Ch.52: Bharat's Ascent

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Rastrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, May 24, 1943

Aryan sat at his desk in Rastrapati Bhavan, the weight of his responsibilities as the President of Bharat pressing down on him. The room was filled with the soft rustle of papers and the occasional click of a pen as he worked through the endless documents that required his attention. Despite the mundane nature of the paperwork, his mind kept drifting back to the recent calibration of the Arcane computer and the real-time detection of supernatural threats.

He glanced at the holographic display of Athena, who was diligently monitoring the data streams. The Arcane computer had already identified several anomalies, and Aryan knew that swift action was necessary to prevent any potential disasters.

"Athena," Aryan said, breaking the silence, "task KAVACH with the monitoring and elimination of these threats as soon as they are detected. We cannot afford any delays."

"Understood, Master Aryan," Athena replied, her form flickering as she relayed the orders to KAVACH. "I will ensure that all identified threats are prioritized and dealt with promptly."

Aryan turned his attention to the reports detailing the recent operation by Bharat's security agencies. The British had attempted to destabilize Bharat internally, but their plans were thoroughly thwarted by the swift and decisive actions of KAVACH, Bharat's secret spy organization, as well as the various newly formed security agencies. The operation had been a resounding success, with numerous high-ranking British officers responsible for the plot mysteriously disappearing, courtesy of Bharat's agencies.

The British had suffered heavily due to this setback. Aryan reviewed the detailed accounts of how Bharat's security measures had outmaneuvered the British at every turn. The evidence collected was irrefutable, and Bharat had presented it with tremendous diplomatic pressure, leaving the British with little room to maneuver.

Aryan knew this was a pivotal moment. He decided to leverage the situation to Bharat's advantage. With the British reeling from their losses and the undeniable evidence against them, Aryan put forth a bold condition: the recognition of Ceylon, Burma, and the Maldives as Bharatiya territories. These regions were already under Bharat's control, but official recognition would solidify their status.

The British, though reluctant, found themselves cornered. The ongoing war and the diplomatic pressure from Bharat left them with no choice but to acquiesce. The agreement was reached, and British forces began their retreat to the British Indian Ocean territories.

Aryan allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. The successful operation and the diplomatic victory were significant milestones for Bharat. He knew there was still much work to be done, as the negotiations with Nepal and Bhutan regarding their joining Bharat were in their final stages, but for now, he could take pride in the strength and resilience of his nation.

10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom, May 25, 1943

Prime Minister Winston Churchill sat in his office, the weight of the recent diplomatic defeat pressing heavily on his shoulders. The room was filled with the low murmur of advisors discussing the fallout from the failed operation in Bharat. The British Empire, already stretched thin by the ongoing war with the Axis powers, now faced a significant setback in the East.

Churchill reviewed the reports detailing the British intelligence failure and the subsequent diplomatic pressure from Bharat. The evidence presented by Bharat was irrefutable, leaving the British government with no choice but to concede to Bharat's demands. The recognition of Ceylon, Burma, and the Maldives as Bharatiya territories was a bitter pill to swallow.

His thoughts turned towards the earlier confidence shown by the Foreign Secretary Sir Archibald Wavell and the Minister of Intelligence Sir Reginald Drax. Their confidence, which bordered on arrogance, was now exposed, and their incompetence was brought to light during this whole scenario. In a fit of anger and a move to shift the blame, Churchill immediately fired both of them from their positions.

The Prime Minister's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of his new Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden. "Winston, the public reaction is growing more intense," Eden said, his voice tinged with concern. "The newspapers are questioning the necessity of holding onto distant territories while we are embroiled in a war on multiple fronts."

Churchill nodded, his expression grim. "We must address the nation, Anthony. We need to explain our position and reassure the public that this decision, though difficult, was made in the best interest of the Empire."

As Churchill prepared to address the nation, he couldn't help but reflect on the changing tides of global power. The British public, weary from years of war, were increasingly questioning the value of maintaining far-flung colonies. The loss of Ceylon, Burma, and the Maldives was not just a territorial defeat but a symbolic one, signaling the waning influence of the British Empire.

In his address, Churchill spoke with his characteristic resolve. "My fellow Britons, we face a challenging time in our history. The decision to recognize Ceylon, Burma, and the Maldives as Bharatiya territories was not made lightly. It was a necessary step to ensure the stability and security of our Empire as we continue to fight against the Axis powers. We must remain united and resolute in our efforts to secure a future of peace and prosperity."

Despite Churchill's reassurances, the mood in Britain was somber. The public's faith in the government's ability to manage the Empire was shaken, and questions about the future of British colonialism loomed large. The war with the Axis powers continued to demand immense resources and attention, leaving little room for the maintenance of distant colonies.

As the days passed, the British government focused on consolidating its remaining territories and strengthening its alliances. Diplomatic efforts were made to diffuse any tensions between Bharat and the UK, under pressure from the US and other Allied nations, as they were both part of the Allied forces and the war was at a crucial stage where the Axis were losing ground. They also noted the advanced weaponry and technologies deployed by Bharat's military, which were on par with the most advanced technology of the major powers of the world. This was naturally attributed to Aryan, who already had a reputation among the scientific community of the western countries as a genius.

Rastrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, May 26, 1943

Aryan sat in his office, the weight of recent victories and future challenges pressing on his mind. The world was once again seeing Aryan and Bharat in a new light, recognizing their strength and technological prowess. The holographic display of Athena flickered to life, showing a list of KAVACH agents who had been selected for a new program.

These agents, though not metahuman, possessed exceptional skills and unwavering loyalty. Athena had meticulously prepared this list, identifying those who would benefit most from the alchemical serum designed to transform them into super soldiers.

"Athena, are these the final candidates?" Aryan asked, his eyes scanning the names and profiles.

"Yes, Master Aryan," Athena replied. "These agents have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and skill. The serum will enhance their abilities, making them formidable assets in our ongoing efforts to protect Bharat."

Aryan nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities. "Begin the preparations," he instructed. "Ensure that each candidate is fully briefed and understands the gravity of this transformation."

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Sorry for the delay in uploading the chapter, I had an important exam, so I had to focus on my studies for a while.

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