Ch.73: Operation Dawn Strike

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Diego Garcia, Chagos Archipelago, February 16, 1944

As dawn broke over the Chagos Archipelago, the Bharatiya Navy was ready. The fleet, led by BNS Pratap, moved silently through the waters towards Diego Garcia. The drones, launched from BNS Garuda and BNS Shakti, flew ahead, their advanced systems scanning for any signs of Axis defenses.

Aboard BNS Garuda, a massive drone mothership serving as the Naval Operation Command Center for the Bharatiya Naval fleets in this operation, Admiral Rajan stood on the bridge, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Commander Mehta, status report on the drones."

Mehta, monitoring the drone feeds, replied, "Admiral, the drones have detected multiple energy weapon installations around Diego Garcia. They're transmitting real-time data and are ready to engage."

Captain Arjun, standing beside Rajan, added, "We should use the drones to neutralize those installations before our ships come within range. It will give us a significant advantage."

Rajan nodded. "Agreed. Launch the first wave of EMP drones. Target the energy weapons and disrupt their systems."

These drones, designed by Aryan with knowledge of the energy signature of the Tesseract, which he currently possessed, and the capabilities of Hydra's weapons, were specifically built to counter the Axis's energy weapons without compromising on stealth and other strategic aspects.

Sleek and silent, the drones descended upon the Axis defenses. Their EMP pulses disabled the energy weapons, causing confusion and panic among the Axis forces.

Inside the Axis Command Centre, General von Richter watched the screens in disbelief. "What is happening? Our energy weapons are offline!" He watched with wide eyes as their once-reliable system failed them, unable to comprehend what was happening.

Admiral Yamamoto, maintaining his composure and looking outside at the drones flying nimbly above their location, responded, "It's those unusual flying objects. They were possibly deployed by the Bharatiya Navy. Not only have they bypassed our vigilance, but they've used some kind of EMP devices to disable our systems. We must adapt quickly." Despite his astonishment at the enemy's capabilities, he had to appear calm and collected to effectively control the situation.

Colonel Müller, his arrogance now replaced with urgency, barked orders to his subordinates. "Deploy all anti-aircraft defenses! We must take down those aircraft at any cost!"

Captain Tanaka, smiling wryly at the repeat of a similar situation that happened with him in his past battle with the Bharatiya Navy, suggested a tactic to regain control. "We should also deploy our submarines to flank their fleet. If we can disrupt their formation, we might regain the upper hand."

At the Bharatiya Navy Command Center, Admiral Rajan received the report of the Axis submarines from the surveillance drones and advanced radar systems. "Captain Arjun, prepare our submarines to intercept. We can't let them disrupt our formation."

Arjun saluted. "Understood, Admiral. Our submarines are ready to engage."

As the battle raged on, the Bharatiya Navy's drones continued to wreak havoc on the Axis defenses while nimbly avoiding the attacks from the Axis's air defense weapons, under the protection of the fighter jets and aircraft of the Bharatiya Navy. The Kamikaze drones, loaded with explosives, with a signal from the Bharatiya Naval Command Center, now started targeting the remaining energy weapons, causing massive explosions and further crippling the Axis's capabilities.

At the Axis Command Center, von Richter, now visibly frustrated, slammed his fist on the table. "Dammit, how can this happen? We're losing control! How are they doing this?"

Admiral Yamamoto, still trying to appear calm, sighed as he replied, "Haah... their technology... it seems more advanced than we anticipated. We need to retreat and regroup at other bases in Mauritius or the Reunion Islands, and assess the true capabilities of this enemy as well as our possible counter-strategy. Order the fleet to fall back."

Colonel Müller, reluctant but resigned, nodded. "Yes, Admiral. We'll retreat to safer waters and reassess our strategy."

At the Bharatiya Navy Command Center, Admiral Rajan watched as the Axis fleet began to retreat. "They're falling back once again. We've done it. Now, we must secure the territory of the Chagos Archipelago under our control."

Captain Arjun, smiling, added, "Our drones were the key. Their capabilities gave us the edge we needed. However, Admiral, shouldn't we chase after the remaining enemies and completely destroy them?"

Rajan nodded. "Indeed. This victory is a testament to our innovation and strategy. Well done, everyone."

"Also, Arjun, we have orders from the higher-ups to secure the Chagos Archipelago first, as the new, much more advanced aircraft carriers with their full fleet are now ready for deployment in a couple of months. With the addition of those advanced technologies, we will completely push back the enemies."

As the sun set over Diego Garcia, the Bharatiya Navy celebrated their hard-fought victory. The Axis forces, their fleet decimated and their energy weapons neutralized, retreated in defeat. The brilliance and tactics of the Bharatiya Navy had turned the tide, marking a significant triumph in their campaign.

Diego Garcia, Chagos Archipelago, February 18, 1944

The morning after the victory, the newly captured base at Diego Garcia buzzed with activity. The Bharatiya Navy's flags fluttered proudly in the tropical breeze, marking the territory now under their control. The sailors and navy personnel, though weary from the intense battle, stood tall, their spirits high from the triumph.

Aboard BNS Garuda, Admiral Rajan and his officers prepared for the arrival of Chief of Staff K.M. Cariappa and Defence Minister Subhash Chandra Bose. The anticipation was palpable as the high-ranking officials were set to commend the fleet's efforts personally.

As the transport aircraft landed on the makeshift runway, emotions of pride and anticipation filled the air. Chief of Staff Cariappa, a towering figure of discipline and strategy, stepped out, followed by the charismatic and inspiring Defence Minister Bose. They were greeted with salutes and the sound of the national anthem played by the naval band.

Admiral Rajan, flanked by Captain Arjun and Commander Mehta, approached the dignitaries. Cariappa, with a firm handshake, said, "Admiral Rajan, your leadership and the bravery of your men have brought us a significant victory. The nation is proud of you."

Bose, with his characteristic fervor, added, "This victory is not just a strategic gain but a testament to our resolve and innovation. The courage displayed by every officer and sailor here is commendable. You have shown the world the might of the Bharatiya Navy."

The officers and sailors gathered around, their faces beaming with pride. Cariappa continued, "Captain Arjun, Commander Mehta, and all of you who played a crucial role in this operation, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Your strategic use of technology and unwavering determination have set a new standard for our forces."

Bose, addressing the troops, said, "This is just the beginning. With the new aircraft carriers and advanced technologies on the horizon, we will continue to push back the enemies and secure our nation's future. Your bravery here at Diego Garcia will be remembered as a pivotal moment in our history."

The sailors cheered, their morale boosted by the recognition and the promise of continued support. As the sun climbed higher, the leaders toured the base, inspecting the captured equipment and the strategic positions now under Bharatiya control.

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