Dawn of a New Era!

For decades, Madripoor had been a Principality of Chaos, a place where the strong preyed on the weak and ambition was sharpened by desperation. Criminals from other countries flocked here to be safe, and the poor usually lived in fear.

It was practically a lawless place, ran and controlled by the gangs, syndicates & organizations wealthy and powerful enough to dominate those weaker than them. For years, the law of survival had ruled the streets.

However, in a matter of weeks, that rule had been broken. The Dragon Fang Syndicate was gone, their infamous leaders killed and their crime dens reduced to ashes. The same was for the Yashida Clan, their once iron grip of the lucrative drug trade turning to ash.

Similar shadowy organizations across the nation state had either been completely annihilated themselves, or brought under the control of the new Kingpins, 'The High Table.'

However, unlike the previous rulers, these new Kingpins were different, protecting the weak and maintaining peace, for the first time in living memory, Madripoor was quiet. The gunfire that once roared through the streets was replaced by laughter from families.

The oppressive banners of the syndicates were torn down, replaced by subtle markers of the High Table's dominion: small crests carved into street corners, Black Widow enforcers stationed at major intersections, and public works projects blossoming in places once choked with debris and despair.

Further-more, HighTown was no longer a place cornered off for the weak or poor. Now, everyone had access to HighTown, being able to move around freely if they wanted.

The only exception was a huge estate in the middle of HighTown, which housed dozens of business buildings and luxurious homes, which had been taken over as the High Table Headquarters.

Yet, no-one complained. For the people who had improved the environment, why shouldn't they have a territory to themselves? Time had ticked by and now people were coming out of their shelves, ready to enjoy their new lives.

On one such night during all of this, as the moon bathed the nation in its silver light, Madripoor's transformation reached its apex.

On one such night, as the moon bathed the city in silver light, Madripoor's transformation reached its apex.

Out of nowhere, every screen in Madripoor flickered. Phones buzzed with notifications, televisions flickered to life, laptops and tables all displayed the same sight; an elegant black logo of the High Table.

Then, the screens faded, revealing a mysterious figure. He was tall, that was noticeable even as he was seated in a chair. Pure white hair and blue eyes, he held distinctive European features, yet most would describe him as very handsome.

He was seated on a luxurious chair behind an ornate desk of dark wood, and his piercing eyes looked towards the camera with a faint smile that enhanced his magnetic presence.

He leaned forward, resting his hands lightly on the desk. When he spoke, his voice was deep and resonant, carrying the perfect blend of confidence and reassurance.

"People of Madripoor," he began, his Russian-accented English smooth and deliberate as he spoke, "I know you've seen the changes going down recently. The oppressors that have reigned over this place had been finally put to rest.....permanently."

That final word carried a layer of authority that was difficult to ignore. Everyone in Madripoor, from civilians, to low level criminals, to the leader of the minor organizations who had already been subordinated by the High Table were watching this broadcast.

"For too long, this place has been a battleground of rich and influential criminals with no care for human life. Violence reigned supreme, and anyone who wasn't at the top was practically at the bottom, living off scraps, exploited constantly.Families lived in fear, businesses paid for survival, and the streets belonged to those who thrived on chaos."

His gaze swept the camera, connecting with every individual watching, "No more."

The screen shifted, Maxim became a picture-in-picture as most of the screen began to show footage of the High Table's operations over the past few weeks. Many Black Widows dismantled syndicate operations, freed hostages and escorted supplies into LowTown's neglected neighborhoods.

"I'm sure you've all heard about my organization, the High Table. Over the past few weeks, we havebrought an end to the syndicates and gangs that have terrorized this place for decades. They are no longer your masters, and Madripoor is no longer their playground."

The screen returned to Maxim, his expression softening slightly, "I know most of you are worried that we'll be the same. After all, with no competition, who is stopping us from being even worse?" Maxim said, reading the questions that many persons did indeed have.

"However, I, the leader, promise that we won't be like that. Our mission does not stop yet. Instead of allowing the underworld to run rampant, we'll control it ourselves, ensuring civilians are safe." Maxim said, stating one of his plans for subjugating certain organizations.

Regardless of whether he provided a near perfect life, there will always be persons who want drugs, always persons who want to do what is illegal, just because. Instead of allowing them to run rampant, the best choice was to control them.

Of course, certain people wouldn't be given the chance to be controlled. Rapists, people involved in the trafficking of innocents, cruel murders all would be put down under Maxim.

However, for persons who joined crime to provide for their family, to avenge their innocent family, people whose morals he could at least understand, he'd allow them to work under him, strategically controlling the underworld.

There'd be an endless supply of these types of people from around the world as well, looking for a place to hide from extradition, and Madripoor could be that place.

"We are not here to rule over you with the same tyranny you have endured. We are here to build." Maxim said, and the feed shifted again, now showing streets lit with new lamps, children parks being constructed, or Black Widows helping civilians.

