Chapter 766: A Broken Ship |
If the Emperor of Gephra were sitting in the Federation President’s office right now, the President might smile and say, “Is that all?” to express his surprise.
He didn’t mean to mock anyone—it was just that such a minor issue causing a financial crisis was genuinely surprising. It made the President realize Gephra’s financial system was more fragile than he had imagined.
“If this happened in the Federation…” the President looked at Truman, “Is there a risk of this happening to us?”
Truman gave a firm answer: “Mr. President, this can’t happen in the Federation.”
The President nodded with satisfaction. Indeed, the Federation’s political and social system was solid—though his thinking differed from most others.
Most people believed, Our capitalists are definitely stronger than Gephra’s, and this view was widely accepted.
“Can we do something with this?” the President quickly got into character. The Defense Department had briefed him beforehand, so he knew the meeting’s core.
He looked at everyone, put down his pen, and leaned back slightly in his chair. “Over two years ago, we faced a financial crisis ourselves. We survived, but it dealt a heavy blow to our country and society.”
“Now Gephra is facing the same problems. As mere bystanders, that doesn’t serve the Federation’s interests. Maybe we should act.”
“Two years ago, when it happened to us, Mr. Lynch introduced a new concept called financial warfare. Back then, our understanding was limited, but now we have a better grasp.”
“Maybe this is a good opportunity. We can strike at Gephra’s already fragile financial system—whether to gain benefits ourselves or simply to weaken Gephra, either way it seems worthwhile.”
The Defense official finished and glanced around, finally resting his eyes on Truman.
If Truman hadn’t been following this, the Defense Department wouldn’t have cared much.
Now that Gephra was in this state, ignoring it seemed inappropriate, but they also didn’t see any good solutions.
Fortunately, Federation officials liked to chat; sitting around and talking nonsense passed the time.
All eyes turned to Truman, who showed no nervousness. He glanced at his notebook and then at the others.
“If we only launch financial strikes, it won’t bring us any real benefits.”
“A financial war might worsen Gephra’s problems, but it won’t help us much.”
He had a clear, organized argument, speaking carefully.
“We’d have to invest funds—and those funds would be risky. Gephra’s financial environment is relatively closed; once money goes in, getting it back won’t be easy.”
“If we attack Gephra’s international trade orders, it would disrupt our own development plans and deepen hatred between us and Gephra.”
“The world would see this as a signal that we are strong enough to pressure the former hegemon.”
“That’s not a friendly signal. So I do not support any attack—probed or otherwise—against Gephra over this crisis.”
The President nodded. Truman had a gift for making complex issues easy to understand.
Simply put: they couldn’t interfere directly in Gephra’s domestic affairs; attacking international trade risked sparking hostility. Plus, Gephra’s submarine technology was still the world’s best.
To take a hostile stance rashly would be unwise.
Both Gephra and the Federation’s main markets were international. If Gephra sent submarines to intercept Federation merchant ships, there was little they could do.
Without effective anti-submarine equipment, these submarines were strategic weapons.
The President glanced at his watch—a subtle cue that it might be time to end the meeting.
He felt there was no point continuing if Gephra’s crisis couldn’t be exploited.
Truman cleared his throat, interrupting the President’s next words. “Is there anything else?”
The President looked back at Truman. “Sorry, did I interrupt?”
He apologized politely—a cultured gesture. The Federation’s President could be anything—a fool, someone with green hair, or webbed feet—physical differences didn’t matter; acting was what counted.
“We can use this opportunity,” Truman said succinctly.
The President looked surprised. “You just said we can’t strike them?”
Truman nodded. “But we can offer them aid…”
Everyone in the room—the President and staff alike—were shocked.
If they didn’t trust Truman’s loyalty, Defense officials might have jumped up and accused him of taking bribes from Gephra.
Truman’s answer was unusual, so the President studied him carefully, growing serious. “Explain. No jokes.”
Truman nodded. “The reason is simple. Before we are fully prepared to face global hostility and can handle most challenges, we need a target to surpass.”
“Gephra is that target. It is our next enemy, but also a shield against much malice and hostility.”
“After the naval war, we’ve seen more international cooperation and smoother relations—even Gephra has learned to bow its head.”
“Because it was first. We defeated it and gained glory. But…”
He emphasized but, pausing and looking at everyone in the room.
“…but, gentlemen, we are not ready for the next stage yet.”
“When we truly replace Gephra as the world’s strongest nation, the way others treat Gephra will become how they treat us.”
“They will fear our power but also harbor malice and hatred. The world doesn’t need so many strong powers or rulers; whoever takes that role becomes everyone’s enemy.”
“Even if they don’t say it, they think and act that way—just like we do now.”
“So before we truly grow strong and prepare to face challenges worldwide, I suggest maintaining the current international balance.”
“Let Gephra be the conspicuous target absorbing the bullets, giving us time and space to develop!”
“Besides that, by aiding the Gephra people, we can gain some real benefits.”
He looked at the Defense Department. “For example, military exchanges. Gephra’s sailors are the best in the world. We need that experience—even if they’re just telling stories, it helps improve our soldiers’ skills.”
“Or their engine technologies. Even a small technical leap could save us months or years of research and countless funds.”
“We could also invite some Gephra scientists to the Federation. They’ll love our research environment—the fresh air, the freedom…”
He said a lot. The Federation was stronger than Gephra in some ways, but lagged behind in others. Lynch had mentioned this in his letter.
To become the world’s strongest nation, the Federation needed broad tolerance and real depth.
A young country without much history lacked depth—but that didn’t matter. Other countries had it, so they’d just plunder it.
Like the Federation’s rough growth over the years: what they had, they expanded; what they didn’t have, they took by force.
At first, the Federation had no land, then they did.
At first, no wealth, then they had wealth.
At first, few people, then many.
The indigenous people in the reservations knew this well—they were victims.
Truman’s words made the President and some cabinet members think: if simply aiding Gephra could bring benefits far beyond money, would that be a good deal?