All That Glitters Ch. 57

The process of blooding the weapon was soon completed with Varren also giving Sun-Jarl his baldric and helping him to fit it properly.

"Asocans, we have new members among the people!" the Asost called out. The Asocans in the Crowd all roared their approval, with the Piscium family and the Kumar-Pair, their brood, and their Kumir-Rai/Ro joining in, along with many of the leaders of the Greater Community.

"I have one admonition, Asoc, the children are just that, children, please allow them to play and be children despite having acquired their Damate," Hanalei requested of the Asoc.

"That is an acceptable compromise considering their relative ages," the Asoc allowed.

The two families bowed to the Asoc while the Kumar-Pair gave a respectful nod and they all returned to their seats.

"Tomorrow, we begin the process of feting those of you who we have dined with tonight. To me, tomorrow is a day where the Asocan people will recognize those who helped to oppose those who would have destroyed our very society.

At that, the Asocans showed their approval with another roar of celebration.

************

While the Asoc feted those who had made major contributions to the Asocan Realm, another was moving freely around the >Clot<. He was looking for something, someone to help him. Buku was skilled in assessing people and, despite their size and other differences, he found this ability was still useful with the Asocans. Buku was able to find the one he needed. The two made plans for the next day.

Buku Rahahm was pleased. He would have his revenge on the Impotass and on the Greater Community...

The Great Gathering Center, the >Clot<, Asoc Shall, AsocAR, the Asocan Realm

The Asoc sat on her tail on her personal dais at one end of the Great Gathering Center, the leadership of the Greater Community arrayed around her, each on a dais of their own.

The Imperial Seneschal stamped his rod of office and called for the Asocans of the Realm to be present during the ceremonies held this day in the Great Gathering Center of the >Clot<. Names were named and people were placed in the Petitioner's Circle to receive awards presented by the Asoc on behest of the people.

"Sostoc Murld Mutt Mattas, step into the Petitioner's Circle," the Seneschal called out as Murld limped into the circle following his orders.

"How fare you Sostoc Murld," the Asoc asked, knowing that Murld and his ship the Ensch had been damaged twice in battle. Many of his people had been lost or wounded in the event but the actions of his ship and crew had made a significant difference to both battles.

"I fare well, Asoc. My wounds are healing as they should, I wish I could say the same of my ship," Murld replied.

"Sostoc Murld, you and your ship and crew have distinguished yourselves in combat, not once, but twice. As such, I have decided to adopt an award provided by the Union Navy, the Presidential Unit Citation. This award is to be called the Asoc's Unit Citation and, unlike the human award, this one is coloured gold.

"You and your ship will be the first to receive this citation in my name and with the gratitude of the Asocan Realm. Where is the Boatswain of the DA Ensch?" the Asoc asked.

"The Boatswain has been injured, Asoc and is unable to be here this day. I do have her direct subordinate with me," Sostoc Murld informed the Asoc, calling forth an Asocan from the crowd.

"By tradition, the citation of the award is presented to the Boatswain of a ship to show that it is the ship that receives the award. The patch of the award is presented to the Sostoc of the ship, who in turn will present it to the ship's crew," the Asoc told those watching.

Because she was with the leadership of the Greater Community, she could not step down from her dais. She therefore enlisted the aide of her daughters Garnal and Varren to present the award in two parts, the citation to the Boatswain and the patch to the Sostoc.

"The Crew of the ship are permitted to wear this patch as part of their uniform to show the distinction that their ship has earned in combat," the Asoc explained to the roar of the crowd. "It is normally worn bellow the ship's crest. The award itself will be painted under the name of the ship so that all who see her will know that the ship has earned this distinction.

"Your crew faced many challenges during your two combats and, according to Captain Cynthia Chen, you and your ship distinguished yourself. As such, we confer upon your and your crew, the Ferl Hallast (Medal of Bravery).

"The Asocan Navy has adopted the tradition of medals for significant events. The two battles in space and the Battle of the Lost Shall here on Asocar are considered such and will receive a Battle Star with the colours of the Asocan Flag and my own colours."

The Asoc showed the medal via the monitors. It consisted of a gold, six pointed battle star with the rune for AsocAR in its center. The ribbon consisted of two gold borders with a red border on the left and green border on the right. Between these two borders was a border in the Asoc's colours. Three separate bars were visible on the medal the first saying 'Battle of AsocAR', the second saying 'Battle of HUO 1156' (the unnamed star system), the last bar saying, 'Battle of Lost Shall'.

