Evenly Upgraded
“You are not going to believe this, Sir but… the armors are ready for testing.” Major Robert reports to the Colonel. The Colonel is definitely surprised and this time, has no shame in showing it. “In just 4 days! But how?” The Colonel asks. “Well, a leader needed motivation and when a leader like Mr. Roy is motivated… expect miracles to happen.” Major Robert answers, there is a sense of pride in the way he said that. “He did it. What took him so long. I guess… being consumed by your emotions is a natural thing. It happens to everyone but to fight it back and do wonders requires grit of the highest level.” Says the Colonel. The Major nods in agreement. “They are making the final preparation, Sir. You may want to see it with your own eyes.” Says the Major. The Colonel was having coffee, he sips the last part of it, places the cup on the table and picks up his cap. “Let us go, Major.” Says the Colonel. The Colonel, Major and a few other personal walks towards the production bay at the hangar when suddenly, Prateek stops them. “Sir, we got news from the command center. An army of Asuras have been spotted close to bunker 15. About 200 of them with vehicles too. They looked like tanks but can’t tell much without sending out scouts.” Says Prateek. The Colonel and Major look at each other. “Send the scouts, I need a detailed report. We can’t afford to go in for a fight and then be surprised. Besides, it has been a while that the skies have not been clear. The air force is out of commission due to the regular anti-air strikes that keep happening because of which the metro service was opened up for all of us. We need to complete the testing as fast as possible and get the men combat ready. We cannot waste time… after all the time and money we have invested in making the techs see the light of day.” Says the Colonel. “Or we can use this opportunity to test the armors and weaponry, and do away with the ‘formal’ testing phase?” It is Ratan. The others look at him surprised. “Sorry to overhear the conversation, Colonel but I felt it was necessary.” Says Ratan. “Add it to your list of punishments that you will receive after the war. The first being… not inviting me for a drink even after being here for so many days.” Says the Colonel, and the other laugh at that comment. “Why do you want skip the testing phase, Mr. Singh? How do we know if we will be secure within the armor if we don’t test it?” the Major asks. “The tests will be performed on live dummies to check the working mechanism of the armor. What is the guarantee that the power that the armor will exhibit on the testing field will be the same when being in an actual battle? We were all waiting for this day. This is no more a fight back… this is a time for pay back and in what way then showing them that this is an even fight. Major, round up your men. Gear up and get on the battle field. We, indeed, have no time to waste.” Says Ratan. The Major is still in doubt but the Colonel seconded Ratan’s idea. “He is right, Major. It is an even fight now.” Says the Colonel. He then looks at Ratan and asks, “How many armors have been made? Ankit said that around 140 will be ready.” Ratan smiles, he looks at the Major and says, “Round up 250, Officer.” The others stare at Ratan shell shocked. The alarms are sounded on all bunkers. The civilians are made aware of the situation outside and are asked to stay inside the designated bays and not come out until they receive the ‘all clear’ signal. Outside, the scouts are perched on top of a building and are able to see the Asuras slowly moving towards the spot where if drilled will take them to bunker 15. “Something tells me, they know or have spotted where all the bunkers are. Bunker 38 was attacked, there was an attack close to bunker 27. Bunker 8 and Bunker 40 were also attacked but NARAYAN fend them off.” Says the first scout. “There is a reason why NARAYAN said to get in touch with Mr. Roy ASAP. He is aware of the enemy’s intention.” Says the 2nd scout. The first scout gets on the radio and says, “Command, the enemy is all set to drill. They are readying the machines.” “Don’t worry, officer. We have reached the spot.” It is Major Robert. The scouts are confused until they see 2 massive heavily armored transport tanks moving to the location. They stop at a safe distance. “Soldiers, this is Ankit here. I am not sure if I am qualified to lead an army battalion but nevertheless, I am here to instruct and train you people about the new armor. First, activate your shields. The armor is AI controlled, so either you can give a command or… just think.” Ankit says. While a few says the command – SHIELDS, a few of them think and in matter of seconds, the shields are activated. “Shields working fine for all 250 soldiers.” Dr. Basheer