BAF Promotions Ceremony

[pbrione]

It was a low key affair, the parade deck of the Derby was lined with officers from across the BAF, from where they would soon depart back to active service. Under present conditions having officers brought off active duty to New London would be too costly, but the Fleet Admiral was determined to make a good show of it nonetheless.

The recently made Commodore Hobart stood proudly at the Fleet Admiral's side aboard his new flagship, along with a handful of other senior officers on a raised platform, lined with blue and red bunting. Occasionally junior officers would dart to and from the platform, whispering details to the Commodore and Admirals of the ongoing skirmishes of nearby squadrons with Kusari patrols outside, and returning with instructions to the bridge.

As the band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines ended their display and marched off to the back of the great room, Fleet Admiral Nelson stepped forwards to address the select group of officers.

"Brave servicemen and women of the Bretonian Armed Forces. Today, once again, the time has come to recognise and reward the acheivements of several outstanding officers. But first, let us give a brief moment to remember that many of those promoted today are replacing other, equally brave and outstanding officers, many of whom have given their lives in defence of our great nation. We recognise their sacrifice and are united in our determination that it shall not be in vain."

He paused briefly for a moment of reflection, before continuing on, "Now on to our promotions. Firstly, to the rank of Captain, Jacob Carter. I ask Commodore Hobart to do the honours."

Newly Captain Carter stepped smartly forwards onto the platform to considerable applause and received his insignia and ceremonial sword reflecting his new status as a Senior Officer from the Commodore with a friendly smile, before turning to salute the Fleet Admiral and other assembled flag officers.

"Promoted to the rank of Commander, Roland Gilead and Robert Jones." More applause as the 2 young men received their insignia, Gilead already proudly displaying his DSC on his uniform.

"Promoted to -" the Fleet Admiral was briefly interruped as a junior officer hurried up behind him and whispered something in his ear. Nelson paused for a moment and muttered something back, to which the officer resonded, hurrying towards the command deck of the Derby. Commodore Hobart and another pair of officers stepped down from the platform and walked quickly after him. Nelson turned back to his audience and resumed, "Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Sipher Rockwell and Boris McDonald."

The two new Lieutenant Commanders proudly marched up to the front and were handed their insignia by Admiral Redmond, who had stepped forwards after Commodore Hobart's departure, frowning slightly. He shook the hands of the 2 new fighter wing leaders and muttered some words of either congratulations or advice, masked by the sounds of the applause from the assembled forces.

"Finally," Nelson continued, "promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Jay Clark, Adam Peacecraft and John Everyman." The young officers stepped up nervously yet eagerly as Admiral Redmond presented them with their Lieutenants' commissions. They saluted the Admirals and stepped back.

"Officers of the Bretonian Armed Forces, regardless of rank or title, you are all deserving of great praise for your dedication to the defence of our great nation in these dark and difficult times. Her Majesty, Queen Carina, has personally asked me to convey to you her deepest admiration for your bravery, skill and sacrifices. Each and every one of us has sworn an oath to defend Bretonia and the Crown from all her foes, a duty to which we must hold ourselves every day. Yet this task is not merely a duty. It is an honour. Officers of the Bretonian Armed Forces, I salute you!" he raised his hand in salute of the massed ranks of assembled forces, and behind him the other flag officers followed suit.

No flypast had been scheduled for this onboard-ship ceremony, but as the event drew to a close the great windows along the starboard side of the ship were suddenly illuminated as a KNF scout fighter streaked past in the middle-distance, pursued by 2 Templars. Shuddering from the Derby indicated the great guns of the battleship turning to fire. The Kusari fighter exploded with a blinding flash and debris hurtled out past the Derby. The men cheered. Nelson smiled and exchanged a brief glance with Admiral Redmond. There was a war to be won. And by god they would win it.

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Sir Stanley Nelson




<span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning </span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>