Minas: Difference between revisions

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The lift stopped suddenly and the door opened to reveal a vast arcade filled with overgrown flora. Various catwalks arched through the air, connecting delicate platforms and once-opulent common spaces. Flocks of exotic birds could be seen flying among the dense, unchecked foliage that climbed all the way up to the chamber's distant ceilings. Minas led the strike force off of the lift as Choros explained the purpose of the chamber to 'Vagaduun.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

Just then, the young Captain was knocked to the floor by a [[plasma]] blast, his armor taking the brunt of the damage. Everyone else dove for the nearest cover and Minas dragged the stunned Choros behind a nearby stone barrier while under fire by plasma bolts and [[Type-51 carbine|carbine]] rounds. The Chieftain realized that they were under assault by distinctly ''Covenant'' weapons; Sentinels were not the ones attacking them. Rousing Choros and ordering him to follow, Minas dashed for the veritable jungle ahead of them. As they moved, he glimpsed a trio of silhouettes firing on them from a rafter high above. Choros raised his weapon to return fire and Minas did the same with his [[pulse carbine]], forcing their attackers to seek cover. He could hear Zeretus yelling in the distance, followed by the crash of his [[Type-2 gravity hammer|gravity hammer]] and the surprisingly Jiralhanae-like cry of Zeretus' victim. Choros finished off their three attackers with a shot from his [[skewer]] and the two of them pushed deeper into the arcade. The neared a doorway through which they could see a group of Covenant Jiralhanae who launched a salvo of plasma right back at them. Taking cover on either side of the portico, Choros and Minas shared their disbelief that surviving remnants of the Covenant were still occupying the Keyship after all this time. Putting their shock aside, the two experienced warriors silently signaled to each other their next move. Simultaneously, they wheeled around their cover, unleashing a torrent of plasma at their assailants. Only two Jiralhanae survived and tried to flee out of the overgrown portico. Okro 'Vagaduun emerged from the shadows to decapitate one Jiralhanae and drive his [[Type-1 energy sword|sword]] into the back of the other in a single elegant motion.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

Just then, the young Captain was knocked to the floor by a [[plasma]] blast, his armor taking the brunt of the damage. Everyone else dove for the nearest cover and Minas dragged the stunned Choros behind a nearby stone barrier while under fire by plasma bolts and [[Type-51 carbine|carbine]] rounds. The Chieftain realized that they were under assault by distinctly ''Covenant'' weapons; Sentinels were not the ones attacking them. Rousing Choros and ordering him to follow, Minas dashed for the veritable jungle ahead of them. As they moved, he glimpsed a trio of silhouettes firing on them from a rafter high above. Choros raised his weapon to return fire and Minas did the same with his [[pulse carbine]], forcing their attackers to seek cover. He could hear Zeretus yelling in the distance, followed by the crash of his [[Type-2 gravity hammer|gravity hammer]] and the surprisingly Jiralhanae-like cry of Zeretus' victim. Choros finished off their three attackers with a shot from his [[skewer]] and the two of them pushed deeper into the arcade. The neared a doorway through which they could see a group of surviving Covenant Jiralhanae who launched a salvo of plasma right back at them. Taking cover on either side of the portico, Choros and Minas shared their disbelief that surviving remnants of the Covenant were still occupying the Keyship after all this time. Putting their shock aside, the two experienced warriors silently signaled to each other their next move. Simultaneously, they wheeled around their cover, unleashing a torrent of plasma at their assailants. Only two Jiralhanae survived and tried to flee out of the overgrown portico. Okro 'Vagaduun emerged from the shadows to decapitate one Jiralhanae and drive his [[Type-1 energy sword|sword]] into the back of the other in a single elegant motion.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

Noticing that the weapons fire had ceased throughout the arcade, the remaining Banished troops regrouped to discuss what had happened. Minas asked Choros and 'Vagaduun what they thought. The Jiralhane Captain theorized that these remnants of the Covenant had been ordered by the High Prophet to stay behind and protect the ship from intruders. They must have never given up their duty, living off of the vast stores of supplies the ship held. Zeretus joined them, the face of his hammer filled with bits of armor and flesh. After discussing the situation a bit further, Minas refocused them on the task at hand and had Choros continue to lead the group to where the crystal was held—the Adytum.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

Line 52:

