On a cold February day in Newport News, Virginia, Poul and Jonathan found themselves at the naval shipyard for the keel-laying ceremony of the USS Washington, the battleship commissioned by the United States Navy.
Joined by government officials, military personnel, and workers, the ceremony commenced with the national anthem. President Cleveland, in attendance, to officiate the event, praised the collaboration between the Axelsen & Nielsen Shipbuilding Company and the U.S. Navy, recognizing the significance of this project.
"Now, let us hear from the company that will be overseeing the construction of the battleship Washington. Founder of the Axelsen & Nielsen Corporation, Mr. Poul Nielsen."
A round of applause was offered as President Cleveland introduced Poul Nielsen. Poul stepped up to the podium. He looked out at the assembled audience, a sea of faces filled with anticipation.
"Thank you, President Cleveland, for those kind words," Poul began, acknowledging the audience with a nod. "Hmm…well, everyone, I really don't have much to say honestly."
The attendees chuckled, amused by Poul's candidness. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing, "Today is a significant day for all of us here. The keel-laying of the USS Washington represents more than just the construction of a battleship; it symbolizes our commitment to safeguarding our nation's security and upholding the values we hold dear. Once built, this battleship would be the heaviest, heavily-armed, and technologically advanced vessel in our fleet, a true embodiment of Avalonian strength and ingenuity."
The crowd's enthusiasm grew as Poul spoke with passion and conviction. He could feel the collective excitement building around him, and it fueled his determination to see the project through successfully.
"We, at Axelsen & Nielsen Shipbuilding Company, are honored to be entrusted with this momentous task. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly," Poul continued. "That's all, thank you once again for coming all the way here to Virginia to witness the
momentous keel-laying ceremony of the USS Washington. We are truly humbled by the support and trust placed in our company by the United States Navy and the Avalonian people."
Poul paused, and the crowd's attention intensified, waiting for his next words.
"And now, with great pride and honor, I invite you all to join me as we lay the keel of the USS Washington," Poul declared, a twinkle in his eye.
As Poul stepped down from the podium, a box containing rivets was presented to him. It held great significance in the shipbuilding tradition – the rivets would be used to secure the keel, the backbone and foundation of the USS Washington. This moment marked the official commencement of the ship's construction.
With confidence and pride, Poul led the way to the massive drydock where the battleship would take shape. The workers had meticulously prepared the keel, and the hull of the USS Washington was now laid out before them, waiting to be assembled.
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as they recognized the significance of this pivotal moment. All eyes were on Poul as he held up one of the rivets.
"Today, we lay the keel of the USS Washington!" Poul's voice resonated across the shipyard. He positioned the rivet. And with a mighty swing, he struck the rivet, driving it into the keel with a resounding clang that echoed through the air.
The moment was met with cheers and applause from the assembled crowd, celebrating this historic milestone in the creation of the USS Washington.
After that, Poul made his way to the president of the United States and shook his hand.
"Well, who would have thought that we are going to see each other early," Poul commented. "The World's fair is still two months away."
"Yeah, I know what you mean by that," Cleveland chuckled. "I'll take my leave now, Mr. Nielsen, and good luck building us that battleship."
Poul nodded, his eyes following the president who was walking away with his entourage.
Finally, the much-anticipated construction of the USS Washington had commenced. Poul and Jonathan watched with pride as the workers skillfully assembled the massive hull of the battleship. The shipyard became a hive of activity, with workers diligently carrying out their tasks to meet the project's demanding timeline.
Amelia's successful acquisition of the Newport shipbuilding facility from Collis Potter Huntington paved the way for the seamless transition of responsibilities. The resources and expertise of the Newport shipbuilding now merged with the capabilities of Axelsen & Nielsen, further strengthening their ability to deliver a top-notch battleship for the United States Navy.
Retreating back to their apartments, and to their rooms, Poul heaved a sigh of relief. Everything is in motion now, and everything he has to do is wait.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"Poul, there is someone who wishes to speak with you."
Poul recognized the voice, it was Amelia's.
"Come in," Poul permitted, straightening his posture as Amelia entered the room, followed by a man whom Poul recognized as John Morgan.
"Morgan, what do you need?"
"What do I need? Well, I want an update on your private military enterprises because the congressional is now set in July," Morgan said
"You have nothing to worry about, Morgan, everything is taken care of. The private military in Saudi Arabia is doing its job well, protecting our oil mining facilities from the local militias, who are mining hundreds of barrels of oil per week."
"Is that so? Well, I'm just worried, because I invested money in your private military enterprise. I don't want it going down," Morgan said.
"Well, if you are that concerned why don't you bribe the senators who will be overseeing the hearing?" Poul suggested, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.
"Are you serious?" Morgan's eyes narrowed.
Poul laughed heartily. "No! I'm just jesting. As I have said, we have everything under control. No need to do that."
Morgan let out a forced chuckle. "I almost considered it."
"I wouldn't be surprised if you did," Poul said and continued. "Can I get you something to drink?"
Amelia gestured towards a small bar set up in the corner of the room.
"We have a fine selection of whiskey, Morgan. Help yourself," Poul offered.
"I'm fine, I just need an update on our enterprises, that's all," Morgan said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Hmm, Amelia, why don't you report to Mr. Morgan about everything that is going on in our enterprise?" Poul said as he opened a bottle of whiskey and poured himself a glass.
"Very well, Mr. Nielsen," Amelia said, adopting a formal tone. "Mr. Morgan, all of our enterprises are doing incredibly well, especially in the arms manufacturing enterprises. The Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Joseon made up most of our market as they are engaged in an armed conflict."
"Japan is winning in the land and in the sea. The Western powers were just observing the war through their correspondents and the longer the war went on, the more clients from abroad we are receiving," Poul added as he sipped his glass of whiskey.
"So our weapons that we are selling are becoming their favorites? I see. Poul, you have built a lot of miracles, you are now building battleships. What's next?"
"Well, I think we focus on enterprises churning our goods to the market. The aircraft and automobiles are becoming the new attraction to the public. The next thing we do would be in infrastructure."
"Which is what, Poul?" Morgan asked.
Poul's lips curled to a smile before revealing to Morgan their next project. "A canal."
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