“Shall I replay the tapes for you, Tal Aro’nh?” Kori’nh snapped. “What was the point of the sphere-within-sphere configuration, the orbiting sentry ships, the unfolding outer shell—if not for show? What purpose did that serve, without an audience? At the very least, Tal, you made a poor choice of a standard battle-group formation. The situation required speed above all.”

“Adar, perhaps I should show you in our military manual—”

“Enough!” Kori’nh said, disgusted. “Tal Lorie’nh, did you conceive of your maneuvers? If so, I commend you.”

Though embarrassed, the other commander had enough honor not to take credit for something he hadn’t done. “Not precisely, Adar. I recognized the wisdom as soon as I heard the plan… but the original concept can be credited to Qul Zan’nh, the Prime Designate’s son. Zan’nh suggested that I break the cohort into separate maniples, each one with a different objective.”

Adar Kori’nh gave a satisfied sigh. Previously, he had seen Zan’nh do fast and imaginative things even when he led only a septa; he was not surprised to hear that the Prime Designate’s eldest son was the mastermind behind red team’s victory. “Send him in,” Kori’nh said, “immediately.”

A message was transmitted to the outer rooms where the maniple commanders waited. Moments later, the bright-eyed young Zan’nh entered, saluted the Adar and then both sub-commanders. “You asked to see me, Adar?”

“Qul Zan’nh.” Kori’nh stepped closer and clasped his hands in front of his chest, formally acknowledging the young man. “As supreme commander of the Solar Navy it is my right to hereby promote you for exemplary service and remarkable imagination in achieving a victory during our exercises today.”

All three listeners looked astonished. Zan’nh had only recently been promoted to the rank of Qul, and traditional protocol generally laid down the career pathways. “In light of the growing danger in the Spiral Arm, the Solar Navy vitally needs intelligent and imaginative officers like yourself. You are hereby named Tal.”

Aro’nh could not contain himself. “This is extremely irregular, Adar! There are accepted practices—”

Kori’nh continued, ignoring the old man. “Zan’nh, you will replace Tal Aro’nh, who is from this day forward demoted to the rank of Qul. His inappropriate command decisions would, in my opinion, place his cohort at risk in a real combat situation.”

The old Tal gasped, standing shaken as if the foundation of his entire life had been swept out from beneath him. “I… I would prefer to retire, sir. My rank is—”

“Denied. This is a time of potential military crisis. I will not lose one of my experienced officers, but the lower rank is better suited to your rigid disposition. You have always taken orders well.”