Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

The Mandalore stood before the assembled pilots, and gave the command to stand at ease.

"Mando-a, RA-CIR!"

He strode back and forth as he spoke.

"Today we honour two Warriors by elevating them to the rank of Alor'ad."

He stopped, looked at one man in the front row, and grinned at him

"Jacek Aspen, come forward and receive your insignia. You are now Alor'ad, 'Leader of Men'"

Jacek came forward, took his simple rank insignia and pinned it on his black tunic. He saluted sharply, then took the forward place of the Alor'ad, before his squad.

The Mandalore then paced to the other side of the assembled warriors, and stopped in front of a young lady.

Who had a cat in her arms.

He looked at her and smiled.

"You too my lady.", was all he said. Her name was not generally known, but the young eccentric with the love of felines was a damn good pilot and squad leader, and the Mandalorians rewarded results, and cared not about quirks.

She came forward, took her rank insignia quietly, and took her place at the front of the ranks.

The Mandalore dismissed the pilots, to roaring applause.

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