Darkstone Code-Chapter 833 - 831: Ways to Spend Money

"The public sentiment has been completely stirred up by them. Now, it’s not that Congress needs the public to oppose, but rather, if Congress does not give a positive response to this proposal, then people will oppose it!"

Standing in Mr. Truman’s office — by the way, Mr. Truman’s office has moved from a nondescript little corner.

He is no longer working at the President’s Mansion, but has found a place not far from it.

This place was originally the Federation National Archives, usually without many visitors, and the work here was leisurely and prestigious.

Staff could always access some confidential documents, even though most of the important parts in these confidential documents were redacted, they could still deduce some social truths through these documents.

But unfortunately, now they have moved.

The reason is that some confidential documents are stored in the archives. To ensure the safety of these documents and to prevent theft of the archives, they moved them to the Bupen Warning Zone.

The Bupen Warning Zone, also known as the Bupen Defense Zone, is under the direct management of the President and the Military. Its purpose is that in case of a national extinction war, this will be the last line of defense to protect the seat of the Federation and the Federation President.

As everyone knows, the people of the Federation are good at scaring themselves. During the escapism period, clearly the Federation was not at war at all, not even thinking of joining the war.

They still built a lot of fortifications. Maybe the Military Industrial and Construction Groups provided too much money, Congress and the President couldn’t refuse, and the public was particularly pleased with it.

They were completely unaware that the money they pay as taxpayers, which should have been used on themselves, was legally pocketed by capitalists, and they were still applauding it.

The Warning Zone is also a product of that time, a group used to surrendering still thinking of resisting to the end. Besides cheating ordinary people out of their money, what else can they do?

The archives were inexplicably moved, and the vacated land immediately caught the attention of many, but on the day of the relocation, the President’s Mansion conveyed its opinion.

This city center building will be used as the office location for the Federation Ministry of International Affairs, and only then did people give up their desire to purchase it.

And now, Lynch stands in the office on the sixth floor of the original archives, now the Federation State Department, looking at the crowds marching outside.

Mr. Truman stood beside him, holding a cup of coffee, also watching the people downstairs holding signs, flushed and loudly advocating their views.

"Jeruno played this hand well...", he paused, then quickly changed his phrasing, "No, not well, it’s just that they have too much money."

Lynch nodded in agreement, "That’s why I’ve told you I don’t want to enter politics."

"If this were Gafura or a country like Nagariel where power is above capital, you wouldn’t have to say a word, and I would go in."

"But look at this place; as long as enough money is spent, politicians, power, even the will of the people, all become toys in the hands of capitalists, just like now!"

Mr. Truman did not refute Lynch this time; he just looked complexly at the crowds marching below.

As everyone initially thought, when Mr. Jeruno proposed to push for the passage of the Overseas Security Law, the politicians’ first reaction was a bit nervous.

Although the Military did not express an opinion, their lack of a statement showed they didn’t seem to like this bill very much either.

But no one could stop it, because the Duncan Clan spent the money well.

Not to mention the various interests they broke down and lobbied like crazy in Congress to win over those Members of Parliament, just the storm they stirred up in public opinion cost almost as much money.

Television stations reported intensively on all kinds of troubles overseas merchants encountered, and footage of Federation people suffering aroused people’s inner anger and ferocity. Plus, the Workers’ Union took capitalists’ money to organize the working class and ordinary people to march, demanding the Federation Government protect the lives and property of those conducting business overseas.

It looks like a damn farce, a group of workers who may never go abroad in their lifetime willing to skip work to join the parade. What kind of spirit is this?

This is the spirit of stupid people; if Emperor Gafura saw this scene, he would laugh in his sleep — these people are so adorable; they believe whatever they’re told.

This is not the same as the people of Gafura. Sometimes Gafura people are not so stupid, or not so "loyal" to the country.

Now the public sentiment triggered by these issues is starting to boil over, and the government, even if it wants to stop it, doesn’t have much of a chance.

And all of this is related to money!

Convincing Members of Parliament — costs money!

Making television stations report intensively — costs money!

The Workers’ Union organizing large-scale demonstrations — still costs money.

In the Federation, if you have money, you can really do whatever you want!

