Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Jonathan caught up to Poul near the main entrance of the White House. Poul was pulling out a small box where he kept his tobacco, opened it, and lit a cigarette.

"Hey, Poul, hold up," Jonathan called out, slightly out of breath from rushing to catch him.

Poul turned to face Jonathan, a stern expression on his face as he took a drag from his cigarette. "What is it, Jonathan? Can't you see I need a moment to myself?"

"I know, I know," Jonathan replied, trying to remain calm. "But we need to talk about how you handled yourself in there. You can't just storm out like that."

Poul exhaled a puff of smoke, looking irritated. "Well, what did you expect me to do? Smile and nod while they talk about dragging us in front of Congress?"

"No, but you could have at least kept your composure," Jonathan said, trying to reason with him. "This isn't just about you and me anymore. It's about the company, our employees, and the projects we've worked so hard on."

"I know that," Poul grumbled, flicking the ash from his cigarette. "But it's frustrating, Jonathan. We're being questioned and scrutinized for trying to protect our own interests and investments."

"I understand your frustration," Jonathan said, his voice softer now. "But we have to be careful about how we handle this situation. Walking out on the President like that won't do us any favors."

Poul took another drag from his cigarette, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment, he finally spoke, his tone somewhat less agitated. "You're right, Jonathan. I shouldn't have acted that way. It's just... it's all so much to deal with."

"I know it is," Jonathan sympathized. "But we'll get through this. We've faced challenges before, and we'll face this one too. We'll cooperate with Congress, present our case, and ensure that our actions were justified."

Poul nodded, taking one last drag from his cigarette before extinguishing it. "Alright, I'll try to keep my emotions in check. It's just hard to see our company being dragged through all of this."

"I understand," Jonathan said, placing a reassuring hand on Poul's shoulder. "We'll face whatever comes our way together. Now let's go back inside and prepare for what's next. But first, you'll have to apologize to the president."

With a nod, Poul took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he tried to regain his composure.

"You're right, Jonathan. I need to apologize to President Cleveland for my behavior."

Jonathan smiled, relieved to see Poul taking a more level-headed approach.

"Take as much time as you need, Poul. Collect your thoughts, and when you're ready, we'll head back in together," Jonathan said, giving his friend a supportive nod.

Poul appreciated the understanding and nodded back. He spent a minute smoking his tobacco. After that, he flicked the cigarette butt away to the nearby trash bin and beckoned Jonathan to follow him to the Oval Office.

After that, he flicked the cigarette butt away to the nearby trash bin and beckoned Jonathan to follow him to the Oval Office.

As they entered the iconic room, President Cleveland looked up from his desk.

"Oh, you industrialist duo have returned. I thought you left completely. I must say, that was disrespectful, Mr. Nielsen," Cleveland said, chiding Poul lightly.

"If you were in my shoes, Mr. President, I'm pretty sure you would have reacted the same," Poul countered. "Anyways I apologize for my behavior, may we ask what committee is going to investigate our company?" Poul inquired, trying to gather as much information as possible.

President Cleveland leaned back in his chair, contemplating his response. "Given the gravity of the situation, Congress has decided to form a special committee to investigate the matters concerning Tactical Aegis Services."

Poul and Jonathan exchanged glances, realizing the significance of this development. "A special committee? What does that mean for us?" Jonathan asked, concerned about the potential implications.

"The special committee will be comprised of members from various existing committees, chosen for their expertise in foreign relations, military affairs, and international law," President Cleveland explained. "They will be tasked with conducting hearings, gathering evidence, and presenting their findings to Congress."

"If you are able to justify the existence of Tactical Aegis Services and demonstrate that your actions were in line with our country's best interests and foreign policy principles, it would certainly work in your favor," President Cleveland responded, leaning forward with a serious expression. "But if it is found that your company's actions were not in accordance with the laws and principles that govern our nation, the consequences could be severe," he concluded gravely.

"Severe as in the potential for legal ramifications, sanctions, or even the revocation of certain privileges and contracts your company enjoys," President Cleveland clarified somberly.

"Okay, thank you for explaining it to us, President Cleveland," Poul said. "We'll prove in the hearing just how important our private military company is in Saudi Arabia. The oil reserves in that region are massive. You don't realize it yet because we are still using coal as fuel, but oil will dominate the energy landscape in the coming years."

"I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Nielsen," Cleveland said as he stood up from his desk and extended a hand toward them. "That will be all gentlemen, I hope that our next meeting will not be about us discussing the problems you have caused to our beloved country."

Poul and Jonathan simply nodded in reply before shaking hands with President Cleveland.

Just as Poul and Jonathan were about to leave the Oval Office, Cleveland called.

"Oh wait, Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Axelsen."

Jonathan and Poul halted and turned around to face Cleveland.

"What is it, Mr, President?" Poul asked.

"You are aware that we will be hosting a world's fair in Chicago in May right? And I heard that you will be the one bringing lights to it," Cleveland said.

"Yeah if we win the bid in February," Poul confirmed. "Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, I was looking forward to meeting the both of you there and showing off your inventions," Cleveland replied.

"Is that so?" Jonathan mused. "In that case let's see each other there in Chicago."

"Great!" Cleveland exclaimed softly. "Now, you may go now."

Poul and Jonathan resumed their steps and exited the White House. As they were walking down the hallway, Poul spoke.

"I must say, I almost forgot about the World's fair. We have a lot of things running in our minds right now."

"Yeah you are right, you are the one who is going to present the proposal to the Chicago World's Fair Committee, right?" Jonathan interjected. "I believe our opponent there is Russell."

Poul chuckled. "He and his direct current system have no chance of winning against us," he paused and sighed. "Let's go back to Pittsburgh now."