Grand Admiral Davlion thanked and dismissed Tonotak, leaving Grathik to secure the channel. Amara slid into the amphitheatre and found a seat among the thoughtful looks of the assembled fleet staffs.
"I'll be brief." Davlion paced the amphitheatre control box. "In short order: I am moving to expand. Inner and outer fleets are now the Portan Combined Fleet, broken down by Flotillas. Many of you have received drafts of reassignment orders - I leave it to you to reorganize where needed."
The hall was silent. He continued, donning his antiquated cap. "Pirate-chasing is done. Commanders of Quind and Tapzin flotillas have full authority to broker negotiations. Include Tapzin City and Quind Colony or not; my end-state is Clans that can contribute, I'll be straight."
He straightened and bade em to attention. "Tonotak is right. If there's a war, we need to fight it. But we can invite everyone else to the party. Dismissed."