First Centurion

First Centurion was an informal title of respect among the Centurions of the Order of Keltrayu.

The chronologically first Centurion was Keltrayu himself, appointed to the rank upon its creation in 87 ABY. Following his death at the Battle of Tizgo V in 101 ABY, he was held up as an eternal role model for all other Centurions and given permanent primacy over every other member of the Order.

However, many Novices came to desire a living role model as well, and over time the term "First Centurion" emerged as a way of designating the Centurion who was held in highest regard by other Centurions and considered the living embodiment of what a Centurion should be. No specific criteria were established for the designation, as it arose solely by general consensus, but the Prefect of the Order was considered ineligible, as he was in a command role and the First Centurion was viewed as a primus inter pares.

After Keltrayu's death, the Zaractok Aquila Corcer became the first "First Centurion", retaining the position until his death in 115 ABY. There was some dispute about who, if anyone, was worthy to succeed him, but Eskol Kaartinen emerged as a strong candidate when he and Rajj-Yo hunted down and killed Corcer's murderer, Zhin-Vel. Within a few years, respect for Kaartinen was universal and his status as First Centurion was unquestioned.

When Kaartinen became Prefect in 141 ABY, there was widespread debate about who should be the next First Centurion. The favored candidate, Tesshen Manytrek, had been killed during the invasion of Tenupe that sparked the Vagaari War, leaving most of the Order's members divided. Several other candidates died during The Tribulation, but Breek Zagrev emerged as a strong contender, especially given her successful command at the Battle of Shest Minor and her ability to lead well when leadership was asked of her or follow loyally when under another's command. Breek was also incredibly popular among her own troops and famous and respected throughout the Empire. By the end of the Vagaari War in 143 ABY, a clear majority of the Order held her as the next First Centurion. There was some objection to her holding the title when Rin Sakaros made her a Praetor indefinitely, as Praetorship was a command position, but this died down since "indefinite" was not the same as "permanent", and Breek herself was still subject to the command of the Prefect.

When Breek married Tariun Sakaros in 145 ABY and became royalty, however, her status as a level above the common Centurion became more firmly cemented and the Order again began to examine its members for a worthy successor. Both the Qua Te`net Organi and the Fyaar Vem were strong contenders against Breek's fellow Human, Aria Nikina. However, Aria was judged to have broader experience than Vem, and while Organi's experience was deeper still and decades longer, his agonizingly slow physical maturation worked against him, especially since it enabled Aria to outspar him.

Rin was aware of the First Centurion movement, and while she took pains to ensure that all Centurions considered Keltrayu their ultimate model, she had no objection to them choosing one of their own as an example as well. Rin herself (and both her Prefects) stayed entirely neutral in the debates about who should become First Centurion, trusting the Centurions to think and decide for themselves.