Inside Admiral Sterling's dimly lit study, the air was heavy with the scent of pipe tobacco and old paper. Julian stood tall, while Kartika remained alert by the door, her fingers never far from the small knife hidden beneath her Peranakan cloth.
"You are asking the British fleet to interfere in Dutch sovereign affairs in Batavia, young man?" Sterling exhaled a cloud of pipe smoke, his gray eyes piercing the documents scattered before him. "That could spark a major war in Europe. Why should I take that risk?"
Julian stepped forward, his hand pointing to the trade route map on the wall. "Because this is no longer about sovereignty, Admiral. Friedrich is building a private military force using funds from smuggled tea and coffee that rightfully belong to the King. If he is left unchecked, he will close the Sunda Strait to all ships, including British ones. He is no longer a Governor; he is a power-hungry dictator."
Sterling fell silent, his fingers tapping the mahogany table. He knew Julian was right. Instability in Batavia would strike Singapore's economy hard.
"Give me one strong reason why I should trust you as the new leader," Sterling challenged.
"Because I do not want that seat," Julian answered calmly. "I only want to restore my brother's rights and ensure the law stands again. I bring evidence of Friedrich's treason. If you help me relay this to The Hague through swift British diplomatic channels, you are not starting a war. You are preventing one."
At the docks, Adrian stared at the small boat that would take him back. He wore a conical hat and ragged farmer's clothes, disguised among the porters.
"Julian has secured his support," whispered Elena, emerging from behind a crate. "Sterling will send the fastest courier to the Netherlands. Now it's your turn, Adrian. If Julian succeeds on the diplomatic path, you must ensure Friedrich has nowhere to run on land."
Adrian gripped the bundle containing the Snider-Enfield rifles. "Tell Julian: I will wait for him on the northern coast. When the Van de Berg blue flag flies on the horizon, the fires of resistance in the villages will already be lit."
Culture & Language Notes
Selat Sunda (Sunda Strait): A vital maritime choke point; its mention highlights the strategic stakes for the British.
Den Haag (The Hague): Reemphasized as the final legal authority that can officially strip Friedrich of his power.
Caping: A traditional conical hat used by farmers; a perfect disguise for Adrian to blend into the grassroots population.