Building a Conglomerate in Another World

The following morning, Matthew woke to the faint light of dawn creeping through the curtains of his hotel suite. The city outside was already stirring, its rhythm relentless, much like the demands now placed on Matthew's shoulders. As he dressed, his thoughts lingered on the meeting at the White House. The framework had been set, but the execution would require more than just ingenuity—it would demand a delicate balancing act between innovation and responsibility.

When Matthew stepped into the suite's common area, Robert Anders was already seated at the table, sipping coffee and scanning the morning papers. Headlines shouted about East Asian tensions, speculations about alliances, and the role of Hesh Industries in the growing geopolitical chessboard.

"Morning," Robert greeted, setting down the paper. "You're front and center again. Looks like the press picked up on yesterday's meeting, though the details are vague."

Matthew poured himself a cup of coffee, shaking his head. "Let's keep it that way. The last thing we need is the public panicking over hypothetical conflicts or putting too much pressure on Hesh Industries. Have we heard anything new overnight?"

Robert slid a folder across the table. "The Department of War sent over a revised list of priorities. They're interested in accelerating production of certain defensive systems—mainly for coastal defense and reconnaissance. It seems they're expecting more pressure from the Pacific region."

Matthew flipped through the pages, his mind already dissecting the specifications. "Coastal defense makes sense. If conflict breaks out, our shores could be a target, even indirectly. Reconnaissance… that aligns with what the president emphasized yesterday. We need eyes everywhere."

Robert leaned forward. "The tricky part is balancing these demands while maintaining neutrality with our overseas clients. If you prioritize the Republic too heavily, it might spook the foreign delegations."

Matthew's brow furrowed as he considered the implications. "True, but the Republic's security comes first. Let's focus on scaling production for dual-use technologies—those that can serve both domestic and international clients without raising too many flags. Any updates from the Chinese or Japanese delegations?"

"Not yet," Robert replied. "Though I'd bet they're watching closely. I wouldn't be surprised if we hear from them again soon."

Matthew sighed, setting down the folder. "Then we stay ahead of the curve. Schedule a meeting with our engineering leads this afternoon. I want a detailed rundown of our current production capabilities and timelines."

"On it," Robert said, jotting down a note.

By midday, Matthew was seated in the bustling conference room of Hesh Industries' Washington branch office. Around the table sat his top engineers, including Henry Grayson, the head of manufacturing, and Elaine Carter, the chief systems designer. Blueprints and charts covered the table, the air thick with the hum of strategizing minds.

"Alright," Matthew began, his tone firm but collaborative. "You've all seen the revised priorities from the Department of War. What's the realistic timeline for scaling production on these systems?"

Grayson adjusted his glasses and leaned forward. "For coastal defense systems, we can ramp up within three months. We've already laid the groundwork at the Detroit plant. Reconnaissance systems are more complex—we'd need six months minimum to ensure quality and reliability."

Matthew nodded. "What about resources? Are we equipped to handle the scale, or do we need to source additional materials?"

"We're in good shape for most components, but the advanced optics for the reconnaissance systems are a bottleneck. We'd need to secure a secondary supplier."

Matthew made a note. "Understood. Let's prioritize finding that supplier. Robert, I'll need you to work with procurement to expedite that search."

"Already ahead of you," Robert replied, scribbling furiously in his notebook.

Matthew turned his attention back to the group. "I also want contingency plans. If tensions escalate overseas, we might face unexpected demands from foreign clients. We need to be flexible enough to meet those without compromising our commitments here."

Grayson hesitated before speaking. "Matthew, if I may… balancing these demands is going to strain our workforce. We might need to expand recruitment and training."

Matthew considered this. "Do it. Reach out to local universities and trade schools. Offer internships and apprenticeships if necessary."

The room buzzed with murmurs of approval as Matthew's team began discussing implementation details. Despite the challenges, there was an undeniable sense of purpose in the air.

As the meeting adjourned and Matthew returned to his office, Robert intercepted him with an unexpected update. "You won't believe this," Robert said, holding up a note. "We've got an unscheduled visitor—someone claiming to represent the Korean delegation."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Korea? They've been quiet so far. Did they say what they want?"

"Not much, just that it's urgent," Robert replied.

Matthew exhaled sharply. "Alright, let's hear them out. Bring them to the lounge."

A few moments later, a tall, middle-aged man entered, his demeanor composed but his eyes betraying a sense of urgency. He introduced himself as Mr. Park, an envoy from Korea.

"Mr. Hesh," Park began, his voice measured, "I apologize for the unexpected visit, but the situation demands it. We understand you've been approached by both the Japanese and Chinese delegations. Korea cannot remain silent in the face of such developments."

Matthew gestured for Park to sit. "I appreciate you coming directly, Mr. Park. What can I do for you?"

Park leaned forward, his tone earnest. "Korea seeks to secure its sovereignty in the face of rising tensions. We have no imperial ambitions, only the desire to protect our people. Your technology could provide us with the means to do so."

Matthew nodded slowly. "I understand your concerns, but I must be transparent. I've made no commitments to either Japan or China, and my focus remains on ensuring that my innovations are used responsibly."

Park hesitated, then added, "Mr. Hesh, I must warn you—if Korea is left without access to such technology while our neighbors arm themselves, we risk becoming a battleground. We implore you to consider this carefully."

Matthew met Park's gaze, his expression unwavering. "I will consider it, Mr. Park."

As Park left, Robert entered the room with a comment.

"That complicates things."

Matthew nodded, his mind already working through the implications. "It does. But it also reinforces one thing—we can't afford to rush this." Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire