January 16th, 2024. Five o'clock in the afternoon. Richard was seated at his desk, deeply engrossed in a pile of paperwork that seemed never-ending. His office, usually a hub of strategic discussions and planning, was quiet except for the occasional sound of stamping and signing documents. He was meticulously reviewing each piece, ensuring everything was in order for the upcoming operation and the integration of the U.S. Pacific Fleet remnants.
As he was about to move on to the next document, there was a knock on his office door. Without looking up, Richard called out, "Come in," expecting it to be one of his staff with yet another report or request for approval.
The door opened, and Mark, his second in command, stepped inside. Mark.
As the door closed behind him, Richard finally looked up, setting aside the paperwork for a moment.
