Maksim Ivanovich, a seasoned government official in the Empire, stood tall and proud on the bridge of the INS Gerald R. Ford, his piercing blue eyes scanning the horizon as he gazed out at the vast expanse of the Monster Sea. His dark hair was flecked with grey, and his sharp jawline was set in a determined expression. He wore a crisp, navy blue suit, with the emblem of the Empire.
As the Imperial Navy's liaison to the Britannia diplomats, Maksim is tasked with guiding Britannia's diplomats to the Empire and informing them of all the laws and customs of the Empire. He was well-versed in the intricacies of Imperial law and custom, and was determined to make a good impression on behalf of the Empire.
The Third Fleet, the Imperial Navy's most powerful and prestigious naval force, had been dispatched to escort the Britannia diplomats to safety. The fleet consisted of seven warships, each one a marvel of modern technology and engineering. The INS Gerald R. Ford, the flagship of the fleet, was a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, its deck bustling with activity as fighter jets and helicopters took off and landed with precision. The battleship Yamato, a behemoth of a ship with its massive guns and imposing presence, was a symbol of the Empire's military might. The fleet was rounded out by five other warships, each one equipped with the latest in naval technology and crewed by the Empire's finest sailors.
As Maksim spoke with Vice Admiral Jericho, the commander of the INS Gerald R. Ford, he was surrounded by the hum of machinery and the quiet murmur of the crew. The air was thick with the smell of saltwater and diesel fuel, and the sound of seagulls crying overhead added to the sense of excitement and adventure that filled the air.
"Vice Admiral Jericho, thank you for taking the time to speak with me," Maksim said, his voice firm but polite. "I'm sure you're busy as a bee, but I wanted to touch base with you about the Britannia diplomats."
Vice Admiral Jericho, a seasoned veteran with a no-nonsense demeanor, nodded curtly. "Of course, Mr. Maksim. We're about to enter the Monster Sea, and I want to make sure we're prepared for any eventuality. It's a wild card, and we don't want to get caught with our pants down."
Maksim smiled, his eyes scanning the bridge. "Ah, yes. The Monster Sea can be a treacherous place, but I'm confident in the power of the Imperial Navy."
Vice Admiral Jericho chuckled. "That's the spirit, Mr. Maksim. But we can't let our guard down. Not all of these sea monsters are just a bunch of hooey. Some of them are the real deal, and we need to be prepared to take them on."
"Ah! Is that so"
"Hmm....Now, tell me about the Britannia diplomats. What can I expect from them?"
Maksim thought for a moment before responding. "Well, Vice Admiral, we have a diverse group of diplomats from Britannia. First Marquis Nile, a proud and arrogant nobleman who believes himself to be superior to commoners. He's a member of the Britannia Kingdom's nobility and wields significant influence and power. He's in his late 40s, with a well-groomed beard and a receding hairline."
Vice Admiral Jericho raised an eyebrow. "I see. And how do you suggest we handle him, Mr. Maksim?"
Maksim thought for a moment before responding. "I think it's best to give him a sense of importance, Vice Admiral. Acknowledge his title and treat him with respect due to his station. But at the same time, be firm and clear about the Empire's laws and customs. We can't let him think he can bully us into getting what he wants."
Vice Admiral Jericho nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. And what about the others?"
Maksim continued, "Countess Milana, a warm and compassionate leader who's loved by her people and respected by her peers. She's a natural diplomat, with a talent for mediating disputes and finding common ground between opposing factions. At 28, she remains single, focusing on her responsibilities as a leader. Then there's Lyra Martine, the strongest mage in the Britannia Kingdom. A Marine Mage specializing in ocean-related magic, she possesses a gentle spirit and a deep love for marine life. However, she fiercely protects the ecosystem and will go to great lengths to defend it. Remarkably, she is 250 years old."
Jericho's eyes widened in surprise. "250 years old? That's...impossible. She can't be that old. This information must be wrong!"
Maksim nodded. "I know it's hard to believe, but Lyra's magical abilities have slowed down her aging process. She appears to be in her mid-30s, despite being over two centuries old."
Jericho's expression turned thoughtful. "Oh! I-I see. Well, that's certainly...Umm...interesting."
Maksim smiled. " Yes, That's. Another two people are Count Sam Rick, a down-to-earth and unassuming individual. Despite his wealth and influence, he's simple, with a strong sense of responsibility towards his people. He's a shrewd and cunning businessman, always looking for ways to improve the prosperity of his region. His territory, the Rick Isles, is a group of 550 islands known for their thriving industries, including shipbuilding, jewelry, pearl farming, fisheries, and tourism. He's in his mid-40s, with a rugged yet refined appearance. Lastly, Aqua Wynter, She is just 25 years old. But In this young age she is the strongest knight of the Britannia Kingdom and earn the title of the Queen's Sword. She's a member of the Duke family, and has been trained in the art of combat from a young age. She's a force to be reckoned with, fiercely loyal and dedicated to her duty."
Vice Admiral Jericho nodded, his expression serious. "Hmm...I'll make sure to pass that along to my crew, Mr. Maksim. Thanks for your information"
Maksim smiled. "It's my pleasure, Vice Admiral. I want to ensure that our diplomats are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. I'm confident that with your expertise and the Third Fleet's escort, we'll be able to ensure their safe passage to the Empire."
Vice Admiral Jericho gestured to the horizon. "Yes... We do our best. But for now we have to face some big fishes"
Maksim raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"We're approaching the Monster Sea's most treacherous area," Jericho explained. "It's a stretch of water filled with aggressive sea monsters and other dangers. We'll need to be on high alert to make it through safely."
Maksim's eyes widened as he gazed out at the sea. He had heard reports and news about the Sea Monsters, but he had never thought he'd be crossing it himself.
Just then, a shout went up. "Devil whales ahead! Bearing two-seven-zero, range five thousand yards!"
Jericho's face is set in a grim expression. "It seems we have some unwanted company, Mr. Maksim."
The INS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships formed a defensive line, ready to face the incoming attack. The devil whales, massive creatures with razor-sharp teeth and glowing red eyes, breached the surface of the water, their massive bodies undulating as they moved.