Darkstone Code
Chapter 210 - 0208 If you can’t beat them, join them

Chapter 210: 0208 If you can’t beat them, join them

Neither of the two companies in Sabin City specializing in industrial generators could have imagined that they were on the brink of bankruptcy, ready to pack up and leave. A city-wide blackout unexpectedly struck without warning.

Then merchants appeared outside their stores with trucks, discussing the matters related to purchasing generators.

In the center of the city at City Hall, the mayor was conversing with several city officials, including some merchants, among whom was Lynch.

"We need to ensure the city’s operations are not affected by this major strike. I need you to talk with those strike advocates or leaders about how to resolve this, and the entrepreneurs must also cooperate properly."

"Other things can be set aside for now, but the enterprises related to basic city life must resume work as soon as possible."

"Power plants, water plants, gas stations... I’ll send some police to cooperate with you, if anyone..." The mayor scanned the meeting room, and everyone could read the anger within him on his face, "The police will take them down."

These factories he listed are crucial to the normal operation of a city; if these basic supplies cannot be guaranteed, the city will soon descend into anarchy for these reasons.

Without information flow, without electricity, water will stop flowing from taps, and people will feel as if everything is spiraling out of control. Previously adhered-to rules will collapse in an instant, and the destructive nature intrinsic to humans will surface, becoming a huge disaster.

The Police Station Director raised his hand, causing the mayor to frown slightly before relaxing. He raised his chin, "Director, do you have any thoughts?"

The Director of the Police Station was a middle-aged man in his forties, slightly plump, even a bit fat.

This is normal, as police being somewhat overweight has become a kind of unwritten norm in the Federation; they believe that fatter police have a greater deterrent effect on criminals... though it’s unclear where this conclusion comes from. Plus, the long-term sedentary work style and excessive caloric intake make it hard for them to maintain their figure.

The Director showed a troubled expression, "Sir, I mean no offense, but the situation at the Police Station is currently very poor. This week I received numerous resignation letters, and our police force is already insufficient to maintain daily order..."

His meaning was clear: he and the Police Station did not want to be dragged into anything related to the strike, and he sensed from the mayor’s previous words that if people did not cooperate, police would take action.

This could easily provoke the already furious strikers and protesters. Confronted with these situations, police are actually the weaker party.

At the very least, those people dare to swing their fists and beat police, while police may not dare to shoot in retort.

If the situation escalates, such as if police open fire or even kill someone, he would be unlucky, and the Police Station Director would also be in trouble.

Life is tough these days, and he doesn’t plan to switch jobs.

The mayor did not speak, merely looking at him, which made him feel uneasy, "We can have militia or military cooperate..."

The Police Station Director’s foolish remark made some people show distinctly amused expressions. Undoubtedly, if the military, even just militia, entered the city on a large scale, it would mean the city is already on the verge of losing control or has already lost control, and the one who would be unfortunate would surely be the mayor.

He has not managed the city well, disappointing both the party and the people who had pinned their hopes on him; after the election, he was very likely to lose his current power and become an insignificant person.

So the mayor refused this request without hesitation, "Do as I say for now; other things can be set aside. I can understand your difficulties, can you understand mine?"

The Police Station Director somewhat sheepishly nodded, "Alright, I’ll try..."

Just then, Lynch, sitting in the corner, suddenly raised his hand. The mayor glanced at him before nodding, "Let’s see if Mr. Lynch has anything valuable to say."

This statement wasn’t in a good tone, but Lynch didn’t mind. He raised a question, "Why not temporarily consolidate the management of the power company, water company, and energy company under City Hall for unified management?"

The mayor shook his head, "Private property is inviolable; this is written in the charter. The Federation won’t support me in doing this..." He paused, "Does anyone else want to speak?"

In the Federation, besides the government and military being under Federation Government jurisdiction, the vast majority of things are privately owned. The reason is simple: the Federation’s finances cannot necessarily support them managing so many things themselves and guaranteeing profit.

