He would be the Mayor’s chief administrator, the conduit for all executive orders, the nexus connecting the Mayor to the vast bureaucratic system.

"This position requires someone who understands law, policy, the rules of Washington, and who has an exceptional ability to get things done," Leo said. "You’re the only person for the job."

Ethan took the appointment letter and glanced at it.

"Chief of Staff... So this means I’ll be responsible for cleaning up all your messes, fending off annoying politicians, and going to Washington to ask for money."

"Sounds like a thankless job."

Ethan took a pen from his pocket and signed his name on the document.

"But I’ll take it."

"A pleasure to work with you, boss."

Finally, there was Sarah Jenkins.

Sarah had changed into business attire, and she looked much more mature than she had during the campaign.

But her eyes still held the same idealistic sparkle.

"Sarah," Leo said, looking at the companion who had been with him from the very beginning.

"Karen’s gone, Frank’s back at the Union, and Ethan is in charge of liaising with Washington and formulating major policies. But we still need someone who can actually make this massive machine run."

"We need a chief administrator. Someone who can manage the thousands of employees in the municipal system, who can keep an eye on where every dollar of the budget goes, and who can make sure my executive orders don’t get tossed in the shredder by those cynical old-timers."

"Director of Operations and Administration."

Leo handed her the appointment letter.

"Sarah, this isn’t as simple as managing a YouTube channel anymore. You’ll be managing the very nervous system of this city."

"You’ll be in charge of City Hall’s personnel, financial audits, and daily administrative operations. I need you to root out those bastards with no-show jobs and streamline the bureaucratic red tape."

"You are my Chief Operating Officer."

Sarah took the document.

Her hand was trembling slightly.

A year ago, she was just a college student worried about finding a job.

Now, she was one of the city’s youngest senior officials.

"I won’t let you down, Leo," Sarah said firmly.

And so, the dust settled.

Leo stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, with Ethan and Sarah standing behind him. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

This was his core cabinet.

This was the youngest, most inexperienced, yet most energetic governing team in the history of Pittsburgh—and perhaps in the history of any American city.

They had no powerful backing, no intricate web of connections.

All they had were minds brimming with ideas and a burning passion to turn the world on its head.

"Look at them, Leo."

Roosevelt’s voice sounded.

"This reminds me of my brain trust from back in the day."

"Young, arrogant, and utterly audacious."

"But those are exactly the kind of people who can build new edifices from the ruins."

"The old era is over."

"Now, this city hall is yours."

Leo turned around, looking at his young companions.

"Alright, everyone."

Leo clapped his hands.

"The time for celebration is over."

"Ethan, within one week, I want a list on my desk: the first batch of projects to launch within my first hundred days, and a plan for securing Federal funding."

"Sarah, I want you to discreetly begin a comprehensive internal audit. I need to know exactly what kind of a mess Carter Wright left us with. But be careful—don’t provoke any pushback from the departments. We still need them to do their jobs for now."

"Now, let’s get to work."

Ethan and Sarah acknowledged their orders and left.

The office door closed.

Silence returned to the room.

Leo walked back behind the desk and sat down in the leather chair.

He stroked the armrest.

This was the touch of power.

And the touch of responsibility.

He opened a drawer. Inside lay a brand new journal.

He turned to the first page, picked up his pen, and wrote a line.

"Mayor of Pittsburgh, Day One."

He paused, then added another line.

"For the people who waited in line in the rain."