Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 78: Pitching to the Army Part 1

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The early morning light bathed the roads of New Hudson in a soft golden glow as Matthew Hesh and Robert Anders sped through the bustling streets in an open-top automobile. The vehicle, a prototype jeep designed by Hesh Motors, was a rugged, utilitarian variant of their commercial line, built specifically for off-road and military purposes. Its sturdy frame and oversized wheels handled the uneven cobblestones with ease, drawing curious looks from pedestrians and workers alike.

In the back of the jeep, a reinforced steel crate was securely fastened, its contents protected by a heavy-duty lock. Inside were the prototypes that Matthew and his team had poured weeks of effort into: the bolt-action rifle, the belt-fed machine gun, and the semi-automatic pistol. Today, they were en route to the United Army Command Headquarters to present these designs to General Nathaniel Warner.

Robert, seated beside Matthew, clutched a clipboard with notes detailing the specifications of the weapons. He glanced at the passing scenery, his unease evident.

"Do you think the General will be open to this?" Robert asked, breaking the silence.

Matthew kept his eyes on the road, his expression calm and confident. "General Warner is a man who values results. If these weapons perform as intended, he’ll see their potential. He’s not the type to let tradition hold him back."

The jeep roared past horse-drawn carts and early-model automobiles. The city gradually gave way to the outskirts, where the imposing silhouette of the United Army Command Headquarters loomed on the horizon. The building was a fortress of stone and steel, its high walls and guard towers projecting authority and security.

As they approached the main gate, armed guards stepped forward, their rifles slung over their shoulders. One of them raised a hand, signaling the jeep to stop.

"State your business," the guard barked, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the vehicle and its occupants.

Matthew leaned out of the driver’s seat, his tone even. "Matthew Hesh, here to see General Nathaniel Warner. We have an appointment."

The guard’s eyes flicked to the crate in the back of the jeep before nodding. "Wait here."

He motioned to a subordinate, who hurried inside the gatehouse. A few moments later, the gate creaked open, and the guard waved them through.

"Proceed. The General is expecting you. Park near the west wing."

Matthew drove the jeep into the compound, its tires crunching over the gravel. Soldiers moved about the grounds as they performed their respective task inside the compound.

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Rows of neatly aligned barracks and armories framed the main building, where a large courtyard served as a parade ground.

Parking the jeep near the west wing, Matthew and Robert climbed out. Two soldiers approached to assist with the crate, their curious glances lingering on the sleek automobile.

"This your ride?" one of the soldiers asked, a note of admiration in his voice.

"It is," Matthew replied, locking the jeep’s doors. "A prototype. But we’re here for what’s in the crate, not the car."

The soldiers chuckled and hefted the crate between them, following Matthew and Robert into the building. Inside, the halls were stark and functional, with maps and military insignias adorning the walls. They were led to a spacious meeting room, where General Nathaniel Warner stood by a large window overlooking the compound.

The General turned as they entered, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Matthew. Clad in a crisp uniform, his tall frame and commanding presence radiated authority.

"Mr. Hesh," Warner greeted, extending a hand. "It’s good to see you again. And you must be Mr. Anders," he added, nodding to Robert.

"General Warner," Matthew replied, shaking his hand firmly. "Thank you for meeting with us."

The soldiers set the crate on a heavy oak table at the center of the room and stepped back. Warner gestured for Matthew to proceed.

"I understand you’ve brought something new for me to see," the General said, his tone neutral but expectant.

Matthew nodded. "We have, General. These prototypes represent the next generation of weaponry—tools designed to give our forces a decisive edge on the battlefield."

He unlocked the crate and lifted the lid, revealing the gleaming weapons within. The bolt-action rifle, machine gun, and semi-automatic pistol lay neatly arranged, their polished metal surfaces catching the light.

"This," Matthew began, lifting the rifle, "is the Hesh Model 85 Bolt-Action Rifle. It features a five-round internal magazine, a smooth bolt mechanism, and a range of up to 500 yards. It’s lightweight, durable, and designed for precision."

Warner took the rifle, testing its weight and balance. He cycled the bolt and inspected the sights, nodding slightly. "Feels solid. What’s next?"

Matthew set the rifle down and picked up the machine gun. "The Hesh Model 85 Automatic Gun. Belt-fed, air-cooled, and capable of firing 400 to 600 rounds per minute. It’s versatile enough to be mounted on vehicles or used on a tripod."

The General’s eyebrows lifted slightly as he ran his hands over the machine gun’s cooling barrel. "Interesting. How does it handle heat during sustained fire?"

"We’ve incorporated an air-cooled system and a quick-change barrel mechanism," Robert interjected. "It can sustain prolonged fire without compromising performance."

Warner nodded, setting the machine gun back in the crate. "And the pistol?"

Matthew presented the compact semi-automatic pistol. "The Hesh Model 85 Pistol. Chambered for .45 caliber rounds, it holds seven in the magazine. Reliable, easy to carry, and perfect for close combat."

Warner examined the pistol, testing its grip and sight alignment. "I’ll admit, Mr. Hesh, these designs are impressive. But prototypes alone won’t convince the Army Board. We’ll need a live demonstration."

"That’s precisely why we’re here, General," Matthew said. "We’re prepared to conduct a field trial at your earliest convenience."

Warner smiled faintly. "Confident as always. Very well. I’ll arrange for a demonstration today in the afternoon, I’ll also send invitations to my fellow generals as well. It’s going to be a huge demonstration, are you prepared for it?"

"When did I ever not prepare for anything, General?" Matthew winked. "I will ace this demonstration with my invention."