Sigma said:
He nodded to Violetta when he stood before her. "Thanks for not making a long speech," he whispered, trying to smile and failing. It felt too forced for such a solemn occasion. More gravitas, more... dignity seemed appropriate. So he just gave up on smiling and looked his usual, somewhat grumpy self.
"Grand Admiral Vanderhuge felt that a longer ceremony was unnecessary, given your previous position," Violetta remarked in a low tone as she watched the man approach.
"And I believe our defense of Rok'Veru should come as quickly as possible, as well."
Violetta De Luca opened the briefcase in front of her, retrieving two items in short succession. In her left hand, a simple, small redwood box; a medal case common in Nepleslian military ceremony, no doubt holding the new Grand Admiral's updated rank pins and commendation. In her other hand, Violetta held a folded article of clothing; the distinguished uniform of Nepleslia's highest ranking officer, the
Grand Admirals Jacket. However, unlike the one Flint Vanderhuge was wearing, Dominic's jacket did not have the telltale swatches of pronounced fur lining the shoulders. Violetta handed the jacket to Valken before gripping the red-hued medal case in both hands in front of her.
"As many of you may have noted, Grand Admiral Valken's new uniform jacket does
not have two patches of fur lining the shoulders," Violetta explained, turning back to the crowd of soldiers and handful of reporters while Dominic examined his new jacket. "This is because, as a Grand Admiral, Dominic Valken will have the privileged of choosing his own type. Over the years, tradition has stated that the Grand Admiral chooses the origin of his decoration based on his own preferences."
"Grand Admiral Flint Vanderhuge, for example," Admiral De Luca motioned with a single hand over to Flint, who sat up straight in his seat with his arms crossed as his address. "Upon receiving his promotion, the Grand Admiral traveled to Kohana and hunted his beast of choice on his own accord-"
"Kohanian Kodiak," Flint answered shortly in his seat, flashing a grin at the progression of soldiers before the stage. The fur on his shoulders of thick and dark-brown, with a slight sheen that flashed the hues prominently. "Largest predator on the planet. Well. Second largest. At least until after
I left."
Violetta nodded once, her accommodating smile wavering slightly; she wasn't expecting to be interrupted, but Flint answered for himself well enough. The female officer cleared her throat before continuing, reaching out with the medal case to present to Dominic as she spoke. "Grand Admiral Dominic Valken. These are your new rank bars, and your Grand Admiral commendation medal. You are not
required to find your own decorative shoulder ornament, also," Violetta reminded him with caution. "When you have made a decision, speak to your military supply officer and High Command will see it delivered to you. And... congratulations, Grand Admiral. You deserve this."
Violetta took a step back after Dominic accepted the box in her hands, presenting him a respectful salute.
