Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

Mandalore William Bishop stood at the dias, more than a bit nervous. He could kill a man in a ship; had obviously done so, and often. But he was scared witless of speaking in public. John Cabot had been a natural, though usually drunk.

He cleared his throat and began to speak to the black-tuniced audience.

"Warriors, Alor'ads, and honoured Consuls, Sa Jors'ta Kanunca"

I have an announcement, translated from something that sounded Mandalorian. Ish. John Cabot, it was recalled by many in the audience, had had an even worse accent.

"There are three here today who are being granted the rank of Alor'ad."

He paused for effect.

"Daikiin Vaar, Lena Goodmen, and Gavin Owens!"

Daikiin Vaar, son of parents who had survived the Mandalorian Exodus, but never told their son his true heritage. A chance encounter with the Mandalore and Consuls in New York resulted in his entry to the fold.

Lena Goodmen, sister of a decorated Bretonian Armed Forces pilot, and a hell of a good one herself.

Gavin Owens, ex-IMG, rescued by Mandalorians from a brutal ambush, he joined his rescuers, having lost all his wingmen and coworkers.

They came to the dias one by one, and received the simple insignia that designated "Alor'ad"; leader of men.

"I have a further promotion."

The crowd was still murmuring.

"To the rank of Consul, Dha Piruna."

The crowd went deathly still.

Duraanir Solus spoke first, after an uncomfortable pause.

"Honoured Mandalore, there are already three Consuls. Will one be challenged by Dha Piruna?"

A very concerned looking Dha Piruna was looking intently at the Mandalore, his expression communicating 'William, what the HELL are you doing?'

There were only ever three Consuls, to balance the power of the Mandalore. What William was doing was an unprecedented break with tradition. He'd have been better off suggesting fucia uniforms.

The Mandalore looked over the crowd, then spoke firmly.

"There have only ever been three Consuls, because deep in the past, very far away, another Mandalore decided that there would be three."

He took a breath. You could hear a pin drop.

"I am now Mandalore, and I have decided I want four. I want Dha Piruna, most senior of the Alor'ad. He was Consul before, and he shall be again."

There was a great deal of tension in the room as William continued.

"Mandalorians, look around you! Those of the original bloodline fly beside Bretonians, Libertonians, and others born in Sirius. I myself am Bretonian! Change is upon us, and we are not what we once were."

"We are better!"

Dha Piruna stood slowly, smiled, and began to applaud slowly, then louder, and faster.

The rest followed suit, till the walls shook.

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