The two were silent for a while; watching the excitement for a bit was enough, and they returned to the room, sitting on either side of the table.

"The Military’s attitude has also become ambiguous. It’s rumored that Jeruno called the Military’s top brass. They no longer explicitly express support or opposition, but they say they are willing to follow the leadership of the President and Congress..."

As he spoke, Mr. Truman couldn’t help but laugh, chuckling for a while with a mix of emotions he couldn’t quite describe.

There was humor in it, but also absurdity, anger, and a helpless silence.

He himself was the military’s spokesperson for interests within the Federation Government, and he understood changes in the military’s top brass better than outsiders did.

Most of the top military officers had dealings with the Military Industrial Group, and their families held important roles within it or in related military procurement organizations.

They even set up a formal company for them, which could easily obtain military procurement orders from the military. They didn’t need to produce anything themselves, just flipping the orders could earn them considerable sums.

Mr. Jeruno promised the top military officials to prioritize hiring veterans, and at the same time offered solutions for the disposal of military surplus, committing to use the Federation’s standard military weapons in arms procurement.

Besides these, there were some promises that couldn’t be disclosed openly, such as Mr. Jeruno’s commitment to build at least three to five supply warehouses for the military worldwide.

These warehouses would house large quantities of military equipment and heavy oil long-term, offering a deeper supply standard. He moved the military with his "sincerity."

Of course, the military would have to pay for supplies from him, as well as warehouse rental fees.

It seemed like the military didn’t gain much advantage from the warehouse issue, but in truth, it was already a highly significant strategic plan.

Before there was effective over-the-horizon reconnaissance, the main challenge in long-range raids was the lack of supplies after completing a lengthy journey.

Now, this problem was solved.

These secret warehouses ensured that the Federation’s Navy could circle the globe, join one or two low to medium intensity wars, and still have enough supplies to return on its own.

Mr. Jeruno offered conditions that no one could refuse, truly irresistible to all.

"The speed at which this matter is advancing is too fast, lacking some processes."

The development of matters requires a process, just like lying together on the first night can’t immediately lead to undressing; there needs to be some rhythm.

Everything must naturally and slowly climb to the peak, which is the best.

Now, everything is erupting too quickly, it feels like... something is missing.

If there was earlier build-up leading to this moment, it would be a full outbreak, but from the beginning, things happened from a high point, with no further elevation, leaving a suspended feeling.

"Something ’big’ might happen soon, otherwise the pace isn’t right," Lynch shook his head, implying someone would be unlucky.

Mr. Truman sighed, "I just hope it doesn’t become too terrible."

Both paused for a moment before Lynch changed the subject, "Has the new President’s Cabinet list been finalized?"

The President is still in the process of forming the President’s Cabinet, and in a couple of days, he will announce this list to the public. By then, some who have never held office for even a day might move into the President’s Mansion’s office, taking on small to medium-sized official positions.

The world lacks a saying akin to "even chickens and dogs rise to the heavens," otherwise, it would vividly describe the relationship between the President and his cabinet.

If the President were "mischievous" enough, he could even appoint his dog to an official position, and no one could say anything, for it’s his right, just like people’s voting rights, inherently sacred and inviolable.

"There aren’t many changes, added a few office roles, but there are too many trying to cut in line!"

Precisely because the President can directly appoint these senior national officials, people are always figuring out ways to squeeze in.

For example, some important members within the party, or those tied to the capital financiers, who helped a lot during the presidential race, which also counts as a form of payback.

"What about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?" Lynch asked with interest.

Mr. Truman shrugged, his hands naturally and relaxedly resting on the chair’s armrests, "Same as what we knew before, no Foreign Minister has been appointed yet."

Lynch laughed and said, "Should I say congratulations to you now?"

Mr. Truman snorted and waved his hand repeatedly, "Spare me, this isn’t fun, who knows how many are watching me now."

"Because of my connections, the President hasn’t appointed a Foreign Minister, so those eligible are holding grudges against me."

Even so, his face showed no signs of worry or fear.

In future Federation foreign affairs, he would make the decisions, and in the next decade, the international society is set to undergo rapid development; one can imagine the immense power Mr. Truman holds.

With such power, he need not fear anyone!