Darkstone Code

Chapter 1041 - 1039: Conditions

"Mr. Lynch!"

Just as Lynch stepped out of the Darkstone Capital office building, someone called out to him.

The next moment, two tough-looking men, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, stood between him and the caller. One of them even slipped a hand inside his jacket.

This action was very dangerous.

In the Federation, the government does not restrict private transactions of various hot weapons, including handguns, shotguns, and even small-caliber cannons, which can circulate in private trade.

This has resulted in many people possessing weapons, with some viewing it as the foundation of ensuring public safety—

Before criminals commit a crime, they need to consider the cost. If their intended victim has a gun, they might end up leaving this world.

This becomes a classic case of high cost, making them hesitant and questioning whether they need to commit a crime to achieve their goals.

If guns are banned for the general public, crime might become normalized as ordinary households without guns or ammunition would significantly lower the cost of committing a crime.

Facing a weapon-wielding criminal, ordinary unarmed people would pose virtually no risk.

This argument has always played a crucial role, coupled with the genocide propaganda that "every household needs weapons," and even the charter acknowledges that civilian weapon possession is legal, making it difficult to curb weapon proliferation in the Federation.

Therefore, at any time, avoid any seemingly dangerous actions.

For example, slipping a hand inside your jacket.

For instance, placing a hand behind one’s back and lifting up your clothes.

For example...

In short, hands should always be kept visible, or else it can be deemed as "armed," a pose full of danger and aggression.

The person calling Lynch raised both their hands, proving harmlessness. One of the two men frisked him, and after confirming he was unarmed, allowed him to approach Lynch.

But only to approach, not very close.

"Mr. Lynch, I’m the ambassador of... stationed in the Federation. I heard the Chi-I bombers have been approved for export, is that true?"

Lynch nodded, as Austin opened the car door for him, and he looked at the caller, "Is there a problem?"

"Yes, indeed. I wish to purchase some Chi-I bombers. I wonder how the transaction can be made."

Lynch stepped into the car, and the two security guards outside slightly relaxed their vigilance over him. The caller quickly moved to the car, lacking any of the dignity and solemnity expected of an "ambassador."

Just a somewhat... ingratiating smile, very humble.

Lynch rolled down the car window, and turned to the ambassador, "You can go to the Ministry of International Affairs and find Mr. Truman. He will tell you the specific process."

"Goodbye, Mr. Ambassador!"

He said as he rolled up the window again, and the driver slowly started the car, which quickly merged into the traffic and disappeared under the protection of several motorcycles.

The ambassador standing by the roadside was neither angry nor felt humiliated. If he had such feelings, it would only show his inadequacies in cultivation and understanding of his job.

During wartime, he suffered more humiliating treatment in Gafura, and he hadn’t been angered then, let alone now.

He knew how to properly adjust his mindset. If he was backed by a superpower like Gafura or the Federation, he would be furious because the insult would not only be to him but also to the country he represents.

But he was just an ambassador from an insignificant small country, and acting out would only bring trouble to his country.

What he wanted to do and could do was to make his country’s development path a little smoother!

More than an hour later, the ambassador finally met Mr. Truman.

At this moment, he behaved like an ordinary person, sitting somewhat restrained in front of Mr. Truman.

Small nations are destined to suffer because they lack the ability to resist any risk. It’s not that he wants to act this way, but that he can only act this way!

"Mr. Truman, I contacted Mr. Lynch a short while ago. He said if we wanted to purchase Chi-I bombers, we would need your consent?"

Mr. Truman nodded, "Indeed that is the case...", his posture was relaxed and laid-back, not sitting with a straight spine, which could be interpreted as approachable or dismissive slackness.

"We agreed to allow Darkstone Airlines to export their products, but under one condition: they can only sell to countries or individuals with our permission."

"Moreover, you need to bear in mind that we will periodically inspect and monitor these bombers. If we discover unauthorized modifications, destruction, or loss, we have the right to take action or sanction you according to the contract terms!"

