On the planet of New Virginia, the Naval Officer Class of 2408 was enjoying the fruit of their labor after months of training at the Rarillic Naval Academy. In honor of their accomplishments and graduation, the Naval Bureau had hosted a great party at one of the Lion Industries hotels.
Following the graduation festivities, the Officer’s Ball was now in full swing. Hundreds of aspiring Captains and Admirals of different social backgrounds were mingling. In attendance were also some of the Confederation’s Admirals, such as Fleet Admirals Barau Aderawa, Lana Oldham, Ranier Fulton as well as other prominent figures within the Naval and Intelligence Bureaus. As is tradition, they were scouting the most talented youth to join their command, and, really, a sorely needed reprise from the on-going conflict in the South Eastern Quadrant.
“You’ve only just graduated and you’re already stealing glances at the Confederation’s Admirals, Lyonel?”
A dark haired man slowly approached Lyonel, holding two glasses of champagne, smiling from ear to ear.
“Sakamoto. I would’ve expected to see you on the dance floor, courting Josephine.” Lyonel replied in jest at the sight of his friend, before extending his hand to take one of the glasses.
“Surely I still have time. There are several hours left until the celebrations end.” Sakamoto chuckled, allowing Lyonel to take the glass, before toasting with him.
“So, what is next for the unambitious Lyonel Stanfield?”
“Unambitious? But Sakamoto, I intend to live the rest of my life in the service of the Confederation, in command of a Corvette, or perhaps a Destroyer. I’d dare say I am quite the ambitious man.”
Sakamoto shook his head lightly.
“I can’t believe you’d say that with a straight face, Lyonel. You’ve had perhaps the greatest results in battle simulations. Every man and woman scouting today is surely aware of that.”
“And yet they cannot force me to take a role I do not want.” Lyonel spewed out.
“
You can dismiss my words, Lyonel, but if the Confederation wishes, they can very well force you to. Do not forget, we are still at war with the Corsairs—“
“And what are these Corsairs? A criminal syndicate, a bunch of space pirates. Let’s be honest, Sakamoto. The Confederation had the resources to stomp them out years ago. They merely do not have the wish to.”
Lyonel and Sakamoto locked gazes, staring at each other with intensity. In the end, Lyonel shook his shoulders and sighed.
“My, such youthful vigor.”
The two froze at the sound of the woman’s voice, turning their heads to the sight of Rear-Admiral Okina, one of the instructors of the academy.
“I see you two are enjoying yourselves questioning the integrity of the state.”
Okina frowned, staring at the two.
“Pardon me, Rear-Admiral. I may have let my temper best me.” Lyonel apologized begrudgingly,
“Thankfully, my friend Sakamoto was here to set me straight” motioning towards the other youth.
Sakamoto forced a smile.
“You’ve always been a smooth talker, Lyonel. It may have worked on some of the other academy instructors, but you ought to know better than to try this on me.” Okina chastised him promptly.
Lyonel shrugged his shoulders as if he’d given up.
“Certainly.”
“Now that the two of you have calmed down, there are some people I wish to introduce you to.” Okina turned to the side, motioning the two to follow her.
The two followed in tow, whispering to each other.
“Do you know what this is about?” Sakamoto asked.
“Me? If it weren’t for you Sakamoto, I wouldn’t have even attended the after party.”
Okina turned her head once again, glaring at the duo so coldly shiver ran down their spines.
As they made over to Okina’s group, the mood around the Ballroom slowly began to shift. As time passed, the dancing room became available to the attendees. Couples, as well as acquaintances looking to mingle slowly began occupying the area, giving into the occasion.
Above the dance floor, an immense chandelier made from turquoise crystals native to the Alpha Centaury System’s planet of Horizon. A luxury discovered by the early colonists in the 23rd century, a resource that could be obtained only from the coasts of the main continent and processed by the finest artisans of the Confederation. These ‘Metena’ crystals were a trademark of the Lion Industries.
