Darkstone Code

Ferrari's pledge of loyalty is somewhat shameless, because he is destined to become a politician, while Lynch is still just a merchant.

Politicians pledging loyalty to merchants may seem unreasonable, but this is precisely the norm in the Federation right now; capitalists are capturing one politician after another with money and interests.

You can't blame politicians for shamelessly working for capitalists, because from the start, small figures like Ferrari have established a solid relationship with the capitalists.

Lynch provided him with the necessary campaign funds, allowing his campaign posters to plaster every corner of Sabin City, enabling him to frequently appear on television, and even making his campaign vehicle longer than anyone else's and his gifts better than everyone else's.

So, as an investment, Ferrari must repay Lynch for his contribution, or rather investment, through his own methods, such as tax exemption policies after he comes to power.

He must do this, otherwise Lynch will not continue to support him, and he will fail in the next election without support. If he does not follow the rules, others will not support him either.

Only if he repays, will Lynch continue to support his succession or promotion. This is the rule, even the President can't avoid it.

The only difference between Ferrari and the President is that Ferrari has no choice at all, while the President has some choice, albeit just a little.

After a brief silence in the carriage, Lynch asked a question he cared about, "Our mayor, he said before that his work would not change much."

Possibly having received Lynch's support, Ferrari revealed everything without concealment.

Before becoming mayor, the state's intention was for him to serve in the State Legislature for two years, as the Governor had some personal opinions regarding the local rulers.

But the mayor withstood the pressure and found other party supporters to support him, thus securing his position.

Now with the Progressive Party in power and the promising changes from the President, the internal personnel structure of the party is also changing accordingly. Some who are more aligned with the President's line are gradually stepping onto higher political stages, while those drifting apart from the President will undoubtedly become dimmer.

Nevertheless, no matter how dim, it's still better than the Conservative Party.

The attitude of York State's Governor in the election eighteen months from now is very important; the President cares about his opinions, which also means that the unpleasantness between him and the mayor needs to have a result.

This has nothing to do with their previous collaboration against Ristone. Although the mayor was not very willing, he still expressed willingness to accept the party's arrangements.

His greatest possibility is to get a Senator title in the State Senate, with a small chance of obtaining a House of Representatives Legislator's position.

The reason for it being a low probability means there is a chance and basis for success; if he has enough money and connections, the low probability event might occur.

If he doesn't, then low probability remains low probability, a heart-breaking low probability.

Driving away a mayor and intervening in the city's election, but having the former mayor recommend his opponent is just too bullying, so Ferrari's opportunity has emerged, but it may only last for two or four years.

Allowing the citizens of this city to exert their free will to elect their mayor is a kind of consolation; after a period when these things are over, Ferrari will have to find a reason to resign, otherwise scandals will emerge, and then the Governor's people will come to power.

People always criticize the ugliness of politics for good reason, as it's filled with too many small maneuvers, making one feel uncomfortable.

While chatting, the car quickly arrived at the Sabin City Veterans' Club, and Lynch's purpose this trip was Ferrari's wife's father, who works there. Lynch's subordinates came from here back then.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Lynch!" Ferrari's wife's father was in good spirit, radiant, wearing a camouflage short-sleeve T-shirt, camouflage trousers, and a camouflage baseball cap, with folds of a smile on his face, appearing approachable, at least not difficult to mingle with.

After shaking hands, the elderly man led the two inside, "Ferrari told me you were coming, how many guys are you planning to take this time?" He glanced back at Lynch, "We have plenty of people."

The glory of the Navy's victory has not shone on the Army, the influence and changes brought by this naval battle still prove that the Navy is undeniably the protagonist of this era.

Unless there is a major invasion or national defense war that requires attacking into enemy territory or establishing multi-layered ground defenses at home, the Army's involvement isn't needed.

For the next decade at least, there won't be wars on this scale involving the Federation happening around the world; reducing the size of the Army is in reason.

Of course, not all Army personnel will ultimately retire; under Lynch's proposal, the Navy will form a ground combat group under the Ministry of the Navy, selecting the best batch of soldiers retired from the Army that year.

Besides continuing to serve, they also have to undergo Navy-related training, and this part is called the Marine Corps.

An interesting name, but the Ministry of Defense likes it, and the Navy people also like it.

The Army's already halted major disarmament resumed, only the Army is being cut this time, while the Navy is actually expanding recruitment.

"How many?"

