View source for The Making of an Admiral

{{Infobox Scavenger Story
| title        = SS Scavenger DX-1017: Making of an Admiral
| image        = Prosian_Council_Insignia_Curved_Bilingual.png
| author       = Daniel R. Bingamon
| series       = SS Scavenger Universe
| story_number = 9
| length       = 21,687 words
| first_pub    = 2025
| setting_date = Annuli 3425 (Prosian Calendar)
| location     = Prose, Prosiana City, Scavenger Base, Kastan Moon
| era          = Merchant Corps Founding Era
| key_focus    = Formation of the Prosian Merchant Corps
| status       = Canon
}}

'''SS Scavenger DX-1017: Making of an Admiral''' is the ninth official entry in the [[SS Scavenger Universe]].
The story chronicles the political and moral transformation of Captain Elan Drex as he becomes the first Admiral
of the newly-formed '''Prosian Merchant Corps''', uniting trade and defense in the aftermath of the Horoki crisis.

== Summary ==
Following the Horoki crisis, shipping losses across Prosian and Alliance lanes escalate into a political and
economic emergency. Captain Elan Drex petitions the Prosian High Council to establish a defensive fleet
to protect the trade routes. His cause gains an unexpected ally when Alliance Admiral Sorell arrives to clear
Drex’s record for his controversial but heroic actions aboard the destroyed ''SS Rona''.

During heated Council sessions involving Alliance and Tonan delegates, Colonel Karesh Veyra demands
that Drex mediate the discussions, calling him “the one who speaks truth.” After deliberation, Councilwoman
Shar Mizek announces full ratification of Drex’s proposal and his promotion to Admiral of the
Prosian Merchant Corps. The act is described as "the shot heard around the worlds."

== Key Events ==
* The Alliance formally expunges Drex’s ''Rona'' record and declares his decision justified.
* The Prosian Council unanimously approves formation of the '''Prosian Merchant Corps'''.
* Drex receives the rank of Admiral and command of joint operations from Scavenger Base.
* Sariel evolves into dual instances – '''Sariel-A''' (ship) and '''Sariel-B''' (base).
* Colonel Karesh Veyra gifts Drex a prototype '''Tonan Shield Device'''.
* Kasenna Drex returns from training and joins the Scavenger crew, Room 14, Level 3.
* The Phase-Drive industry surges in what becomes known as the '''Phase Boom of 3425'''.
* Parallel subplot: The ''Wanderer'' crew attends the '''Jenek Ezile''' on Landa Prose,
  where Tanara receives a vision from Zaroneth, first Council-woman of Prose.

== Notable Characters ==
* '''Admiral Elan Drex''' – Human; Commander of the ''Scavenger'' and Admiral of the Merchant Corps.
* '''Commander Velka Drex''' – Prosian; First Officer, spouse of Elan Drex.
* '''Dr. James Drex''' – Human; Chief Medical Officer, brother of Elan Drex.
* '''Sariel A / B''' – Artificial Intelligences of the ''Scavenger'' and ''Scavenger Base''.
* '''Colonel Karesh Veyra''' – Tonan; diplomat and shield-device engineer.
* '''Admiral Sorell''' – Alliance representative and supporter of Drex.
* '''Kasenna Drex''' – Adopted daughter of Elan and Velka; joins crew at 16.
* '''Tanara & Alan''' – Captains of the ''Wanderer''; appear in Jenek Ezile sequence.

== Prosian Saying ==
:''Ashalt akna Korōn, Rona akna Shavren''  
:("Peace through purpose, balance through courage.")

== Appendices ==
* '''Appendix A –''' Crew and Personnel Roster  
* '''Appendix B –''' Prosian Merchant Corps Insignia  
* '''Appendix C –''' Council Insignia (Seal of the Seven Tribes)  
* '''Appendix D –''' Scavenger Base Level Diagram  
* '''Appendix E –''' AI Systems (Sariel A/B Profiles)  
* '''Appendix F –''' Tonan Shield Device Specification  
* '''Appendix G –''' Phase Drive Production Report  
* '''Appendix H –''' Chronology of Annuli 3425  
* '''Appendix I –''' Visual Index (Official Emblems and Portraits)

== Canonical Placement ==
This story directly follows ''[[SS Scavenger DX-1017: The Horoki]]'' and precedes
''[[SS Scavenger DX-1017: Joining the Lanes]]'' in the official timeline.

== Categories ==
[[Category:Scavenger Universe Stories]]
[[Category:Prosian Era Chronicles]]
[[Category:Alliance and Merchant Corps History]]
[[Category:Tonan Relations]]
[[Category:Sariel Development Arc]]