Chapter Twenty-Three: The Smoke Clears

The dust from the Line of Control conflict had barely settled before the first cracks in the facade began to appear. In Pakistan, the economic consequences of the war were immediate. Key infrastructure had been damaged, supply chains were broken, and military operations were spiraling out of control. But it was the political fallout that was truly catastrophic. What had started as a carefully orchestrated conflict was now unraveling into something far more dangerous, and Michael Ogunlade had made sure of it.

In Islamabad, the Prime Minister sat alone in the dimly lit Situation Room, the weight of his country's disintegration heavy on his shoulders. Despite his best efforts to project an air of strength, he couldn't ignore the growing pressure from within his own government. The opposition was already calling for his resignation. The military leadership was demanding answers.

The Pakistani General Staff had already drafted plans for a retaliatory strike on Indian territory, but the national economy was in tatters, and the supply lines were slowly being choked off. The idea of continuing this war, which had been forced on them by Michael's manipulations, was becoming increasingly untenable.

A report from the ISI came in. It was another blow—a fresh round of sanctions from the United States, following a covert leak about Pakistan's involvement in the conflict. The U.S. had conveniently ignored the provocations from India, instead framing Pakistan's role as the sole instigator.

The Prime Minister's hands shook as he read the memo. This was not just an internal crisis—it was global now. Pakistan's ability to negotiate for foreign aid, to secure funding from international organizations, was rapidly fading. His country was on the brink of financial collapse, and Michael had ensured that there was no escape from the trap he had set.

Meanwhile, back in New Delhi, Michael was already several steps ahead. The international stage was set. India's military was still in the field, but Michael knew it wouldn't be long before they were able to shift gears diplomatically. The Indian government had successfully turned the war into a public relations victory. The world now saw Pakistan as the aggressor, and India as a country forced to defend itself. But Michael's role was more subtle. He had, in effect, guided India's actions without ever pulling a single trigger.

In India's corridors of power, Michael was the invisible hand, a senior intelligence officer pulling the strings from behind the scenes. The government had made bold moves to secure the economic and strategic partnerships it needed to rebuild its economy, and Michael had laid the groundwork. Nigerian oil shipments continued to pour into Indian refineries, their importance magnified now that Pakistan was off-limits. Meanwhile, his covert influence had begun to secure Indian investments in Africa, specifically in Nigeria, as the country's emerging influence on the global stage became increasingly vital.

Michael sat in a quiet corner of the Ministry of External Affairs, listening to the reports coming in from the field. The military had successfully advanced in Kashmir, and the Pakistani forces were being pushed back. But Michael knew that India's victory would need to be sealed with more than just military might. The international response would have to be carefully managed, and soon enough, the diplomatic channels would begin their work.

He was already planning the next move. Pakistan was now weaker than it had been in decades, and Michael could smell the opportunity to further fracture their alliances in the region.

In Washington, D.C., the U.S. government's reaction to the conflict was tepid at best. The State Department had called for peace talks, but there was little expectation that these would lead anywhere. The U.S. had its own interests in the region, and while it had condemned Pakistan's actions, it had refrained from directly intervening. Michael's careful leaks had ensured that the U.S. maintained a cautious distance. He didn't need them to step in. He needed them to stay out.

Back in Europe, Russia and China, two countries with long-standing ties to Pakistan, had been caught in an uncomfortable diplomatic limbo. Their initial support for Pakistan had been muted, as both countries were trying to navigate their relationships with India. They could not afford to alienate one of the largest growing economies in the world, and Michael had played this perfectly, ensuring India's position was strengthened without ever crossing a line that would force either power to choose sides overtly.

In Pakistan, the military's grip on power was starting to slip. The President, who had initially been a staunch defender of the military's tactics, was now becoming a puppet, controlled by his generals who, in turn, were becoming more and more frustrated with their inability to turn the tide of the war. The political system was in turmoil, with rumors of military coups circulating through the streets of Islamabad.

Michael was already anticipating the chaos. The U.S. had pulled out its support for Pakistan, the European Union had imposed new sanctions, and China, while still an ally, was growing tired of Pakistan's instability. The Pakistani military was on the verge of collapse, and Michael had already begun laying the groundwork for the next phase of his operation—one that would push Pakistan into a corner so tightly that it would either implode or come crawling to India for peace, begging for a way out.

The world was a chessboard, and Michael Ogunlade was always five moves ahead.

Back in New Delhi, Michael received a call from the Indian Prime Minister's office. The situation had reached a breaking point in Pakistan. The military was on the verge of rebellion, and the political elites were scrambling to preserve what little power they had left. It was time.

Michael didn't hesitate. He knew exactly what had to be done.

"I'll be there in an hour," he said, hanging up the phone.

In less than a day, he would meet with key members of India's government and intelligence community. A plan was already taking shape—one that would secure India's strategic position in the region for decades to come, while leaving Pakistan in ruins. Michael's moves were already in motion, and the world was watching.

The Line of Control conflict had been only the beginning. Now, the fallout would shape the future of the entire region—and Michael Ogunlade would be there to make sure it went exactly according to plan.