New Delhi – National Media Studio
"Breaking News: Satellite Launch Prevents Disaster!" blared the headlines across every Indian news channel.
A panel of scientists, ex-bureaucrats, and anchors argued on live TV. A host in a sharp suit turned to the camera: "Dr. Aryan Dev—a barefoot researcher known more for forest walks than lab coats—has stunned the world. His sensor, launched aboard India's Vajra-Net satellite, predicted severe flooding in the Assam–Bihar floodplain, giving agencies a 36-hour head start."
Cut to footage of evacuation boats, crowded shelters, and villagers holding up placards: Thank You, Sky Guardian!
In homes, offices, and government corridors, one question echoed: Who exactly is Aryan Dev, and how did he know?
South Block, New Delhi – Meeting of Top Officials
The Prime Minister's security council assembled in haste. Files stamped URGENT lay open on the table. The National Security Adviser spoke first.
"Sir, ISRO confirms the satellite is operational, and the data was accurate. NDMA credits the early alert with preventing large-scale disaster. But… there's confusion about how Dr. Aryan Dev got access to the launch manifest."
The Prime Minister looked thoughtful. "He's registered as a civilian researcher. A few years ago, he helped contain the viral outbreak in Arunachal. Then the locust migration in Rajasthan. But this—" he tapped the flood-map—"this is different."
"Should we be worried?" asked the Defense Secretary.
"Not yet," the NSA replied. "But we need oversight. Right now, one man has access to a satellite India built. And he didn't go through standard clearances."
"Public is calling him a hero," said the Information Secretary. "Any action against him could backfire."
The Prime Minister tapped his fingers on the desk. "We won't stop him. But we will watch him. And we keep international channels open. Others will react."
Beijing – People's Liberation Army Strategic Command
"Why didn't our satellites catch this flood spike?" General Bao demanded, slamming his hand on the desk.
His advisors exchanged tense glances. One spoke carefully. "Vajra-Net is using an unconventional sensor array. It appears to monitor atmospheric magnetics and micro-ion patterns—something our instruments do not track in real time."
"So they outmaneuvered us," Bao growled. "And the Indian scientist?"
"Aryan Dev. No government post, minimal digital footprint. Works independently."
"Unacceptable. India has launched a civilian-front system capable of detecting—or manipulating—weather, and did not inform the region. This threatens our food security. This threatens balance."
Bao turned to his aide. "File a protest with the Indian Embassy. Use the Outer Space Treaty clause. Accuse them of unilateral climate surveillance. And I want cyber-teams watching that satellite every second. If they move again, we move first."
"Yes, General."
Langley, Virginia – CIA Monitoring Hub
A large screen showed satellite footage of India's northeast.
"He beat us again," muttered the South Asia analyst.
"Who?" asked the deputy director.
"Aryan Dev. Two years ago, fungal outbreak in Odisha. Then microbe-resistant algae near the Andaman coast. Now this—predicting a monsoon surge before our weather models blinked."
"He's not in any agency list," said another analyst. "No intel contract, no military affiliation."
"So what is he? A freelancer? A prophet?"
"Worse," the deputy said coldly. "An uncontrolled variable."
"Do we contact him?"
"No. We apply pressure. Feed stories. Question the data publicly. Float suspicion about the satellite's purpose. If he's a hero, he's too popular to confront. If we make him look dangerous, maybe his own government will rein him in."
The United Nations – Geneva Climate Session
Delegates gathered for an emergency climate summit. India's ambassador stood before them, broadcasting satellite images and evacuation statistics.
"Thanks to one of our researchers and the Vajra-Net platform, our agencies saved millions of lives. But let us ask—how long will the world rely on luck and lone voices instead of shared action?"
Several delegates clapped. Others frowned. China's representative stood.
"India must submit full specifications of the satellite's sensors. Such data could be used for environmental benefit—or military disruption."
The U.S. delegate followed. "While we commend the humanitarian result, we echo the need for oversight. Satellite-based prediction tools must be transparent to all member nations."
The UN Chair requested a technical review. Behind closed doors, the geopolitics were clear: Aryan's success had stirred both admiration—and fear.
New York – Newsroom of The Global Journal
Headline: "The Man Who Predicted the Flood"
An op-ed read:
Aryan Dev does not wear shoes. He does not answer calls. And apparently, he does not fail. As the world watches floods consume nations, a soft-spoken man in robes just gave India—and the planet—a gift: time.
But was it science, instinct, or something else entirely? The mystery deepens.
Social media exploded with theories:
He's an alien hybrid.
A rogue AI built him.
He communicates with Earth itself.
Global sentiment split in two: some hailed Aryan as a modern-day sage; others warned of a growing, uncontrolled force hiding behind barefoot steps.
Assam – Relief Camp Interview
A reporter held a mic to an old farmer, barefoot in mud, smiling with gratitude.
"Sir, how did you know to leave early?"
"A young man came with a warning, showed us a map from the sky," he replied. "Said the river would rise like an angry snake. We listened."
"Do you know who he was?"
The farmer smiled. "No. But he walked barefoot. Left a coconut shell behind. That's all."
Back in Aryan's Workshop – Nightfall
Ravi scrolled through news clips and tweets. "Boss, you're trending on six continents. Even a meme: 'Trust the guy with no shoes.'"
Aryan was mixing herbal extracts under a low lamp. He didn't look up. "They're not ready to know how. Only that it works."
"The Americans are calling you a variable. The Chinese, a threat."
"Then we are seen. That's the first step."
Outside, the wind rustled. A low hum echoed from the corner—another alert from his terminal.
A new reading. A strange heat signature… not human… not animal.
Aryan's eyes narrowed.
"We saved millions today," he said. "Tomorrow, we learn who else is watching."