Chapter 4: Yippee-Ki-Yay
The White House, Washington D.C., United States of America.
"These are the reports from India about the current situation, Mr. President." The personal secretary of the President of the United States of America said as he handed him a bunch of papers.
The President gave a hum as he read it and put the stack down after a few minutes. "This Gate is honestly, a completely new frontier. With ample resources just waiting to be extracted." He said.
"That is true, sir. However, we have to accept the fact that the Gate opened in the Capital city of a regional superpower. We cannot pressure India on allowing teams of our scientists just so we can gain some benefits." The White House Chief of Staff said before continuing, "Furthermore, I doubt Congress would just allow any motion to send American lives in unknown territory. They will definitely question the administration's decision on vetoing against China's motion in the UN Security Council."
"That's correct, John. I have to agree with you over there." The President said. "Plus, we already have our hands full with the situation in the Middle East and North Korea. It could spell a blow for this administration, especially since I am trying to be re-elected for a second term. Honestly, it could have been a bit easier if the Gate would have opened in a place like Japan or South Korea. That way we could at least get a reason to send our troops as well."
"That's true sir. However, I'm pretty sure Japan would see it as a terrorist incident and thus, an internal matter according to their constitution." The President's aide said.
"Oh well, no point moaning about this now. I'm pretty sure India already has a plan. It may be possible to arrange something with the Prime Minister of India when the G20 countries will meet in six months." The President said and got back to work.
The Kremlin, Moscow, Russian Federation.
"So, do you have any updates about the situation in India?" The President of the Russian Federation asked his Chief of Staff.
"The only update any news channel got from the Indian Ministry of Defense spokesperson is the fact that they are identifying key strongholds and cities to capture. The only thing they have disclosed is that their contingent of Air Force is fully ready to go and that one each of their Boeing C-17s, Super Hercules 130-J and Ilyushin Il-76 are being transported in parts through the Gate." The Chief of Staff replied.
"If the Indian Army is identifying targets, then the question we should ask is how would they do so? It is very obvious that they don't have any satellites up there. Even drones can only do so much before they have to be called back." The President commented.
"Well, I'm pretty sure they can click photos through aerial reconnaissance. Though they'll still need people on the ground to learn about the importance of the places." The Chief of Staff said.
"That's true." The President said. "I do admit my surprise when the Americans vetoed China's resolution in the UN Security Council."
"It's the Chinese, sir. The effects of the US-Chinese trade war really has not been forgotten by both parties." The Chief of Staff said.
"That's right." The President responded. "Hey, can you do me a favor get me a hamburger from the McDonalds across the street?"
The Chief of Staff rolled his eyes internally and simply said, "Yes sir."
Zhongnanhai, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
"This Gate is a really big opportunity, Mr. President." The Chinese President's aide said.
"Indeed. It's a shame that this Gate opened in New Delhi. Think about how many resources we could get our hands on. Our economic growth did take a hit following our trade war with the Americans. Now, they are even supporting India's act of war on the other side." The Chinese President said. "How about we increase our tariffs on Indian imports?"
"Sir, they will simply retaliate with higher tariffs on our imports. We can't even threaten military action, as the fact that India is ranked 4th in the ranking for the strongest military forces is only on paper now. India can simultaneously deal with our air force and Pakistan's air force at the same time even though a few of their squadrons have been deployed through the Gate. Furthermore, many of our oil imports goes through the Indian Ocean and it will be raided by the Indian Navy." The aide explained.
"Indeed. For now, have our people from the intelligence agency in the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi increase all intelligence gathering. I want to know everything happening over there." The President ordered.
"Of course, Mr. President."
Fort Alnus. Alnus Hill. Three days later.
"So we've come to the conclusion that we'll need to investigate the people, industries, religions, and politics of this continent." Brigadier Raghunath Vaikar said.
"So, a survey huh?" Arjun asked. "Sounds like a great plan. But why am I here?"
"Because you're the one going." Brigadier Valkar said.
"Hell no," Arjun replied immediately.
"What?" The Brigadier asked with a tilt to his head
"There's no way in hell I'm going alone," Arjun said.