The government cannot oppress and exploit the working class like merchants can; thus, many things can only be privatized and run by "ruthless merchants" who are the only ones able to manage well and ensure profitability.

The simplest example is the public transportation company. Initially, this business was indeed managed by local government, but soon each locale’s transportation company began experiencing losses, presenting local governments with a huge problem.

If they cut down on operational vehicles and services, citizens wouldn’t agree; if they maintained the current operation method, finances wouldn’t agree.

As for how exactly the losses occurred, that’s another story. Eventually, with Congress’s approval and amending the law, transportation companies could be run by local finances or handed over to private companies with certain policy encouragement and financial subsidies.

This method greatly reduced government expenditures while still meeting the transportation needs of a city’s people. Thus, as more new things emerged, City Hall stopped considering government operation of these matters and directly handed them to merchants.

Everything comes with pros and cons, and now is when the cons are manifesting.

The meeting lasted until past two o’clock in the afternoon before adjourning, primarily focused on issues around quickly restoring city order.

To solve these issues, the strike must cease.

To stop the strike, certain issues need to be negotiated, such as treatment, salary, work hours, and creating more jobs—none of which are easy discussions.

On the way back, Jack deliberately avoided streets with procession units, although he weaved in and out, overall it was still very quiet and safe.

"Do you know their procession routes?" Sitting in the back seat, Lynch asked, pulling out a cigarette and lighting one.

Jack stared straight ahead at the road, nodding, "Sir, these things aren’t secrets..."

Lynch raised an eyebrow, "Was our community affected as well?" Jack didn’t speak immediately, but Lynch laughed saying, "We’re just chatting casually; no one else will know these things."

With such assurance, Jack nodded in agreement, "The Guild people contacted us, hoping we could also contribute. They informed us of time, location, and procession length, but as you know, we still have to feed our families, so..."

"Understandable!" Lynch nodded noncommittally, sitting in the car looking out at the desolate streets, and rolled up the window.

The autumn wind blowing from outside carried a deep chill; he couldn’t stand this kind of wind.

Because he understood clearly, while the wind blows refreshingly now, when his physical functions start to decline, he’ll pay the price for this moment of recklessness.

"Head to the Social Services Bureau..." Sitting in the back seat, Lynch suddenly changed destination, and Jack silently adjusted the route without a word.

About ten minutes later, the car gently halted; suddenly, some children ran out by the roadside, and someone mindlessly wiped the car with towels.

Jack immediately got out; instead of yelling at them to leave, he patiently took out some coins and small bills, letting those wiping the car and some semi-grown kids thank him before leaving.

Ensuring no disturbance to Lynch, he opened the car door for him.

"You’re good at handling these situations." Lynch casually commented while standing by the door.

Jack laughed, "I understand their thoughts; all who come here are wealthy bigwigs."

Lynch nodded for him to wait by the roadside, entering the Social Services Bureau alone, not long after Asir arrived here as well.

"Register a new asset management company..." As per Lynch’s request, Asir registered an asset management company named "Sabin City Starlight Public Services."

After finishing all this, he gave a few more instructions and then returned home by car.

He suddenly realized, this is a very special opportunity.

The power company can not only make money but also add some "weight" to himself.

These basic service companies control a city’s operation status; their voices in society and official ears are louder than others, and the public’s acceptance of them is also stronger.

Lynch thought, if this time they fail to negotiate, it means he has such an opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Police Station Director returned to the station and relayed the mayor’s requisites to the officers, causing the station to boil over.

After six o’clock in the evening, the mayor finished a tiring and busy day’s work, and now daily dinners almost became his "escape from reality" haven, his only time without bothersome talk.

Today’s dinner came from the Southern Hemisphere’s top sea produce, sent by Mark, for which he even specially transferred a chef from Mark’s side.

But just then, a phone call ruined his appetite.

The police... went on strike!

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