The Tyrant Billionaire

United StatesWhite House Press Conference

A journalist asked the spokesperson about their view on the incident in Johor, questioning whether HD Security, as an American company waging war abroad, reflected the attitude of the U.S. government.

The spokesperson thought to himself: My view? I only know what I read in the papers.
Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire

Calmly, he replied: "We are indeed aware of the incident in Johor. However, according to our understanding, there are discrepancies between what has been reported and the facts. Firstly, the Sultan of Johor mobilized his own armed forces to forcibly seize the assets of Hardy Group, which provoked HD Security to act. Their actions were taken to protect their property.

"Hardy Group is an American company. The U.S. government takes the unwarranted assault on and plundering of American businesses abroad very seriously."

The spokesperson's deft reversal of blame was as smooth as it was audacious.

"As for HD Security's rescue of its partner and the killing of the Sultan, this incident took place in Malaya, over which the U.S. has no jurisdiction. Therefore, we will not intervene in this matter.

"As for waging war, that is pure nonsense. Malaya is a British territory, and the U.S. is a close ally of the U.K. There is no way we would wage war there. HD Security's actions have no connection to the U.S. government."

The White House spokesperson distanced himself cleanly:Our businesses get robbed; we are concerned.Our people kill someone; unfortunately, not our jurisdiction.

United KingdomLondon, 10 Downing Street

Outside the Prime Minister's residence, reporters intercepted the Prime Minister after hours, asking for his opinion on the Johor incident.

Winston Churchill simply remarked, "This matter has been handed over to the Governor of Singapore. I trust he will handle it appropriately."

With that, he got into his car and left—succinct and to the point.

Singapore

Reporters sought out Governor Mountbatten for his comments.

Mountbatten felt immense pressure, caught between three forces: the U.S., the U.K., and Hardy. He lamented: What can I even do?

"We have investigated HD Security, which stated that their actions were carried out under contract and were purely commercial, without any political implications. Regarding their attack, the Governor's Office expresses serious concern and has promptly notified the U.S. government, as HD Security is an American company. We hope the U.S. investigates whether HD Security's actions violated the law."

Passing the buck? I can do that too.

As the tug-of-war continued, the journalists tried to reach Hardy for comment, but he was nowhere to be found.

Two days later,Global Timespublished an article released by HD Security titled:On the Impact of Building a Modern Mercenary Force on Future International Affairs.

"Mercenaries are hired by employers to help solve their problems and difficulties. This is the mission of mercenaries," the article declared.

"Driven by the pursuit of profit, mercenaries participate in hostilities and receive material compensation far exceeding that of combatants with similar ranks and duties in the armed forces of the conflicting parties."

The lengthy article delved into the existence of mercenaries, the types of missions they could undertake, scenarios for future battlefields, their role in conflicts, and their protective functions for oil and mining companies, businesses, small groups, and expeditions in dangerous or conflict-prone regions.

The article ended with a promotional statement:"HD Defense Company boasts 17,000 security personnel, 12 warships, 36 vessels, 36 fighter jets, and three overseas military bases. We are committed to ensuring your safety and resolving regional conflicts for our clients."

Many readers saw the article as a blatant declaration: Yes, we were responsible for the Johor incident.

Moreover, the company's military capabilities rivaled those of many smaller nations. While this force might not be sufficient to invade a country, it could easily disrupt regional stability.

The assassination of the Sultan of Johor in his own palace sent shockwaves through other sultans in Malaya.

If Hardy dared to kill the Sultan of Johor, it meant he could kill anyone.

The phrase "empathic understanding" perfectly captured their sentiment. Some approached the Governor of Singapore, seeking assurances from the British government for their safety and demanding justice for the perpetrator.

The response they received was: "The matter has been reported to the British authorities, and the identities of the attackers are under investigation."

Investigation?

What was there to investigate?

It was undoubtedly HD Security. Broad daylight, numerous witnesses—this was Britain blatantly turning a blind eye.

The sultans, not without influence, united to publish articles in newspapers condemning HD Security and Hardy, the Governor of Penang.

The uproar soon became a public spectacle.

Hardy, however, remained unfazed. Neither the U.S. nor the U.K. would intervene, and no other country was likely to.

As for the sultans, they hardly concerned him.

Although they had more people, Hardy had no need for numbers. Precision strikes and targeted assassinations were sufficient to deter any opposition.

Even if the sultans united their forces, Hardy had nothing to fear. With money as his weapon, he could recruit an army in the U.S. by doubling the wages to $1,000 per month. A few thousand mercenaries could easily resolve the situation in a month.

The cost? Mere millions—an amount Hardy could afford.

Furthermore, he was confident that he could recoup tenfold or even a hundredfold of that investment.

For now, the sultans were merely making noise. None dared to act.

---