Summoning the Great Union: A new front

Chapter 27- World Conference/Clash at the Western Islands (1)

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Vespechann Union, Camp Bauer, night before the conference

"Those navy bastards are at it again, it seems."

"Yes. Ever since they secured those warm-water ports, they've been trying to ingratiate themselves with the upper echelon."

In an undisclosed meeting room inside Camp Bauer, north of the capital, a group of senior officers gathered to discuss the direction the military had been taking.

"While I understand the frustration, the government’s reasoning isn’t without merit. Our war with Papaldia demonstrated that future conflicts may not be decided on land alone. Control of the sea is becoming just as critical."

After the Papaldian War, the communist government began heavily investing in naval expansion. New warm-water ports were being constructed along the Union’s newly acquired coastlines. Before the Transference, the Union had been effectively landlocked within the Greater Eastern Continent, relying on a handful of northern cold-water ports to sustain its already massive fleet. Now, surrounded by open ocean, the Union could expand its navy without the logistical bottlenecks that had once limited production. Shipyards were operating at full capacity, and new ones were being laid down along the eastern seaboard by order of the General Secretary. State directives included:

Deployment of the 9th and 10th Punisher Fleets, alongside the reactivation of the Home Defense Fleets.

Reorganization of the Marine Corps into an independent branch under the Naval Armed Forces, with immediate reassignment from the Liberation Army.

Forward deployment of submarine groups to the far eastern waters in response to the growing threat of the Eighth Empire.

Acceleration of naval aviation programs, particularly carrier-capable jet aircraft, as the completion of the new Korin-class carrier approaches.

Initiation of carrier-based helicopter production for reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and transport roles.

Mass production of large fleet carriers to project power beyond continental waters.

Commissioning of the first Korin-class fleet carrier within the next month.

A general increase in shipbuilding output and naval armament production.

"It’s absurd. The integration of the Marine Corps into the army gets rejected, yet the navy gets everything it asks for. Meanwhile, we’re still fielding equipment from '45."

"That may be true, but the reality is simple. We don’t make policy, the Party does. And right now, the Party believes the navy is the priority."

A brief silence followed before another officer spoke.

"I have a question, Comrade. Is sending just one heavy cruiser to the conference really wise? A battleship would make a far stronger impression."

"The decision’s already been made and the delegation and its escort are already en route. Besides, this is a diplomatic mission, not a show of force.

"And even if it were, I doubt the natives of this world possess anything capable of threatening a Kepler-class cruiser. What’s the worst that could happen?"

The room gave a few quiet chuckles, although not everyone seemed convinced.

They moved on to other matters, new weapons programs, logistical concerns, and rumors of further restructuring. Continuing their discussions late into the night.

Eventually, the meeting ended.
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Gra Valkas Empire, Imperial Capital Ragna

The empire was having an important meeting in order to determine the future of the country.