Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 207: Back to Duties Part 1

The morning air was crisp and carried the scent of salt from the sea as President Matthew Hesh stood on the deck of a naval transport ship, watching the horizon as the imposing structures of the Newport Naval Base came into view. The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the shipyard, where dozens of steel-clad warships were in various stages of construction.

Beside him, Secretary of the Navy Samuel Whitmore adjusted his coat against the breeze. "The battleship program is proceeding ahead of schedule, Mr. President," he said, his voice filled with pride. "By the end of the year, we will have at least two fully operational dreadnought-class warships ready for deployment."

Matthew nodded, his eyes fixed on the massive drydocks where skeletal frames of future battleships rose like metallic behemoths from the ground. The rhythmic pounding of hammers, the hiss of welding torches, and the distant shouts of shipbuilders filled the air—a symphony of industry and progress.

"How many are currently under construction?" Matthew asked.

Whitmore flipped through a small leather-bound notebook. "We have six battleships in various stages. The USS Dominion and USS Liberty are nearing completion. Their armaments are being fitted as we speak. The USS Aegis and USS Valiant are still in their hull-plating phase, while two additional unnamed battleships are in the early framework stage."

Matthew crossed his arms. "And their armament? Are we keeping up with the latest naval technology?"

Whitmore nodded. "Absolutely. Each ship is being fitted with 14-inch naval guns, a step above most of what the European fleets are currently using. Our new armor plating is also more resistant to high-caliber shells, and we’ve incorporated improved steam turbine engines for greater speed and efficiency."

Matthew glanced toward the massive steel turrets being lowered onto the USS Dominion. The sight of the heavy guns reinforced the reality of what Amerathia was becoming—a naval power capable of competing on the world stage.

A small launch boat carried Matthew, Whitmore, and a few top military officials toward the heart of the shipyard. Workers paused momentarily, tipping their hats in acknowledgment as the President walked past towering cranes and stacks of raw steel.

Rear Admiral Jonathan Monroe, the commanding officer of the Newport Naval Base, greeted them near the main drydock. A stout man with a thick mustache, Monroe had been instrumental in overseeing the expansion of the navy.

"Mr. President, it’s an honor to have you here," Monroe said, shaking Matthew’s hand firmly. "As you can see, we’re making remarkable progress."

Matthew glanced around, watching as workers riveted thick armor plates onto the hull of a battleship. "I can see that. How soon before we can conduct sea trials for the first of these ships?"

Monroe gestured toward the USS Dominion, its sleek hull gleaming under the morning sun. "We’re preparing for her first trials within the next two months. After that, if all goes well, she’ll be commissioned into the fleet."

Matthew nodded. "We need these ships ready as soon as possible. The world is changing, and Amerathia cannot afford to fall behind in naval superiority."

Monroe gave a firm nod. "Understood, sir. We’ve ramped up production capabilities. If we continue at this pace, Amerathia will have one of the strongest navies in the Western Hemisphere."

One of the highlights of the visit was the demonstration of the new 14-inch naval guns, designed to outmatch any weapon currently in service. A special firing range had been set up on a nearby isolated stretch of coastline, where one of the completed turrets had been mounted for testing.

Matthew, along with his entourage, was escorted to a reinforced observation post overlooking the test site. The gun crew was already in position, loading a 1,400-pound shell into the breech.

A senior weapons engineer stepped forward. "Mr. President, this is our newest high-caliber naval gun. Capable of firing up to 24 miles with remarkable accuracy."

Matthew peered through a pair of binoculars as the engineers prepared for the test.

"Fire when ready," Monroe ordered.

A brief moment of silence.

Then—

BOOM!

The earth shook as the massive gun roared to life. A cloud of smoke and fire erupted from the barrel as the shell tore through the sky. Seconds later, a distant explosion sent a plume of water and debris high into the air.

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Matthew lowered his binoculars, impressed. "That will make any enemy think twice before challenging us."

Whitmore grinned. "That’s the idea, sir."

Following the artillery demonstration, Matthew was led to a newly constructed naval officers’ quarters, where he addressed a group of captains and admirals. The men stood at attention as he entered.

"Gentlemen," Matthew began, his voice firm, "Amerathia is on the cusp of naval greatness. Our enemies will not wait for us to catch up, so we must be prepared. These battleships will be the backbone of our defense, ensuring that no nation underestimates us again."

The room was silent, the weight of his words settling over the assembled officers.

"I expect nothing but excellence from each of you," he continued. "Train your crews well, maintain your discipline, and uphold the values of Amerathia. If war comes, we will not be caught unprepared." Explore more adventures at novelbuddy

A resounding "Yes, sir!" echoed through the hall.

Satisfied, Matthew nodded. "Then let’s get to work."

As the day came to an end, Matthew took one last tour of the USS Dominion. Walking along the deck, he ran his fingers along the smooth steel railing, feeling the power and strength of the vessel beneath his hands.

He paused at the bow, staring out at the open ocean.

This was the future.

Amerathia was no longer just a rising power—it was a force to be reckoned with.

Whitmore stepped beside him. "What are you thinking, sir?"

Matthew exhaled, watching the waves crash against the dock. "I’m thinking that soon, these ships will be sailing across the world, carrying the might of our nation with them."

Whitmore smirked. "Then we’d better make sure they’re ready."

Matthew clapped him on the shoulder. "We will. Because we don’t just prepare for war—we ensure victory."

As the presidential transport departed from the naval base, Matthew leaned back in his seat, his mind replaying the day’s events. Amerathia was no longer just a nation on the rise—it was cementing itself as a power capable of defending its interests.

The future of the navy was secure.

Now, he just had to ensure the rest of the world knew it.

As the ship carried him back toward Washington, Matthew closed his eyes, knowing that his work was far from over.

But today?

Today had been a victory.