Chapter 35: Responsibility and Regulations
"Report, sir, the appendage of the specimen has been completely excavated, measuring 50.6 feet in length, and is entirely covered in flour."
"This is the plan for attempting to move the specimen."
Nathan handed Marcus a plan sheet and reported loudly.
He was now somewhat curious about what this thing was; it felt like a legendary demon's lair, with constant roars coming from within.
Maybe it was a demon's egg, with an unborn baby demon inside. So demons are egg-layers; he had to tell his family to stock up on flour!
Nathan firmly memorized the fact that demons fear flour.
Marcus took the plan and examined it carefully.
It stated that due to the enormous size of the specimen, after collapsing, it would occupy approximately 6,760 square feet.
Therefore, the bottom would be hollowed out, and each section excavated would be supported by a truck chassis.
This would continue until the bottom of the specimen was filled with 20 truck chassis, all of which would be securely fixed.
Then, giant trucks from three nearby mines would be requisitioned to haul the chassis and move the specimen.
"Alright, proceed with this plan. We absolutely cannot damage the specimen."
Marcus nodded, finding the plan feasible. Time was too short, so this temporary measure was the only option.
"Yes, sir."
Nathan saluted, thinking to himself that even without the Colonel's instructions, they would have been careful; after all, this might be a demon's egg.
Marcus pondered for a moment. For the plan to proceed smoothly, he needed to see Governor Freeman.
Because the Royal Air Force was an independent service, he and Freeman had to appear together to bypass London's approval and make unauthorized movements.
Marcus first explained the necessary precautions to the command staff, then called Freeman's office, requesting an escort to accompany him to the government building.
Passing through the military district, Marcus had the escort accompany him to his office to retrieve two boxes, each about two cubic yards, which he loaded into the vehicle before continuing to the government building.
The group arrived at the white, colonial-style building, climbed the thirty-foot-wide marble steps at the entrance, and went straight to the governor's office on the far left of the third floor.
Governor Freeman sat at his desk, his expression stern and eyes blazing with anger, while a group of government officials sat rigidly on the sofas on either side.
The entire government office resembled a courtroom preparing for trial, awaiting Marcus's arrival.
Marcus had his escorts carry two boxes into the office and place them on the floor.
"Colonel Mitchell, do you know what you've done? You'll be court-martialed!"
"From now on, you'll only deserve a pension, holed up in some London suburb, doing nothing!"
Freeman's pent-up anger exploded the moment he saw Marcus, and he pointed at him, shouting furiously.
"Everyone else, get out!"
Marcus said calmly.
"Yes, sir."
The eight escorts carrying the boxes turned and left.
Marcus glanced around at the numerous government officials still sitting on the sofas.
"I'm including you. What, are you deaf?"
"What are you still sitting for? What are your legs for? Are you waiting for the guards to carry you out?"
Marcus said indifferently.
"This..."
The group of people immediately began to squirm.
Trying to stand up, they barely managed to lift themselves before catching sight of Freeman's angry glare, and could only remain stiffly seated.
"Enough, Mitchell!"
"This isn't a military base, this is a government office. They're not under your jurisdiction."
Governor Freeman's face was flushed red, as if he'd drunk straight whiskey; the veins in his neck throbbed, his facial muscles trembling slightly.
"Freeman, relax!"
"The armored battalion is still in Tumbbad. Anger won't solve anything!"
"Besides, I'm already here."
Marcus ignored Governor Freeman's near-furious expression and continued,
"Perhaps the 'peaceful development' policy still has some merit, don't you think?"
Hearing this, Freeman's anger began to subside.
He thought about it again; Mitchell was right, anger wouldn't solve anything.
The fact that Mitchell was in the room meant he intended to discuss things.
And judging from his words, he seemed willing to support his policies; there was still a chance to salvage the situation, there was still room for negotiation.
Freeman's flush faded quickly. He waved for the other government officials to leave, then said,
"Mitchell, what exactly are you trying to do? Get the armored battalion back quickly. There's still time. I can help you."
