[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/zG1CMLw.png[/img][h3][i]Bridge, HMS 'Dreadnought', 3nms from Miyama Harbor[/i][/h3]
[@Paradox Witch][@Argonaut][/center]

Continuing to maintain her perch on the bridge and peering on the landward horizon through her binoculars, Strategist felt a slight smile tug at the corner of her lips as, in the sea below, her assigned Marine detachment 'lowering away' and rowing towards the harbor's entrance. One boat had managed to make it to shore - having launched early while the others were being loaded and tossed about in 'Dreadnought's' wake - and its passengers were even now hauling themselves and their weapons out onto the berth and directing their assault towards the nearest occupied dock.  

"It's quite beautiful, isn't it?" she wistfully remarked aloud.

A confused Captain Reginald turned from consulting his copy of the navigation charts. "Ma'am?"

Lowering her binoculars, Strategist inclined her head to her captain and remarked, "Our boys going ashore. A shame the Admiralty didn't think of reactivating the Royal Marines as a dedicated unit proper - they'd have been of greater help. Ah well, I suppose who we have right now - under the heading of the 'Royal Navy Division' - will have to suffice."

"They are, technically speaking, still Marines, ma'am." Reginald added. "Even if they have a different tag to their shoulders."

"Quite." Strategist nodded. "Well, now that we're on station, I want us moving at six to 10 knots per our patrol pattern. But don't stray us too far - I doubt Servants can walk on water before we can blink, but I'm not going to take that chance."

"Yes, ma'am. Erm, should I have Miss Carly-Beth brought up to the bridge to observe this operation? I think her odd little 'peculiarity' would be of assistance."

Strategist shook her head. "No." She quickly rethought. "Wait, yes, definitely. It wouldn't afford us to keep her in the dark on anything and everything; we'll need her input."

As the Captain dispatched an Ensign to locate and bring Carly-Beth [i]"with the Admiral's compliments"[/i], and as more of the ship's launch boats arrived at the docks, spotters and signal lamp operators set to work broadcasting a series of signal flashes towards any ship in dock or trying to leave:

[b]CIVILIAN SHIPS, CIVILIAN SHIPS, THIS IS A MILITARY OPERATION. REMAIN IN PORT OR ON PRE-AUTHORISED COURSE UNTIL OPERATION'S COMPLETION - YOU WILL NOT BE HARMED. ANY ACTIVE RESISTANCE BY YOU OR I.J.N. FLEET ELEMENTS WILL BE RESPONDED TO IN KIND.

REPEAT: CIVILIAN SHIPS, THIS IS ...[/b]