Callum quickly jotted down notes, a hint of admiration on his face. Angus was increasingly looking like a true national leader, seeking balance and initiative amidst tight spaces.
"One more thing."
MacLaine walked over from the communication desk, looking serious, "We've detected a noticeable increase in US Navy reconnaissance planes and surface vessels operating in the North Sea International Waters over the past twenty-four hours. It seems they're intensifying their surveillance of our coastline and the Shetland Islands. Furthermore, there are unconfird signals indicating possible US submarines in the vicinity."
"Aricans?" McTavish frowned, "What are they sticking their noses into?"
"It might be related to the new situation in the Balkans." Callum analyzed, "If Europe is in turmoil, the Aricans won't sit idly by. Increasing military presence around Europe is both a deterrent and a test to see where our fledgling 'entities' will lean."
"Then let's move up the exercises." McTavish ordered, "Notify the fleet and air defense forces to conduct live-fire air defense and anti-submarine exercises north of the Shetlands tomorrow. Bring out our 'Short Sword' and those anti-ship missiles we bought from xico for a show of force. Let's show London, xico, and especially the Aricans that Scotland's waters aren't just any sightseeing spot they can visit at will."
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brčko District.
Gunfire shattered the morning silence, followed by the muffled sound of explosions and the roar of collapsing buildings. Thick smoke rose from the barracks previously controlled by the Bosnian Governnt Army.
Ard personnel, in uniforms varied but bearing the unified arm patch of the Serb Republic flag, swiftly occupied critical roads under the cover of a few brand-new, extra-armored Puma armored vehicles. Their maneuvers were more professional and coordinated than during the war five years ago. So observed figures in the command vehicle at the rear, wearing sunglasses, speaking rapidly in Spanish over the comms.
The local Bosnian Governnt Army soldiers were caught off guard, with so casualties in the crossfire, others forced to retreat. Croatian Ethnic Militia rushed in upon hearing the news, leading to fierce clashes with the Serbian Ard Forces, turning the streets into a battlefield.
The news spread like wildfire across the globe.
Brussels, ergency European Union summit.
The original agenda to discuss the aftermath of the UK's disintegration and Euro stability was completely disrupted. Nation leaders or their representatives watched with grave expressions the footage coming from the frontlines.
"This is a brutal violation of the Dayton Agreent! A direct challenge to the authority of the European Union and NATO!" President of France Jiang Zemin's tone was fierce, "We must respond forcefully and militarily!"
German Chancellor Kohl, however, was more cautious: "The degree of military response needs careful assessnt. Are our troops ready? What is the cost if we get involved in ground conflict? What will Russia's stance be? More importantly... behind Serbia now might stand xico. Are we engaging in war with Serbia, or potentially facing an indirect confrontation with a new erging power that possesses nuclear weapons and advanced conventional forces?"
"Are we just going to watch the Serb Republic split Bosnia and Herzegovina?" questioned the Italian representative.
"Imdiately initiate the highest level of diplomatic diation." Kohl proposed, "anwhile, place NATO forces on high alert, deploy rapid response units to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but refrain from direct engagent in the firefight. Impose the strictest economic sanctions and travel bans on Serbia and the Serb Republic. And also…" he looked to Jiang Zemin, "We must urgently seek a dialogue with xico, urging them to clarify their stance and restrain Serbia."
"Will they listen?" asked the UK representative (now appeared to be insignificant) bitterly.
"If they don't, we have moral and political grounds for further action." Kohl's eyes were cold, "But the premise is, we must unify our own position. If Europe splits at this point, everything is lost."
The eting ultimately passed a strongly worded condemnation and a series of sanctions, but resolutions for direct military intervention were delayed, pending diplomatic efforts. However, everyone understood that once gunfire started in the Balkans, it would be difficult to cease easily.
xico City, National Palace.
Victor watched the split-screen on the large display: one side showed Bosnia and Herzegovina's burning streets and the Serb ard vehicles; another side depicted European leaders anxiously eting; and another side displayed the map of the planned Scottish North Sea exercises.
"Boss, Serbia's 'friends' are asking what's next? Should we continue providing 'supplies' to the Serb Republic?" Bramo reported.
"Continue, but do it more covertly. Use civilian cargo planes, reroute through North Africa. Tell them to move fast, create a fait accompli before the Europeans fully react, at least firmly control the Brčko District." Victor instructed, "anwhile, have the Foreign Ministry issue a statent expressing 'serious concern' over the Bosnia and Herzegovina situation, calling for 'maximum restraint from all parties,' to resolve disputes through dialogue, emphasizing that 'external forces should not intervene in Balkan internal affairs'—particularly those 'distant' forces."
Casare grinned: "Boss, with this statent, we're pulling both the Europeans and the Aricans into it, aren't we?"
"Just stating the truth." Victor said lightly, "Also, send materials to our dia partners in Europe, focusing on analyzing Europe's 'historical failures' and 'double standards' in Balkan policy, questioning whether the European Union truly has the capability and moral authority to act as arbiters. Stir the waters."
"What about the Scottish exercise…" Bramo asked.
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