Gambling and Gathering

Prime Minister Rohan sat with his sleeves rolled up, a sign that the day had been long but was far from over.

Across from him, K.P. Singh, the Foreign Minister of India, sat upright.

"I assume this is about something more than trade agreements," Singh said, his voice measured.

Rohan exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "It is. I need you to arrange a meeting with Bell Labs."

Singh raised an eyebrow. "Bell Labs? The Americans' prized jewel in telecommunications?"

"The same," Rohan confirmed. "I need them to help us set up our first semiconductor fabrication unit."

Singh folded his hands, his face unreadable. "That won't be easy. You're asking for access to one of the most guarded technological advancements of our time. The Americans barely share this knowledge with their closest allies, let alone a newly independent country like ours."