Maine's Dream Shoukan 1977

Ep. 4 | The Grand Scheme

9th January, 1977 (1639 CC)
10:00
Council of the Maritime Causes Headquarter (Naval Board), Department of Admiralty, Esthirant, Parpaldia

"The Topa Squadron is taking too long to return. They are late off the schedule by four days without any notice reach out. I am concerned of their whereabouts." said 1st Commodore Paix while gazing down at the recent naval activity report sheet which is spread fully across his wide ornate wooden desk within the Naval Office. A Smoking Pipe with extravagant gold lining patterns dangled from his lips, puffing out contemplative clouds as he signed papers along.

"Commodore, Could it be that they encountered a hostile identity? It's highly unusual for multiple ship-of-the-line to be dysfunctional all at once. I suggest that we call for the Board meeting immediately." His secretary, Captain Leu suggested.

"That's right... get the board assembled in 10 minutes." He replied, pausing all of his activity. His fountain pen that was twirling came to a stop and let down.

"Yes, sire" the nearby staff acknowledged, springing up in response to their respective order.

"What such force could trouble our finest squadron... This puzzles me greatly, Captain. For the entirety of my life, I have yet to meet anyone who could successfully oppose our maritime force. This sure will be interesting." Paix chuckled as he set his pipe down.

"It could be the squadron fault... a simply human error, sire."

"The Imperial Navy men do not make mistakes. We bear through the past-time hardships that defined and cast the finest men of the Imperial Navy. Do you seriously think an organized force of that size would simply go out of touch?"

"Well sire, it could be possible. But your points hold more validity than mine. I, for one, have faith in our fellow Naval men's competency."

—-

At the conference room within the Council building compartment, there located a highly decorated room in a baroque fashion that is now being attended by High Rankings from the Parpaldian Navy. Almost all of the seats were taken which greatly emphasized the urgency of the event through their participation. The Murmuring noises of conversations filled the room amid intensive discussion of affiliated affairs ahead in regard.

"Admiral Presence!" One of the officers shouted as Admiral Philip entered the room. It's the man who has his position as the Chief of this Council. The Guards salute accordingly.

"Good morning, gentlemen." Philip greeted the standing compliant crowd of officers while he walked to his seat at the front.

"Excuse me in regard if I'd bother you. Now, may I have your attention please, gentlemen." Leu said as the spokesman, disrupting the silence due to Admiralty's presence. He looked down at the sheet to gather its content and skimmed through them fast, in preparation for his presentation to his superiors with the summary he just made. With all officers present, the session is ready to begin on time.

"As we're all well aware, the Topa Observation Group which comprises several high-grade ships, is currently missing. Naturally, their absence poses a significant concern and loss for the Navy. While the exact cause remains unknown, the most plausible scenario is that they encountered a hostile force, ending up in an inevitable confrontation. Further investigation may reveal connections to new contacts. Notably, the Foreign Affairs Department has reported a diplomatic request from a country known as the United States of America, which happens to be located precisely along the Squadron's navigation route," Leu explained.

"Considering their disappearance near the region where America is located, we must tread cautiously. The request from the American government was sure raises questions. I suggest they are related to the squadron's sudden disappearance considering their timing is too perfect... the American might be involved." Paix commented as the crowd applauded him gently for his speculation in accommodation for his rank.