The British fleet detected the German raiding squadron almost simultaneously.
"Excellent, we've finally found the Germans! First Battleship Division, continue advancing; Second Battleship Division, scatter and encircle. This time, we must take down all three of those German battlecruisers," Vice Admiral Martin commanded.
The British fleet's twelve battleships were split into two divisions. The First Battleship Division comprised two *Nevada*-class, two *New York*-class, and two *Wyoming*-class battleships, while the Second Battleship Division included two *Florida*-class, two *Delaware*-class, and two *South Carolina*-class battleships.
With the First Division leading and the Second turning in secrecy to avoid detection, Martin's plan was clear: to flank and eliminate the three German *Blücher*-class battlecruisers in one sweeping strike.
As the fleet divided, one group continued forward to face the German squadron head-on, while the other maneuvered to encircle them. Meanwhile, Admiral Lübeck's three *Blücher*-class battlecruisers encountered only the six battleships of the British First Division.
"Sir, it's the Americans. Six battleships!" reported a staff officer on the *Blücher*.
"What are the Americans doing here? Are they attempting another forceful incursion into Imperial waters?" Lübeck frowned, recalling the recent standoff, narrowly averted from full-scale conflict, when the U.S. fleet had previously intruded on Germany's designated no-sail zone.
"Maintain vigilance; inquire about their intentions," Lübeck ordered.
"Yes, Admiral." The staff officer quickly established a communication channel with the "American" fleet.
Aboard the *Nevada*, the British communications officer reported to Martin.
"Sir, the Germans are inquiring about our intentions, claiming these waters as their no-sail zone."
"No-sail zone? Nonsense—this is the high seas! Even at its peak, the Royal Navy wouldn't arrogantly establish such zones, let alone the Germans!" Martin snapped.
"How should we respond, sir?" asked the officer.
"Inform them we're conducting routine patrol operations," Martin replied calmly.
"Yes, sir!" the officer nodded, relaying the message.
"Order all ships to prepare for battle. Close the distance to ten thousand meters, then commence attack. Lower the American flag and raise the Saint George's Cross," Martin commanded.
As the British ships hastily prepared for battle, the German fleet noted the suspicious movements but couldn't decipher the "Americans'" intentions.
"Admiral, the Americans claim to be on a routine patrol."
"Routine patrol? Warn them to turn back at once. This is the Imperial German Navy's no-sail zone; approaching further will be seen as provocation," Lübeck said coldly. With the Imperial Navy now the world's strongest, they needn't show deference to the Americans.
"Admiral, the Americans are exhibiting unusual behavior; their main guns are uncovered and turrets rotating—aimed at us!" an officer reported in alarm.
"What? Do these Americans mean to provoke us? Damn it—warn them to cease this aggression, or the Imperial Navy will retaliate!" Lübeck ordered.
But Martin ignored the German warnings. Six battleships were now locked onto the German fleet, though they awaited closer range for firing.
"Just a bit closer… Once we're within ten thousand meters, we'll open fire," Martin thought, knowing that closing the distance would compensate for the American ships' range and targeting limitations compared to the German fleet, thus maximizing the British advantage in crew expertise and accuracy.
"Admiral, the Americans haven't responded," a staff officer reported.
"Damn it! What are they playing at?" Lübeck cursed.
"What's our current distance?" he asked.
"Admiral, we're now within fifteen kilometers of them."
Realizing the danger as both sides were well within effective gun range, Lübeck ordered, "Prepare for battle!"
The three *Blücher*-class cruisers spun their turrets and aimed at the British ships, their guns unveiled, menacing.
"Warn the Americans: if they advance any further, we will fire," Lübeck instructed as the distance shrank to twelve kilometers.
Upon hearing the German warning, a slight smile crossed Martin's face.
"How close are we now?" Martin asked.
"Admiral, nearly eleven thousand meters."
"Very well. The Germans seem agitated. Closing further won't be easy. All ships, target the enemy—open fire!" Martin commanded.
With a thunderous roar, the *Nevada* fired first, unleashing its twin 14-inch turrets. In unison, the other five battleships joined the bombardment, initiating a sudden and fierce confrontation.