Power Struggle
“Sir, you might want to see this. Besides, you were close to getting exclusive rights to whatever you are going to see.” says Wriddhiman. Ankit looks at him confused and then looks at Ratan. “How bad is it?” Asks Ratan. Wriddhiman raises his eyebrows at that question, he smiles and says, “I thought you are the person who keeps saying that ‘make it a habit to always see the positives in everything, however bad it may look.’ Of course, I don’t blame you after whatever has happened. However, there are things that cannot be explained in words. You people will have to see it. Colonel Mundra has asked for you, Mr. Roy.” “Colonel Mundra! Something big must have happened for him to call us. Let us go, Ankit. We may not want to miss this.” Ratan says. As they come out, they see 2 army officers who were waiting for them. They salute Ankit and lead the way, and the former along with Ratan and Wriddhiman follow them. They reach the Colonel’s office where a lot of other army officers are sitting and looking at a couple of video feeds of a bunker under attack. Colonel Mundra notices Ankit, he comes forward and greets him while shaking hands. “Ankit, I knew your father. The army will always be in gratitude for your father’s work in advanced weaponry. You have carried forward the legacy and I am proud of you.” Says the Colonel. Ankit is beaming with pride after hearing those words from a man who is known to be a walking encyclopedia. The Colonel looks at Ratan and greets him too. “Ratan, Ashok, and I were drinking partners… if you know what I mean. We were… and are still the lovers of fine whisky. Of course, it has been like 5 years since we had a drink. Don’t tell me you have left it.” Says the Colonel winking at Ratan. Ratan laughed heartily along with a few other officers, he replied, “Just one peg a day. Of course, I can break that cycle if I get the opportunity.” “We will of course, Ratan, provided we see the end to this war. That is the reason why I called you people here. Ankit, the video feed you are seeing is from Bunker 38 that was attacked about 45 minutes ago. You may want to look at it.” The Colonel says. Ankit walks forward and notices the driller pod, the humanoids come out and look at the crowd. The audio is on and Ankit felt a tingle in his spine when he heard the lead humanoid speak Sanskrit. He continues to watch and asks, “Any casualties?” The Colonel is standing right next to Ankit, he says, “Keep looking.” Ankit recognizes Major Robert and his squad. They take on the humanoids but have a hard time bringing them down. Ultimately, one humanoid is down but the others are still standing. He notices the humanoids activating the armor lock mode. “Isn’t that the most amazing thing I have seen? I bet the armor inside the artifact can do the same.” Ankit thinks. He then watches in horror as the Major dashes towards the other side but is hit by a spear tipped lasso. He is dragged back by a humanoid. “Is he dead?” asks Ankit. “This is where a miracle happened. This is where… I realized that miracles do happen.” The Colonel answers. Ankit watches as another driller pod appears and out comes a humanoid with an armor system completely different from the rest. The humanoid single handedly kills the rest of the humanoid squad but not until it reveals the face of the lead humanoid. “So… they are real.” Ankit comments. “Who are real?” asks the Colonel. “Asuras. The ones attacking us. They are not aliens or… humanoids, if some people are calling them. They are Asuras. Uncle, that artifact we found… it talked about this army. It talked about the power that was bestowed to this army. This is the Asura army… bestowed with a certain power of immortality.” Says Ankit. “Of course, you had access to that artifact…. but I don’t remember anyone telling me that you deciphered it.” The Colonel says, sounding a bit concerned after hearing the description of the enemy. Ankit looks at the Colonel and then at the others. He understands that there will be people who will question him for not revealing the truth at the right moment. He had to justify his stance. He starts, “Yes, I did decipher it. There are reasons why I did not reveal that to anyone at that moment. How many people would believe that we are in danger from an army coming from outer space? Besides, how was I going to know that this attack was going to happen? I should have known… I should have known that finding the artifact was a sign. A sign of impending danger but if you want to bring in practicality into this… what if, what if the artifact was never found and this attack happened. We are up against an army unlike anything we have seen before. We never prepared ourselves for this. We have always strived towards technological advancement yet never ever did we think far ahead in understanding or realizing that there is someone out there… someone more advanced than us.” There is silence in that room. No one has an answer to that. Ankit looked at Ratan who gave a nod and a smile that the former gave a proper justification. Ankit then looks at the new humanoid that lay waste to the Asuras in bunker 38. “We have an ally but for how long I am not