The Tycoon's Odyssey

Flicking his cigar into a nearby ashtray, Walter's amusement gave way to disgust. "Pathetic. I can't believe they're so weak they couldn't handle such a trivial matter. And now they've dragged the world's attention to their petty squabbles."

Slowly rising, Walter's tall frame cast a looming shadow across the room. He moved toward the window, clasping his hands behind his back as the rain painted streaks across the glass, mirroring the unrest that was brewing in Indra.

"If this Indra situation worsens, the fools preaching conspiracy theories will start crawling out of their holes," he muttered, his tone laced with disdain. He turned abruptly to face the secretary. "Send them a message. Tell them to clean up this mess immediately. If they don't, the Federation will intervene—and they won't like how we will resolve things."

The secretary nodded hastily, retreating from the room as though fleeing a predator.

Left alone, Walter returned to his seat, his gaze falling on a photograph among the documents.

It was a grainy image of a young man. Walter's lips curled into a predatory smile as he studied the face.

"Hmm… What an interesting fellow," he murmured to himself, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest, the sound echoing in the quiet room. "Alas, he doesn't seem to know what's good for him. A moth drawn to the flame, desperate to burn."

Leaning back, the eerie glow of the cigar ember reflected in his icy eyes. A low chuckle escaped him, resonating like a ghostly whisper.

"Let's see how brightly you burn, Evan," he said softly, his voice colder than the rain outside. "And how long it takes before you're snuffed out."

The storm outside raged on, but within the room, the storm that was Walter Thompson had only just begun.

_____

Evan stood in his chamber, analyzing the cascading chain of events displayed before him.

His gaze lingered on the holographic display before him–a complex web of red and green lights representing allies, enemies, and key territories.

The air was thick with tension, even in the sterile calm of his high-tech environment.

Reports from Nicobar were streaming in, accompanied by snippets of civilian opinions flooding social media and news channels.

Indra was in turmoil. Whispers of dissent and sharp criticisms floated through bazaars and offices alike. The media was ablaze with speculation about the government's recent actions, with people dissecting every move.

Common people debated in hushed voices over tea stalls, some supporting Indra's aggressive stance while others warned of dire repercussions. Nonetheless, the fear of instability spread like wildfire, and though there were murmurs of defiance, there was no denying the growing unease.

Suri, seated gracefully on the armrest of a chair beside Evan, observed his grim expression. "Can you still control it? This might bring us short-term benefits, but it may hinder us in the long run," she said, her voice measured but tinged with concern.

Evan nodded solemnly, his thoughts betraying his expression. He turned to Aurora, who interjected to ease the tension in Suri, who despite their reassurance, struggled to calm down.

Aurora's voice rang out, calm and precise.

[Miss, what we have done will certainly force the other side to make a move and stir trouble. However, we can't make the first move due to a lack of proper justification.]

[Secondly, this will weaken Rajput's internal structure. Except for the higher-ups, most within their ranks remain unaware of the full picture. This uncertainty will breed unrest, which we can exploit when the right moment comes. Since events have escalated to this point, it's better to see them through quickly and decisively.]

Suri nodded slowly, her gaze steady. She knew Evan had planned meticulously for this moment, his strategies intricately weaving a web of calculated risks and potential rewards.

"What are we waiting for now?" Suri asked, her voice quieter this time, almost wary.

Evan's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "We're waiting for them to make the first move."

Suri exhaled softly and leaned back. "I see... It seems peace won't be our companion anytime soon."

[The naval ships will reach in a while, sir.]

Evan nodded and asked Aurora to keep tabs on things properly.

"Keep a close watch. Dedicate the entire power. Suspend market investments and global influence for the time being. Focus only on the essential ones. Aside from the leaders of countries, there is no need to keep tabs on every single individual at this stage.]

[Yes, Sir.]

_____

Far out in the vast Bay of Bengal, in the waters of the Nicobar Islands.

The colossal naval aircraft carrier INS Suryodaya carved through the deep blue waters around the Nicobar Islands, its sheer size and power a testament to Indra's maritime dominance.

Painted in shades of gray with the insignia of the fleet emblazoned proudly on its sides, the Suryodaya carried state-of-the-art fighter jets on its deck, gleaming under the bright sun and ready for action.

Encircling the carrier was a fleet of warships: missile destroyers, frigates, and supply vessels, each maintaining precise formations to protect their flagship.

The task force was on high alert and had been deployed with a singular mission—monitor and safeguard the Nicobar Islands amidst escalating tensions.

Above, surveillance drones hovered, scanning every inch of the islands, while beneath the waves, sonar systems ensured that nothing escaped detection within the hidden depths.

Inside the carrier's command center, Rear Admiral Ramesh Trivedi stood at the helm, his decorated uniform and stern countenance commanding respect, reflecting his decades of service. Around him, officers manned consoles, their focus unwavering as the data streamed in while the room was humming with the sounds of machinery and the low murmur of voices.

"Have all the civilians been evacuated from the islands?" Trivedi asked sharply, his voice cutting through the controlled chaos.

A lieutenant promptly stepped forward with a tablet in hand. "Yes, sir. The evacuation was completed this morning. All civilians have been accounted for and relocated to secure zones."

Trivedi gave a curt nod, his expression unwavering. "Good. What's the status of our strategic positions?"

The lieutenant began his report. "Sir, our troops have secured key positions. Onshore forces are stationed at Fort Blair and the surrounding regions for rapid deployment. The eastern flanks are being monitored by our fast-attack crafts, and the missile corvettes are ready to intercept any approaching threats. Surveillance drones are maintaining a constant feed and submarines have formed a defensive perimeter underwater."

Another officer chimed in, pointing to a digital map on the command center's main screen. "Our air force has deployed fighter jets from the mainland. They're on standby for immediate response should any threat escalate."

Trivedi turned toward the map, his eyes narrowing as he studied the naval and air patrols around the Nicobar Islands. "Keep our forces alert. We're sitting on a powder keg waiting to blow, one wrong move and we will ignite the fuse."