Starting from South America, speeding through the world

Chapter 179 Why Does His Majesty Plan a Rebellion?
The White House, West Wing basement, 6 a.m.

The room had no number and no signal.

To be precise, it does not exist on any administrative structure chart.

McCain sat in the center.

Apart from him, there were only three other people in the huge room.

“Rogers is just an empty shell,” McCann said calmly.

"He won the election simply because most people were already fed up with this farce."

"But that doesn't mean they'll think that way in the future."

The people opposite did not raise any questions.

They understood his implication and naturally needed no further explanation.

"Humans are emotional beings."

"What happened yesterday was a negative vote, not a democratic mandate."

"Let me be more blunt—this victory is fake and deceptive."

McCann was still speaking slowly:

"As president, I cannot accept that the American people are being led down a path of self-destruction."

"Therefore, we must protect this country."

"Safeguard the integrity of the Constitution and defend precious democracy."

As soon as the words were spoken, the three of them subconsciously looked up, momentarily taken aback.

But soon, they laughed.

Because McCann was also laughing, bending over backwards, and panting heavily.

After a long while, the room finally quieted down again.

“Alright.” McCann sat up straight and said seriously, “Let’s cut down on the fancy words.”

"Next, is the key point."

"Gentlemen, we are now facing an unprecedented opportunity."

"Thank you—yes, thank you to those crazy guys who've been making moves over the past few weeks."

"Because of their misdeeds, the country has fallen into continuous turmoil and fear."

"And this sentiment first penetrated neither the state government nor the voters."

"It's capital."

"They are more afraid of uncertainty than anyone else."

"That's why I was able to push forward the Insurrection Act, mobilize federal forces, and freeze interstate financial transactions."

"At the same time, it has regained control of some of the executive powers that previously required congressional approval."

“This card, called ‘centralization,’ is extremely rare.”

"But that's far from enough."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming a bit more tense:

"If we simply follow the established procedures and treat this golden opportunity as some kind of 70-day trial card—"

"What's the difference between that and robbing a bank and only taking a commemorative coin?"

Upon hearing this analogy, the man leaning against the wall chuckled: "You mean, take action against Rogers?"

"Not just Rogers, but all the Democratic nominees in this election," McCain said casually.

“If we share the same idea—” the other person thought for a moment and then quickly said, “the day after tomorrow will be a window of opportunity for action.”

"There was a celebration dinner, which invited many supporters and major investors."

"In private settings, without public broadcasting, it is easier to tamper with the narrative later."

"But."

The man, who hadn't spoken before, hesitated:
"If this gets leaked, the consequences will be far more than just 'trouble'."

"Besides, even if it's not leaked, it will still face a lot of skepticism."

As he spoke, he stared intently at McCann: "After all, as the biggest beneficiary, no one will believe you are innocent."

Upon hearing this, McCann scoffed.

"Remember those crazy guys I mentioned before?"

“Several places, Wall Street, Raleigh Camp—their very existence is the best excuse.”

The person leaning against the wall nodded:
"Put the blame on them."

"Style, weapons, rhythm."

"As long as these elements are met, the media and the public will readily accept it."

The person on the left thought for a few seconds, then suddenly spoke:

Even if this step succeeds, then what?

"Without the military, Congress cannot support you to remain in office forever."

"Why name 'Forever' so immediately?" McCann countered.

“In that case, due to the lack of constitutional precedent, the president may extend his term appropriately.”

"It sounds like you already have a concrete plan?"

"of course."

"The first step is to establish a 'Federal Emergency Coordination Mechanism'."

The official explanation is that this is to ensure the minimum operational capacity of federal government in extreme environments.

“Let them think you’re ‘backing them up,’ not ‘taking over,’” the person on the left added.

"The second step is to gradually enable this mechanism to assume basic functions such as finance, law enforcement, and election."

"Clearly, it is technologically neutral, avoids politics, and does not discuss positions."

"The third step is to use temporary powers to freeze non-critical appointment procedures during the transition period, and postpone the onboarding of officials and budget reviews."

"Where is Congress?" the man leaning against the wall asked.

"The resumption of the meeting has been postponed due to concerns about public safety and the chaos in the legal system."

"Besides, by then, most of the councilors will already be dead."

"Even if someone wants to question it, they won't be able to stir up any trouble."

"The fourth step is to demonstrate the necessity of continuing the current mechanism."

"Endorsed by an 'independent public body' comprised of technocrats, academics, and some Republican governors."

"I would like to offer some more 'neutral and reasonable' suggestions, such as temporary financial support or limited elections."

"The economy will certainly be further affected during this period."

"Panic, cashing out, rating downgrades—these will all happen."

"However, labor pains are necessary."

"As long as the armed forces are not weakened, the dollar credit system will not really collapse."

"But how can you be sure the army will remain on the sidelines?"

The man on the left spoke up again, "Even if you don't touch them, they might still strike first."

McCann shook his head: "As long as it doesn't violate the constitution or declare a provisional government—"

"There is no sufficient excuse or benefit to motivate them to do that."

"While maintaining the apparent legality of the procedures, we are actually able to gradually win over officers in key positions."

"Budget, responsibilities, authorization. In short, it's about granting official positions and making promises."

“By then,” McKen paused, his gaze sweeping over the three men, “there will be a new order.”

"Like an unmarked map."

"Wait for the truly capable to fill it up little by little."

There was a brief silence in the room.

Immediately afterwards, the person leaning against the wall curled up the corner of his mouth and reached out to pick up the heavy glass in front of him.

“It sounds like,” he said, “that we’re not just temporary workers.”

“Of course not.” McCann chuckled lightly and said unhurriedly:
"You will be the founders of the future."

The other two imitated their companion's actions, their expressions solemn.

The one on the left whispered, "I thought I'd never see a situation like this again in my life."

"so--"

The three of them met eyes.

Then, raising his glass solemnly, he said, "To our Caesar."

The glass gently clinked together, making a pleasant sound.

Caesar, perhaps.

McCann thought to himself.

I would do better than Caesar.

(End of this chapter)