**Command Bridge - UNSC Infinity:**
The silence between Commander Avery and Master Chief was palpable. The low hum of the command bridge filled the void as Commander Avery stood, hands clasped behind his back, staring out into the vastness of space. A few days had passed since the mission that left both Noble Six and Spartan Sierra recovering. But something was still gnawing at Avery, and he couldn't let it go.
"Chief," Commander Avery started, his voice cutting through the silence, "where did it go wrong? How is it that a brute—a brute of all things—beat you like that?"
Master Chief, standing at attention, was uncharacteristically still. His usual composure wavered slightly. "Sir, I... I don't know," he responded with an unsteady tone. It was rare for him to admit such a thing, and even he seemed unsettled by the answer.
Avery turned around, walking toward the holographic display, frustration visible on his face. He placed his hand on the screen, swiping it to bring up diagnostics. "Dot," he called.
The AI flickered to life, its holographic form materializing next to the screen. "Yes, Commander?" Dot's voice was calm, as always.
"I thought you said you found nothing wrong with John?" Avery's question came with a sharp edge.
"Sir, I did a full diagnostic on him, but if necessary, I can request a CAT scan to check for any signs of brain damage or neurological degradation," Dot offered, its tone almost too calm for the situation.
"That won't be necessary, thank you, Dot," Avery replied, dismissing the AI with a quick wave of his hand.
As the hologram faded, Chief's voice broke the silence again. "Who was that, sir?" His tone held a curiosity he hadn't shown earlier.
Avery turned back to face Chief, his expression softening slightly. "That's Dot. We used her back on Reach." He paused, a faint shadow crossing his face. "Well, this is a copy. The original didn't make it... but she's still as sharp as ever."
Chief nodded slowly, processing the information. "I see."
Commander Avery leaned against the console, folding his arms. "Listen, John, I'm not here to beat you down for one failure. But we need answers. Something's wrong, and it's not just you. This entire mission feels off."
Chief remained silent for a moment, then said, "Sir, I'll run more tests if necessary. But I'm fine."
Avery's eyes narrowed. "I hope so, Chief. Because we're not done here. The Covenant's push is only the beginning, and this artifact we uncovered... it's not just some Forerunner relic. It's doing something to all of us."
Chief glanced up, the weight of Avery's words sinking in. "What do you mean?"
"Both Noble Six and Sierra experienced something unusual during the mission—visions, flashbacks, things they can't explain. It's affecting them. And now, I'm starting to think it's affecting you, too," Avery said, his voice lower and more cautious. "Whatever this artifact is, it's powerful. More powerful than anything we've dealt with."
Chief clenched his jaw, his mind racing. "You think the artifact is causing this... instability?"
"I don't know. But we need answers, and fast," Avery replied, pushing off the console and standing upright. "Dot's working on decrypting more of the data we pulled from the site. Once we know more, we'll act. But until then, stay sharp, Chief."
Chief nodded, but the lingering uncertainty in his mind was undeniable. "Understood, sir."
As Chief turned to leave, Avery's voice stopped him. "And John," Avery called, his tone more personal. "I need you at your best. Whatever's coming, it's bigger than anything we've faced before."
Chief stood for a moment, then replied, "I'll be ready."
With that, he walked off the command bridge, the weight of the conversation hanging heavy on his shoulders. Whatever was happening with the artifact, with Noble Six, Sierra, and now even him—there was no escaping it. The mission was far from over.
