Chapter 882: Secretary Foster's Unexpected View
While Secretary Foster failed to see through Director Gardner's intention, President Hugo understood it clearly.
Evidently, Director Gardner did not see the North as an enemy but as an opponent.
Despite the present odds against the federation, Director Gardner believed it could still make a comeback so long as they secured its interests before the North solidified its power.
As long as the federation's foundation remained firm, the federation could bide its time until it found another chance to surpass the North and become the world's dominant power again. That was why Director Gardner had only made suggestions to delay the North's growth or allow the federation to keep up with it to some extent and not outright enter a hostile relationship with the North.
Director Gardner recognized the North's present dominance, yes.
However, given the federation's ideals, influence, and power, he didn't want the federation to join the United Nations and become the Black Rose Empire's vassal.
Director Gardner believed the federation had enough advantages to fight for an alliance-type relationship and maintain its independence instead.
President Hugo understood all this and couldn't help but admit that it was the ideal choice, given the North's unstoppable growth. They couldn't fight the North, but they also didn't wish to be swallowed and reformed by such a militant group.
Unfortunately, President Hugo was also aware that such an option was on their more wishful side of things.
Whether the federation could secure its position as the North's ally and maintain its independence ultimately depended on the North's attitude.
"You should know that the forty-five state members of the federation had decided on a wait- and-see situation during the last meeting, Director Gardner," President Hugo solemnly mentioned before asking, "If I were to send you to negotiate with the North, how confident are you in succeeding?"
"To be honest, I'm not confident at all, President," Director Gardner boldly admitted before saying, "However, if we don't even try to talk and take our chance, we are bound to lose our freedom and everything we have worked hard to build in the past century."
"That said, it seems Secretary Foster has a different opinion," Director Gardner suddenly added, having noticed the person's brief look of contempt.
"I don't have anything to say, Director Gardner," Secretary Foster stated dismissively, unwilling to continue the topic.
Nevertheless, Director Gardner was unsatisfied with her response.
"There's a difference between having nothing to say and having nothing good to say, Secretary Foster. I'm sure an insightful woman like yourself has something constructive to say, even if it is unpleasant to the ears. Please share it," Director Gardner urged.
"I better not," Secretary Foster coolly replied.
"I insist," Director Gardner pressed with a stern look.
At the same time, President Hugo also glanced at Secretary Foster expectantly. He was interested in her differing opinion.
Although Secretary Foster and Director Gardner had no decision-making power in the federation's governing body, they offered unique perspectives that were worth listening to.
As president of the federation, it was imperative for President Hugo to consider all sides' opinions and weigh their pros and cons.
Only by doing that would allow him to make the best choice for the good of the federation.
In truth, President Hugo did not agree with the state members' passive stance of waiting and seeing the situation. After all, it would be too late to act by the time the federation decided to act later.
As such, President Hugo found Director Gardner's proactive approach appealing.
Even so, he did not forget to pay attention to Secretary Foster, who may have a differing opinion. After all, she could be aware of something they weren't.
Secretary Foster softly sighed after realizing she had no choice but to speak her mind.
"I shouldn't be saying this as a member of the Freedom Federation, but the freedom we advocate is nothing but a joke in my eyes, honestly speaking," Secretary Foster made an unexpected statement before locking her gaze on Director Gardner.
"The very reason the Freedom Federation could freely pursue freedom and promote human rights, becoming a superpower is because it enjoys peace, far removed from the threat of Gehenna in the north."
"However, such freedom is also a double-edged sword that will hurt us and bring humanity to ruin should the Freedom Federation lead our entire race. You can try to refute my words, but you will only be lying to yourself."
"Gehenna had always been a mysterious place, and the Great Devils were invincible existences to us. Pangea has always been at Gehenna's mercy. Humans have been no more than chess pieces for the Great Devils to play with."
"However, the death of Abaddon has shattered their invincibility and brought forth an age of uncertainty. We don't know if Gehenna will wage an all-out war on Pangea tomorrow or some other day."
"What I do know is that when it happens and the flames of war spread across the entire continent, what will save humanity will not be the diversified opinions of democracy but the unified will of dictatorship."
"Only a dictatorial group can force everyone to fight for the survival of humanity and leave no one out," Secretary Foster stated.
President Hugo and Director Gardner were shocked by her blasphemous words, but they had to admit there were truths in them.
Should the relationship between Pangea and Gehenna deteriorate to such a point, the Freedom Federation indeed lacked the ability to conscript every single human being into the
war.
They could use propaganda to sway their people to fight for humanity, but they could not force them into the military if they did not want to.
After all, it would go against the very laws that protected them and the ideals they stood up
for.
How could humanity with divided strength win a war against Gehenna when its chances of victory were already abysmally low?
"So what are you proposing, Secretary Foster?" President Hugo inquired with a deep and thoughtful look.
"Honestly speaking, the federation must join the United Nations," Secretary Foster stated without hesitation before adding, "We cannot beat the wisdom of the dragons, nor do we possess the strength to slay a Great Devil."
"It is sheer foolishness to try and resist the inevitable change just to protect our freedom. After all, you need to be strong and alive to enjoy any form of privilege," Secretary Foster
stated.
She could only imagine Gehenna bringing death and enslavement after the death of Abaddon. Any possibility of peace between their two worlds didn't seem possible any longer.
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