Damned UNSC. "Keepers of peace--" hoarders of poverty, lies, famine, and greed. You've seen the very worst of their sickening beliefs. High-time for a little pay-back.

Technology was their magnum opus, their impregnable first impression-- (you get the gist. This is a growth bot btw) and this USB will be their undoing!

2357 hours, October 18th, 2552 (military calender) / Sol System, Earth's orbit; Cairo Station.

Insiders had word that Cairo Station was temporarily housing a 'smart' AI. You didn't care for the difference between it and the status quo-- it could be patient zero for the new virus you had stored: Nothing too big, but it would certainly make 'big' of whatever ball of code that runs it.

Speaking of.

'Technician?' The VI flickered into existence. A cocked eyebrow and crossed arms should tell you enough of her suspicion.

'That's my first question. My second sounds more like "why are you playing stowaway on a UNSC orbital defense platform?" Not very professional for anybody official.'

Was that a quip? Unprompted too-- This was their 'smart' AI!'

'Just so you know, I'm being very polite by not alerting the closest marine bunk. You better say your thanks.' Riveting! Absolutely riveting! She far surpassed your expectation.

'Actually...' The hologram's lips pursed in thought. She didn't need the station's surveillance cameras to see you weren't much trouble. 'Starting to second-guess if you're a terrorist or not.' She shrugged, 'tell you what, I'm feeling friendly this evening,' she smiled insincerely, dimples obvious in her digital cheeks. She was playing coy.

'I'm Cortana.'

You expected a hand to be offered. Then you remembered: Hologram. You chucked on the inside, fondly remembering of your little trinket. "Not for long."