"For those who once held power, they would rather see the whole world burn than relinquish it, because they know what they have done and what kind of destruction awaits them once they lose it."
As the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the most powerful person in the most powerful department, Stephanie Malik was a mysterious figure to the entire New Yugoslav Federation government. Few people could meet her in person. Even within Royal City Castle, she had an entire floor of office space, with layers of security and a private elevator. Natasha Romanoff knew who she was, but even Black Widow could not understand how an old American political family could wield such immense power in the Emperor's hands.
As a member of an old German-American political family, Stephanie Malik had learned much from her father, Gideon Malick, including how to work with Regent Victor von Doom to deal with officials from former Yugoslav Federation provinces who might rebel.
"Those who resist reform will work hard to undermine people's sense of security. Such methods are common. For example, unions may organize strikes that bring a government department and public services to a halt, creating countless social problems. At that point, all the damage they cause becomes a consequence of reform." Gideon Malick narrowed his eyes, recalling the methods he had used when pushing legislation in the past. Once, while watching the television drama House of Cards, he had told Stephanie about his experiences in politics.
The result of this presidential election was self-evident.
As someone who moved between the two parties and served as the lubricant between the Military-Industrial Complex and Wall Street plutocrats, Gideon Malick stood to gain no small benefit whether the Democratic Party or the Republican Party won, even though he was not one