Words Left unspoken

Satele Shan Main Compound

Daleem

Two days after the invasion of Daleem

Syltri playfully swatted at Mako’s hand, purring as the Quaestor scratched behind her ear in response. The day was just breaking over the Satele Shan base as Alethia walked up to the statue of Solari where Henymory and the Loth-cat sat. The large stone slab with the names of the fallen towered over the statue, its presence both a somber reminder of New Tython as well as a way to honor their brothers and sisters who payed the ultimate price.

“There had better be a good reason why you called for a full assembly of the House and Strike Force at this ungodly hour,” the woman’s voice was strained with exhaustion.

“There is, still not recovered from the soiree with Hoth?” The Krath’s question only earned him a dirty look from the Aedile.

“You left me with a pile of paperwork to complete on my own! Most of it still unsubmitted as it requires your signature,” Alethia’s face turned into a scowl as she observed Mako’s well rested and relaxed posture. The man simply held up a single finger, stifling the Aedile’s continued ravings.

“There is a good reason for that as well. I have a feeling that those documents will be submitted before midday. Now look sharp the troops are arriving,” the Quaestor spoke slowly as he pointed behind his second. Aleitha composed her face as she spun on a heel, storming off to her place in front of the formation.

The platoon leaders conducted head counts as the final stragglers arrived, taking their positions once their platoons were assembled. The Jedi stood together in a loose formation, wondering what fresh hell their Quaestor had devised for them today.

“ATTENTION!” Alethia yelled as the heels of her boots clacked together. A loud snap sounded as the assembled followed suit.

“Sound off!” Her voice echoed with authority, behind her Mako simply smiled, the Aedile’s tone soothing his last remaining doubts.

“All present, Ma’am!” The senior leaders replied one after another.

Mako slid of the statue's pedestal, Syltri jumping onto her spot upon the Quaestor's shoulder. As he approached the formation Alethia snapped a perfect salute.

“All present, Sir,” the Aedile repositioned herself beside the Quaestor after he returned her salute. Together the two simply looked out over their assembled forces. Mako’s eyes closed for but a second as he took a deep breath.

“Good morning, Satele Shan. I have gathered you here this morning to speak but a few words to you.” Those gathered waited in anticipation, some inwardly prayed their leader was not about to stuff them into a drop pod again. Mako let the silence last for a moment, a mixture of emotions playing inside.

“Know that I am proud of you. Over my many years I have never been so honored as to have had the opportunity to serve with each and every one of you. To have been given the privilege of leading you into battle, and watching you return safely. The monument behind me serves as a reminder to those we have lost along the way. It is also testament to the fact that we are still here, as strong as ever. I entrust each and everyone of you to live up to their legacy, to bring them honor, and so I issue to you this last general order. Live to honor them, fight to protect each other as they protected you, and most importantly uphold the standards of House Satele Shan in their stead.” The members of the House blinked, this was unlike the Mako they had grown to known.

“I wish you each the best, while I will remain I may not always be physically near to you. However you will all be near to me in my heart and mind.” The Quaestor took a step forward then one to the side. Turning to face Alethia he presented her with a data pad. The Aedile tentatively taking it into her hands, eyes scouring it quickly.

“You have command now, Quaestor,” Mako said loudly for the house to hear as he snapped a salute to his former second. “I know you are more than capable of handling them,” his voice was lower so only Alethia could hear as he dropped the salute. Henymory gave the speechless Archenksova a quick hug then walked away. A pack floating to him as he passed the memorial, Gwen waiting for him in the distance a stick firmly in hand.

This is not the end

Hello Satele Shan. It has been a fun run as your Quaestor, however I bring to you today my resignation. Real life has been eating away at my time as of late and I made the decision to step down willingly a few weeks ago after consulting with Turel. Look for a posting for applications to be made soon. I am very proud of each and every one of you. There are many words that I could say, but I think one little gem from my leadership philosophy will have to surfice.

A good leader will recognize when it is time to step down, do not stay longer in a position than you can be useful to it. Actively train your potential replacements to handle the demands of your position so that when it is your time to step down you can do so knowing that those you lead will be in good hands.

I am very proud of each and every one of you. Thank you for allowing me to have the distinct privilege of being your Quaestor.

Mako Henymory

Former Quaestor, Satele Shan