WeTried Translations
Translator: Coughing Baby
Editor: Coughing Baby
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
Chapter 351: A Splendid Invitation (3)
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If it had been officially confirmed, the contact would have come through a different channel. In any case, establishing a territory was a matter for the federal government. The same went for selecting the planned area. A federal senator might have been one thing, but this had no direct connection to a California state senator.
Directly, at least.
Senator Brennan’s answer was within Gyeoul’s expectations, for now.
“At present, it is under review in the state legislature. There are lawmakers working with me.”
“…….”
“You look curious. As if you are wondering what meaning there could be in a proposal from someone with no authority.”
“Are you saying you will make an official request at the state government level?”
“That too, and... party policy is not always bound by region, Lieutenant Colonel.”
“Ah.”
It was a hint that they could coordinate with the federal legislature as much as they needed.
That was something he had not thought of. No matter how obvious something was, high-level 「Insight」 did not always activate. Especially in fields the system judged unfamiliar to Gyeoul. In other words, it was a plausible mistake implemented on a system level. Even Gyeoul’s shooting had bullets that missed.
“A territory for refugees would be the next step after the military government office in the overall flow of policy. It would not be wrong to call it the final stage and ultimate goal of refugee administration.”
Brennan added an explanation.
“So it would be fair to assume that a considerable amount of time remains before a territory is actually established. Well, to put it bluntly, Lieutenant Colonel Han is still more useful as a soldier, is he not? As a politician, even the lieutenant colonel of ten years from now would be young enough... Though making your debut right away as an unbreakable youngest-ever record would not necessarily be bad either.”
“The public likes that sort of thing,” the senator said, wearing a mischievous expression.
Some states, including California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, granted full eligibility for public office from the age of eighteen, but there had never actually been teenage governors, attorneys general, senators, or representatives, and there would probably be none in the future either. That was what he meant by an unbreakable youngest-ever record.
‘The reason he is saying this in this context is... Does he mean there is enough time for groundwork?’
What came to mind was Ju Wei’s voice emphasizing the importance of lobbying.
Gyeoul first agreed briefly.
“I also think it is too early right now. I need to gain more administrative experience.”
They were also short on personnel. If the military manpower withdrew completely, nothing would function properly.
“As expected, yes?”
The senator nodded. For a moment, he showed signs that he found Gyeoul’s natural agreement unexpected. It was a fleeting change he tried to hide, but it was too clear for Gyeoul to miss. The senator continued.
“But would it not be a shame to simply wait forever because of that? If possible, within the range where we can act, it would be good to establish facts on the ground under the most favorable conditions. For example... effectively occupying the area you want.”
“Are you talking about real estate?”
“Land, buildings, other assets, it does not matter. What matters is that, at least from the perspective of ordinary people, it should be recognized at about the level of, that place is practically Lieutenant Colonel Han Gyeoul’s street, and the street of the people he protects... or guarantees. Once that perception comes first, it becomes easier to receive recognition.”
“So you are saying you will help with that...?”
“The refugee corporation... Was it called the Gyeoul Alliance? The nickname seems to be more famous, usually. In any case, if you, as its refugee leader, agree to the roadmap our side presents, then yes. Once the state legislature enacts the related bill, it will become much easier.”
Judging by the near-definite wording, unlike his initial nuance, Brennan seemed to have a considerable number of lawmakers on his side. Gyeoul wondered why the state legislature would push such a plan. Even before any correction, the first thing that came to mind was money.
“Is what you need funding?”
“What else would there be?”
Brennan laughed.
“As my wife said earlier, our state government will be in a position where even small change feels precious for a while. At the root of it, attracting investment to my jurisdiction is the mission and destiny of a politician like me.”
The three contaminated zones, including California, would suffer financial hardship for a long time.
Gyeoul responded carefully.
“If you have the refugee leader support budget in mind... I think it would be better to postpone detailed discussion until after the budget bill is decided.”
The bill had already entered advance legislative notice, but the budget bill was still drifting. The president’s departure from office was right around the corner. For a concrete outline to take shape, it would have to be after the new president took the oath of office, early next year at the soonest.
‘Besides, it is not money I can spend recklessly.’
The support funds to be provided were basically the price of housing, food, clothing, heating, and medical services for refugees belonging to the Gyeoul Alliance. Of course, since it was a budget calculated in proportion to the refugee leader’s performance more than the population itself, keeping the alliance’s size limited would increase the available funds by that much.
But that went against Gyeoul’s plan.
Brennan raised one hand.
“I know what the lieutenant colonel is worried about. Do not worry. That budget will only serve as insurance in case of nonpayment. The actual financial resources will be prepared another way.”
“When you say another way...”
“To give one example, the Gyeoul Alliance could take out loans or issue bonds. Using the salaries of refugee workers hired under the alliance’s name as collateral. It is just that there has not been such a case yet. There is no regulation prohibiting it. We have judged that there is no legal problem.”
“...A modified transaction contract, then.”
