Blackstone Code

The two companies in Sabin City that specialize in selling industrial generators never imagined there would be a massive blackout suddenly sweeping across the entire city, without any warning, just as they were about to declare bankruptcy and leave.

Then all of sudden, many businessmen showed up at their stores with trucks, discussing generator purchases.

At the city hall in the center of the city, the mayor was meeting with some city officials and businessmen, including Lynch.

"We need to ensure the city's operations are not affected by this strike. I need you to talk to the strike leaders or advocates and find a way to resolve this issue. Entrepreneurs must also be prepared to cooperate."

"Other things can wait, but companies that provide essential services must resume operations as soon as possible."

"The power plant, water plant, gas stations... I will send some police officers to cooperate with you. If anyone resists," the mayor scanned the meeting room, his face showing his anger, "the police will take them down."

The facilities he listed were crucial for a city's normal functioning. If these basic services couldn't be guaranteed, the city would quickly descend into chaos.

Without communication, electricity, or running water, people would feel that everything was out of control. The rules that people once followed would collapse, and the destructive nature of humans would surface, leading to a huge disaster.

The police chief in the room raised his hand. The mayor frowned slightly before relaxing and nodded, "Chief, what do you have in mind?"

The police chief was a middle-aged man in his forties, slightly on the plump side, which meant he was a bit overweight.

This was quite normal; among the federal police, being overweight had become somewhat of an unspoken rule. Firstly, they believed that heavier officers were more intimidating to criminals, though it was unclear where this conclusion came from. Secondly, their sedentary work lifestyle and excessive consumption of high-calorie foods made it difficult for them to maintain their figures.

The chief had a troubled expression, "Sir, no offense, but the police department is also in bad shape right now. I've received a large number of resignation letters this week. We don't have enough manpower to maintain daily order..."

His point was clear: he and the police department didn't want to get involved with the strike. He also picked up on the mayor's earlier statement that the police should act if someone didn't cooperate.

This would easily anger the already furious strikers. In such situations, the police were actually at a disadvantage. At least the strikers dared to fight back, but the police couldn't necessarily fire back.

If things escalated, if a police officer fired a shot or even killed someone, the officer would be in trouble, and so would the police chief.

Given how tough times were, he didn't want to risk losing his job.

The mayor remained silent, just staring at him, which made him uneasy. "We could have the militia or army assist..."

The police chief's foolish suggestion drew amused expressions from some people. It was clear that if the military or even the militia were called in, it would mean the city was on the brink of or already in chaos, and the mayor would be the one to blame.

It would mean he failed to manage the city properly and disappointed both the party and the people. He would likely lose his power after the election, becoming an insignificant figure.

So the mayor firmly rejected this idea, "Do as I say. Other matters can wait. I understand your difficulties; but do you understand mine?"

The police chief reluctantly nodded and sat back down, "Alright, I'll try..."

At that moment, Lynch, sitting in the corner, raised his hand. The mayor glanced at him and then nodded, "Let's hear if Mr. Lynch has any valuable insights."

The tone was not friendly, but Lynch didn't mind. He asked a question, "Why not temporarily bring the management of the power company, water company, and energy company under city hall for unified control?"

The mayor shook his head, "Private property is sacred and inviolable. This is enshrined in the constitution. The federal government won't support me in doing that..." He paused, "Anyone else have comments?"

In the Baylor Federation, apart from the government and the military, most things were privately owned. The reason was simple: the Federation's finances couldn't support operating so many services themselves, nor guarantee profitability.

The government couldn't exploit workers like businessmen could, which meant many services had to be privatized and run by "ruthless businessmen" who could ensure profitability.

The simplest example was the public transportation companies. Initially, this service was managed by the local government, but soon every local transportation company began to incur losses, presenting a huge problem for the local government.

If they cut down on vehicles and routes, citizens would object. If they continued operating as before, finances wouldn't allow it.

Regardless of the reasons for the losses, eventually, Congress allowed and amended the law to let private companies operate transportation with some policy encouragement and financial subsidies.

This significantly reduced government spending while meeting the transportation needs of a city, so when new issues arose, city hall no longer considered government-run solutions but handed them to businessmen.

Every solution had its pros and cons, and now the cons were evident.

The meeting lasted until after two in the afternoon, focusing on quickly restoring city order.

To solve these problems, the strike had to end.

To end the strike, they needed to negotiate terms like benefits, wages, working hours, and more job positions, none of which were easy.

On the way back, Jack intentionally avoided streets with protestors, making the route quieter and safer.

"Do you know their marching routes?" Lynch, in the back seat, asked, taking out a cigarette and lighting it.

Jack, keeping his eyes on the road, nodded, "Sir, it's no secret..."

Lynch raised an eyebrow, "Our residential compound is also affected?" Jack didn't answer immediately, so Lynch chuckled, "We're just chatting. No one else will know."

With that assurance, Jack nodded, "The union contacted us, hoping we could help. They told us the time and place, but you know, we still need to feed our families, so..."

"I understand." Lynch nodded, looking out at the desolate street and rolling up the window.

The autumn wind blowing in carried a deep chill he couldn't bear.

He knew that while the wind felt refreshing now, his body would pay the price when it began to deteriorate.

"Go to the social services bureau..." Lynch suddenly changed the destination, and Jack silently adjusted the route.

After about ten minutes, the car slowly came to a stop. Suddenly, some children ran out to the roadside, and some people, disregarding everything, started wiping the car with towels.

Jack immediately got out of the car. Instead of yelling at these people to get lost, he patiently took out some coins and small bills, giving them to the car washers and the children before politely asking them to depart.

After ensuring that no one would disturb Lynch, he opened the car door for him.

"You're good at handling this," Lynch commented.

Jack smiled, "I know what they are thinking. Only wealthy people come here."

Lynch nodded, indicating for him to wait by the road, and entered the social services bureau.

Not long after, Arthur also arrived.

"Register a new asset management company," Lynch instructed, having Arthur register a company named "Starlight Public Services of Sabin City."

After finalizing everything, he gave a few more instructions and returned home.

He realized this was a special opportunity.

The power company could not only make money but also give him more "weight."

These essential service companies controlled the operation of a city. Their influence in society and with officials was louder than others, and the public also tended to trust them more.

Lynch believed that if they couldn't negotiate this time, he'd have an opportunity.

Meanwhile, the police chief told his officers about the mayor's demands, causing an uproar in the department.

At around six in the evening, the mayor concluded a whole day of busy and exhausting work. Now, his daily dinners had almost become his "escape from reality." It was only during this time that no one would say anything to give him a headache.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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