On the evening of June 9th, 1798, a pivotal moment unfolded on the vast Mediterranean Sea. The French Fleet, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, found itself positioned just five hundred meters off the coast of Gozo. At the helm of the French flagship, the mighty L'Orient, Napoleon stood on the deck, his eyes fixed upon the distant horizon as he peered through his spyglass towards the captivating island of Malta.
Napoleon's grand vision for expanding French dominion into Egypt had brought him to this critical juncture. Recognizing the significance of Malta as a strategic stronghold, he knew that capturing the island was the first crucial step towards achieving his ultimate objective. The Island of Malta held immense value in terms of its geographical position.
Situated at the crossroads of major trade routes, Malta commanded control over vital maritime passages in the Mediterranean. Its position granted supremacy to any force capable of seizing it, effectively securing dominance over this crucial stretch of sea. Napoleon understood that by securing Malta, he would not only establish a fortified base from which to launch his Egyptian campaign but also gain a powerful vantage point to project French influence throughout the region.
Before launching his campaign, Napoleon extensively studied the intricate situation surrounding Malta. At that time, the island was firmly under the control of the formidable Knights of St. John, also known as the Order of Malta. This ancient military and religious order boasted a proud legacy of successfully defending the island against numerous invaders, owing to their exceptional prowess in naval warfare and fortification strategies.
However, as the 18th century progressed, the Order of St. John faced a gradual decline in its relevance and purpose. The traditional role of combating Muslim forces had become increasingly obsolete, and the Order found itself increasingly reliant on France for financial support. A significant portion of its membership consisted of French individuals, and France served as a crucial source of revenue for the Order's activities. Nevertheless, the Order encountered significant setbacks following the outbreak of the French Revolution, leading to severe financial difficulties by the year 1792. Other European powers expressed their desire to take over Malta, but Napoleon isn't going to let that happen.
"General Bonaparte," called Murat, breaking Napoleon's focus as he lowered his spyglass.
Startled by the interruption, Napoleon turned to face Murat. "What is it, Murat?"
"Junot is arriving," he informed.
Napoleon's attention immediately shifted, his gaze following Murat's direction towards the ship's railing. Looking down, he beheld a sailing boat gracefully approaching their vessel. The wind filled the sails, propelling the boat closer to the French flagship.
The sails billowed, the boat glided alongside the towering L'Orient, and as Junot stepped onto the French flag ship's deck, a wave of anticipation rippled through the air. Napoleon had sent Junot to send a message to the Grand Master of Malta to water at their ports and resupply.
"So, what did the Grandmaster say?"
Junot saluted respectfully before presenting his report. "General," he began, "the Knights of Malta have held a crucial meeting to deliberate upon our fleet's entry. After careful consideration, they have decided to grant us permission, albeit with certain conditions. It has been determined that only four ships will be allowed to enter the harbors at a time."
"Only four ships?" Napoleon's brows furrowed. "We have almost five hundred ships here that need to be resupplied with food and water."
"I emphasized the significance of the situation to them, General Bonaparte," Junot explained solemnly. "However, I regret to inform you that their decision is final. It is based on an old statute that forbids the entry of more than four ships from Christian countries into Maltese ports simultaneously during periods of hostilities, one that I was told of."
Napoleon clicked his tongue in frustration. If they adhered to the Maltese condition, it would prolong the resupplying process by weeks, wasting valuable time. Moreover, there was the risk of word spreading about the French fleet's location, potentially reaching the ears of European powers such as the Austrian Empire, Russian Empire, and Ottoman Empire. This information could lead them to assemble their own fleets, mistakenly perceiving it as a precursor to an invasion of their own territories—a scenario Napoleon desperately wanted to avoid.
"Well, you say they are preparing for a defense right?" Napoleon asked as the corners of his lips curved into a sly smile. "Then we shall give them a defense they won't expect. Admiral!"
"General!" the Admiral of the flagship L'Orient Fran?ois-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers stepped forward.
"Prepare all our ships of the line for a firing demonstration," Napoleon commanded with a glint of determination in his eyes.
Admiral Brueys d'Aigalliers nodded, understanding Napoleon's intent. "Yes, General," he replied, saluting before swiftly issuing orders to his crew and to the other ships. The French fleet gracefully maneuvered, aligning their vessels in a strategic formation.
As the ships settled into position, Napoleon turned his attention to the island.
"General, the ships are in position," the Admiral informed and continued. "But, it's too dark, General. It will be risky to fire on the island as our salvo might hit civilians."
"It's too dark you say?" Napoleon scoffed softly. "Then we shall give light…and as for the civilians, don't worry, we won't be attacking their fortifications, we are going to simply send a message."
"We shall give light?" Admiral Brueys repeated, tilting his head to the side.
Before Brueys could ask for an explanation, Napoleon already walked away towards his troops.
"You guys studied the new mortar and its shells, am I correct?" Napoleon asked the artillerymen.
"Uhm…yes General…why do you ask?" one of the artillerymen inquired.
"It's time for a real test, get your mortars out."
"Yes, general!" The artillerymen began taking out mortars from its wooden crate. Murat and Junot watched curiously.
"Admiral…I want you to send a message also to the other ship of the line, informing the artillerymen boarded on their respective ships to take out their mortars as well and load an illumination shell."
Communication within the French fleet primarily relied on spark gap radio, a wireless system that functioned similarly to Morse code, or Bonaparte's code in this world. This technology enabled ships to transmit messages without the need for flags or lights, eliminating the risk of revealing their position.
Five minutes later, Admiral Brueys approached Napoleon.
"Sir, they are ready and waiting for your signal," Admiral Brueys informed.
"Great, on my signal…" Napoleon paused dramatically. "Fire!"
The mortars on the deck of the ships were unleashed, launching their illuminated payload high into the air. The shells soared, trailing arcs of light as they ascended, before bursting into a magnificent display of brilliance.
Explosions of vibrant colors blossomed overhead, scattering shards of illumination across the night sky. Malta was bathed in a surreal glow, casting vibrant hues upon the land and sea. The brilliance was so intense that it transformed the darkness into an ethereal spectacle, capturing the attention of all who beheld it.
"What the…"
Murat, Junot, Brueys, and virtually any soldiers aboard the French ships were stunned.
"Admiral," Napoleon called.
"Yes, General?" Admiral Brueys snapped out of his awe-struck state, turning to face Napoleon.
"Now for our display of power."
With that order, the ship's crew below manned their stations. Then, with a thunderous roar, the first salvo erupted from the French ships, filling the air with smoke and reverberating booms. The projectiles whistled through the sky, crashing into the island with powerful force.
Napoleon sighed, this would have been a better sight if they were battleships, not ships of the line. But nevertheless, this is enough to send a message to Malta.
Meanwhile, on the island, the Councils were convened again, describing what they saw outside.
"The Frenchs…they fired something that erupted in the sky…and then there was light everywhere!"
"They also fired their cannons but none of them hit the fortifications…it's like they are sending us a message."
"With that light, our fortifications would be an easy target for them…Grandmaster…please reconsider your decision."
"No!" Hompesch's voice cracked. "We will not give up without a fight. Do those Frenchmen think they can intimidate us with those lights and cannons? We have the best fortifications in the region. Put them to use."
"But Grandmaster…they have hundreds of ships and tens of thousand of troops, we won't survive an invasion, it's in the best interest that we sue for peace…"
"Just follow my orders will you?" Hompesch spat, interrupting one of the councilors.
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