Working as a police officer in Mexico
Chapter 914 - 480: Centennial Plan!_2

Victor said nothing; he simply watched quietly, observing who among them could continue to be entrusted with important responsibilities.

Cuauhtémoc shook his head, his expression heavy. "No! This data is what I've collected recently."

As he spoke, he pulled out a stack of documents from his briefcase and handed them to the General. "Currently, we don't have a dedicated epidemic prevention agency. Most prevention work is done within hospitals, which are overcrowded, and the doctors' abilities are limited. I propose the establishment of a specialized epidemic prevention department to address potential large-scale outbreaks. Let us not forget the 'Kokolizi Epidemic,' which claimed around 15 million lives over a span of five years in history."

"Just last year, over 200 people died due to complications caused by viral flu. Don't forget, we have over 20 million diabetes patients, whose health is extremely fragile. This is what we officially know, but in remote rural areas, Wizards are even touting cola as a magical cure and misleading the public into using it, entirely disregarding government bans. General, I propose that while we provide medical services and legal education in the countryside, we also severely crack down on those Wizards. The most serious ones should face capital punishment!"

"Therefore, I propose the allocation of special health funds to ensure the public's physical well-being. Those newborns and the elderly require vaccination, and the costs associated with this should be covered entirely by the state."

Victor crossed his hands and looked at everyone. "What do you think?"

"Boss, this will be a considerable expense, with no returns in terms of income—it's purely an expenditure. Each year, it would require at least tens of millions of US dollars..." Casare said, glancing momentarily at Cuauhtémoc. "But I think it's absolutely necessary. If public health cannot be assured, then the quality of our troops and the productivity of our workers will all be impacted."

"Moreover, I also believe that the Americans won't sit idly by as we enter a period of rapid development. They'll find ways to hold us back. Biological threats could be a very effective point of attack. Perhaps we are worrying excessively, but we must always assume the worst intentions from the Americans."

"Are there any other opinions?" Victor continued to ask. The crowd glanced at each other, and it became clear: Casare speaking meant aligning with the General's will.

No one would dare trouble themselves by speaking up at this moment.

"Alright, then. Cuauhtémoc, draft a proposal to establish the epidemic prevention department. Let me approve the required funds. Also, establish 20 specialized medical universities nationwide. Allow local private doctors to pursue further education. All medical students should enjoy reductions in tuition and living expenses, while their internships will be arranged by the schools. Those with outstanding academic performance may be allocated job placements based on merit."

Such a familiar strategy...

Victor was borrowing some models from the Rabbit. This was a long-term plan. Running a country cannot rely solely on brute force; otherwise, there wouldn't be an old saying: "It's easy to conquer a kingdom, but hard to rule it."

"Additionally, we need to propose and implement policies regarding infrastructure development, education investment, enterprise support, etc., as soon as possible. As for the money given to us by the Yanks, spend it boldly—not stingily or hesitantly. Money is like a bastard; you make it by earning, not saving."

They're still poor...

Not accustomed to the life of the wealthy.

"Anything else?"

"General." Defense Minister Kennedy raised his hand. Victor gestured for him to speak.

"The Second Army and Fifth Army have completely occupied parts of Veracruz State and Oaxaca State. The Second Army has already advanced into Chiapas State, where Gulf Group is based, and has reached their core areas. Intelligence agents from Gulf Group have reported that Georgia is preparing to escape."

"We anticipate marching into the Yucatan Peninsula by September!"

"National liberation is now in sight!"

Kennedy's tone carried strong excitement, and the others couldn't help but exchange glances upon hearing this.

This fast?

Flying?

Gulf Group: They can't win, absolutely can't win!

The drug traffickers' armed forces are formidable, but it depends on who they're up against. The tank division of the Second Army charged through, and the defensive lines Gulf Group spent lavishly to build were utterly useless. Land, sea, and air—their forces were crushed under comprehensive suppression!

No point in continuing...

"I propose that part of the returning First Army and Fifth Army from the Northern region should proceed directly south to annihilate the Southern Alliance in one fell swoop!"

