Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

Mandalorians Dralshyar and Kandosii entered the spacious office to find the Mandalore regarding the stacks of paper on his desk with all the affection of a caged animal.

Gentlemen, PLEASE interrupt my paperwork. Or, maybe even kill me..

Please have a seat. Cabot gestured to the chairs in front of him.

The two men sat, and were apprehensive. Coming to see the Mandalore wasnt always a good thing. As a Kusari officer had recently discovered

The Mandalore got up, rubbed his eyes, and made his way to the picture window overlooking New London. He kept his back to his guests as he spoke, and while that act is considered rude, even arrogant, in most other cultures, to the Mandalorians being addressed in this way by a superior conveyed a very high level of trust, especially when the speaker wore no armor. The act meant I know you are loyal, and will not put a blade in my back.

So, these men knew they were here to receive good news, and became visibly relaxed.

Gentlemen the Mandalore continued, Luc McLoud has left us.

The mens shock was visible. McCloud had led the exodus to Sirius, led the Mandalorians to Bretonia, and then led them into disastrous war with the Union of Gold. Subsequently, he was deposed by John Cabot, the first Bretonian Mandalore. McCloud still held the rank of Admiral, a consequence of the strangely easygoing way the Mandalorians forgave former honourable enemies. To them, Civil War was just part of the business of changing governments. Like an election, but with bloody fighting, and fewer speeches.

We dont know where he is. We think he may have been assassinated. But there is no body. Another alternative is that he has joined the Blood Dragons. He has a special affection for them.

We may never know. In any case, I am down one Admiral, and that, Kandosii, is where you come in.

Kandosii looked up, startled. Cabot smiled, then continued.

Yes, Friend, its true. I didnt want to risk asking you, in case you said no, so Im just telling you, Admiral Kandosii. You have served us a long time, and you will be a better Admiral than you yourself believe.

The Mandalore continued, smiling and that means Im also now down one Commander, and.. well I think you get the idea, Commander Dralshyar. You execute a lot of contracts. I must say Im extremely pleased by that. Dont get to do as much fighting lately, myself. Ill live vicariously through you.

Now it was Dralshyars turn to be surprised, but neither of them had time to say anything but a murmured Thank you sir before Cabot terminated the meeting.

That is all, gentlemen. Go now to your duty. Dismissed.

And so they did.

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