Bretonian Armed Forces

[pbrione]

Royal Palace, New London.

Sir Stanley Nelson, 38 years old, ex-QCR Sub-Lieutenant and now Admiral of the Suffolk Great Fleet, sat on a small chair outside an ornate wooden door. He gave his Knight's Cross a quick polish with his sleeve and waited, clutching his Admiral's hat in his hands. In his breast pocket was a note, delivered to his Fleet HQ that morning, stamped with the Royal Crest. He tried to calm his breathing and took another glance down at his watch. It had been nearly 15 minutes.

Finally the door was opened and a footman stepped out and stood to attention beside the door.

"Her Majesty will see you now."

"Thank you." Nelson stood stiffly, smoothed down his uniform with his hands, clutched his hat to his breast and stepped through into the room beyond. It was one of the more formal audience rooms, in the centre was a plain gold, padded chair, behind which stood the austere figures of Fleet Admiral Percy Nelles and Prime Minister George Mountbatten. In the chair sat Carina herself, in splendid dress with the delicate gold Crown of Settlement resting lightly upon her head. If rumours were to be believed the Queen was quite badly ill, though Nelson was relieved to see that she did not look nearly so bad as he had heard. Either the rumours were exaggerated or she was extremely good at hiding it.

"Sir Stanley Nelson" announced the footman, before backing from the room closing the door behind him. Nelson stepped forwards and bowed deeply, quietly saying "Your Majesty."

To Nelson's surprise it was not Carina, but the Prime Minister who spoke first. "Admiral. As you will be well aware the Leeds front has been gradually deteriorating over the last few months, ever since the battle of Stokes. Our forces are engaged in a war of attrition and, at present, it is not succeeding. Flanking offensives through Dundee cannot take place due to shortage of ships. The York and Derby Fleets are being gradually worn down and our defensive strategy is costing us dearly. The War Cabinet feels that it is time for a change of direction. Given his age and failing health since the loss of his arm at Stokes, Fleet Admiral Nelles has decided that he is no longer capable of bringing about such a move and has consequently chosen to step down from command of the Armed Forces." Nelles' expression remained impenetrable, making it impossible for Nelson to tell if this was a voluntary retirement or a government-instigated coup. Mountbatten pressed on. "We feel a more youthful, energetic leader might be better suited to the current task. Your bold counter attacks on Stokes over the last few months, though sadly unsuccessful, have demonstrated your capacity for making difficult decisions. Such bold aggression and your willingness to engage in more unorthodox strategy are exactly what we need to turn this war around."

Carina looked up and cleared her throat. When she spoke her voice, though clearly sounding unwell, remained calm and steady. "Sir Stanley Nelson. We do hereby invest you with the rank of Fleet Admiral." As she gestured, Nelson carefully knelt before her. "Sir Stanley, do you solemnly swear unto Us an oath to serve the Crown of Bretonia, to represent Us faithfully on the Admiralty Board of the Bretonian Armed Forces and to Command Our Armed Forces loyally in defence of the Crown in the face of all adversity?"

"I-I do" stammered Nelson

Percy Nelles stepped forwards and handed Carina the golden Marshall's Baton of Office which he carried on ceremonial occasions. "Then be so charged with defence of the Realm and command of the Admiralty, We present you with this symbol of Office that you may exercise such duties in Our name." Carina reached out and presented the Baton before Nelson, which he took carefully from her gloved hands. He then leant forwards and kissed the hand of the Queen, before standing slowly to attention, unsure if he was following protocol correctly. Nelles then spoke for the first time, saluting him sharply with his remaining hand and stating "Good luck Nelson. My advice is simple. Never lose faith in the bravery and endurance of the men and women of Bretonia. They will see this war through to the end, no matter what, don't you worry." He smiled "Oh, and try to keep your arms on old chap."

Lord Mountbatten reached forward to shake Nelson's hand, "We're counting on you Fleet Admiral. Our war effort rests in your hands. Bretonia shall prevail!"

Finally Nelson bowed to Carina as she gave a final wave of her hand. "Good luck Sir Stanley. And Godspeed." Nelson bowed deeply before straightening up, snapping a final salute to the three figures, and stepping backwards from the room out to the world beyond. There was a lot of work to be done.