"There will be three bars for this battle star; the first will be for the battle in the numbered star system twenty light years from AsocAR. The second, will be for the battle over AsocAR. The third will be for the Battle at the Lost Shall. We had hoped to have enough of these medals available for today, however, the presentation of this medal will have to wait.

"Finally, I elevate you, Murld Mutt Mattas, to War Dragon." The Asoc clacked her talons and a new cloak was brought forward. Garnal and Varren brought it to and placed it over the shoulders of Sostoc Murld, the Ferl Hallast and the Patch for the Asoc's Unit Citation already attached to it.

"Congratulations War Dragon Sostoc Murld Mutt Mattas," the Asoc pronounced while the crowd roared its approval.

"Sostoc Murld, I am told that your ship will be one of the next to be transported back to Liramor Prime and the Pallanders Shipyard for repairs. Your injuries will not permit you to join your ship in refit as your injuries will not allow you to be in an EVA. As such, I remove you from the position of Sostoc of the DA Ensch.

"Because you have distinguished yourself so, I would have you as the Sostoc for the Tarl Asoc. Your injuries will be healed enough for you to take on the role of Sostoc of my vessel when she is three months from completion. Congratulations Sostoc Murld."

Murld and the Boatswain bowed to the Asoc and left the circle.

"Sostoc Halta Mutt Kern step forward," the Seneschal called out.

"Sostoc Halta, you distinguished yourself in combat by directing not one but two battles from SSP The Piscium, which was used as a transport for four Assault Groups. For this reason, I am placing you in command of the DA Ensch. I also elevate you to Grand Dragon. While my first impression of you when I encountered you on DA The Ensch was not a good one, you have proved your worth to me, Sostoc Halta.

"It is human tradition that when a ship goes into refit, the new captain of that ship goes into refit with her, to learn her ship from the inside out. Learn your new command, Sostoc Halta.

"I also elevate you to Grand Dragon. Congratulations Grand Dragon Sostoc Halta Mutt Kern!" the Asoc called out to the roar of the crowd.

"I call forth Captain Philemon Wright and the Boatswain of SSP The Piscium," the Seneschal called out.

"Here Asoc," Capt. Philemon Wright called out, along with his Boatswain.

"Would Caye-Ur, the leader of the House of Ur Trading Company also enter the Petitioner's Circle," the Asoc stated.

"Capt. Wright, yours is the only civilian ship that actually took part in both combats in space. Your ship has distinguished itself and will be rewarded the Asoc's Unit Citation. Your ship and crew will also receive the Battle Star for this event with both bars and will be presented the Ferl Hallast as your ship was essentially unarmed during both battles that you participated in. I also elevate you to the level of Dragon and number you among the Asocan people. Congratulations to you and your crew, Dragon Captain Philemon Wright."

The Asost was given a presentation box from which the Asoc pulled Captain Wright's Damate.

Once again Garnal and Varren moved to distribute the Citation to the Boatswain and the Patch to the Captain. They also presented the Ferl Hallast to both and placed the cloak of Dragon over the shoulders of the captain and presented him with his Damate.

The captain would be responsible for ensuring to distribute the Battle Star with both bars when it became available and the Ferl Hallast to the members of his crew, including Sostoc Halta Mutt Kern and Captain Cynthia Chen.

"Caye-Ur, the House of Ur Trading Company has been responsible for providing many things for the Asocan people, one of the greatest benefits will be the modification to the comms network to allow for the entire planet to make use of the Wrist Comps that so many of my people have become enamored with.

"When asked, you did not hesitate to allow your ship to be used as a transport for four Assault Groups during the two battles your ship was involved with. This is something far beyond the norm of a trading house, most of which would protect at all cost their precious ships.

"For this reason, the Asocan Realm will wave all future port fees for your ship or future ships of the House of Ur Trading Company and we will reduce your taxes by twenty percent to your company. Thank you Caye-Ur for your assistance in the battle of HUO 1156 and the Battle of AsocAR," the Asoc ended to a now very pleased Caye-Ur.

"I call forth Vice Admiral Fiona Marsh and Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michel Trimet of Sector Fifty-Nine," the Seneschal called out.

The pair marched into the center of the Petitioner's Circle and bowed to the Asoc.

"Vice Admiral Fiona Marsh, commanding Sector Fifty-Nine. It was your group that helped to train my navy and ready them for combat on jump capable ships. As you where instructed to assist us by your superiors, I therefore have the right to award you for your distinctions.

