SWM wrote:
If a person with Manticoran citizenship happens to be an Admiral in the Grayson Space Navy and is not a member of the Manticoran Space Navy, she certainly would not be an Admiral of the Manticoran Space Navy. Similarly, just because Honor was an Admiral in the Grayson Space Navy does not mean that she is automatically an Admiral of the Manticoran Space Navy.
Think of it this way: Joe Busy happens to be a member of both the Loyal Order of the Caribou and the Fraternal Brotherhood of the Elk. He happens to hold the rank of Master in the Caribou; that does not automatically mean he is a Master in the Elk. They are different organizations, with their own ranks, rules, and rituals.
When Honor became a Steadholder, she did not automatically become a member of the Manticoran nobility. The Queen granted her the title of Countess, so that she would have status comparable (she thought at the time) comparable to her status in Grayson. But that did not have to happen; it was a deliberate choice by the Queen to acknowledge the service of a worthy subject. Titles, ranks, and awards in foreign states do not automatically accrue equivalent titles, ranks, and awards in your native state.
All of your points are well spoken and taken. Definitively, I know you are right. But truthfully, it continues to not sit well with me.
In my frail brain it boils down to this. Always back to this. When an Admiral in another Navy interacts with the RMN, there is never any question of rank, so why should it be for Honor? Intuitively, it seems rank should be rounded up to the highest rank one bears — likeso when Honor was on Hades and pulled rank on Rear Admiral Styles. Styles didn't want to accept her rank either, but an Admiral
is as an Admiral does. And no one does Admiral as well.
Is there anything preventing Honor from wearing her GSN uniform at the time? It's not in Honor's nature to be spiteful of course, but she
was a scorned woman — somewhat alienated by her own Star Kingdom at the time, and by that wholeass High Ridge. It was as if she had to accept a demotion, for a hard earned, well deserved accomplishment.
If Styles didn't have a legal leg to stand on, then how could the RMN? It would seem that they would appreciate that the GSN did their dirty work for them. Another point — the GSN, being an ally of Manticore, could have taken issue with the RMN not respecting Honor's promotion, absolutely.
Honor wasn't on loan to Grayson. She was actually in Grayson service. Since the RMN allowed Honor to enter GSN service then they would
have to allow it wholehog — meaning her accomplishments and promotions, as an officer. In for a penny in for a pound. She wasn't on loan. And even though there are several entities in the one; it is the officer entity that gets promoted in both.
Too complicated. Little wonder so many lawyers were needed to deal with it. Still seems it isn't a clean deal. More of a raw deal for Honor.
Moreover, Honor was the second ranking GSN officer. If the GSN would have had to come to emergency (Case Zulu) assistance to the RMN at the time Honor was the GSN's second ranking Admiral — and High Ridge's government still prevailing — and a freak accident would have killed Wesley, then Honor would have automatically become Fleet Admiral Harrington, de facto. Or if Wesley's death would have occurred in the Endicott system and Honor would have officially become Fleet Admiral GSN, then what? She would still have been recognized as a Commodore? When
she should have been the one running the show in the Manty system? Political bollox!
IMHO.
No one does honor to Admiral as Admiral Honor.
Do forgive — couldn't resist.
