Summoning Earth [Hiatus]

Chapter 3: Operation Herodotus [1.1]

May 11th, 2023 – INS Angre, Colaba, Mumbai, India

The morning rays hit the docks of INS Angre as a formation of warships from various nations participating in the Southern Exploration Campaign assembled in a long line. Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia had each dispatched naval squadrons, contributing a combined total of 23 ships.

China, while less involved in joint activities, sent a detachment of 10 vessels, including 2 destroyers, 6 escort ships, and 2 transport ships, some of which were already preparing to depart.

India, playing a central role in the expedition, deployed a formidable fleet led by the new Vikrant-class carrier, supported by 3 Kalvari-class submarines, 5 destroyers, and 3 multi-role frigates. The Indian Navy had been entrusted with overall operational command of the campaign.

Admiral R. Hari Kumar was appointed commander of the operation. He was accompanied by a team of interpreters and linguists tasked with attempting communication with the natives of the continent. To safeguard against unknown diseases possibly carried by the newcomers, the Indian government also deployed chemical and biological warfare units aboard several vessels as a precautionary measure.

In his office, Admiral R. Hari Kumar gazed out the window, overlooking the naval base. A majestic lineup of warships from India and its allies stretched along the docks, their flags fluttering in the early morning breeze.

Suddenly, the telephone rang, snapping the admiral out of his quiet admiration. He strode to his desk, picked up the receiver, and answered crisply.

"Admiral R. Hari Kumar speaking."

A voice responded without delay. "Admiral, we have an announcement for you."

Kumar leaned forward slightly. "Has the United Nations Assembly approved our operation?"

"Yes, everything is progressing smoothly," the caller confirmed. "We believe the Western powers are planning to launch their own expeditions to explore the remaining continents as well. Your fleet is scheduled to depart tomorrow night. If all goes according to plan, the multinational task force should reach the southern continent by the following morning."

The caller continued, "We'll send you an updated sea condition report tomorrow morning, once the space agency completes the latest mapping data. Also, one more thing: avoid anything that could undermine the military's image in front of our partners. I understand the pressure you're under, Admiral, but that's the condition."

Admiral Kumar nodded, though the other party couldn't see him. "Understood. Let's just hope the 'French' sailors interrogated by Turkish intelligence weren't lying about the statistics of this 'Rodenius Continent.' If their strongest forces rely on wooden ships and dragons, our mission should be relatively smooth."

There was a pause, then the voice on the other end replied, "Noted. Good luck, Admiral," before hanging up.

Kumar placed the receiver back on its cradle and slowly returned to his chair. The weight of responsibility was clear in his posture as he stared at the strategic map pinned to the wall.

After a moment of silence, he leaned forward again. A thought had taken root—if the reports were even partially accurate, they needed confirmation before risking the full fleet.

They had to know who and what was waiting on that southern continent.

He picked up the desk phone once more. This time, he was calling the President.

"Admiral Kumar, is there something you need from the Prime Minister's office?" a female staff member on the other end responded.

"This is Admiral Kumar. I need to be connected to Prime Minister Modi's office immediately."