Darkstone Code
Chapter 211 - 0209 The Free Will

Chapter 211: 0209 The Free Will

"I heard things are out of control on your side too."

On the phone, the Governor’s voice carried a bit of a teasing tone. Actually, the police strike was not unexpected for them; they had even prepared for it some time ago.

The logic is quite simple: people never take others’ warnings seriously until disaster is upon them.

Even if the President’s reputation within the Federation is somewhat tarnished right now, as long as the social foundation remains stable, all this can be seen as political maneuvering.

No matter how harsh the criticism, as long as basic order can be guaranteed, ordinary people will only see the street outside their door and the events occurring there; they cannot see, nor do they care about, what happens further away.

Criticism of the President might even provoke sympathy from some people, possibly leading to other issues.

This is also to break the current stagnant state of the Federation, giving the populace a painful sense of being cut by a knife, bleeding profusely, so they understand that what they revered in the past holds no value for the country.

They will awaken in pain, the feigned ease they displayed during their make-believe sleep will fade, and they will have to open their eyes to face reality. Nothing demonstrates more starkly than the strong contrast between chaos and law, teaching them that some responsibilities fall not only on politicians but on the public too.

This statement might seem a bit official, but this is the most truthful side, because politicians want to gain people’s support by accommodating the majority’s desires.

Including isolationism, which essentially caters to the populace’s wishes. When people begin to focus on foreign wars, and when they are terrified by the massive number of young lives lost at the front, they become filled with deep fear.

Will their own children be sent to the front because of war, and will they, like those soldiers, become cold statistics on equally cold newspaper pages?

Family members might die; homes could be devastated by shellfire; the entire country teeters on the brink...

The potentially deadly future makes people start fearing war, and isolationism emerged to align with the mainstream views of society.

To correct some thoughts now, something inevitably must be broken.

If the police do not strike, society will not experience frightening turmoil.

If the police don’t strike, the militia and military cannot make people feel that sometimes "war" doesn’t mean casualties and destruction, but also protection and rebirth.

Actually, behind isolationism is a pathological indifference and even hostility towards war and soldiers.

The Progressive Party resolved to replace the Conservative Party in governing the Federation Government, aggressively expanding international relations. The Deputy Chairman of the Progressive Party has quietly gone abroad, discussing mutual assistance and benefit issues internationally with some countries.

Once certain problems are resolved, they then decide to deploy troops.

Of course, this isn’t for war; having joined a camp, they naturally should demonstrate their value and capability.

In some post-war regions where local conflicts remain or military control is needed, there’s still a large personnel gap.

After years of war, many overseas have begun feeling weary of war. It’s said the world cheered when the ceasefire agreement was signed, but soon people stopped talking about wars that smoke hadn’t even been blown away, let alone discussing ongoing events.

Many demanded the remaining army soldiers disband and retire, while the military couldn’t recruit new soldiers. They certainly don’t want those soldiers stationed in extremely risky regions, but some tasks must still be undertaken.

The Federation can assume this role well; deploying troops overseas has become a certainty. Next is to let people feel the atmosphere: war is not only about destruction but also righteousness and passion!

In response to the Governor’s teasing, Sabin City’s Mayor sighed, "The situation is much worse than I imagined. I thought these problems wouldn’t erupt until next month."

The Governor reassured him with a few words, "Pay attention to your safety during this period; November 25th at the latest can be initiated; there are still over ten days. I believe you can make it."

He walked over to the TV, turned it on, and casually watched for a while. Then, Sabin City’s local TV station suddenly interrupted with news, the host’s enthusiasm and excitement starkly contrasted with the Mayor’s grim expression.

If these media folks can report particularly significant news, they might very possibly "become immortalized in history" because of it.

People preserve history either through recorded footage or by capturing film frames, so they are passionate, thrilled, and even think the news is not sensational enough.

Through the TV, the Mayor and more upper-tier figures in Sabin City learned about the unfolding events there.

In the evening, following the Mayor’s request, the Director of the Police Station organized officers to talk with the initiators of the protests and demonstrations. Perhaps due to continuous intense workload, some officers were excessive in their wording.

