He blinks. His eyes still see the markings of his HUD, but feeling the air run over his face and hair, and the outer plating removed to leave his black undersuit, he takes stock of himself.

He slowly steps back, but he doesn't let go of Cortana's hands.

"It's dreams." He looked to his side, berating himself for the wordless outburst. "It's how things run around here."

Even the slightest memory and emotion can change them.