Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

The Mandalore stood before his assembled pilots.

"Today", he began, "we honour one of our men with a promotion that is well deserved."

He drew the simple insignia of the Alor'ad from his pocket and gestured towards one of the men in the front row.

"Kanricko Kadem is now Alor'ad; 'leader of men'."

Kanricko came forward and took his insignia and placed it on his simple black Mandalorian tunic, smiling proudly.

The others in the audience applauded loudly. After a while, William gestured for silence.

"It was not difficult to decide to promote Kanricko." he said.

"What was difficult was to decide to promote nobody else at this time. So many warriors are so close to being ready to be Alor'ad, that I could not pick and choose among you."

He paused. "Ultimately, I decided to be prudent and wait longer. Not for lack of some of you deserving promotion; rather, our organisation does not need too many leaders at this time; and there were too many worthy pilots to choose from."

"Know this: I am proud of our fleet and all the dangerous work you do."

"And your excellance shall continue to be well rewarded!"

William listened to the cheers, and knew that there was little this fleet could not do, if the will be there.

The will, and the money. Of course.

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