Freeman wanted to show some goodwill in exchange for the military's support for his policies. Now that Mitchell had softened his stance, no one wanted another powerful enemy.
Unfortunately, he didn't know that the person standing before him was Marcus, who didn't care about political relationships at all.
"I'm naturally protecting the safety of the people in our territory."
Marcus walked over and sat down on the sofa.
"Perhaps, all you need to do is withdraw the armored battalion, and the people of our territory will be perfectly safe!"
Freeman had regained his composure, and his mind was clearing.
"You don't understand, Freeman. I've discovered an Axis biological research facility. They've developed a large number of biological weapons and are planning a strike against us. I need your cooperation to mobilize the Royal Air Force."
Marcus glanced at his pocket watch as he spoke; it was 2:21 PM.
He decided to give Governor Freeman nine minutes for negotiation!
After all, he was a refined and reasonable man who didn't like resolving problems through violence.
"Mitchell, are you telling the truth? What evidence do you have?"
Freeman was somewhat skeptical, but people in their high positions would rather remain silent than deliberately lie.
Besides, Mitchell had indeed mobilized the army like a madman.
"My armored battalion is the evidence. You can go to the scene and verify it yourself."
Marcus maintained his refined and amiable tone.
"But even if the intelligence is true, we should report to London first. Mobilizing the Royal Air Force without authorization is against regulations and protocol."
Freeman had finally secured Mitchell's policy support, and his chances of reappointment were high, so he didn't want to offend Mitchell, but he also didn't want to violate procedures.
Marcus glanced at his watch: 2:25 PM.
He stood up and walked to the two boxes, opening the lids. Inside were boxes full of gold coins, emitting an alluring scent of wealth.
"Mitchell, what do you mean by this?"
The glittering gold almost blinded Freeman, and his voice lowered slightly.
"As far as I know, those old fogies in Parliament have already privately decided on the next governor. You might need something to shake their decision."
"Governor Freeman, here are two boxes of gold coins!"
"Tell me."
"Which box is the regulation?"
"Which box is the protocol?"
Freeman, lured by the fragrance of the gold coins, couldn't help but glance at the boxes again.
A flash of greed crossed his eyes, but his expression instantly returned to one of duty and responsibility.
"Mitchell, that's enough!"
Freeman slammed his hand on the table, interrupting Marcus.
"Our protocol is unity, our regulation is to protect our home and people!"
"These are not things that can be violated by a mere two chests of gold coins!"
Freeman paused, then continued,
"However, since you said there are biological weapons that could harm people in our territory,"
"In such an emergency, to protect the people, out of a sense of duty, I will naturally cooperate with you to mobilize the Royal Air Force!"
"We can submit an application to Parliament afterward."
Freeman had his own considerations.
There were only about ten years left before the eventual independence in 1947. If he couldn't be reappointed, he had to accumulate enough wealth for retirement.
He had originally thought that 'Pune' was a backwater with only tobacco, but he hadn't expected it to have gold.
"Very good, Freeman, you are indeed fit to be governor. I will contact you later."
This was perhaps the best outcome, without violence, a friendly negotiation.
Marcus clapped his hands in satisfaction and glanced at his pocket watch.
2:29:48 PM.
Indeed, smart people survive, and so do corrupt people. Only fools die!
They not only die themselves, but they also drag others down with them.
The clever Governor Freeman survived.
"Well then, I'll take my leave!"
Marcus said, turning and walking toward the door, intending to leave.
"I hope everything is as you say," Freeman said.
He felt a pang of regret, but a glance at the gold coins instantly dispelled it.
Seeing Marcus about to open the door, he ran over with an agility beyond his years and closed the boxes.
He didn't say what was inside, and no one dared to ask.
But being seen was a different story.
Marcus allowed himself a small smile as he left. He'd bribed a British colonial governor with stolen god-gold to get air support for excavating a cursed womb.
Hell had taught him many things, but the most valuable lesson was this: everyone has a price.
Even governors. Even gods.
(End of Chapter)
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+10 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]
If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a Review!
P*atreon/DarkFoxx (20+ advanced chapters)