Chapter 636 - 399: The New Appointee
During the Black Tide War, policies everywhere became increasingly harsh.
The people at the bottom of this world already live without dignity, and under the war-time pressure of Dawn Year 155, they are further battered and bruised.
The front-line battles are intense, but the ones who are injured are never the privileged high above; they continue to indulge in luxury, enjoying all the material and spiritual privileges without sparing a glance at those shivering in the darkness below.
When the Black Tide War first broke out, the strong influence of the wolf attacks incited responses from people everywhere, creating the perception that the old order might collapse.
However, because those who stood up were not strong enough, or lacked unified leadership, fighting separately, they quickly suffered brutal suppression, extinguished by the authorities before sparks could catch fire.
The authorities of New Moon City could be described as a model in the eyes of the upper court in this regard.
Over the years since Sikinkov, the former director of the Public Security Bureau, took office as City Council President, the city under his governance has been orderly, with social conflicts and tensions gradually decreasing.
Of course, this did not change the mindset of the people in New Moon City. They understand better than anyone how giant corporations and their puppet governments harm their compatriots and persecute a hero who once stepped forward to save everyone.
Thus, after the outbreak of the Black Tide War, the first wave of resistance emerged from New Moon City.
However, under Sikinkov’s instructions, this wave of resistance was quickly suppressed, and the planners and participants were imprisoned one after another.
Many people have doubts about this, unable to understand why Sikinkov, who initially stood up for Edge, now stands against the people.
Everyone thought that even if Sikinkov was promoted, he would still rise against tyranny at a critical moment.
But he comfortably sat in a high position, continued to serve the upper court, and morphed into the likeness of the former City Council President Amir.
Some say that Sikinkov made some kind of deal with the upper court, gaining forgiveness for his past actions against the authorities, in exchange for a stable and prosperous latter half of life.
Others say that Sikinkov was a shallow opportunist from the start, standing out for Edge merely as a ploy to gain fame and now, having toppled Amir to become City Council President, he no longer needs to pretend.
There are many theories about Sikinkov, some supported by evidence, some by mere speculation, but no one knows the real answer.
Sikinkov just continues to stand in his current position, governing a city that has experienced countless conflicts and scars over the past century, day by day.
However, by January 2nd of Dawn Year 156, this situation is about to change.
A court-appointed team arrived in New Moon City, among them a key member named "Charles" who will take over as City Council President, becoming the highest administrator of New Moon City.
The former City Council President Sikinkov was about to step down, transferred to the upper court for other duties.
Those familiar with Charles’ life know he is a master of cost management deeply favored by superiors.
For instance, a political project that would normally cost 5 billion can be completed by him for just 3 billion, skillfully managing various levels to not only provide comfort but also profit personally.
For the superiors, he is indeed a valuable talent capable of achieving more with less.
As long as tasks can be completed and more cheaply at that, let him profit as he wishes, it’s his due reward,
As for whom this shrewd cost management ultimately victimizes...
Who really cares.
...
The aircraft of the court team landed at New Moon City airport just as the mobilization troops set sail.
In the early morning, the airport was cloaked in dawn light, the sky tinged with pale white, and the wide tarmac housed hundreds of various transport planes and floating airships, the aircraft leading the embarkation had fire-red parachute insignia on its fuselage.
In the airport control tower, the commander continuously issued directives through the intercom, coordinating the entire boarding process, while ground crew members busily shuttled across the tarmac, conducting final checks on the equipment.
This time, the New Moon City force responding to the World Government’s mobilization consisted of two parts: a mercenary corps led by Edge and Mo Xue, along with elite members of other large mercenary groups, totaling over 100,000 people.
Meanwhile, there was also a comparable number of locally mobilized soldiers, forming a mixed force of over 200,000, prepared to support the war front.
Military trucks carrying soldiers queued to the edge of the tarmac, soldiers in combat uniforms jumped off, carrying gear packs.
Commanders stood at the front of the forces, loudly issuing boarding orders, directing their soldiers onto transport planes and floating airships, the air filled with the continual sound of marching feet.
The mercenary elite were quite composed, or rather accustomed to war; their faces show no expression, quickly finding their seats and resting with eyes closed, conserving energy for the upcoming battles.
The mobilized soldiers were in much poorer condition; they were forcibly conscripted young adults with only one or two months of rear-line training, and then thrown by the authorities onto the battlefield.
Nervousness was etched on their faces, herded like sheep by the overseeing troops onto the transport planes, with only confusion left in their eyes.
After the court aircraft landed, the team led by Charles disembarked.
Charles was a short, stout man, whose tailored professional suit struggled to conceal his corpulent figure.