The ssage was sent, and within minutes, a response ca. 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 eting area. Captain Eriau, anwhile, took a mont 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 Eriau led them to the conference room, where formal introductions were made.
"Welco to the Imperial French Navy Ship, Ciela Bonaparte. I'm Captain Maurice-Julien Eriau and this is my executive officer, Mr. Leclerc," said Captain Eriau, extending a hand to the Russian captain.
The French interpreter that the Russians brought with them translated the words of Captain Eriau.
The Russian captain, identified as Captain Ivanovich, returned the handshake firmly. "Thank you, Captain Eriau. I am Captain Alexei Ivanovich of the Russian Cruiser Askold. We appreciate your willingness to et."
"Please, take a seat," Captain Eriau 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 Eriau continued. "Now, our encounter earlier was sothing 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 anyti soon. Our mission is a long-term navigational training exercise, and we have been mapping various parts of the diterranean and the Black Sea."
"Oh really? For what reason?" Captain Eriau 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 ti 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 diterranean Sea to begin with," Captain Eriau pointed out with a hint of skepticism in his tone.
Captain Ivanovich maintained his composure. "True, the distance is significant, but our governnt is interested in expanding our naval expertise and understanding of different mariti environnts. And you are wrong, we do have access to the diterranean Sea through the Bosporus Strait."
"Which is under control of the Ottoman Empire," Captain Eriau. "You will need their permission to cross that strait unless you co to an agreent with the Ottomans like…I don't know, help them quell the rebellion of the Greeks?"
When Captain Eriau said that, the deanor on Ivanov's face changed.
"Your na was Eriau, 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 Eriau 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 Eriau 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 Eriau'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 Eriau. We are to follow strict orders from our governnt. 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 Eriau 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 co to that. Neither of us wants an escalation that could lead to a larger conflict."
.cοm 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 co 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 . It was a pleasure eting you, Captain Eriau."
Captain Eriau 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 Eriau convened with his officers to discuss the eting's outcos 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."
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