Empire of Shadows

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The lights came on.

Will touched his burning cheek; there were still specks of blood on his fingers.

He lifted his head, his eyes cold, looking at the bewildered middle-aged man and the whip in his hand. A more tyrannical emotion than the destructive desire in the middle-aged man’s heart began to rage!

It was a very special whip, made of tough cowhide straps—

In some leather shops, they would tan some particularly hard cowhide. Some of this cowhide was used for the base or support surface of leather goods; in short, it would be much harder than soft cowhide.

Some cut-off waste material, less than a centimeter square, was inexpensive and had no practical use. Ennio’s father got some, tied them together, and then oiled them.

It was handy for beating people; every whip would leave several bleeding welts on the body, and every time he used this thing to whip Ennio, it would make Ennio jump.

He had always cherished this whip. In his gloomy and tragic life, this whip was the only light in his life!

The light that could redeem him!When he wielded the whip, the pleasure that came from the bottom of his heart made him forget all his troubles!

However, there was a prerequisite: the person being whipped had to be Ennio, or his mother, not someone else.

In the current situation, not only did he not feel relaxed, not feel a ray of light shining into his heart, but he felt very scared.

So scared that he even ignored why a stranger appeared in his house.

Ennio’s father didn’t know what to say.

Sorry?

He didn’t know.

Will stood up, snatched the whip from his hand, and forcefully whipped the middle-aged man across the face. Ennio’s father, who had been bewildered, instantly reacted.

He twisted his head and tried to run outside, but two burly men who had come in from outside blocked his way. They even closed the door.

When he looked back, there were already two more people beside Will.

“Hold him down…” Will touched his cheek again, his eyes filled with murderous impulses!

After a string of “I don’t know,” “I’m sorry,” and “Please spare me,” Will finally vented his anger. He handed the whip to his subordinate.

Surprisingly, this whip was exceptionally effective and very handy to use. He planned to take it back as a collectible.

Ennio’s father and Will had no relationship whatsoever, so he naturally acted without restraint, focusing most of his attention on the father’s head and face.

Ennio’s father’s hands were battered and bloody from being whipped. He tried his best to protect himself, only being able to endure the suffering in his hands.

He lay on the ground, barely alive, but Will had also gotten what he wanted.

Some time ago, Ennio left and never came back. Someone said they saw him join some kind of street family, which made Will know who to seek revenge on.

He didn’t kill Ennio’s father, not because he was soft-hearted, but merely because he didn’t want to cause any more trouble.

Last time, he killed the girl Kent had kept, and Lukar quickly found him. As a last resort, he had one of his subordinates take the blame.

It cost twelve thousand dollars to change intentional homicide to negligent homicide, and his subordinate did not have to bear full responsibility, being sentenced to two years in prison—the lawyer convinced the jury that in an argument, the girl accidentally fell from the balcony due to excessive movement.

Will’s subordinate actively cooperated with the police and actively compensated, gaining the forgiveness of the girl’s family, who had long lost contact with her. Ultimately, the judge, referencing the jury’s opinion, deemed it an accident, and his subordinate also actively repented and compensated.

In the end, he was only sentenced to two years.

This also let him know that Lukar’s men were always watching him.

As expected, less than three minutes after they left, Lukar’s arranged personnel entered the house. They called an ambulance and sent Ennio’s unconscious father to the hospital.

Lukar, after learning the situation, didn’t make too many arrangements, just told them to prepare the materials and continue to pursue Will’s responsibility.

If he wanted to find someone to take the blame, let him. In the end, he would be the one hurting.

However, this time, Lukar also learned Will’s next target: Ennio.

What made Lukar feel even more incredible was that the boss of the “Lance Family” that Ennio joined was Mr. Lance, the owner of the labor office he had chatted with a few times!

The next morning, Lance drove to the dock. President Scott had already arrived early. He hadn’t slept well all night, constantly thinking about what Lance had said to Vaughn.

Especially the phrase, “People won’t remember who walked across the bridge every day, but they will definitely remember the person who built the bridge.” He felt as if his soul had undergone a baptism!

Yes, no one will remember who walked across the bridge every day, but as long as people walk across the bridge, they will remember the person who built it.

This kind of thing is very common in the Federation and elsewhere. He also hoped to become a bridge builder, not just a pedestrian passing by on the bridge.

He had the ability to build bridges, and he needed people to remember him.

Under Vaughn’s introduction, the two shook hands cordially. “You look very young.”

“Thank you!” Lance didn’t mention his age, “You too.”

President Scott laughed heartily. For an old man, being told he looked young was the best compliment.

