Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 157: Prelude to Panama

Three days after President Theodore Clay’s impassioned presentation to Congress, Matthew Hesh and Charles Whitmore were summoned back to the White House. They arrived early in the morning, their expressions guarded yet hopeful as they were ushered into the President’s office. Theodore Clay was seated at his desk, papers neatly stacked in front of him, his face unreadable.

"Gentlemen," Clay began, standing as they entered. He extended his hand to Matthew and then to Charles. "Congress has made its decision."

Matthew exchanged a quick glance with Charles, his jaw tight. "And what did they decide, Mr. President?"

Clay’s lips curled into a faint smile. "The Panama Canal project has been approved."

The tension in the room broke instantly. Matthew exhaled, his shoulders relaxing as a smile spread across his face. Charles nodded, visibly relieved.

"That’s excellent news, Mr. President," Matthew said. "Thank you for believing in this vision."

Clay held up a hand. "Don’t thank me yet. This was a narrow victory, and the opposition raised valid concerns. You’ll need to ensure this project runs smoothly, or I’ll have an entire Congress—and likely the public—on my back."

"We understand," Charles said, his voice steady. "We’re prepared for the challenges ahead."

Clay sat back down, his tone firm. "Now that the project has Congress’s approval, here’s what we’ll provide: Amerathian troops will be deployed to Panama to stabilize the region and support the independence movement. Additionally, the government will purchase supplies and equipment from Hesh Industries to support the effort."

Matthew nodded, his mind already racing with the logistics. "We’ll begin mobilizing immediately. Our factories are ready to ramp up production."

Clay leaned forward. "One more thing. The military presence in Panama will be under strict orders to act as peacekeepers, not aggressors. The goal is to win the trust of the Panamanian people and avoid international backlash."

"Understood," Matthew said. "We’ll make sure our actions reflect that mission."

Clay glanced at the clock on his desk. "I’ll leave the details of the operation to you and the military advisors. But let me be clear—failure is not an option. This project is now tied to Amerathia’s reputation."

"It won’t fail," Matthew assured him. "We have the team, the resources, and now, your backing. That’s all we need."

Clay stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Then I’ll leave you to it. Good luck, gentlemen."

Later that afternoon, Matthew and Charles returned to the modest inn in Amsterdam where Victor Lachance and Jacques Bellamont were staying. As they entered the parlor, the two engineers rose to greet them, their faces curious but cautious.

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Matthew wasted no time. "The project has been approved. Congress gave us the green light."

Lachance’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Truly? I didn’t expect such quick progress."

Bellamont grinned, slapping his hands together. "This is incredible news! When do we start?"

"Immediately," Charles said, his tone decisive. "The Amerathian government is sending troops to support the independence movement in Panama, and Hesh Industries is ramping up production of supplies and equipment."

Matthew spread a map of Panama across the table, pointing to key locations. "Our first step is to secure the canal route. Amerathian troops will stabilize the region while we provide logistical and material support. Once Panama declares independence, we’ll begin construction."

Lachance leaned over the map, his fingers tracing the proposed canal route. "And the political situation? How do we ensure Gran Colombia doesn’t intervene?"

"The military presence will deter them," Matthew explained. "Gran Colombia is already unstable. They can’t afford a prolonged conflict, especially against foreign powers like Amerathia. And I’m sure they have heard about the defeat of the United States of Mexico."

Bellamont tapped the map thoughtfully. "And what about the people of Panama? Winning their trust will be just as important as securing the route."

Matthew nodded. "We’ve planned for that. Hesh Industries will invest in local infrastructure—schools, hospitals, roads. We’ll ensure the Panamanian people see the canal as a partnership, not exploitation."

Lachance folded his arms, his expression serious. "And what of the technical challenges? The terrain is unforgiving, and the diseases are relentless."

"That’s where you come in," Matthew said, looking between the two engineers. "Your expertise will be critical in overcoming those challenges. Bellamont, you’ll oversee the design and construction of the locks. Lachance, you’ll handle the overall project coordination, including managing the workforce and logistics."

Bellamont’s grin widened. "I’ve already refined my designs for the locks. With Hesh Industries’ resources, we can build them faster and more efficiently than ever."

Lachance nodded, his confidence growing. "And I’ll ensure the workforce is properly trained and equipped. We’ll need to establish sanitation protocols and medical facilities to keep diseases at bay."

Matthew placed a hand on the table, his gaze steady. "This won’t be easy. But together, we have the knowledge, resources, and determination to make it happen."

Bellamont raised a glass of water from the table, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "To the Panama Canal. Let’s make history."

Matthew Hesh arrived back in Newport late in the afternoon.

As he stepped through the front door, the aroma of roasted herbs and freshly baked bread greeted him. Amber was in the dining room, arranging the last of the dishes on the table. She turned to see him and smiled warmly.

"You’re just in time," she said, wiping her hands on her apron. "I thought you might need a good meal after all the work you’ve been doing."

Matthew walked over and kissed her cheek. "You know me too well. It smells amazing."

Amber gestured to the dining table, which was set for two with candles softly glowing. "I thought we could have dinner here tonight. Something quiet before the next storm hits."

Matthew chuckled, pulling out a chair. "You make it sound like I’m a soldier heading to the front lines."

Amber arched an eyebrow as she sat across from him. "Aren’t you? The way you’ve been running around, it feels like you’re leading an army. So, how did the meetings go?"

Matthew hesitated, taking a sip of water. "Better than expected. Congress approved the Panama Canal project, and the Amerathian government is officially backing it."

Amber’s expression turned serious. "That’s huge, Matthew. I assume this means you’ll be even busier now?"

He nodded. "Yes, but that’s not all. The project involves more than just managing logistics and engineering from here. I’ll have to go overseas, to Panama, to oversee some of the operations myself." Continue your journey on novelbuddy

Amber paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. "Overseas? When?"

"I’m not sure yet," Matthew admitted. "There’s still a lot to organize before I leave. But it’s inevitable. This project is too important to handle from afar."

Amber set her fork down, leaning forward slightly. "Then I’m coming with you."

Matthew blinked, caught off guard. "Amber, it’s not going to be a simple trip. Panama isn’t Newport. The conditions will be rough—heat, humidity, and who knows what else."

"I know," Amber said firmly. "But you’re not doing this alone. We’ve always tackled challenges together, haven’t we? This won’t be any different."

Matthew opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself. He knew better than to argue when Amber had made up her mind. And truthfully, a part of him was relieved at the thought of having her by his side.

"All right," he said with a faint smile. "But if you’re coming, you’ll need to be prepared for the realities of life on a construction site."

Amber returned his smile, her determination unwavering. "I’ll manage. And besides, someone has to keep an eye on you to make sure you don’t work yourself to death."