Darkstone Code-Chapter 845 - 843: Flip the Table Before Discussing the Problem
If being tough externally is only one of the climaxes of this news conference, then the final moments of the conference mark the second climax.
As the conference was nearing its end, Mr. Truman raised his hand again, motioning for silence in the room.
While organizing the materials in his hands, he calmly looked at everyone, "Before we finish here, I have one more thing to inform you, and everyone."
"At the national level, we will continue to push forward with issues, but revenge will not stop because of this."
"The life of every Federation citizen is incredibly precious, and we will not let any murderer who killed a Federation citizen escape legal punishment!"
"If the location of the crime cannot resolve this issue, we will resolve it!"
Having packed his things, Mr. Truman handed the documents to his assistant with a half-smile, "The conference is over, goodbye..."
The reporters, after a brief perplexity, suddenly realized — is this... an indication to take revenge first and then discuss diplomatic issues?
They weren’t sure if their guess was correct, but they became even more frantic!
Back in his office, Mr. Truman directly instructed his secretary not to put through any calls except from the President.
Allowing the President’s call to go through is because whether he is secure in his position has nothing to do with his achievements or public support.
If the President thinks he is unfit, then he is unfit. Among many signs of unfitness, not answering the phone is evidently a very bad signal.
Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, the phone at the secretary’s desk began to ring incessantly.
Hardly had Truman seated himself when the President’s call came through.
"What do you mean by those words at the end?" — this time, he skipped any subtle greetings and went straight to the point.
Mr. Truman said calmly, "We will take out those murderers first, make certain things a reality, which will grant us more leverage in diplomacy."
The President’s voice was slightly anxious, "We agreed only to maintain this attitude, not to actually use force!"
Truman’s words made him uneasy, as the use of force can cause discomfort, and he felt exactly that now.
He had to consider the changes that might occur after using force — societal changes, shifts in public opinion, changes in the political system, and some alterations in the international community...
He had too much to consider, and if he’s not careful, Congress might impeach him. The Conservative Party just got one impeached, now perhaps they are ready to impeach his Progressive Party too.
He was a bit annoyed; Truman hadn’t informed him in advance, and he felt deceived and extremely passive.
The purpose of this call, aside from demanding an explanation, was also to vent and express his displeasure.
Mr. Truman actually had his explanation ready long ago, knowing how to handle the current situation owing to his deep understanding of the President.
"I am not the one driving this matter, Mr. President."
"In fact, just not long ago, I learned that Mr. Jeruno hired Darkstone Security to launch a military strike; they have taken care of these people and gathered some additional evidence, which you will see in at most two days."
When Mr. Truman mentioned the name "Jeruno," the President suddenly fell silent.
If he were talking about a politician, regardless of party alignment, locking the whip would be enough to make his opponent suffer.
But whether it’s Jeruno or Lynch, they are not people to be trifled with, especially the former.
He has wealth, status, background, and power!
The chairmen of both the Conservative Party and Progressive Party committee are Mr. Jeruno’s personal friends; he is the true powerhouse in the Federation.
The anger within was extracted in an instant, and the President calmed down, saying, "You mean they’ve already taken action?"
"Yes, Mr. President, they’ve already taken action."
The President felt a bit humiliated and annoyed; he is the nominal supreme ruler of the country, yet cannot fully control it; some undertook military action externally, bypassing him.
This time, it was merely revenge against some gang members. What if next time they wage war directly?
Those capitalists are immensely wealthy; if willing to spend money, they can muster people willing to fight for them.
"Why didn’t anyone inform me?" — his mind was muddled, feeling offended.
The two gentlemen believe it’s their "business," with no need to inform you.
Soon, Mr. Truman heard what seemed to be something breaking in the receiver, with the President’s breathing slightly heavier.
"If one day they decide to attack the President’s Mansion, wouldn’t they have to inform anybody?"
"Get rid of that, yes, Darkstone Security, shut it down!" — the President’s voice was slightly distorted.
The news of capitalists overriding him to conduct military operations externally truly frightened him; it is indeed terrifying. Instinctively, he wanted to eliminate the root cause, thinking — if Darkstone Security is shut down, then will everything be settled?
