#pillars of command

[greenreticule]

Before she joined up with Zuka and Yayap, McKay often ran patrols on her own in the early mornings, earlier than most Guardians. She never thought she’d relish being reminded of bootcamp, but it gave her at least a little feeling of home.

[greenreticule]

In the Pillars of Command squad, McKay is forever muscling her way between her teammates, namely when Zuka tries to intimidate Yayap or Yayap gets dangerously drunk on his new abilities and power. Zuka likes to proclaim himself the squad leader, but it’s common knowledge among the Tower that it’s really McKay.

Though really, finding these two was a godsend for McKay. Even though they were on opposite sides of the war during their past lives, it helps to have people who know about the horrors of the Halo ring they found. People who understand that fear, exhaustion, and defeat of facing the Flood.

[greenreticule]

Guardian Zuka ‘Zamamee

It’s not entirely understood how these souls came into the world of the Traveler, or how the Light found them. All that we know is that they are here, with histories spanning thousands of different universes and worlds beyond what we can see. And we know that they are our Guardians.

VALHALLA DESTINY CHARACTER - ROUND 1

Zuka (Awoken // Titan)

Universe of Origin - Halo (The Flood)

Zuka is not one of my three player characters.

Zuka ‘Zamamee was downright insulted to have been reborn in a form that bore such a close resemblance to humans. He spent the first few minutes of his new life arguing with his Ghost over it while fighting Fallen with his bare hands and wresting their weapons from their grip. It is only after the Ghost started expounding on how Zuka was chosen to be a Guardian that his ego was sufficiently nursed and he agreed to bear the shame of this body for the sake of greater honor ahead.

Death and rebirth has weakened neither Zuka’s arrogance nor his abilities as a deadly warrior, but he doesn’t appear to understand that his status as a Sangheili Commander means little here. He often attempts to throw his weight around only to be knocked flat on his back. Nevertheless, he wins far more fights than he loses and ensures that everyone knows of his victories.

Despite their initial argument, his Ghost has no issue with Zuka’s arrogance and actually has some to match. The Ghost believed very adamantly that its Guardian would be the greatest Guardian in history, a destiny Zuka is more than willing to buy. Thus, the Ghost believes every inch of Zuka’s strut is well-earned, every iota of respect deserved, and every word from his mouth gold.

Though neither would admit it, strategy is ultimately their weak point. When they eventually join with a squad, Zuka and his Ghost agree between themselves (quite publicly) that they are deigning to help the others with their exalted leadership skills, as is proper with a Guardian code of honor.

Zuka is a part of the squad Pillars of Command.

[greenreticule]

Guardian Yayap

It’s not entirely understood how these souls came into the world of the Traveler, or how the Light found them. All that we know is that they are here, with histories spanning thousands of different universes and worlds beyond what we can see. And we know that they are our Guardians.

VALHALLA DESTINY CHARACTER - ROUND 1

Yayap (Awoken // Warlock)

Universe of Origin - Halo (The Flood)

Yayap is not one of my three player characters.

Though his kind was considered lowly cannon fodder in his former life, Yayap’s sharp mind made him a formidable, if short, Warlock when revived as a Guardian. A keen intellect and a stubborn survival streak has aided him well, and the memory of his people’s suffering makes him acutely critical of any form of oppression - individual or societal. This makes him prone to pick fights with anyone he perceives as an oppressor, be he wrong or right in his assessment.

The sudden shift from a relatively powerless Unggoy to a very potent Warlock means that Yayap, on occasion, gets drunk on his own abilities. This especially happens when in a fight with an oppressive individual, be they foe or Guardian, and tends to go overboard with his attacks and has to be talked down by his Ghost.

He and his Ghost get along very well, often making jokes together at the expense of individuals like the Queen and her brother. They tend to be so sarcastic and dry that even Cayde-6 has difficulty telling when they are joking. This has gotten them into several jams when people thought they were serious that they didn’t need back-up. Fortunately Ikora was quick to become well-versed in their tone, and the deadpan snark she has started to fire back is a bit unnerving to both Yayap and his Ghost.

Sass and a newly-developed “fite me” attitude aside, Yayap is very warm towards those he considers friends and very protective of new Guardians and anyone weaker than him.

Yayap is a part of the squad Pillars of Command.

[greenreticule]

Guardian Melissa McKay

It’s not entirely understood how these souls came into the world of the Traveler, or how the Light found them. All that we know is that they are here, with histories spanning thousands of different universes and worlds beyond what we can see. And we know that they are our Guardians.

VALHALLA DESTINY CHARACTER - ROUND 1

McKay (Human // Hunter)

Universe of Origin - Halo (The Flood)

One of my player characters, McKay is the one I headcanon out of my three who actually goes through the main storyline of destroying the Black Garden, killing Crota, etc.

It took Melissa McKay a while to regain her memories after being brought back. The first clue was when her Ghost interfaced with her, and she wondered if that was what it felt like for Chief and Cortana. Two names that seemed familiar in a distant manner, but for which she could find no context. The next memory was when her Ghost found her first weapon and vocally expressed a hope that she knew how to use it; she grinned and said, “Hell will grow cold before Lieutenant Melissa McKay ever forgets how to use one of these.”

McKay, she thought. My name is McKay.

Though other bits of her memory would filter in - she called Cayde-6 “Buck” and a “damn fine Helljumper” once for some reason - it wouldn’t fully return until she watched a Cabal get Taken for the first time. The name “Jenkins” fell from her lips and the world froze.

When she came back, brought to by her Ghost’s panicked conversation with Cayde and Eris over the comms, she found she was holding a primed grenade in her hand. With moments to spare, she cast it away and assured the worried trio that the episode had passed. Once back on the Tower, McKay agreed to therapy to help sort her restored memories, and her Ghost became trained to help her handle any flashbacks caused by the Taken.

Melissa McKay is known for thinking quick on her feet, devising and adapting strategies on the fly. She strikes a balance between professionalism and personability and makes it look easy. On the battlefield, she is a source of inspiration to many Hunters, new and veteran alike. Those that know her personally find her capable of incredible kindness and a sharp wit.

Though obviously unafraid of conflict, if McKay doesn’t believe she has a chance to change anyone’s mind on a topic, she won’t even try. This will lead her to complete dissociation from inter-personal situations or to unnecessary escalation, depending on how she judges the severity of the issue at hand.

Her Ghost has the nickname of Wellsley, due to McKay accidentally calling him such multiple times before she fully regained her memory. Also due to this, the Ghost has taken to using masculine pronouns. The two are very fond of each other, and he remains her closest confidant and the only one allowed to call her “Melissa.”

McKay is the leader of the squad Pillars of Command.