"One thousand one hundred and twenty-four people!" The elderly man paused slightly, this number is somewhat shocking, Sabin City is currently unable to provide job opportunities for these soldiers, it can be said that it's basically the Veterans' Club supporting these people now.

Over a thousand mouths, they have to eat and drink every day, even if they eat poorly, following a budget of two dollars each, monthly food expenses amount to tens of thousands, the military can't bear it, the local Veterans' Club can't bear it either.

When Lynch said he could solve some of the job opportunities and quotas, Ferrari's wife's father was overjoyed.

He looked expectantly at Lynch, who frowned slightly, "Are they all good lads?"

"All good lads!" the old man affirmed, repeating the phrase.

Actually, these veterans cannot be simply categorized as good or bad; it can only be said that they meet the military's minimum standard for the job of a "soldier."

Lynch didn't say more, and the three of them went together to the field behind the club, where the young men were exercising or playfully chasing each other, very relaxed.

Seeing someone approaching, a retired veteran with the rank of lieutenant shouted for everyone to assemble, and in an instant, everyone began gathering quickly.

Here, it is not much different from the military, just a bit freer, but still requiring drills and maintaining the soldier's schedule and lifestyle.

One thousand one hundred twenty-four people, each silently watching the three in front of them; the power of this silence often seems more intimidating than people speaking or doing something.

"This gentleman may be known to you, the leader of Federation's youth, Mr. Lynch..."

Still dead silence; if it were someone else, they might feel awkward, but Lynch didn't; he continued calmly scanning each person.

"Mr. Lynch is here to solve your employment issues..."

Only when this sentence sounded did some brief commotion arise among the soldiers, quickly calming down again.

"Would you like to talk with them?" Ferrari's wife's father asked, and after getting Lynch's response, he dragged Ferrari away.

The departure of the old man and Ferrari relaxed the atmosphere here a bit, but also increased the psychological pressure on ordinary people.

"Some of you know me, some don't, but that doesn't matter; it doesn't relate to what we want to discuss."

"I want to give you a job..."

Before he finished speaking, someone interrupted him, "Is it everyone, sir?"

Lynch noticed the interrupter, who appeared to be about twenty-two, twenty-three, or twenty-four years old, and he slightly shook his head, "Next time, interrupt after I finish speaking. This is the last time!"

It might be due to the defiance among young people; the young veteran stared back at Lynch.

After a few seconds of staring each other down, the young man turned his head aside, realizing that Lynch's gaze carried a pressure he couldn't quite withstand. He didn't admit it verbally, but in his heart, he had conceded.

"Looks like this friend has understood what I mean, so I'll answer his question as well. Initially, everyone will have the opportunity, but not everyone is suited for the job. We need to screen them."

"You should prepare a usable pen, a piece of paper to write your name and answers on, and then regroup here!"

The lieutenant shouted dismiss, and the soldiers immediately returned to their tents; having a job was their greatest wish at the moment.

Because having a job not only means they can solve problems like providing for themselves but also considerably reduce the burden on their families, even if it's merely two hundred a month!

Soon, these people gathered again, and Lynch nodded approvingly, saying, "Very good. Next, I will state my questions. You don't need to tell me your new choices; write your name and answers on the paper, and I will screen according to these answers."

"I'll remind everyone, write your answers according to your most genuine thoughts because this could be related to your safety issues."

No one raised objections, and Lynch began his prepared questioning.

"The first question: Are you willing to accept overseas working environments? Our job requires a long stay overseas, yes or no!"

"Second question: The new job still relates to your specialized knowledge, and you will participate in armed actions with live ammunition. Some of you may get injured or even die; are you willing to accept such consequences, yes or no!"

On this point, Lynch added extra details, "We have a complete system for compensation and insurance. Even if you get injured leading to disability and can't perform your previous duties, you will still be provided with a job above average salary for you or your family."

"Third question: If you intend to become my employees, we will sign an employment contract no less than five years. Certain excellent employees may get training opportunities, and will also be required to increase working years. Can you accept this, yes or no!"

"Fourth question: If we are executing a combat mission and encounter a person whose allegiance is unsure, dressed as a civilian, yet continues to approach after being warned to retreat, will you open fire, yes or no!"

"Fifth question: If during a combat mission, your superior orders you to attack some enemies, but they are women, elderly, and children, and their identities have been confirmed with the potential to cause significant casualties to you and your teammates, will you open fire, yes or no!"

...