The floor itself, marble native to the planet of Artica, in the far System of ‘Anis’, at the edges of Confederation space. It’s golden tint made it an exquisite item present in the residences of the richest families of Mars’s Nova City and Asgard’s City of Drakkar.
Together, all of the items created an amazing sight, something out of a fantasy.
Passing by the far edge of the dancing floor, Rear-Admiral Okina and Lyonel and Sakamoto reached a small group of individuals. At the center of the group, a tall dark man wearing the Navy’s Fleet Admiral uniform.
“Rear-Admiral Okina! It is great to see you.”
The man stepped out of the group, spreading out his arms to greet her.
Okina smiled courteously, nodding to him and the rest of the group behind him. “
Admiral Aderawa, I’m glad to see you here.”
“I would never miss such an occasion. Seeing the products of your academy first hand is tradition.”
Barau laughed whole-heartedly before peeking over her shoulder.
“And those two must be the students you’ve told me about?”
“She told him about us?” Sakamoto whispered before receiving a discrete elbow from Lyonel.
“Urgh.”
Lyonel then proceeded to salute the Admiral. The other youth quickly followed suit.
“At ease, you two. This is a party.” Barau waved his hands quickly. “Hmm.”
“What’s wrong, Barau? Are you already scrutinizing them?” Okina interjected playfully.
Barau shot a sideways glance to Okina before laughing himself.
“Well. Perhaps.”
Turning his attention back to the duo, Barau stepped forward, shaking their hands. First it was Sakamoto, and then Lyonel.
As he shook Lyonel’s hand, Barau stopped, maintaining his grip while speaking. “Okina has told me many great things about you, Officer Stanfield.”
“Surely, Rear-Admiral Okina has exaggerated. I—”
Before Lyonel could finish his sentence, Barau leaned in closer to him, whispering:
“Tis a difference between modesty and your actions, Officer. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’d be spiting me.”
Leaning out, Barau patted the youngster on his shoulder and let go. Lyonel stood motionless, clueless to what just happened.
Okina cleared her throat loudly.
“Well. I’m glad to have introduced you. I must attend to my responsibilities. I leave you all to enjoy the party.”
Barau and his posse smiled courteously, while the two youths nodded and saluted.
“Do not forget, you two. You will be notified of your assignments tomorrow. Until then, Officer Stanfield, please keep your friend out of trouble.”
She then offered another smile before departing.
Sighing audibly, Lyonel shot Sakamoto a glance and made his way to the refreshments table.
Meanwhile, on the outdoor terrace, Lockhart Weiss, graduate of the same Naval Officer Class, as well as heir to the Weiss family was entertaining the presence of one of the Confederation’s largest party’s members, Sonny Suharto, president of the Citizen’s Elite Coalition. In order to explain the situation, some context is needed.
During the mass exodus of Terra, the wealthiest families had established and firmly entrenched themselves in Martian society during the great colonization. Given the contribution of these so called elite, Mars was able to rapidly develop and increase habitability with the creation of the immense city domes, ultimately leading to it’s emergence as the new home world of the human race.
As Terra withered and Mars prospered, national identity quickly faded and the human civilization quickly became stratified, leading to the re-emergence of ‘royal houses.’ While they’re not royal in the feudalistic sense of Earth, these families possess great power and wealth, and are thus very important in the day-to-day ruling of the Confederation. Many facilities, stations and even colonies have received heavy investment from these families, and the Confederation is made aware of this fact.
With the rise of this movement so was a party birthed. The Citizen’s Elite Coalition, led by Sonny Suharto is currently the strongest party in the Confederation’s Parliament, controlling 36% of the seats. While far from a majority, Suharto’s political maneuvering allowed the C.E.C to establish alliances with several other factions in the parliament, establishing themselves as the ‘de-facto’ ruling party. As it’s name implies, the C.E.C runs an elitist platform, underlining the importance of one’s birth, as well as accomplishments.