"First, I name your Headquarters Group of Sector Fifty-Nine to receive the Asoc's Unit Citation for the efforts they put forward to successfully train my people.

"Second, your command headquarters, will receive the Campaign Medal for this event, with both bars, when the medals become available I will personally present this medal to you and your command on Liramor-23.

"Third, I am adopting an award that the Alliance used, and name you a Friend of the Asocan Realm. As with the Alliance Award, this comes with honorary status of Citizen of the Asocan Realm. Thus, you will be numbered among the Asocans.

"Finally, as your efforts were directly responsible for the success of the two battles in space, I elevate you to the rank of War Dragon, and name you War Dragon Vice Admiral Fiona Marsh, Friend of the Asocan People. As this award comes with the status of honorary citizen of the Asocan Realm, I also present you with your Damate.

"Congratulations War Dragon Vice Admiral Fiona Marsh!" Once again the crowd roared its approval as Fiona Received the gold coloured Medal of Friend of the Asocan Realm and had the cloak of a War Dragon placed over her shoulders.

The Asoc received a box from one of her aides and pulled from it Fiona's Damate with her personal seal on it on one side and that of the Asoc's on the other with the words 'Presented By' in both standard and Asocan script. Fiona went through the ritual of blooding the blade and accepted the baldric from Garren. She bowed to the Asoc and the pair left the Petitioner's Circle.

"I call forth LoSostoc Raymond Clark Sai-Ro," the Seneschal called out. Raymond entered the Petitioner's Circle and bowed to the Asoc.

"It is your strategies that won us our great victory in space, LoSostoc Clark. Like Vice Admiral Marsh, you were intimately responsible for the training of our fleet's crews, especially so the officers of our ships. Your ship also helped to breach the line of the Grazia Fleet and allowed my assault team to reach the surface and deal directly with Belgedra. The is no reward great enough for the efforts you put forward on behalf of the Asocan Realm. Where is the Boatswain of the Wanderer?" the Asoc demanded. MCPO O'Neil swiftly came to stand beside her boss.

"LoSostoc Raymond Mutt Clark, I name you Friend of the Asocan Realm and number you among the Asocans. I award your ship and crew the Asoc's Unit Citation, I award your ship the Ferl Hallast and I award your ship the Battle Star with the Bar for the AsocAR.

"I also elevate you to the rank of War Dragon. Congratulations War Dragon LoSostoc Raymond Clark Sai-Ro, Friend of the Asocan Realm!" the Asoc called out, getting a roar of approval from the crowd.

Garnal and Varren gave out the respective awards to Raymond and to the Boatswain. They draped the cloak of the War Dragon over Raymond. The pair bowed to the Asoc and received the roar of approval from the Asocans.

"I call forth Captain Henadi Noor and the Boatswain of the NS Dewfall," the Seneschal called out.

Both entered the Petitioner's Circle and bowed to the Asoc.

"Captain Noor, you and your ship hosted me during the battle for AsocAR, in which your ship and The Wanderer helped to defeat the Grazia Fleet. Your ship and The Wanderer punched a hole in the Grazia Fleet allowing me and my team to reach the surface and confront Belgedra. There is no thanks strong enough for what you have done.

"I name you as a Friend of the Asocan Realm and number you among the Asocans. I award your ship the Asoc's Unit Citation, to go along with that of the Presidential Unit Citation it has already been awarded. I also award the crew of your ship the Ferl Hallast and the Battle Star with Bar for the Battle of AsocAR. I further elevate you to War Dragon and number you among the Asocans.

"Congratulations War Dragon Sostoc Henadi Noor, Friend of the Asocan Realm!" Again a mighty roar came from the Asocans in the Great Gathering Center as Garnal and Varren presented the appropriate awards.

More ships captains both human and Asocan were called forward and their ships and crews presented with appropriate awards. The Seneschal called forth Fayad and Junelliya.

"Fayad Piscium Sai-Ro and Palda Junelliya. You were there at my side when we confronted Belgedra. You, Palda Junelliya, took down the snipers that the cowardly Belgedra set up to take me and my senior personnel down, while your mate Fayad worked to stop Asocan's loyal to Belgedra from harming you, myself, members of my entourage, and those who had joined us for the battle. Your mate is a formidable warrior.