says. “Green across the board but don’t be happy yet. The shielding system is strong, even against the plasma bolts but few rounds of fire and the shields will go down. The shielding system marks 100%, if it is not then you need to tell me and I will have it checked. You are in battle mode now so you see the shields going down below 20%, hide… and wait for the shields to automatically recharge. Major Robert, 10 soldiers have been entrusted to install 4 rechargers. I pray that they won’t be required but, in the event, you see your shields not recharging, rush to the recharger and it will be done. I hope I am clear.” Says Ankit, and the everyone acknowledges. “Good Luck, Major. Good luck everyone. We have all worked day in and day out to get them running. Do what you do best.” Ankit says. “How many cannons?” The Major asks. “There are 4, sir. Better to take them out before the onslaught.” Prateek responds. “I second that. Take them out.” The Major orders. The tank operators aim at the cannons and fire laser beams, strong enough to slice out any strong metal or armor. The laser beams successfully split the cannons in 2 rendering them out of commission. “Time to test the armors. Tank operators, if the situation goes grim, then only fire. For now, let us handle this.” Says the Major. He then orders the soldiers to move forward. The doors of the armored tank open and the soldiers slowly march towards the Asura army. The Asuras are alarmed by the beams and look for the source of it. The leader of the battalion moves forward along with 3 Asuras and sees an army coming towards them. Indeed, they are startled as they are used to seeing an army who were ‘technologically inferior’ to them but now, they are seeing a wholly upgraded and menacingly powerful army. “Fire at will. Spare no one. We do not need servants, and I don’t think they are qualified enough to wash dishes for us.” The Major orders. The soldiers let out a war cry that sends shivers down the spines of the Asuras. They start to fire; Ankit and his team had modified all existing assault rifles and other weaponry to plasma based and laser-based rifles. “Laser was already in use but not in close quarter combat. This is a first but plasma-based weapons… the Asuras have indirectly given us a hint that it is time for an upgrade. We cannot live with the assurance that there will be no war. We will upgrade and show our power, the enemy will take that hint and design something more powerful. The only way to win a war and maintain dominance is to always be technologically superior. We needed weapons that could shred through the armor of the Asuras. Furthermore, we needed an armor… that could withstand plasma charge and laser beams. I have upgraded the already installed shielding system to withstand those charges but I need more time to test them and create a more powerful one where recharging of the system will be minimal.” Ankit explains. The Colonel and the others are impressed as they watch the battle in progress. The battle continues as the Asuras find their numbers depleting. Some of them retreat while a few still remain to fight but not for long as they perish. The NARAYANI SENA stop firing when they see only 5 remaining. The Major is about to order to finish off the rest but stops when the lead Asura throws his weapon and brings out a sword, he also brandishes a shield on his left hand and taunts the Major for a one-on-one battle. “When was the last time someone challenged me for a one-on-one?” asks the Major. “I did… and you kicked my ass real hard. Remember, boxing tournament, 2 years ago… we had a pre-fight.” Says Amrish. Even Ankit and the Colonel notices it. “That was unexpected.” Ankit says surprised. “It takes high amount of courage and mental strength to challenge your opponent. You ask me, it is no longer a pressure on you… it is a pressure on the opponent to not only give you a fair fight but to win it fairly. Let us see what the Major does.” Says the Colonel. The Major holsters his weapon and moves forward. He accepts the challenge by saying, “We don’t have a sword. Would you mind sharing?” The Asuras look at each other. They are indeed surprised that the humans could launch an assault like this. The lead Asura looks at his sword and throws it at the Major, the latter grabs it. The former then takes another sword from his deputy and goes into attack stance. The sword is heavy which the Major finds obvious. He takes a deep breath and practices some moves. He faces his enemy again, realizing that his opponent has a shield and he doesn’t, he takes out his dagger. He signals the enemy by showing the dagger. “It should be a fair fight, isn’t it?” asks the Major to himself. The leader doesn’t seem to mind as he gives a frightening roar and charges