Chapter Two Hundred and Seventy-Nine: How to Influence Foreign Governments

I’d hoped to be able to get back to the lab after the speech. Naturally, that did not happen.

A visibly frustrated Kalachakra informed me that the Prime Minister wanted to ‘have a word’. Which meant that, post-speech, I was left kicking my heels in a tent, surrounded by grim-faced security personnel.

<Nanocloud>: They’re not detaining you, are they?

<Belessar>: Not officially. I’m merely awaiting an appointment with the Prime Minister - one I didn’t ask for.

<Nanocloud>: What happens if you try to leave? Will they stop you?

<Belessar>: I very much doubt they can. The strongest are Level 9s, and I don’t spot any ultras among them. Kalachakra would be disappointed, though.

<Nanocloud>: So you’re twiddling your thumbs while the guy gets free?

<Belessar>: More or less.

It was almost half an hour before Narayanswamy walked in. 

“Belessar,” he said. “Or Mr. Drake?”

“Belessar when I’m in costume,” I replied. “Andrew when I’m in civvies, which is rarely nowadays.”

“We didn’t get a chance to speak properly during the event.” The Prime Minister sat down opposite me. “First, I’d like to thank you - and Nanocloud - for defusing the bomb. Are you in contact with her?”

No sense hiding what was obvious. “Yes. She can also see what’s happening to me via her nanobots.”

“Greetings, Miss Nanocloud. Again, thank you for your help. The bomb could have injured hundreds if it had detonated.” 

Bright little letters formed in mid-air: YOU’RE WELCOME.

“That is a very useful skill,” said Narayanswamy. “I trust you will refrain from misusing it, though. For example, we would be most disappointed if nanobots turned up in, say, our government’s secret files or restricted areas.”

“We have no intentions of spying on your stuff,” I replied. “It wouldn’t be polite. Besides, allies don’t spy on each other.”

“When you say ‘allies’, Mr. Belessar, who do you speak for? After all, you aren’t an accredited representative of the U.S. government.”

“I mean allies of ours. Me and Nanocloud.”

The Prime Minister looked bemused. “While I appreciate your contributions to humanity’s defence, Belessar, alliances are between nations. Not private individuals.”

I shrugged. “Call it what you will. We’re on the same side.”

“That is true. Going forward, though, what are your intentions?”

“My intentions?”

“Belessar. I do have a reasonably competent intelligence service. You have so far helped make Aerovascar, encouraged people to join the fight against the aliens, and made random trips to Pune.” 

“You know about those.”

“In a manner of speaking. My intelligence personnel informed me that you teleported to Pune. They could not explain why. As we are on the same side, perhaps you would indulge my curiosity?”

“It may sound strange.”

“I’m listening.”

“There’s a kidnapping ring snatching college-age students. I’m trying to trace them out - find a specific missing person.”

“Is there a reason this can’t be investigated by our police?”

“The police don’t believe it exists. There’s at least one Master involved.”

“You believe this is important enough to warrant your involvement.”

“I’ve known the conspiracy existed for more than a year, Mr. Prime Minister. This is the first place I’ve found a lead.”

“I see. A global kidnapping - and potentially human trafficking - organization, that has evaded the attention of the authorities for years. Our police did not help you?”

I shrugged. “I think they asked me for a bribe.”

Narayanswamy blinked. “That - is unexpected.”

“The local cops didn’t recognize me.”

“Ah. Let me have a word with Abhinav. In the meantime, is there anything else we can help you with?”

“I plan to meet Agni’s siblings soon.” I paused. “They deserve to know the truth about her. About who she was. I - would appreciate it if their identities were kept secret, at least at your end.”

“That we can arrange, Belessar. You have my word.”

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My trip back to the lab was relatively peaceful. In an official government car, commandeered by Kalachakra. 

Never mind that I could probably teleport back from the stadium. Kalachakra insisted on accompanying me.

“It’s the only way I can be sure you won’t cause more chaos,” he muttered as we drove through increasingly congested streets. 

“I didn’t plant the bomb, Kalachakra.”

“You couldn’t have come up with a less public way of informing us?”

“Hey, Indradhanush is the one who switched on the microphone. Which wouldn’t have mattered if the sound techs had done their job.”

“I know, I know,” Kalachakra sighed. “The press will still eat it up like freshly baked cake, and publish the results of their digestion. Narayanswamy will be painted as a foreign puppet - which he is not - and there will be a political mess to deal with, as usual. In the process, legislation that actually helps people will get delayed. Not your fault, of course, but it doesn’t make the situation any better.”

“The PM suggested we could make octanitrocubane locally. Reduce the supply chain risk.”

“That would help a great deal. Any clues on who planted the bomb?”

“I haven’t the foggiest. Although the folks who’re trying to intercept our Aerovascar shipments come to mind.”

“It does fit a pattern,” mused Kalachakra. “Attacks on the supply chain, assassination attempts on the Prime Minister, and a Master in their ranks. They seek to destabilize us.”

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The news that the Indian government would help us set up an octanitrocubane plant galvanized Gideon like a pot of extra strong coffee. Within hours, Clegg was on a plane to India, to ‘coordinate with Sarah’ and get the factory up and running. 

Meanwhile, the video of me interrupting Narayanswamy with a strategically placed glass was running rampant across the web, with over a million downloads in three hours. 

“Is there any way we can get that taken down?” I asked Moira Sanghwan. 

“Press freedom, so not a chance,” she replied. “I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s far more embarrassing for Narayanswamy than for you, anyway.”

“I didn’t want to embarrass him.”

“You don’t really get to pick these things. I suggest you ignore it.”

Paul was rather more sanguine about the whole affair. “How often has social media and the press been wrong about you?”

“I’ve lost count, honestly.”

“And you’ve never let it bother you.”

“This time it’s someone else’s reputation, and he seems like a nice man.”

“‘Nice’ is not a word normally used to describe the Indian Prime Minister, but I’ll defer to your judgment. Meanwhile, Moira informs me that Anne’s popularity is reaching new heights. Though I could have done without the latest meme.”

I blinked. “What meme?”

“... Forget I said anything.” 

“Sure,” I said, resolving to check out the meme afterwards.

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Author's Note:

Hi folks!

It's been a busy couple of weeks.

As some of you might be aware, I live in India. So if you've been following the news, a few things have happened since April 22nd 2025.

While I don't normally add personal notes, I felt compelled to this time. I come from a family which has deep roots in the Indian Armed Forces, with a father and grandfather who both served in their time. The past weeks have been a reminder of what they stood for and fought for over the years.

In case any currently serving members get to read this, please know that we stand with you in the war against cross-border terrorism, no matter the consequences.

For those of you who are reading this from other countries: I know the entire incident must seem frightening. Rest assured that things here are okay, and the right people are dealing with the problem.

As far as the story goes: the current arc was planned as 'Andrew visits India' from the start, but it's not the end of the story. The next and last arc is 'Andrew goes to space'.

This arc is one of the harder parts to tell, which is why it may be a bit slower. If you want to take a break and come back, I totally understand; I'll keep working on the story, and you have my word I won't do a GRRM.

Meanwhile, enjoy this chapter and a bonus interlude.