def authenticate(self, _=None):  # TODO: remove unused var
        '''
        Authenticate with the master, this method breaks the functional
        paradigm, it will update the master information from a fresh sign
        in, signing in can occur as often as needed to keep up with the
        revolving master AES key.

        :rtype: Crypticle
        :returns: A crypticle used for encryption operations
        '''
        acceptance_wait_time = self.opts['acceptance_wait_time']
        acceptance_wait_time_max = self.opts['acceptance_wait_time_max']
        channel = salt.transport.client.ReqChannel.factory(self.opts, crypt='clear')
        if not acceptance_wait_time_max:
            acceptance_wait_time_max = acceptance_wait_time
        try:
            while True:
                creds = self.sign_in(channel=channel)
                if creds == 'retry':
                    if self.opts.get('caller'):
                        # We have a list of masters, so we should break
                        # and try the next one in the list.
                        if self.opts.get('local_masters', None):
                            error = SaltClientError('Minion failed to authenticate'
                                                    ' with the master, has the '
                                                    'minion key been accepted?')
                            break
                        else:
                            print('Minion failed to authenticate with the master, '
                                  'has the minion key been accepted?')
                            sys.exit(2)
                    if acceptance_wait_time:
                        log.info('Waiting %s seconds before retry.', acceptance_wait_time)
                        time.sleep(acceptance_wait_time)
                    if acceptance_wait_time < acceptance_wait_time_max:
                        acceptance_wait_time += acceptance_wait_time
                        log.debug('Authentication wait time is %s', acceptance_wait_time)
                    continue
                break
            self._creds = creds
            self._crypticle = Crypticle(self.opts, creds['aes'])
        finally:
            channel.close()
Authenticate with the master, this method breaks the functional
        paradigm, it will update the master information from a fresh sign
        in, signing in can occur as often as needed to keep up with the
        revolving master AES key.

        :rtype: Crypticle
        :returns: A crypticle used for encryption operations