The pre-Republic armies probably began the dining-in tradition. Ancient planetary military commanders frequently held great banquets to honor individuals and units. These gatherings were victory celebrations during which past feats were remembered and the booty of recent conquests was paraded. The Battalions of Zhell on Coruscant formally stylized the format of the victory feast.
These celebrations saw all battalion members present with the exception of the lookout, or watch. Feats of strength and skill were performed to entertain the members and guests. The leader took his place at the head of the board, with all others to his right and left in descending order of rank.
Caius Auriga sighed as he recalled this basic entry in the Imperial Naval Officer's Handbook. Making his way from his transport to the wardroom of the CRS Home One, the flagship of the Alliance Fleet, the Captain was pleased to see the Alliance was continuing the most social of naval officer traditions.
He had arrived at the customy hour in advance of the formal dinner. This was to facilitate social interaction amongst the fleet's senior officers and to allow all guests to meet and speak with the President of the Mess, Admiral Ackbar.
After speaking to the Admiral, Captain Auriga, dressed in the excessively formal mess dress whites with blue sash, medals, ribbons, stars, and lots of lace and gold piping, moved on to greet Commodore Wolfe.
"...and thus, as there is no such thing in existence as a stable government, war will always exist. The galaxy will always revolve around conflict," Wolfe said in conclusion. "Ah, Captain Auriga, welcome! I almost didn't recognize you in your spectacles."
Auriga grimaced slightly.
"Captain, allow me to introduce the Honorable Kaeso Sabatia, Alliance Minister of Finance, and Admiral Ackbar's guest of honor tonight," Wolfe continued.
The Captain warmly shook hands with the Minister. "Good evening, sir," he said politely.
From there, Minister Sabatia took over the conversation and focused it directly on Auriga and the FRG Liberator. Her missions, her victories, her crew--Sabatia was exceedingly interested in the tales of the "Seventh Battle Line's premier warship," as he said. Auriga couldn't help but notice, and inwardly smile, at seeing Wolfe's momentary scowl at hearing such an appraisal.
Thankfully, the social interrogation ended with the cornu, an Alderaanian horn, blowing the notes of "Officers Call." Following tradition, the group quickly dispersed to their seats and took up proper places behind their chairs.
Auriga, not being a member of the Fleet admirality, took his place quietly, happily observing that he was seated first among line captains. He observed the procession of the honored guests into the dining area and enjoyed the military march music directed by the bandmaster.
As the last guest arrived, Admiral Ackbar, as President of the Mess, rapped once on the gavel and thus signalled the officers of the mess to take their seats.
To be continued . . .