Darkstone Code-Chapter 769 - 0767 A broken boat

If His Majesty Emperor Gafura were sitting in the office of Mr. President of the Federation at this moment, the President might smile and say, "That’s it?" to express his surprise.

He wasn’t trying to ridicule anyone; he genuinely felt this way. Such a small matter could trigger a financial crisis, which indeed surprised the President and made him realize that Gafura’s financial order was more fragile than imagined.

If such a thing happened in the Federation... The President looked at Truman, "Do we face such risks?"

The latter gave him a very affirmative answer, "Mr. President, such a thing cannot happen in the Federation."

The President nodded in satisfaction, confirming that the entire sociopolitical system of the Federation was still quite competent, though his thoughts were quite different from others.

At least others thought, "Our capitalists are indeed much more capable than Gafura’s," and this kind of thinking occupied the mainstream position.

"So can we do something about this?" The President transitioned quickly into his role, as someone from the Ministry of Defense had briefed him in advance, and he knew what the core of this meeting was.

He looked at the others, put down the pen in his hand, and leaned back slightly in his chair, "We experienced a financial crisis over two years ago as well, and we got through it. It had a significant impact on our country and society."

"Now the Gafura people are also facing these problems. I think being a mere observer does not fit the interests of the Federation; perhaps we should do something."

After he finished speaking, the representative from the Ministry of Defense took over the topic, "Yes, Mr. President."

"The same thing happened to us two years ago. At that time, Mr. Lynch proposed a new concept called ’financial war.’ Our understanding of this change was quite superficial then. Now we have somewhat grasped some of the contents."

"This might be a good opportunity. We can strike Gafura’s already fragile financial system in some ways, whether for our benefits or simply to strike Gafura, both seem like good choices."

After the representative from the Ministry of Defense spoke, he looked at the others, and his gaze finally landed on Mr. Truman.

If it weren’t for him constantly paying attention to this matter, the Ministry of Defense wouldn’t have kept it in mind either.

Now such a situation has indeed arisen in Gafura, and it seems inappropriate not to mention this matter. However, upon mentioning it, the Ministry of Defense doesn’t believe there will be any good solutions either.

Fortunately, the people of the Federation are leisure, sitting together and chatting wastefully. A day passes just like that.

Everyone’s gaze fell on Mr. Truman. He showed no hint of nervousness, glanced at the notes scribbled in his notebook, and looked at the others.

"If we only implement a financial strike, it can’t practically benefit us."

"Initiating a ’financial war’ might indeed make Gafura’s troubles worse, but for ourselves, there aren’t many substantial benefits."

He already had a very complete and well-organized thought process, and his enunciation was clear.

"We would also have to expend some funds for this, and there’s significant risk associated with these funds. The financial environment within Gafura is relatively closed; once funds go in, it’s not so easy for them to come out."

"If we strike Gafura’s orders in international trade, it will cause a deviation from our originally planned development path, and it will only exacerbate the animosity between us and Gafura."

"The whole world will see this as a signal, a sign that we have become strong enough to challenge the hegemony of the previous age."

"This is not a friendly signal for us, so I do not support launching any attack against Gafura in response to this matter, even if it’s just a probing attack."

The President nodded after listening; this was the good thing about Mr. Truman. No matter how complicated the issue, once it came out of his mouth, it was easy to understand.

In simpler terms, there’s currently no way to intervene in the situation within Gafura, and if we tamper with international trade, it would easily breed hatred, coupled with the fact that Gafura’s submarine technology is still ahead of the world.

Establishing a hostile stance rashly is very unwise.

Neither Gafura nor the Federation currently has their major markets primarily focused internationally. If the Gafura people ruthlessly send submarines to intercept the Federation’s merchant ships everywhere, there’d truly be nothing we could do about it.

Before some definite anti-submarine equipment comes out, it’s basically a strategic-level weapon!

The President nodded and raised his wrist to glance at his watch. Generally, when he made this gesture, it was to remind everyone that, if that’s about it, perhaps we could consider wrapping up the meeting.