"Mr. President, I will visit your office to explain this matter in detail. When are you available?"
"Now!"
After hanging up, Mr. Truman pondered and then called Lynch. He felt that Lynch should also be informed about this matter.
After all, Lynch had interests involved in this matter, and he couldn’t represent Lynch. If anything unexpected happened, it would be devastating for their small group.
Shortly afterward, Lynch and Truman arrived at the President’s Mansion together.
"What’s going on here?" Lynch curiously glanced at the workers moving items and painting the walls as he entered the President’s office.
He remembered there was originally a gray-white carpet on the floor, which was now gone, and a worker was repairing and painting the walls.
Mr. Truman recalled the cracking sound from the phone receiver not long ago; perhaps it was coffee.
"It’s temporarily inconvenient here, follow me inside!"
The President didn’t appear as angry as he did on the phone; he didn’t seem to be upset. Of course, this is the basic demeanor of a politician. He must restrain his emotions deep inside, rather than display them on his face.
The three entered a lounge through a door, and after closing the door, it became completely quiet.
It’s said that even if this room were bombarded with artillery shells, nothing unexpected would happen in a short time, hence it was called the "safe room."
The cabinet in the corner contained enough food and fresh water, along with some emergency supplies.
It’s unclear whether anyone could shell Bupen from its outskirts, but those suppliers of these goods certainly believed it was possible.
"Lynch, tell me, did you find those people and kill them?" the President suppressed his emotions and stared directly at Lynch.
The President in a serious state was rare; he was always smiling at all previous times. This was the first time Lynch saw his serious look, filled with presidential dignity.
Of course, this level of dignity meant nothing in front of Lynch.
He nodded slightly, "Of course, it was entrusted to me by Mr. Jeruno. The company’s employees completed the task according to the contract, which is normal. I don’t think there’s any problem with it."
"But your actions could lead to war, Lynch, do you know that?"
The President’s voice was quick and urgent. "This is not a joke; your people went to another country and killed their citizens, which can already be seen as an invasion!"
"If this leads to war, you would be the nation’s criminal, Lynch!"
Mr. Truman was about to say something when Lynch raised his hand to stop him. "Mr. President, if we face provocations from a weak country and still maintain caution and humility, it is a persecution of all Federation citizens."
"This would set a bad precedent internationally, where those countries would recklessly exploit Federation merchants’ wealth because they know we are a weak Federation."
"Even being slapped across the face, we wouldn’t dare retaliate; they would give us no respect."
"You wouldn’t respect any prostitute because you know that problems can be solved with money, and if you spend enough, you could even whip her!"
"In international relations between nations, it’s the same way. You can’t earn respect by stepping back, as others will only push you further."
"The living space is always limited; we must fight for it, and fighting will lead to conflict."
"Gafura, such a small country, didn’t develop into what it is today by preaching reason every day. Civilization may be an essential support for glory, but force is the flame that ignites that glory, Mr. President!"
"Moreover, regarding the nature of this matter, you don’t need to worry at all; if anything unexpected does happen, Jeruno and I will bear the full consequences."
Having said this much, the President could only glare at him and begin contemplating some issues.
"What benefits do you plan to gain from Suge through this?"
Lynch and Truman exchanged a glance, and the latter said, "The relationship between Suge Central Government and the local government is fractured. We can use this fractured relationship to gain some advantages."
"For example, asking them to open up the market, asking them to lease us a piece of land to build a military base."
"We have a number of Gold Diggers searching for gold mines in Suge’s mountains. Although there’s no news on gold mines, they have bauxite and copper mines, which are what we need..."
The President’s mind immediately flashed with images of Nagariel. Undoubtedly, this place will become another Nagariel.
He began to seriously consider the feasibility of this matter. After all, as Lynch said, people are already dead, and discussing whether this is appropriate now has lost its value.
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The previous episode’s ①: The remote control is wired.
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By the way, recommending a book "Strange Tales of Immortality, Starting with Execution at the Market" by Zhen Yu Kai, a friend’s new book, a Republic-era bizarre cultivation story, extremely fascinating, so fascinating I can’t even eat (delete this message before publishing for five cents comment).
