Building a Conglomerate in Another World

The morning of March 10, 1893, started like any other. The streets of Washington buzzed with the sound of autombiles and street vendors. Matthew Hesh sat in the Oval Office, reviewing reports on infrastructure projects when a messenger burst in unexpectedly, followed closely by Henry Collins, his chief of staff.

"Mr. President," Collins said urgently, motioning for the messenger to step forward. "We've got a developing crisis."

The messenger, pale and visibly shaken, handed over a telegram. "This just came from the health department in Chicago, sir. There's been an outbreak of a strange disease... and it's spreading fast."

Matthew took the telegram, his eyes scanning the hastily written words:

"Unidentified illness reported. Symptoms include high fever, large black boils on the skin, rapid organ failure. Over 300 dead within the past three days. Fear of further spread imminent. Request immediate federal support."

Matthew lowered the paper and frowned. "Boils? Rapid deaths? This sounds medieval. Like the Black Plague."

"That's exactly what the Chicago officials are afraid of," Collins said grimly. "Doctors are baffled. They're calling it 'Black Death Reborn.' The first cases were reported near the docks last week. It seems to be spreading through crowded areas, especially markets and factories."

"Is it isolated to Chicago?" Matthew asked, leaning forward.

"No, sir. There are similar reports from nearby cities like St. Louis and Detroit. The symptoms match. If we don't act fast, it could sweep through the entire country."

Matthew nodded slowly. "Alright, let's gather the experts. I want a full report on this disease and potential containment measures. We can't risk panic spreading faster than the illness."

Doctors, scientists, and public health officials crowded into the White House conference room. The atmosphere was tense as Dr. Frederick Hall, the head of Amerathia's Public Health Service, stepped forward to brief the President.

"Mr. President, we're facing a highly contagious and deadly disease. The incubation period appears to be two to three days, and once symptoms appear, victims deteriorate rapidly. Most die within 48 hours."

"What about transmission?" Matthew asked, his expression hardening.

"Based on initial findings, it spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, but there's also evidence suggesting airborne transmission in crowded areas. We've identified several 'hot zones' in Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis. Our hospitals are overwhelmed."

Amber, seated at the table as an advisor, interjected, "Do we have any treatments?"

Dr. Hall shook his head. "None that are effective so far. Standard fever treatments aren't working. The only option we have is containment—isolating the infected and enforcing strict quarantines."

Matthew sighed deeply. "Quarantines… You realize how disruptive this will be? Factories, trade routes, entire cities could shut down. There'll be riots if people think they're being abandoned."

Henry Collins spoke up. "That's why we need a coordinated response. If this gets out of control, we're looking at economic collapse and millions of deaths."

Matthew nodded grimly. "Then we don't have a choice. We'll implement emergency protocols immediately. Dr. Hall, work with regional health departments to organize quarantine zones. Henry, I want regular updates from every major city affected. Mobilize the National Guard if necessary to enforce public safety."

By the next morning, newspapers across the country ran alarming headlines:

"Deadly Plague Grips Amerathian Cities!"

"Black Boils and Death – A Nation in Panic!"

"President Hesh Declares National Health Emergency!"

As expected, panic set in. Citizens flooded train stations and ports, desperate to flee infected cities. However, this only worsened the situation as travelers carried the disease to previously unaffected regions. By the end of the week, cases were reported as far south as New Orleans and as far west as Denver.

Matthew watched grimly as footage from the crisis zones played on the screens in his office. Makeshift hospitals overflowed with the dead and dying. Mass graves were being dug in Chicago's outskirts. Doctors and nurses in protective gear worked tirelessly, though many of them fell ill as well.

Amber entered the room, carrying a steaming cup of tea. "Matthew, you've barely slept," she said softly, placing the cup on his desk. "You need to rest, even for a few hours."

"I can't," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "This is spiraling out of control. Every strategy we put in place is being overwhelmed."

"You're doing everything you can," Amber assured him. "But you can't carry this alone. You've got a whole team of experts who can help. Lean on them."

"No, even the experts only best solution is containment, we have to invent a cure if we have to," Matthew replied.

"A cure? Don't tell me Matthew, there must be a limit to what you can invent. I can understand it if it's related to machines or any contraptions but medicine. That's out of your expertise."

"No—" Matthew shook his head. "This is just basic science. What we need is an antibiotic."

"Antibiotic?" Amber repeated, unfamiliar with the world, since it hasn't existed yet. "What is that?"

"An antibiotic is a medicine that fights infections caused by bacteria. Which could stop bacterial infections from spreading and save lives."

"And how are you going to make it?" Amber asked.

"I am going to need the help of our scientist—"

Matthew didn't finish his thought as Henry Collins rushed in with another telegram in hand. His face was pale and tense. "Mr. President, urgent news from Chicago and Detroit. Entire districts have gone into chaos. Riots have broken out over the quarantines. The National Guard reports that armed groups are attacking medical centers, claiming the disease is a hoax designed to suppress the working class."

Matthew clenched his jaw. "They're attacking the very people trying to save them? Damn it, this is what I feared."

Amber placed a hand on his arm, her eyes full of concern. "Matthew, this is escalating on all fronts. If this disease isn't contained soon, the social order could collapse."

Matthew nodded and stood abruptly. "Alright, this has to end now. We'll split our efforts into two fronts. One for public order and one for finding a cure. Henry, contact Dr. Hall. I want every scientist in this nation mobilized—university researchers, pharmaceutical developers, anyone with expertise in bacteriology and chemistry. We're not just containing this disease; we're going to cure it."

Collins nodded. "Understood, sir. I'll also coordinate with the governors in the affected states to deploy additional Guard units."

"Good. We also need to address these conspiracy theories. I'll make a public address tonight to calm the nation. Amber, you'll help me draft the speech. I need to reassure the people while also making it clear that these riots are putting everyone's lives at risk."

Amber gave a firm nod. "I'm on it."

***

That evening, the nation gathered around radios and newspaper offices to hear the President's message. Inside the White House broadcast room, Matthew adjusted his tie and took a deep breath before stepping up to the microphone. The red light flicked on, signaling the start of the address.

"My fellow Amerathians," he began somberly. "We face a crisis unlike any in our history. An illness has swept through our cities, claiming the lives of thousands. I know you are afraid. I know many of you have lost loved ones. But I am here to tell you that we will overcome this—together."

He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire

"However, we cannot allow fear and misinformation to destroy what we have built. Riots and attacks on medical centers only hinder our efforts to save lives. This disease is real, and it is deadly. But so too is our resolve. I have ordered the deployment of the National Guard to protect our hospitals and ensure that those in need receive care."

Matthew's tone shifted to one of hope and determination. "I have also mobilized the brightest minds in our nation to find a cure. Together, we will develop the tools needed to defeat this disease. But I ask for your cooperation. Follow the guidance of your local health authorities. Support your neighbors. We must stand united in this fight."

As he spoke, families huddled together in homes across the country, listening intently. In Chicago, where rioters had clashed with guardsmen earlier that day, the crowd around a radio went quiet. Some of the agitators lowered their weapons, their anger tempered by the President's words.