Darkstone Code

Chapter 1272 - 1271: Don’t Let Laziness Grow Just Because It’s Cold

The sky, covered by dark clouds, was snowing, each flake as large as down feathers.

Snow of such magnitude is rarely seen in Gafura; the roads were nearly devoid of pedestrians, and the occasional passing vehicle moved very slowly.

The slippery ground posed a challenge to drivers’ skills, as did the occasional stiff corpse on the roadside.

Every place is like this, with its good sides and its bad sides.

Sometimes it feels like heaven; sometimes it resembles hell!

Behind windows obscured by beads of condensation, most Gafurans saw little change from previous winters this year.

Occasionally... some people would feel cold.

Occasionally... some people couldn’t fill their stomachs.

Negotiations between the Gafura Government and the Federation regarding food had entered the final stage, with the Federation proving once again its dominance over Gafura, the Empire that had gone full throttle down a slippery slope.

Gafura contacted some other World Development Committee member states, but unfortunately, these members refused for various reasons to sell food to Gafura.

Some put it very tactfully, claiming their nation’s food supply was insufficient.

Others were less tactful, suggesting they first sit down and talk to the Federation.

Sit down?

Talk?

Such a talk would likely drag on until the spring of next year, by which time nobody knows how many would starve or curse the Prime Minister and his Cabinet amidst the cold and hunger.

Ultimately, Gafura decided to trade complete formulas for four special alloys, blueprints of two crucial battleship technologies, and some minor conditions to gain the opportunity to purchase food from the Federation.

Yes, these symbols of national power weren’t directly exchanged for food but rather brought about permission from the Federation and the World Development Committee to import food into Gafura.

He was infuriated; making the final decision, the Prime Minister was angry, longing to walk the mere five meters to Lynch and punch him squarely on the nose!

This urgency prompted him to realize Gafura truly is no longer the Gafura of old.

Although people verbally express awe for Gafura, in practice, there’s little evidence of their respect!

Because of the Federation, because of that naval battle, due to the Federation’s advancements in military technology over the past few years, Gafura gradually lost its international standing, with former lackeys all but siding with the Federation.

If adult society is realistic, then international society is an even more pure and realistic web of interests.

They’ll follow whoever offers the best benefits.

Negotiations concluded in the first week of December, Gafura’s public learned that the Federation’s food would arrive at Gafura’s ports in four to five days, easing their anxious emotions substantially.

Of course, more importantly, the President’s mood was satisfied too.

"Thank you very much for your help, Mr. President."

"If you’re not in my position, you wouldn’t understand how grateful I am to the Federation’s people for their assistance."

"May the friendship between our countries shine like gold forever, never fading..."

After reaching a consensus in the negotiations, the Prime Minister called the President, describing the Gafura-Federation relationship as "golden friendship."

He indeed expressed gratitude, which greatly pleased the President, lifting his spirits ever since taking the call.

He even arranged for journalists as brilliant as top Special Agents of the Security Committee and Military Intelligence Bureau to obtain copies of this recorded call in astonishing ways.

Of course, these were copies, as the original was kept personally by the President.

A few days later, when the state elections conclude, he plans to leap into the spotlight at governors’ victory moments, capturing the national audience’s attention.

After all, he is the first in history to make Gafura’s ruler bow down to him, even if this was a bow only slightly recognizable as such, it was enough!

This thrill even empowered the President during bowling; instead of resting after two games, he enthusiastically played three.

"You seem particularly excited today!" remarked Chris, helping the President clean up after work ended.

During the game today, she could distinctly feel the President’s active participation, something seldom shown before, but today she noticed it.

She never expected an elderly man to have such stamina, playing three games of bowling and still sitting calmly without much breathlessness. It was surprising!

The genuine smile he displayed throughout made Chris realize he must’ve encountered some favorable event.

The President didn’t conceal it, mostly since the news would soon be widely known; the journalists would sell their recorded tape copies to TV stations, which would broadcast it under the banner of news freedom.

By then, everyone in the Federation and the whole world would know of this, the current factual supreme ruler of Gafura, the Empire’s Prime Minister, thanked him, the Federation President, for everything he’s done on a phone call.

Is there anything more joyous than this!

"Don’t you think it’s truly exhilarating?" asked the President, looking down at Chris, who fumbled to respond, unable to multitask, nodding instead.

He quickly seemed to remember something, "Is your husband’s issue resolved?"

Chris was about to speak but was hushed, the President continued, "It doesn’t matter, I’ve discussed the matter privately."

"Your husband’s reputation in the judicial system isn’t very good, someone told me he’d accept money to render judgments favoring a certain side, and now that we’re in power, some want him out."

"Attempting to ensure your husband remains State Judge is a bit challenging; it’ll be best we adhere to our previous agreement, moving him to clerical work in the Ministry of Justice, then find a way to transfer him back to frontline work..."

The President didn’t do nothing either; Chris’s husband had poor notoriety within the system, coupled with his alignment with the Conservative Party, he could only attack but not support him.

However, there’s a unique aspect in Chris’s husband currently serving as Chief Justice at the State Court; the President could "remove" him, placing him in a seemingly prestigious yet inactive position, subsequently handing the State Judge role to an ally.

This ensures that no one objects, as he’s ostensibly safeguarding the Progressive Party’s voice in internal affairs, giving power to the Chief Justice within his control, and avoiding suspicions of behind-the-scenes deals.

If anyone truly thinks otherwise, they’d simply be mistaken, as it’s rare for someone to pay others to trouble themselves.

With the year-end approaching, the atmosphere of state elections intensifies, vibrantly adorning Bupen’s streets with campaign posters.

Expanding influence is what every candidate must do at this moment.

Tracy is doing so likewise, even without a strong competitor, she must be wholly invested too.

The reason swing states are named so might be more accurately described by their lack of large corporate businesses and monopoly consortiums.

Consequently, voters have freer votes, unfettered like in states with clear stances.

While considered clear political stances, plainly stated they’re where more capitalists support specific parties.

Capitalists have impressive control over votes, generally in developed regions with key regional industries as pillars.

To ensure local investments remain unscathed and their positions are secure, they eagerly need their political interests represented.

Hence, they do their utmost to support certain individuals’ victory; their methods are straightforward, leveraging jobs and salaries to bond voters.

In swing states without sizeable monopoly groups, political camps are non-existent, implying everyone has a chance; surveys showing advantage won’t suffice in these cases.

The history of swing state elections has witnessed numerous upset miracles; this is unsurprising; maybe these states embody true election integrity and significance, representing honest public opinion.

Tracy is working hard; meanwhile, the Governor of York State is striving too, lately accompanied by Catherine making frequent media appearances.

Many first knew her during her internship at the President’s Mansion, later witnessing her alongside Tracy in women’s rights movements, now reemerging prominently after a hiatus.

This time, she’s not a Presidential Mansion intern, nor a follower, but a Legislator advocating educational reform.

The newly founded university in York State serves as the best testament to this, with no significant entrance thresholds; anyone meeting performance standards can study here.

For those eager to attend university, it’s practically a life miracle, with the Governor eager to leverage this good news for another reelection under the banner of an educational reform pioneer state!

To retain this outcome, he’s always accompanied by Catherine, prioritizing educational reform as the state’s government core plan for the next two years!

This may be the best era for all Federation citizens, as they have witnessed and engaged in the Federation’s entire rise.

Everyone strives, works hard, presses forward.

From the President to the roadside drifters collecting scraps, everyone is working diligently.

Struggle is this society’s real core!

To achieve the Federation dream, one must strive!