Matthew Hesh sat in his office, the morning sunlight filtering through the large windows. The air was cool, but the weight of recent news ward his thoughts. A copy of the treaty with Gran Colombia lay on his desk. He had read it multiple tis, the details etched into his mind. The independence of Panama was a key win, but the true prize lay elsewhere—territorial acquisitions in what was once the northern part of Gran Colombia.
Matthew leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. This region, rich in untapped resources, included vast oil reserves. In his previous life, he had read about Venezuela being one of the largest producers of oil in the world. Now, that sa opportunity was before him in this alternate world. With Arathia controlling the region, there was no competition for these resources.
Amber entered the room, carrying a tray with a fresh cup of coffee. She set it down in front of him, her eyes curious. "You’ve been awfully focused on that docunt," she said, sitting across from him. "I take it the treaty is exactly what you wanted?"
Matthew nodded slowly. "Better than I expected. Arathia didn’t just secure Panama—they took control of the northern provinces. That territory is rich in oil, Amber. In the coming decades, oil will be as valuable as gold. Machines, vehicles, aircraft, factories… all of them will depend on it."
Amber raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you’ve already made plans for it."
"I have," Matthew replied, his tone serious. "I can’t afford to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. If I control that region, I control the future of energy in this country. Arathia will dominate the industrial age, and I intend to be at the forefront of that."
Amber crossed her arms. "And how exactly do you plan to do that? The governnt isn’t going to hand over a strategic territory just because you ask nicely."
Matthew smirked. "They won’t. But they might if I offer them sothing they can’t refuse."
He stood, grabbing the treaty and placing it inside a leather briefcase. "I need to et with President Clay. I’m going to propose that I be appointed as the governor of the newly acquired territory. In return, I’ll offer full paynt for the land and a commitnt to develop its infrastructure. Roads, railways, ports—it’ll beco a hub of economic activity."
Amber’s eyes widened slightly. "You’re serious about this, aren’t you?"
"Dead serious," Matthew said. "The world is changing fast, and I won’t sit on the sidelines watching soone else capitalize on it."
Later that afternoon, Matthew arrived at the White House. He was quickly ushered into the Oval Office, where President Theodore Clay waited with Secretary of State Johnson Wright and General Jonathan Graves. The atmosphere was cordial but businesslike. Clay gestured for Matthew to take a seat.
"Matthew, I assu you’re here regarding the new territories," Clay said, leaning forward on his desk. "What’s on your mind?"
Matthew placed the briefcase on the floor beside him and t the President’s gaze. "Mr. President, I want to be direct. I’m here to discuss the northern provinces—the ones we acquired from Gran Colombia."
Clay nodded slowly. "Go on."
"Those provinces have imnse economic potential," Matthew continued. "Oil reserves, fertile land, access to key trade routes. I believe that if properly developed, they could beco the backbone of Arathia’s industrial expansion. However, managing and developing those resources will require expertise, investnt, and long-term vision. That’s where I co in."
Wright folded his arms. "You’re suggesting what, exactly?"
"I’m proposing that I be appointed as the governor of the region," Matthew said plainly. "In exchange, I’m willing to pay for the land outright and commit to a comprehensive developnt plan. My company, Hesh Industries, will handle infrastructure projects, resource extraction, and economic revitalization."
Graves frowned. "You’re talking about privatizing a strategic region. That’s a lot of power to put in the hands of one man."
Matthew leaned forward. "I understand your concern, General, but let’s be realistic. The governnt is stretched thin from the war. It’ll take years to stabilize those territories, let alone develop them. I have the resources and expertise to do it faster and more efficiently. In return, Arathia will benefit from increased tax revenue, trade, and industrial growth."
Clay tapped his fingers on the desk thoughtfully. "It’s a bold proposal, Matthew. But there’s a risk of political backlash. So might say we’re giving too much control to a private entity."
Matthew nodded. "I’m not asking for unchecked authority. There will be oversight, and I’ll work closely with the federal governnt. Think of it as a partnership. Besides, we need to act quickly. Other nations are watching. If we hesitate, they’ll find ways to undermine our control over the region."
Wright exchanged a glance with Clay. "He’s not wrong. The longer we delay, the more likely we’ll face internal unrest or external pressure."
Clay sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, Matthew. I’m willing to consider your offer. But I want concrete terms. How much are you willing to pay, and what are your imdiate priorities for the region?"
Matthew pulled out a set of docunts from his briefcase. "I’ve outlined a paynt plan here. As for priorities, we’ll start with infrastructure—roads, railways, and a deep-water port near the Caribbean coast. Next, we’ll establish energy production and extraction facilities. The oil fields will be operational within two years, providing both dostic energy and export revenue." Continue reading on .Côm
Clay reviewed the docunts, his expression neutral but focused. After a long pause, he nodded. "This… could work. Johnson, what’s your take?"
Wright tapped his fingers on the table. "It’s risky, but it’s also an opportunity we can’t ignore. If Matthew delivers on his promises, it’ll solidify our dominance in the region."
"General?" Clay turned to Graves.
Graves sighed. "As long as there’s strong oversight, I’m on board. But I want a clear commitnt to security asures. That region is still unstable."
Matthew nodded. "Agreed. I’ll fund and train a regional security force to maintain order and protect key assets."
Clay leaned back in his chair. "Alright, Matthew. We have a deal. You’ll be appointed as the governor of the northern provinces. But rember—this is a high-stakes operation. We’re trusting you to deliver."
Matthew stood and extended his hand. "I won’t let you down, Mr. President."
Clay shook his hand firmly. "See that you don’t. Arathia’s future depends on it."
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