Chapter 1156: Chapter 569: Kings and Lords, Are They Born So… If You Dare, Prove It!
“How did the News Bureau get Norman Schwarzkopf to issue such an order?” Victor asked curiously.
Augustine Przybylski glanced at the Director of the Intelligence Bureau beside him, “Mr. Leader, I can go back and write a complete report for you.”
“Alright, I’ll be waiting for your good news.”
As they left the golf course, Jeff Bennett couldn’t help but say to the smug Augustine, “Buddy, I hope you can do a great job. If not, you can always collaborate with us.”
“Thanks, but I think the employees at the News Bureau have been waiting impatiently already. Perhaps now it’s our turn to make a name for ourselves.”
He finished and got into the car with a smile, driving off.
“Director, he’s so arrogant!” said an employee from the Intelligence Bureau standing nearby.
“If you had his skills, you could be arrogant too.”
“Come on, go back and figure out where else we can confuse the United States. Otherwise, if they end up standing over us, I tell you, your year-end bonus will be halved.”
Hearing that the year-end bonus might be halved, the employee’s eyes turned red.
The bonuses in the intelligence department are substantial. If the performance for the year is outstanding, they range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of US dollars.
Agents need to eat too.
Inside the golf course.
Casare grinned at Victor and said, “Boss, aren’t you worried they’ll fight? I saw that Jeff’s face turned green.”
“They both know their limits and understand my bottom line. Whoever is more capable, I give them more resources; it’s only fair. They’re much better off than agents in the field, who hardly have any opportunity to perform.”
“One careless move, and they’re dead.”
Victor didn’t know why, but while talking, he suddenly thought of a name.
“Is Ethan Hunt still in Germany?”
That guy used Victor’s name with the Southern Cartel, but the boss found out and supposedly promoted him to Deputy Director of European Intelligence, yet clearly, this was the Supreme Leader’s displeasure.
You’re wearing my skin to show off!
Damn it!
Can you not be angry?
But his performance has been outstanding as well; he protected Belsaria successfully to Mexico, and made connections with some German officials. The “loans for German workers” plan hasn’t been decided yet, but at least it shows promise.
“Bring him back and let him be the deputy in Hydra; the system’s restraint is too limiting for this free spirit.”
Victor couldn’t help joking, “I’m afraid he’ll manage to seduce Germany’s First Lady and cause a massive scandal.”
“I’ll call him personally,” Casare nodded with a smile.
After discussing business, Victor took a shower and, holding a towel, saw Fat Casare and the secretary Martin Bowman chattering excitedly as he came out.
“What are you talking about?”
“Boss! Good news, good news!” Casare was startled by his sudden appearance but shouted excitedly after recovering, “Next year’s US World Cup might change location due to sudden civil war and chaos. FIFA is considering relocating, and according to Brazilian media, Chairman Avilange thinks it should be in Europe, while Secretary-General Blatter believes it should stay in North America…”
North America…
That would be Canada and Mexico, of course, in the narrow sense. Using the UN’s standard, there are 23 sovereign countries, but aside from Canada, the United States, and the Three Mexican Heroes, others have security issues—can you even host it?
“We must secure the hosting rights!” Victor said firmly, “Blatter looks like a man of great vision; we should throw money at him. If 1 million isn’t enough, make it 2 million; if 2 million isn’t enough, make it 10 million. Even if Canada and Mexico co-host, I can accept that.”
Casare glanced at secretary Martin, nodded, “That’s what we thought as well. Hosting a major sports event can elevate our influence, and besides the World Cup, the Olympics in a few years are also in the United States. If it goes on like this, we could take over the Olympics as well.”
“Next June is the World Cup. Let’s get this sorted first and recruit some football legends to speak for us. I’ll have finance cooperate on the funds.”
“Got it, boss!”
Casare’s eyes were gleaming.
Historically, Mexico hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, but those were others’ leftovers… this would be the first major event under the New Mexico era.
If done well, you’ll earn fame.
If messed up, it’ll be embarrassing.
Opportunity and risk coexist.
But Mexico urgently needs this opportunity right now.
…
May 13, 1993.
Thursday.
Springfield City.
The capital of Illinois, nicknamed the “Land of Lincoln,” was also very desolate at this time.
The chaos caused the main economic sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and transportation—to nearly collapse, especially the finance sector…
Jumping off buildings!
Swish—
Every day, you could see someone jumping down!
And the police numbly collecting the bodies.
10 a.m., Springfield State Parliament Building.
Today there will be another vote on whether to follow the United States’ lead or to become independent.
This was already the seventh vote.
Every time, Governor Odor O’Neill didn’t get the result he wanted. He wanted independence, but a bunch abstained…
It made him quite displeased.
55-year-old black Speaker Asmontis looked at the 59 gathered legislators and banged the gavel hard, like a broken record, “Next, we will proceed with the eighth independence vote…”
Before he could finish, one of the Whitemen stood up, “Wait!”
Governor Odor O’Neill and the Speaker looked over.
“Congressman Smith, do you have something to say?”
“I want to ask, if we do become independent, who would be the first President of the Illinois Republic?!”
Governor Odor O’Neill’s face went stiff, feeling disgusted like he was being shoved into a bag!
Everyone was looking at him with amused looks, which annoyed him, so he stood up. “I was elected the governor, and I’ll be the first President.”
“You’re… not qualified!” Smith firmly rejected, “You can’t command respect. Your policies make us feel unfamiliar and fearful. Your foolish vacillation disgusts me!!”
The aging Speaker Asmontis, set to retire, watched Smith below spewing with appreciation in his eyes.
This guy…
Don’t embarrass yourself!
Just gotta take this guy down.
Governor Odor O’Neill’s inaction during the Ramsfield family’s arrests had already upset the state’s nobility, a 200-year-old, deeply rooted clan, with so many allies and retainers…
Moreover, when the news of deaths at The Pentagon reached Illinois, people demanded the expulsion of government officials and the complete sealing of borders with other states to protect the last of the Bramo.
But the governor refused that too.
Who would follow such a governor?
Governor Odor O’Neill laughed angrily, standing up with wide eyes, “If I’m not to do it, then who? I’m the one elected as governor; I’m the one who will be the first President.”
“That’s not certain!”
Just then, a loud voice came from the entrance.
Bramo Ramsfield entered wearing a black suit, escorted by a dozen bodyguards. Standing on the steps, he looked at everyone, a typical young man’s smile on his face, “Gentlemen, long time no see.”
He pointed at him, his voice sharp, “Bramo! What are you doing here?!”
“Governor, please step down. The Ramsfield family has returned!”
The bodyguards grabbed him and pulled him off the platform.
The representative named Smith raised his hand and shouted, “Long live the Ramsfield family! Illinois forever loyal to the Ramsfield family!!”
“Hurray!”
Bramo looked at him appreciatively.
Representatives who were already bought off or deeply aligned with their family all raised their hands and cheered.
See that?
Nobility can quickly seize the upper echelons of public opinion and power.
Would anyone who uttered such a phrase achieve anything without being tough like Victor (cheating death)? Not many.
…
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