Blackstone Code-Chapter 398: Beloved Nation

Humans are not machines; they have emotions and limits. Some are seen as cold and ruthless, lacking moral boundaries—not because they truly do, but because their limits are invisible. This causes fear and condemnation.

Everyone has boundaries and fears. Managing these veterans requires skill.

Those with strong moral scruples—like those unwilling to shoot civilians—are assigned to Nagaryll, mainly defensive duties.

Those with lower tolerance might be sent to the Amellia region, guarding warehouses and such.

Those without many moral scruples are also sent to Amellia. Suppressing unrest there is not simply killing rioters but quelling an ideology. This demands strong psychological endurance and execution ability.

Any hesitation during a mission risks unpredictable failure. Such people must appear cold and ruthless.

If they cannot meet these requirements, Lynch assigns them to Cook’s side.

Cook’s transport company has made a huge leap forward. While most companies near collapse or have closed, no one else focuses on logistics anymore.

As a result, most companies have limited transport capacity. When demand exceeds their ability, their transport collapses.

They have two choices: spend heavily on used trucks and drivers for occasional transport, or hire local transport companies at a cost only slightly higher than self-operation.

More companies increasingly outsource to Cook’s firm—which is Lynch’s company.

Transport fees barely cover costs, so the company has not profited. Cook privately discussed raising rates with Lynch to make some profit and stop losses.

Despite the scary reality of consistent losses—after paying drivers and fuel, little remains. Trucks need maintenance and parts replaced, plus office and utilities costs.

Cook, as general manager, understands this well. Raising fees would at least prevent losses, if not generate profit.

Lynch rejected the proposal. History shows companies often spend heavily for clients without profits. Lynch believes profits will come by capturing more market share, forcing companies to sell trucks and lay off drivers, relying increasingly on Lynch’s transport.

Greater dependence means more business for Lynch.

Truck drivers are scarce; some in front of Lynch will remain.

“Five questions only, gentlemen. Answer sincerely. Your responses will determine your future and what you face.”

“I don’t want anyone hurt, possibly fatally, because they forced false answers.”

The atmosphere was tense; Lynch’s questions were harsh.

The Federation’s education and values remain positive—believing effort creates miracles, embracing truth, goodness, and beauty, guided by faith. This is a difficult choice.

Ten minutes later, Lynch looked to the lieutenant. “Collect the answers. I will review them before leaving.”

The lieutenant stood at attention, saluted, and obeyed, seeming to want to speak but held back.

The papers were collected and given to Lynch. After releasing them, Lynch left with the questionnaires.

The yard’s mood shifted. Young men gathered with friends, discussing the event.

Some smiled excitedly. Years in service had isolated them from society.

Unlike the navy’s dullness, army soldiers got occasional leave to nearby cities, but overall they remained detached and struggled to adapt to society.

It’s like the novelty of travel—everything seems wonderful until settling in a new place where problems arise.

Why does the Federation military and Ministry of Defense rapidly push veteran clubs, allocate budgets to maintain morale?

Simply put, it’s a transitional phase. Those truly adaptable have left; the rest are, in a sense, flawed with low reintegration ability and prone to mistakes.

To prevent societal errors or extremes, the Ministry must support them.

Their excitement is understandable—they needn’t worry about post-service troubles and can live by orders and missions as before.

A sad reality, but no one cares.

After some requests, the lieutenant—highest rank present—approached Lynch shortly after his departure.

“Sir…” He knocked. “I have questions I don’t understand and wish to discuss.”

Lynch, busy with the questionnaires alongside Ferrell and his wife’s father, finished reading before opening the door.

The lieutenant stood tall outside, saluted upon Lynch’s opening, addressing him as sir.

Lynch gestured casually and left the office, the lieutenant following.

They moved away, Lynch produced a pack of cigarettes, offered one hesitantly. The lieutenant accepted.

“No need to call me sir. Call me Lynch. If you respect me, Lynch, or Mr. Lynch,” he said, lighting both cigarettes.

Exhaling the smoke, Lynch asked, “Lieutenant, before we talk, a small question. With your rank, you shouldn’t be on the downsizing list.”

He patted the lieutenant’s arm. “Relax. You can see me as a friend.”

The lieutenant remained stiff, only taking one puff—unaccustomed to smoking before a superior—but the gesture was necessary since Lynch offered.

Feeling better, he said softly, “All officers below lieutenant colonel are at risk of downsizing…”

The army plans to cut over a hundred thousand soldiers. They won’t just cut common soldiers but also some officers. After initial major cuts, the focus now shifts to some ordinary soldiers and officers.

Lynch nodded slightly. “What do you want to ask?”

The lieutenant hesitated for a moment before asking, “Mr. Lynch, if we meet your requirements, what exactly will you have us do?”

He didn’t say it outright, but there was concern in his voice—fear that Lynch might ask them to do something illegal, a dilemma many soldiers faced.

Some criminal groups were actively recruiting these soldiers, offering better pay and benefits because of their skills, but their tasks were to oppose the government, which was extremely dangerous.

Only those within the state’s enforcement apparatus could truly understand the power of the national machine. The lieutenant feared Lynch might be that kind of person—someone whose actions could harm the country both at home and abroad.

Lynch needed someone to help convey his ideas to the younger men. Even if the lieutenant didn’t come forward, Lynch would reach out to him.

Smiling, Lynch answered, “You don’t need to worry. I’m already a military partner of the Ministry of Defense. You can ask anyone you know about this—I just returned from there.”

“As for your main duties, they’re actually simple: guarding and suppression…”

“Lieutenant, do you love this country?” Lynch suddenly asked, an unrelated question that caused the lieutenant to pause again.

But he soon nodded firmly. “Yes, Mr. Lynch, I love this country and am loyal to her.”

Lynch recognized the sincerity in his words because he said her instead of it, adding genuine emotion.

Lynch nodded slightly, then turned to gaze at the blue sky and white clouds. “So do I. I love this country for never forcing people’s free spirit, for granting us equality. While others still live under tyranny, where even life and property don’t belong to them, we already have everything.”

“I want to protect this beauty, and I believe you feel the same way. Anyone who dares harm the nation’s interests will be our enemy.”

“Our task now is to maintain this peace, protect this beauty, and defend our homeland’s interests and honor.”

Lynch turned to look at him, sunlight falling on his figure, making him seem almost radiant. “Someone has to do what it takes to keep children’s faces full of smiles, to let people live and work freely here. Maybe no one will know what we sacrifice, but we will have peace of mind, for the country we all cherish.”