In a few seconds, the door slid open to reveal a room equally devoid of Covenant. The well-lit spherical chamber was filled by tiered platforms lining its rounded walls. Each platform held terminals presumably used to perform all manner of duties. At the center of the room was the Adytum, an oblong bronze monolith that fell just short of touching both the floor and ceiling. Terminals and interfaces covered its exterior, accessible from the platforms resting along the room's walls. Choros and Itka immediately began the process of extracting the shards they sought from within the Adytum. Minas was beginning to believe that the threat had actually passed when the distinctive sound of [[impulse drive]]s filled the room. Peering outside, the Chieftain was shocked to see two Covenant [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]] dropships approaching their position. Okro 'Vagaduun, nearing the top of the lift with his team, noticed it too and contacted Minas, assuring him that they would be there to assist. As the two dropships stopped at the platform and began offloading Jiralhanae and Kig-Yar troops, Minas contacted Zeretus and hold him to stay where he was and secure the bottom of the lift so that they could escape swiftly. Two more Phantoms could be seen approaching the platform as well. He then told Choros to hurry Itka along with the extraction of the crystal shards because they had Covenant forces incoming. Meanwhile, Minas had the rest of his team prepare to defend the chamber.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

The first of the Covenant to enter the room was a team of Kig-Yar. Before they could process what they were seeing in the room, they were all cut down by a Banished barrage. Infuriated by the violent attack, the Covenant Jiralhanae charged into the room. The first few were easily dealt with, but as more and more streamed into the room it started to look bleak for Minas and his crew. Three Banished Jiralhanae dropped after being pierced by superheated spikes while two of the enemies lunged at Minas himself. Too close to use his pulse carbine efficiently, he smashed the weapon into the face of the first Jiralhanae, irreparably crumpling both the rifle and the head of the assailant. Moving around his fallen companion, the second attacker found Minas's shoulder lowered and forcibly planted into his midsection. The Chieftain could feel some of his attacker's bones breaking as he lifted him into the air and forced the twin bayonets of the Covenant soldier's own [[Type-25 Spiker|spiker]] into his throat. With a kick, Minas sent the bloody and limp warrior tumbling to the ground. He retrieved a [[Type-25 Brute plasma rifle|plasma rifle]] from the floor and looked around to find that the fight within the Adytum chamber had slowed. He could only see two of his men still standing—[[Burekos]] and [[Sopruuz]]—and scavenging for weapons after the costly brawl. Minas could not see Choros or Itka in the room that was now filled with a haze of ballistic smoke and plasma gas.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

The first of the remnants of the Covenant to enter the room was a team of Kig-Yar. Before they could process what they were seeing in the room, they were all cut down by a Banished barrage. Infuriated by the violent attack, the Covenant Jiralhanae charged into the room. The first few were easily dealt with, but as more and more streamed into the room it started to look bleak for Minas and his crew. Three Banished Jiralhanae dropped after being pierced by superheated spikes while two of the enemies lunged at Minas himself. Too close to use his pulse carbine efficiently, he smashed the weapon into the face of the first Jiralhanae, irreparably crumpling both the rifle and the head of the assailant. Moving around his fallen companion, the second attacker found Minas's shoulder lowered and forcibly planted into his midsection. The Chieftain could feel some of his attacker's bones breaking as he lifted him into the air and forced the twin bayonets of the Covenant soldier's own [[Type-25 Spiker|spiker]] into his throat. With a kick, Minas sent the bloody and limp warrior tumbling to the ground. He retrieved a [[Type-25 Brute plasma rifle|plasma rifle]] from the floor and looked around to find that the fight within the Adytum chamber had slowed. He could only see two of his men still standing—[[Burekos]] and [[Sopruuz]]—and scavenging for weapons after the costly brawl. Minas could not see Choros or Itka in the room that was now filled with a haze of ballistic smoke and plasma gas.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

He called out for Choros and eventually found him kneeling beside the body of Itka, who had been pinned to the wall by a series of hot spikes. The captain seemed to be paying homage to his lost companion. Minas was momentarily pleased that he would not have to perform a similar ritual for Choros. Looking out of the door at the lift platform, he could see 'Vagaduun and his Sangheili warriors battling the enemy Phantoms and ground troops. As he looked on, one of the dropships was struck by a [[Ravager]] blast, sending the vehicle careening into the murky depths below. Choros came up to him carrying a small [[Onyx (material)|onyx]] box and informed him that they had successfully retrieved the crystal. He opened the case to reveal three shards, each glowing with an intense blue light. However, the captain was more focused on the bodies of his fallen companions that littered the floor. Hoping to gain some wisdom, Choros asked Minas what it was that Atriox had told him when they first met. The Chieftain relayed what Atriox had said, telling his captain that everyone should die on their own terms for something that they truly believe in. He contemplated this until Minas closed the onyx case and pushed it back to Choros, telling him that they must hurry back to the lift before the blademaster's forces were overrun. Choros handed the case back to Minas, insisting that he be the one to deliver it to Atriox. Then, they ventured out onto the platform to regroup with the Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}