sure.” Ratan says trying to change the atmosphere of impending blame game. “We will find out for sure but I am certain about one thing.” Ankit responds. “And what is that?” the Colonel asks. “It is a human wearing that armor. He is around 6 feet 1 inches tall. That armor he is wearing; it was in that artifact.” Ankit replies. The Colonel and the others are confused but they do notice that the new humanoid is a tad shorter than the ones Major Robert and his squad were fighting. Ankit looks at Ratan and whispers, “Should I tell them?” “The world is going to end, son. However, if you are positive that we can survive this, it is time to put our cards on the table… even the ones you were hiding.” Ratan says, looking closely at the new humanoid and his armor. Ankit takes a deep breath, clears his voice and reveals everything that he read on the artifact. The Colonel and the others hear it with their eyes widened. “The Usurpers, you say. We need to find a way to tackle them. We have retrieved the armors of the fallen humanoids. What’s more, that new humanoid mentioned your name. He advised us to find you as soon as possible and see to it that you can design an armor system as powerful as the usurpers. If you have no issues, you may want to check them.” Says the Colonel. “Wait… what! He mentioned my name. How did he…” Ankit starts but realizes that at least half the world knew him… if not personally. “It is obvious that all of us over here are pinning our hopes on you to create the ultimate armor and weaponry that can turn the tide of this war but if the one using that armor is human, then he definitely knows about you, about your company and the advances you have made in the field of modern warfare. He is doing all it takes to aid us in stopping this assault and now, it is your turn to take that responsibility too in creating an army that can counter the assault of the Asuras.” Says the Colonel. No one has to tell Ankit about his responsibilities. He was, and is itching to do something though the question is… is he concerned about the people affected by this attack or is he still looking for personal gains? “In the middle of a war. Leave alone helicopters or planes… even vehicles can’t run amidst a war. How will I reach bunker 38?” Ankit asks. The Colonel chuckles and says, “My son, the armed forces also have their share of little secrets. Come with me.” Ankit and Ratan stare at the Colonel, as the latter starts to walk out along with his men, the duo look at each other thinking about ‘the little secret’ of the army. They follow the group towards a lift that takes them even deeper into the bunker. When they come out, they see what looks like a metro service but for the armed forces. “We have been using them for many years. Using them to transport men, weaponry, technology… the likes. A country like us, the super power that we are… the world is watching us, even the stuff that is confidential and we cannot allow certain things to be seen by the world. However, these are difficult times now. We have opened up this service to help transport people from flooded bunkers to not-so-flooded bunkers. Even for immediate assistance and transfer of resources like food and water.” The Colonel explains. Ankit and Ratan have a look at the metro rail. It is different from the ones that run around the city. It is installed with the most advanced gadgetry, technology… and weaponry too. Miniguns and rocket turrets are installed, they bear the mark of ROY INDUSTRIES. “My father was involved with this. Any other secret that I should be aware about?” Ankit asks feeling dazed. “Your father had access to a few secrets that a lot of well-known billionaires don’t have access to. Of course, he signed a clause of confidentiality.” Says the Colonel. Ankit nods in agreement, he then asks, “What next?” “You will be taken to Bunker 38. Major Robert will show you the armor systems. I don’t want to rush you on this but we need to equip ourselves and you are the support for us now.” The Colonel answers. “No 2 thoughts about it. I am honored and I will do what I can do best. No promises though.” Says Ankit, getting on to the metro along with Ratan. 8 men get on the metro on the order of the Colonel, one of them presses a button. The doors seal close and the metro starts. It is only when the metro starts moving that Ankit realizes what it is. “It is a Maglev.” Says Ankit. “I noticed.” Ratan Responds. Meanwhile, at Bunker 38, Amrita, Gaurav and Vishal are giving details about their family. “The list is long, Mam. It might take time but I can assure you we will find them. The same goes to both of you. There are close to 100 secret bunkers out there. If your family members are in any one of them, we will; either transport you there or bring them here. Of course, security is important with those things out there so… we might just put you in touch with them.” Said the officer at the help desk. “It is ok, sir. Just getting in touch with them would be enough.” Says Gaurav. “Just saying… shouldn’t you allow the citizens access to the internet here.” Vishal suggests, though initially hesitant in suggesting that. The help desk officer looks at Vishal with