The reason for that is quite simple. An admiral has command of a force that will, as a general rule, obey him without question, perhaps following orders that end with a coup and the destruction of the Federation Senate. The more powerful the fleet, the more intrusive Senate interference becomes, something that was not unimportant during the opening battles of the Blue Star War... -An Irreverent Guide to the Federation, 4000 A.D. FNS Magnificent, Eddore, Zathras Sector, 4097 From the observation blister, Marius could see his fleet, the greatest force assembled since the Blue Star War. The sight never failed to impress him. It was surprisingly rare for entire fleets to be visible using the naked eye. Even the closest of formations allowed plenty of room between starships that could be up to six kilometres long, and the only time that starships flew closer together was during reviews. Now, however, the Federation Navy’s Grand Fleet—Marius had suggested the name and the Senate hadn’t demurred—hung in orbit around a red dwarf, running lights illuminating them for all to see.
