"First, propose to the Joint Staff and High Command the promotion of Lieutenant Colonel Qin Beiwang to the rank of Colonel, to honor his achievements and encourage his ambition."
"Second, given that this fleet has proven its capability in actual combat to execute high-difficulty maneuver strikes and fleet decisive battles, in order to maximize its strategic role,
it is recommended to assign it a new 'Qilin'-class stellar carrier, supplemented with corresponding escort and support vessels.
Expand and strengthen its current organization into a complete, highly mobile 'Rapid Maneuver Strike Group' (i.e., a quasi-carrier fleet structure),
to be deployed for critical assault and decisive missions in future border conflicts."
Wen Tingtao's orders and recommendations regarding Qin Beiwang's promotion and the formation of a quasi-carrier rapid strike group were like dropping another heavy bomb into the already turbulent waters stirred by the battle report.
After a brief silence, there was an uncontrollable murmur of astonishment.
Communications Chief Lieutenant Colonel Jiao Jinghui was the first to speak up. He stepped forward half a pace, his tone cautious.
"Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Qin's combat record is indeed... extraordinary.
But a twenty-two-year-old carrier fleet commander... this is unprecedented in our Federal Military History.
Promoting him to Colonel is already exceptional, but directly commanding a reinforced quasi-carrier fleet equipped with two carriers... isn't that... too rapid?
His seniority, after all, is too shallow.
A sudden high position may be difficult to justify and could easily..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear—a tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind. Too rapid a promotion might not be beneficial for the young Qin Beiwang himself or for fleet development.
Chief of Staff Wen Shiheng also frowned slightly, expressing his concerns.
"Commander, Qin Beiwang's abilities are unquestionable.
But a carrier fleet commander requires not only tactical talent but also experience and prestige in coordinating logistics, managing multiple branches, and handling complex political-military relations.
After all, he has only independently commanded two large-scale campaigns. Although the results were brilliant, suddenly placing such a heavy burden and resources on him... might it be somewhat... forcing growth?
Could we first promote him to Colonel, expand the Pluto Fleet into an elite sub-fleet, and allow him to gain more experience in management and coordination before considering..."
Several other senior staff officers also murmured in agreement, expressing similar concerns.
A twenty-two-year-old carrier fleet admiral?
It sounded like a fantasy.
The military places great emphasis on seniority and the tradition of gradual promotion. Qin Beiwang's sudden emergence was already disruptive enough; now, breaking through the final "ceiling" would likely cause unimaginable shock and potential resistance.
Wen Tingtao listened quietly, showing no displeasure on his face, but his gaze grew sharper and more resolute.
When the discussion subsided slightly, he slowly spoke, his voice not loud but carrying an undeniable weight that overshadowed all doubts.
"Seniority?
Background?
Step-by-step promotion?"
He shook his head slightly, his eyes sweeping over every officer present.
"If everything were decided by seniority and convention, we might still be struggling with the Empire's reinforcements in Savannah today, instead of discussing how to commend a commander who has created a miracle!"
He took a step forward, his finger tapping heavily on the location of Savannah on the star chart.
"Look here!
Look at the results Qin Beiwang has achieved!
Annihilated Wells, heavily damaged Obsidian, Bloodblade, and Iron Curtain, then annihilated Megalodon!
The total number of Imperial ships destroyed exceeds the organization of three classified fleets!
What kind of achievement is this?
Deep within the star domain controlled by the Empire, outnumbered and outgunned, he set up ambushes one after another, defeating them one by one!
Tell me, in the history of the Federation, which general has ever fought such a brilliant, such a clean and decisive campaign under the same conditions!"
He paused, letting each word sink into everyone's hearts.
"None!
At least not in the military history I know!"
"With two campaigns, not relying on luck, not relying on connections, but on solid tactical thinking, command artistry, and the bloody struggle of his fleet.
He has proven that he is the one who can fight, win battles, and achieve major, hard-fought victories!"
Wen Tingtao's voice rose, carrying a resolute determination.
"In my view, in the Myriad Stones Star Domain Theater, the primary criterion for measuring a soldier's value is always only one—whether they can defeat the enemy and defend the Federation!
Everything else—seniority, background, age—is secondary, constraints that can be broken!"
He made the final decision.
"The orders will be issued as planned, and the recommendations will be submitted.
If higher-ups ask, I, Wen Tingtao, will take full responsibility.
Now, carry out the orders!"
"Yes!"
Everyone responded in unison.
Soon, in the Elvira Star System.
On the bridge of the Federation's Balrog Fleet flagship, the battleship "Magma."
Encrypted command streams flowed into the main console, and Senior Colonel Nie Xinghe, the commander, quickly reviewed the updated orders from the Theater Command.
When he saw keywords such as "Cancel standby, proceed immediately toward the Savannah Star System" and "Support the Pluto Fleet," his brow twitched slightly, but his expression remained steady.
Standing beside him, Adjutant Colonel Zhou Junfeng also saw the contents of the orders simultaneously.
This slightly younger officer, known for his tactical acumen but also his bluntness, gave an almost imperceptible curl of his lip.
Finally unable to hold back, while Nie Xinghe was still deep in thought, he lowered his voice and complained:
"We were called all the way here from the defensive line, thinking there was some tough battle to fight.
And now we're just cleaning up after that 'Crown Prince'?"
His tone carried clear resentment.
"Coming all this way just to support a recruit fleet that stirred up a hornet's nest?"
Nie Xinghe did not respond immediately, merely glancing at him.
Seeing that the commander did not stop him, Zhou Junfeng raised his voice slightly, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Last time in Elvira, everyone said it was Qin Beiwang's achievement.
Hah, who doesn't know?
A twenty-two-year-old graduate, just assigned, gets a Tier 5 'Kunlun Mountain' as his flagship, with a full complement of the latest Tier 4 starships under his command.
Now he even has an aircraft carrier assigned to him!
'Fire Qilin,' that's a genuine Tier 5 interstellar carrier!
Our Balrog Fleet has worked tirelessly for so many years, how many times have we applied for Tier 5 starship reinforcements, and have we ever gotten approval?"
He grew more indignant as he spoke, counting on his fingers.
"And look at their organization!"
Seven Sub-Level Fleets plus a Directly Subordinate Fleet, that's a full eight fleets!
Our Balrog only has seven even counting the direct subordinate!
They get whatever personnel they ask for, whatever ships they want, top-tier equipment whenever needed...
This isn't a Sub-fleet!
It's practically configured like a scaled-down mother-class fleet!"
Zhou Junfeng concluded with a final snort.
"If they'd given those resources to us, forget just one Obsidian Fleet—we could've flattened the entire Savannah Star System!
But instead, now that the young master has messed up, it's us old-timers who have to go clean up the mess."