Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

Mandalore Bishop waved the young pilot in, and asked him to sit down.

Reiner Hatsau did so.

The Mandalore stood up, looked the man in the eyes and spoke slowly.

"You have been working for us for three days. You have downed 16 targets, albeit assisted by the Bretonian Armed Forces."

Reiner nodded. "If it is not enough...."

William laughed aloud.

"Not ENOUGH?!? NOT ENOUGH?!?!? If I had a dozen more like you, we'd be the richest men in Sirius!"

Reiner nodded slowly, his modesty, though sincere, utterly comical under the circumstances.

"Well, sir, I do not like to lose. That's all. And I suppose I can fly and fight well. Always could."

The Mandalore looked speechlessly at his man. He shook his head and muttered. "I suppose."

He sat down at the desk and began to open a very old box which lay on the table. He drew out a short, cold grey blade and held it in his hands.

"It is a Murcyur, an original. It is ancient. The metallurgy is utterly forgotten. There are metals in this blade that are almost impossible to find in Sirius. It is a Warrior's blade." He looked on the weapon fondly.

He held it out to the Warrior, curved handle first, and gestured to him to stand.

"Performance such as yours simply must be rewarded, and rewarded well. The blade is yours. Guard it carefully."

The young pilot took the blade with awkward thanks, and balanced it in his hands. It was extraordinarily light, and sharp.

The Mandalore spoke again. "I have not seen fighting like this for some time. Dha Piruna did indeed achieve this sort of professional skill, and Ranov'la Aran as well. But they were seasoned pilots."

He sat, then smiled.

"I have never fought that well. Even at my peak, which I fear is behind me. Now I usually just drive this desk.." He laughed wryly.

"You it seems, are just getting started."

Reiner again said his thanks, but was clearly taken aback by the generousity of the gift. Understanding his awkwardness, the Mandalore dismissed him. As Reiner left the room, the Mandalore said some parting words. "Keep it up, son. You will go far."

Very far indeed.

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