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@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 The lift stopped suddenly and the door opened to reveal a vast arcade filled with overgrown flora. Various catwalks arched through the air, connecting delicate platforms and once-opulent common spaces. Flocks of exotic birds could be seen flying among the dense, unchecked foliage that climbed all the way up to the chamber's distant ceilings. Minas led the strike force off of the lift as Choros explained the purpose of the chamber to 'Vagaduun.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}
-Just then, the young Captain was knocked to the floor by a [[plasma]] blast, his armor taking the brunt of the damage. Everyone else dove for the nearest cover and Minas dragged the stunned Choros behind a nearby stone barrier while under fire by plasma bolts and [[Type-51 carbine|carbine]] rounds. The Chieftain realized that they were under assault by distinctly ''Covenant'' weapons; Sentinels were not the ones attacking them. Rousing Choros and ordering him to follow, Minas dashed for the veritable jungle ahead of them. As they moved, he glimpsed a trio of silhouettes firing on them from a rafter high above. Choros raised his weapon to return fire and Minas did the same with his [[pulse carbine]], forcing their attackers to seek cover. He could hear Zeretus yelling in the distance, followed by the crash of his [[Type-2 gravity hammer|gravity hammer]] and the surprisingly Jiralhanae-like cry of Zeretus' victim. Choros finished off their three attackers with a shot from his [[skewer]] and the two of them pushed deeper into the arcade. The neared a doorway through which they could see a group of Covenant Jiralhanae who launched a salvo of plasma right back at them. Taking cover on either side of the portico, Choros and Minas shared their disbelief that surviving remnants of the Covenant were still occupying the Keyship after all this time. Putting their shock aside, the two experienced warriors silently signaled to each other their next move. Simultaneously, they wheeled around their cover, unleashing a torrent of plasma at their assailants. Only two Jiralhanae survived and tried to flee out of the overgrown portico. Okro 'Vagaduun emerged from the shadows to decapitate one Jiralhanae and drive his [[Type-1 energy sword|sword]] into the back of the other in a single elegant motion.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}
+Just then, the young Captain was knocked to the floor by a [[plasma]] blast, his armor taking the brunt of the damage. Everyone else dove for the nearest cover and Minas dragged the stunned Choros behind a nearby stone barrier while under fire by plasma bolts and [[Type-51 carbine|carbine]] rounds. The Chieftain realized that they were under assault by distinctly ''Covenant'' weapons; Sentinels were not the ones attacking them. Rousing Choros and ordering him to follow, Minas dashed for the veritable jungle ahead of them. As they moved, he glimpsed a trio of silhouettes firing on them from a rafter high above. Choros raised his weapon to return fire and Minas did the same with his [[pulse carbine]], forcing their attackers to seek cover. He could hear Zeretus yelling in the distance, followed by the crash of his [[Type-2 gravity hammer|gravity hammer]] and the surprisingly Jiralhanae-like cry of Zeretus' victim. Choros finished off their three attackers with a shot from his [[skewer]] and the two of them pushed deeper into the arcade. The neared a doorway through which they could see a group of surviving Covenant Jiralhanae who launched a salvo of plasma right back at them. Taking cover on either side of the portico, Choros and Minas shared their disbelief that surviving remnants of the Covenant were still occupying the Keyship after all this time. Putting their shock aside, the two experienced warriors silently signaled to each other their next move. Simultaneously, they wheeled around their cover, unleashing a torrent of plasma at their assailants. Only two Jiralhanae survived and tried to flee out of the overgrown portico. Okro 'Vagaduun emerged from the shadows to decapitate one Jiralhanae and drive his [[Type-1 energy sword|sword]] into the back of the other in a single elegant motion.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}
 Noticing that the weapons fire had ceased throughout the arcade, the remaining Banished troops regrouped to discuss what had happened. Minas asked Choros and 'Vagaduun what they thought. The Jiralhane Captain theorized that these remnants of the Covenant had been ordered by the High Prophet to stay behind and protect the ship from intruders. They must have never given up their duty, living off of the vast stores of supplies the ship held. Zeretus joined them, the face of his hammer filled with bits of armor and flesh. After discussing the situation a bit further, Minas refocused them on the task at hand and had Choros continue to lead the group to where the crystal was held—the Adytum.