“Please, let’s go to my office to talk,” he told his secretary to bring three coffees and some small pastries.

After the three of them were seated and the coffee was served, President Scott brought up the issue of union dues for illegal immigrants.

“Yesterday, after I went back, I kept thinking about this issue. It is indeed highly feasible, but there are also some additional problems.”

“All the benefits and assistance we can provide to members in the federal union system are based on the premise that the members are federal citizens.”

“For example, we help workers fight for their rightful and legal rights against capitalists, or we help workers solve legal problems they encounter.”

“Illegal immigrants are not legal federal citizens or residents. If they encounter these problems, it will be difficult for us to represent them.”

“Lance, you should know that in non-criminal lawsuits, because illegal immigrants do not have basic rights, the court can refuse to accept the case.”

From a legal perspective, illegal immigrants are actually “non-existent” because they have no entry records or identity documents. Although they exist in reality, legally they do not.

Neither the union nor other social security agencies can file claims against certain individuals or companies on behalf of thin air.

As long as the opposing lawyer points out the illegal immigrant status of these individuals, the court will terminate the litigation process.

“What I’m saying is precisely the most important work of the union. In other words, even if they pay union dues, we can’t do anything for them.”

President Scott’s attitude was very proper. He didn’t mislead Lance into paying immediately, nor did he refuse, but rather brought up the problems he perceived.

Lance nodded in agreement after listening. “Yes, President Scott, your view is absolutely correct. Before they obtain legal status, the effect of their union dues is indeed not as significant as that of local workers.”

“However, President Scott, perhaps we had a wrong viewpoint from the very beginning.”

“The purpose of having illegal immigrants pay union dues is not for them to enjoy all the obligations and rights that all local members have, but rather I hope that at least in the conflicts between the dock and local workers, in this area of the dock, they can obtain at least a guarantee of fairness and justice.”

He spoke about what happened yesterday. “If we hadn’t intervened, then Jamie’s clothes and money would have been robbed, and that would have been that.”

“No one could have helped him, but if he had paid union dues, then the union could have appeared promptly, curbing this oppression and bullying, and providing some help to Jamie, then his union dues would have become meaningful.”

“Helping him get back the money and clothes that Johnny stole, and upholding his most basic human rights as a dockworker while working at the dock.”

“This is what they want!”

“A peaceful working environment, free from bullying.”

President Scott thought seriously for a while. He knew the situation at the dock better than anyone; it was his territory. He knew that what Lance said made a lot of sense.

He glanced at Vaughn, and Vaughn also looked at him. The two old partners quickly exchanged glances and completed their communication.

Vaughn pushed his hair back, a gesture that signaled his opening remarks, “Lance, the conflict between local workers and immigrants isn’t so easily reconciled, and… you know, we can’t keep an eye on these people every minute of every day.”

His original intention was that the union wanted money, but did not want to excessively intervene in the conflict between local workers and immigrants, as well as illegal immigrants. Allowing local workers to bully illegal immigrants was itself a management method.

Only by shifting the pain can people feel less pain.

Just like Ennio’s father, he transferred the injustice and cruelty of society to his wife and children through domestic violence. The pleasure gained from abusing his family would heal the scars left on him by society sooner.

It was the same for the dockworkers. They were exploited and oppressed, but if they could bully others in the process, it would give them a feeling that “there are people worse off than us.”

And by treating their lives and current situation as “abusers,” they would feel much more comfortable.

Those exploitations and oppressions might not even become unbearable.

Looking at Lance with a furrowed brow, and considering that he would ultimately be the one paying this money, Vaughn continued to explain, “Lance, you’re in the dock labor business, so you should know better than anyone how monotonous and painful these jobs are.”

“People need to vent!”

This is perhaps the saddest part of being an immigrant: they elevate the social bottom class, becoming the basement floor, below the first floor.

Vaughn’s words were cruel, but also true.

With these scapegoats, the situation of the dockworkers improved significantly, and management became easier—

If you don’t do it, there are plenty of people who will. Get rid of your inexplicable arrogance and go to your post, or pack your things and get out of here. Make your choice!

Then they compromise, and then they vent their emotions—a perfect management system!

This is actually a vicious cycle, because this choice is equally effective for illegal immigrants and immigrant workers.

If you don’t do it, there are plenty of people who will, and they can endure humiliation and bullying better than you.

“This is an unhealthy management system!” Lance emphasized.

President Scott immediately responded, “But it’s effective, and efficient!”

Fact!

Lance pondered for a moment, “What if we provided other outlets for emotional release?”

“For example?” President Scott showed some interest.

