Quotes / Field Promotion

Asuka: What just happened? [pointing at the sizzling remains of a Humongous Mecha got split in half when a dimensional portal collapsed unexpectedly] I'm betting that's not supposed to have happened, so what does it mean?
Sergeant Bir: [wearily] It means I think you just got promoted, ma'am.

—A Crown of Stars, chapter 45

"You Have Failed Me for the last time, Admiral [Ozzel]... Captain Piett. Make ready to land our troops beyond their energy field and deploy the fleet so that nothing gets off the system. You Are in Command Now, Admiral Piett."

— Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back

Jim Hawkins: You're right... Admiral Nelson! You should move back into the current with the rest of the fleet. We have special tracking equipment aboard. We'll find the missing ships and make sure they all get back to Crescentia safely.
Admiral Nelson: Are you sure, Lieutenant?
Jim Hawkins: Yes, Sir! We can do the job. I give you my word as an Officer and a Gentleman... we'll bring those crews home!
Admiral Nelson: Very well, Captain Hawkins. Consider this a field promotion!

—Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon

Now the Captain called me to his bed
He fumbled for my hand
"Take these silver bars," he said
"I'm giving you command."

"Command of what? There's no one here,
There's only you and me!
All the rest are dead or in retreat
Or with the enemy!"

— Leonard Cohen, "The Captain"

Gil: All I want is your commander.
Mook: You hit him with lightning.
Gil: Ah. Second in Command?
Mook: Him, too.
Gil: ...Third?
Mook: He was in the second machine.
Gil: [sigh] Fourth?
Mook: [pulls out a knife] THAT WOULD BE ME, MADBOY!
[THOK!] as Mook's forehead sprouts a throwing knife
Dimo: Hoy! So, who else vants to be promoted?

— Girl Genius, volume 7, page 108.

---