Chapter 380 Prelude to Greek War of Independence
The message was sent, and within minutes, a response came. The Russian cruiser agreed to the terms. A small boat was seen departing from the Askold, making its way towards the Ciela Bonaparte.
The French crew prepared for the arrival of the Russian delegation. Security was tight, with selected officers positioned strategically around the meeting area. Captain Emeriau, meanwhile, took a moment to gather his thoughts. He wondered what the Russians wanted from them or what they were doing here in the Ionian waters.
As the Russian delegation boarded, they were greeted with cautious professionalism. Captain Emeriau led them to the conference room, where formal introductions were made.
"Welcome to the Imperial French Navy Ship, Ciela Bonaparte. I'm Captain Maurice-Julien Emeriau and this is my executive officer, Mr. Leclerc," said Captain Emeriau, extending a hand to the Russian captain.
The French interpreter that the Russians brought with them translated the words of Captain Emeriau.
The Russian captain, identified as Captain Ivanovich, returned the handshake firmly. "Thank you, Captain Emeriau. I am Captain Alexei Ivanovich of the Russian Cruiser Askold. We appreciate your willingness to meet."
"Please, take a seat," Captain Emeriau gestured towards the chairs arranged around the conference table. Captain Ivanovich and his officers complied, taking their seats across from the French officers.
Once everyone was seated, Captain Emeriau continued. "Now, our encounter earlier was something that can be avoided."
"I know but we heard you," Captain Ivanovich said. "It's just that we can't respond as there were technical issues on our comms. Well, we have been in the area for almost six months with no signs of returning back to Saint Petersburg anytime soon. Our mission is a long-term navigational training exercise, and we have been mapping various parts of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea."
"Oh really? For what reason?" Captain Emeriau steepled his fingers, seemingly suspicious of Captain Ivanovich.
"Research purposes," Captain Ivanovich revealed tersely.
"Research purposes when there is an upcoming full-blown civil war in Ottoman Greece? Last time I checked, there shouldn't be a Russian ship here to begin with because geographically speaking it's quite distant from your country, with no direct access to the sea to the Mediterranean Sea to begin with," Captain Emeriau pointed out with a hint of skepticism in his tone.
Captain Ivanovich maintained his composure. "True, the distance is significant, but our government is interested in expanding our naval expertise and understanding of different maritime environments. And you are wrong, we do have access to the Mediterranean Sea through the Bosporus Strait."
"Which is under control of the Ottoman Empire," Captain Emeriau. "You will need their permission to cross that strait unless you come to an agreement with the Ottomans like…I don't know, help them quell the rebellion of the Greeks?"
When Captain Emeriau said that, the demeanor on Ivanov's face changed.
"Your name was Emeriau, right? You are bad at this. Your words are provoking and it's unbecoming of a captain to make such baseless accusations," Captain Ivanovich responded with a firm tone.
"Well, I'm not the kind of person that beats around the bush and entertains such trivialities. I want to get to the point. There is no reason for a Russian ship to be in the Ionian Sea to begin with. Unless that ship of yours is going to be used to support the Otto—"
"How about you?" Captain Ivanov interrupted. "You have been focusing on our intentions but what about you? What is the French Battleship doing here in the Ionian Sea?"
"We are on our way to the Ionian Islands. That's a legitimate operation," Captain Emeriau replied calmly, maintaining his composure despite the interruption. "The Ciela Bonaparte is conducting a routine patrol in these waters and it is within our rights because the Ionian Islands were ceded to us at the Congress of Versailles."
Captain Ivanovich raised an eyebrow, seemingly skeptical. "The Ionian Islands? That's an interesting destination for a 'routine patrol.' Are you sure it's not more than that? Maybe a show of force or a strategic positioning given the current tensions in the region? Because last I checked on the map, the Ionian Islands are off course from your current location. You seem to be heading in a different direction."
Captain Emeriau realized that Captain Ivanovich was trying to imply that the French battleship had ulterior motives.
"I thought you were a person who doesn't beat around the bush, but what you said is contrary to your actions," Captain Ivanovich remarked dryly. He continued. "I think you are heading to Ottoman Greece to help the revolutionaries. How you would help them is beyond my knowledge, but that's the only logical explanation for your presence in these waters."
Captain Emeriau's expression remained unchanged, but he felt a surge of irritation. "Okay, you have made your point, Captain Ivanov. Yeah, Paris has intentions of intervening in the civil war."
"So does Russia. You see, we are just a pawn here, Captain Emeriau. We are to follow strict orders from our government. Should I receive an order to stop a French ship from getting close to Athens…well, don't think I'll hesitate. Sure you can outmatch our ship with your superior battleship but is that a risk that France is willing to take?"
"So we are both saber-rattling here," Captain Emeriau scoffed softly. "Like you said, we are a pawn here. Should I receive word from Paris that I am to engage with any foreign naval presence interfering with our mission, I will not hesitate either. However, let's hope it doesn't come to that. Neither of us wants an escalation that could lead to a larger conflict."
Captain Ivanovich nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Agreed. It's in neither of our interests to start a conflict here. Our primary objective is to follow orders and protect our respective nations' interests. Let's both hope that our paths do not cross under less favorable circumstances…and that Paris and Saint Petersburg come to terms."
Both of them smiled at one another. Seconds later, Captain Ivanov rose to his feet. "Well, I have to return back to my ship. My crews are waiting for me. It was a pleasure meeting you, Captain Emeriau."
Captain Emeriau stood up as well, extending his hand for another handshake. "Likewise, Captain Ivanovich. Safe travels."
The Russian delegation then left the Ciela Bonaparte, returning to their cruiser. After they had departed, Captain Emeriau convened with his officers to discuss the meeting's outcomes and implications.
"Stay vigilant," he instructed his crew. "We may not be actively engaging, but we must be ready for any change in the situation. The first thing we are going to do is to inform Paris of this encounter."
Updat𝓮d from freew𝒆bnovel(.)com