“Correct. In this contract, the Gyeoul Alliance would be the nominal owner, while the workers who actually repay the loans would exercise the rights. It would be an attractive transaction even for refugees who cannot own houses or places of business under their own names. As long as there is a clause stating that title will be transferred when true ownership becomes possible later. Creating the institutional devices for that is another role for me and my colleagues.”
Refugees without work visas, permanent residency, or citizenship could not enter normal contracts. Accordingly, the refugee corporation, as an organization, performed legal acts on their behalf. In the case of labor contracts, for example, each corporation was assigned its own employment quota, and group contracts were made within that range.
Brennan was not done.
“The more I think about it, the more it has only advantages from the refugees’ perspective. First, they receive preferential treatment on loan interest rates. The Gyeoul Alliance’s credit is higher than each individual’s credit, is it not? An individual worker carries the risk of losing the ability to work or losing employment, but the alliance can simply fill that worker’s vacancy with another worker. At least from the perspective of banks and other financial institutions, that is how it looks.”
There was also the refugee leader support budget mentioned earlier. It made the alliance a transaction partner expected to make stable repayments over the long term.
“Also, the tax benefits applied to refugee corporations are another advantage in this transaction. Income tax exemption. Reductions on acquisition tax and property tax. And so on... Well, you already know this well without me saying it, yes?”
“Yes.”
Gyeoul knew that too.
Under federal tax law, the Gyeoul Alliance’s legal status was dual.
First, it was not a nonprofit organization, but an organization with exclusively public-interest concerns. 4947(a)(1).
Second, it was a refugee organization providing human resources and services for national security under executive order.
He had heard that the former had existed for a long time, while the latter was a clause newly established after the spread of the Great Plague. Either way, it was eligible for tax exemptions and reductions.
“Next, the lieutenant colonel’s alliance could become a good channel for receiving political donations.”
“Mm...”
While Gyeoul sank into thought, 「Insight」 dug one keyword out of his memory.
‘Texas Donut Association? Ah... When this base was urbanized, Korean organizations from various places gave direct and indirect help in creating the shopping district. Donations, facilities, know-how, and the like...’
He understood the intent.
“You mean you want to gain political support from Korean American citizens.”
Brennan confirmed it.
“Not only Korean Americans. I understand there are also Chinese people in the alliance. I heard Lieutenant Colonel Han’s plan is to accept people regardless of nationality in the future. Even in the 201st Independent Battalion, a Chinese Company is scheduled to be formed right away, is it not?”
“Yes. That is correct.”
“Haha. The publicity effect gained by looking as if we are standing in solidarity with you is a benefit difficult to convert into money. It will considerably soften the antipathy Chinese American citizens feel toward our party.”
“But... that is not a benefit for California. You did say party policy goes beyond region... But other than the funding plan you mentioned earlier, I am curious what else you or the California state authorities would gain.”
“Why, does it sound too one-sidedly favorable?”
“Rather than that... I lack the expertise to discuss this kind of subject. I think it would have been better if you had told me to bring someone who would handle the practical work. If I seemed as if I was suspecting you, I apologize.”
Was this a trap disguised as goodwill? Was he making some mistake he had not yet noticed? As Gyeoul guarded himself and acted carefully, the state senator answered as if it were nothing.
“I understand. There is no need to apologize... In the end, it comes back to money. Money.”
“…….”
“If a refugee population is settled in the city by the method I mentioned earlier, the city gains additional tax revenue in addition to direct profit from selling assets. Until the territory separates, that is. Leaving all those buildings empty would only turn us into old Detroit again, is what I mean.”
Old Detroit.
As far as Gyeoul knew, before the plague, Detroit had been counted among the worst cities in America. A place where water and electricity were not supplied, where there were few police stations, where trash went uncollected and every alley stank. A city with so many abandoned buildings that the government had selected it as one of the resettlement areas for western disaster refugees.
‘They said it could take in hundreds of thousands without constructing new buildings.’
Here in Fort Roberts, there had been citizens who wanted to stay behind because they did not want to go to such a place.
Now it was different. The disaster refugee resettlement project had achieved considerable results, and the devastated old downtown was regaining the splendor of its prime. The media often broadcast that scenery too, as an achievement of the current administration.
Had the president not said it himself during the explanatory press conference on the 「Greek Islands」 plan? That the wealth gap had actually decreased slightly. At the time, Gyeoul had thought it was plausible. A world approaching its end. It was the gap between people who had not had much to lose anyway, and people who had far too much to lose.
A possibility crossed Gyeoul’s mind as one association led to another.
“Do you expect a considerable number of disaster refugees not to return?”
“I do not know about a considerable number... but there will be people who find it difficult to return.”
“…….”
Brennan, who had been quietly watching him, smiled.
“Well, I suppose Lieutenant Colonel Han was not in a position to think about this problem seriously.”
“That... is true.”
He had not had the leeway. None of the duties he was given or incidents that broke out had been easy. He also lacked experience. What apocalypse in the past had ever allowed disaster refugees to return?
“That is true.”
Gyeoul repeated the same words.
“They recovered the cities and towns, but complete restoration will take at least several months, or at most years. If the disinfection process for contingencies is taken into account, it will take longer. Many people will choose to settle down in the resettlement areas instead of waiting for that. As for the assets they own here... they will sell them off for a modest price.”