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 In a few seconds, the door slid open to reveal a room equally devoid of Covenant. The well-lit spherical chamber was filled by tiered platforms lining its rounded walls. Each platform held terminals presumably used to perform all manner of duties. At the center of the room was the Adytum, an oblong bronze monolith that fell just short of touching both the floor and ceiling. Terminals and interfaces covered its exterior, accessible from the platforms resting along the room's walls. Choros and Itka immediately began the process of extracting the shards they sought from within the Adytum. Minas was beginning to believe that the threat had actually passed when the distinctive sound of [[impulse drive]]s filled the room. Peering outside, the Chieftain was shocked to see two Covenant [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]] dropships approaching their position. Okro 'Vagaduun, nearing the top of the lift with his team, noticed it too and contacted Minas, assuring him that they would be there to assist. As the two dropships stopped at the platform and began offloading Jiralhanae and Kig-Yar troops, Minas contacted Zeretus and hold him to stay where he was and secure the bottom of the lift so that they could escape swiftly. Two more Phantoms could be seen approaching the platform as well. He then told Choros to hurry Itka along with the extraction of the crystal shards because they had Covenant forces incoming. Meanwhile, Minas had the rest of his team prepare to defend the chamber.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}
-The first of the Covenant to enter the room was a team of Kig-Yar. Before they could process what they were seeing in the room, they were all cut down by a Banished barrage. Infuriated by the violent attack, the Covenant Jiralhanae charged into the room. The first few were easily dealt with, but as more and more streamed into the room it started to look bleak for Minas and his crew. Three Banished Jiralhanae dropped after being pierced by superheated spikes while two of the enemies lunged at Minas himself. Too close to use his pulse carbine efficiently, he smashed the weapon into the face of the first Jiralhanae, irreparably crumpling both the rifle and the head of the assailant. Moving around his fallen companion, the second attacker found Minas's shoulder lowered and forcibly planted into his midsection. The Chieftain could feel some of his attacker's bones breaking as he lifted him into the air and forced the twin bayonets of the Covenant soldier's own [[Type-25 Spiker|spiker]] into his throat. With a kick, Minas sent the bloody and limp warrior tumbling to the ground. He retrieved a [[Type-25 Brute plasma rifle|plasma rifle]] from the floor and looked around to find that the fight within the Adytum chamber had slowed. He could only see two of his men still standing—[[Burekos]] and [[Sopruuz]]—and scavenging for weapons after the costly brawl. Minas could not see Choros or Itka in the room that was now filled with a haze of ballistic smoke and plasma gas.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}
+The first of the remnants of the Covenant to enter the room was a team of Kig-Yar. Before they could process what they were seeing in the room, they were all cut down by a Banished barrage. Infuriated by the violent attack, the Covenant Jiralhanae charged into the room. The first few were easily dealt with, but as more and more streamed into the room it started to look bleak for Minas and his crew. Three Banished Jiralhanae dropped after being pierced by superheated spikes while two of the enemies lunged at Minas himself. Too close to use his pulse carbine efficiently, he smashed the weapon into the face of the first Jiralhanae, irreparably crumpling both the rifle and the head of the assailant. Moving around his fallen companion, the second attacker found Minas's shoulder lowered and forcibly planted into his midsection. The Chieftain could feel some of his attacker's bones breaking as he lifted him into the air and forced the twin bayonets of the Covenant soldier's own [[Type-25 Spiker|spiker]] into his throat. With a kick, Minas sent the bloody and limp warrior tumbling to the ground. He retrieved a [[Type-25 Brute plasma rifle|plasma rifle]] from the floor and looked around to find that the fight within the Adytum chamber had slowed. He could only see two of his men still standing—[[Burekos]] and [[Sopruuz]]—and scavenging for weapons after the costly brawl. Minas could not see Choros or Itka in the room that was now filled with a haze of ballistic smoke and plasma gas.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}
 He called out for Choros and eventually found him kneeling beside the body of Itka, who had been pinned to the wall by a series of hot spikes. The captain seemed to be paying homage to his lost companion. Minas was momentarily pleased that he would not have to perform a similar ritual for Choros. Looking out of the door at the lift platform, he could see 'Vagaduun and his Sangheili warriors battling the enemy Phantoms and ground troops. As he looked on, one of the dropships was struck by a [[Ravager]] blast, sending the vehicle careening into the murky depths below. Choros came up to him carrying a small [[Onyx (material)|onyx]] box and informed him that they had successfully retrieved the crystal. He opened the case to reveal three shards, each glowing with an intense blue light. However, the captain was more focused on the bodies of his fallen companions that littered the floor. Hoping to gain some wisdom, Choros asked Minas what it was that Atriox had told him when they first met. The Chieftain relayed what Atriox had said, telling his captain that everyone should die on their own terms for something that they truly believe in. He contemplated this until Minas closed the onyx case and pushed it back to Choros, telling him that they must hurry back to the lift before the blademaster's forces were overrun. Choros handed the case back to Minas, insisting that he be the one to deliver it to Atriox. Then, they ventured out onto the platform to regroup with the Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|Sacrifice}}