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+--- Thread: "What do wars look like from a desk?" (/showthread.php?tid=47246)
"What do wars look like from a desk?" - Deneth Aleski - 09-20-2010
"Forward. Fifteen paces. March!"
A small group of soldiers march forward, neatly lined up and clad in their dress uniform and cap. A Commodore observed the group attentively.
"Drill party... Salute!"
The group snaps into salute. The Commodore replies similarly and tells the group to stand at ease.
"Pilots, administrative personnel and marines, never forget that the daily work you commit to is essential to the war effort. Do not let yourselves believe that our mandate - to protect the Salisbury system - takes us away from the war. Reality is quite the opposite. In this space, onboard the mighty Harlow and in Winchester, we effectively lead the entire Armed Forces into daily victory. We are able to do this all thanks to you all, who work, toil and bleed and ask not even for recognition, but for a better, safer and freer Bretonia.
Before my eyes are a group of servicemen and women who have distinguished themselves in their work, as part of the larger campaign to rid our mighty Empire from the ills that put our future in jeopardy; the vile fanatically-driven Kusarians and the low-life heathens referring to themselves as "Corsairs". Today, you will be rewarded and recognized for your actions. Congratulations and carry on the fight. Carina, Regina, Imperatrix!"
The Commodore hands a list to his aide, containing the names of those to be promoted and the actions that warranted the award.
"For his constant show of prowess and technical skill in combat and for his drive to show leadership, fighter pilot Lewis Beck is to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Step forward to receive your new insignia."
It is a tradition during Bretonian promotion ceremonies to begin with pilots, then Marines and support personnel.
"For his steadfast dedication to his work, as well as his actions on the front in Leeds space, Royal Marine Private Jack O'Donnel is hereby promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Step forward to receive your new insignia."
After a few more promotees stepped forward to claim their new insignia or medal, it was finally Aleski's turn.
"For his selfless work as a spokesperson for the Armed Forces, quelling conflicts through the voice of diplomacy rather than violence and in the process, saving the lives of countless Armed Forces soldiers, as well as directing administrative flow behind the scenes, Lieutenant Deneth Aleski is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
In addition, as ordered by the Fleet Admiral Martin Bridge, it is my pleasure to award Deneth Aleski the Distinguished Service Cross for his commendable actions outside the fields of combat, the Courageous Action Medal for his part in defeating an enemy vastly superior to himself and finally, the Good Conduct Award for setting a good example of the Armed Forces to others. Step forward to receive your insignia and medals."
At this point, the process of adjusting Aleski's new shoulder insignia and pinning of medals seemed a bit dragged and embarrassingly long. However, for Aleski himself, it was an extremely rewarding experience. In the end, he firmly shook the Commodore's hand and returned into the ranks.
"The success of this war lies on your shoulders. Today, we have new officers and senior enlisted personnel among us. Let this be your incentive to better lead our men and women into combat and, assuredly, come back home victorious. Long live the Queen, long live the Empire, long live Bretonia! Carina, Regina, Imperatrix!"
The small group snapped into salute once more, then promptly marched away from the flight deck where the ceremony was taking place. The area became quiet once more, as it always was in on the Battleship Harlow, tucked far away from the front.