Advancement

© 2019 by Walter Reimer


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The reviews, interviews, test and assessments had all been completed and transmitted to the relevant regional office of the Support Department, where they had been read and approved. An endorsement was added to her commanders’ recommendations, and the Fleet had countersigned it.

There remained only one formality.

“Dalfor!” Subcaptain v’Tal, the Kith’s Command-Second, barked.

The crew and officers of the patrol cruiser came to attention, tails held high, in the public park area of Downtime Station. It had been Captain k’Jen’s idea to wait until the next time the ship reached the station, which meant that the ceremony had been delayed for several days. A holocamera gleamed, indicating that the proceedings were being recorded for later transmission to Varan’s friends and family.

“Gorwan Varan g’Raf has been authorized to advance in rank to Subcommander,” the Gartabin said in a carrying tone, “approved by Fleet Command. Gorwan, step forward.” As the vir stepped out of the ranks, a rating bearing the silver and gold flag of the Empire moved to meet her. She stopped at attention before the Captain, reaching out with her right hand to grasp the banner in a firm grip.

He saluted, left hand over right breast to display his rank, and she followed suit. The inward-pointing silver chevrons on her sleeve had a stylized silver image of a warship added to them. “Recite the oath, Nurdorwant,” k’Jen said.

Varan said, “By my name and on my honor, I swear to serve faithfully, to lead wisely, and to fight bravely. Let the Emperor’s enemies fear my claws.”

K’Jen smiled. “Congratulations, Subcommander.”

The rest of the crew gave a loud cheer, and after they quieted the Command-Second announced that the new-promoted officer would be assigned to the ship’s Weapons Division. She then dismissed the gathering with the news that the park had been reserved for a party, getting additional cheers.

Varan smiled happily as friends came up to congratulate her personally for her promotion. A copy of the recording would be sent to Meredith, and she couldn’t wait to hear her reaction.