Chapter 123
Chapter 123
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: Rights and Obligations (2)
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Donovan Reid.
Mid-level politician representing Epsilon Circle 3 Sector as his district.
Three-term city councilor from the Civic Republican Party.
Former ODPD headquarters superintendent who stepped straight into politics with corporate backing right after retirement.
A typical Omega Detroit politician, dogged by scandals like redevelopment embezzlement, corruption, improper solicitations, and abuse of authority ever since his first election win.
Such a man spoke before me.
"I have long admired the Church's great mission. Would you kindly permit me to follow the Lord's teachings as well?"
"......"
As his profile made clear, Donovan Reid was no paragon of integrity.
'In truth, most of this city's politicians are cut from the same cloth.'
A landscape where corporate donations bought votes and seats.
Survival demanded compromise.
Thus, those in key city posts weren't driven by ideals—they were the majority who groveled for scraps, content to play puppet for their patrons.
People prioritizing personal standing and gain above any cause or creed.
The polar opposite of true faith.
'So, of course it's not genuine.'
I offered a perfunctory smile in reply.
"I'm delighted to hear Mr. Donovan wishes to join the Church family."
"Then—"
"But regrettably, the Church's procedures apply equally to all believers. Register as a provisional first, attend worship at least once a week for seven weeks, and you'll qualify for baptism as a full member. What do you say?"
True to form as a politician, he caught on quick.
Reading my face, he gave an awkward chuckle and straightened up.
"Ah, my apologies. I got carried away. Let me properly introduce myself to you, Saintess. Donovan Reid. Please don't misinterpret my earlier words—I meant I want a close, mutually beneficial relationship with the Church."
I smiled lightly.
"Yes, I'm Evania. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Donovan. You're running for sector chief, aren't you? Word is you're the frontrunner."
"Haha, too kind."
"So, what brings you to the Church?"
He cut to the chase.
"As I said, support me in this election, and I promise generous rewards."
So the brotherhood-in-faith spiel was just window dressing.
Maybe worth a shot from his angle.
'The Church of Radiance has always invoked the Lord's will, so he probably tested those waters first.'
No dice, so the crafty operator pivoted to hard pragmatism.
"As mentioned, I aim to partner closely with the Church of Radiance going forward."
He laid out specifics of aid if elected.
"First off, I can slash taxes on Church donations to corporate rates. Sector chiefs can enact limited special laws locally, so it's feasible."
A tempting offer, no doubt.
The Church ran multiple businesses, but as an entity, it straddled an awkward non-corporate status.
Donations thus faced steep gift taxes—yet corporatizing risked alienating followers and fueling anti-corp sentiment.
A nagging headache.
Donovan pitched fixes for that and more, easing our path ahead.
"That's not all. I'll fast-track and prioritize admin approvals for every Church venture. Sector chief access means sharing gov intel and rival faction intel to the max."
He rattled off benefits like a pitch-perfect business plan.
Thorough prep evident.
But nothing's free. Once done, I countered:
"And the cost?"
"Haha. Naturally, all this hinges on my election as 3 Sector chief. So... might I have the Saintess's backing this time?"
Bottom line: Church endorsement to clinch the win.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ More or less as anticipated.
I mulled it over, then tabled a firm answer.
"Mind giving me time to consider?"
"Of course, Saintess. Thanks for your time. I'll await good news."
After Donovan departed.
Gazing at the half-drunk coffee and empty chair, I sank into thought.
'His deal's a clear win for us.'
The Church boasted corp-level muscle and funds now, but zero political pull.
Allies like Tessellation or Lumina Group could lend sway, sure.
But proxies might falter in true crises.
'Paranoia?'
No—against potential foes, overpreparation was undersold.
Direct political leverage? Valuable.
Yet... something nagged uneasily.
"....."
Pondering didn't last.
Another politico showed soon after.
Yoanna briefed me.
"Caleb Sterling. Donovan's top rival. Free Citizens Party rookie, backed by 3 Sector's mid-tier corp alliance."
The visitor: sharp-suited man, early forties.
He bowed politely.
"Caleb Sterling, Free Citizens Party candidate. My respects, Saintess."
Civic Republicans vs. Free Citizens.
City council's big two—but rivalry? Obsolete. All corp-owned now.
Polls were mere proxy corp turf battles.
This race too.
Donovan: near-majors' pick.
Caleb: mid-tiers' man.
Underdog, so bolder bait.
"Elect me, and Asecure Corporation gets official sector security contract. Plus, city special budget for Eleos Medical Center ops."
The sum? Deficit-killer into profits.
City cash as straight rebate.
"......."
Now a choice.
Safe, solid gains.
Or riskier, fatter upside with the dog.
Win-win for Church either way. Loser dares no payback.
'Politicians are corp tools, after all.'
Their offers? Backers' bids.
Corps don't sweet-talk weaklings.
Such honey proved they saw us dominant.
Zero revenge risk.
Pure-profit pickle.
'Yet...'
Neither sat right.
Why? Elusive.
'Their corruption?'
All pols filthy.
Any gov tie? Same stain.
Corp puppets? Could puppet for Church.
Tools serve. Their clout amps our ops, expands flock aid.
Didn't clock the need till now—but growth demands politics.
Still... tools.
Grubby, hand-me-down tools.
Short-term handy, but new master beckons?
'Betrayal in a heartbeat.'
That stuck.
Church's root goal: shield from megacorps.
Needed capital-proof power.
These pols? Crunch-time paper tigers.
I steeled, told Yoanna:
"Why not run our own candidate this election?"
No instant feast, of course.
Prep lag doomed real odds.
'Believers' votes presold.'
Thus: profile booster debut.
Over filthy strings—self-forged base.
Growth trial run.
No backing, no hustle... just tossed him in.
📰 Breaking News "Yes, vote counting for Epsilon 3 Sector is complete. Independent candidate Alistair Vance—shooting in like a comet—clinched victory with a staggering 73% just one week post-declaration. Election confirmed. Congratulations!"