Letter from Ashra to the Party

To my esteemed comrades --
Before my resumption of what duties the party has seen fit to permit me to retain, I ask your indulgence in allowing me to speak my piece uninterrupted. In recognition of the favor which is done me by such indulgence, I will constrain myself to brevity. 
Meetings within our group and my personal study of the esteemed charter I assisted in writing at our company’s inception have clarified the post to which I return. There is a certain point upon which I wish the party to fully comprehend my view if we are to continue with success. My beloved predecessor, Ethan, was well-loved within the party, and settled matters largely by drawing on the esteem we gave him. Certainly an executive beloved by his command possesses an advantage, but this is not the aim of his position. The central aim of the station to which I return is as follows: to maintain the party as a harmonious group comprised of members who are alive/animate, safe, sane, and possessed as much as possible of their effects and dignities. Should our enemies act to deprive us of these things, it is mine to guide us to return them. It is also mine to direct us in our endeavors. Were I bound to act as will endear myself personally to everyone in our band, my office would be replaceable by popular vote. This would be disastrous, and is a restriction not present for my fellow officers. Certainly I must and shall restrain my personal feelings in my official capacity, but do not judge me harshly if I chastise those who put us at needless risk. Better a live party that hates Ashra the Puzzlesolver than a dead one which loves me. 
My enemies are numerous and cruel, and I am aware that their opposition is less enjoyable than Ethan’s simpler foes. Much as you may wish that with my removal we could be free of them, my brothers threaten both continents and all we each individually hold dear. I willlead us to seek what each of you need when it lies before us; do not deny me this for myself, and for all of us. I have pledged what remains of my short life and I risk my life, my mind, and all I have left on the hope that my mother’s will and my deeds can save all our peoples. Help me, and we will all live our lives as heroes. 
If Miss Maloch has not destroyed or discarded this text before reaching this point, my heartiest congratulations to her. 
-- AP
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