UAC Ambassador Steven Younger was summoned once again to President Advay Khatri’s Presidential Palace, The Rashtrapati Bhavan, in central New Delhi. The capital was in extreme turmoil. Its citizens were panicking in the streets and rumors of the Chinese invasion were rampant. Everyone was convinced the Chinese would capture the city in days and imprison or kill all who resisted them. Steven knew at least one of the rumors were true. The capital of India would fall in days.
President Khatri was seated at a conference table when Steven arrived at the palace and was escorted to his office. Present in the room was World Federation Director-General George Durant and two generals, Army General Rudra Laghari and Air Force General Parth Dara. Steven knew them all from previous meetings.
“Ambassador Younger, I’m glad you could come. Please be seated. You know everyone here. Prime Minister Patel may join us soon.” Khatri spoke in excellent Oxford English.
Steven took a seat beside George. He said hello to George and nodded his head at the two generals.
“I came as quickly as I could, Mister President. I’m afraid conditions on the streets are worsening.”
“I am aware of the situation, Ambassador. I’m afraid it will get worse in the days to follow. I wanted to meet with you and the Director-General before you both leave India.”
President Khatri looked somber and somewhat disappointed. Steven could guess what was bothering him. Khatri said slowly, “I have spoken with President Carlos and with the Secretary-General of the World Federation this morning. I pleaded for help to stop the Chinese from invading my country and forcing me to join the Eurasia Federation against our will. I am very disappointed in their responses, especially after all my country has done to support the WF, EU and UAC over the past century.
“I want you to carry this message back to your countries and the WF. We will fight to keep India’s independence as long as we can without destroying our country, its people or our capital megacity. But the time is short. My generals have informed me the capital could fall in days and the country soon afterwards unless I submit to Premier Wing’s demands. I have less than two days to decide. If you can help us, please do so immediately.”
George spoke first. “The Secretary-General has informed me he is forced to withdraw our peacekeeping force by vote of the WF Security Council. He does not have enough support to keep our forces in India. Premier Wing has been sanctioned by the WF, but refuses to stop what he is doing. Unless some other country like the UAC steps in, we will not be able to stop Wing.”
George turned to Steven who said, “I have been informed by President Carlos that we cannot provide more troops than already serving under the WF. The situation in the European Union is almost as bad as here. The Plague Wars are at its peak in several countries around the world. The UAC does not have any spare troops to start another war with China. All efforts now must be on preparing for what is to come due to the Climate Crisis.
“Even if India must join the EF involuntarily, humanity will become extinct unless we implement what the WF proposes to save our planet. You all know the environmental predictions over the next ten years. We must stop fighting each other and prepare to save humanity and the planet. Otherwise, we all die.
“I have been recalled home. I must leave in the next few days or I will be captured by Wing. He will use me to force my president to give up some other province or make some other concession harmful to my country.
“Wing will be stopped eventually, but I don’t know when. I hope your Armed forces can prevent Wing from taking control of India. If not, you must decide if you are staying or wish to leave New Delhi with us.
The UAC peacekeeping troops are retreating to Jaipur. I am waiting for a small company of soldiers to reach New Delhi and escort me to Jaipur to fly home. You are all welcome to join me if you decide to leave for Jaipur.”
President Khatri remained silent for a moment. He turned to his generals. “Can we prevent Wing’s army from capturing New Delhi?”
Army General Rudra Laghari answered for both of them. “Our troops and air force are fighting bravely, Mister President, but we are suffering too many casualties in Ladakh. The Chinese Army in the north is now twice the strength as our troops. We are retreating daily and are now two hundred miles from New Delhi.
“The Chinese Army invading from Tibet in the south is even stronger. We cannot stop them, only slow them down. They will reach New Delhi about the same time as the army in the north. Our only escape is to the west toward Jaipur.”
President Khatri looked out the windows in his office. He shook his head in silence. When he looked up at the people around the table, he spoke forcefully. “I will not let the Chinese destroy our capital city or its people. If we cannot stop them from capturing New Delhi and force them to retreat back over the borders, then I must surrender to Wing and join the Eurasia Federation. It is the only way to save my people and our culture. Do what you must, generals, to save our country. You have two days to accomplish this.”
The meeting was over. Steven and George said goodbye to Khatri and followed the two generals out the door and palace. On the front steps, Steven said to George, “The UAC troops should be here by tonight. We’ll leave early tomorrow if you plan to join me.”
George replied, “I’ll come with you, Steven. I hope we make it out of here before it’s too late. I feel sorry for President Khatri and India.”
“We’re all in similar positions, George. The wars must end and we must prepare for the future. From what I hear, it won’t be easy to stop or reverse what we’ve done to our planet and save ourselves.”
“You have no idea what it will take, Steven. When the WF tells the world what we must do, many will not accept it. It will take more than just entering cryosleep to save the human race. Even I have my doubts it can be done.”
“Now I’m curious. What are you referring too?”
“President Carlos knows what’s needed. His people are the ones suggesting the solution. You must ask him to tell you when you see him. I’m not at liberty to discuss it with anyone yet.”
“Very well. I’ll see you at my place in the morning. Be safe, my friend.”
They shook each other’s hand and departed the palace in separate vehicles. The chaos in the streets was getting worse. It would take even more time now to reach their destinations.