BAF Parade Ground, New Westminster, New London. The following week

The ground was soft after days of rain on the capital, but the Armed Forces officers still marched in perfect line. The war was taking its toll on the brave men and women of the forces and promotions were becoming ever more frequent affairs. Occasionally commissions were having to be handed out on the ground, as and when, but Nelson knew well that ceremonies such as these were a great boost to morale even if strictly unnecessary. He stood on the Royal Dias beside the Queen, Defence Minister and Prime Minister in his new Fleet Admiral's uniform, watching the last of the ground troops and marines march away. Hopefully the vast armies on Leeds would not be needed, but as the Kusari drew ever closer they were certainly rising in importance for the BAF. Then the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines came to a halt, and the Band of the Naval branch of the BAF stepped out onto the parade ground, with the representative BAF Officers of the 11 Fleets marching in columns behind to the tune of "Rule Bretonia." Finally the men were arranged in lines before the Dias and the crowds of spectators fell silent, awaiting the promotions.

Minister of Defense James Ralston began the proceedings on behalf of the Queen.

"Honoured guests, members of the Fleet Admiralty Board, and Your Majesty.", he began.

"Today, once again, the time has come for us to recognise the great achievements of our brave servicemen and women. Before I begin the promotions, however, I would like to say a few words of a more sombre note. I think it is fitting that we all give a moment to remember the bravery and tragic death of Lord Admiral Aubrey Mainwaring last month in New London. His act of self-sacrifice to save his men, putting aside his rank or title for the simple service of Bretonia, is a sobering lesson to us all. Even the greatest among us are vulnerable to the enemies we face every day. And no man or woman is above or incapable of acts of tremendous bravery. We pay tribute not only to Admiral Mainwaring, but to all the men and women of the BAF killed or missing in action over the last few months. Officers, I salute your courage." As Ralston saluted, every officer on the dias or below on the parade ground followed suit. Even the Queen bowed her head in respect. There was a momentary silence.

He continued, "Now, given the death of Admiral Mainwaring and the retirement of Admirals Grimshaw and Frobisher, the following changes to the Admiralty Board are to be announced. Firstly, as you will already be aware, Sir Stanley Nelson has replaced Percy Nelles as Fleet Admiral." There was a brief smattering of applause. "I can now announce that Admiral Nelles will remain on the Admiralty Board as Admiral of the Suffolk Great Fleet. Lord Admiral Cunningham will be transferred to the 3rd Cambridge Planetary Fleet. To fill remaining vacencies, two new Admirals are to be appointed. I ask Her Majesty Queen Carina to do the honours." The Queen remained seated to the surprise of some, whilst an aide stepped forward with a pair of Admiral's insignia and two gilded swords

"Firstly, John Redmond, MBE, is to assume the rank of Admiral and with it command of the 8th York Great Fleet." Redmond stepped forwards, straight faced, and was presented with his insignia and sword. The York Fleet was at the forefront of the war and he knew he would have a tough job. As he stepped back Redmond eyed the net man in line with a stern look. Rivalry between the two officers was known to be intense.

"Secondly, Lord Sir Roger Brinkley, Carina's Cross holder, is to assume the rank of Admiral and command of the 11th Grimsby Great Fleet." Brinkley strode forwards past Redmond, his moustache bristling and as he saluted the Queen upon receipt of his insignia his chest swelled noticeably. Rather than being extra-cautious, as most officers were, he gave his sword a quick flourish before sheathing it in his uniform, causing Fleet Admiral Nelson and Admiral Redmond standing behind him to jump back in alarm. Carina merely smiled.

Defence Minister Ralston went on to present the next 3 promotions personally. Three new Commodores; Neville Hughes, George Harrington and Winston Doyle.

Hughes was assigned to command the First Battle Fleet of the 10th Great Fleet, under Admiral Windsor, onboard the HMS MacDuff. Effectively this gave him command over the last remaining space defence lines around Planet Harris. It was a difficult job, far from the safety of New London and not a commission that many would envy. The previous Commodore Hoyle had committed suicide upon loss of 2 Destroyers last month.

Harrington was promoted to command of the First Battle Fleet of the 6th Great Fleet, under Admiral Howarth who had taken over from the late Lord Admiral Mainwaring. With BAF forces pulling out of Dublin more and more to reinforce the Leeds front, defence of the system was an increasing challenge.

