The world had not slept since the Night of Black Wings.
From Washington to Beijing, from Moscow to London, giant screens continued replaying the same terrifying images—the skies over the Indian Ocean splitting apart as squadrons of JATAYU descended like celestial predators upon the combined fleets of the United States and China. Entire aircraft carriers vanished beneath burning waves. Nuclear bombers disappeared from radar before pilots could even scream for help. Missiles detonated harmlessly in the upper atmosphere like sparks before a storm.
Humanity had witnessed the impossible.
And the world was terrified.
Across every capital, emergency military protocols remained active. Satellites constantly scanned Indian airspace for signs of another JATAYU launch. Stock markets continued collapsing as nations realized decades of military doctrine had become meaningless overnight. For the first time in modern history, superpowers feared another civilization had surpassed them technologically.
But while the world feared JATAYU…
India feared something else.
Its own courage.
Inside New Delhi, the Congress-led government descended into political chaos. Senior ministers moved nervously through the halls of Parliament while international pressure mounted from every direction. Western governments demanded explanations. China threatened economic retaliation. American diplomats warned of unprecedented sanctions if India continued protecting Hope Island.
And within the government itself…
Fear began spreading faster than reason.
Many leaders had supported Dilli and Cosmos United only as long as they believed the organization remained a technological asset under indirect control.
But after the annihilation of the American and Chinese fleets, one terrifying realization emerged:
No government on Earth controlled JATAYU.
Not even India.
That realization shattered the confidence of the political establishment.
Inside the Prime Minister's emergency cabinet chamber, silence gripped the room as classified footage from the Indian Ocean played repeatedly across the massive display. Ministers stared at the screen with pale faces.
Black-winged aircraft moving faster than missiles.
Entire fleets erased in minutes.
A power beyond nations.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh removed his glasses slowly, exhaustion visible across his face.
"What if the world is right?" one minister finally whispered.
No one answered immediately.
Another minister spoke, his voice shaking slightly.
"If Dilli and Hope Island possess this level of power independently from the state… then tomorrow they could dictate terms to governments themselves."
Others began murmuring in agreement.
Fear was changing shape now.
Not fear of invasion.
Fear of irrelevance.
An older cabinet member slammed his hand against the table.
"The Americans are already preparing sanctions. China is threatening trade collapse. NATO is calling Hope Island a rogue military entity!"
"And what do you expect us to do?" another shouted back. "Support them openly? After what the world just witnessed?!"
The room erupted into arguments.
Some ministers demanded immediate negotiations with Dilli.
Others called for complete military seizure of Cosmos United assets.
But none of them truly believed India could control Hope Island anymore.
That truth hung over the chamber like a shadow.
Finally, the Prime Minister spoke quietly.
"If we continue associating the Indian government with Hope Island…"
He paused heavily.
"…the world may unite against India itself."
Silence returned.
And in that silence…
Cowardice won.
Hours later, the world watched in disbelief as India's national broadcast interrupted all programming.
The emblem of the Government of India appeared on every screen.
Then came the statement.
Cold.
Carefully worded.
Historic in its betrayal.
"The Government of India wishes to clarify that the organization known as Cosmos United and its offshore entity Hope Island operate independently and without authorization or oversight from the Republic of India."
Across the world, millions stared at their televisions in shock.
The statement continued.
"The recent military engagement conducted by Hope Island does not represent the official position, military doctrine, or strategic intent of the Indian government."
Inside homes, cafés, military bases, and financial centers, silence spread.
Then came the sentence that changed everything.
"In light of recent developments, the Government of India has classified Hope Island and all affiliated operations of Cosmos United as entities posing a potential threat to global stability."
Even the journalists reading the statement appeared stunned.
But it was not over.
"Effective immediately, all Cosmos United operations within Indian territory are suspended pending investigation under national security provisions."
CosConnect.
CosVerse.
CosOcean.
CosMedic.
Every branch banned.
Frozen.
Seized.
The world exploded with reactions.
Western governments quietly celebrated.
Global media channels immediately branded Hope Island as the most dangerous private military-technological power in human history.
Some called Dilli a visionary.
Others called him the first techno-warlord of the modern age.
But across India itself…
The people were divided.
Many were furious.
Others were afraid.
Because deep within the hearts of ordinary citizens, one painful question had begun to emerge:
Had India just abandoned the very force that protected it?
Far away, in the silent depths of Hope Island, Dilli watched the government statement alone inside a dark observation chamber overlooking the ocean.
No anger crossed his face.
No surprise.
Only disappointment.
Behind him, Betal stood motionless.
"They've declared us enemies," he said coldly.
Dilli remained silent.
A few moments later, Veda entered the chamber, holographic data streams illuminating his calm expression.
"International military mobilization has increased by forty-two percent since the announcement," Veda said. "The world now believes India has disowned us."
Betal clenched his fists.
"So after everything… they surrendered out of fear."
Finally, Dilli spoke.
Softly.
"They are not evil, Betal."
The storm outside intensified against the glass walls.
"They are afraid."
Another silence followed.
Then Dilli slowly turned toward the endless black ocean beyond Hope Island.
"The world fears power it cannot control."
Lightning illuminated the horizon.
"And India fears becoming the very civilization it once dreamed of becoming."
Far above the island, hidden within thunderclouds, dozens of JATAYUs hovered silently in the darkness.
Watching.
Waiting.
Abandoned not by the world—
But by the nation they had protected.