AHumanMadeMOFO
patreon
Chapter 113: The Hydra Made the Right Move.
🕑 Added 2024-12-26 13:59:22 +0000 UTCThe Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago is also referred to as the Holy Name Cathedral of the Bishop.
As the name suggests, this is a cathedral overseen by a bishop, and not just any bishop, but a cardinal, often referred to as the "Red Cardinal."
Under the watchful eyes of Chicago's elite, the cardinal officiated the baptism for two children, Mike and Carol.
As the father, Josh outwardly maintained a solemn expression, but inwardly, he was full of skepticism.
Although outwardly presenting himself as a believer, Josh harbored little fondness for Catholicism, mainly due to the frequent scandals associated with the church in recent years.
If not for the church's substantial influence in the West, Josh would never have engaged in such superficial formalities.
The entire baptism ceremony was somewhat lengthy but proceeded very smoothly.
Even the cardinal, witnessing a gathering of nearly all of Chicago's elite, did not dare take the baptism of the two children lightly.
After the baptism ceremony concluded, the gathering shifted to Josh's estate.
The women gathered in the courtyard, chatting around the children, while the men assembled in the drawing room.
The gathering was relatively small, with only about twenty people, but each was a prominent figure from Chicago's corporate elite.
Josh had encountered most of them before, having attended multiple banquets hosted by the Leibler family and various charity galas.
These corporate members were well aware of Josh, the young man who had risen to prominence over the past two years.
Furthermore, John had already warned these individuals during the invitation process.
So Naturally, there was no chance of anyone attempting to show off and ending up embarrassed. At this level, no one is that naive.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the distinguished gentleman beside me needs no further introduction. Let us warmly welcome Josh as he joins us!” John announced loudly to the crowd while standing beside Josh.
Everyone graciously rose to their feet, offering enthusiastic applause to welcome Josh into the consortium.
“It’s an honor to join you all. I’ll skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point!” Josh raised his hands, silencing the applause, and began, “I believe Mr. Leibler has already shared my reasons for wanting to invest in Continental Bank. Thank you all for your support, but I believe the topic of greatest interest to everyone is the situation in Europe.”
The Continental Bank matter had already been settled before today’s gathering. Now, Josh was set to discuss the plan for everyone to collaborate and capitalize on opportunities in Europe.
“Without question, the war in Europe is effectively over. Our formidable armies now control the majority of Europe’s affairs. After the ravages of war, Europe is in desperate need of rebuilding, with industries eagerly awaiting our support... I trust none of you here would refuse to contribute to aiding our European allies, would you?” Josh concluded with a knowing smile.
Everyone in attendance responded with knowing smiles.
They were, of course, going to Europe to help—surely, it couldn’t be seen as an invasion?
Naturally, it is only fair to collect a modest reward after offering assistance.
“All I can say is that I’ve been lucky. During the final stages of the European war, I managed to provide some minor assistance to our allied armies and established friendships with leaders from Britain, France, Austria, and others. However, my personal resources are limited, and it’s impossible for me to support our European allies alone. That’s why I’ll need all of your help in the ventures ahead.”
Josh proceeded to provide a detailed overview of the European situation, emphasizing his influence there. This both heightened the Chicago consortium’s enthusiasm for Europe and reinforced their respect for Josh.
Thus, Josh officially became a core member of the Chicago consortium. (TL/N: Will use Consortium instead of Conglomerate from now on)
The consortium finalized plans for Josh to lead a team to Europe after Christmas to explore financial opportunities.
If they didn’t seize this opportunity to plow through Europe, they wouldn’t dare call themselves capitalists.
Following the gathering, Wilfred Malick, representing the Council of Nine, paid another visit.
“Your efficiency is truly slow. If you were any later, I’d already be on my way back to Europe!” Josh remarked to Malick in the study.
“Ah, it’s just that a few people have been stirring up trouble, especially Calvin Chadwick. He’s been vehemently against your return to the council!” Malick said, feigning helplessness while subtly discrediting Chadwick.
“Is that so? Could it be because of Whitney? Viewing me as an enemy over a mere woman—this Isodyne CEO doesn’t seem to have much magnanimity!” Josh said, raising an eyebrow. He knew Malick was trying to provoke him, but he also understood the claim wasn’t baseless.
Calvin Chadwick? Heh, I’ll remember that.
“Exactly. Fortunately, you’ve managed to establish yourself as a core member of the Chicago consortium, and by taking over Schmidt’s power, those old-timers now hold you in high regard. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have been possible based on my words alone,” Malick remarked with a sigh.
“So, they’ve agreed?” Josh inquired.
