"Communications, patch me through to the Triesenberg lead ship," Ellis ordered calmly.
"Aye, sir. Channel open," the communications officer responded.
Ellis stepped forward, his voice steady but with a hard edge. "This is Captain John Ellis of the Valorian Home Fleet. You are ordered to alter your course and turn back immediately. Your continued presence so close to Valorian waters will not be tolerated. Failure to comply will result in defensive action. You have five minutes to respond."
He gestured to the officer to keep the line open, the countdown already running in his mind. The Triesenberg Fleet had been pushing the limits, but this was their last chance to back down. If they didn't, the consequences could be severe.
"Sir," the radar officer said quietly, "No immediate movement from their fleet. They're still holding position."
Ellis nodded, but his focus remained on the clock ticking down. "Keep me updated. I want to know the second anything changes."
The silence on the bridge was thick with anticipation. The Valorian crew knew the stakes. Everyone was on edge, awaiting the response—or lack thereof—from the Triesenberg forces.
"Still no reply, sir," the communications officer said after a tense minute.
Ellis' jaw clenched slightly. He had hoped they would pull back, but it seemed the Triesenberg Fleet was determined to test their resolve. He exchanged a glance with his second-in-command, Captain Jayson, who gave a small nod, ready for the next step.
"Prepare to fire a warning shot," Ellis ordered, his voice cold and firm. "Target an area far enough from their ships to avoid damage, but close enough to make it clear we're not bluffing."
The four main turrets of the VNS Titan, each housing three massive 16-inch/50 caliber Mark 7 naval guns, began to swivel with an almost mechanical precision.
"Target acquired," the weapons officer reported. "Coordinates locked. The shot will impact at a safe distance."
Ellis nodded, his eyes still fixed on the distant ships of the Triesenberg fleet, visible on the horizon. "Fire."
"Sir, the Triesenberg fleet remains defiant," the communications officer reported. "They're standing their ground."
"Why are they so stubborn? Very well, give them a last warning," Captain Ellis said, his tone colder now. He turned to the communications officer. "Open the channel."
The officer quickly complied, patching the line through once more. Ellis took a breath, knowing that his next words could tip the balance of this already precarious situation.
"Admiral Sturbridge, this is your final warning. You are ordered to turn your fleet around and vacate the area immediately. Failure to comply will result in direct action. I repeat, any further refusal to leave the vicinity will be considered a hostile act, and we will respond accordingly."
The message echoed across the bridge of the Titan, the tension rising as everyone waited for a response. Time seemed to slow as Ellis stared out at the horizon, his thoughts racing. He didn't want this to end in violence, but he also couldn't afford to appear weak. .net
Minutes passed. The crew remained at their stations, eyes fixed on their instruments, waiting for any sign of movement or a reply from the Triesenberg fleet.
"Sir," the radar officer called out. "No movement from the Triesenberg ships. They're still holding their positions."
Ellis's expression hardened. "They're leaving us no choice."
Before he could issue his next order, the communications officer turned sharply. "Incoming message from the Triesenberg lead ship."
"Put it through," Ellis ordered, keeping his voice calm despite the tension mounting in his chest.
Sturbridge's voice came through, calm but resolute. "Captain Ellis, the Triesenberg Fleet will not turn back. We are operating within our legal rights in international waters, and we have no intention of escalating this further. However, if your fleet chooses to act aggressively, we will defend ourselves. This is not a challenge, but a statement of fact."
Ellis clenched his jaw. Sturbridge was standing firm, and the window for diplomacy was rapidly closing. He turned to Captain Jayson, who had been standing silently by his side. "Prepare for potential escalation. Move our fleet into a tighter defensive formation, and increase readiness levels across all ships."
"Aye, sir," Jayson replied, relaying the orders quickly.