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

 

[Cora]

Pulling at the collar of her crisp uniform in discomfort, Cora watched on as the formalities ensued. Iandre was well deserving of her promotion, it had been a long time coming for her. As much as she didn't like standing among the crowd in the stiff dress attire, she couldn't help but smile at the successes of her peers.


Laphisto Iandre Athlea Diarch Rellik Aknoby Saul Whesai Zinayn

 

[Laphisto]

As the group of names were called forth, Laphisto descended from the podium, boots striking against the polished floor with deliberate weight. He moved down the line of newly promoted officers one by one, taking a medal from the case each time and pinning it to their chest with steady hands. Each recipient was met with a crisp salute, the High Commander's hetrochromatic eyes lingering for a brief moment on each soldier as if to measure the steel in their resolve.

When he reached Iandre Athlea , he paused longer than the others. Straightening to his full height, he offered her the same sharp salute, but this time a faint smile broke the otherwise disciplined line of his expression. Leaning just close enough for her to see, his lips formed the silent words I'm proud of you before he fastened her insignia. The moment lasted only a heartbeat, but carried the weight of years. Then, as quickly as it came, he moved on finishing the line and returning to the center of the hall.

Coming back to the podium, Laphisto grasped the edges with both hands, his claws faintly scraping against the metal as the room settled into silence once more. His voice carried with commanding clarity, reverberating off the soundproofed walls.

"The next set of names," he began, "are to be promoted to the following ranks. While you are lower enlisted, your progress, your determination, and your effort to this Order are no less worthy of recognition. Each of you has endured the trials of bootcamp and basic training, and now stand ready to serve not as recruits, but as soldiers of the Lilaste Order. This is the foundation upon which all else is built honor, discipline, and unity."

He let the words hang for a moment, then gestured toward the assembly.

"Will the following step forward: Cora , to the rank of Private Aknoby , to the rank of recruit. while you are not of age to earn private ranking you have passed your trials and comleted bootcamp. Saul Whesai to Lance corporal. Kallin Drez, to corporal Veyra Solari to private and Jarnis Tey to private first class ."A ripple of movement coursed through the crowd as the named recruits rose, some nervously, some with fire in their eyes, and began their march toward the dais. Applause broke across the lounge, officers and mercenaries alike acknowledging the newest full soldiers of the Order as they made their way up to stand before their commander.

 

[Iandre Athlea]

As she and the five men who had been called up with her walked to the front together, Iandre sensed the attention of her friends, from Zinayn to her love, as well as several others. The six of them were disciplined and kept their faces as professional as they could.

His unspoken statement was clear to Iandre, and she took it in stride. Just before he moved on, she winked at him in thanks and looked forward again.

A few more people were named. Among them was Saul Whesai , and she joined the group in applauding him. The two of them had started on shaky ground, but eventually they had worked together. This promotion told her that it wouldn't be the last time either.

She just hoped their additional exchanges wouldn't be so awkward.

Laphisto Diarch Rellik Cora Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

The young Chiss nodded slightly. He relaxed upon hearing Laphisto's words. Due to his amnesia, he had no idea about many things in society, and being able to accompany Laphisto and the others would help him feel less strange. At the same time, he felt that the dragon would be somewhat overprotective of him at certain moments, or perhaps it was just his mind exaggerating.

He looked at the others who had been promoted and applauded them, then took his place, adjusting his formal attire. Strangely, he felt that his choir was already accustomed to that type of clothing.

He give a quick look to the Diarch brothers,totally controlling his fanboy emotions,and take a slow breath to keep rofessional

Laphisto Iandre Athlea Cora Saul Colsan Diarch Rellik Diarch Reign

 

[Cora]

While Cora knew this was coming, her heart still pounded as her name was called out by the booming voice of the High Commander. Of course hers had to be the first name called for her group.

As she made her way through the rows of attendees toward the front, she continued to pull and tug at her uniform, feeling more unsettled now with all the eyes watching her. Trying to remain calm, she focused on her breathing as she lined up with her group.

It was an honour to graduate from training, but she still held her own reservations about Laphisto's decision to bring her into the forces so readily. She knew she still had a long way to go before she would feel as balanced in the Force as he wanted of her. Whatever was next to come for her time in the Order was sure to be a challenge. One she hoped she was really ready for.

Laphisto Diarch Rellik Aknoby Iandre Athlea Saul Whesai Zinayn

 

[Saul Whesai]

Saul raised an eyebrow as his name was called, but he slowly got to his feet and joined the line behind Cora. The Order's military machine had decided he was worthy of a little payday. Though why would they choose a mentally disturbed cyborg with powers to promote was anyone's guess.. Not that he went around broadcasting it. Cora and Liin were the only ones who really knew, being the only ones who really knew. One of them was in front of him...

Glancing at Cora , seeing her needing to busy her hands, he knew that she was nervous. Hell, he would be if he were new to this. Reaching out, he put a hand on her shoulder and leaned in to whisper. "You aren't getting a colonoscopy, just getting a patch on your arm. It's just gonna be a couple of seconds, and you can step out of the spotlight again, Cora." Hopefully, his words helped a little; the last thing they all needed was for her to have a nervous breakdown or faint. "The Supreme Commander is just another person; he's mortal like you are. Or at least close to it."

