Chereads / Phantom Warfare / Chapter 4 - Shadows of Deceit

Chapter 4 - Shadows of Deceit

Dr. Bonham Brown was a name that echoed across the globe—a symbol of hope, resilience, and brilliance. Renowned for his research and humanitarian efforts, his visit to Pakistan amidst the COVID-19 crisis was heralded as a beacon of light in a dark time. But behind the pristine image of a savior lurked a shadowy secret.

In a dimly lit hospital corridor, Zayan lay unconscious, hooked to monitors that beeped softly in the silence. Ubaid, stationed nearby, reviewed the recent intel about Dr. Brown's presence in Karachi. Aliza walked in briskly, carrying a stack of files.

"Ubaid," she said, her voice tinged with urgency, "Hamza wants us in the operations room immediately. It's about Dr. Brown."

Ubaid nodded, casting one last glance at Zayan before following Aliza.

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Scene 1: The Revelation

Hamza stood at the head of the table in the operations room, a grim expression on his face. The team filed in, each member sensing the weight of the situation.

"We have a serious problem," Hamza began, his voice steady but firm. "Dr. Bonham Brown is not who he claims to be."

The team exchanged puzzled glances.

"What do you mean, sir?" asked Kashif.

Hamza gestured to the screen behind him, which lit up with surveillance footage and intercepted communications. "Intel confirms that this so-called doctor is a cover. His real name is Ajit Verma, a RAW operative. His mission isn't to help—it's to harm. He's been abducting young men and women under the guise of research, and his target may very well be Zayan."

A stunned silence filled the room.

Ubaid broke it. "How do we proceed, sir?"

Hamza's gaze swept across the room. "We intercept and neutralize. Intel places him near the Iranian border. He's moving tonight at 00:00 hours with his captives—five men and four women. Ubaid, you'll lead the operation. The rest of you will follow his command. Salman will provide extraction support."

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Scene 2: The Interception

At 23:45, the team assembled near the border, their movements cloaked in darkness. Ubaid's voice crackled softly over the comms.

"Positions ready. We move on my signal."

In the distance, a convoy of black SUVs approached. The team watched as the vehicles slowed, unaware of the ambush awaiting them.

"Go," Ubaid commanded.

The silence shattered as the team moved in. Tires screeched, and shouts erupted as armed guards emerged from the vehicles, engaging in a fierce firefight.

Kashif and Irfan flanked from the sides, their precision taking out the guards one by one. Aliza provided overwatch, her rifle steady as she neutralized threats from a distance.

"Ubaid, the captives are in the second SUV," Kashif reported over the comms.

"Cover me," Ubaid replied, advancing toward the vehicle.

Bullets whizzed past as Ubaid reached the SUV. He yanked the door open, revealing the terrified captives bound inside.

"It's okay," he reassured them. "You're safe now."

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Scene 3: The Capture

Meanwhile, Hamza tackled Ajit Verma, who attempted to flee amidst the chaos. They grappled in the dirt, but Hamza's training gave him the upper hand.

"Game over, Verma," Hamza growled, pinning him down.

Ajit sneered. "You think this ends with me? You're fools to believe you've won."

Hamza ignored the taunt, securing the man's hands with zip ties.

"Team," Hamza called over the comms, "Verma is in custody. Secure the area and prepare for extraction."

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Scene 4: The Truth Unveiled

Back at HQ, Verma sat in the interrogation room, his demeanor defiant. Hamza entered, flanked by Aliza and Ubaid.

"Let's start simple," Hamza said, his tone icy. "Why are you here?"

Verma smirked. "You already know."

"Humor me," Hamza retorted.

Verma leaned back, his smirk widening. "To cripple your country. To kill your doctors. To ensure your people have no hope against this virus."

Aliza's fists clenched, but she remained silent.

"And the antidote?" Hamza pressed.

Verma's smirk faltered. "Leverage. If India controls the cure, the world answers to us."

Hamza slammed his fist on the table. "You're playing with lives!"

"War is war," Verma replied coldly.

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Scene 5: The Discovery

Later that evening, Aliza analyzed the evidence retrieved from Verma's hotel room. Her heart sank as she uncovered a detailed list of targeted doctors, their schedules, and personal information.

"Hamza," she called, her voice trembling, "they were planning to wipe out our entire medical response team."

Hamza's face darkened. "We'll make sure they fail."

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Scene 6: The News Breaks

The following morning, Pakistan awoke to headlines that rocked the nation: "RAW Agent Arrested in Pakistan: Plot to Sabotage COVID-19 Efforts Exposed."

News channels aired footage of Verma's arrest, the rescued captives, and the evidence of his sinister plans.

In the HQ, the team watched the broadcast in silence. Kashif finally spoke. "One agent down. But this is just the beginning."

Hamza nodded, determination etched on his face. "And we'll be ready for whatever comes next."

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