A soldier from Team Alpha raised his hand. "What if we secured the supermarket? Are we going to stay there?"
"In the event that nothing happens…yes I will deploy soldiers in the area to secure the supermarket as we can't haul every food out from the supermarket using only helicopters."
"So we are just securing our food source?"
Advik Bhardwaj nodded, addressing the soldier's question with a serious expression. "Exactly. This mission is about long-term survival. We need to ensure that Reliance Smart remains under our control. It's not enough to just raid it once and haul what we can. We'll establish a forward operations post there with a security team on rotation to hold the area. The supermarket will serve as both a supply depot and a fallback point in case things ever go south here at Leela Palace Hotel."
Sandeepinterjected. "Once the site is secured, Team Bravo and Charlie will oversee the initial perimeter defense. We'll also set up barricades and scouting patrols to make sure no rival groups or large hordes take us by surprise."
Another soldier from Team Bravo raised a hand. "What's the plan for hauling supplies out, sir? Are we looking at phased extractions over several days?"
Advik Bhardwaj crossed his arms and leaned slightly forward. "Good question. We'll be doing phased extractions, starting with high-priority items—non-perishable food, medical kits, and water purification supplies. Once those are secured, we'll bring in vehicles as we clear access routes. Ideally, within a week, we'll have full control and operational supply lines between Leela Palace Hotel and Reliance Smart Supermarket."
Sandeep nodded in agreement. "We're also working on a plan to bring in large trucks, but that depends on how soon we can clear the roads. Until then, the helicopters will handle the critical extractions."
The display updated to show potential threats. Thermal scans had highlighted key hotspots around the supermarket, including clusters of zombies nearby intersections. Sandeep tapped on the screen to highlight them. "This is what we're up against. Recon suggests scattered groups, but as we've seen before, zombies can cluster quickly if triggered. Noise discipline is essential once we're inside. We can't afford a full-scale swarm converging on us."
"Exactly," Advik Bhardwaj said, reinforcing the point. "Once we're inside, you move fast and keep it quiet. No unnecessary noise. Remember, once we start firing, we're on a clock. The longer we stay, the greater the chance we'll attract reinforcements—zombie or human."
Sandeep gestured toward the drone operator sitting near the control terminal. "Our recon feed will keep you updated on any large movements. If a major horde starts moving in our direction, you'll hear it from command."
Advik Bhardwaj turned his attention back to the room. "Alright, let's go over squad assignments."
The display split into three sections, each listing the team designations and their roles:
Team Alpha (Primary Breach and Interior Recon):
Squad Leader: Amith
Objectives: Secure the front entrance, sweep and clear aisles, secure priority supplies.
Team Bravo (Loading Dock Defense):
Squad Leader: Sandeep
Objectives: Secure the side loading docks, prevent unauthorized entry, coordinate logistics for extraction.
Team Charlie (Rear Perimeter and Extraction Support):
Squad Leader: Jagdish
Objectives: Secure emergency exits, maintain a fallback path, provide covering fire if necessary.
Advik Bhardwaj pointed toward each team leader in turn. "You've got your assignments. I expect tight coordination between squads. We're deploying with minimal margin for error. If anyone deviates from the plan, it could compromise the entire operation. Are we clear?"
"Crystal clear, sir!" the soldiers answered in unison.
Sandeep gave a slight smirk and stepped forward again. "We deploy at 0600. Gear up, check your weapons, and get some rest. We've got a long day ahead."
The dawn sky was a mixture of dark gray and pale orange as the soldiers of Operation Harvest prepared for deployment. The helipad atop the Leela Palace Hotel was alive with activity—blades spinning, equipment being checked, and soldiers moving with practiced efficiency. The atmosphere was tense but focused.
Advik Bhardwaj adjusted his headset as he watched the multiple screens in the command center. He tapped the side of his helmet, activating the comm link that connected him to the entire operation.
"Control to all teams, report status," Advik Bhardwaj said, his voice calm and steady.
"Team Alpha ready for deployment," came Amiths' voice through the channel.
"Team Bravo standing by," Sandeep followed.
"Team Charlie, ready and waiting," Jagdish confirmed.
"Viper 1, you in position?" Advik Bhardwaj asked.
"Affirmative, Cobra Actual," replied Viper 1's pilot. The AH-1Z Viper hovered in the distance, armed and ready. "We're set for phase one. High-decibel munitions are armed and prepped."
Advik Bhardwaj glanced over at Sandeep, who nodded in approval. Everything was moving according to plan. "Alright, all teams, this is it. Stick to the mission parameters, stay sharp, and communicate. We move as one. Let's bring this home."
The helicopters lifted off in unison, Hawk 1 and Hawk 2 soaring into the air with a deafening roar. The city below stretched out like a desolate battlefield. Abandoned cars and buildings lined the streets, and scattered zombies wandered aimlessly among the debris. From above, the world seemed both eerily quiet and hostile.
Advik Bhardwaj focused on the mission feed displayed inside his visor. The Abhiyaan ENU800 provided an aerial view of the Reliance Smart Supermarket and its surrounding area. The drone circled high above the target zone, its thermal imaging revealing scattered hostiles inside and near the perimeter.
"Approaching target zone," Hawk 1's pilot announced.
"Copy that," Advik Bhardwajreplied. "Viper 1, initiate phase one. Light it up."
"Roger, Cobra Actual. Dropping ordinance," Viper 1 confirmed.
The Viper banked to the right, lining up its first target—a collapsed office building approximately three hundred meters from the supermarket. Moments later, a series of high-decibel incendiary bombs dropped from the helicopter, detonating with a thunderous boom. The explosion sent a shockwave rippling through the area, shattering windows and kicking up plumes of dust and debris.
The zombies reacted immediately. On the recon feed, Advik Bhardwaj watched as the thermal signatures inside the supermarket began to stir. The undead were drawn toward the noise like moths to a flame, shuffling and crawling their way toward the source of the disturbance.