"Fool. Why would we do that?" Brigadier Valkar asked. "Ten deep recon teams have been formed and you are going to lead one of them. Your ability to befriend locals has been noted and you are one of the persons recommended straight from the Lt. Gen. himself. Your mission is to make contact with the townspeople in your designated area and determine their nature. If possible, establish a friendly relationship with them."
"Sure, I guess," Arjun said as he massaged his temples while muttering. "What a drag. I kill people in the shadows, you know. Not go around, holding hands, and singing Kumbayah."
"You say something?" Brigadier Valkar asked with narrowed eyes.
"No, sir."
"Very well then. Major Arjun Khare, I hereby grant you command of Recon Team One." Brigadier Valkar ordered.
'What a drag.' Arjun thought as he gave a salute and said, "Roger that."
While making his way to where he was supposed to meet his squad, he read the file which had everyone's name and ranks in it. The team of 23 soldiers consisted of the following members and equipment.
2017 Force Gurkha 4x4 Xpedition (8+1 Troops configuration)
Major Arjun Khare (Recon Team Leader)
Sergeant Santosh Gupta (Driver)
1st Lieutenant Dharya Malhotra (Navigator and 2nd-in-command)
Staff Sergeant Neha Patil (Combat Medic)
Mahindra Marksman (Light Bulletproof Vehicle) (6 Troops)
Corporal Varun Vyas (Driver)
Sergeant Yusuf Khan (Engineering Specialist)
Sergeant Pramod Kumar (Engineering Specialist)
Staff Sergeant Raghunath Pandey (Combat Medic)
Warrant Officer 1st Class Anushree Shrivastav (Weapon Station Specialist)
Warrant Officer 1st Class Rekha Thakur (Close-Quarters-Combat Specialist)
TATA LAMV (Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle) (6Troops)
Corporal Gagan Naidu (Driver)
Lance Corporal Jaswant Nambiyar (Communication Specialist)
Sergeant Durga Pandey (12.7mm Machine Gunner)
Staff Sergeant Akshay Parekh (Weapon Station Specialist)
Private Jeet Gupta (Rifleman)
Private Abhishek Sarkar (Rifleman)
Abhay ICV (Infantry Combat Vehicle) (7 troops)
Gunnery Sergeant Ravi Seth (Commander)
Private Aman Chadda (Driver)
Corporal Aditya Singh (Gunner for Primary Armament 1 x 40mm L/70 autocannon)
Corporal Amrit Upadhayay (Gunner for Secondary Armaments)
Lance Corporal Anil Pandya (Communication Specialist)
Private Karan Bhat (Rifleman)
Private Rajendra Goyal (Rifleman)
Fort Alnus. Vehicle Parking Lot. An hour later.
"Fall in!" 53-year-old 1st Lieutenant Dharya Malhotra called as he saluted. He was followed by the rest of the squad "Recon Team One, reporting in!"
"Yo pops!" Arjun returned the salute and did a once over of the people under his command. "I'm Major Arjun Khare, commander of this Recon Team One. If we're all ready let's move out."
Since this was a recon team, his soldiers were from different regiments of the Indian Army based on their expertise. The soldiers in his team were carrying the AK-203 Assault Rifles issued to the Indian Army infantry soldiers after complaints about the standard INSAS Rifles not being able to meet requirements. Arjun had also forgone his Tavor Rifle for an AK-203 for this assignment, not that he had a problem with it. Along with the rifle, everyone except Arjun was using the standard issue Semi-automatic Pistol Auto 9mm 1A with 9 x 19mm Parabellum bullets. Arjun however, had changed his pistol from his usual Berrata to a Glock 17.
The combat uniform of all the soldiers on the other side of the Gate had also got an upgrade. The new Indian Army combat uniform was designed by using the combat uniform of the United States Army as an inspiration. The jungle camouflage pattern of the Army Combat Shirt was replaced by a digital camouflage pattern. Furthermore, the soldiers' rank insignia was now present on the left shoulder along with the soldier's last name below the insignia. Since they were in an official combat zone, the Indian flag was featured on the right shoulder and helmet.
"All right! You heard the man! Get into your vehicles now!" 1LT Malhotra yelled and within 2 minutes Recon Team One was leaving Fort Alnus and officially starting their mission.
A few hours later. En-route to a settlement.
