"You seem to somewhat disagree with my approach."

On the way back, Lynch and the staff sergeant sat in the same car. Beneath the surface of this matter, Lynch had deeper intentions.

Ferrall's father-in-law felt comfortable sending the soldiers, who were trained in professional killing techniques, to Lynch's side without considering countermeasures was because the education these soldiers received in the army made it difficult for them to commit acts harmful to the federation.

A message repeated daily by officers, comrades, television, radio, priests, and even psychologists would eventually become internalized by the soldiers.

They would struggle to discern whether these concepts originated from themselves or were implanted over time.

Thus, when Lynch gave the order, the staff sergeant hesitated, and his hand trembled slightly at the end.

One reason was the recoil from hitting the tibia, causing by the miscalculation of his grip strength. Another reason was his reluctance because he was dealing with civilians.

Sitting beside Lynch, the staff sergeant remained silent. Obeying orders had become instinctual, and he dared not question the superior's decision, even though he was now retired and Lynch was not his commanding officer.

He remained silent, but Lynch did not stop, "I know what you're thinking, and that's normal. But society isn't the military; you've forgotten what this place is."

"These people are criminals who have started harming the country and society. If we don't stop them now, they'll become increasingly reckless."

Lynch's tone and words had a peculiar power, making the staff sergeant take his words seriously. "Think about it, if we handed them over to the police, they would still be released because their crimes aren't severe enough."

"But such decisions will make them believe the law and society are indulgent toward them, emboldening them and worsening their behavior."

"If this theft, almost akin to robbery, went unpunished. What about actual robbery then?"

As Lynch asked, the staff sergeant began to ponder. He agreed with Lynch that if someone's wrongdoing wasn't punished, their mistakes would only grow more numerous and terrifying.

"The first time they rob someone, they're still novices. The victim will likely resist, and they'll probably panic and flee, gaining nothing."

"The victim might choose silence due to no financial loss, merely frightened, which will make the criminals think they've escaped justice again."

"Then, they'll start to think how to get the victim to hand over their valuables without resistance."

"Killing is the simplest and most effective method. And simple burning can exponentially increase the police's investigation costs."

"If they aren't caught quickly, they might commit more crimes, becoming more proficient in their methods, handling stolen goods and bodies with greater expertise."

"Eventually, they could become a highly dangerous serial killing gang."

"But today, we've put an end to this in advance. We could even say we've saved them. After this, they might repent and find a job instead of continuing down the path of crime, ultimately becoming happy individuals."

"Moreover, many innocent civilians were saved by our actions."

"So, do you still feel guilty?"

The staff sergeant's expression relaxed considerably. In fact, Lynch didn't need to explain all this; the staff sergeant would gradually come to understand on his own, as soldiers do. However, Lynch's explanation hastened his change in thinking. Moreover, Lynch's explanation was not far-fetched. It was all based on the fact that the first time they handed these people over to the police, the police released them. ṞÂNŏβÊș

The unpunished first crime became an excuse for their second. The sergeant perfectly sensed the deterioration in their thoughts and actions; indeed, they could very well continue to slide further down this path.

Lynch patted his arm, "If I ever do something harmful to the country and its people, please remind me and don't let me go further."

"But if our actions don't harm the country or its residents, please support me."

The staff sergeant's lips moved. He looked at Lynch, who understood what he wanted to say and smiled more. "Although we have an employment relationship, we are also friends. If you're still not comfortable, feel free to call me by my name. I don't mind you calling me ‘Sir' either."

Perhaps encouraged by Lynch's words, the staff sergeant straightened up, "Yes, Sir!"

Lynch smiled, and his smile put the sergeant at ease. This was why people with genuine smiles were more easily accepted by society—no one would believe that someone who could smile so sincerely would have a malicious heart.

"Let's talk about something else. Have you been abroad?"

With the atmosphere easing, the staff sergeant felt less tense, but he still hesitated to answer this question.

Lynch quickly added, "If it involves confidentiality, you don't have to answer. We're just chatting about our future work."

The staff sergeant decided to answer it but didn't elaborate, indicating a deeper level of trust between them.

Lynch then discussed potential future tasks, including some overseas assignments.

The current domestic federal situation was bound to end and return to the right path. Once societal security issues were resolved, the Baylor Federation's international interactions would begin.

The isolationism of the Conservative Cabinet government actually reflected the entire Baylor Federation's fear of international affairs and disputes. They were afraid of getting involved and of having to send their loved ones to the battlefield.

However, it turned out that poverty was more terrifying than war.

When it came time to expand international trade, some resistance would be inevitable. That was when the staff sergeant and his team would prove their worth.

"Protecting the safety of the federation citizens abroad is the duty of every patriot. In international matters, there is no right or wrong, only strength and weakness."

"The strong can find any excuse to justify their actions."

"The weak, no matter how reasonable their excuses, are seen as inferior."

"My safety and future will depend on you."

Sense of duty drove the staff sergeant to become more deeply involved in Lynch's overall plan and strategy. But he relished this sense of purpose, feeling as if he had never truly left the military.

Lynch not only agreed to his request to build a base similar to a military one but also allowed him to recruit more retired capable young men. Moreover, Lynch also expressed his intention to establish a company named "Blackstone Security" to manage them.

The next morning, when the young men with broken legs had just fallen asleep in the hospital, a well-dressed young man with a lawyer's badge woke them up.

In front of them, the lawyer informed them that the philanthropist Mr. Lynch had heard of their plight and was willing to cover their medical expenses for free and give each of them five hundred bucks as nutrition money, hoping they would recover soon and contribute to society again.

Honestly, this sudden "benefit" made their revenge plans, conceived during treatment, seem less important. Medical expenses were a significant concern. Not only did they not have to pay a penny, but Lynch also compensated them.

Except for the hot-headed young man who told the lawyer to get out, the others signed a "donation agreement," also indicating they wouldn't pursue further action.

As for the hot-headed young man, society would teach him that without the ability, being aggressive won't make him appear dominant, only getting him hurt more.

This matter was perfectly resolved, and stories of the group with broken legs quickly spread through the warehouse district and nearby streets. People quickly realized that the Interstellar Trading Company was not a company to be trifled with.

It was not like other businesses where they wouldn't even bother reporting a small loss as long as it was not significant—they would simply accept such losses.

The Interstellar Trading Company and its backers were not average merchants.

Soon, even the news of Mark's stake in this company spread through certain channels, reinforcing people's previous judgment and making them more cautious about discussing the Interstellar Trading Company.

In mid-November, a massive strike broke out in the Federation. This time, they were serious, striking on workdays instead of weekends.

The workers and unions were determined because the current presidential cabinet couldn't provide effective solutions to the chaotic situation and had sent the Federal Security Commission to arrest those dissatisfied with the president and cabinet.

Whether they were workers or businessmen, once reported, the Federal Security Commission would come and take them away. This reign of terror made people fearful, feeling increasingly estranged from their country. Coupled with the abrupt halt of impeachment rumors against the president, with insiders claiming the initiators had disappeared, the first wave of strike protests began.

People demanded a more relaxed social environment, shorter working hours, and higher wages.

Sabin City also saw protests, with many workers and the unemployed gathering, holding banners, and chanting slogans in the streets, bringing the city to a standstill.

Especially since the power company employees joined the strike, they shut down all equipment to ensure the safety of power transmission facilities.

In other words, Sabin City experienced its first unprecedented blackout since the Federation's founding, and this blackout wasn't unique to Sabin City. Over seventy percent of the Federation's cities began experiencing large-scale blackouts due to this movement.Please vote for this novel at https://www.novelupdates.com/series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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