Sevastopol's harbor roared with activity as Ruthenia's mighty Black Sea Fleet prepared for deployment. The deep, resonant hum of engines mixed with the sharp clang of metal against metal as sailors and dockworkers moved with urgency. The fleet, long regarded as the jewel of the empire's southern naval might, was being dispatched to reinforce their battered comrades in the South Atlantic.
Admiral Ivan Stepanovich stood on the bridge of the fleet's flagship, the RNS Vityaz, a colossal battleship armed with the latest artillery. His face was etched with resolve, his sharp green eyes scanning the scene below. The Vityaz loomed over the harbor, its turrets gleaming under the faint morning sun. This mission was one of high stakes—the survival of Ruthenia's naval reputation depended on it.
"Admiral, all vessels are reporting readiness," Commander Alexei Tarkhanov announced, standing at attention beside him.