raised eyebrows, he smiles and says, “It is confidential, my friend. In time, though, you will understand why we do not allow that during this situation. It has saved lives if not all of them and we pray, that one of those lives is yours and your family. Have patience, we will find them. Now if you could excuse me.” When the help desk officer leaves, Vishal looks at his friends and shrugs his shoulders. “That was embarrassing. I could have punched him in the face if he wasn’t wearing that uniform.” Vishal says. Amrita stares at him, she is concerned about Vishal’s attitude and speaks up, “There is a reason they are doing it, Vishal. We are all facing issues here. You are not the only one. The officer is right. Have some patience.” “Come on, Amrita. Look at what you are saying. Don’t you miss your mom and dad? We are having ‘connectivity issues’ in an army bunker. Citizens are stranded here with no place to go. Don’t you think we have the right to certain facilities here? We are paying taxes, these things that you are seeing are from our taxes. The salary that these people are getting are from our taxes. All I am asking is the internet facility. What else am I asking? I have not asked for their property to be signed in my name.” Amrita stares at Vishal in disbelief. She looks away feeling disappointed. Gaurav looks to his side to see a lot of people hearing their conversation including the Major and his squad. He tries to pacify Vishal. “Calm down, Vishal. Please. People are listening to us. We don’t want to start an unnecessary ‘revolution’ here just because of not getting an internet connection. We are under attack from an unknown entity, our lives are at risk… and you are worried about the internet connection. Just listen to yourself.” Says Gaurav. Vishal stares at Gaurav and then at Amrita who is now not even looking at him. At that moment, the help desk officer comes to them. “Ms. Amrita, we found your family. They are in bunker 27. And Mr. Gaurav, your fiancée is in the same bunker. She is with her family and they were searching for your family too. I have no information about your mother and father at present and I am sorry about that, however, there is someone out there who is looking for you. You may want to be by their side.” Says the help desk officer. Amrita is happy to hear that and also happy for Gaurav. “Gaurav, don’t worry. They will find your family but Priya is alive, and without a doubt she has been looking for you all this while. Come, let us go and be by their side.” Says Amrita. Gaurav looks at Amrita, he gives a weak smile and nods in agreement. He then turns to Vishal, he was listening to their conversation, he is not angry anymore but is definitely disappointed that he is not part of the good news. Gaurav is about to say something but Amrita stops him. “I can understand that a lot of people are tensed and in a constant question about where their loved ones are. This is the time for all of us to be together and be a support for each other. However, there are a few people that we come across who are more concerned about paltry issues and don’t have the heart to understand what is going in another person’s mind. We should stay away from such people, Gaurav. Such people only live to demotivate others and not to help others.” Saying, Amrita pulls away Gaurav from there. Vishal looks on as the duo follows the help desk officer, he starts to regret his attitude, he feels a pain in his heart and clutches in head in agony. He then sees the Major coming towards him. With a smile, he says, “From what I can see, that girl really liked you and wouldn’t have thought twice before taking you with her. What’s more, she would have introduced you to her parents and you would have been treated as a family. But no! You are worried about your mother and it is understood. If I would have been in your place, I would have had the same feeling but you went on talking shit about the internet facility and civilian rights.” Vishal has no response to that; he could only hang in his head in shame. As the Major walks away, he stops and then looks at Vishal again and says, “I know it is confidential but the fact that you wanted to know why the internet is not provided to all of them… and with the assurance that you won’t tell anyone, the enemy can determine our location if our communications are open. A pod breached into this bunker but it was at the entry point of the bunker so we are safe and those aliens were killed. We, the armed forces, use a secure channel that no one can detect. From what I can see, the enemy has still not breached past our channel and that only means we are safe. For how long, well, let us pray that we come out victorious… otherwise, this is how we go down.” The Major walks back to his squad but not before catching a glimpse of Vishal slowly sitting in a corner and covering his face. “Opportunity lost; I must say.” Says Prateek. “Yeah, I would have kept my mouth shut if I had a girl like that by my side.” Says Amrish. “If a girl like Amrita was by your side, she would have handed you a mirror, told to look into it and then told to keep your mouth shut.” Javed commented. The others