Captain Kiell got up off the floor and looked through the smoke at the chaos that was unfolding. She allowed the deck officer to help her to her feet and did her best to correct her damaged uniform as she surveyed the bridge.
"Report," she barked. She was fed up now.
"Rebel transport fired on us on its way down to the surface. Minimal damage but-"
"Where is the Admiral?" She interjected, observing his absence as she had finally regained her senses.
"H- he's dead, ma'am."
"How long was I out?"
"Just over ten minutes."
"Status of fleet operations?"
"Unchanged. We haven't updated them yet on the situation."
"A wise move," she acknowledged, nodding.
"Ma'am? W- what do we do now?"
She approached the Admiral's body on the floor, considering him. Considering the situation. The Rebel fleet had engaged them, and the morale on the Vesperia was shockingly low. This battle was certainly winnable, and she had no intention of allowing the Rebels a victory here. She dropped to one knee and pulled the rank insignia off the deceased Admiral. Standing up, she replaced her own Captain's insignia with the Admiral's, and turned around.
"Get me a transmission on all available channels."
The comms officer snapped out of it and nodded as he worked, informing her when he had completed his task.
"Attention, Rebel Fleet. This is Admiral Vana Kiell of the Vesperia. I must admit that I was rather shocked upon learning that you were interfering with our operation to end slavery and corruption in this sector. However shocked I was, I am even more angry that you caused the death of my superior officer. I am offering you a chance to surrender. Fail to disengage in fifteen minute and we will destroy you."
Admiral Kiell began working on obliterating the Rebel forces. Promoting the deck officer to Captain, she quickly communicated with the Captains and Commanders of the rest of the task force who quickly accepted her authority. It technically wasn't legal, but she thought it necessary boost morale.
The Ravager was taking a serious beating, so she opted to use it as a form of bait. Moving the support frigates away from the Imperial Star Destroyer to distract an X-Wing squadron, she watched as the two nearest rebel cruisers attempted to capitalise on the weak star destroyer.
She wasn't naive; however, she knew that any competent commanding officer would realise the ploy she was attempting. She had to make her move before the they caught on. At her orders, the Vesperia powered forwards to place itself in the newly opened gap in the formation. A small smile crept onto her face as the cruisers assaulting the Ravager fell under their joint assault.
"The rebels are retreating!" rejoiced the newly promoted Captain Jur, "Shall we order a pursuit?"
"Patience, Captain. We mustn't let our eagerness get the best of us. Our fleet is operating at half of its optimal strength."
The Captain looked slightly dejected but nodded. He would take time to become an efficient Captain, but she knew it could be done. For the meantime, repairs were in order. Just one last thing to take care of.
"Lieutenant," she requested, "Would you be kind enough to send a transmission to General Veers. Inform him of the rebels heading his way. I am certain he'll have no trouble dealing with that vermin. Let's avenge the poor Admiral, shall we?"