What a... "Conservative" leader—immediately advocating a troop increase at the slightest disagreement.

Victor arched an eyebrow, thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Let the soldiers rest first. Excessive tension will lead to problems. I trust the Second Army can handle the Southern drug traffickers."

After just finishing a battle, if you don't let them rest and send them directly south for "bandit suppression," even cattle and horses aren't treated this way.

Kennedy thought for a while and agreed...

The soldiers might yearn for glory, but they also hope to see their families.

"Post-war awards and commendations must be expedited. Make sure to deliver the military honors to their families before the soldiers return home. All relief funds must be personally handed to the family members. If I hear about anyone embezzling or corrupting the process, don't blame me—I'll drag them to the barracks and ensure they'll never be buried!"

"Let me make it clear upfront; do you understand?" Victor asked with narrowed eyes.

Kennedy straightened up, exchanging glances with nearby military representatives, and responded firmly, "Yes!"

"Alright, get to work." Victor waved them off, leaving the conference room as all eyes watched him exit.

Back in his office, he summoned George Smiley, who not only managed the Thirteen Protectors but also served as the Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

From January to April, 771 individuals had been arrested for corruption. The most absurd case involved a Village Head in Sonora State, who embezzled funds allotted for the maintenance of the village's "public toilet."

Not a lot...

About 600 dollars. This money was meant to hire a local "Five Protection Households" worker to clean the toilets...

When the Anti-Corruption Bureau arrived, the Village Head broke down in tears, claiming he hadn't spent a single penny.

Then, 600 dollars were found hidden in the chicken coop at his home...

Covered with a layer of plastic wrap outside, perfectly preserved.

People, indeed...

Not everyone is despicable. But also, not everyone is noble.

Self-interest inevitably rears its head when you least expect it.

"Keep an eye on the military's logistics departments and relief agencies. If anyone dares to profit from blood money, arrest them. I need to see whether it's their heart or my bullet that's filthier!"

"Understood!" George Smiley replied.

Upon returning to the Department of Defense, Kennedy gathered the top officials to relay the General's warning: "I know some of you have been lining your pockets here and there. That's fine—everyone does it. But if anyone messes around with military funds or relief money, I'll take his head off and use it as a spittoon!"

Many silently lowered their heads in guilt.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes... yes…" they mumbled.

Kennedy frowned. "Haven't eaten, have you?"

"Understood!"

"I hope you actually understand." Kennedy said meaningfully, his gaze scanning the room like it was... the last time.

After leaving the Defense Minister's office, groups of officials murmured to one another in hushed tones. Two Colonels were seen walking closely together.

One of them looked both concerned and uneasy. "Everett, what do we do? Will our matter be discovered?"

The other, slightly chubby but thin-lipped with icy, triangular eyes, looked like someone ruthless.

"What are you afraid of? If you don't talk and I don't talk, who will know?"

"And it's not just the two of us. Military affairs offices and local governments are all involved. You should know: the law doesn't punish the masses. Even if Victor finds out, what can he do? Kill everyone?"

"We've bled for Mexico! I've still got a few bullet scars on my body. Us taking a little of what's ours—what's wrong with that?"

Everett Webster wasn't one of Victor's direct appointments. He had initially been a company commander in the 442nd Regiment under Vasili, now the Fourth Army's deputy commander, during their surrender (detailed in Chapter 164).

Victor had treated them well, promoting those with capability. Everett had been elevated to an administrative role in the Department of Defense.

His ambitions… had also slowly blossomed.

Seeing his companion still agitated, he chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. If you don't take, I don't take, how will the bosses above us make their fortunes? In Mexico, the biggest embezzler is probably Victor. We're just scraping the leftovers—it's no big deal."

Reassured by this, the other man finally calmed down a little.

With that kind of cowardice… why even try to embezzle?

"Next month's veteran subsidies are due, aren't they? Hold it back—I need it." Everett waved his hand dismissively.

His mistress had her eyes on a Ferrari, which was a bit pricey—several hundred thousand US dollars. His "comrades" would just have to endure this hardship.

They would understand, right?

...