"What a blue sky…" Arjun said with a low whistle. "You don't get that in Mumbai. Or Agra." Arjun's regiment, the 50th Parachute Regiment was garrisoned in Agra.
"That's true." Sergeant Santosh Gupta said as he drove the vehicle. He was part of the 7th Garwhal Rifles Regiment and had recently returned to India with his unit after completing a tour for UN Peacekeeping Missions in South Sudan. "Honestly, I imagined dragons and fairies to be flying around. Everyone that we have met till now were humans. That's a crying shame." Sgt. Gupta said as he recalled the Squad's meeting with the villagers of Coda Village who had told them about another settlement in the woods.
"You a fan of fantasy mangas or something?" Arjun asked as he periodically checked out the scenery from his side of the window.
"Ah yeah, kinda. But I'm a fan of all things fictional and magical. Smaug, from the Lord of the Rings, is my favorite character." Sgt. Gupta replied.
"The one voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch in the movies?" Arjun asked.
"Yep." Came the reply. "What about you, sir?"
"Hm. I kinda hope to meet a Gandalf look-alike. And then he'll tell me, 'YOU SHALL NOT PASS!' That will be quite hilarious." Arjun replied with a grin.
Sgt. Gupta had to make extra sure to not lose control of the vehicle as he controlled his laughter.
"Knowing you sir, I'm pretty sure you'll trip him up and then continue your merry way while singing 'Tra-la-la'." Sgt. Gupta said.
"Oh, what exactly do you know about me, Sergeant?" Arjun asked.
"Nothing much, other than the fact that you are known to kick ass and take names while having every bad guy in the region running away every time you come in." Sgt. Gupta replied. "I mean, that's what my CO said when he told me that I will be a part of this squad under your command."
"True that." Came the reply over the radio from the other vehicles.
"Wow. Who knew that I had such a reputation." Arjun said as he removed the wrapper of a lollipop for himself and started sucking it.
Around Sunset. Near Recon Squad One's next settlement.
"Santosh, take a right at the stream here and follow it." Recon Squad One's 2nd-in-command and Navigator 1LT Dharya Malhotra said. "We should arrive at the forest that the Coda Village Chief was talking about."
"Roger that." Sgt. Gupta said as he saw the stream and accordingly took a right turn. "Just like he said, there is a stream."
"We're counting on you, pops," Arjun said.
"In that case, I would like to suggest something, Commander." 1LT Malhotra said. "Let's set up camp in front of the forest."
"Alright, that makes sense," Arjun said and repeated the same thing on the radio and received an affirmative from all the vehicles.
"Why don't we go into the forest right now?" Sgt. Gupta asked.
"It's a forest. The sun's about to set. We won't know what or who we are against." Arjun replied. "Sure we have night vision tech, but why should we make our jobs harder than it already is?"
"That's true." Sgt. Gupta said before he noticed something. "What the…"
"What the hell is that?" 1LT Malhotra asked as well.
Arjun sensed some trouble with the sight in front of him and switched on the radio. "All units, keep your guard up. We've got some trouble ahead."
"Roger that."
The sight in front of them was a massive plume of smoke that could only come from a forest fire. The problem was, the Recon Team did not know the source, and something within them did not even wish to know it.
A cliff overlooking the burning forest.
"Damn, it's burning," Arjun said as a few people came out of their vehicles to survey the scene. "What is this, a freak of nature?"
"More like a monster movie." Sgt. Gupta said as Arjun took out his binoculars and started looking for a source. As he kept on looking he saw a pair of wings.
"Son of a bitch," Arjun said as the pair of wings revealed to belong to a massive red colored dragon. "Everyone get back to your vehicles, now!" Arjun ordered. "Santosh, start that engine and start driving!"
"Sir, what do you plan to do?" Gunnery Sergeant Ravi Seth, Commander of the Abhay ICV, asked over the radio.
"Getting the fuck away from here!" Arjun replied as he took his head outside the window to see what the dragon was doing. Suddenly a massive roar was heard and Sergeant Durga Pandey, who was manning the 12.7mm machine gun on the TATA LAMV, said over the radio, "It's flying away… Oh shit!"
