If real life forced me to resign the position of Grand Master tomorrow, there is not a single person who I would feel more comfortable with having take over my role than Kir Katarn. It hasn't always been that way -- three months ago I would have told you that Kir had some huge shoes to fill in replacing Mav. Today, I can tell you that Kir has demonstrated that he can fill that role of Deputy Grand Master, and that he is competent and resourceful enough to lead the Brotherhood on his own should it come to that.

That's really all that needs be said: Kir has proven himself as Deputy Grand Master. But who can stop there?

This isn't the first time that Kir has shown his abilities in such a fashion. In Taldryan, Kir, relatively unproven at the time, took a clan that was on the verge of losing its prominence and re-instituted the pride and dominance that had been prevalent years earlier. I will be the first to admit that Kir was a better Consul than I was. He won't yet get his chance to out-do me at Grand Master, but he has definitely proved that he was the man to choose for Deputy Grand.

Working with Kir is different than it was to work with Mav, though in many ways it feels the same. Both had an immense understanding of people and communication. Each was willing to step into the areas of the Brotherhood that needed their immediate attention and fix the problems that I simply could not get to. Kir, like Mav, intensely cares about doing things the right way and wants to have a lasting impact on the Brotherhood.

The stark difference between the DGMs has come in their advisory role. Whereas Mav kept me patient and always had a cautious approach to change, Kir is always pushing my limits. What I have found is that the personalities have fit the times very well; today we need some change and Kir is the right man to help me bring it forth. I appreciate his candor, his willingness to work through problems and his attention to detail.

The true brunt of this award comes tonight from Kir's work with Clan Plagueis. Although many disagreed with the decision to have Kir step in as temporary Consul, I think the writing is on the wall that his time there has been successful. The lists and lists of projects accomplished, the successful tapping of an excellent Proconsul, the training of a good base of leadership to keep the clan running -- these are things that were necessary for the Clan's survival, and Kir had the drive and experience to bring it. As his time there comes to an end, I think it is only right to thank him for what he has done.

I am looking forward to seeing what Kir will bring to the table next. He is a committed leader and we make a great team. It is an honor to have him as my Deputy.

Kir, as an acknowledgement for your extraordinary service in the final months as Taldryan Consul and your first three months as Deputy Grand Master, I hereby award you with an Emerald Dagger.

Congratulations!

Grand Master Jac Cotelin