Accompanied by his attenders and an honor guard, the Prime Designate climbed aboard a personal transport craft and flew from the Prism Palace, urging the pilots to hurry so he could observe the opening ceremonies. They flew over Mijistra to the open plains that surrounded the capital city, where crowds of spectators had already gathered.

The transport craft docked, and Jora’h disembarked to stand beside Adar Kori’nh, supreme commander of the Solar Navy. The Adar’s presence gave the day’s performance an added importance, and Jora’h suspected the commander had come here merely because the Prime Designate’s son was to be recognized for his talents.

Kori’nh said, “I hope my forces impress you today, Prime Designate.”

“And I hope my son impresses you, Adar.”

Within the past months, the Solar Navy had increased its number of ships, focusing on military maneuvers and practicing space combat. Kori’nh had submitted regular reports, some of which Jora’h had read.

“Tell me truly, Adar, are you stepping up military practice missions because you are concerned about an alien threat? I’ve seen reports from the Terran Hanseatic League of how strange ships destroyed their moons at Oncier.”

Kori’nh grunted. “I don’t know about that, Prime Designate. Still, many of us were … uneasy at the humans’ blatant demonstration of power. Igniting a planet to turn it into a star? Was that truly necessary? What if the Hanseatic League turns that weapon against us?”

Jora’h frowned, trying to understand him. “Are you suggesting we Ildirans had something to do with the attack on the Oncier moons? In retaliation?”

“Not at all, Prime Designate.” Kori’nh seemed embarrassed. “I am stating that if an … incident was provoked against an alien race, the humans should take responsibility for it.”

Jora’h frowned. “Adar, you seem to know more about this than I do. Has my father given you information? Do we have some knowledge of this alien threat after all?”

“No, Prime Designate.”

The crowd suddenly cheered in the stands as a septa of streamers raced across the sky, fast arrowhead-shaped vessels roaring in a tight triangle. As they passed above the observers, the streamers split away from each other and performed wild and complex acrobatics, swirling upward and back, creating a flower of colored smoke in the sky. Then their seven parent escorts charged into the sky, performing larger and slower moves.

“That is going to be your son’s new maniple, Prime Designate,” Adar Kori’nh said, gesturing to the sky. “He has done admirably well in command.”

Jora’h’s smoky topaz eyes glinted, reflecting bright highlights from the suns overhead. “I am proud that he was promoted to Septar so early in his career.”