“The Dockworkers’ Club!”

The Dockworkers’ Club opened once every two weeks, offering various foods, affordable goods, and entertainment. It was indeed a good place to reduce stress and vent emotions.

However, it only opened twice a month, and as the union cut funding, the workers’ club gradually became less interesting.

President Scott shook his head, “Every time it opens, we lose a large sum of money, two or three hundred at least, and four or five hundred at most.”

“So it’s hard to accommodate your ideas, Lance.”

Lance rubbed his temples, “I have a proposal, President Scott.”

“Please speak…”

“Contract the workers’ club to me. I will solve the problem of workers’ stress, and you will be responsible for ensuring that my people are no longer bullied. We will jointly form a disciplinary patrol team to prevent such situations from happening.”

“Your people?” President Scott caught a detail.

Lance nodded, “Yes, my people, the ones in blue work uniforms.”

He no longer insisted that all illegal immigrant workers be treated fairly. This was indeed unrealistic, at least for now. So, he wouldn’t cater to those who hadn’t united around him.

President Scott and Vaughn looked at each other for a moment, then Vaughn asked, “How do you plan to run the workers’ club?”

This was actually agreeing to Lance’s terms. Lance smiled, “Of course…”

The discussion went very well. Ultimately, they no longer needed to pay any bills for the club, nor would they receive any profits from it.

Lance guaranteed that the club would be open long-term, from Monday to Friday, it would be open for two hours from 7 PM to 9 PM.

On weekends, it would be open from 2 PM to 11 PM, with no days off, even on holidays.

They fully handed over the management rights to Lance. To ensure Lance wouldn’t mess around and that he could run the club well, he needed to deposit five thousand dollars into the union’s account.

If he failed to fulfill the contract, then the five thousand dollars would belong to the union.

Both parties quickly signed the contract, and Lance, on behalf of the firm, paid the union dues.

Not by work card, but by the illegal immigrant registration card number at the firm. Lance would also send people to join the union’s work system to patrol the entire port and dock at any time.

If someone managed to get a uniform and then no longer affiliated with the firm, and was discovered by the patrol team, they would be given corresponding penalties.

To ensure not one more, not one less.

After all, Lance paid for these people and their identities. If someone impersonated them, it would be like stealing Lance’s money!

After reaching an agreement, he signed a check for the money and gave it to President Scott, who accepted it. It was clear that he was very happy.

Even if nothing ultimately came of it, just creating an extra three thousand dollars in profit was a good thing.

The workers’ club was not far from the union office. From its appearance, it used to be a large warehouse, which had been converted into a club.

The person in charge of the club took Lance on a tour. The area was large, and everything was well-equipped, though some items were outdated.

Lance already had some renovation plans in mind. After having someone leave the keys, he intended to head back.

Just as he left the dock, a police car blocked his way.

Through the car window, he seemed to see Officer Lukar in the opposite police car, and he smiled and greeted him, “Wait a moment, I’ll reverse now.”

Officer Lukar looked at the smiling Lance, finding it hard to connect him with the name “Lance Family.”

However, over the years, he had seen all sorts of criminals, even gang leaders, and was no longer so easily startled.

Now, looking at Lance’s gentle and humble demeanor, he felt an indescribable emotion.

“No need, I came specifically for you. Want to chat?”

Lance was stunned for a moment, but still agreed. After parking his car, he and Officer Lukar walked to the edge of the dock.

The waves gently pushed against the rocks and concrete by the shore, seemingly unable to convey the ocean’s ferocity. Seagulls circled above the harbor, occasionally landing on the railings of some ships.

The busy yet peaceful harbor, and the endless sea, always gave one a refreshing feeling.

“The Lance Family?” Officer Lukar’s first words were quite peculiar.

Lance couldn’t help but laugh, “You heard about it too?”

Officer Lukar pouted, “I asked around. You’ve been quite prominent in this area lately. It’s said that yesterday morning you personally broke a worker’s arm here.”

Lance calmly responded, “That’s slander, a smear.”

Lukar also laughed, “Your appearance is very deceptive, Lance.”

“But you don’t need to worry too much. I came to see you today not because of what you did yesterday morning, but because you’re going to have big trouble.”

“How much do you know about the Camilla Gang?”

Lance probably knew what had happened. “An Imperial immigrant gang. They were a well-known criminal organization in the Empire before, and then they expanded to the Federation.”

“Unlike other immigrant criminal organizations in the Federation, the Camilla Gang’s main criminal business is kidnapping, extortion, and blackmail of Imperial immigrants…”

(End of this chapter)