The Persian fleet's remnants limped back to their homeland, their tales spreading like wildfire across neighboring kingdoms. Whispers of a mystical land guarded by "thunderous weapons" and "flying beasts" reached the ears of rulers and scholars alike. To them, it was not a mere country—it was a divine enigma.
But for India, the clash was only the beginning.
An Emergency Council
Inside the Parliament House in New Delhi, the emergency council convened for the second time in a week. The room buzzed with tension as leaders from the military, scientific community, and intelligence agencies debated the next steps.
Prime Minister Arjun Mehra raised a hand, silencing the room. "Enough," he said firmly. "Our first skirmish was a success, but we cannot afford complacency. Dr. Malhotra, what do we know about the timeline we're in?"
The scientist stood, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Based on geological and atmospheric data, we estimate we've been transported approximately 2,300 years into the past. This places us in an era dominated by empires like the Persian Achaemenid Empire, Macedonian Greece, and early Chinese dynasties."
The room fell silent. General Kavita Rao leaned forward. "And what about their technological levels?"
"Primitive compared to us," Dr. Malhotra replied. "Bronze and iron weapons, rudimentary siege tactics, and naval fleets reliant on oars and sails. However, what they lack in technology, they make up for in numbers and ambition. They will see us as either a threat or a prize."
The Prime Minister nodded, his expression grave. "Then we must prepare for both outcomes. We need to fortify our borders and gather intelligence on the powers of this era."
A Nation Mobilizes
Across India, the government launched a nationwide campaign to adapt to the new reality:
The Armed Forces established fortified outposts along the newly formed borders, complete with radar systems and anti-aircraft defenses (though no aircraft existed in this timeline).
The Scientific Community worked tirelessly to preserve and replicate modern technology using the limited resources now available.
Intelligence Units dispatched drones and surveillance teams to map the surrounding regions and gather information on nearby civilizations.
First Contact: The Silk Road Kingdoms
Near the northwestern border, along what was once part of the Indus Valley, Captain Rohan Patel led a reconnaissance mission. His team had detected movement—a caravan of traders approaching from the west.
The caravan's leader, a wiry man draped in silks, gawked at the sight of Indian soldiers armed with rifles and riding in armored jeeps. "Are you gods?" he stammered, bowing low.
Rohan suppressed a chuckle. "Not gods. Just soldiers. Where are you coming from?"
The trader hesitated before answering. "From Bactria, a kingdom of the great Persian Empire. We heard stories of a magical land to the east, where fire rains from the sky. Is it... true?"
Rohan exchanged a glance with his second-in-command. "You could say that. What's your business here?"
"We bring silk, spices, and news," the trader said nervously. "The great King Darius has heard of your power. He seeks to know whether you are friend or foe."
A New Diplomatic Challenge
The intelligence report from the border reached New Delhi within hours. As the council reconvened, Foreign Minister Priya Verma summarized the situation. "The Persian Empire has taken notice of us. It's only a matter of time before they send envoys—or an army."
Prime Minister Mehra's brow furrowed. "We need to decide our stance. Do we extend diplomacy or prepare for war?"
Kavita Rao interjected, "Diplomacy is ideal, but we must negotiate from a position of strength. Any show of weakness will invite aggression."
"Agreed," Priya said. "But if we open diplomatic channels, we can gain valuable intelligence on their intentions and alliances."
The Prime Minister stood, his voice decisive. "Send a message back with the traders. Tell King Darius that India welcomes peace but is prepared for war. Let's also prepare a delegation to meet their representatives."
The Calm Before the Storm
As India braced for its first diplomatic encounter with the ancient world, the nation's citizens adjusted to their strange new reality. For some, the shift brought opportunity—new industries arose to adapt modern technology to ancient resources. For others, it brought unease, as rumors of distant armies and mysterious kingdoms grew.
Meanwhile, far to the west, in the grand halls of Persepolis, King Darius received word of India's response. His advisors debated the meaning of the strange land's power, but Darius was resolute.
"Send envoys," he commanded. "If they refuse to bow, we will march."
A Looming Shadow
Unbeknownst to both nations, another force was stirring. Across the Mediterranean, Alexander of Macedon heard whispers of the "magical land" in the east. His ambition, already legendary, burned brighter at the thought of conquering such a prize.
As India prepared for diplomacy, the stage was quietly being set for a clash of titans—an ancient world about to meet an unstoppable future.