The longer restoration took, the more people would give up on returning home. If only because the new foundations they had built, and the effort they had put into them, would feel too precious to waste.
Then there was the cost. The resettlement project was also a form of government compensation for the damage the disaster refugees had suffered. If support for moving again were provided here, it would be no different from throwing all the funds poured into the resettlement project into thin air. In other words, the federal government did not have the capacity to actively pursue the disaster refugees’ return home.
‘Honestly, this much is already excellent.’
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) compensation for natural disasters was originally carried out by choosing one among reconstruction, home repair, residence construction, or housing rental support, and it did not support the full amount to begin with. The related budget must have run dry long ago.
Brennan spoke.
“Even so, the people who will return will return. Resettlement was a tight-budget project, and many neighborhoods ended in failure.”
“…….”
“California will find it difficult to regain its former splendor. Now that the Pacific coast trade market has disappeared, San Diego is the first city that may be worth developing through selection and focus. From the federal government’s perspective, it is a naval base they can never abandon. The employment derived from that alone is expected to produce the minimum population and economic strength needed to maintain urban functions.”
Gyeoul felt suspicious. In truth, it was a sense of wrongness that had been rising little by little from earlier.
Wasn’t the sales pitch too plain?
The basics of trade and negotiation were to hide one’s own need and find the other party’s need. The frank confession of a state senator he was not especially close with felt unnatural beyond excessive kindness.
‘Is there another reason he wanted to meet me?’
Simply because he had a lot of goodwill toward Gyeoul... did not sit right. In any case, it was not a question he could ask openly, so Gyeoul kept quiet and tried not to show it.
The fact that 「Perception」 was silent did not necessarily prove transparent intent. Depending on the other party’s ability, there were unclear points that the correction could not catch. Team Leader Chadwick was the representative example.
Looking only at the terms themselves for now, it was a good deal. The benefits both sides would gain were clear too. From the moment Detroit was mentioned, Senator Brennan and his faction seemed to place high value on reducing urban management costs, such as public security. A market also formed only when there was a population. Common sense said the larger a market was, the better.
There was also the advantage of using the labor force needed for restoration work at a very cheap price.
The state senator cut off Gyeoul’s thoughts.
“What are you thinking so deeply about?”
“...I was thinking that agreeing on a price before a contract would be tricky.”
“That is correct. As of now, there is no such thing as a market price.”
“Mm...”
“Well, do not feel burdened. As I said at the beginning, I invited the lieutenant colonel today to seek understanding on the broad roadmap. It was merely a feeler, to the degree of, let us make this kind of deal going forward. In any case, to reach a concrete agreement, a site visit and appraisal cannot be skipped. Even if you had brought a working-level person, there would have been nothing in particular to do today.”
“Now that I hear it, you are right.”
No matter what capable speculator Gyeoul brought along, they would not have been able to decide anything just by listening.
‘If there are other risks...’
One would be the case where, after all these transactions were concluded and time passed, the area was not recognized as a territory after all. But if ownership under the alliance’s name remained, it seemed he could still recover more than the principal, at least.
He would have to go back and consult.
But who had expertise in this field? Gyeoul first thought of Min Wan-ki, but no matter how capable Min Wan-ki was, the name was far from synonymous with omnipotence.
The next person who came to mind was unexpected. Baek San-ho, of all people.
“So, what is your conclusion?”
Gyeoul answered the question with a positive question of his own.
“I would like to ask you that. What should I do to proceed in earnest?”
“Haha. Then please convey the situation to the alliance personnel, and select people to dispatch to the field. We will send an official letter requesting cooperation soon. Ah, it would also be good to investigate in advance how much demand there is.”
“Understood. I will look into it.”
Gyeoul expected there would be applicants among the members of the Independent Battalion too. In truth, Senator Brennan had suggested using the workers’ salaries as collateral, but the group in the alliance with the most stable income was the officers and soldiers of the battalion.
If he drew in not only the former independent company members but also the rest of the Company members to be created in the future, the funds mobilized within the Independent Battalion alone could easily exceed ten million dollars a year.
Calculating it this way made the enormous military spending America was paying at this point feel new all over again. Even if it was planned to be formed at an expanded scale, the annual upkeep of just one Independent Battalion, including labor costs, reached tens of millions of dollars.
The statement that a city’s basic functions could be maintained by stationing a naval fleet there was plain testimony to fact.
‘Maybe the federal government might also recommend similar contracts to soldiers.’
He could understand why the public affairs office was so desperate to sell war bonds. And how much monetary value they saw in Gyeoul.
“If you have nothing else to say, I think I will take my leave now.”
At Gyeoul’s calm words, Brennan said, “Of course,” and stepped forward to see him off.
When they reached the door, he said in passing,
“Lieutenant Colonel Han Gyeoul really is exactly the person I heard about.”
“...Pardon?”
Seeing Gyeoul’s slightly late reaction, the senator slowly shook his head.
“Never mind. I only meant that I was pleased.”
He bid Gyeoul farewell with a smile.
Footnotes:
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