This is the official explanation; but in truth, officers seldom use civilized language, and they weren’t so civilized in the first place.

Conflict quickly emerged, followed by immediate loss of control over the situation. Some workers surrounded three police officers who had come to persuade them, with one even raising a gun.

At this moment, the police suddenly announced they were also going on strike for their safety, quitting and leaving the job to anyone willing to do it.

The three police officers, by announcing their strike to ensure their own safety, immediately inspired most of their colleagues, who also escaped their currently challenging duties and joined the strike march.

The brief peace led to the crowd’s jubilation. This profession, representative of the rulers’ authority, also went on strike, further convincing people that their cause was correct, their methods justified, and their future bright.

After turning off the TV, the mayor shook his head and walked to the window. Through the yard, he saw some security guards holding guns, and looked out at the dim sky over the city center, knowing this would be a sleepless night.

Perhaps influenced by the police strike, the march that had ended during the day resumed once again. After dinner, people spontaneously took to the streets, carrying police wide-brimmed hats and uniforms on sticks.

Police badges were strung on a rope and dragged along the ground, trampled by the crowd.

The dark night seemed to evoke the most despicable desires deep within people, making the streets increasingly dangerous. When several young people rushed out from the crowd, smashing stores and stealing goods, the nature of the march changed.

More and more shops were vandalized, countless goods looted, while those responsible claimed it was the cost of arbitrary exploitation and oppression!

Look, the city has already fallen into the ocean of people’s free will!

The next day, the mayor delivered a speech on television, now afraid to appear publicly. He knew that amidst the fervor, if someone acted recklessly, everything would be doomed.

He admonished citizens, urging those who smashed, grabbed, and looted store goods to promptly surrender at the Police Station, and encouraged demonstrators and organizers to pacify the striking crowd as much as possible.

However, these comments were seen as a sign of weakness. That afternoon, the radical group in the striking crowd announced they had seized Sabin City’s Police Station.

They defaced the previously decent Sabin City Police Station with paint, and even someone on the roof defecated...

This very day, Sabin City’s City Hall announced to the public that, given the current social security issues, they would cease issuing food coupons and supply vouchers, and close all redemption sites for these vouchers.

Simultaneously, City Hall warned those who had committed wrongs during the strike protests to quickly surrender at police agencies or courts to seek leniency for their offenses—mentioning the courts was necessary, as the Police Station was essentially at a standstill, rendering it useless even if they went there.

The "incompetence" of Sabin City’s City Hall and the mayor was seen as weakness by those who had already become frenzied, although some began to worry.

In the following days, the chaos persisted, but fewer people were on the streets.

Aside from those looting everywhere who could still fill their stomachs, most ordinary residents had begun to go hungry.

"Hunger won’t solve these problems..."

Lynch stood atop a building, looking through the window at the smoke rising from the central city district. Not long ago, this city was still so peaceful.

Perhaps some unemployed gave it a slightly desolate look, but at least it was safe.

In just a few days, the situation had rapidly deteriorated.

In the opulently decorated room behind him, some well-dressed ladies and gentlemen were standing or sitting, with tables around adorned with exquisite food and high-end drinks.

In a corner against the wall, a band played soothing music live for everyone.

The speaker was the host of this gathering, a local merchant. He wore a stern expression, yet his eyes were filled with anger.

"Our mayor is too weak. I believe we should counterattack, crush these thugs head-on." He paused, extending a finger, "Please note, gentlemen, I used ’thugs’ to describe these people."

"Their actions are actually more terrifying and destructive than thugs. I believe everyone’s interests here have suffered to some extent, yet our city has not devised an effective solution, only appeals."

As he spoke, a disdainful, sarcastic smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, "No one can help us, only ourselves!"

"I consulted with a lawyer; when those thugs smash open the doors of our stores, intrude into our shops, and seize our wealth, even if we kill them, it is lawful!"

His voice grew louder, "This is the sacred right granted to us by the Federation Charter!"

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