Building a Conglomerate in Another World

The morning was crisp, with a light mist rolling across the cobbled streets of Sylvania as Matthew Hesh stepped out of his automobile. The War Ministry loomed ahead, its imposing stone façade adorned with banners of the Grand Republic. Soldiers stood at attention near the entrance, their polished boots gleaming in the pale sunlight.

Inside, the atmosphere was one of tense urgency. Staff officers moved briskly through the corridors, clutching papers and exchanging clipped conversations. Matthew adjusted his coat and followed an aide who had been sent to escort him to the conference room.

As he entered, the room quieted. Seated at the long table were some of the most powerful military figures in the Republic. General Nathaniel Warner was at the head, flanked by General Henry Caldwell and Brigadier General Samuel Grant. Maps, reports, and sketches cluttered the table, a testament to the scale of planning underway.

"Mr. Hesh," Warner greeted him, standing to shake his hand. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

Matthew took the offered seat, setting his briefcase on the table. "General Warner, it's always a privilege to support the Republic. What's the latest situation?"

Warner gestured to the map in front of him, which displayed the contested southern territories. "The campaign is progressing, but we've encountered stiffer resistance in certain areas. The Mexican forces are digging in, fortifying key positions, and we need a strategy to break through without incurring heavy losses."

Brigadier General Grant leaned forward. "Your vehicles and wireless telegram systems have been invaluable. They've given us the edge we needed in mobility and communication. But the enemy is adapting. Their artillery is becoming more accurate, and they've begun targeting our vehicles specifically."

Matthew absorbed the information, his mind racing. "You're saying they're focusing on countering the vehicles? Have you seen damage patterns or specific tactics?"

Caldwell slid a report across the table. "We've analyzed recent engagements. They're using concentrated artillery fire and explosives to disable the vehicles before engaging our infantry. While the armor holds up under most circumstances, sustained fire eventually breaches it."

Matthew frowned, flipping through the report. "It seems they're exploiting gaps in our tactics, not just the machines. If we keep using the vehicles the same way, we're giving them predictable targets."

Warner nodded. "That's why we called you here. We need solutions—not just improvements to the vehicles, but changes in how we deploy them."

Matthew leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "First, let's address the vehicles. We can reinforce the armor further and add deflection angles to reduce the impact of artillery hits. Additionally, I propose developing a smoke deployment system—something the vehicles can use to obscure themselves during an assault."

Grant raised an eyebrow. "Smoke deployment? Explain."

Matthew opened his briefcase and pulled out a rough sketch. "It's a simple concept. A canister releases a dense, non-toxic smoke that spreads quickly, providing cover for both the vehicle and nearby troops. It's not foolproof, but it can disrupt enemy targeting and give our forces the element of surprise."

Caldwell nodded slowly. "That could work. It would also give the infantry more protection during advances."

Matthew continued, "Second, we need to rethink how we use the vehicles. Instead of sending them in as straightforward assault units, let's create specialized roles. Some vehicles should focus on transporting troops quickly to strategic locations. Others could be equipped with heavy artillery for long-range support. And lighter models could serve as fast reconnaissance units, gathering intelligence and harassing the enemy's flanks."

Warner exchanged a glance with Caldwell and Grant. "Specialized roles… That would require significant adjustments to our current strategy."

"Yes," Matthew agreed, "but it would make our forces more versatile. Right now, we're treating these machines like advanced wagons. They have the potential to be so much more—tools for mobility, firepower, and adaptability."

Grant stroked his chin. "And the wireless telegram systems? Can they be integrated further?"

"Absolutely," Matthew said. "I'm already working on more compact and rugged designs. These can be mounted on vehicles, allowing real-time communication between units. Imagine a convoy receiving updated orders mid-battle or coordinating an ambush across multiple fronts."
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Warner tapped his fingers on the table, considering the proposal. "That kind of coordination could be a game-changer. But what about the infantry? They're still using standard formations and tactics. How do we ensure they're not left behind as the vehicles evolve?"

Matthew smiled faintly. "You raise an excellent point, General. We need to train the infantry to work in tandem with the vehicles. Think of it as a symbiotic relationship—infantry protecting the vehicles from close-range threats while the vehicles provide cover and firepower. Drills and war games can help integrate these tactics."

Warner stood, pacing the room as he spoke. "Your proposals are bold, Hesh, but they're not without challenges. Adjusting our strategy, producing new designs, and retraining the troops will take time—and time is something we're running out of."

Matthew stood as well, his gaze steady. "I understand, General. But the cost of not adapting is far greater. Every day we hesitate, the enemy learns more about us. If we want to maintain our advantage, we must evolve faster than they can respond."

The room fell silent, the weight of Matthew's words sinking in. Finally, Warner nodded. "You're right. We'll implement your ideas, but I need prototypes of the modified vehicles within a month and training programs drafted immediately."

"You'll have them," Matthew said confidently. "I'll return to the factory today and begin work."

Warner extended his hand. "Then we'll hold you to that, Hesh. The Republic is counting on you."

Matthew shook his hand firmly, then gathered his papers and briefcase. As he left the War Ministry, his mind was already racing with plans. The road ahead would be demanding, but he was determined to meet the challenge head-on.

Back at the factory, Matthew wasted no time. He convened his team, outlining the new requirements and assigning tasks. Engineers began drafting blueprints for the upgraded vehicles, while trainers started developing programs to teach infantry-vehicle coordination.

From this war alone, Matthew Hesh was generating copious amounts of florin from the government contracts alone. Though he wished the war would end soon as he could focus on other enterprises and not focus solely on developing the technological tree in the field of war technology.