ahead. “This should be interesting.” The Colonel comments. The fight begins, the Major realizes that the leader is in a hurry to finish the fight as he keeps attacking. The Major has no other choice but to defend himself. He uses both his sword and dagger together to shield himself patiently waiting for any opening. “I cannot slash at him. Neither can he. We both are in armor. I must get a straight shot at any part of his body.” Says the Major. After a few big blows from the leader, the Major loses his footing and that is when he gets a big hit on his shoulders. Everyone, including the people in the command center notices it. While the others wince, Ankit is calm. The armor is strong enough. Indeed, the armor the Major is wearing takes the brunt of it and there is no injury. The Major looks at the leader who is backing off, the latter stares at his sword. He knows that the sword is strong to slice anyone in two yet the Major is still standing. “This is my chance.” Says the Major as he lunges forward and slashes his sword. Clean hit as the blow of the sword brings down the shield system of the leader’s armor to zero. The Major doesn’t waste time as he finds the spot that leads right to the leader’s stomach and abdomen. He uses his sword again to break open the spot and stabs the leader with his dagger, the leader yells in pain as he clutches his stomach and again backs off. “Uncle, I need you to meet the designers immediately. Tell them to start working on swords for the armed forces.” Says Ankit. “Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.” Ratan comments and walks off. Ankit first stares at Ratan and then at the Colonel, and says, “He never told me. I assure you.” The Colonel smiles at Ankit and replies, “He wasn’t talking to you.” Ankit is confused at first but soon realizes what he meant. The Major now starts using the knowledge of the weak points of the armor. It is a play of perfect defense and perfect timing. Slowly and steadily, the Major opens up the weak points on the arm pits and the groin area. Without wasting any time, he uses his dagger to stab those areas. The leader is weakened due to the wounds and with continuous blood loss would perish pretty soon. The leader kneels on the ground, he has dropped his sword and shield. He is panting heavily due to excruciating pain. “He is done. Let me ‘help’ him out of this misery now.” Saying, the Major runs forward for the final blow. The leader has not given up yet. He lets out a roar again, takes the shield and slams the Major with it. The latter didn’t expect this, he finds himself thrown into the air backwards and falls to the ground with a thud. Disaster strikes, his armor is jammed and he is unable to move. “Mr. Roy, the armor is jammed. I am not able to move. What do I do?” Asks the Major. “What!? How?” Ankit asks, shocked at hearing that defect. “That was a good slam, Mr. Roy. It was hard enough to jam all systems of the armor.” Says Dr. Basheer. The Major sees the leader somehow brandish his fallen sword and stand up. He slowly and steadily walks towards the Major readying his sword to stab him while the latter tries all his best to move but the armor won’t budge. “Major, you can eject yourself from the armor. Just say the word.” Says Ankit. “Eject myself… and fight him without an armor.” The Major comments. “Do we have a choice? He challenged you and you accepted it. Nobody can save you now, even if anyone comes to your aid… do you think it is honorable?” asks Ankit. Ankit’s question stuns everyone, including the Colonel and Ratan who had just joined in after meeting with the designers. The Major does not have an answer to that. Yes, it is a fight for honor… maybe, not for him but definitely for the leader. Their race had caused destruction, they were the reason for the loss of so many lives yet they are warriors. They do have codes, so do the armed forces. The armed forces may not have the mindset for domination but codes are codes. He has to finish the fight… and only he could finish it, for he accepted the challenge. “EJECT.” The Major says and the armor opens up. The Major comes out of the armor and moves away just in time, the leader brings the tip of the sword down but it hits the armor. The leader is slowly weakening and he kneels down again not able to stand any more. “It is now or never.” Says the Major. He runs forward, grabs the sword lying on the ground and jumps on the back of the leader. The Major lets out a war cry and stabs through the nape of the leader. It is a clean stab as the sword passes through and comes out of the other side of the neck. The leader lets go of his sword and breathes his last. His lifeless body falls to the ground. The Major sighs deeply and turns to face the others Asuras, they look at each other