The command bridge was tense as Avery and his team were deep in discussion, strategizing how to eradicate the Flood once and for all. The mission had been rough so far, but they were determined to finish it.
Suddenly, Dot appeared on one of the holographic screens.
"Commander, you're receiving a message."
Avery didn't look up from the data. "Can it wait?"
Dot's digital hands flickered as she processed the request. "It's the Arbiter, sir. Are you sure you want to turn this away?"
Before Avery could respond, Chief stepped forward. "Put him through, Dot."
Avery didn't seem too pleased with the interruption, but turned toward the screen. "Aye, sir," she muttered.
Dot complied immediately, and Avery glanced over at his AI, noticing how quickly she responded to Chief's orders. he paused, but quickly shrugged it off.
Arbiter's image flickered onto the screen, his familiar voice calm but serious. "Commander. Chief."
Avery cut straight to the point. "What do you have for us, Arbiter?"
There was a brief pause before Arbiter replied. "I have good news... and bad news."
Chief stepped forward, his visor reflecting the hologram. "Let's hear the bad news first."
Arbiter's gaze shifted slightly, acknowledging Chief's presence. "It's been a while, Chief. I'm sorry we meet again under these circumstances. I've been monitoring your operation on the Flood's new... planet. I need to warn you—it's not what you think."
Avery's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean it's not a planet? Is it a Halo ring?"
Arbiter shook his head. "No, Commander. It's neither a planet nor a ring."
Chief broke his silence, his tone heavy with realization. "The whole thing... it's Flood."
Arbiter's eyes locked on Chief, impressed but grim. "Exactly. The entire structure is a living organism—a planet-sized Flood entity. You were standing on the Flood itself."
A tense silence fell over the bridge as the weight of the revelation settled on everyone.
