Konigsberg, Kingdom of Prussia, 1797
Friedrich Wilhelm III, third King of Prussia, stood on a balcony of his palace. From that balcony waved a large Prussian flag, the black and white fitting into the dour, cloudy atmosphere. Before him stood the Grenadier Guard Battalion of the Regiment of Guards, standing sharply at Order Arms, behind them, stood assembled a large crowd of Prussian civilians. They stood silently, waiting for their king to speak.
Taking a moment to appreciate the finest soldiers that Prussia had to offer, he met eyes with Feldmarschall Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, who was looking up at him patiently.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Guards! As you all know, France has come out of its Civil unrest, and has soundly defeated the Army of Britain. I know that the Prussian will is strong, but I have chosen to remain neutral. It is a rulers greatest mistake to seek out conflict where none need be, and a war would only cause suffering and misery for the people of Prussia. But rest assured, we will not sit idly by if France chooses to become aggressive. We are a nation descended from warriors, a nation that still remains one of warriors. We have shown Europe, and the world, what we Prussians are made of time and again!" The crowd cheered. Out of the corner of his eye, Friedrich could see Blucher nod.
"It is my hope that the French people seeks only sovereignty for their nation, and is not compelled by a lust to conquer. But I know that Prussia will be able to defend itself from any threat!" The crowd cheered again. He waved a hand at the assembled band, and they started to play the Preussenlied as he stepped back from the balcony.
A few minutes later, Blucher walked in through the open door.
"A good, yet empty speech my King." Blucher said. He was one of the few people Friedrich would tolerate such an attitude from.
"Well, not much to say on the topic. Might as well send them home happy." The King replied. Blucher chuckled.
"I suppose. I would like to point out however, that if France sets their mind to it, he would crush us on the field." he said, Friedrich sighed.
"I know. But what is to be done about it?" he said.
"Reinstate the draft, fire several generals -- I have a list -- and purchase new equipment." Blucher said flatly, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Well. If that's what is necessary." Friedrich said. Blucher nodded.
"I'm afraid so."
At the behest of his Majesty, King Friedrich Wilhelm III, King of Prussia, all Prussian able-bodied men will report to the nearest recruiting station for induction into the reserves.
Hail the King!