Year 2053, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India
The shuttle's landing thrusters fired, kicking up a cloud of dust as it touched down on the expansive launchpad of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Vikram Malhotra felt the familiar jolt as the craft settled, a stark contrast to the smooth docking he had experienced on the Moon just days ago.
As the shuttle's hatch opened, the humid coastal air of Sriharikota hit Vikram like a wall. He took a deep breath, relishing the scent of Earth after days in the sterile environment of Lunar Base Alpha. A small delegation awaited him at the bottom of the ramp, led by Dr. Anand Sharma, the Director of ISRO.
"Welcome back to Earth, Mr. Malhotra," Dr. Sharma greeted him warmly. "I trust your lunar negotiations were successful?"
Vikram shook the Director's hand firmly. "More than successful, Dr. Sharma. India is about to become a major player in lunar resource extraction. But we can discuss the details later. Right now, I'm looking forward to getting back to Hyderabad."
Dr. Sharma nodded understandingly. "Of course. Your car is waiting to take you to Hyderabad. It's a long drive, but I'm sure you'll appreciate the scenery after being cooped up in space."
Vikram thanked the Director and made his way to the sleek, autonomous vehicle waiting for him. As he settled into the comfortable backseat, he instructed the AI, "Take me to Hyderabad. Use the coastal route for the first part of the journey."
The car smoothly pulled away from the spaceport, joining the highway that hugged the Bay of Bengal coastline. Vikram gazed out at the vast expanse of water, his mind still partly on the Moon. The negotiations had been a resounding success, but he knew that was just the beginning. Implementing the consortium, managing the various stakeholders, and ensuring India's prominence in the new lunar economy would be a monumental task.
As the car turned inland, leaving the coast behind and heading towards the Eastern Ghats, Vikram's tablet chimed with an incoming call. It was Priya.
"Bhaiya! You're back on Earth!" His sister's face lit up the screen. "How was the Moon? Did you bring me back a souvenir?"
Vikram chuckled, feeling some of the tension leave his body. "I'm afraid moon rocks are strictly off-limits, little sister. But I did bring back something better - a future for India in space."
Priya's expression turned serious. "The negotiations went well, then?"
"Better than we could have hoped," Vikram confirmed. "But let's not talk business now. How are things at home? Is everything ready for the family dinner?"
"Yes, yes, everything's prepared," Priya assured him. "Papa is excited to see you. He's been telling anyone who'll listen that his son is 'conquering the Moon'."
Vikram felt a pang of guilt. When was the last time he had spent quality time with his father? "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone," he said softly.
As the car wound its way through the lush greenery of the Ghats, Vikram found his mind wandering. The strange flashes he had experienced on the return journey from the Moon still troubled him. What were those images? Why did they feel so... personal?
The car's AI interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Malhotra, we are approaching Hyderabad. Estimated time of arrival is 30 minutes."
Vikram shook off his unease, focusing instead on the familiar skyline of Hyderabad coming into view. The city had changed so much in recent years, with gleaming skyscrapers and advanced infrastructure a testament to India's technological leap forward.
As the car entered the city limits, weaving through the evening traffic with precision, Vikram's comm link chimed again. This time, it was Arjun Mehta, his head of security.
"Sir, welcome back," Mehta's voice was tense. "There's something you need to know. We've detected some unusual activity around your penthouse. I think it would be best if you-"
Suddenly, the call cut out. Vikram frowned, a sense of unease creeping over him. "Mehta? Mehta, are you there?"
No response.
Vikram leaned forward, addressing the car's AI. "Change of plans. Take me to Astra Global headquarters instead of my penthouse."
"Certainly, Mr. Malhotra. Rerouting now."
As the car changed direction, Vikram's mind raced. What was going on? Was this related to the lunar negotiations? Or was it something else... something connected to those strange flashes of memory?
Little did Vikram know, as his car smoothly navigated the streets of Hyderabad, that he was driving towards a confrontation that would shatter his carefully constructed world and force him to face the ghosts of his past.
The Hyderabad skyline loomed ahead, the Astra Global tower standing tall among the skyscrapers. As Vikram approached what he thought was safety, fate was preparing to deal him a hand that would change everything.
The car pulled up to the building's private entrance. Vikram stepped out, his senses on high alert. The night was quiet - too quiet for the usually bustling area.
As he reached for his security badge, a figure stepped out of the shadows. Vikram froze, recognition and confusion warring on his face.
"You?" he whispered, disbelief coloring his voice.
And then the world exploded in a flash of light and sound.