Cherreads

Chapter 13 - EPISODE 13:"CHAINS OF COMMAND "

Black Squad: Mumbai – Episode 13

Title: "Chains of Command"

---

Scene 1: The Arrival of the Defense Ministry

Black Squad headquarters is unusually silent. Officers stand in disciplined lines as a convoy of black SUVs rolls through the gates. The air is thick with tension as high-ranking officials step out, flanked by uniformed personnel.

ACP Sulaiman Qazi, Inspector Imran Wani, and Inspector Arjun Rathore watch from the entrance as men in suits and defense officers march in with purpose.

At the front of the group is DCP Shamsher Singh, a stern and sharp-eyed officer, followed by SSP Ishan, a commanding presence, whose reputation as a hardliner precedes him. These are the new forces that will change Black Squad forever.

DCP Shamsher Singh: (Looking around, unimpressed) "Quite the operation you've built here, ACP Qazi. Pity it won't be yours to command anymore."

ACP Sulaiman Qazi: (Unmoved, voice steady) "We did what was necessary."

SSP Ishan: (Calm but authoritative) "And that's exactly the problem. You don't get to decide what's necessary anymore."

---

Scene 2: The Investigation Begins

The squad is assembled in the main conference room. Armed officials stand at the door as DCP Shamsher Singh and SSP Ishan take their seats at the head of the long table.

A file is placed in front of ACP Qazi—marked in bold red: "VIOLATION OF PROTOCOL – OPERATION KIDNAP RESCUE."

DCP Shamsher Singh: (Opening the file) "Let's go over the facts. You defied direct orders, broke protocol, and acted on your own. You executed a criminal despite orders to stand down. You endangered hostages. And worst of all, you encouraged reckless behavior within your team."

Inspector Arjun Rathore: (Leaning forward, defiant) "We saved lives. Would you rather we had waited while the kidnapper slaughtered those kids?"

SSP Ishan: (Firmly) "What you did was a direct challenge to the system. There are consequences for such actions."

ACP Qazi remains calm, but inside, he knows the verdict is already decided. This isn't an investigation—it's a sentencing.

---

Scene 3: Introducing the New Heads

The doors open, and uniformed officers enter, placing two new nameplates on the table. The squad watches in silence.

DCP Shamsher Singh: (Gesturing towards the nameplates) "From this moment forward, the Mumbai branch of Black Squad will operate under my direct supervision. I am the new commanding officer of this unit. No decision, no mission, no movement will happen without my approval."

The squad shifts uncomfortably. This is a direct power shift.

SSP Ishan: (Speaking next) "Furthermore, all Black Squad branches nationwide will report to me. Your unit, like all others, will no longer operate as an independent force. You are now under the jurisdiction of the Defense Ministry. The Crime Department is no longer your home."

A heavy silence follows.

---

Scene 4: The Cut-Offs & Restrictions

DCP Shamsher Singh: (Leaning back, smirking slightly) "Of course, with new leadership comes new policies."

He signals an officer, who begins reading out a list of changes:

1. Budget Reduction: Black Squad's funding has been significantly cut. No more free access to high-tech weaponry or vehicles without approval.

2. Restricted Operations: The squad is no longer allowed to choose their cases. Only government-assigned missions will be handled.

3. Approval for Every Action: No independent operations. Every mission must go through the chain of command.

4. Under Constant Supervision: A new monitoring system will track every action of every squad member.

Officer Ananya: (Frustrated, whispering to Imran) "They're turning us into government slaves."

Inspector Imran Wani: (Eyes fixed ahead, voice low) "No. They're caging us."

---

Scene 5: The Public Announcement

News channels flash headlines across the country. The people of Mumbai, who once saw Black Squad as their last hope, now hear of the changes.

News Anchor: "Breaking news: The government has officially transferred the Black Squad from the Crime Department to the Defense Ministry. The elite unit will now operate under strict governmental control."

A press conference is held. DCP Shamsher Singh stands before microphones.

DCP Shamsher Singh: "Effective immediately, the Black Squad will no longer function as an independent task force. The safety of this city is a matter of national security, and such operations require strict oversight."

A journalist raises a hand.

Journalist: "Does this mean the Black Squad no longer has the freedom to act on their own?"

SSP Ishan: (Calm, measured) "It means they now act responsibly. They will follow rules like every other force in the country."

The people of Mumbai watch in shock. Some protest. Others believe it's for the best. But the truth is clear—Black Squad has lost its freedom.

---

Scene 6: The Final Warnings

Back in the conference room, the atmosphere is grim.

DCP Shamsher Singh: (Looking directly at ACP Qazi) "You and your team are still part of this system. But step out of line again? There won't be warnings next time."

SSP Ishan: (Adding coldly) "The government doesn't need loose cannons. You either comply, or you get replaced."

The officers leave, their words hanging in the air. The Black Squad members sit in silence, processing the reality of their new world.

ACP Sulaiman Qazi: (Murmuring to himself as he looks at the Black Squad emblem on the wall) "This isn't what we were meant to be."

---

End of Episode 13

More Chapters