Lockhart Weiss, heir of the Weiss family. One of the richest and strongest families in the Confederation, as well as sponsor of the Confederation’s Scientific Community, and owner of an entire network of mining facilities in the Core Sectors. Partnered with Lion Industries, they enjoy a monopoly with the higher strata of the Confederation, for the simple fact most of the lower strata largely cannot afford their lavish products.
Blessed with the power of his family, Lockhart Weiss also enjoys an astounding intellect, graduating the Academy with the highest honors. Perhaps the only person that could best Lyonel Stanfield in a combat simulation, although their record currently stands at a draw.
Standing on the outdoor terrace, the nature and landscape of New Virginia was laid bare before your eyes. Historically a fringe outpost, it was repurposed to become a colony world and host to a Naval Academy after the expansion of the Confederation. It’s many peaks and valleys were very similar to the country of Switzerland, back on Earth.
“President Suharto, I did not know you’re attending today.”
Lockhart smiled, courteously offering him a glass of wine.
“Alone? My, Mr. Weiss, I did not think you the loner type.” Suharto jested, accepting the glass offered by the young man.
“I thought about clearing my head a little bit.” Weiss sighed.
“What brings you here, President?”
“I came to offer my sincere congratulations, my boy.” Suharto placed his hand on his shoulder, grasping and shaking it lightly.
“I’m sure your family is very proud of you.”
“Not quite. My mother’s rabid at the thought of me leading vessels into combat.”
“
Well, any mother would fear losing the life of her son, surely that is no reason to be upset at her. I’m sure that she is truly proud of you.” Sonny tried to reassure the young boy.
“Perhaps.”
Lockhart finished the remainder of his glass while staring at the balcony’s scenery.
“May I ask you a question?”
He glanced over his shoulder, looking at Sonny.
“Hopefully I’m able to answer.”
“Why are you really here?’
Sonny placed both of his hands on the railing, bringing himself next to the young heir.
“Politics, mainly. I thought about offering you my congratulations before going to speak with some of the attendees here.”
“Admirals?”
“No, not really. Most of them aren’t interested in politics. Hell, besides Admiral Oldham, I don’t think any of them has any real political identity.”
“Please, Sonny. I may only be the ‘young heir’ of the Weiss family, but I know you better than that. It’s in regard to the war with the Corsairs, is it not?”
The young man turned around, leaning his back against the railings. Crossing his arms, he fixed his gaze upon the exit to the terrace.
“Am I wrong?”
Sonny pushed himself off the railings and shrugged his shoulders.
“I wouldn’t tell even if you were. These are not things that we should be discussing out here in the open.”
“I’m going to be assigned to a fleet, Sonny. It’s about the last time we’ll be together in private for a while. We both know we can’t speak over Fleet Comms.”
“Please, boy.” Sonny shook his head dismissively and sighed.
“We both know your family will not allow you to be deployed to an active fleet. Frankly, I wouldn’t allow you either.”
Sonny moved forward towards the exit to the terrace.
“It’s a ‘pirate’ war, not a real war. Those of your status are rightfully protected during such conflicts. Some of your less fortunate classmates will probably not receive the same treatment.”
“It’s not right!”
Sonny stopped in his tracks at the young boy’s exclamation. Glancing over his shoulder, he scoffed.
“Do not forget, my boy. It is your status and your abilities that grant you power. With that power, you have the ability to make things ‘right’, as you wish.” Sonny sighed. “
I understand your grief, boy, I really do.”
Sonny turned to face him, grinning.
“You merely seek to affirm yourself, your abilities. You feel suffocated by your parents. Do not fear. You will have the opportunity to establish yourself. Sooner or later, it will come. But it’s not going to be fighting a few frigates at the edge of the Confederation.”
Finally, Sonny exited the terrace, exclaiming. “
Please, enjoy your party!”
