Slitherine

Forgive me if this has been directly answered, I did try a few searches.

I have a legion as follows:
HHHH
LL

Front rank is 4 stands of HF, rear rank is 2 stands of LF bow.

Contraction rule states "Move bases not in the front rank to make the formation legal."

I want to get the formation to two ranks of HF, with LF in the 3rd rank. Can I contract the right hand two HF from the front rank and end in that formation? Can I contract one frontage stand from either side and end up in that formation? Or can I ONLY contract the left two frontage stands.

That is, do I get to move the LF about freely during the contraction so they always end up as the 3rd rank?

Now, what If I have a legion that is:
HHH
LHL
Two ranks, front is all HF, rear is LF-HF-LF. I want to contract one stand frontage and end up:
HH
HH
LL
Is this possible or impossible? Same rule and likely same answer as above.

Frank

The LF are not in the front rank so may be moved. The HF that have left the front rank can be put where you want so yes you can contract to have two ranks of HF and a third rank of LF.