Chapter 211: A Warning In The Night

Arthur stood before the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows of his private study, arms crossed, as he surveyed the sprawling cityscape below.

In the distance, the Osborn Mega Commercial Plaza rose majestically, a stunning fusion of glass and steel, bustling with autonomous drones and elegantly crisscrossed transit lines.

Just weeks after its grand opening, the plaza’s lights pulsed with an almost palpable energy, hinting at a revitalization for a once-ailing economy.

Lost in contemplation, Arthur wore a calm yet inscrutable expression as he gazed into the horizon.

Just then, a sharp knock echoed through the room, shattering his reverie.

He frowned slightly but called out without turning around. “Enter.”

The door slid open to reveal Bureau Head Derrick.

His usual composure was tinged with tension; every movement hinted at a man burdened by unspoken secrets.

Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit and clutching a slim case, likely containing sensitive data files, Derrick stepped inside.

When Arthur turned to face him, surprise flickered across his features for just an instant before he regained his poise and greeted him with a smile.

“Head Bureau Derrick! To what do I owe this late-night visit?”

Derrick nodded solemnly as he closed the door behind him and approached Arthur’s desk.

He placed the case down carefully and met Arthur’s gaze with an earnest expression that belied his age.

“It’s urgent,” he said, glancing toward the windows. “Do you have a moment?”

“Always for you,” Arthur replied smoothly while gesturing toward the view outside. “But I suspect this isn’t just a social call.”

Derrick studied him intently, his eyes reflecting conflicted loyalty. “You’re right. Things are shifting.”

Arthur uncrossed his arms slowly, curiosity piqued. “Every day brings change,” he noted thoughtfully. “What do you see?”

Taking a deep breath, Derrick continued, “Within Urban Development and Construction Bureau, there’s pressure building, not from citizens or standard bureaucratic channels but from parliament and elite lobbies whispering in political backrooms.”

He tapped on the slim case beside him for emphasis. “They’re preparing nationalization clauses and reforms to emergency governance… framing your project as ’too centralized’ and ’a coup against state sovereignty.’”

Arthur remained composed but felt his mind racing as appreciation flickered in his eyes as he looked calmly at Derrick.

“A coup?” he echoed incredulously before adding with a wry smile, “I thought they were praising it.”

“They are publicly,” Derrick replied quietly, “but behind closed doors? They fear losing control over something that has become more than mere property, it’s now an economy unto itself.”

Turning away from the window to face Derrick fully, Arthur pressed for specifics: “What exactly are they planning?”

Derrick nodded, tapping his case with a sense of urgency. “Bill 1432, the ’Public Asset Integration Act’, was drafted this morning.

It’s currently in committee, and it mandates government-appointed seats on privately-run megastructures raking in over five billion in revenue.

But it’s not just about seats; they’re pushing for government veto power on strategic decisions, national oversight, revenue sharing, and regulatory red lines.”

Arthur processed this information, brow furrowing. “Are they serious about this committee work, or is it just symbolic?”

“Serious,” Derrick replied firmly. “The ministers backing this initiative aren’t just making noise; they’re from key sectors: finance, housing, energy. They’ve also garnered social support, media narratives are shifting fast. Public opinion is buzzing with concerns over pollution metrics, labor issues, and surveillance worries. Sure, some of it’s exaggerated but it serves a purpose.”

Arthur turned to gaze out the window at the plaza’s skyline. “So they want a slice of the pie?”

“More than that,” Derrick said emphatically. “They want to rebrand the pie as their own.”

Arthur exhaled sharply and asked, “What do you suggest we do?”

Derrick paused for a moment before responding thoughtfully. “We need to adapt and preemptively engage with them before they force our hand.”

Arthur turned slowly to face him, weighing his options. “Do I trust them?”

“Partially,” Derrick admitted candidly. “But it’s the safest path forward. We can negotiate board positions and a charter while keeping Osborn control intact or we can fight back… risking an ugly expropriation under emergency powers.”

Arthur glanced back at the case resting on the table. “So that’s why you’re here with an olive branch? Or two?”

“It’s more of a warning,” Derrick clarified. “But yes, it’s also an opportunity for collaboration. I don’t know who’s pulling the strings behind this bill draft that mentions removing your veto in the name of ’public interest.’ They aim to restrict the plaza’s autonomy.”

“Public interest,” Arthur mused aloud. “What about private value? What happens to innovation?”

Derrick managed a faint smile despite the gravity of their conversation. “You gave them something miraculous and now they want credit for it.”

Arthur smirked bitterly but quickly adjusted his demeanor to sound casual: “Miracles come with taxes.”

“It’s more than just taxation,” Derrick replied gently but firmly. “It’s about redistributing influence itself! If you don’t position yourself wisely, they’ll undermine you from every angle: media narratives, judicial actions, zoning permits… One leak could spiral into full-blown prosecution.”

Arthur let out a dry laugh edged with understanding: “And you think I should let them inside my walls?”

Derrick’s gaze was steady, unwavering. “You know, Arthur, I think it’s time you built a wall of your own design,one that’s inclusive and adaptable. Start with a non-voting observer, then add a sensitive compliance team. We need to dilute their power before they divide us.”

The room fell silent as Arthur took a step back, absorbing the weight of Derrick’s words. “Are you really asking me to share my power?”

“It’s your power to share,” Derrick replied calmly. “If you don’t take the initiative, they’ll snatch it away from you. And when the first senator starts questioning why the plaza isn’t publicly audited or why its security drones aren’t responding to government directives, guess what? You’ll suddenly find yourself at odds with democracy.”

Arthur squeezed his eyes shut in frustration. “They’ll label me the privatizer, the plutocrat who’s obstructing civic rights! They’ll unleash op-eds and petitions against me. I’d be painted as the villain in black glass!”

Derrick nodded knowingly. “Exactly. That’s why I’m here, to help you remain the hero of this story.”

A heavy silence enveloped them for a moment before Arthur made up his mind.

“Alright,” he said softly but firmly, “let’s arrange a discreet drafting session. Invite key members, Derrick, Lavelle, Daevon, and let’s work on building that charter together. But no seats on the operational board! We’ll have government liaisons and transparency requirements but operational veto stays with me.”

Derrick’s shoulders relaxed slightly at this decision. “Understood.”

Arthur raised his hand slightly in acknowledgment. “And Derrick… thank you.”

The bureau head inclined his head respectfully. “Your move, Mr. Osborn.”

With that, Arthur closed his eyes again, his mind racing through frameworks and clauses, every detail he needed to control while giving just enough to keep everyone satisfied.

Outside, the storm raged against the windows like an echo of the tension swirling in his chest.

Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes and glanced at the closed door with a smile creeping onto his face: “This old guy is quite loyal after all; I didn’t bet wrong.”

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