Admiral Arimov sighed. It was going to be a long day. He straightened his uniform and beret, smoothed his medals, and mentally prepared himself for the task ahead. Sibley, I definitely hope you're ready for this. Remember, it was I that signed that letter of recommendation.
Yes, sir. I appreciate your faith in me, Admiral. I hope I'm ready for this as well. The Valkyrie will be my first time in the captain's position, sir. Sibley was nervous. He had commanded ground troops for most of his military career, and he had served aboard the Valkyrie for the past six months. It had been the Admiral's ship up to this point, but he was retiring from active duty today and being transferred to a more routine command position aboard the Titan I. It was an exciting day for the both of them. He was getting his first ship, and the Admiral was getting the most prestigious position in all of the Confederate Navy. Jason had never seen Admiral Arimov so nervous. It barely showed, but he seemed like he might run away screaming if any more stress was put upon him. It was going to be an interesting day.
Councilman Victors watched as the two soldiers were led into the room by one of the Council's pages. As they walked forward, the two men had to raise their heads slightly for their eyes to remain on the High Council on the platform above. He nodded to them, smiling, before returning to his more serious official demeanor. When they reached the edge of the ceremonial platform, they both saluted in perfect form. The Council spoke in unison. "Admiral Samuel Arimov, today you receive a very prestigious command. Today, you recieve the flagship of the Confederate fleets. Today.. You receive the Titan. The Council stood, causing all in attendance to rise. Admiral, do you understand and accept this honor?
Samuel Arimov was stiff as a board in the most perfectly performed attention of his life. "Honorable Council, I fully understand the responsibility and honor that comes with this position, and I vow to uphold the respectability and values that the Confederacy now expects of me. I gladly and gratefully accept the position. One of the senior staff of the Council came down to meet Arimov. He bore a small ebony box that he opened when he was at the Admiral's side. In it was the small, yet significant seven pointed star of the High Admiral's position. The man slowly pinned it to his chest.
Again, the Council spoke in unison. High Admiral Samuel Arimov, you have now recieved the seven pointed star of the Confederate Fleets. One star for every fleet under your command. Though the medal is small, the responsibility it represents is immense. We wish you luck the journey ahead.
The now High Admiral Arimov bowed before the council, pivoted, placed a reassuring hand on Sibley's shoulder, and left the room.
"Lieutenant Commander Jason Sibley, please step forward. Lt. Commander, your service record speaks more than any volume ever could of your merit. Today, you receive the command of the Valkyrie. The Valkyrie shall be the face of the Confederacy to the rest of the galaxy. Lt. Commander, your actions will be the mouth of our entire civilization. You will be given free reign to do as you please, to represent the Confederacy to the best of your ability. Today, you not only receive a ship. No, today you receive something more. After this ceremony, you will be officially a member of the Lancers, the Confederacy's most elite and powerful organization. You will be one of three members. Do you understand and accept these responsibilities?
Yes, High Council. I understand that, to the rest of the Confederate systems, my word will be law. I understand that my actions will be upon what the rest of the galaxy judges the Confederacy. I also understand that I will be observed, and my actions will be rewarded or punished by my choice. I understand the great responsibilities of the position, and I would be greatly honored to accept it.
A woman descended the steps. This was not a staff member of the council, however. This was Lt. Torin Garrison, a career marine, like him, who was to be the one to give him his medal. He respected and trusted Torin, and he had requested that she be the one to perform the duty. The Council had allowed it, and here she was. She marched forward, the little ebony box clasped tightly in her hands. Sibley fought back a smile. He had never seen her lose her cool, commanding aura, and yet here she was, as nervous as he was. She stepped forward and opened the box. The medal inside was bigger than the one the Admiral had been given, because it was not only a medal, but a badge of service. As Torin placed the medal on his chest, she smiled slightly, not enough to where the council would see, but enough to where Sibley could see she was happy to see him. As she stepped back, the High Council spoke. "Lt. Commander Sibley, we offer you congratulations on your promotion to the Lancers, and we wish you luck for the task set before you. Remember that you now not only represent the Confederate military and the troops under your command, but the whole of the Confederacy. We hope that you will keep that in mind as you set about your duties."
With that, Lt. Commander Sibley, now an honored Lancer, pivoted and left the chambers.
|