Award Ceremony

Three days later, Admiral Collins brought more than a dozen Warships to the 1st Mixed Fleet's Base.

In addition to bringing the replenishment of Warships and personnel, as well as the promotion order to Rear Admiral, he also brought Ethan a surprise.

It was a sleek streamlined silver-white Warship, larger than "Breaking Dawn" almost the same size as a Carrier.

This is a customized command ship. It was originally the new flagship given to the Admiral by the Federation Force. However, Admiral Collins gave it to Ethan, son of his mentor, and make it the new flagship of the 1st Mixed Fleet instead.

Ethan immediately fell in love with this big guy at first sight. Its streamlined hull and silver-white paint… it was just a beauty!

But before Ethan could finish enjoying his new ride, Admiral Collins had already assembled the entire 1st Mixed Fleet and he presided over the award ceremony. Admiral Collins stood before a gathering of diplomats, military leaders, and virtual representatives from the administrative office of the Federation Force.

"Today," Admiral Collins began, "we bear witness to a historic moment—a moment that reaffirms the strength of unity, cooperation, and the indomitable spirit of the galaxy's inhabitants. It is my privilege to award one individual, whose exceptional leadership and bravery stood out among the many heroes".

The Admiral called forward Lt. Commander Ethan Kane, a brilliant and compassionate commander who had proven himself time and again. Ethan stepped forward, his expression a mix of humility and pride.

"For your unwavering commitment to your crew, your fellow beings, and the ideals of this mixed fleet, it is my honor to promote you to the rank of Rear Admiral," Admiral Collins declared, placing a decorated insignia on Ethan's uniform.

The room erupted in applause, and Ethan's crew, standing among the representatives, cheered louder than anyone. Ethan had earned not only the admiration of his crew but the respect of an entire Ninety-Fifth Fleet.

As the room erupted into cheers, claps, and resounding applause. A surge of pride surged through Chen Xue.

Admiral Collins made a hand gesture to silence the crowd. He continued, "By the authority vested in me as the highest-ranking officer of the Ninety-Fifth Fleet of the Federation Force," he proclaimed, "it is my privilege to promote you, Major Chen Xue, to the rank of Major General".

The room erupted into cheers and resounding applause once again. Chen Xue's eyes widened in astonishment and disbelief, she walked up to the stage and saluted to receive the insignia from Admiral Collins, who pinned it on her chest, just above her heart.

"Major General Xue," the admiral said with a warm smile, "your new rank comes with immense responsibilities. Though you're still Raer Admiral Ethan's Adjutant, you'll also play a vital role in shaping the future of the Earth Federation. Your actions will influence generations to come."

The significance of the moment washed over Chen Xue, and she felt the weight of the trust placed upon her shoulders. She steadied her emotions and replied, "Thank you, Admiral. I am honored and humbled by this promotion. I promise to serve the Earth Federation with the same dedication and commitment that have brought me to this point."

Admiral Collins nodded, his eyes conveying confidence in her abilities.

The award ceremony continued, promoting capable and meritorious Soldiers. After the two battles, everyone gained their merit, and many people who are on the verge of promotion before the two battles achieved it now.

In the end, a total of 319 people from the 1st Mixed Fleet were promoted it took a full 2 hours to complete.

As the ceremony concluded, Admiral Collins and Ethan now Rear Admiral checked the progress of the upgraded Warp Engine.

The Chief Engineer said that the test could be carried out in three days.

Admiral Collins expressed his satisfaction with this, but he was quickly driven out by the eccentric Chief Engineer.

Though Admiral Collins did not say anything, anyway, he is used to it. He turned to leave but didn't forget to tease Ethan regarding Chen Xue and then left.

Time flew by. Since they are currently in a truce with the Vortans, Ethan lived a regular life, doing only three things every day.

The first is dealing with daily official duties, the second is to train with his team, and the third is to enhance his relationship with Chen Xue.

But today is different. Today is a big day. This was the day of the test of the first upgraded Warp Engine prototype. President Uhuru Mbeki will also observe the test in person.

In the dark space, a Frigate with the Warp Engine inside was stationed.

The test will be the travel from plant Odeus to the resource planet 200 million kilometers away.

In a science vessel not far away, The Chief Engineer is leading hundreds of experts to continuously check various data and make the final preparations before the test.

"Chief, all inspections have been completed, there is no problem!"

"Well, President Uhuru, we will start!".

Admiral Collins was speechless on the sidelines. You didn't even give the President a face before but now that he's in front of you, you became so polite.

Looking at his speechless expression, Ethan almost suffocated from laughing. He naturally guessed what the Admiral was thinking.

"Okay, let's get started!" President Uhuru said, giving the go-ahead.

The personnel on the Frigate used for the test were very nervous right now. After all, it is the first test. If there is an accident, they can die.

"Beep beep* Starting test, the target is the resource planet's orbit."

"Roger, the coordinates have been entered. Energy is being charged into the Warp Engine!"

"The Warp Engine has been activated, ready to Warp!"

"Beep Beep* Warp!"

"Copy that, Warping!"

The captain looked at his right hand that's holding the Warp Lever, he gritted his teeth and pulled it down!

The people who were observing on the research ship at this moment suddenly found that the Frigate in front of them suddenly twisted and disappeared.