"Durga? What's wrong?" Arjun asked as he was not getting a good view.
"Looks like we're just desserts. That reptile noticed us and is making its way over here. ETA 30 seconds!" Sgt. Durga Pandey replied.
"Fuck!" Arjun cursed before issuing his order. "All units, prepare for combat! Like, RIGHT FUCKING NOW! ICV, you guys are gonna be the star of this battle, point your guns and start aiming! Once it's in your range, fire at will! Durga, the same goes for you! Drivers, break formation and just keep on driving! I don't want to send any of you back home in a coffin draped with the tricolor! Understood?!"
"YES, SIR!" Came the reply as everyone started following the order.
"Sir. We have a Heckler & Koch PSG1 Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle here in the back!" 1LT Malhotra said.
"We do?!" Arjun asked before adding sarcastically. "That's amazing!" However, the Commander of RT1's mind was already working on overtime when he said, "Actually… That's the best news I've heard all day, pops!"
"Sir?"
"I got a plan. None of y'all are gonna like it." Arjun replied with a grin.
"What?"
On an open field. RT1 fleeing from the dragon.
All vehicles of RT1 had immediately broken formation following Arjun's order. They had kept on avoiding the streams of fire that was being breathed by the dragon, so Arjun had ordered Sgt. Gupta to stay with the ICV as it was the slowest among them, thus giving the dragon a big, fat and juicy target to follow. When the dragon was within range, the ICV had started firing its 40mm L/70 autocannon and secondary armaments. Meanwhile, Sgt. Durga Pandey started firing her 12.7mm machine gun, from the TATA LAMV, on the dragon as well. Much to her frustration though, the bullets were bouncing off the dragon's scales like BB pellets.
"Sergeant!" Private Jeet Gupta called. "Try shooting that bastard on the face! You may hit its eyes!"
"Great idea!" Sgt. Pandey replied and fired accordingly. The results could be seen as the dragon reared its head and changed its attention to the LAMV. "Oh brilliant. Now it's after us." Sgt. Pandey said and she ordered Corporal Gagan Naidu, the driver, to start evading.
Suddenly to everybody's surprise, the passenger door of the Gurkha sprang open and Arjun, with full gear on, jumped out of the vehicle. Once he stabilized himself, he took his AK-203 rifle and started firing on the dragon's face until his magazine ran dry. After that, he took out his Glock 17 and repeated the same thing. When the dragon finally turned towards him, Arjun took the sniper rifle that was on his back and took aim. He aimed for the reptile's right eye, which suspiciously already had an arrow sticking out of it.
"Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker." Arjun said as he started firing. It was only through sheer, dumb luck, that Arjun's hand was steady enough to have his very first shot hit the dragon straight in its eye. After all, Arjun maybe special forces, but no one in any country back home taught soldiers how to deal with massive, angry, fire-breathing dragons. Therefore, Arjun had every right to be shaken.
Once the dragon was blinded, it gave a loud roar and the ICV took this as an opportunity to fire a few more rounds from its autocannons. The dragon decided to cut its losses and took off in the distance. Everyone in Recon Team 1 continued breathing heavily when Sgt. Gupta's voice came over the radio, "Did we win? Like, did we just win against a big red dragon?"
Arjun decided to answer the question. "Yeah Sergeant. Looks like we did. Honestly, I'll be damned if the MoD doesn't give us any bonuses for fighting a godforsaken dragon."
Two Hours later. Recon Team One's Location.
2 HAL Dhruvs had landed near RT1's position after Arjun had informed Fort Alnus about their engagement with the dragon. These helicopters were carrying fresh ammunition, medical supplies and tea for the Recon Team. Accompanying this was also a team of combat medics. Aside from a few shallow cuts here and there, Arjun had somehow managed to dislocate his shoulder. Luckily, it was a clean dislocation so the Recon Team's female combat medic Staff Sergeant Neha Patil had put it back with a loud pop. The smile she carried while doing the job reinforced Arjun's secret fear of doctors. Especially when they were female combat medics. He found them much more terrifying than doctors with pointed needles.
Once everything was done, the Druvs went back to base and RT1 decided to go back to the same cliff where they saw the dragon for the first time to set their camp. The forest fire was still raging and the heat was kinda comfortable for the entire team as they went to sleep. Arjun however, was not sleeping but just taking a drag from his cigarette as he sat on the bonnet of the Gurkha 4x4.