"For these reasons, I award you both the Battle Star with two bars; the Bar for the 'Battle of AsocAR' and the 'Battle at the Lost Shall'. I also award you the Ferl Hallast and the honour of Friend of the Asocan Realm and further elevate Fayad as Dragon for your fierce combat skills. Congratulations Dragon Fayad Piscium Sai-Ro and Palda Junelliya, Friends of the Asocan Realm," the Asoc ended to the approval of the crowd.

Garnal and Varren came forward and gave out the appropriate awards to both of them. They bowed to the Asoc.

The Asoc named various people who had participated in the Battle at the Lost Shall, awarding them various distinctions, some, such as Minister Leifram and her personal aide, posthumously.

"I call forth the Asocans who were forced into combat with Belgedra and lost their limbs to her madness," the Seneschal called out.

Those that still lived entered the Petitioner's Circle, while the crowd went silent at the mutilation that they had endured.

"I have been told, and confirmed for myself, that the Malihan Hospital has completed its studies on possible limb regeneration surgery for Asocans. I assure all those who have lost limbs during the recent battles, that the government will compensate you and work to help replace your limbs that you may return to be numbered among the Asocans as fully functioning members.

"I have arranged with War Dragon Marsh to provide a ship that will take you to Green's World and Malihan Hospital, where those now in the Petitioner's Circle will become the first of our people to undergo the new process. Your costs will be covered by our government," the Asoc stated, receiving a low bow from those in the circle.

"Palda Prakeshya, please enter the Petitioner's Circle, along with the Kumar-Pair of the Pod-Drran and the Pemipinae of the Maha-Rrin," the Asoc called out. Prakeshya took her place. One of the monitors opened and showed the Pemipinae seated in the makeshift hospital back on Pod-Saar.

"How do you fare, Melda-Hetta?" the Asoc asked.

"I fare well, >Catal, thank you for asking. Though I wish to get out of this hospital," the Pemipinae answered getting laughter from around the Great Gathering Center.

"I was recently made aware of just how serious is the situation on the Maha-Rrin home world, when I visited the Maha-Rrin on Pod-Saar after they had been brought there from the most recent disaster on their home world," the Asoc told her people. "The Planet is very much geologically active, so much so that many of the Maha-Rrin now on Pod-Saar are refusing to return to Maha-Oran.

"However, one very special child has informed me that I knew of a place where the Maha-Rrin, and the Pod-Drran, could coexist in peace and prosperity.

"Prakeshya, you told me that I now know the name of the planet, which you call, Ji-Rhum-Oran and we call GiRomorAR. The planet is not suitable for Asocans, as it does not have enough suitable swamps, however, it is almost tailor made for the sister races of the Maha-Rrin and the Pod-Drran.

"I therefore give this planet to the sister races and ask that the Kumar-Pair and the Pemipinae decide how to govern it..."

"No, my planet," Prakeshya spoke, but in a voice that shook with power. The watchers could see that Prakeshya was now glowing brightly.

"Ji-Rhum-Oran be my planet, not planet of Pod-Drran. Not planet of Maha-Rrin. Planet of Oranae. You come Ji-Rhum-Oran, you no longer Pod-Drran, you no longer Maha-Rrin. You Oranae," Prakeshya stated formally.

"Pemipinae, you last of Pemipinae. You go to Ji-Rhum-Oran and guide the people till I get older. Na-Maj, Jarl Se-Lam-Roe, you last Kumar-Pair. You control our space, Pod-Saar and control Maha-Oran space until I get older. We make new people," Prakeshya said, then the glow faded. There was stunned silence in the Gather Center.

"I hope that I can call you daughter for some time to come, Prakeshya," the Kumaraie said a little sadly. That got a smile and linkess from Prakeshya.

"Thank you for your great generosity, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt. Our combined people will be forever in your debt," the Kumaraie said, giving the Asoc a formal bow.

"War Dragon Vice Admiral Fiona Marsh, I have another request of you, this one much larger than the effort that was put forth by your people during OP Oran," the Kumaraie said with a smile to Fiona.

"We do not have a time limit imposed on us for this effort, Kumaraie. We can accomplish this over many years but it will be accomplished in our lifetime," Fiona reassured her.

"We will discuss logistics while we have the Kumar-Pair and War Dragon Marsh here with us. We will include you and your people during all deliberations, Pemipinae," the Asoc assured them getting excited grins from all.

"If there are any that have been forgotten, please say so now," the Seneschal called out. One stepped forward but he was not what was expected...