Mr. Truman casually handed over a document, "You can look it over first."

The ambassador humbly replied, "Alright, please bear with me for a moment, I’ll read it quickly."

Mr. Truman gestured with his hand, "Please go ahead."

The ambassador began to read the document. It wasn’t just a sales contract or sales permit; it listed numerous clauses unrelated to the sale of aircraft.

For example, one section he was reading—

"In the absence of direct interest conflicts, the applicant should actively uphold the interests of the Bail Federal and express their stance at appropriate occasions..."

Or—

"Given that the applicant and the Bail Federal are on the same international stance, they should maintain a united and friendly attitude, and speak up for each other if necessary..."

There were many such contents, ranging from international politics to military actions, social interactions, and economic development.

The more the ambassador read, the more his emotions surged. In his view, signing this agreement implied that the Bail Federal would become the new "core."

Gafura would be pushed out of the central position by the Bail Federal, and this was the last thing people wanted to see—the competition between the Bail Federal and Gafura!

It’s terrifying!

Its terrifying aspect lies in the obvious rift between the two most powerful nations. Even if the next war doesn’t lead to their opposition, a third world war is inevitable.

They will inevitably become opposing countries, and perhaps they will engage in a war in the future!

A real showdown, a war to determine who is the true hegemon of this world!

After a moment of silence, the ambassador placed the document on the table. He knew clearly that signing it would mean choosing neutrality or standing with the Bail Federal on many matters.

Standing with Gafura as before?

Impossible now, as doing so would mean breaching the contract, allowing the Federation to retract anything they sold at any time without a refund!

This decision was not easy to make. It meant having to make a choice.

"I...", the ambassador shook his head as he returned the document to the table, uncertain of how to proceed.

Mr. Truman smiled as he pointed at the document, "You can take it back and think it over. I know it’s tough to make a decision right away. We have nothing but time."

He seemed to be implying something, "But you need to make a decision a bit sooner. On one hand, I heard from Lynch that the production is limited."

"Some precision instruments need to be handmade, and you don’t want to wait two or three years after paying to receive it, do you?"

The ambassador nodded, realizing that by then, these items would be obsolete and worthless.

"Additionally, policies aren’t static. For some reasons, we allowed Darkstone Airlines to sell this bomber abroad, but if policies change next,"

"All undelivered bombers might stop being delivered, but such changes are unpredictable, and may never happen, or happen at any moment."

The ambassador felt his heart tighten. He pressed his lips together, his expression very serious, "Of course, Mr. Truman, I will discuss this with my country and provide you with a suitable response soon."

Mr. Truman nodded, "Do you have any other matters?"

The ambassador stood up voluntarily, "No, this is my only matter. I won’t disturb you further, Mr. Truman, it’s been an honor to meet with you!"

He bowed humbly, leaning over the table to extend his hand to Mr. Truman.

Mr. Truman merely reached out a little to shake his hand, "Likewise, I won’t see you off then?"

The ambassador retracted his hand appropriately, "Of course not!"

Watching the ambassador leave, Mr. Truman sat back and couldn’t help shaking his head with a smile.

Lynch was very sly, even cunning. Many of his actions seemed ordinary, but were actually deeply meaningful.

Using relatively advanced, controllable military technology to win over these small countries and have them stand by their side, even Mr. Truman hadn’t thought of this approach.

What he envisioned was "representing some small countries in confronting Gafura," being a hero, rather than turning himself into a new Evil Dragon like now!

But he had to admit, Lynch’s approach and ideas were better. In international society, there doesn’t need to be two equally powerful and influential nations; one is enough.

Lynch once mentioned during a chat that a war between the Federation and Gafura was inevitable!

This war would ultimately decide who is the true leader of this world. If one side loses in this war, it wouldn’t just lose one war, but control over the world!

From now on, this war has already begun. It’s not purely a war; it will manifest in many forms across various fields!

Today, if the Federation becomes a little stronger, Gafura will become a little weaker.

Every slight change will accumulate into a qualitative change!