"Sir, are you okay?" Warrant Officer 1st Class Rekha Thakur, the team's Close-Quarters-Combat Specialist, asked.
"I had a near death experience today, Ms. Thakur. Forgive your commander if he just wants to think about it while taking a smoke." Arjun replied.
"Apologies sir. I did not mean to disrespect you." WO1 Thakur said. She was simply waved off by Arjun who had finished half of his cigarette. However, Arjun did offer her a lollipop, which she took.
Warrant Officer 1st Class Rekha Thakur is part of the 7th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry and was wrapping up a training exercise in Japan along with the 8th and 9th Battalions and the Ichigaya Garrison of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces when the Gate had opened in New Delhi. During the exercises, she managed to gain a good rapport with Staff Sergeant Shino Kuribayashi, who had a CQC badge herself, through their sparring matches.
"Tell me, Warrant Officer, why are you not asleep?" Arjun asked.
"Hm? Oh well, I just couldn't sleep sir." WO1 Thakur replied. "But I do have a question. Why would a dragon just randomly attack a forest?"
"Remember what the Chief of Coda Village said?" Arjun asked back. "There is a settlement inside the forest. Rather, there was a settlement."
"Inside? Then you mean…?" WO1 Thakur asked a bit fearfully as she looked at the raging forest fire.
"Yep. I suggest you eat light for tomorrow's breakfast. We're going in there tomorrow." Arjun said.
"What?"
"Uh-huh. Well, you should go back to your tent as it looks like it will rain soon." Arjun said as he flicked the butt of the cigarette away from him. True to his word, light drizzle had already started falling.
"Yes sir." WO1 Thakur replied and went into the tent. Even Arjun got down from the Gurkha's bonnet and went into the passenger seat and pulled the backrest to make a makeshift bed. Not ten minutes later, the drizzle had turned into a torrential downpour and Arjun closed his eyes while just looking at the big raindrops which were accompanied by thunder and lightning.
The next day. Inside the forest remains.
"The ground's still hot." 1LT Malhotra said as they reached a clearing which had something resembling structures. Under Arjun's orders, RT1 was investigating the remains of the settlement while Private Jeet Gupta was clicking photos for photographic evidence. The crew of the ICV was standing guard as lookouts in case anyone unwanted came.
"It sure is. I can feel it through my boots." Arjun said calmly. "It will be nothing less than a miracle to find survivors."
Arjun and Sgt. Gupta passed something that resembled a charred hand, when Sgt. Gupta said, "Commander, that is…"
"Don't say it, Sergeant. That's an order." Arjun cut him off as he continued on his way. Since he knew about the possibility of the stench of burning flesh, Arjun was wearing his black and white skull balaclava so he wouldn't have to use his hand to cover his nose. It was only when the stench hit everybody else full-on, did they just use their handkerchiefs to make a mask to cover their noses.
A few hours of searching later, Arjun sat down on the rim of an open well and took a breather as he drank water from his canteen. Meanwhile, Warrant Officer 1st Class Anushree Shrivastav came to give her report. "Commander, there are 32 building-like structures in this settlement. However, we've only confirmed 27 corpses. It's too less. I believe they may be under the rubble."
"Let's go with the assumption that there were three people per building, then that means at least a hundred people died. You may be right about a few being caught in the rubble. However, you'll have to face it. Most of the people of this settlement were food for that overgrown lizard or discount Godzilla we fought last night."
"It's a terrible loss, sir." WO1 Shrivastav said.
"It sure is and it's a good thing we already reported last night's engagement to Warlord. Apparently, they have increased the range of the radars and also regular air patrols are being conducted by the boys of the Indian Air Force." Arjun said as he took a bucket and tossed it in the well. However, instead of a splash, the pair heard a dull clunk. Both the soldiers looked at each other and then peered into the well. WO1 Shrivastav switched on her torch and found a body. The body had blonde hair and looked female.
"Yo! We got a person over here!" Arjun called to the rest of his team. "Get a rope, now!"
AN: How was this one? Waiting for your comments, yo!