A week later, back in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
"Poul, I have news for you," Amelia said as she stepped forward over to Poul's desk.
"Fire it away, Amelia," Poul prompted her to continue while reading a newspaper in his hand.
"The Tactical Aegis Services has arrived in our oil mining facilities and they are setting up a defensive perimeter around it. There were some hiccups along the way as they encountered a militia in the city of Taif."
"An encounter huh?" Poul mused, leaning back in his chair. "Was this the only encounter they faced or is there another?" he asked, this time, looking at Amelia.
"That's the only encounter, Poul, the rest of their journey was smooth and successful. They managed to neutralize the militia without any casualties on their side," Amelia replied confidently.
Poul nodded, considering the information. "Good. I knew bringing Tactical Aegis Services on board was the right decision. With them already on the site, our oil mining operations in the Middle East will be more secure than ever."
"Well, there is a downside, Poul. You see, Saudi Arabia has raised their objections to the United States Government, believing that us bringing in a private militia without their knowledge constitutes a breach of their sovereignty," Amelia explained with a hint of concern. "We also have received a letter from the White House, demanding you and Jonathan to attend an urgent meeting with the President," she added, holding out the letter for Poul to read.
Poul took the letter, his brow furrowing with worry. "The President wants to see both of us?" he asked, glancing at Jonathan, who was standing nearby, listening attentively to the conversation.
"You can pretty much handle it alone, Poul," Jonathan said as he continued scribbling down some notes on a nearby notepad. "I'm busy with the Empire State Building project."
"I wish that would be easy Jonathan but the President Cleveland asked for us together. This matter concerns both of us as it is our company," Poul said, causing Jonathan to sigh.
"Am I the only one noticing that we have been dealing a lot in politics? Like it has never been like this before," Jonathan remarked.
"Now that you have said it, Jonathan, you are quite right," Amelia concurred.
Poul chuckled before returning his gaze to the letter. "According to this letter, we have to meet the President tomorrow at five o'clock in the afternoon. Amelia, please prepare everything necessary for the journey."
"Understood, Mr. Nielsen," Amelia said, adopting a formal tone.
Jonathan sighed again. "I hate all of this."
***
A day later, in the Washington D.C White House. The guards stationed at the gates approached the automobile that was carrying Poul and Jonathan inside.
The industrialist duo stepped off the vehicle and thanked the guard for his assistance. They made their way through the corridors of the White House, and to the Oval Office.
As they entered, President Cleveland stood up from behind his desk, a warm smile on his face.
"Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Axelsen, welcome. Please, have a seat," he gestured to the chairs in front of his desk.
"Thank you for having us, Mr. President," Poul said, extending his hand for a firm handshake.
"Indeed, it's an honor," Jonathan added, shaking the President's hand as well.
The President motioned for them to sit down, and they all settled into their seats.
"I understand there have been some concerns raised by Saudi Arabia regarding your company's actions," President Cleveland began, his tone serious yet inviting. "You sure are not going to start a war in Saudi Arabia right?"
"Joseon and Japan is a blunder, Mr. President," Poul said and continued. "We don't intend to repeat that."
"Then what are your private militia doing in Saudi Arabia huh?" Cleveland asked.
"They are there to protect our oil mining facilities and ensure the safety of our workers. We had faced several security threats in the past, and we sought to prevent any further risks to our operations," Poul explained calmly. "Besides, you don't want the United States to lose that precious oil right? You know it's a precious commodity, especially for our automobiles."
"I know that Mr. Nielsen but you see, I have received word from the Congress demanding that your private military company be brought in for a congressional hearing," President Cleveland interjected, a concerned expression crossing his face.
Poul and Jonathan exchanged glances, surprised by the news. "A congressional hearing? But why?" Jonathan asked, feeling a knot of apprehension in his stomach.
"The concerns raised by Saudi Arabia have sparked a debate in Congress about the use of private military companies in foreign territories," the President explained. "They believe that this action might set a dangerous precedent and could potentially violate the sovereignty of other nations. The Congress wants to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that our actions align with our foreign policy principles."
"So another formality again huh?" Jonathan chimed in.
"No, Mr. Axelsen, this is a serious matter. You'll be informed of the dates and specifics of the congressional hearing soon," President Cleveland said firmly. "Congress takes matters of national security and international relations seriously. But still, your private militia can continue its operation in the Middle East given the nature of their mission to protect your oil mining facilities. That'll be all."
"A congressional hearing huh?" Poul repeated. "So what's next, President Cleveland? An antitrust to our company?"
"Woah…Poul, calm down," Jonathan reached out to his partner's shoulder.
President Cleveland raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by Poul's frustration.
"Mr. Nielsen, this is not personal or meant to be an attack on your company," President Cleveland clarified, trying to defuse the tension in the room. "Congress is simply exercising its oversight role."
"After making Avalonia great by inventing technologies that are beyond the Europeans, this is what we get huh?" Poul chuckled. "Well, if it's the will of the Congress, we have no choice but to come up. We'll take our leave now, Mr. President, and I hope you have a very good day."
Poul rose to his feet and left the Oval Office without bothering to shake hands with the president. Jonathan on the other hand shook the President's hand and spoke.
"I apologize for Poul's behavior, Mr. President," Jonathan said earnestly. "I'll talk to him."
After saying that, he left the Oval Office and chased Poul.
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