Building a Conglomerate in Another World

April 5, 1893

The front pages of newspapers across Amerathia carried the same sensational headline:

"Is the President a Time Traveler?"

Beneath it, a photograph of Matthew Hesh was accompanied by an article written by a journalist named William Porter, notorious for his flair for conspiracy theories. The article detailed Matthew's rapid rise to power, his unprecedented industrial success, and the introduction of revolutionary technologies such as advanced drilling equipment, steel manufacturing techniques, and transportation infrastructure—all years, if not decades, ahead of their time.

Porter's piece dug into every corner of Matthew's life, suggesting that his knowledge of future events and innovations could not possibly be explained by mere genius. "How," Porter wrote, "could a commoner-turned-industrialist, without any formal political or military experience, become not only a business titan but also a head of state? Unless, of course, he knows something that the rest of us do not."

Within hours, the rumors began to spread like wildfire. Newspapers, pamphlets, and telegraph lines buzzed with heated debates. On street corners and in taverns, people speculated about whether their President was some kind of otherworldly figure. Some dismissed the claims as nonsense; others, especially in rural areas with limited access to reliable information, began to believe it.

Matthew sat at the head of the table, listening in disbelief as Henry Collins briefed him on the crisis. Amber sat beside him, her expression a mix of concern and quiet anger.

"The problem," Collins explained, "is that this story is gaining traction faster than we anticipated. It's not just fringe publications covering it anymore. Major newspapers in Amsterdam, Chicago, and Los Angeles are reprinting parts of Porter's article."

"Why are people buying into this?" Amber asked, her frustration evident. "This is absurd. No one actually believes Matthew came from the future, do they?"

Collins shifted uncomfortably. "More than you'd think. A lot of people see Matthew as almost superhuman—his success, his innovations, even his policies. For some, it's easier to believe in a fantastical explanation than to accept that one man could accomplish so much through hard work and intellect alone."

Matthew sighed, rubbing his temples. "So now I'm a time traveler. What's next? They'll accuse me of being an alien?"
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"Don't joke," Collins said. "There are already rumors about you having access to secret technologies beyond this world. If we don't control the narrative, this could spiral out of control."

Amber leaned forward. "What do you suggest, Henry?"

"We need to address this head-on. A public statement denying the rumors, combined with testimonials from people who've worked with Matthew for years. We can emphasize his track record of learning and innovation. But…" Collins hesitated.

"But what?" Matthew prompted.

"Some advisors think the best move is to discredit Porter. Expose him as a conspiracy theorist with no credibility," Collins said.

Matthew shook his head. "No. That'll make it worse. People will think we're trying to silence him because he's telling the truth. We're not going to play that game."

Amber nodded in agreement. "You need to speak to the people directly, Matthew. They trust you. If you dismiss this nonsense with facts and a calm demeanor, it'll take the wind out of Porter's sails."

Collins sighed. "Alright. I'll arrange for a press conference tomorrow. But I suggest we also provide detailed documentation of your projects—plans, research notes, correspondence. It'll show that these innovations didn't come out of nowhere. But sir I do have a question."

"What is it?"

"You're not actually a time traveler, are you, sir?" Collins finished, the room falling silent for a brief moment.

Amber gave Collins an incredulous look, while Matthew chuckled softly, breaking the tension.

"No, Henry. I'm not a time traveler. I can assure you that everything I've accomplished comes from years of hard work, vision, and a bit of luck. Though I'll admit, sometimes even I wonder how all of this happened so fast," Matthew replied with a wry grin. "But I'll take that as a sign we've been doing something right if people think our success is otherworldly."

Collins gave a sheepish nod. "Understood, sir. I had to ask—if only to say it's been addressed internally."

Matthew leaned forward, his expression now serious. "We'll handle this with transparency and integrity. The last thing we need is to lose public trust. Let's stick to the truth and get ahead of this story."

The next day.

The press hall was filled to capacity with reporters from every major newspaper and wire service across Amerathia. Flash photography flickered as Matthew stepped to the podium, his face calm and collected. Amber watched from the sidelines, her hands folded tightly as she observed the room's charged atmosphere.

Matthew adjusted the microphone and scanned the crowd before speaking.

"Good afternoon. I know many of you are here to ask about recent rumors concerning my background and my administration's progress in advancing this great nation. Let me begin by addressing the central claim directly: I am not a time traveler."

The room chuckled nervously. Matthew's warm smile eased the tension.

"I understand that in times of rapid change, people seek explanations. Over the past decade, Amerathia has experienced a transformation in industry, transportation, and infrastructure. These advances have come through collaboration—between inventors, business leaders, and dedicated workers. Nothing about these changes is magical, supernatural, or the result of knowledge from the future."

Reporters scribbled notes as Matthew continued.

"For transparency, my administration will be releasing detailed records on every major innovation introduced under my companies and during my governorship. You will find correspondence with engineers, research teams, and financiers—all evidence of the hard work that made these advancements possible."

A hand shot up from the crowd. It was William Porter himself, the journalist responsible for the article.

"Mr. President," Porter began, "even if we take your word at face value, how do you explain the accelerated pace of your success? Can you provide any precedent for this level of industrial and political growth?"

Matthew didn't flinch. He had anticipated this.

"That's a fair question, Mr. Porter. The answer lies in seizing opportunities and understanding the needs of a changing world. When I saw the potential for oil to revolutionize our industries, I invested in it. When I noticed our railways and factories lagging behind global competitors, I took decisive action to modernize them. Progress happens quickly when you combine vision with action—and when you have a nation of hardworking people behind you."

Porter jotted down notes but remained silent.

Another reporter spoke up. "Do you believe these rumors are politically motivated, sir?"

Matthew paused thoughtfully. "I won't speculate on motives. What I will say is that in times of change, fear often drives misinformation. People may be uncomfortable with rapid progress, and that's understandable. But I encourage every citizen to ask questions, seek facts, and trust in reason. Our nation will only grow stronger if we stand by the truth."

The room erupted in applause, an unusual response for a press conference. Matthew glanced at Amber, who gave him a nod of approval.

But for Porter, he was not done yet.