25 Chapter 25
But his time was slowly coming to an end since the President of the Unified Earth Government(UEG) was getting a lot of complaints from a few High ranking Admirals about Admiral Ross, the chairman of the UNSC. And it was due to his quick success and his early promotions that got the attention of the President.
Adding on the complaints from other Admirals, High ranking officials, and members of the cabinet, President Michael Moore couldn't just sit back and allow Admiral Ross to keep causing dissent within the UNSC ranks.
And as President of the UEG President Moore had the power to do something about it since the UNSC was subordinate to the UEG.
Right now President Moore was sitting in his office with the Secretary of Defense and the Minister of Information.
"Mr. President Admiral Ross caused a lot of problems with his forced promotions of Admiral Woods" Stated the Secretary of Defense Anthony Hart. "While I have no doubts about Admiral Woods' capabilities, some are unhappy with the speed at which he has risen through the ranks. Traditionally, it takes years of service and notable achievements to attain his current position. This has caused consternation among fellow High Ranking Admirals, who believe that Admiral Ross is not adhering to the Navy's longstanding tradition of earning one's rank."
President Moore nodded his head understanding that on one hand Admiral Woods has proven to be capable especially with his recent completion of his assignment in the outer colonies which has been a huge success to the UEG to keep those colonies under control. On the other hand the High ranking Admirals are probably a little upset that someone younger than them might surpass them in rank and that Admiral Ross is not sticking to naval tradition.
Alyssa Wilson the Minster of Information took advantage of the few seconds of silence to speak her opinion "Mr. President I must say that this Admiral Axel is a prodigy amongst prodigies who could very well push humanity to the next level if given enough power. Plus he has quite the public image among the inner colonies and the outer colonies, so any direct actions against him could lead to a negative outcome within the public and the military"
Secretary Hart nodded in agreement with her statement about the potential negative consequences. "I agree, Mr. President," she said. "Taking action against Admiral Woods would likely cause backlash, given his fame within the UNSC despite a few high-ranking Admirals who may not approve of his rapid promotion."
"I understand," President Moore replied. While they couldn't directly address the issue by demoting Admiral Woods, they could take action by removing Admiral Ross from his position as Chairman and promoting another Fleet Admiral in his place, preventing any further promotions for Admiral Woods.
"Here's an idea. We can remove Admiral Ross from the Chairman position and restrict any chance of promotion for Admiral Woods for a few years. This should satisfy the complaints from other High ranking Admirals and prevent any more discord," suggested President Moore.
Secretary Wilson and Secretary Hard nodded at the proposal.
"I concur, Mr. President," Secretary Wilson replied. "While Admiral Ross may bear the brunt of the political backlash, I will have a conversation with him. We have a close relationship and I am confident we can reach an understanding. After all, Admiral Ross is well-versed in the workings of politics."
"Wilson, please carry out that task, and Ms. Hart, please monitor the situation and report on how everyone responds," President Moore instructed. "Absolutely, Mr. President. I will closely observe the situation and work to mitigate any potential negative consequences," Secretary Hart responded dutifully.
President Moore gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Well then, I suppose that concludes our meeting. Have a good day, Wilson and Ms. Hart."
The two Secretaries took their leave, exiting the office leaving President Moore alone. He stared out of the window, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He knew that he had made the best decision given the circumstances - no one could deny that Admiral Woods' rapid ascension through the ranks had disrupted the balance within the Navy. Yet he also knew that what Admiral Woods had accomplished on his recent assignment was of great benefit to the UEG. That's why he chose to just prevent another promotion for a few years instead of demoting him since he had proved that he earned his rank.
Meanwhile, aboard the Leviathan, Axel had just arrived above Algolis and had docked at the station orbiting the planet. Before he left the ship Axel had approved shore leave for the entire Battlegroup and organized a celebration within the mess hall of the facility.
His battlegroup had proven themselves during his first assignment as Admiral to a Battlegroup and he was going to show them how much he appreciated them.
Axel stood at the front of the mess hall and surveyed his crew, feeling pride swell within them. The room hummed with anticipation, the scent of the hearty food being served and the clinking of glasses enhancing the festive atmosphere. A cheer went up as he lifted his glass in a toast.
"To Battlegroup Tango," he called out, his voice resonating in the large hall. "To your bravery, dedication, and incomparable service to our United Earth Government. You have surpassed all expectations, and for that, I am proud."
The room erupted in cheers, glasses raised high as a chorus of voices echoed his sentiment. The celebration continued late into the night, laughter and stories exchanged between comrades. It was moments like these that Axel cherished most - the camaraderie among soldiers who'd faced death together and lived to tell the tale. He enjoyed the festivities despite his cold personality.
And while not apart of their victory Axel had invited the staff of the facility since the food that he had requested to be delivered was too much for just his battle group. With thousands of people the celebration had extended to the outside of the facility as well and the facilities staff was given the day off.
Amidst the revelries, Halsey, who had indulged in a few too many drinks, was leaning heavily on Axel's shoulder while clutching a cup. "You can never leave again," she slurred, her voice betraying her drunken state.
"No promises Halsey" said Axel who was only on his second drink.
Hearing this Halsey rose her eyebrows "You know what, no more of this Halsey nonsense, from now on you will call me Catherine…Actually no you can only call me Cath and nobody else" She stared right into his eyes waiting for him to call her Cath.
Axel knew he wasn't going to get out of this situation without letting her win so he did as she requested "Well Cath I think you have had too many drinks and it's getting late"
"Oh, no you don't!" Cath burst out in a flustered giggle, lightly swatting at him with her free hand. "You're not sending me off to bed, Axel. I'm not some cadet who can't handle her drink."
Seeing his opportunity, Axel teased gently, "I don't know, Cath. You're leaning quite heavily on me."
As if to prove him wrong, she straightened herself, only to nearly topple as the room seemed to spin around her. Axel's quick reflexes caught her before she fell.
"Perhaps one less drink next time?" he suggested once he'd righted her.
Cath just laughed and playfully shoved him away. She made a clumsy yet determined attempt to stand by herself. Her feet wobbled beneath her and Axel was ready again to catch her if she lost balance.
The rest of the night continued in a similar vein — moments of joy, camaraderie, and playful jests that echoed through the facility. But all things must come to an end and Axel had to make sure that everybody could work the next day so when it go too late he shut the party down.
The crew was able to continue their shore leave in town of they wanted while the facility workers had to make sure that they could come into work the next day. At the end Axel had to carry Catherine to her room before he retired to his room.
Quietly exiting her room, Axel made his way back to his own quarters, the memories of the night swirling in his mind.
With a contented sigh, Axel closed his eyes, letting the warmth of friendship and camaraderie lull him into a peaceful slumber.