Doyle was to lead the First Battle Fleet of the 7th Great Fleet under Admiral Richard Fraser, at the centre of the front lines. As Doyle stepped up to the Defence Minister to receive his insignia and sword, he exchanged a brief smile with the Prime Minister standing next to him; they were old comrades from the days when Mountbatten himself served in the BAF.

Fleet Admiral Nelson then stepped forwards to take over the next promotions.

"Promoted to the rank of Captain; James Hobart, Jack Frost, Blake Owen and Evyn Hunter." As the 3 men and 1 woman stepped forwards there was considerable applause. These were popular officers, 2 DFC holders among them, and would now each command a Destroyer Squadron in their respective Fleets.

"Promoted to the rank of Commander; Jacob Carter, John Richards and Roger Ring." More applause as the newest batch of senior officers received their commission and command of individual Gunboat Flotillas. The BAF shipyards were churning out ships for the war effort and the BAF needed new officers to command them.

At this stage, Nelson stepped back, as newly-made Admiral John Redmond presented the awards for junior officers. Nelson had chosen him out of a suspicion that Brinkley would be too intimidating for the younger officers.

"Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander; Roland Gilead, Robert Jones, Ian Driscoll, Jare Karlo, John Galt, Richard Bucket and Austin Goodmen." Rather a lot of Lieutenant Commanders, considering there was a shortage of fighter wings for them to command. As Goodmen stepped up, last in line, Admiral Redmond lent forwards, frowning slightly, and whispered to him unheard by the others "You're lucky to get this promotion considering recent conduct Goodmen. Be grateful the Fleet Admiral favours you, but as far as I'm concerned you're on probation for the next month. Best behaviour, understood?"

Goodmen nodded slightly, and then stepped back in line with his fellow Lieutenant Commanders, his new insignia on display.

Redmond continued, "Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant; Ashley Taylor, Jay Smith, Alina Farwyn and Thomas Andrews." Only four in this batch of officers, a poor number, but a sad reflection of the high casualty rates among Ensigns over the last few months. Only the best made it through.

Nelson then returned to the dais to present special awards. "In addition to the promotions now awarded, I am pleased to announce that the following have been awarded Distinguished Service Crosses for extraordinary non-combat related service to the Bretonian Armed Forces. For his term of office as Second in Command of the BAF, Admiral Mark McKenna, OBE." Applause as the popular Admiral stepped forwards to receive his award, his face impassive.

"For dedicated service in rebuilding the Derby Fleet and providing great motivation to the BAF with his inspirational words and directives, Lord Admiral Sir Roger Brinkley, KBE, CC, OM, KCHC, LCRH....uh....etc." as Nelson trailed off Brinkley stepped proudly up once more to the dais. There was a brief minute whilst Nelson tried to find some space on Brinkley's uniform to pin his award amongst the host of other medals, most of which he had never even heard of before. Somewhere towards the bottom was a small gold medal on which was engraved "Children's Jelly Eating Champion" which Nelson could only presume had been awarded for heroically rescuing children from attack by nomads during the 800-801 war.

"For her work for the Bretonian Crown beyond her normal BAF duties, Captain Evyn Hunter, DFC" Both Nelson and Nelles exchanged a hard look with the Captain as she stepped up to receive her award. She was an excellent officer, of that there was no doubt, but there was still something about her that made the two men a little uneasy.

"Finally for exceptional dedication to duty in serving many additional hours of shifts beyond that required by duty in order to make up for losses on the Leeds front, Lieutenant Commander Roland Gilead." The young officer was somewhat surprised by the announcement, but stepped up smartly and eagerly to collect his prize nonetheless.

"Next, it is my pleasure to present Veterans Badges to Admiral Percy Nelles and Admiral Drake Kaiden for their longstanding service with the Armed Forces in various service branches." The two old officers received their badges with barely any reaction and returned to their places. Nelson supposed that they had seen too much throughout their long careers to care much for medals anymore. There was also a rumour among many in the BAF that a third veteran's badge was currently on a transport bound for deep Tau, addressed to one "Admiral" Andrew Stuart, officially disowned by the Armed Forces but who had the required number of years service nonetheless...

