Bretonian Armed Forces Defense Intelligence Staff (DIS) (iRP) (AO)

[Dieter Schprokets]

The Fleet Admiral regarded the shackled, humbled man before him.

He had no patience for this sort of thing.

Lieutenant Dirus Taine looked exhausted, but still proud. Clearly a principled young man. Principles could be dangerous in battle.

He spoke briefly.

"I have seen the evidence. You may have acted in a desire to save a life, but when orders are issued to engage, disobedience is not an option. There can be no pacifists in the field. However well intentioned, you were insubordinant. You will be taken to Newgate for a fortnight, and once your time is served, you will return to duty with this dishonourable mention in dispatches."

He paused and regarded the young pilot from aside.

"You are aware that I have reinstated the practice of Tazer-flogging?"

The young lieutenant was not. He blanched.

"You will suffer that once upon incarceration, and once upon release."

The Fleet Admiral nodded to the guards, who took him away.

Field Court Martials were brutal, efficient, and, under the War Measures Act, completely legal. They were not, however, the Fleet Admiral's favourite pastime. Distasteful.

Were Bretonia not in need of every pilot she had, he would have ordered the young man's execution, principled or no. Order had to be upheld at all costs.

But now, instead, that pilot would have obedience seared into his flesh. And then he would be returned to the field as soon as possible.

Brutal times. Brutal means.

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