Building a Conglomerate in Another World

April 16, 1893.

The meeting room inside the White House was tense. Matthew Hesh sat at the head of the table, his top advisors and foreign policy experts gathered around him. News had just arrived from Asia, and it wasn't good.

Henry Collins, Matthew's Chief of Staff, spoke first. "Mr. President, we have a developing situation in East Asia. The Empire of Japan has issued an ultimatum to China over territorial disputes regarding the island of Formosa."

Matthew leaned forward, his expression darkening. "Formosa… that's a critical trade route. Any escalation there could disrupt the shipping lanes we depend on."

Amber, who had joined the meeting as an informal advisor, nodded. "It's not just about trade routes. If Japan takes control of Formosa, they'll strengthen their dominance in the region, and other nations might challenge them. This could lead to a full-scale conflict."

Matthew rubbed his temples. "What's the current state of both militaries?"

General Carter Hayes cleared his throat and opened a folder. "Japan has been modernizing rapidly over the past few decades. They've modeled their military after Western powers. Their navy, in particular, is becoming a formidable force. Meanwhile, the Chinese military is still fractured and reliant on outdated strategies and equipment. If a war breaks out, Japan will have the upper hand."

"And where does that leave us?" Matthew asked.

Secretary of State Johnson Wright spoke up. "Right now, our position is delicate. We have trade agreements with both Japan and China. However, most of our exports, especially Hesh Industries' equipment and goods, rely on stable shipping routes in the Pacific. If war disrupts those routes, our economy could take a serious hit."

Matthew sighed. "What's Japan's justification for this ultimatum?"

"They claim Chinese pirates operating out of Formosa have attacked their merchants," Wright explained. "They're using it as a pretext for military action. However, most intelligence suggests this is part of a broader strategy by Japan to expand their influence in East Asia."

Matthew stood and began pacing. "If we openly side with China, Japan will see us as an enemy. If we support Japan's expansion, we'll alienate China. Either way, we're risking our foothold in Asia."

Hayes spoke again. "There's a third option, Mr. President. We could try to mediate the conflict. Offer both sides diplomatic talks under Amerathian oversight."

Matthew stopped pacing. "Mediation… that could work, but only if both sides are willing to talk."

Wright nodded. "It's a gamble, but it might be the best way to maintain stability. If we can bring Japan and China to the negotiating table, we can protect our interests while presenting Amerathia as a global power capable of diplomacy."

Matthew took a deep breath, considering the options. "Alright. Let's begin preparations for mediation. Johnson, I want formal invitations sent to both the Japanese and Chinese governments. Offer Washington as a neutral ground for talks. Make it clear that maintaining peace in the region benefits everyone."

"Understood, Mr. President," Wright said.

General Hayes added, "We should also increase our naval presence in the Pacific, just in case. We don't want either side thinking we're unprepared."

"Agreed," Matthew replied. "But keep it discreet. This is a diplomatic mission first and foremost."

April 22, 1893

Word came back swiftly from Asia. The Chinese government, desperate to avoid war, accepted the offer for mediation. The Japanese response, however, was more cautious. While they agreed to attend the talks, their ambassador made it clear that Japan would not back down easily.

Days later, both delegations arrived in Washington. The atmosphere was tense as diplomats from both nations gathered in the White House's East Wing. The Amerathian press eagerly covered the historic event, dubbing it "The Washington Summit."

Matthew presided over the opening session. He stood at the center of the grand hall, flanked by his advisors and security.

"Gentlemen," he began, addressing both delegations. "The world is watching. We are here today to prevent a war that could destabilize an entire region and harm countless lives. I urge both sides to approach these talks with an open mind and a willingness to compromise."

The Japanese ambassador, a stern-faced man named Yamamoto Ichiro, bowed slightly. "President Hesh, Japan appreciates your invitation. However, we will not allow continued attacks on our people and commerce."

The Chinese representative, Minister Zhao Wenliang, countered, "Japan's accusations are exaggerated. The situation in Formosa is complex, but it does not justify military invasion."

Matthew raised a hand, signaling for calm. "This is why we're here—to find a solution that avoids bloodshed. Let's start by discussing the specific incidents that led to this dispute."

For hours, both sides debated fiercely. Matthew intervened when tensions threatened to boil over, reminding the delegations of the stakes involved. Slowly, common ground began to emerge.

By the second day of talks, an outline for a possible agreement was on the table. Japan would scale back its military presence near Formosa in exchange for joint anti-piracy patrols conducted with Chinese cooperation. Additionally, Formosa would be granted semi-autonomous status under a framework supervised by both nations, reducing the risk of further conflict.

April 28, 1893

The Washington Summit concluded with a formal agreement signed by both delegations. News of the peace accord spread quickly, with newspapers praising Matthew's leadership.

"President Hesh Secures Peace in Asia!" one headline declared. Another read, "Amerathia Emerges as Diplomatic Power."

In a press conference, Matthew addressed the nation. "This agreement is a victory for diplomacy and cooperation. It proves that through dialogue, we can resolve even the most challenging disputes. Let this be a testament to our commitment to peace and stability—not just for Amerathia, but for the world."

That evening, Matthew returned to the White House residence, exhausted but relieved. Amber greeted him with a warm smile.
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"You did it," she said softly. "You prevented a war."

"Let's hope it holds," Matthew replied, sinking into a chair. "These things are fragile. One wrong move, and everything could unravel."

Amber sat beside him. "You've shown the world what kind of leader you are—someone who doesn't just build factories and railways but also builds bridges between nations."

Matthew smiled faintly. "I couldn't have done it without you and the team. Now, it's time to focus on our own nation again."

As the lights of Washington shimmered outside the window, Matthew knew that the challenges ahead would be just as daunting as the ones he had already faced. But for now, there was peace—and that was a victory worth savoring.