"Finally I will be introducing 4 new Campaign Medals, to be presented at a later date to all officers who participated in several of our greatest battles and campaigns of the Tau War. The Siege of Harris Campaign Medal, to be awarded to all who have served a tour of duty with the MacDuff Fleet, Battle of Upper Tau and Battle of Stokes Medals to be awarded to those who fought at our great victory over the Colonial-Corsair Fleets in Tau 23, or the tragic Fall of Upper Leeds, and finally a personal commemorative medal, which I will present to all who fought in the twin battles of Kyushu-Leeds on the night of my own rescue from Fuchu Prison in January 817."

More applause as images of the new medals were displayed on large screens. Nelson then stepped back as Prime Minister Mountbatten took to the dais to deliver a closing speech.

"Brave men and women of the Armed Forces. Citizens of Bretonia. Today we have paid tribute to the excellence of our Armed Forces. A degree of training and devotion to duty unmatched by any of our adversaries and one which, I am sure, shall see us through to victory in the end. The challenge we all face is a difficult one, to be sure. The road ahead for Bretonia is arduous and filled with great suffering for us all. The Taus are all but lost, Leeds is under threat. The Liberty-Rheinland War deprives us of allies. The situation looks grim, I admit. But be in no doubt. We shall not allow our nation to be overrun with foreign invaders. With skill and resolve we shall push the enemy back. With superior tactics we shall encircle and destroy them. With valour we shall pursue them right into New Tokyo itself. Thanks to the brave service of officers like the ones stood here today, ultimate victory shall be ours. Bretonia shall prevail!"

As applause broke out and the crows began chanting "Bretonia shall prevail!", the new catchphrase of Mountbatten's government, the Armed Forces flypast roared overhead. 5 Templar V formations, 5 Challengers and then 5 of the newest Paladins, followed by the HMS-Pendragon escorted by 2 destroyers, trailing coloured smoke that drew the shape of the Bretonian Flag in the skies overhead. Fleet Admiral Nelson observed his Armed Forces with pride. They were the best of the best, and he was certain that they would not fail.

---

Sir Stanley Nelson




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

[pbrione]

Current Bretonian Awards, listed in Order of Precedence:

[KBE] Knight Commander of the Order of the Bretonian Empire:
- Highest National Honour Awarded by the Queen for Great Personal Service to Bretonia. Entitles recipient to the title "Sir"

[OBE] Officer of the Order of the Bretonian Empire:
- Intermediate National Honour Awarded by the Queen for Great Personal Service to Bretonia

[MBE] Member of the Order of the Bretonian Empire:
- First National Honour Awarded by the Queen for Great Personal Service to Bretonia

[CC] Carina's Cross:
- Awarded by the Fleet Admiral to BAF officers for Extraordinary Valour in the Face of the Enemy

[DFC] Distinguished Flying Cross:
- Awarded by the Fleet Admiral to BAF officers for Extraordinary Flying Capability in Active Operations

[DSC] Distinguished Service Cross:
- Awarded by the Fleet Admiral to BAF officers for Extraordinary Service to the Crown in Non-Combat Fields

[VB] Veteran's Badge:
- Awarded by the Fleet Admiral to BAF officers for 18 Months Service

[NSM] National Service Medal:
- Awarded by the Government to Citizens in State Employ who make Substantial Financial Donations to the War Effort

[CAM] Courageous Action Medal:
- Awarded by the Fleet Admiral to BAF officers who defeat a greatly superior enemy force

[GCA] Good Conduct Award:
- Awarded by the Fleet Admiral to BAF officers whose actions enhance the reputation of the BAF at home or abroad

<HAR> Siege of Harris Campaign Medal:
- Awarded by the BAF to officers who have served a tour of duty of at least a week with the MacDuff Fleet in Tau 31

<STO> Battle of Stokes Medal:
- Awarded by the BAF to officers who fought at the Battle of Stokes (Leeds, March 8th, 817)

<TAU> Battle of Upper Tau Medal:
- Awarded by the BAF to officers who fought at the Battle of Upper Tau (Tau 23, April 7th, 817)

<FRC> Fuchu Raid Commemorative Medal:
- Awarded by the BAF to officers who participated in the rescue of Stanley Nelson and Sam Windsor from Fuchu, (Kyushu-Leeds, Jan 4th 817)

---

Sir Stanley Nelson




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