Julieanne Carter moved quickly through the grand halls of Volkshalle. The message she had just received from the Minister of Defense was urgent. The Triesenberg Fleet, massive and fully armed, was stationed just outside their maritime borders. It wasn't an act of aggression—yet—but it was clear they weren't there for routine patrols. She needed to inform Alexander immediately.
Reaching the Supreme Leader's office, she knocked firmly, not waiting for the usual formalities. When she entered, Alexander was seated at his desk, his focus on reports scattered in front of him. He looked up, a slight frown crossing his face.
"Julieanne?" he asked, sensing the importance of her arrival.
"Sir, the Triesenberg Fleet has arrived just outside our waters. They've stationed their carriers, battleships, submarines—their entire Black Continent Fleet is there. Minister of Defense Thompson is requesting an emergency meeting to discuss our response."
Alexander remained silent for a moment, processing the information. His face betrayed no emotion as he pushed back from his desk and stood.
"Schedule the meeting," he said, his voice steady. "We'll address it immediately. Tell Thompson and the others I'll be there shortly."
Julieanne nodded and quickly left the office, already arranging for the emergency meeting. The implications were serious. A fleet of that size from Triesenberg wasn't positioned outside Valorian territory without intent. This wasn't a drill or a simple display of force—something bigger was unfolding.
Within minutes, Alexander walked into the secure meeting room. The atmosphere was quiet but focused. Around the large table sat the key members of Valoria's defense and intelligence teams, including Minister of Defense Thompson, who stood as Alexander entered.
"Your Excellency," Thompson began without preamble, "our reconnaissance confirms that the entire Black Continent Fleet is in position just beyond our maritime borders. They're holding their distance, but it's clear they're not here for routine operations."
Alexander sat at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on the defense minister. "What's their formation?"
Julieanne, standing near the door, spoke up. "It would show restraint on our part, sir. We don't want to give Triesenberg any excuse to turn this into a full-scale conflict."
"Still they can't just send their fleet near our country and "Still, they can't just send their fleet near our country and expect us to do nothing," Alexander interrupted, his tone sharper. "This is a blatant show of intimidation. If we don't respond, they'll take it as a sign of weakness."
Minister Thompson nodded slowly, acknowledging the delicate balance they had to maintain. "You're right, Your Excellency. We can't appear weak. But a measured response—enough to show them that Valoria is prepared without escalating unnecessarily—could be the right move. If we overcommit now, we risk playing into their hands."
Alexander stood, the tension in the room palpable. He crossed his arms and stared at the map of the Triesenberg fleet once more, deep in thought. "We'll increase air patrols and deploy a portion of the navy to our side of the border. Keep our fleet in reserve but ready to move at a moment's notice.
I want constant radar sweeps on their ships, and I want our intelligence to monitor any changes in their movements."
Julieanne, standing by the door, nodded. "Understood, sir. I'll make sure our intelligence teams coordinate with defense to monitor everything coming from Triesenberg."
"Good," Alexander replied. "And make sure our diplomatic channels are open. We don't want to close any doors that could prevent this from escalating into something far worse."
Minister Thompson looked up from the map. "I'll coordinate the fleet, Your Excellency. Our naval forces will be in position within the next twelve hours."
Alexander nodded, his gaze still fixed on the map. "If Triesenberg wants a standoff, we'll give them one. But we won't be the first to make a mistake."
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The room began to empty as Thompson and the other defense officials left to execute their orders. Julieanne remained for a moment, watching Alexander as he continued to study the map, his eyes narrowing as if trying to see beyond the immediate threat.