Summoning America

Chapter 157: At The Seams

Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire

The sound of rustling papers was soon followed by a heavy sigh as Chief of Naval Operations Arnalt Karlmann read the latest dispatch from Fleet Admiral Dietrich in Cartalpas. His previous doubts had now ballooned into outright fear and regret with the revelation of the Fifth Conquest Fleet's preemptive retreat. Looking to his side, it was clear that Chief of the Military Siegs shared a similar sentiment, a frown marring his usually stoic face.

A side door swung open, now-Chancellor Guinea Marix striding in. He made a grandiose entry, radiating confidence that bordered on arrogance. "Gentlemen," he boomed, "report."

Siegs stood, saluting. His eyes met Karlmann's for a split second, enough to communicate the burden of uncertainty they both felt.

Karlmann began cautiously, "Chancellor, we have just received a report from Cartalpas. Dietrich's forces suffered minor losses, losing only a couple battleship divisions and submarine squadrons to the Americans. The diversion sent to Galavete did not fare as well; they lost almost half of their carriers. American technology has proved to be beyond our current counters: we have no way of reliably shooting down their missiles and our radar is essentially rendered useless whenever we face them."

Marix slammed his fist onto the table, startling a few aides. "Impossible. These Americans are days away!"

Karlmann restrained a sigh. "Their reach is long, Chancellor. Our lack of countermeasures against their missile technology is... problematic."

Siegs chimed in, his voice tinged with reservation. "Our air defenses were virtually useless. The distance alone that their missiles can cover outmatches anything in our arsenal. We are fortunate that Dietrich was cautious enough to flee before the Americans arrived in force. We must reconsider our strategy."

Marix sneered, clearly irked. "What are you suggesting, Chief Siegs? That we cower and let these foreigners dictate our actions?"

"No, Chancellor," Siegs responded, visibly collecting himself, "but perhaps we need to approach this as a war of attrition. We have the numbers: almost ten times as many ships, planes, and men as the Americans. If we spread their resources thin –"

"Excellent. Finally, some proactive thinking," Marix cut in, smirking. "Spread them thin and then crush them."

Karlmann's eyes flickered with skepticism. Was this truly the leader they were to follow? A man led more by bravado than by sound military strategy? It seemed that he made a mistake in supporting Marix, believing that he would opt for a quick victory in Mu and a subsequent peace treaty, rather than engaging the Americans head-on. But dissent, he knew, was dangerous ground to tread.

"Very well," Karlmann finally said, nodding slightly. "I'll prepare proposals on redeployment and divide-and-conquer tactics. But I must stress, Chancellor, these tactics are meant to keep the Americans distracted while we further our goals against the EDI. We are venturing into unknown territory; caution may be our best ally.

Marix leaned back in his chair, a smug grin curling his lips. "Caution? A tool for those without the will to seize the opportunity. Proceed with your preparations, but let's not forget: fortune favors the bold."

The room seemed to tighten, air thickening as if in anticipation of a storm. Siegs caught Karlmann's eye, a silent dialogue passing between them. Could they truly trust the fate of their empire to this volatile mix of audacity and arrogance?

Seizing control of the room's focus, Marix placed his palms flat on the table and leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a predator's certainty. "Now, as for logistics, I find it improbable – nay, laughable – that the Americans could sustain an extensive campaign at such a distance. They are surely overreaching."