Blackstone Code-Chapter 397: Recruiting Newcomers

Ferrelle’s loyalty was somewhat shameless, given he was destined to be a politician while Lynch was just a businessman.

A politician showing loyalty to a businessman seemed odd, but this was precisely the normal state of the federation now—capitalists capturing politicians with money and interests.

You couldn’t blame the politicians for shamelessly working for capitalists because from the start, small players like Ferrelle had built a solid relationship with the capitalists.

Lynch provided the necessary campaign funds to cover every corner of Sabin City with posters, to get Ferrelle frequent TV appearances, to give him the longest campaign caravan and the best gifts.

As an investment, Ferrelle had to repay Lynch in his own way—such as enacting tax exemptions after taking office.

He had to do this; otherwise, Lynch wouldn’t continue supporting him. Without support in the next election, he would fail. If he didn’t follow the rules, no one else would back him either.

Only by returning the favor would Lynch keep supporting his reelection or promotion. This was the rule—even the president couldn’t avoid it.

The only difference between Ferrelle and the president was that Ferrelle had no choice, while the president had just a little.

After a brief silence in the car, Lynch asked a question he cared about: “Our mayor said his work won’t change much.”

Possibly feeling Lynch’s support, Ferrelle was frank.

Before becoming mayor, the state wanted him to serve two years in the state legislature. The governor had personal ideas about the local leadership.

But the mayor withstood pressure and found other supporters within the party, securing his position.

Now, with the Progressive Party in power and the president’s promising future, the party’s personnel structure was shifting. Those close to the president were rising politically, while those more distant were fading—though still better off than the conservatives.

In the election a year and a half from now, the attitude of York State’s governor was crucial. The president cared about his views, meaning the tension between him and the mayor needed resolution.

This had nothing to do with their past alliance against Liston. Although the mayor was reluctant, he still accepted party arrangements. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Most likely, he would secure a seat in the state senate, with a small chance of becoming a congressman.

That low probability meant there was some chance if he had enough money and connections; otherwise, it was heartbreakingly unlikely.

Pushing out a mayor, meddling in the city’s election, and even having the previous mayor recommend his opponent—that was harsh. That opened the door for Ferrelle, but only for two to four years.

Letting the city’s citizens freely elect their mayor was a temporary appeasement. Once things settled, Ferrelle would have to find a reason to resign or risk scandal, allowing the governor’s people to take over.

People’s frequent criticism of politics’ ugliness was justified—there were too many small, uncomfortable maneuvers behind the scenes.

During their chat, the car soon arrived at the Sabin City Veterans Club. Lynch’s purpose was Ferrelle’s wife’s father, who worked here. Lynch’s men had come from here before.

“Good to see you again, Mr. Lynch!” Ferrelle’s father-in-law was energetic, his face flushed. Wearing a camouflage short-sleeve shirt, camouflage pants, and a baseball cap, his smile creased his face warmly and made him approachable.

After shaking hands, the old man led them inside. “Ferrelle told me you were coming. How many young men are you bringing this time?” He glanced at Lynch. “We have many.”

The glory of the navy’s victories hadn’t extended to the army. The recent naval battle showed the navy was still the era’s rightful main force.

Unless there was a large-scale invasion or homeland defense requiring deep ground operations, the army wasn’t needed.

For at least the next decade, no global war involving the federation on that scale was expected, so reducing the army was logical.

Of course, not all army personnel would retire. At Lynch’s suggestion, the navy would form ground combat units under the navy department, selecting the best discharged soldiers from the army.

They would continue serving, undergo naval training, and be called the Marine Assault Teams.

A strange name, but loved by the defense department and navy alike.

The army’s halted downsizing was now resuming—but only the army was being cut while the navy expanded.

“How many?”

“One thousand one hundred twenty-four!” The old man stopped briefly, the number staggering. Sabin City couldn’t provide jobs for all these soldiers now; they were basically supported by the local veterans club.

Over a thousand mouths to feed every day—no matter how poor the meals, at two Sol a meal, that was tens of thousands a month. The military and veterans club couldn’t handle the costs.

When Lynch said he could provide some jobs and quotas, Ferrelle’s father-in-law was ecstatic.

He looked at Lynch expectantly. Lynch frowned slightly. “Are they all good young men?”

“All good young men!” the old man confirmed.

These veterans couldn’t simply be judged good or bad; they merely met the military’s minimum standard for soldiers.

Lynch said nothing further. The three proceeded to the training ground behind the club where young men exercised or played, relaxed.

Seeing visitors, a retired officer with the rank of second lieutenant called the assembly. Instantly, everyone gathered quickly.

Here, it wasn’t much different from the army—just freer—but they still had roll calls and maintained military routines.

One thousand one hundred twenty-four people silently watched the three visitors. This silence was often more powerful than words or actions.

“This is someone you might know, the young leader of the federation’s youth, Mr. Lynch…”

Still silence. For another visitor, this might feel awkward, but not Lynch, who calmly scanned each person.

“Mr. Lynch is here to solve your employment problems…”

Only then did a brief stir ripple through the soldiers, quickly settling again.

“Want to talk with them?” Ferrelle’s father-in-law asked. After Lynch’s reply, he pulled Ferrelle away.

Their departure eased the atmosphere but increased the psychological pressure on the others.

“Some of you know me, some don’t. That’s fine. It doesn’t matter for what we’re about to discuss.”

“I’m here to offer you a job…”

Before he could finish, someone interrupted, “Is it for everyone, sir?”

Lynch noticed the interrupter—a young veteran, about twenty-two or twenty-three years old. He shook his head slightly. “Next time, wait until I finish speaking before interrupting. This is the last warning!”

The young veteran met Lynch’s gaze defiantly. Their eyes locked for a few seconds before the young man looked away, overwhelmed by the pressure in Lynch’s stare. Though he wouldn’t admit it, he had already surrendered internally.

“It seems this friend understands my meaning. To answer his question: initially, everyone has a chance, but not everyone is suited for the job. We will filter candidates accordingly.”

“Go prepare a usable pen and a sheet of paper for writing your name and answers. Then regroup here!”

The second lieutenant called for dismissal, and the soldiers immediately returned to their tents. Having a job was their greatest hope.

A job meant not only solving their own basic needs but also easing their families’ burdens—even if it was just two hundred Sol a month.

Soon they gathered again. Lynch nodded and said, “Good. Next, I will ask my questions. You don’t need to tell me your new choices aloud. Write your name and answers on the paper. I will select based on these answers.”

“I remind you to answer honestly, as it may affect your safety.”

No one objected. Lynch began the prepared questions.

“First: Are you willing to work overseas? Our jobs will require long periods abroad. Yes or no?”

“Second: The new job involves your expertise, including live combat operations. Some of you may be injured or even killed. Are you willing to accept these consequences? Yes or no?”

At this point, Lynch added, “We have comprehensive compensation and insurance policies. If you are injured and disabled from returning to your previous work, you or your family will still receive a job paying above the average wage.”

“Third: If you want to become my employee, we will sign an employment contract of no less than five years. Outstanding employees will have development opportunities, with extended terms required. Can you accept this? Yes or no?”

“Fourth: If, during a combat mission, an unidentified person wearing civilian clothes approaches despite warnings to leave, would you shoot? Yes or no?”

“Fifth: During a combat mission, if your superior orders you to attack enemies who are confirmed to be women, elderly, or children—people who could cause significant casualties to you and your team—would you shoot? Yes or no?”