A modern man in 1930’s Americas

Birth of the Pension Fund

Before any conclusion could be reached, Charlie Lee faced intense scrutiny over his decision to use evening headlines to promote his ambitious welfare initiatives. His approach, which should have focused on a more controlled rollout, sparked widespread attention.

The press detailed every aspect of the welfare, subsidy, insurance, and pension plans announced by Aegis Bureau. Trainees were promised a monthly stipend of $120 during training, and each special guard was covered under a $50,000 accidental death insurance policy and $20,000 disability insurance plan.

Aegis also introduced a revolutionary pension scheme. The system allowed participants to voluntarily contribute $300 annually for 20 years. Upon reaching the age of 50, they could receive a monthly pension of $260—a figure expected to increase with societal development.

The initiative captured national attention and caused a stir across social and political spheres. In a time when the U.S. lacked a comprehensive welfare system and the Great Depression had shattered public trust in government, the announcement offered hope to countless families.

The public's response was overwhelming. Aegis Bureau's offices were flooded with calls, even after hours. Many people inquired whether the pension plan would be open to the public. For the first time, Charlie's think tanks engaged in heated debate over this critical issue.

Finally, Charlie made his decision: The pension fund would remain exclusive to Aegis Bureau employees.

The decision was not without consequence. Numerous influential figures warned him about the risks of expanding the initiative.

The decision to restrict the pension program wasn't entirely voluntary. Powerful figures across political and financial spheres issued subtle but firm warnings.

"Charlie, Washington is unhappy with your plans," Vice President Nick stated bluntly.

"Your proposal is too ambitious. Keep it within Aegis Bureau, or face severe repercussions," cautioned Morgan Jr.

Even Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who had yet to rise to his future prominence, advised, "Charlie, don't challenge Washington. It's a battle you can't win."

Charlie's network of allies echoed similar sentiments. Governors, senators, mayors, and corporate leaders all weighed in, urging him to scale back. Overnight, Charlie seemed to have made enemies across the board.

Charlie understood the far-reaching implications of his plan. If executed successfully, it could provide financial security to millions and generate an enormous cash flow for Aegis. The sheer influence it could bring would make him untouchable, even in Washington.

He envisioned a future where Aegis held the trust of millions of families. The pension fund would be untouchable, and any attempt to undermine him would lead to public outrage. Yet, the immense potential of the plan also painted a target on his back.

Despite his vision, Charlie was forced to compromise. He publicly declared that restricting the pension scheme to Aegis employees was his personal decision, shielding his organization from external pressures.

As Charlie had anticipated, the public response to the pension scheme sparked a wave of interest. Seizing the opportunity, Washington announced its own public pension program, quickly followed by major insurance companies introducing similar plans.

Charlie's frustration boiled over. His pioneering idea had been co-opted, leaving him out of the benefits entirely.

"Damn it!" he yelled, pacing his office. In a fit of rage, he kicked his custom redwood desk, shattering it in half.

The office door flew open, and his secretary, the ever-dutiful "Little Elk," rushed in, stunned by the destruction.

"Clean this up," Charlie muttered, taking deep breaths to compose himself.

Turning to strategy, he instructed, "Tell Rush to open 15,000 additional recruitment slots for Packard. Focus on Illinois and California. Avoid New York and Boston."

While he couldn't win this battle, Charlie resolved to cause discomfort for his opponents.

With the pension controversy behind him, Charlie shifted his focus. He departed for Santa Barbara, where Aegis Bureau's new estate developments awaited his attention. His associate, West, returned to his newly purchased manor to oversee operations, while Charlie turned his sights on another promising venture: the burgeoning "skunk" industry, a future pillar of his empire.

Despite the grand vision and effort he poured into the pension plan, Charlie's role in its success was all but erased. Washington and corporate elites reaped the benefits of his groundwork, while he was left with only frustration and missed opportunities.

Yet, as Charlie knew, the battle for influence often came with sacrifices. For now, he would bide his time, regroup, and plot his next move.