giggled while Amrish scowled at Javed. Amrita and Gaurav are escorted towards a metro station, something they did not expect in a bunker. “Where are we exactly?” Gaurav asks. The help desk officer stares at him, he chuckles and says, “I have to agree that I never expected to be in this situation. The stuffs that used to be top secret are no more secret. This is a metro service for the army personnel to transport troops and resources within the city. We are now using this to transport civilians, food, water and other resources to every bunker out there. There are around 80 people who are going to be transported to bunker 27 including you.” That very moment, Amrita and Gaurav sees a train stop at the platform. They are amazed to see that it is a maglev and they look at each other. “Never knew we had maglevs in our country. I know that government officials have all the benefits but this looks like a page from a conspiracy theory book.” Says Amrita. The doors of the maglev open, Ankit and Ratan come out of it along with the other soldiers. They are escorted in but not before Ankit looks at Amrita and stops. “Do I know you?” asks Ankit. Amrita raises her left eyebrow; either he really knows her or is trying to flirt with her. Whatever it is, it is an old trick and it wouldn’t work. “Oh yes, Amrita… you are a tech blogger right. TECHNOMAGIC.COM. I have read your posts.” Says Ankit. Amrita stares at him. He really knows her. Amrita looks closely and realizes who is standing in front of her. “Mr. Ankit Roy… Roy Industries… Oh my god, I… I am sorry. I… I did not recognize you… but how do you know me … or my blog?” Amrita stammered in ecstasy. She always admired Ankit. 2-3 blogs of hers were actually on him and his achievements in the past 5 years. The man was standing right in front of her and she didn’t recognize him. “You are without your makeup so a lot of people may not have recognized you. Even if they did, the kind of situation we are in… but don’t worry, we are doing our best to bring things under control. As for you, I am a regular follower, you seem to have a lot of knowledge and perhaps, the will to learn more. That is one reason why I am a fan of yours.” Ankit responds. Amrita blushes at that comment. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Ankit takes out his business card and hands it over to her. “I am not sure if this card is of any use now but if things clear up, feel free to call me whenever you need anything. Don’t be shy, my company is always on the lookout for people like you.” Ankit says. Amrita takes the card still looking at Ankit, an officer standing close to the latter whispers in his ears to hurry. Ankit nods in agreement and starts walking giving a cut nod to both Amrita and Gaurav. “Hmm, so this what you call a hunter becoming the hunted.” Gaurav comments. “What do you mean?” Says Amrita. “You are his biggest fan but turns out, he is a bigger fan of yours.” Says Gaurav, with an evil smile. Amrita frowns at Gaurav, she pockets the card and walks forward to look at the maglev. “We are going in that?” she asks. “Dream come true for me though not the way I wanted.” Gaurav responds. Another help desk officer makes an announcement, “The train is going to leave for bunker 27. All civilians going to bunker 27 need to board the train now. The train will leave in 10 minutes.” “Let’s go.” Say Amrita. “Amrita, about Vishal… shouldn’t we…” Gaurav starts but Amrita stops him. “I would have loved to, Gaurav. I would have loved to. I wanted that to happen. I was waiting for that moment when I would hear from my parents and I would introduce him to them… but after what he did back there, sorry Gaurav… I didn’t expect him to do that. Of all the people, not him… never.” Says Amrita. Ankit is shown the bodies of the fallen Asuras which are kept in the training room of the bunker. Their armor had been removed and kept on display for the former to see. Ankit has a closer look at the bodies. They are tall, well-built and are dark skinned like the legends say about them. Even in death, they look menacing due to the bull-like horns on their heads. “You ask me, looking at those features, I see no difference between us and them except for their height, unbelievable strength… and horns. It would be the same if we are talking about the Gods.” Says Ankit. He moves forward and looks at the armor systems and their weapons. He takes a weapon that looks like a rifle. The training room has a shooting range. “It has been a while that I have picked up a weapon. It is usually the quality staff of mine who does the testing and reviewing. Let me see if I still have it if you don’t mind, Major.” Says Ankit. “FYI, we tried it. Just be careful as the weapon gives a solid recoil. Quite obvious as it was brandished by these 7 footers.” Says Javed. “You don’t say. That is one thing I should keep in mind then if I have to design a new variant of this.” Saying, Ankit takes aim. He fires the Asura rifle; the recoil is strong indeed as Ankit is thrown back to the ground and the rifle falls of his hand. Javed and Amrish rush forward, and try to help Ankit but the latter stops them. “Please, officers, that will not be