Confrontation I, Pressure — John B. Bolton

This novel opens inside a military courtroom where one individual is on trial for treason or giving the Jestoid military battle data. The 5 Judges (Jurists) issue some surprise rulings in this case. FLTADM Smoltevski presents JT the Alliance's 2nd highest military for his brilliant battle planning and leadership during the short, very lopsided victory against the Jestoid Empire. The victory is so complete even the Jestoid pirate trade is destroyed and dismantled and thousands of pirates are imprisoned. Many thousands of Alliance citizens are rescued, but unfortunately some don't make it home before they succumb to their sicknesses and/or injuries. In a surprise move PRES Panzer shows up for JT's award ceremony and promotes JT to Command Admiral, and then pins on JT's 3rd star. JT is surprised that Kate is at the ceremony. She had been transferred to Earth, but not as a doctor in the main Fleet Hospital; she has a new job and title.