Goodbye, Mister Chief

Frankie (aka "Frank O'Connor") has chosen to leave Bungie studios to pursue what he described as a future with the Halo marque within the Microsoft halls.

Mister O'Connor has been an approachable, humorous and infectious portal (cake or no) to the world of Bungie since the development of Halo 2. He has maintained a dedicated weekly update filled with jest, innuendo and community spirit almost without fault or fail. All of which has been far beyond the call of most game studios.

I was fortunate enough to meet Mister O'Connor in July, 2006, for a few brief moments after the Halo: Uprising comic book panel at International Comic Con. The poor man and his Bungie peers were simply mobbed by fans. Not, perhaps, to the extent that Stan Lee may be mobbed at such an event; but they were mobbed none the less.

Not once did any of them fail to smile. Each of them did their best to read our badges so they may call us by our name. They shook each and every sweaty paw shoved in their general direction and spent what I am sure was precious personal time with their community after the panel.

Mister O'Connor was with them, every single moment. He seemed a bit tired and perhaps overwhelmed, but he never relented in his enthusiasm for the group of people around him.

I, too, wanted some autographs in my copy of the Halo Graphic Novel. I wanted Ms. McLees and the others to ink their signature with the wealth of images they had included in the book. But, I needed Frankie's first. I recall thinking "he'll be the hardest to get to, he's the most recognizable Bungie persona, right now. The only way to get him to autograph his Mister Chief image is if I do it right this instant."

I waited, patiently, as some fans and community members greeted and thanked him. Then I politely approached him, extended my hand and thanked him for his diligence and parnership with the community. Of course he smiled, thanked me for being a part of the community and said a few other brief words. It was at that moment that I managed to shake up his implacable bearing:

"Would you please sign Mister Chief for me?"

I had not expected to catch him off guard. I was not trying to be tricky or sly. I just thought he deserved as much signatory recognition in the book as everyone else. It just seemed, right, logical, normal. Apparently, he had not seen it that way. I am not sure why.

I do not recall his exact words. I wish I did, now. But they were words of surprise, something akin to:

'Are you sure? I mean, I'd love to, but I didn't really do anything here.'

I was positive I wanted him to sign the novel. In fact, I was positive I wanted him to sign the additional copy I was having autographed for a friend of my brother. I handed him the books and a silver Sharpie. Instantly, the mild look of stunned disbelief left his face and an enormous smile filled his visage.

With a flourish and some words of wit, Mister O'Connor signed both graphic novels and instantly my idea was a hit. Everyone else in the crowd began asking for his signature as well and he happily accommodated to the best of his ability.

I am sad that Mister O'Connor is leaving Bungie Studios. I have so very much appreciated his participation in our community. However, I am delighted to have this opportunity to reflect upon a moment during which I was able to return the favor of all the smiles he has infected upon the Halo world and its fans.

Thank you, Frankie, for all your hard work and friendship. May you have the absolute best of luck in the future!