and flee from the area. The Major throws the sword away and looks at his battalion, they start to howl and cheer at his bravery. “Never imagined I would live to see this day. Never imagined that I will see the birth of warriors among men. They did well but all kudos to you, Ankit. You are a hero in your own right. This is what we all wanted from you and like always, you delivered.” Says the Colonel patting Ankit’s back. Ankit feels a sense of pride and also, relief that he did his duty. He turns around to see Ratan coming forward with a smile. “This is what a hero does, son. He may not be on the battlefield but if his work saves a 100 lives, it is still a sign of bravery. The courage to do something that can make a difference.” Says Ratan. Ankit smiles at that comment, he is about to say something when suddenly the sirens in the command center light up again. “What!? What now?” Ankit asks looking around the command center and then at the giant screen. “Oh no, this is not good. Sir, bunker 27… we have just received news that about 100 Asuras have gained access into the bunker. Our soldiers are engaged but they are without the armor. The civilians have been moved to safety but not for long.” Says Captain Sayed. “How did they gain access? Wait… don’t tell me that the enemy outside was a decoy.” Says the Colonel, shocked. “200 soldiers… decoy. With due respect, sir, I beg to differ. You ask me, this is an all-out attack. We have no news from the other bunkers yet so many Asuras near one bunker. Something is not right.” Sayed responds. “Sir, it is NARAYAN… he has appeared again and has engaged the enemy.” Says a command center representative. Everyone in the command center look at the giant screen, NARAYAN had appeared again and had already killed 5 Asuras. “He may have the caliber but we cannot take a chance. Contact Major Robert immediately and ask him to divert the NARAYANI SENA inside bunker 27. On the double, officer.” The colonel commands. At bunker 27, the fire fight is intense. 15 soldiers had already lost their lives before NARAYAN came for help. With NARAYAN in lead, the Asura battalion had lost 10 of their soldiers. “We have received confirmation that Major Robert is coming with his troops. They will reach here in 10 minutes.” Says Satish. “We won’t last 10 minutes and I am not kidding. We need heavy firepower to stall their advance.” Says NARAYAN. He has a sniper rifle equipped and takes down 2 more Asuras. “Where is the armory?” NARAYAN asks. “Behind us. What do you need?” Satish asks. NARAYAN stares at Satish and says, “I am not the only soldier here. Tell everyone to equip themselves with grenades, grenade launchers and rocket launchers. Get some sniper rifles too, and try to equip yourself with weapons that have heat sensors.” Satish felt embarrassed seeing NARAYAN having considerable knowledge of weaponry. An art in itself which in reality only a few soldiers have mastered. Satish orders the men to rush to the armory and do as advised by NARAYAN. The latter has another idea to gain advantage. “Dose of the lights in the area where the Asuras are. They may have a counter for it but we will have to take our chances.” Says NARAYAN. Satish understands and radios the command center to do the same. In seconds, the lights were out. NARAYAN and the others could hear the Asuras talking about the lights going out and getting irritated by it. NARAYAN looks at the soldiers who are equipped with heavy weapons and signals them to start firing. A series of explosions through rockets and grenades rains on the Asuras, NARAYAN orders the snipers to take out as many as they can as the shields system of the Asuras drop. Multiple sniper bursts and another 20 bite the dust “It worked.” Ayush says with ecstasy. “Don’t be complacent, buddy. Reload your weapons. It is time for round 2.” Says NARAYAN. As the soldiers reload their weapons, NARAYAN, Satish and Ayush see a lone Asura coming out of the dark into the lighted area where the soldiers are standing. “NARAYAN.” The Lone Asura bellows and the soldiers stop what they are doing. “What? What is going on?” Ayush asks. NARAYAN comes out his hiding spot and comes closer to the Lone Asura, it doesn’t take the former to realize that he is the leader of the battalion. “I am Pubhrangas, the leader of this battalion. You think you are brave and smart hiding behind them… this puny race who makes a joke out of bravery. They are not warriors and they do not have the caliber to fight us. Why support them when you can use your powers to join forces with us? Be on our side and we not only guarantee victory but also, the power to rule over this puny race.” Says Pubhrangas “So, they do have names? What did he say… pubh…ra?” Ayush starts but Satish shuts him up. “You learnt our language