It's been three years since Crest of the Stars and Lafiel, now a Deca-Commander of the attack ship Basroil, and her crew are engaged in battle.  Unfortunately, she loses, but fortunatley its only a battle simulation.  After she leaves dejected, the bridge officers ask Jinto Lin, the administrative officer on board, to try and cheer her up.  They say that they have no problems with serving under her but that a captain who is not confident will go into battle handicaped.  He is reluctant but, since his cat is in her quarters, he has an excuse to go anyway.