necessary. I accept I am not used to this.” Says Ankit, as he slowly gets up and then looks at the target. “Woah!! Did the same happen to you guys too?” Ankit asks. The rifle had fired 5 balls of light, it was strong enough to blow the target to pieces. “What was always a legend or myth for humanity is now becoming a reality. Conspiracy theories about aliens having advanced technology, advanced weaponry… no more are they conspiracy theories, eh! We have taken birth in a millennium where we are supposed to decode these myths… and we are doing just that. We need to get to work on creating an armor system and weaponry equal to this. We have all the support and the experience required. I can create an armor like this… possibly better than this.” Says Ankit. “We knew we can count on you. We have received directives from the Colonel. Just tell us what you need and it will be provided. We have the resources.” Says Major Robert. Ankit walks towards the Major and asks, “I need information on the new humanoid that appeared and wasted these Asuras.” “I can only provide what we know but what are you looking for?” Asks the Major, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the way Ankit asked for that information. Ankit answers, “Major, remember that artifact. Whoever it was, he was wearing that armor that must have been in that artifact. I have read the markings on it and it talks about it. Do you really think that someone should be using that armor without considerable knowledge about how these things work?” The Major did not respond. He is shrugging his shoulders, pretending that he did not understand what Ankit was saying but keeping his eyes and ears open for anything fishy. “I hate to speak in riddles, Major but I need that armor. That armor is the answer to how this war ends but from what I can see, it is a civilian who is operating that armor. Bad idea! From what I can understand about government protocols, all findings belong to the government first after which it is the government that decides who should have the right to it. I had secured permission to that artifact but you people lost it. It was supposed to be mine. I could have done wonders with that but now, I see someone else operating it. You people should have arrested him for misusing that armor yet you let him go.” Says Ankit, revealing his deepest emotion that was hiding for a long time. Even Ratan starts to feel uncomfortable. He never saw Ankit talk like this before. “Why is Ankit behaving like this? Like a child who wanted something desirable but is angered that someone else got it, this is so unbecoming of him.” Ratan thinks. The Major is pretending no more, he understood what was going on in Ankit’s mind. He walks towards Ankit, looks at him eye to eye, and says, “Mr. Roy, don’t forget that you are also a civilian who has been given rights to walk in the premises of the armed forces but that does not mean you can take the liberty to teach me about protocols.” No one ever talked to Ankit like that. He is enraged but tries to control it. He wants to say something but is stopped by the Major. “We were out there fighting those things. Our bullets, our weaponry had no effect on them yet we did not give up. We are soldiers trying to protect the people, trying to minimize casualties… and when we are at war, protocols always take a back seat. I would have lost my life. It is not that I was not ready for it. I know what I had signed up for when I became a soldier but whoever it was, he saved my life and I am indebted to him. He has given me another chance to fight again. Coming back to protocols, you say it is a civilian that was wearing that magic armor that you deeply crave for. There were less casualties because of him. Because of him… I am alive, my entire squad is alive, all the people that you see here are alive. A civilian… if that is what you think… has given us hope and strength to fight back but what have you done. Have you done anything that can give us the same hope and strength? No, like all others, you escaped into that VIP bunker while a lot of people in your building lost their lives.” The Major’s words were piercing Ankit like daggers. He had no answer or explanation for that. Ankit was trying to bring in some authority in the proceedings but now, he could see his pride going down the drains. “You and I are different. I am a soldier and you, a businessman yet we are humans. We are all the same. We have no power armor or… magic to protect ourselves. We brandish weapons that are designed by your company but those are nothing in front of these aliens. Yet, Mr. Roy, we are not complaining because we were never prepared for this. However, the fact that you are here means that we still have the believe in you that you can create something that can help us fight back. However, you show no amount of humbleness or courtesy for the respect that we have for you. If your father would have been here, he would have shown you how to stay humble even when you are standing tall bravely against any adversity. He devoted his life to the betterment of the people, the armed forces and for that, he received massive respect. You. Mr. Ankit, are