Chapter 47: Ch.46: Reaction of British
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London, United Kingdom, May 1, 1943
The news of Bharat's increasing influence in Asia had reached the corridors of power in London, causing a stir among the British leadership. Prime Minister Winston Churchill sat in his office at 10 Downing Street, his expression a mix of frustration and determination. The reports from Burma, Ceylon, and the Maldives were troubling. Bharat's military presence and their alliance with local resistance fighters had effectively shifted control of these regions away from British hands.
Churchill's advisors gathered around the large oak table, the atmosphere tense. Maps of Asia were spread out, marked with the latest intelligence on troop movements and strategic positions.
"Prime Minister, the situation in our Asian colonies is deteriorating rapidly," began Sir Archibald Wavell, the Foreign Secretary. He was to become the Viceroy of British India but was unable to because of the previous Viceroy's machinations. However, recent events that led to the independence of India, now known as Bharat, allowed him to manipulate the view of recent events in the eyes of the British citizens, so that the negotiations between Bharat and the UK appeared somewhat advantageous for the UK, painting it as a failure of the previous Viceroy of India. His successful manipulation of facts and lies helped him be appointed as the Foreign Secretary of the UK.
He further added, "Bharat's forces have established a significant presence, and their influence over the local resistance movements has grown stronger. The recent agreement between Bharat and the resistance fighters has further solidified their control."
Churchill's jaw tightened. "This is unacceptable. We cannot allow Bharat to undermine our authority in these regions. What are our options?"
Field Marshal Alan Brooke, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, spoke up. "We need to reinforce our positions and increase our military presence. However, with the ongoing war in Europe, our resources are stretched thin. We must also consider the political implications of escalating the conflict in Asia."
Churchill nodded, deep in thought. "We must tread carefully. An outright confrontation with Bharat at this time could have severe consequences. We need to find a way to regain control without provoking a larger conflict."
As the discussion continued, the room buzzed with strategies and counter-strategies. The British leadership was acutely aware that their grip on their Asian colonies was slipping, and they needed a plan to counter Bharat's growing influence.
Burma, Ceylon, and Maldives, May 6, 1943
In the heart of Burma, the landscape was dotted with makeshift camps and fortified positions. Bharat's military presence was evident, with soldiers patrolling the area and coordinating with local resistance fighters. The British forces, though still present, were increasingly sidelined.
Colonel Arjun Singh, a seasoned officer of Bharat's army, stood with a group of resistance leaders. "Our agreement with Bharat has brought us closer to our goal of independence," said Aung San, a prominent Burmese resistance leader. "Together, we can drive out the remaining British forces and secure our future."
Arjun nodded. "Bharat is committed to supporting your struggle. We will provide the necessary resources and training to ensure your success."
In Ceylon, similar scenes played out. Bharat's influence was growing, and the local population welcomed their support. The British colonial administration struggled to maintain control, their authority increasingly challenged by the combined forces of Bharat and the local resistance.
The Maldives, a strategic archipelago, had also seen a shift in power. Bharat's naval presence ensured control over the crucial sea routes, further diminishing British influence.
London, United Kingdom, May 10, 1943
Back in London, Churchill received a new report. The situation in Asia was becoming more precarious. The British public, weary from the ongoing war, was beginning to question the necessity of maintaining control over distant colonies.
Churchill addressed his cabinet, his voice resolute. "We must adapt to the changing realities. Our focus must remain on defeating the Axis powers in Europe. However, we cannot ignore the developments in Asia. It's time for us to try unconventional methods like inciting instability in Bharat with the help of the missionaries still present there."
Sir Archibald Wavell responded, "Prime Minister, while the plan is sound, we face a significant challenge. Most of the missionaries, as well as the sympathizers within the Muslim League, Congress, and various separatist groups who were in good relationship with us, have somehow lost contact. Only a few who have hidden themselves deep remain. This indicates that Bharat has a robust intelligence network which must be responsible for this."
Churchill's expression darkened. "This complicates matters. We must find a way to counter their intelligence capabilities. Perhaps we need to look into other unconventional methods or find new allies within the region who can help us regain our influence."
The tension in the room was palpable as Churchill's cabinet continued to deliberate. Sir Reginald Drax, the Minister of Intelligence, leaned back in his chair, a smug expression on his face.
"Prime Minister," he began, his tone dripping with condescension, "we are giving far too much credit to Bharat's so-called intelligence network. They are, after all, a backward country. Their capabilities are no match for our seasoned intelligence agencies."
Churchill raised an eyebrow but remained silent, allowing Drax to continue.
"We have assets within the Church who harbor a deep-seated hatred for metahumans. This sentiment can be exploited to our advantage. If we deploy our own intelligence operatives to incite instability within Bharat, leveraging this hatred, we can create significant internal strife. No one in Bharat has the ability to stop us."
The room fell silent as the ministers absorbed Drax's proposal. Sir Archibald Wavell, though skeptical, nodded thoughtfully. "It's a risky strategy, but it could work. We need to ensure our operatives are well-embedded and can act without drawing attention."
Field Marshal Alan Brooke added, "We must also be prepared for any backlash. If Bharat discovers our involvement, it could escalate tensions further."
Churchill, his expression now one of cautious optimism, spoke up. "Very well. Let's proceed with this plan. Sir Reginald, you will oversee the operation. Ensure that our agents are discreet and that we have plausible deniability."
Drax nodded, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Consider it done, Prime Minister. We will regain control of our Asian colonies and reassert our dominance."
As the meeting adjourned, the ministers left with a renewed sense of purpose. The plan was set in motion, and the British leadership hoped it would be the key to countering Bharat's growing influence.
New Delhi, Bharat, May 15, 1943
In the heart of New Delhi, the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan stood as a symbol of Bharat's sovereignty. Aryan, the President of Bharat, had just returned from a successful diplomatic mission to the United States. His office, a blend of traditional Indian aesthetics and modern technology, was a testament to the nation's progress.
Aryan sat behind his ornate desk, his expression one of calm determination. Across from him, a holographic projection of Athena flickered to life.
"Athena, give me an update on the KAVACH expansion," Aryan commanded, his voice steady.
Athena's holographic form nodded. "The KAVACH network has been successfully deployed across strategic locations worldwide, including America and Europe. Our presence is now firmly established in key regions, ensuring comprehensive surveillance and defense capabilities."
Aryan leaned back in his chair, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "Excellent. With KAVACH in place, we can effectively counter any threats that come our way. What about our intelligence operations?"
Athena's eyes glowed softly as she processed the information. "Our intelligence network has been fortified. Also, there is some troubling news coming from our operatives in the UK."
Aryan nodded his head, gesturing Athena to continue.
"We have intercepted several communications indicating that the British are planning to incite instability within Bharat. However, our agents are well-prepared to neutralize any such attempts," Athena relayed the information.
Aryan's expression hardened. "The British are desperate. They still continue to underestimate our resolve and capabilities. We must remain vigilant and proactive in our approach."
Athena's voice was reassuring. "Indeed, Aryan. Our operatives are embedded deeply within their ranks, providing us with real-time intelligence. We will stay one step ahead of their schemes."
Aryan nodded, his mind already strategizing the next moves. "Ensure that our agents are informed and ready to act. We cannot afford any lapses in our defenses."
Athena's holographic form shimmered with determination. "Consider it done."
As Aryan gazed out of the window, the sprawling city of New Delhi lay before him, a testament to the resilience and strength of Bharat.
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