Summoning India: Bhaarat Samman

Chapter 5- Beginning of An Era

Lord Hagama's Castle,

Maihark

May 12, Central Calendar, 1639.

Maihark and the castle of its Lord had been a hub of activity for the past week. This was because the Prime Minister, along with a delegation led by him that included the Foreign Minister and some of the most important bureaucrats and diplomats from the Principality of Qua Toyne, were coming to the town, from where they would embark on an official visit to their new neighbour, the Republic of India. The delegation had been hosted by Lord Hagama for the past two days, and the delegation members themselves had varying degrees of excitement, with Prime Minister Kanata appearing to be the most excited.

The same could not be said for Rinsui, the Foreign Minister of the Qua-Toyne Principality.

"I hate ship travel. It's dark, damp, mouldy and the stink goes everywhere." This was how Foreign Minister Rinsui opened the day's conversation as everyone waited for their breakfast. Everybody stopped for a moment to stare at the Foriegn Minister.

"Really? We're doing this now? First thing in the morning?" Prime Minister Kanata asked, exasperated.

"I was just expressing my personal views on our mode of transport, Prime Minister." FM Rinsui said as the activity slowly resumed following a gesture from Lord Hagama.

"Our journey is for only two days, you know, Foreign Minister." One of the senior diplomats said.

"Yeah right." FM Rinsui said with a disbelieving snort. "And I'm the King of the World."

"I did see the thing they called a 'helicopter' however." The diplomat said. "And their ships, off Maihark Bay. I'm sure Lord Hagama could corroborate on that."

"I would agree with that Foreign Minister." Lord Hagama said after he swallowed his bread.

Soon, after they all finished breakfast, the delegation was met by Pradeep Kumar Sandhu, who was standing in front of an Indian Navy Westland WS-61 Sea King flanked by two Indian Navy Marine Commandos.

"Gentlemen!" Mr. Sandhu yelled loudly to be heard over the loud roar of the helicopter's engines. "We will be using this helicopter behind me which will transfer us to the yacht that's waiting for us!" When the Indian diplomat saw the wary looks of many members of the delegation, especially the pure distrust on FM Rinsui's face, he couldn't help but give a chuckle. "Yeah... Many people have that same reaction for the first time! Don't worry, we'll only have to go through ten minutes of discomfort because this is a troop transport! We couldn't get the VIP helo on short notice so... Come on!" Mr. Sandhu said as he stood aside to allow the Qua-Toyne Delegation to climb in.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Prime Minister Kanata stepped forward and made his way closer to the helicopter entrance. The nervousness the man carried was palpable, but he still braved through it and climbed through. To prevent slipping, one of the Commandos helped the Prime Minister board the aircraft. Seeing their Prime Minister taking the first step, the others followed slowly until there was only one left.

"Don't worry, Foreign Minister!" Mr. Sandhu yelled. "Ten minutes of discomfort for a luxury experience of two days! I'm sure you can take it!"

"Ten minutes?!" Foreign Minister Rinsui asked with honest trepidation.

"Ten minutes!" Mr. Sandhu confirmed.

With unsure steps, FM Rinsui stepped forward and boarded the aircraft with a heave before he settled himself in the cramped seating of the helicopter. Once FM Rinsui sat down, the two Marine Commandos climbed into the helicopter and shut the doors. A few seconds later, the helicopter lifted off the clearing, making its way to the open sea.