Faction Promotion day

[Laphisto]

The wide lounge of the Aurora Station barracks had been transformed for the evening, its usual function as a recreational space given over to formality. Rows of soldiers sat in polished dress uniforms, officers arranged at the front, mercenary wings scattered toward the rear. The walls were alive with banners and insignias of the Lilaste Order, the Order's crest projected high above the dais in pale blue light.

Laphisto stood at the center of it all, the weight of command resting across his shoulders as easily as the armor he never shed. His broadsaber hung at his side, though tonight it served not as a weapon but as a symbol of lineage and duty. The hum of the station seemed muted, as though even Aurora itself held its breath in respect.

He let his gaze sweep the gathered assembly before he spoke, his voice carrying steady and firm across the soundproofed hall. "Brothers and sisters of the Lilaste Order," he began, his tone measured with both gravity and pride, "we gather not on the battlefield, but here within the heart of our station to honor those who have proven themselves worthy of greater trust, greater responsibility, and the mantle of leadership." He motioned subtly to the aides, who brought forward a small ceremonial case."Tonight, two honors are given. The first, to recognize those among us who have risen to the rank of officer. And the second to mark the passage of recruits, who now stand ready to step into the line as soldiers of the Order."

A name was read, and a fresh-faced young recruit stepped nervously from the crowd, boots striking in measured rhythm against the metal floor. The assembly stirred with quiet pride many recognized the tradition.When the recruit reached him, Laphisto withdrew the polished insignia of a Private from the case and pinned it to their uniform. He lowered his voice so it carried, not just for the recruit, but for every soul in the room.

"Today, you leave behind the title of recruit. From this moment, you stand as a Private of the Lilaste Order. No longer in training now a brother, now a sister, bound in the same oath we all share. Walk proudly into your service, for the Order marches with you."The hall rose with a thunderous salute, the sharp sound of arms snapping into position echoing through the lounge. For the recruit, it was a moment of transformation, their youth now tied forever to the collective will of the Order.Laphisto turned his gaze back to the assembly, letting the silence settle before he continued.

He stepped aside as a pair of aides brought forth a small ceremonial case, its contents gleaming faintly beneath the lights. "Rank in this Order is not given lightly. It is not born of birthright, nor of politics. It is earned through sacrifice, through discipline, and through the steadfast will to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. Tonight, we welcome new officers into our ranks, and in doing so, we strengthen the very foundation of our Order."

He motioned for the first name to be read, watching as the selected soldier rose from the crowd and marched to the dais. The room held its silence, broken only by the rhythmic steps against the metal floor. When the soldier reached him, Laphisto drew the insignia from the case and fixed it carefully to their uniform. His voice dropped, quiet but firm enough for all to hear.

"Rank in this Order is not given lightly. It is earned through sacrifice, through discipline, and through the steadfast will to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. Tonight, we welcome new officers into our ranks, and in doing so, we strengthen the very foundation of our Order." Again, the salute came as one, a wave of unity passing across the gathered assembly.Laphisto straightened, his voice steady, his words final.

"Tonight, we celebrate beginnings and we celebrate growth. Recruits into soldiers. Soldiers into officers. And the Order, into something stronger than it was yesterday. Stand proud, and stand ready. For our cause endures because of men and women such as these. "Stepping back, he offered a sharp salute. The hall followed in perfect unison, a wave of raised hands snapping into place. For a moment, the air was heavy with unity the kind of discipline and pride that bound soldier to soldier.Lowering his arm, Laphisto's gaze swept the crowd once more. calling name after name

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

This was a day Iandre both looked forward to and maybe dreaded a little. She never sought promotion within the Order, but it had happened slowly. Over time, she had moved up the ranks and file until she had been tested in the wargame. Several missions later, and after further training in command, her name was suggested for promotion.

Wearing the dress uniform, she sat ramrod straight in her chair and waited. She was positive her name would be announced any moment, and the men she had grown close to sat around her. Maybe their names would be called as well. They had been with her and at her side since she was hardly more than a walking skeleton, helping to make her into what she was today.

