June 21st, 1799.
The news of Napoleon's astonishing successes in the Middle East reached the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, William Pitt, leaving him utterly stunned. He had initially dismissed Napoleon's campaign in Egypt as a mere diversion, but the French general had surpassed all expectations.
"This is absolutely preposterous!" Pitt exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. "How on earth could this relatively unknown French general conquer Egypt and the entire Arabian Peninsula?!"
Pitt wasted no time and called for an urgent meeting with his advisors and military generals. The room filled with an air of tension as they deliberated on the implications of Napoleon's triumphs and the grave threat they posed to British interests in the region.