Introduction:
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The Branch
The Indian branch of the global research company stood as one of many sprawling hubs in an organization that spanned continents. India, with its vast landscapes and biodiversity, was home to 26 different branches, each tasked with a specific region or area of focus. Every branch was a well-oiled machine, operating with precision. With hundreds of thousands of employees working across the country, the company was a titan in ecological research, pouring trillions into the discovery and preservation of new species, fossils, and ecosystems. It wasn't about passion for the employees—it was the immense pay, the recognition, and the privilege of contributing to the preservation of the planet's most vital ecosystems.
Each branch, regardless of its location, had the same protocol: teams were dispatched to discover and study rare species, anomalies, and ecosystems. Research was shared among branches that were closest, but no team ever truly knew the full scope of the company's operations. Only the highest-ranking CEOs knew the deeper secrets. The 32nd team, stationed in one of the 26 branches in India, was just one of many working quietly but efficiently under this vast umbrella.
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The Team
The 32nd team, an eclectic group of highly skilled individuals, was no different from the many others employed by the company. Their work was not about passion or personal interest—it was a job, and the rewards were substantial. Each member of the team had been handpicked for their expertise, but also for their capacity to follow orders and contribute to a collective goal. The leader of the 32nd team, Dr. Arjun Mehra, was a seasoned ecologist with a background in animal behavior. He wasn't interested in fame; he simply wanted the credit for the discoveries that would come their way. He had seen too many colleagues come and go, their lives often claimed by the dangers they faced in the field.
The rest of the team, a mix of zoologists, biologists, and technicians, worked silently but with a sharp focus on their tasks. They were assigned to an area of India known for its rich biodiversity, but their work was hardly ever about what was common. They were after the unknown—the rare, the unique, the creatures that might be hiding just beyond the reach of conventional discovery.
The Expedition Preparations
The 32nd team's latest mission had them set to explore an uncharted forest in the northeastern part of India. As usual, the team went through rigorous preparations—packing equipment, ensuring the proper documentation was in place, and reviewing their safety protocols. The Indian branch had a strict policy: no detail was too small to overlook. No discovery was too insignificant to be documented thoroughly. This meticulousness was drilled into every team, every day. The company's number one rule was clear: there was no "small" discovery. Everything mattered.
Dr. Mehra reviewed the route maps with his team, discussing the logistics of the expedition. The forest was remote, with no major human settlements nearby, which was perfect for their objectives. It had been several months since the team had ventured into this region, and they were looking forward to uncovering whatever secrets it might hold.
"We need to be thorough," Dr. Mehra reminded them as the team suited up for their journey. "Whatever we find, we need to report everything. Don't assume anything is insignificant. We are here to study, not to guess."
With that, the team set off. As the door to the branch's vehicle closed behind them, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Little did they know, their expedition would lead to the discovery that would change everything.