The Near East War erupted once more, and the countries that did not want to see Austria continue expanding also sprang into action. How to trip someone up efficiently and with finesse was an art in itself.
London
Inside the Prime Minister's residence on Downing Street, the British Cabinet had gathered in full. Prime Minister Gladstone took out a stack of top-secret documents and distributed them among the attendees.
"This is the Austrians' battle plan. The intelligence department paid a heavy price to obtain it. I hope it will help with our next move."
They had indeed paid a heavy price. This semi-public battle plan had practically been one step away from being printed in Vienna's newspapers.
British intelligence agents had spent a full fifty thousand Pounds Sterling to obtain the preliminary plan. Do not ask where the money had gone; intelligence was priceless.
No one spoke. They read the documents closely. There was not much in them, only a broad outline that did not involve any specific operational details.
First Lord of the Admiralty Robert frowned deeply, his thick beard especially conspicuous. "According to this battle plan, the Austrians will not have to pay much of a price to win this war.
"With those few wrecks that pass for the Ottoman Empire's navy, they will not even have the ability to strike back against Austria. Once they lose control of the sea, the Allied forces can land anywhere at any time.
"According to naval intelligence, the Ottoman Empire has at least thirty ports suitable for large-scale landings. The actual number may be even higher.
"To defend so many places, they would need at least a million troops. With the Ottoman Empire's national strength, that is impossible.
"Once the coastal regions fall into ruin and vast numbers of war refugees