May 25th, 1830. Mediterranean Sea.
The French Fleet stretched across the water in layers. Ships of the line held the outer lanes, their gun decks sealed and secured for sea transit. Frigates moved ahead and along the flanks, adjusting position with every change of wind. Corvettes and brigs threaded between columns, carrying messages and checking spacing. Behind them came the transports, wide-bellied vessels packed with infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers, and every crate needed to keep an army alive once it stepped onto hostile ground.
On the flagship, Davout's command staff worked from a cramped chart room that smelled of ink, wax, and damp wood. Maps of the Algerian coast were weighted with brass instruments. A navigation officer traced planned approach routes. A naval liaison tracked ship positions and timing for bombardment cycles.
