The Lyran Starfleet was the military branch of the Lyran Democrative Republic and the Lyran Star Empire. The Lyran Starfleet was known to promote or demote people on the whim of their overlords, be it Lyran counts or Lyran dukes. (RIS Bouteina) Civilian university debtors could become chief petty officers or ensigns if they successfully applied for the Educational Debtor Service Program. (Star Trek: The Stoneship Files: "Cruchitude Dump") Upon promotion, Starfleet crewmen could either accept to be transferred to another ship or decline transfer. (Star Trek: The Stoneship Files)