nothing like him. I expected to see you impatiently setting up your shop to provide us the means for a fightback but all I see is a kid still crying over a lost toy. Grow up, Mr. Roy… this is no more your air-conditioned chamber, this is the real world and even with all the bad things going around, it is our world and therefore, it is worth fighting for… every inch of it.” Ankit is silent. He has no words, absolutely nothing to respond to those words put forward by the Major. The latter walks back to his squad and tells them to move out. Before moving out, he looks at Ankit again and says, “You are the under the impression that a weapon in hand and a power armor can make you a hero. You are wrong, Mr. Roy. It is but a narrow-minded thought to think that a weapon is all about bullets and recoil. Anything can be a weapon; to a writer - a pen, to a musician – a flute or a tanpura, to a mechanic – his hammer and wrench, to a teacher – her books and her knowledge, and you, Mr. Roy, your weapon is your brain that has unlimited potential to create stuffs that not many people can think about. Work your magic, Mr. Roy, for the world needs it now. The world needs its greatest thinkers to give us hope and we have the believe… I believe… you are the one that can lead us to victory. That new humanoid… whoever it is… is doing his job and it is time, you did yours. Jai Hind!!” Ankit turns to a table; he is seething with anger and punches the table hard. Ratan comes closer, he is doubtful but still tries his best to pacify him. “What is wrong, Ankit? Are you alright?” Ratan asks but there is no answer. “This is rather unusual of you. I have never seen you like this. You are an aggressive leader, no doubt but not someone who gets angry at even little things. This is a different ground; you cannot expect it to be the same as our office.” Says Ratan. Ankit now looks at Ratan, he is still angry and goes on to explain the reason for it, “This is the same ‘ground’ that my father stood. These are the same people that respected him, saluted him… he was the one that designed all this. All this stuff that you see, they are all his creations. What is my place over here? I am looked upon as the son of that great man but not respected. It is not my fault that I am trying to be authoritative. I am trying to find my place here but look… look what is happening. They lost the artifact and I was taking them to task for it. What did I receive? A lecture… a lecture on what my duties and responsibilities are as a citizen of this country. If you would have been in my place, what would you have done? How would you have felt?” Ratan looks at Ankit. He has no expression. He nods in disagreement and disappointment, and looks away. Ankit, however, has no regret for what he said and turns away to look at the armors. Ratan takes a deep breath and says, “There is an old saying, Ankit. Respect is not found or received; it is earned.” Ankit looks at Ratan trying to listen intently… probably another lecture but this time, it is not only important… it is necessary. “You father was definitely a great thinker and innovator but the Major was right about one thing. He did not allow his thoughts or his innovations to go above his head. Even with all that intelligence, all that ‘brain’… his head was always bowed down, like Lord Hanuman. You have read Sanskrit, you are well versed in a lot of scriptures, a talent which a lot of modern-day kids and grown-ups rarely have yet you only educated yourself but not applied any of that essence. Lord Hanuman was all powerful and learned yet he was forever humble. He had powers that… even Lord Rama may have not had yet every time, whenever he did a task or went into battle, he would say -JAI SHRI RAM!! That is how humble he was. Your father was just the same. He had massive respect for the people of the armed forces and is only intention was to build the most advanced tech that could help in the safety of the soldiers going into battle. His heart went out for all those soldiers who martyred on the battlefield and on the permission of the government, he started an armed force fund for the family of the fallen soldiers. Remember when he died, how the funeral procession was. It was the army that did all that because he gave respect and in turn, he earned their respect. Among the martyred soldiers, his name is also carved on that wall and every year, along with them… he is also saluted, even the Colonel you met stands in honor in front of his name. The Major was right, your father was a hero. He did not carry guns, he did not carry ammunitions, he did not go into battle… yet, his efforts saw to it that casualties were minimized and every soldier who went into battle came back alive. The same is expected from you, son. The armed forces, the civilians, everyone are looking at you for an answer to this situation and here you are… crying… crying over a ‘lost toy’ if I have to name it. Remember your father’s deeds, your time has come now. Earn what your father earned and in time, your name will also be etched on the walls. You will be respected.” Ankit stares at Ratan; he then hangs his head in shame while Ratan walks out.