but there a thousand of them. You can’t expect me to learn all of them if I have to rule over them. I think I will pass on that offer. As for you, Pubhrangas… you want to fight on and decimate us, you are free to do that. I am not a fortune teller; I can’t say whether we will win or lose but one thing is certain… good always wins over evil. We will fight on until every blood of ours is spilt. Either we will win and show you, bunch of losers, what it takes to be a warrior or we will die trying but no way are we going to be your servants.” Says NARAYAN. The soldiers of the Indian Army heard every word of it and cheered in acceptance. They even chanted the slogan – GLORY TO MANKIND and Pubhrangas and his battalion were alarmed at the new found courage of the humans. “ENOUGH!!” Pubhrangas bellowed again and the soldiers stopped cheering. “NARAYAN, I will spare them all. Fight me one on one. You kill me and your friends will be spared but if I kill you, we will feast on your bones and your friends will lick our feet. What do you say?” Pubhrangas challenges and there are murmurs going on both sides. “He has challenged NARAYAN. One on one, eh! This is not good.” Ayush comments. “On the contrary, this should be interesting.” Says Satish. NARAYAN looks at the army and then back at Pubhrangas. He hears a noise and is quick to realize what it is. The metro service, Major Robert and his battalion are here. The lights were already back on when Pubhrangas was speaking to NARAYAN. The Asuras including Pubhrangas turn around, they stare at the battalion… an upgraded army with upgraded weaponry and an armor system technologically advanced than them. “They are here. THE NARAYANI SENA. It goes without saying that they defeated the army that was on top of us.” Ayush says. “Lay down your weapons or we will be forced to fire.” The Major orders and his battalion aimed their weapons at the Asuras. The Asuras cannot believe what they are seeing and to be ordered by a ‘puny human’ is something unexpected. “Not so fast, Major. Not yet. My new friend here… what did you say your name was… ah yes, Pubhrangas, has challenged me to a duel. Single fight, one on one. Come on, Major. After all, they are our guest. We should show some courtesy.” NARAYAN says, with an air of sarcasm. The Major cannot believe what he just heard. “What!? Even he challenged you too!?” The Major almost yells when he hears that. No doubt he is surprised after what he went through just a few minutes back. The Major’s question not only astonishes the Indian Army but even the Asuras. Indeed, Pubhrangas comes forward still staring at the Major. “The leader of that army, Shandi… what did you do to him?” Pubhrangas asks, trembling in rage and sadness. “Oh dear. He is angry.” Prateek comments. The Major deactivates his visor to reveal his face. He answers without any expression and remorse, “He challenged me. Like a brave warrior, he challenged and I accepted. It was an even fight. He would have killed me but apart from being even… it was also a fair fight. I defeated him.” The Indian Army could see the Asuras hanging their head in sadness but not Pubhrangas. He starts to growl. He then lets out an agonized cry, he raises his sword and is about to charge towards the Major but NARAYAN stops him. “You are forgetting, Pubhrangas! You have challenged me.” NARAYAN reminds him. “To hell with it, NARAYAN. We cannot lose. We will never lose to your species. We are warriors, the greatest army created by the Gods. We are the Usurpers, the universe trembles hearing our name.” says Pubhrangas. “You say as though you have never been defeated. Do not forget that it was the famed NARAYANI SENA that stopped you when you people were going about merciless killing the innocents to ensure domination over all species. You were created by the Gods to safeguard the universe but the very creation of the Gods had turned against them. You people enjoy killing, you people enjoy domination… but there is a limit to everything. You call us ‘puny humans’, isn’t it? Fear is a weakness of every species but when we realize that our backs are against the wall, that is when we realize that come what may, there is no use in fearing. If death be upon us, then there is no honor in dying without a fight. We did not give up. We did not give in to fear. Instead, we fought on. Our brothers and sisters have laid down their lives trying to buy us time so that we can stage a fight back… and look now. Look, Pubhrangas, our backs are no longer against the wall. We do not know what you have in store for us but we are prepared.” Says NARAYAN, and these words are followed by cheers and howling all around. Pubhrangas cannot take it anymore and orders his force to kill them all. Fighting resumes but the Asuras are sandwiched