"Under my control, Madripoor will no longer be a place of fear and shadows." Maxim continued, his voice laced with determination, "From this day onward, under the High Tables control, this place will be its best version of itself."

Maxim stated. No matter what, it was imperative to improve the quality of life here, as he needed to give a reason for persons, criminal or not, to migrate her. More manpower means more economic power, and in this world, economic power was only second to Superpower.

He leaned back, his hands folding neatly in front of him. "Of course, change will not come overnight. It will take time, and it will take trust. I ask you to give us both."

Maxim's eyes seemed to pierce through the screen, his conviction unwavering. "Madripoor is your home. Let us help you make it the home you deserve. Live without fear. Work without oppression. Dream without limits. Together, we will build a future that no one can take away."

For a moment, silence filled the city as his words sank in. Then Maxim's faint smile returned, and he spoke one final time.

"This is not the end of Madripoor's story. It is the beginning. The High Table will regulate, protect, and guide, but the future belongs to all of us."

The screen faded to black, the golden logo reappearing briefly before every device returned to normal.

*************

As the broadcast ended, Maxim leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. He watched the screen dim and fade, replaced by the glowing holographic interface of A.N.G.E.L. 

"An inspiring speech, Maxim," A.N.G.E.L. said, her voice smooth and crisp, "The people will undoubtedly feel a sense of hope after hearing you. Shall we proceed with the next phase?"

Maxim gestured toward the sprawling map of Madripoor displayed on the holographic table before him. The map pulsed with light, indicating key areas of interest,the ports, the marketplaces, the former strongholds of the syndicates, and the borders of HighTown and LowTown.

( Image detailing the size of Madripoor in chapter comments. )

"We will," he said firmly. "With the changes we've made, international agencies are bound to take notice. They'll send spies, undercover agents, and observers to understand what's happening here." He leaned forward, pointing at several marked zones on the map.

"Assign our Widows to handle them. I want each of these agents monitored, their movements traced. Ensure they're well-treated but watched carefully. Any signs of sabotage or interference, I want them neutralized swiftly but quietly. I don't need them to die, I want them to report back just how strong of a grip we have over this place." Maxim explained.

"Understood," A.N.G.E.L. replied, already processing the command, "Shall I include diversionary tactics to maintain their focus on select, less sensitive operations?"

Maxim nodded. "Yes. Keep them busy with minor activities while we begin the real work." He leaned back, his icy-blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "It's time to formalize our position here. Register 'The High Table' as an official entity based in Madripoor. With legitimacy, we'll wield more influence on the global stage."

A.N.G.E.L.'s projection shimmered as she calculated. "I'll have the entity registered in major economic hubs within the next forty-eight hours. What's your directive regarding revenue generation?"

Maxim's smile turned razor-sharp, "Initiate the release of Project Genshin Impact and Project Overwatch. It's time for MicroTransactions to truly take off on the global stage. Also, we need a hub for games to control the market, push the development of that forward too." ( think of Steam or Epic Games Store readers ).

"As for Project TikTok, schedule its launch for next year. Also, make sure to deploy with pre-programmed algorithms to subtly manipulate devices worldwide, marketing our products subliminally but effectively."

"It will be done," A.N.G.E.L. confirmed. "I'll monitor and adapt the marketing strategies to ensure maximum reach without detection."

Maxim rose from his chair and approached the holographic map. "Now," he began, gesturing toward the sections labeled HighTown and LowTown, "we start rebuilding Madripoor. Begin with renovations to the existing districts. In HighTown, focus on creating luxury apartments and business hubs to attract investors and affluent residents. For LowTown, prioritize basic infrastructure, clean water, reliable electricity, schools, and hospitals. I want visible progress within months."

He placed his hands on the table, his gaze intense, "Beyond that, we'll expand Madripoor itself. Build entirely new districts—smart cities that integrate the latest technology with sustainable designs. Each city must have resources like modern schools, state-of-the-art hospitals, and training centers for various professions."

"Ambitious, as always," A.N.G.E.L. remarked with a hint of approval. "What about our workforce? The Black Widows?"

Maxim nodded. "Draw up contracts for them. They've served us loyally, and it's time they're rewarded. Each Widow will receive a salary, housing, and benefits. For those who want to leave the field, offer them opportunities to transition into civilian roles, teachers, doctors, architects, whatever they choose. And make it clear: they can leave without punishment or retribution. They've lived with so much trauma, this is the least I can do."

The plans are in motion, Maxim. Anything else?" A.N.G.E.L inquired.

Maxim's gaze swept over the map one last time. "Yes. Start planning a global recruitment initiative. We'll need engineers, architects, educators, and medical professionals. Although you can complete all of these roles, having the workforce will be beneficial, plus they can become teachers."

"We need a talent pipeline. The younger people here can eventually generate economic revenue for us, or become part of the Black Widows." Maxim said.

"Consider it done," A.N.G.E.L. said, her voice laced with certainty.

Maxim stepped away from the table, his mind already spinning with the possibilities ahead.

"All according to plan," Maxim murmured.