HTMS James Pike, Captain Sir Eli Graves commanding, departed Williamshaven on a course for Floodwater without advance knowledge of its mission. Three hours into the cruise, as instructed, Captain Graves opened the envelope containing his orders. They came as no surprise.
"Captain Eli Graves," the letter read, "You are hereby tasked to represent Tytorian interests in the Sea of Alucard in relation to the Gungnir crisis. For this purpose, you will accompany the attack submarine Hunting Girl of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy on its course to the same location. Once rendezvous has occurred, it will become your mission to prevent and respond to attacks on CSTO assets in and above Nya Åland. As the level of Gungnir capabilities is unknown at present, you will avoid the use of satellite-based technologies to the extent possible, navigation excluded. Use of force is authorized only under extreme circumstances, and you are advised to follow Hunting Girl's lead as you deem prudent." A list of mission-critical coordinates followed.
Having now received his instructions, Captain Graves gave the orders necessary to get the James Pike to its rendezvous. He smiled grimly as they were carried out.