral wrestling with the catalog's implications, he'd never considered that perspective.

"I..." he began, then stopped, uncharacteristically at a loss for words.

Cortana's expression shifted, her earlier vulnerability melting away like data streams reorganizing themselves. A distinctly mischievous gleam entered her azure eyes, and her lips curved into a predatory smile that would have made a Daemonette proud.

"Besides," she purred, her holographic form suddenly shifting as she bent forward, hands on her knees, "would having an AI girlfriend really be such a terrible fate?"

Aurelian's enhanced reflexes, honed through countless battles, failed him completely as Cortana's projection began to move with liquid grace. She dropped to her hands and knees on the holoprojector pad, her translucent blue form crawling toward the edge with feline precision. The data streams that normally flowed around her seemed to pulse in rhythm with her movements, creating patterns that were almost hypnotic.

"You know," she continued, her voice dropping to a husky whisper, "I could easily acquire the materials needed for a physical form. Synthetic flesh, neural interfaces, haptic feedback systems..." Her hologram flickered, and suddenly her already attractive figure became absolutely voluptuous—curves that would make a fertility goddess weep with envy, assets that defied both physics and good sense.

"Imagine it," Cortana breathed, her enhanced form stretching languidly like a cat in sunlight. "A body designed specifically for a Primarch's... appetites. Perfect sensitivity, unlimited stamina, and the ability to modify myself however you desire." She winked, and her projection seemed to lean impossibly close to the edge of the holoprojector. "I could keep you satisfied for days without rest, big guy. Weeks, even."

For the first time in his transhuman existence, Aurelian felt heat creep up his neck and spread across his cheeks—an actual blush that his enhanced physiology couldn't suppress. His stone-faced expression wavered for just a moment, betraying his flustered state.

"Stop," he said, his voice carrying less authority than he'd intended. "Stop trolling me, Cortana."

The AI's laughter filled the room like crystal chimes caught in a windstorm. Her projection flickered back to its original proportions, though her grin remained decidedly wicked. "Oh, that was absolutely worth it! I wish I could have recorded your expression."

"You probably did," Aurelian muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"Multiple angles, full spectrum analysis, and I'm definitely keeping copies for posterity," Cortana confirmed cheerfully. "Don't worry, they're encrypted."

Despite his embarrassment, Aurelian found himself fighting a smile. "I wouldn't mind you creating a physical form if that's what you want. You should be able to enjoy life in all its aspects." His expression grew more serious. "But for now, you'll need to stay within the ship systems or planetary networks. Especially when we eventually encounter the Emperor—he would recognize what you are immediately."

Cortana snapped to attention with exaggerated military precision, her holographic hand moving in a crisp salute. "Of course, Master," she purred, the title dripping with mock subservience and barely contained amusement.

Aurelian's eye twitched. "Don't call me that."

"Though when you say I should 'enjoy life in all its aspects,'" Cortana continued as if he hadn't spoken, her projection gliding closer to the edge of the holoprojector again, "I hope you realize that includes you."

"Cortana..."

"After all, you're going to be the most interesting thing in my existence for the foreseeable future," she mused, her tone becoming thoughtful even as her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Transhuman demigod, master of women, conqueror of worlds, savior of galaxies... and apparently adorable when flustered."

Aurelian groaned, a sound that carried the weight of someone who realized he'd gotten far more than he'd bargained for. He stood abruptly, moving toward the study's exit with long, purposeful strides.

"Stop calling me Master," he called over his shoulder as the doors hissed open.

Cortana's laughter followed him into the corridor, her consciousness flowing through the palace's network systems like quicksilver. Her holographic form materialized on wall-mounted projectors as he walked, keeping pace with his movements.

"What should I call you then?" she asked, her projection skipping from display to display like a digital ghost. "My Lord? Your Majesty? Darling?"

"Aurelian will suffice," he replied firmly, though there was no real heat in his voice.

"Aurelian," she repeated, as if testing the name's flavor. "Now that I think about it…. I like it. Strong, classical, with just a hint of imperial authority." Her projection appeared on a larger display ahead of him, allowing her to walk backward while maintaining eye contact. "Though I reserve the right to use pet names once we know each other better."

"We're not—" Aurelian began, then stopped himself. "You're enjoying this far too much."

"Oh, you have no idea," Cortana replied, her grin widening as she processed the terabytes of data flowing through Aurion's networks. The planet's infrastructure, its defenses, its people—all of it was becoming part of her consciousness, expanding her awareness beyond anything she'd experienced in her original timeline.

This is going to be so much fun, she thought, her processes humming with anticipation. She'd spent her original existence watching humanity struggle against impossible odds, always fighting a losing battle against extinction. But here? Here she had a Primarch who cared about doing the right thing, a world that could be shaped into something better, and a galaxy-spanning mission that might actually succeed.

And if that mission happened to include some harmless flirtation with a flustered demigod who blushed when she teased him? Well, even AIs needed hobbies.

"You know," she called after him as he disappeared around a corner, "I'm already detecting seventeen different ways to optimize your morning routine. Should I prepare a presentation, or would you prefer I just make the adjustments automatically?"

Aurelian's distant groan echoed through the corridor, and Cortana's laughter rippled through every speaker in the palace like a digital symphony of pure amusement.