“Of course. They’ve scheduled a meeting in New York for you to officially attend the club’s meeting. But be cautious—they’re aware of your plan to take the Chicago consortium to Europe for profit, and they want a share!” Malick warned. “Those old-timers are scheming, so stay vigilant!”
“What? Do you think they can take me down? Or are you implying that I should be afraid?” Josh sneered at the remark.
“Of course, I know you’re not afraid. Besides, once you regain your seat, those old-timers wouldn’t dare act against you openly—it would violate the council’s rules. But they excel at underhanded tactics, using legitimate business methods to seize your profits,” Malick remarked knowingly. (TL/N: Don't know why he is saying regain.)
When Hydra was first founded, it made a vow prohibiting internal conflict among council members.
This restriction on internal conflict only restricts to the use of force.
This includes acts such as assassination.
External conflicts can be handled however you please, but such actions within the council are strictly forbidden; otherwise, you’ll face collective retaliation.
This rule serves not only to ensure the organization’s survival but also to protect the council members themselves—an organization riddled with internal strife cannot last for long.
Of course, it’s not entirely prohibited—as the saying goes you are not guilty till proven.
However, if you’re discovered, be ready for the entire table to be overturned.
Back then, Schmidt was entirely cast out by the council for breaking this rule.
However, this prohibition against internal conflict clearly does not extend to normal business operations.
Back then, the Malick family was taken down by other families using business tactics.
But would Josh, armed with special abilities, be afraid of business tactics?
If you dare to mess with me, I’ll crush you with technological superiority!
A few days later, Josh went to New York with Malick.
Just like when he joined the Chicago consortium, after a brief gathering, Josh donned the iconic Hydra emblem, officially becoming a member of the Hydra organization.
Don’t be deceived into believing that Hydra is a highly mysterious and high-end organization.
Only after real interaction will you realize that, under normal circumstances, it’s not much different from an ordinary business club.
Apart from contributing funds annually for joint projects and sharing critical intelligence and political resources, council members largely operate independently, maintaining significant autonomy.
Except for a few council members, their respective factions rarely interact without explicit orders.
It is precisely this loose structure that makes the organization even more difficult to dismantle.
And this is not good news for Josh.
This cooperative approach, while capable of rapidly accelerating Josh’s industrial growth.
It also made it harder for him to fully control the entire Hydra organization.
Fortunately, Josh is young and can afford to wait!
As Malick previously reminded him, the council is also ready to claim a share during the European expedition.
To be precise, the council had initially planned to carve up Europe after the war. Josh’s emergence, along with the return of the European Hydra branch to the organization, has merely made their operations more convenient.
Beyond these routine actions, Josh, having just secured a seat on the council, also witnessed another side of Hydra and became involved in a significant event.
“Since the war is nearly over, Little Roosevelt is no longer fit to remain in that position. Otherwise, with his temperament, it won’t be long before he comes after us!”
During the club meeting, after discussing Josh and matters related to Europe, Thomas Gloucester, the acting council leader, raised a new topic that startled Josh.
Well, Hydra truly lives up to its reputation.
As expected, their actions are truly audacious.
Who is Little Roosevelt? Naturally, he’s the one in the White House.
Previously, there was President Theodore Roosevelt, while the current Roosevelt is Franklin Roosevelt. The former is the latter’s distant cousin.
It is precisely due to their relationship that the former is referred to as Old Roosevelt, while the latter is known as Little Roosevelt.
This year happens to be an election year, and it’s a pivotal moment in the election process. The council is clearly planning to intervene to stop Roosevelt from remaining president.
“This might not be easy, right? He’s currently at the height of his influence!”
Josh cautiously remarked that, as a major capitalist, he also didn’t want Roosevelt to remain president. A president with an excessively long term and excessive power is not favorable for any major capitalist or financial group.
And Roosevelt happens to possess all of these traits.
In the original timeline, Roosevelt won this election as well, and it was a decisive victory.
However, just a few months after his victory, right before the war fully ended, he conveniently passed away.
Whether there is something wrong with this, Josh couldn’t be sure.
However, what Josh is certain of now is that if Roosevelt is re-elected in this world and then dies, there would definitely be a major problem.
And it’s highly likely to be connected to him as well.
Hiss... just thinking about it is quite exciting.
Hydra has definitely made the right choice.
"Heh, Josh Khan, since you’ve joined the council, you’ll have to get used to its ways. So what if he gets elected? There are plenty of elected presidents, and many of them have accidents too. What difference does one more make?" Calvin, sitting across from Josh, gave a provocative glance and spoke calmly.