He thought this might indeed be the way to go. Since Gafura’s financial crisis couldn’t be capitalized upon, what’s the point in discussing further?

Mr. Truman coughed, interrupting the President’s next words—"Is there anything else?"

The President’s gaze returned to Mr. Truman’s face, "Sorry, did I interrupt you?"

He apologized for his behavior, which was a very cultured act. The President of the Federation could be an idiot, someone with green hair, or someone with webbed feet. Those bodily differences from the mainstream group would not impact his/her ability to be President; acting is key.

"We can make use of this opportunity," Mr. Truman cut to the chase.

The President was somewhat surprised, "You just said we couldn’t take action against them?" His expression was a bit confused, as if asking Mr. Truman, weren’t those your previous words?

Mr. Truman nodded, "But we can give them some aid..."

Everyone in the room, whether the President or other staff members, looked at Mr. Truman in shock.

If they weren’t sure that this guy was loyal to the Federation, the representatives from the Ministry of Defense might have jumped up and pointed at his nose, questioning whether he had taken Gafura’s black money, cracking such a joke at this time.

Precisely because Mr. Truman’s "answer" was a bit too peculiar, after some examination, the President’s expression also became somewhat serious, "Explain your reason, preferably without joking."

Mr. Truman nodded once, "Actually, the reason is simple. Before we are truly ready to face hostility from the world, and before we have grown enough to tackle most issues, we need a target to overtake."

"Gafura is such a target. It is our next stage’s enemy, and at the same time, it can shield us from much malice and hostility."

"After the naval battle ended, everyone should have felt that our international cooperation projects increased, interactions with some countries became more harmonious, and even the Gafura people learned to bow."

"Because it was number one, we defeated it, and we achieved glory. But..."

He emphasized "but" with a heavier tone and paused momentarily, consulting the faces of everyone who attended the meeting, "...but, gentlemen, we are not yet ready to handle the next stage."

"Once we truly replace Gafura and become the most powerful country in the world, as people say, the attitude they, the others, have toward Gafura today will become the attitude they have toward us in the future."

"They will at once fear our strength and harbor hostility or even hatred towards us. This world doesn’t need so many strongmen; it doesn’t need another ruler. Whoever assumes this role becomes everyone’s enemy."

"Even if they don’t say it openly, they will think and act like that in their minds, just as we do now."

"So, before we truly grow up, before we are ready to take on challenges from all aspects and fields worldwide, I suggest maintaining the current international balance."

"Let it work like a conspicuous target, drawing bullets towards us and giving us enough time and space to develop diligently!"

"Besides these, we can gain some tangible benefits through this aid to Gafura."

He looked at the Ministry of Defense, "For example, military exchange; Gafura’s sailors are the best in the world. We need these experiences, even if they’re just telling stories. We need this as it helps improve our soldiers’ professional skills."

"For example, some of their engine technologies, even if it’s a very ordinary technological leap, will save our research months or even years of time, as well as countless funds."

"We can also, in some ways, invite some Gafura scientists to the Federation. They would definitely love the research environment here, the sweet air, the free atmosphere..."

He said a lot; indeed the Federation has strengths greater than Gafura, but there are also areas where it is less than Gafura. Lynch mentioned these in his letter to him.

For the Federation to develop into the strongest nation in the world, it must have the mindset to embrace everything and have genuine heritage.

A country without much history doesn’t have heritage, but it doesn’t matter; other countries have it, so just plunder it.

Just like the Federation’s rapid and ruthless development over these years, what it has, it continues to expand, and what it doesn’t, it finds ways to seize.

Initially, the Federation had no land, but later they did.

Initially, the Federation had no wealth, but later they did.

Initially, the Federation had a small population, but later they did.

The indigenous people living in the reserves are certainly very familiar with this; they are among the victims.

Mr. Truman’s words led the President and some other cabinet members to think. If aiding Gafura can yield benefits far beyond monetary value, is this deal worthwhile or not?