[her breath hitches for a moment, as if she's been running too fast and hit a wall. she wants to ask it, the "after everything" thing after the hard light protective barrier faded. her fingers trace a scar on his cheek, wondering if this was a new one that's become old or an old one that's been rather stubborn to fade.

cortana hides it by running her fingers through his very tacky hair before measuring it in her fingers even as they walk.]

Correct. Most are run by civilians and there is a very limited military presence here.

[a beat:] People who are from our universe are as follows: Spartan 006 [since there are other people around.], an AI by the name of Juliana, and at my count two from "Project Freelancer". Here's the kicker Chief, we're all from different points in time.