Würzburg III was the largest Rheinwehr-controlled building complex on Stuttgart, its unique shape resembling a sun was the home for most of the defense forces of the planet, including the crew of the Battleship Karlsruhe. The numerous barracks, garages and control towers were now unusually empty, save for the heavily armed guards responsible for guarding the establishment. Most of the personnel gathered in the central yard, which was now re-decorated to give shelter for a classy promotion ceremony.
Flags and icons of strength and power were put all over the walls, the dawning sun composed an eerie montage with the green of the Rheinwehr uniforms worn by about two hundred of the Rheinwehr's finest, standing in lines for the ceremony. A podium was erected in the middle of the yard, on it stood several former and current Rheinwehr commanders of high esteem, including Admiral Alec Voelkel, Gunther Rall, Hans Putzkammer, Ludwig Meyer and Malexa Malte. In the middle of the podium, a microphone booth was placed, at which Bundestag politician Siegfried Heilner was just finishing his speech.
The audience remained silent once he was done, applause had no place during a military ceremony. As he stepped away from the loudspeakers, he nodded towards Admiral Alec Voelkel, now an aging man covered by almost as many wrinkles as decorations.
Not even the slightest notion of nervousness was shown by the Admiral, unlike the time when he assumed command of the Rheinwehr a considerable time ago. He now was determined, straight and steady, knowing his time has come
He stepped to the microphones and spoke with a deep, inspiring voice.
"Soldiers! Officers! Comrades!
For centuries now, we have stood side by side against whatever opposition the deepest reaches of space have thrown at us, often facing unimaginable odds or even enemies, but never crumbling, never giving up. Our Vaterland, our families remains secure thanks to the sacrifices we make daily, many of us have perished for a greater good, which is Rheinland and our homeland's integrity.
However... my time in this struggle is over. I have aged, I have been worn out by battle and the grip of bureaucracy alike, having spent decades within the service of Rheinland. Alongside you all, I have defeated many foes, saved many lives and lost many friends and comrades. A lot of you have seen me as someone often committing radical moves and making harsh decisions, but these are actions we all perform and must continue to do if we want our Heimat to persist against the impossible odds space throws at us.
To continue this struggle, examples must be set and leaders are needed. You all, any of you can raise to be an example of courage, determination and talent and become a leader, however I am no longer fit to serve as one. Time is advancing, and though the shadow of death is constantly above us, we must not disregard the call of aging and tiredness.
With that, I am now officially resigning from the Fleet Admiral position from the Rheinland Military; I am stepping aside and going to retirement to give room for a younger, more persistent and motivated officer, Major Ludwig Meyer.
Major Ludwig Meyer is taking full command of the Rheinland Kriegsmarine, and is now officially promoted to Fleet Admiral. Admiral Meyer, please step forward.
Meyer came out of the line of officers standing on the podium. Voelkel turned towards him, reflecting might and trust with his moves, yet maintaining an emotionless expression. He took down the badge representing his rank and position from Meyer's uniform, then from his own and placed the Flottenadmiral insignia he previously wore to the Major's Meyer's coat.
Finishing the process, he stepped back and saluted the new Fleet Admiral, Ludwig Meyer. The soldiers standing in the courtyard repeated the process, the entire Stuttgart garrison went to attention and did a perfect salute.
