Miniature Halo that I still can't wrap my head around aside, I really enjoyed how Staten once again seriously fleshed out the character of yet another sidekick. Rtas 'Vadum went from someone whom I considered to be a loyal and professional soldier, albeit one with a disdain for the San'Shyuum, to a model contemporary person in this post-war landscape. Without any thought of deception or a craving to toy with the Prelate's emotions Rtas detailed his remorse for the perilous deaths of High Charity's San'Shyuum to the Flood.

I see some similarities and contrast with Edward Buck with his portrayal in New Blood and Rtas. Both are veteran and aging soldiers who are awfully tired with war. After the Great Wat they're both presented with new ventures to apply their honed skills towards. Buck knows no other life and becomes a Spartan. Rtas offers to track down the San'Shyuum fleet which had made their exodus from High Charity months prior. The Shipmaster not only intends to hunt for past and would-be war criminals, like the Minister of Preparation, but also seeks to provide aid and potentially asylum for those innocent of the other's treachery.

“Maybe, in the end, this was the best that any warrior could hope for. A chance to reconcile with your enemy, or, failing that, to fall in the pursuit of peace.”
- Rtas 'Vadum

His sentiments towards the task at hand was a very sweet way to close the pages on this mini story which I truly hope have greater resonance in the years ahead.

I had hoped for Tul 'Juran, the Scion, the young female warrior prominently featured in promotional materials, to take a leading role alongside Rtas 'Vadum. I'm glad that wasn't ultimately the case. This was definitely intended to be Rtas and the Prelate's Journey first and foremost. At the very least we were treated to a very respectful depiction with the Scion of a female Sangheili charging headfirst into a male-dominated occupation.

Rtas remarks upon ancient lore describing the daughters of their past Kaidon who rebuked all marriage propositions. Instead these daughters rightfully claimed their keep and lived out the remainder of their lives under siege from warring houses. Tul has a younger brother who with male primogeniture, of course, has the legal right to succeed his father and older brothers as Kaidon. She protects her little bro from the wrath of the Prelate in the beginning but in the end doesn't allow herself to become a political tool for him to marry off. That's my girl! She is given a commission by Rtas 'Vadum to join the Swords fleet which is ultimately approved by the Arbiter who in-turn intends to help break down the "old ways." Yay SpaceFeminism!

Oh, using the cosmos herself as a weapon against Shadow of Intent to make up for a light cruiser's serious disadvantage was an absolutely brilliant depiction of naval combat. Loved the almost old-timey display of boarding that was almost like swinging on a rope Jack Sparrow-style. The Prelate utilized his ship's crude escape pods as infiltration craft. That was awfully risky, and while predictable, really displayed the formidable the Prelate officers could have bearer down on an opponent.

What did y'all think?