between the regular army and the NARAYANI SENA. Pubhrangas takes on NARAYAN and they fight to the death. Between the soldiers and the Asuras, it is a bloody battle but it ends soon as all the Asuras perish in the onslaught. The soldiers then turn to the fight that is going on between NARAYAN and Pubhrangas. Major Robert notices NARAYAN playing the waiting game as Pubhrangas is laying blow after blow from his sword while NARAYAN is doing his best to either defend or move away to not get an inch of any of the blows. “Big guy is losing fuel. He is getting tired.” Says Amrish. “This is so different from the fight we saw with Major and the other big guy.” Says Javed. “There is definitely one thing I have noticed about our enemy. They are always in a hurry to finish the fight. I think it is in their blood. They were created for brutal onslaughts and not for strategic warfare.” Says Major Robert. NARAYAN also notices Pubhrangas getting exhausted. The latter allowed his emotions to play on but emotions do not always win a war. “Tired, eh! You are strong but not strong enough. You have received a boon of immortality but you people have a bane. You always charge ahead. We are not superior but we have an advantage and that is only because we have the power of sight. We can think and then when the time is right, we can deliver.” Says NARAYAN. “You dare taunt me. You have a sword in hand but you haven’t used to it. Yet you taunt me. No one taunts me like that.” Pubhrangas says with contempt. “Well, there is always a first. So, shall we continue?” Ask NARAYAN sarcastically. Pubhrangas has enough. He starts to land blows again, one of the blows is strong enough and NARAYAN staggers back. Before, the latter could realize, a swing from the sword and it hits the helmet which comes off revealing the face of humanity’s savior. Pubhrangas kicks him and he flies backwards, slams against a pillar breaking through it and then falls hard on the ground. NARAYAN slowly stands up on his feet. He is dazed, he shakes his head and then looks in the direction of Pubhrangas. The soldiers gasp as they see a young man, maybe 28-30 years of age. “Now I see. You are a human too. Hiding behind that armor and talking big. Talking big seems to be human nature, I guess. Not for long. I am going to finish you and then finish off your kind in a jiffy.” Says Pubhrangas, clenching his teeth. NARAYAN looks at Pubhrangas. He was angry but now, he is expressionless. A smile sprouts, he walks forward and grabs the sword that had fallen off. He then raises his right hand and taunts Pubhrangas to come at him. “You dare taunt me again. Say your prayers, human, for you are going to need it now.” Saying, Pubhrangas dashes forward while NARAYAN holds his ground. Pubhrangas jumps and with both sword in hand is all set his thrust his sword through NARAYAN’s chest but something amazing happens. The soldiers cannot help gasp again as NARAYAN jumps at the same height and kicks hard on the latter’s chest. It is a strong kick as the Asura flies back and slams to the ground losing his sword which slides to a corner. From here on, NARAYAN doesn’t wait. He sheaths his sword and without mercy and delay, lands punches and kicks on Pubhrangas. The soldiers watch as NARAYAN utilizes the power of the armor to the maximum as he lands blows after blows. The Asura tries his best to stop him but it is futile, his armor is weakening due to the constant blows that are getting faster and faster. Soon, the armor gives way and opens up all around leaving the Asura vulnerable. Weakened by the blows, Pubrangas kneels to the ground breathing heavily because of the onslaught. NARAYAN then takes out his sword again and without a second thought, stabs Pubhrangas right through the heart. The Asura yells in pain. Not willing to give up, he grabs NARAYAN by his throat but due to extreme pain and exhaustion, is unable to wring it. NARAYAN looks into his eyes and says, “Only weaklings talk big for they do not have the will to prove what they say. The strong ones… they do talk, but have the will and commitment to do what they say. You call us puny. Who is the puny one now?” Pubhrangas loses his grip on NARAYAN’S throat, he growls at the latter loudly out of pain, sadness and anger but the latter is still and smiling. The Asura breathes his last and falls to the ground. As NARAYAN stands up and looks at the soldiers, there is heavy cheer and howling all around. They come forward and a few soldiers out of pride and ecstasy, carry NARAYAN on their shoulders. After that, while NARAYAN sits on a stool and heaves a sigh of relief, Major Robert walks up to him and asks with a smile, “State your name, Humanity’s Savior?” NARAYAN looks at the Major, he nods in disagreement and with a smirk, answers, “MOHIT.”