[font=Palatino Linotype]All the pilots of the Rubicon got orders from Lieutenant Commander Swift to report to the tertiary port hangar to witness a ceremony of promotions and awards.
The men and women of the fleet were standing in line with eagerness and glow in their eyes, each hoping that this day he or she would be the one to get recognized for the hard work they were putting in and be bestowed the honor of rank.
The Lieutenant Commander walked lazily, but sternly into the hangar.
"Attention on deck!" - bellowed one of the senior officers there.
The line sucked in their gut, and saluted their officer.
Swift wove off their salutes with a twitch of his hand from his forehead, like he was chasing a fly away.
He coughed a bit, then proceeded to speak:
[color=#090]"Right then! Men and women of the Rubicon! Lately, there have been some more than splendid performances from all of our pilots around here, and we have seen the need to officially acknowledge some of them.
You are all working hard, doing your best to protect your homes, your friends, your families. And that will never be forgotten, nor will it be ignored now.
I am hereby bestowing promotions on the following!"
He reached into the inner pocket on the chest of his flight suit, and got a large paper with a gold threaded frame, and started reading out loud. "First Lieutenant David Curtis, callsign Theseus!
Let it be known from this day, that I, Lieutenant Commander Alexander Swift, do exercise my right and privilege of rank to bestow you the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
You have been of good performance throughout your career, and have had this a long time coming.
Congratulations, Flight Lieutenant! And make us proud!"
"Flight Lieutenant Jack Harper, callsign Dedalus! Approach!"
A young officer from the line raised his head a bit, his eyes gleaming with attemptedly concealed joy. He walked to The Lt Commander, saluted him, and stood firm in front of him.
"Flight Lieutenant Harper. You have done your duty, and went beyond the call of it on numerous occasions. Your record is as spotless as it can be, and I have personally witnessed many occasions in which your judgment was impeccable.
You have also proven yourself capable of giving your opponents a very hard time, and your skill of leadership is to boot.
I am hereby granting you the rank of Captain. You are now assigned your own wing to command.
Congratulations, Captain, and make us proud!"
After having bellowed out the previous sentences, the promoted officer scratching his ear which was buzzing a bit now, he pinned the Captain's shield on Harper's collar.
The Lt Commander then continued shouting out names, going through the list.
He reached the name of an officer in training.
"Lieutenant Second Grade Joseph Spectre! Approach!
For exemplary behavior and performance during your training at the Colonial Flight Academy, and having impressed sufficiently on your first combat assignment, I am hereby declaring you fit for active duty and graduated from the Academy.
Congratulations, Lieutenant Second Grade Spectre!"
With those words, he pinned the shining but lonely wing insignia on the collar of the new addition to the officer pool. Report later to the officer's lounge where we'll find a degrading callsign for you." - said the officer with a hint of a smile in the corner of his mouth.
"And last, but not least! Lieutenant First Grade Robert Grimme! Approach!
You have served the Fleet for a long time, with a spotless record.
I have found it fit to grant you the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Wear the tags with pride, and do not disappoint us!"
With those words he pinned the rank insignia on the Flight Lieutenant.
Right then! Diiismissed."
After uttering all those words, the Lieutenant Commander gave a salute to the junior officers and walked towards the hangar exit with a steady march, while the colleagues of the promoted officers were congratulating them.
He turned his head back for a split second, noticing a bottle of scotch one of the officers was hiding under his uniform.
He raised his upper lip, about to say something, then just waived off with his head, smiling, and exited the hangar.
<span style="font-familyalatino Linotype">
<span style="color:#000000">All morons hate it when you call them a moron.
alatino Linotype">