**

The Grand Audience Chamber of Gladius was filled with all of Gladius, all of its members waiting on the Chamber floor awaiting the arrival of the Consul, the Proconsul and the Quaestor. The Roll Master, Archpriest Kodiak Tonaloc stood on the raised dais at the head of the room.

Two of the Acolytes opened the double doors from where the House and Clan Summit Leaders would come from at the sound of a loud boom, someone beating on the door from the other side. The Summit leaders entered, the Consul followed closely by Proton, who was softly conversing with Gladius' Quaestor to his side. The Summit leaders all mounted the dais, the Roll Master nodding slightly to each of them. The Clan Summit leaders stood off to the side next to Kodiak, and the Quaestor moved to the front of the dais, raising his hands slightly, just a moment only, and was given silence by his House.

**

Greetings, faithful members of Gladius. This meeting has been quite some time in coming, but the word is truly ready to be given. The time of naming the new Aedile of Gladius is at hand. I must first express my thanks to those who expressed interest in serving our House as Aedile. In the future, I know of one member in particular whom I can see at the head of this House. The Dark Side is pleased with your progress and intentions, and I forsee you will be greatly rewarded.

DJK Hades, Tetrarch of the phyle Wizards of the Crypt, step forward, and join us on this dais.

**

The members of the House watched as Hades moved out from among them and slowly mounted the steps of the dais, coming to stand behind the Quaestor, slightly to the right of the Clan Summit leaders.

**

After the long process of meditating, searching my rage for the will of the Dark Side, I have finally made the choice. DJK Hades has been asked to fill the position of Aedile, and has been elevated to the necessary rank of Dark Jedi Knight. I ask for your support of this choice, as we endeavor to maintain the strength and unity of this great House. I present to you, Gladius, your new Aedile, DJK 'Doc' Hades.

As Hades is now the Aedile, that will also necessitate him vacating his position as Tetrarch among the Wizards. He will still maintain his membership in the phyle, but the Wizards will require another of their number rising to fill his former position. I will not set a date, but I would ask that any who wish to fill the position send an application to Hades and myself.

That is all I will mention at this time Gladius. It is still Christmas Eve in my time zone as I write this, but I am sure many of you will find yourselves in Christmas Day at the earliest when you read this. I hope the holidays are bringing only happiness and health to you and yours.