“Gentlemen, what you’re seeing is acceleration across all domains,” the briefer, a Marine colonel, stated flatly. “Yesterday, PRC Foreign Minister Qiao announced that their Baltic naval facility is now fully operational. They’re claiming it’s to protect shipping from increased piracy and secure their Arctic passage interests.”
The slide changed to show Kaliningrad’s expanded facilities.
“Additionally, they’ve reactivated the old Chernyakhovsk Air Base. Officially, it’s a training facility for nations purchasing Chinese military aircraft. Unofficially, it’s a forward operating base ninety minutes from every Baltic capital.”
Mercer noticed Colonel Lindqvist’s jaw tighten at that assessment.
“Here’s where it gets interesting,” the briefer continued. “NSA and GCHQ intercepts indicate growing friction within EDEP leadership. Russian intelligence is expressing alarm at the scope of Chinese force deployment to the Leningrad district. SVR reports describe PLA units billeting in civilian areas due to insufficient military housing — something Moscow didn’t anticipate or approve.”
A new slide showed force dispositions across Eastern Europe.
“The Iranians are reportedly furious. They signed up for an exercise, not what they’re calling ‘Chinese adventurism.’ Our assessment is that Beijing may have overplayed their hand, creating fractures in the alliance before the exercise even begins.”
The briefer paused, letting that sink in before moving to the Pacific situation.
“Meanwhile, the CCP voted unanimously yesterday to implement their ‘civilian customs inspection’ regime for Taiwan-bound vessels. Starting today, randomly selected cargo ships will be directed to mainland ports for inspection. Noncompliance risks boarding and seizure.”
The reactions came rapid-fire through diplomatic cables displayed on screen:
“Taiwan’s President called it ‘a blockade by another name.’ Japan’s raised their alert status and begun consultations with allies. The Australian PM urged calm while warning Beijing they’re pushing toward conflict. Most dramatically, the Philippines revealed documents from a captured PRC intelligence operative detailing plans for seizure of the Palawan Islands as part of a broader First Island Chain Strategy.”
Mercer watched Lieutenant Colonel Brenner lean forward at that last piece.
“Secretary Hallsworth reminded Beijing, quote: ‘The People of China prosper through international cooperation, not isolation born of aggression.’ Strong words from State.”
The briefer clicked to his final slide.
“EUCOM and NATO assessment remains that EDEP is a psychological operation, saber rattling on an unprecedented scale, but still theater. We’re maintaining current readiness levels while monitoring for escalation indicators. Questions?”
Silence greeted him. After he departed, Brenner stood.
“All right, maybe Brussels is right. Maybe it’s all for show.” His voice carried the skepticism his face showed. “But we’re not betting lives on ‘maybe.’ New training priority effective immediately — every soldier drills medical response daily. Casualty evacuation, pressure dressings, tourniquet application. If bullets start flying, I want muscle memory saving lives.”
He continued, pacing now. “Counterdrone procedures at every level. Yes, our systems have degraded their effectiveness, but assuming the enemy won’t adapt is how you end up dead. Personal jammers, Leonidas systems, manual tracking, I want you to drill it all.”
Colonel Lindqvist stood as Brenner finished. “The Americans prepare for the worst, and so will we. Home Guard increases surveillance of unusual activity, strangers asking questions, people where they shouldn’t be, you know what to look for. Our air-defense units will integrate fully with the Patriot battery, ready to respond within seconds, not minutes.”
He looked directly at Captain Bertil. “Your people know this island better than anyone. They are our eyes and ears. Tell them to trust their instincts — if something feels wrong, report it.”
As the meeting broke up, Mercer walked back to his vehicle in the strengthening morning sun. The contrast struck him — peaceful Swedish countryside, farmers tending fields, children waiting for school buses, while he carried knowledge of gathering storms across half the globe.
Back at Grönt Centrum, he found his platoon leaders conducting PT, soldiers calling cadence as they ran past the old barracks. Normal military routine on an extraordinary day. He wondered how much to share, how much would help versus hurt.
First Sergeant Tanner appeared at his elbow. “How was the briefing, sir?”
Mercer watched his soldiers for a moment, young faces, eager, trained, but untested in what might be coming.
“Informative, Top. Let’s you and I grab coffee. We need to adjust some training priorities.”
