On the Indian Ocean, a fleet sailed south in mighty formation along Africa's East Coast. An eagle-headed flag of the German territories fluttered in the sea wind—the famed Prussian Black Eagle. Tracing its origins further back, it could be linked to the Frankish Kingdom and even ancient Rome.
As Germany grew stronger, the Black Eagle flag spread far and wide, becoming almost one of the German Empire's representative symbols.
However, the Black Eagle flag was not exclusive to Prussia. For instance, the flag of the Principality of Hechingen was also a Black Eagle flag, and this fleet flying the Principality of Hechingen's flag was the East African Navy under Archduke Ferdinand's command.
During routine training and deployments, the East African Navy flew the East African national flag. But today was a rather special day, so the East African Royal Family had dug out the Principality of Hechingen's flag again and flown it over the East African Navy, mainly because they feared a certain world power might break down.
On deck, Archduke Ferdinand was speaking with a young man. The young man was Colonel Bromel of the Prussian Navy, specially sent by the Prussian Government to East Africa to assist with the transfer of France's Mayotte colony.
Archduke Ferdinand said, "Bromel, Prussia's unification of Germany is now a foregone conclusion. I imagine your Prussian Navy will soon undergo major expansion. Roughly how many warships does your naval department plan to build?"
Bromel said, "Your Highness, please do not tease me. Our naval department has never been valued within the kingdom. Even after unification, we will likely remain suppressed by the army. Compared to that, I envy the East African Navy under your command. Though its hardware may be lacking, its status is far higher than ours."
Up to this point, the