Turning True Blue

[Markam]

John took a moment to sift through a pile of folders located on the right hand side of the coffee table between himself and the Commander, pulling out a red folder with the words 'Plan E' handwritten, likely by someone not the Admiral on the cover. "Hall, take this folder, open it, and read it carefully." Johns had taken on the most serious of tones, as if he was handing a medal of honour to a pilot before a mission in which he would earn it.

Inside the document contained the following bullet point overview of the contents, with more details listed in respective sections:

Plan E

This document outlines Plan E, a succession plan to be implemented under circumstances which make it a necessity. This file is to be handed to the candidate for thorough reading, so that they can fully understand the role with which they are being offered.

1. Effective Command of the Battlegroup Stirling, while nominally remaining under Admiral John Redmond due to rank requirements, will fall to candidate E, aka Elizabeth Hall, serving MP for Port Jackson and active service member of the BAF at the Rank of Commander.
   
2. Commander Hall will be promoted, at the earliest opportunity to Captain, with continual evaluation, based on performance as de facto CO of the Stirling for a further promotion to Commodore, to see full command of Stirling pass to Hall and entry into the Admiralty Board.
   
3. Commander Hall will report directly to Admiral John Redmond, and consult on matters both military and civilian, as Stirling command contains a substantial role in the development and security of Planet Gran Canaria, following the annexation.
   
4. Commander Hall will uphold to the highest standard the role of Stirling CO, maintaining the standing of the BAF to both civilian and military parties, any misconduct will be handled via tribunal.
   
5. Commander Hall will move into the Chateau d'or commander center, maintaining close contact with the Stirling while directing forces from the planet-side command infrastructure.
   
6. Commander Hall should recognize that the strategic weakness of the Stirling is an issue, and the Admiralty has taken the above step of localizing the command structure planet-side, so as to ensure continued resistance to hostile forces even in the circumstance that the Stirling is incapacitated. Commander Hall will endeavor to ensure that the Stirling does her duty even in the face of poor odds, at the very least removing the ability of enemy forces to siege the planet. Reports on the strategic and tactical situation the BAF is in are enclosed.
   
7. The planet has been readied for any circumstance, and reports detailing preparations are enclosed so that Commander Hall is aware of what to do in different scenarios, Commander Hall's responsibilities include continued resistence on the planet surface, regardless of the status of her charge.
   
8. Commander Hall recognizes that civilian, economic development are part of her responsibilities, and will endeavor to facilitate trade deals, commercial projects, upgrade of space infrastructure and any pertinent issue for the entire system of Omega-49.
   

Necessary files are enclosed to thoroughly outline each point listed herein, to articulate effectively what they mean.

"Essentially I, and by extension the Admiralty, are offering you the Stirling in all but name. You will nominally report to me, but I will afford you as much independence as is realistic. You will need to make on the spot decisions, I assure you. The command of the Stirling is not just the command of the Stirling. You are responsible for this entire planet and the forces that defend it. The document will list the activities I have engaged in during my tenure, and a lot more, and you can attempt to build on them.
Should you accept, you will need to get used to this Chateau, Commander, you will be spending a great deal more time in it. If you wish time to consider, and have no questions as of now, I will have Margery take you to some quarters for you to delve into the contents. Give me your decision tonight, I will have a dinner arranged." John attempted to summarize what the document intended to say, to make sure it was absolutely clear what was being offered to Elizabeth.

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Markam is evil