Them, along with the man on the dias. Small claps were given by the family when some names were mentioned. Then it happened, her name was called, and she stood up. As she walked, the five men joined her. Their names had also been announced, and they were making this walk together.

Laphisto

 

[Saul Whesai]

Saul was trying to hide in the back of the brackets hall, the bags around his eyes showing how much sleep he got last night. The bad dreams and memories, the screaming... they hadn't got any better, and they probably never will. Still, he was here, leaning against the wall and in a pressed uniform that he was lucky not to have set on fire when the cyborg ironed it with no rest. He only hoped this ceremony would go by quickly so he could get back to his precious rack time.

The Cyborg wasn't surprised when Iandre got the Lieutenant's position; he also wouldn't have been surprised if her husband had secured her commission for her. She was nearly royalty after all. The only question he thought of was why she wasn't directly under the Supreme Commander instead of leading just a platoon of men and women. She clearly had leadership experience in how she led the relief camp. Now it was only a question of whether she could switch from a supply officer with the duty of organizing relief camps to leading soldiers into battle.

Laphisto , Iandre Athlea

 

[Aknoby]

Aknoby stood waiting for his turn, a small smirk on his face, and gave a quick nod to the recruit who had been promoted.

The redhead was controlling himself quite well, considering some of his past behaviour.

He applauded with the others and didn't seem at all surprised when it was Iandre's turn to be promoted; she had always been disciplined since the first day he met her.

He looked at the members of the order gathered there, still surprised at the number of people and thinking how this was only a small part of the Diarchy.

For a few seconds, his vision is taken over by memories of the Sith Ghost within him, fragments of another Empire in past eras, something much more cruel.

The young man sighs with relief that he is not living in that era and waits patiently for the ceremony to continue.

Laphisto Iandre Athlea Saul Whesai

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn stood, as usual, off to the side of the ceremony. A feeling that he could not explain swelled in his chest at seeing the rows of trainees stepping forward to fully join the Lilaste Order's ranks. Laphisto's words of sacrifice and courage being the reason for promotion hit hard for the Chiss who had grown up in the Ascendancy. In his society, rank was gained and affected through politics more than actual strategic skill. Even though the Aristocra were not supposed to have power in the military, their politics had seeped in like the plague, removing good commanders and replacing them with members of prominent families.

But Zinayn was not here merely to listen. He had come to support his friend Iandre Athlea, whom he had discovered on a barely populated world a while back. In the time from then to now, he had watched her become accustomed to this new galaxy nine hundred years past where she should have been on the timeline. Although he had never experienced what she did, he was certain that it took a lot of courage to adapt to the new times. If anyone deserved the promotion, it was Iandre.

When it was the former Padawan's turn to step up to the dais and receive her promotion, Zinayn finally figured out the name of the emotion he was feeling. Pride. He allowed a small smile to show on his face despite himself as he applauded.

Laphisto Iandre Athlea Aknoby Saul Whesai

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The Diarch of Bastion was not dressed in his cloak, nor the finery of his station, but in the black officer's uniform of the Diarchy. The cut was severe, martial, every seam pressed razor-sharp. Only a single distinction broke it apart. A golden hound pinned over his heart, gleaming beneath the lights. Beyond that he bore no insignia of his rank.

He sat in the guest section among generals and admirals, a peer rather than a ruler tonight, the weight of ceremony reflected in how still he held himself. When the hall stood, so did he. When the applause came, his gloved hands met together with the rest, crisp and measured. In this space, there would be no pageantry from him, no overshadowing grandeur. Only respect.

But when Iandre's name was called, something shifted in him. His posture did not waver, yet a smile cut across his features, large and unhidden, carrying all the pride of a man who watched not just a soldier rise, but his beloved. He followed her walk to the dais - with his eyes. - Eyes bright, golden glinting with pride, admiration, and love.

As well, he was glad to see her friends upon the Dias with her. Shifter, Moose, Childs, Night, Crash. Although he felt the most brotherly love towards Moose, every member of her team mattered to him. As they were her compatriots, in battle and in friendship.

He was proud of them all and grateful to be able to be here sharing in this moment.

Iandre Athlea Aknoby Saul Whesai Zinayn Laphisto