Feeling even more nervous than before, Keryn was escorted by a member of the honor guard down the aisle of the auditorium and to the stage, where she climbed the steps and took her seat facing the crowd. She couldn’t help but feel exceptionally vulnerable sitting on the stage, with so many people watching her. Even the few meager conversations that had been going on when she entered had died away. Scanning the crowd, Keryn’s eyes unintentionally fell on familiar faces. Sitting a few rows back, behind the rows of pilots — her future subordinates, Keryn had to remind herself — sat the former infiltration team of the Cair Ilmun. Yen and Adam sat side by side, talking to one another in low tones. Yen nodded to the comments the Pilgrim made, but his dark, unreadable eyes never left Keryn. Beside them, the rest of the team smiled comfortingly. Though she smiled weakly toward them, her eyes were drawn back to Yen and his piercing gaze. It felt as though his scrutiny was pulling her apart, peeling away her defensive layers until she was left exposed. Keryn wanted to find a place to hide, preferably far away from that critiquing look. Her concerns were quickly alleviated, though, as the doors opened once again at the back of the auditorium.
“Revolution Commander!” the guard yelled into the room.
As one, the people in the room rose to their feet and stood at the position of attention. They remained that way as the winged Captain Hodge made her way through the crowd. The Avalon Captain exuded an aura of command, something Keryn instantly recognized and yearned to emulate. When she had the time, Keryn would have to sit down with the Captain and learn her secrets.
Climbing the stairs, Captain Hodge called out to the audience in an authoritative tone. “Take your seats.”
As the audience sat, the Captain took her place behind the podium. “I would like to thank you all for taking the time to come to this ceremony during such difficult and trying times. I know that there remains much to be done within the Revolution, so it means that much more that you would be willing to be present for this promotion ceremony.
“Magistrate Riddell did not come to the Revolution that long ago. Going into the battle against the Empire, she was actually the most junior pilot in the Squadron. But in the face of war, we were all children. We were juvenile and immature to the difficulties that we would all confront. In those moments, when the horrors of war were cast before us, true leaders were forged from the flames of the plasma explosions erupting all around us.”
Captain Hodge looked affectionately toward Keryn, her words no longer directed at the audience. “There is an old phrase that says that leaders are not born, they’re made. Leaders learn from themselves, their superiors, their peers, and their subordinates. From conflict, they learn resolution. From pain, they learn compassion. From loss, love.
“For the first time since the signing of the Taisa Accord, you are taking control of a Squadron full of battle-tested pilots. You were selected because of the incredible accomplishments you have already performed. But I encourage you to never become complacent. Learn both your fortes and liabilities. Without understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, you can never learn of the strengths and weaknesses of your subordinates.”
Looking back at the audience, Captain Hodge continued. “My charge to Squadron Commander Riddell is to learn from all of you, but my charge to all of you is to envision yourself in her place. Understand and learn from her trials and tribulations. Once you realize the hardships that she must endure, you truly begin to appreciate the leaders appointed over you.
“Rarely have I met a more qualified, dedicated, and brave pilot as the one that I am promoting today. For that reason, along with a myriad of others, I am honored to be standing here, before you all, to promote Magistrate Riddell to the rank of Squadron Commander.”
Moving to the position of attention, the Captain’s voice carried through the room. “Publish the orders!”
As everyone rose to their feet once more, a narrator began reading the official orders that would promote Keryn from Magistrate to Squadron Commander. The responsibility felt daunting; she felt detached from her own mind as Captain Hodge walked to her side and pulled off her former rank, replacing it with the glistening wreath and decorations that signified her new one. When the Captain was done, she stepped to the side and the room erupted into clapping and cheers. Blushing slightly, Keryn walked sheepishly to the podium as the clapping died away and everyone took their seats.
Keryn cleared her throat as the room fell silent. “I struggled to find the words to express what this promotion meant to me. I thought of all those beside whom I fought during the battle. I thought of all those who sacrificed themselves so that we could be victorious against a determined and deadly enemy. I thought of Squadron Commander Garrix, my predecessor who was among those who died in the war. Somehow, words just didn’t seem to capture the depth of what I wanted to say.”
Scanning the crowd, she searched for the words to say. “I can’t say that I’m going to be the best. I’ve been told that I fought well in the battle and that’s why I’m standing here today. But fighting well when you’re by yourself behind the controls of a ship does not necessarily translate well into being a leader. I researched leadership attributes before coming here today. One of the items on the list said that you should never downplay your potential in front of your subordinates. But the truth is, I don’t know if I’m going to be a good leader. What I can guarantee is that I will do everything in my power to try to become the leader you all deserve. If I learned nothing else from this battle, it’s that I’m willing to sacrifice almost anything to accomplish my goal. Even if it means…”
Keryn paused as she caught Yen’s eye. She hadn’t even intended to look at him as she spoke, but her gaze had fallen on him inadvertently. She felt the swell of her affection for him and knew immediately what she needed to say next.
“I will do whatever it takes, even if it means sacrificing my personal relationships to ensure your safety. My job as Squadron Commander will always be my top priority and I will push aside any other trivial relationship to ensure that the relationship between Commander and pilot takes precedence.”
Looking away from Yen, Keryn addressed the rest of the crowd. “I thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to serving you all. Thank you.”
As she finished, the room once again was filled with cheers. She shook Captain Hodge’s hand as the clapping slackened and people began filing out the back door. Intentionally staying behind, Keryn struck up a conversation with the Captain, though she remembered little of what they said to one another. From the corner of her eye, Keryn watched Yen leave with Adam and the last of the audience departed. When she was sure they were gone, Keryn thanked Captain Hodge for her time and made her way out of the auditorium.
She had only made it a few paces past the door when she heard a voice behind her. “What the hell was that all about?” Yen asked, his voice edged with anger.
“You heard what I had to say,” Keryn replied without turning around. “I don’t think I could have made it much clearer.”
“No, it was quite clear. Everyone in the auditorium knew what you were talking about.”
Keryn turned around. Yen’s yellow skin was flushed with frustration. Saddened, Keryn regretted the obvious heartbreak she was putting Yen through, but she knew that she had to remain stoic in her decision.
“I have new priorities, Yen. I have pilots that are depending on me. I can’t keep wasting my time with a sidebar relationship when I have so many people expecting me to lead.”