Chapter 179: Rising Storms in South
Dutch-Occupied Indian Territory, Barracks in Goa, Afternoon on April 3rd, 1557.
In a wide-open training ground, the sounds of drills and shouts of men filled the air. Despite the harsh afternoon sun, the soldiers practiced their line formations in rows and columns, undeterred by the heat. In the distance, some men were seen practicing gunshots. A few meters away, under the shade of a lone tree, a table and chair had been set up. Admiral Jan van Linschoten, in his military uniform, sat reading some documents.
Shortly after, a man in his mid-thirties, holding the rank of Major General, approached.
He greeted the admiral with a salute. "Admiral Linschoten, Sir. Major General Arjan der Meer, reporting."
Linschoten lowered the documents in his hand, acknowledging the salute with a brief nod before rising from his chair. He extended his hand in greeting, a formal handshake between equals, though there was pride of hierarchy in the Admiral’s demeanor.
Admiral Linschoten set aside the document and stood up to shake hands with him. "Major General Meer. It’s good to see you. Let’s have a small talk."
Both men sat across from each other as Admiral Linschoten passed the document to Major General Meer.
Reading the documents, Major General Meer’s eyes furrowed. "So, our recent shipments to the southern outpost are being sabotaged."
Linschoten sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Who would have thought they’d be bold enough to cross borders this deep into our territory? It seems they’re growing more daring by the day."
Meer pondered for a moment, then leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "Admiral, if I may.. should I take command of the southern outpost personally?"
Linschoten shook his head thoughtfully, folding his hands together. "Not yet, Major. The timing isn’t right. Before we act, I’d like to hear your assessment."
Meer paused, considering his words carefully. "Sir, we should leave them where they are for now. They’re well-prepared, and we don’t know enough about the terrain. Instead, we should focus on areas where we can catch them off guard; places where their defenses are weaker. We could also send small units with no significant objectives, just enough to maintain pressure, but without risking our main forces."