January 24, 1898.
Amerathian Naval Base – Subic Bay, Philippine Territory
The Subic Bay Naval Base was alive with urgency. Cranes swung overhead, dropping heavy crates of artillery shells into the bellies of warships. Supply trucks rumbled back and forth, loaded with ammunition, medicine, and food. Sailors rushed across the docks, preparing ships for deployment.
The Amerathian flag flew high above the command tower, fluttering in the breeze alongside the Pacific Command insignia. The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the water.
General Wade Bartlett stood near the end of the pier, binoculars to his eyes, watching the final preparations.
"They'll be ready to sail by nightfall," said Admiral Cora Rock, stepping beside him. Her uniform was crisp, her voice steady.
Bartlett nodded. "And the Japanese fleet?"