Laphisto , Diarch Rellik , Aknoby , Iandre Athlea , Saul Whesai , Zinayn

 

[Laphisto]

After delivering his speech, Laphisto turned back toward the assembled soldiers and officers, his clawed hand extending in a broad gesture to encompass everyone standing upon the dais. His voice carried with quiet authority, the kind of tone that demanded attention without the need for volume.

"We welcome you further into your journey," he declared, eyes sweeping across the line. "For some of you, it is honor that guides your steps. For others, redemption. And for many, it is service to a machine greater than yourself the Order, the Diarchy, and the cause we all share." He shifted, standing tall before the group. Then, with deliberate force, he struck his taloned hand against his armored chest. The metallic ring echoed through the chamber, sharp and resonant, silencing even the faintest whisper in the crowd.

Laphisto dipped forward in a small, solemn bow, his voice rolling low as he spoke the words that bound them all."In Unity, We Find Strength."
The response came at once, shouted back by every newly promoted soldier and officer on the line, their voices strong and unified. "In Balance, We Forge Destiny!"The phrase reverberated through the hall like thunder, carrying with it the weight of tradition and shared purpose. Laphisto's ear twitched faintly, catching every note of their conviction. For a heartbeat, the room held onto that unity, the sense of something greater than any single individual.

Finally, he allowed the stern atmosphere to ease, a faint smile tugging at his features. His tone lightened, though still carried the same authority. "There are festivities prepared to mark this grand ceremony. Food, drink, and light entertainment await in the adjoining barracks hall. Tonight is yours celebrate what you have earned." He stepped back, signaling the conclusion, leaving the newly promoted to bask in their triumph as applause swelled once more.

With those final words, Laphisto turned from the podium, stepping down from the dais with the same measured authority he had carried throughout the ceremony. His presence alone helped guide the flow of movement, keeping order as the mass of soldiers, officers, and mercenaries rose to their feet. With a gesture of his hand and a steady pace, he led them toward the adjoining barracks hall where the celebration awaited.

The atmosphere shifted as soon as they crossed the threshold. Where the ceremony had been solemn and formal, this room carried warmth and energy. Along the far wall stretched a grand buffet, tables laden with steaming dishes from across the Mid and Outer Rim meats carved fresh by station cooks, fragrant breads, savory stews, and even trays of sweets meant to remind soldiers of home. The open bar was already lively, bottles lined in neat rows as attendants poured drinks both strong and mild, filling mugs and glasses for those ready to toast the night.

Clusters of tables filled the space, offering places to sit and share a meal or shuffle a deck of cards. The low murmur of voices grew quickly into a rising chorus of laughter and conversation as ranks mingled freely, barriers of formality giving way to camaraderie.

Toward the center of the room, a cleared square of floor had been set aside makeshift but sufficient as a dance space. The hum of a holovid projector provided music, a mix of martial marches and more spirited tunes drifting across the gathering. It was, as promised, a night to celebrate. To eat, to drink, to laugh and to honor the journey each of them had taken to stand here as brothers and sisters of the Lilaste Order.

Diarch Rellik Saul Whesai Iandre Athlea Aknoby Cora Zinayn

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The shift from formality to festivity was almost tangible. Where moments before silence had carried the weight of tradition, now laughter and the smell of food filled the air. Rellik crossed the threshold with the rest, his boots quiet on the polished deck as he moved through the current of soldiers and officers spilling into the hall.

The Diarch was no longer just an observer, he was a guest, and he would lighten up a little. Not the rambunctious style that he would at a Diarchy party but enough to get to know the men and women of the order better as just a man, not a Diarch.

He paused near the younger ranks, his golden eyes settling on three faces that had caught his notice during the ceremony. The ones he had come to know under separate circumstances. Cora in a duel and Aknoby // Saul Whesai at the water park. Approaching them all he gave them each a pat on the shoulder and told them he was proud.

He left them with the words and a firm nod, unwilling to linger long enough to turn encouragement into pressure.

Threading through the clusters of uniforms, he made for the bar. The attendants stiffened slightly as he approached, but he waved the tension away with a flick of his hand. "A Fiery Mustafarian, if you've got it," he said, voice light with the faintest trace of amusement.

The glass was set before him quickly, flames of red and orange liquid catching the light. He lifted it, turning slightly as his gaze searched the hall. Somewhere among the laughter and camaraderie, Iandre and her team would be gathering. And when he found them, he would bring this same quiet pride to her and to the soldiers who had walked beside her to the dais.

With a quick blow of his breath the flames in the drink went out and he finished it quickly. There was a moment he would hopefully see Zinayn and thank him for the time on that dark side infected world for his help.

There was also the wonder if Laphisto would stop by or be the old turtle hermit he was known to be at times.

Laphisto Iandre Athlea Zinayn Saul Whesai Cora Aknoby