Festival of Bitter Regret

The Festival of Bitter Regrets serves as a reminder of failure.   In 2088 EVT, Sparnell Armed Forces attacked the thriving Order planet of Seliv, with intent to claim it as their own. Despite the efforts of the Militant Order of Descendants the Confederation was successful, adding Seliv to their own territory.   On the first anniversary of the defeat, the Ascended Conclave declared a Holy Day of Observation, with the directive that all True Descendants remember the failure at Seliv and strive to do better. Centuries later, the day is still observed annually within the Militant Order of Descendants.

The few civilians who still observe the Festival spend much of the day in quiet contemplation, eating simple, bland foods while reflecting on their gratitude to live on a planet still under the protection of the Conclave. Among the fleet, however, the Festival has taken on a much greater meaning.   All active duty Militants are required to participate, wholly committing themselves to their tasks during their usual hours of duty. When officially relieved of their required duties, Militants are instead expected to join in the many drills held throughout the day, symbolizing their readiness to jump to action at a moment's notice to defend the planets under their charge. There is no sleep during the Festival, which lasts for a full twenty five hours.   Meals are a regrettable affair, consisting of recreations of dishes from former Order planets, generously re-flavored with bitter herbs and spices and packaged planetside for reheating on the day of the Festival. In the beginning, this had involved only a single course for a single meal, but as years passed and more planets fell to the Order's enemies - some conquered with help from opposing ground forces, other ravaged from orbit or reduced to rubble through other means - the menu grew to include dishes from each additional loss.   The Festival has had the desired effect. More than one commander has rallied their flagging subordinates with a rousing speech including not only the importance of defending civilians, but also ensuring the Conclave doesn't add yet another course to the Bitter menu.   The reminder has proven quite motivating.