[h2][b]Vael 'Virisusai - Aboard the Assimilator[/b][/h2]

[hr]

Vael had to think quickly to adapt to the new threat. Most of the bridge crew did not have the positions or equipment necessary to survive long against them, so currently, these new opponents were the greatest threat to them. He fired on one of the cyborgs with his plasma rifle as soon as he had a clear shot, but the being dodged two of the projectiles, and used his sword to attempt to deflect a third. A sword could not [i]redirect[/i] a bolt of superheated plasma, but it did disrupt the magnetic containment. The projectile split apart in the air, which still sent superheated plasma flying past the sword, but the cyborg’s armor seemed to be able to withstand the more diffuse heating. They were quick, their weapons close quarters, but deadly, and were obviously augmented beyond Human. However, the boarding team had numbers, and just needed the opportunity to land enough shots to defeat their armor. As one of the few among them with specialized skills in melee combat, Vael knew his role. 

Returning his plasma rifle to its magnetic holster, Vael drew his second energy sword and quickly activated the blade. As one of the cyborgs came from the lifts, dashing with impressive speed in an attempt to break through to the rear of their formation, towards the ODSTs, Vael leaped over their barricades to meet him halfway. “Spread out! Take multiple angles and coordinate focus fire.” Vael shouted back to the Humans behind him. 

Taking advantage of the longer reach of his energy swords, Vael intercepted the cyborg as he attempted to move past and forced a confrontation. The cyborg had speed and reactions, and whether or not he could actually match Vael for strength, his augmented body would ensure the Sangheili could not casually overpower him. But, as a master Sangheili swordsman, a recognized blademaster, there was one trait he could bring to bear that these half-mechanical thralls could not hope to match: experience. When Vael engaged, he thrust his blade from outside the cyborg’s reach, keeping his other sword close enough to his opponent to remain a threat, but close enough to himself for defense. Almost on instinct, Vael could tell based on his opponent’s current stance and momentum exactly what part of his body to target to force a defensive reaction most disruptive to an opposing offense, what counterattacks would be possible from his opponent’s next sword position, and how Vael could counter [i]that[/I] reaction. Between his finely-tuned understanding of swordsmanship and his ability to think ahead, Vael could be mistaken for a Jedi.