As it happened, my judo and swordplay partner came to visit me a few times, every time more charming, fitter, and keener. I had to apply to my commanding officer, Major-General Sterkz, for the permission for her to stay, and eventually we had to formalise our situation. Alexandra, M-G Sterkz, was sympathetic (“You can’t stay there without a close companion, we are not at war, and even so…”)
From then on, Sophia, my companion, and my adjutant Maria, became my close circle. I had feared that Maria would object to Sophia’s claim, but in reality they got on straightaway as two old friends.
One morning, as we set out for our daily run, Sophia asked me: “What makes a good leader?” I let Maria answer first, she knew a thing or two about both good and bad ones.
“A good leader”, said Maria,”is one who directs, without her people realising they are directed: for them, they make the right decisions, she merely helps them avoid false short-cuts.”
Sophia asked me if I agreed. I said that I did: true leadership is hardly visible. Maria slapped me in the back, and nearly sent me rolling in the snow. For some reason we extended our run. It was bitterly cold. We ran along the whole perimeter, some fifteen kilometres. The hot showers afterwards never felt so good.
<< Marcus 3
Leave a Reply