Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Matthew sat back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he considered Charles Fitzwilliam's words. The room was silent for a moment, the weight of the conversation pressing on them all. Finally, Charles broke the stillness, his voice measured but firm.

"Matthew," Charles began, "I understand your hesitations, but you must also understand mine. As an investor, I have a vested interest in the continued success of Hesh Industries. The potential of these aircraft cannot be ignored—not by you, not by the Republic, and certainly not by me. That's why I propose we take a different approach."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind, Mr. Fitzwilliam?"

Charles leaned forward, his tone sharpening with conviction. "Let one of the generals see the prototype. Let them judge its value for themselves. You've demonstrated its potential to me; now it's time to show it to someone who can make the decision to integrate it into the Republic's military strategy."

Matthew hesitated, his mind racing through the implications. "That's a significant step. If the demonstration goes poorly or the general deems it impractical, it could set us back."

"But if it goes well," Amber interjected, her voice carrying a hint of excitement, "it could fast-track everything. You've always believed in the prototype, Matthew. Show it to someone who can truly appreciate its capabilities."

Matthew sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Which general do you have in mind?"

Charles exchanged a glance with Amber before replying. "General Nathaniel Warner. He's pragmatic but forward-thinking, and his influence over military procurement is unmatched. If you win him over, the rest will follow."

Matthew nodded slowly. "Warner is a logical choice. But the demonstration will need to be flawless. The aircraft is still in its early stages, and any misstep could undermine everything we've worked for."

"Then make it flawless," Charles said simply. "You've faced bigger challenges, Matthew. This is just another one to overcome."

Matthew sat in thoughtful silence for a moment before finally nodding. "Very well. I'll arrange the demonstration. But we'll need time to prepare. The aircraft must be in peak condition, and the presentation must highlight its potential without overpromising."

Charles smiled, his confidence in Matthew evident. "I knew you'd see the value in this. Warner will be impressed—you'll see."

Amber leaned forward, her expression bright. "I can help with the logistics, if you'd like. Coordinating with Warner's office, setting up the venue, ensuring everything runs smoothly." Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

Matthew appreciated her enthusiasm. "That would be helpful. Thank you."

"Consider it done," Amber said with a determined nod.

As the conversation turned to logistics, Matthew's mind was already formulating plans. The aircraft prototype was housed in a secure hangar near the factory—a sleek, ambitious machine that represented the culmination of years of innovation. If this demonstration succeeded, it could open the door to an entirely new era of warfare and transportation.

Two Days Later: The Hangar

The massive hangar doors creaked open, revealing the gleaming aircraft prototype. Its polished metal surface reflected the sunlight streaming in, and its wings stretched wide, an imposing testament to human ingenuity. General Nathaniel Warner stood just inside the hangar, his arms crossed as he studied the machine. His expression was neutral, but his sharp eyes betrayed his curiosity.

Matthew approached the general, his posture confident but respectful. "General Warner, thank you for coming. It's an honor to have you here."

Warner extended a hand, his grip firm. "Hesh. I've heard much about this machine of yours. Fitzwilliam speaks highly of it."

Matthew gestured toward the aircraft. "It's unlike anything you've seen before, General. This is the future of reconnaissance and rapid deployment."

Warner stepped closer, circling the aircraft as he inspected it. "Impressive. But machines on the ground are one thing. In the air, they're untested. How can I trust it won't fail at the worst possible moment?"

"That's why we're here," Matthew replied. "To show you what it's capable of. If you'll follow me, I'll explain its key features before the demonstration."

Warner nodded, following Matthew to a workbench laden with blueprints and diagrams. Matthew outlined the aircraft's design, emphasizing its lightweight yet durable frame, its compact engine, and its innovative controls. He explained how it could reach altitudes far beyond traditional reconnaissance methods and how its speed made it nearly impossible to target with conventional artillery.

"What about range?" Warner asked, his voice skeptical. "How far can it go before it runs out of fuel?"

"We've optimized the engine for efficiency," Matthew explained. "It can travel up to 200 miles on a single tank, depending on conditions. For reconnaissance missions, that's more than sufficient."

"200 miles in how many days?"

"Days?" Matthew scoffed lightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "General Warner, the aircraft doesn't operate on the pace of traditional transport. It can cover that distance in just a few hours, depending on wind conditions. This is speed and efficiency unlike anything you've seen."

Warner raised an eyebrow, his skepticism softening. "Impressive. But speed isn't everything. It needs to be reliable and versatile."

Matthew gestured to a nearby mechanic standing by the aircraft. "Let me show you."

The aircraft was rolled out onto the airfield, its propeller glinting in the sunlight. The hum of its engine reverberated through the air as the mechanic conducted final checks under Matthew's watchful eye. Warner stood with arms crossed, observing every detail.

Matthew addressed Warner directly. "This aircraft is designed for multiple roles: reconnaissance, troop deployment, and even light bombardment. Its construction prioritizes durability and adaptability, ensuring it can withstand field conditions."

Warner nodded but remained silent as Matthew continued. "Let's proceed with the demonstration. You'll see for yourself."

Matthew climbed into the cockpit, his movements precise. The engine roared to life, and with a wave to the ground crew, he began to taxi down the makeshift runway. Within moments, the aircraft lifted gracefully into the air, climbing steadily.

In the sky, Matthew executed a series of maneuvers: sharp banks, smooth dives, and a loop that left the onlookers below murmuring in awe. He then demonstrated the aircraft's speed, shooting across the length of the airfield in mere seconds.

To emphasize its reconnaissance capabilities, Matthew circled a nearby village and returned to the airfield, landing smoothly. Upon exiting the aircraft, he presented a sketch he'd quickly drawn from memory of the village layout, showcasing the aircraft's ability to observe and relay intelligence.

As Matthew approached, Warner's expression was no longer skeptical. He extended his hand. "Hesh, I have to admit, I'm impressed. That performance was beyond my expectations."

Matthew accepted the handshake with a nod. "Thank you, General. This is just the beginning. With proper integration, these aircraft could redefine military strategy."

"I will speak with the president about this."