"This is excellent, Mr. Otto, Mr. Daimler. I'm sure David will be thrilled to see that the development of the internal combustion engine has borne fruit," Damian said, glancing at the prototype with satisfaction. "Before we celebrate, however, I'll need this engine prepared with potential applications for our estate's upcoming expo asap. We want everyone to see how groundbreaking this advancement truly is."
Dr. Otto, the man mind behind the engine's development, nodded. "We've already started attaching it to prototypes like tools, carriages, we also tried it on a prototype model of a motorized plow design from the Agricultural Department," he explained, exchanging a glance with Daimler, his colleague in the Howlett R&D department, who looked equally exhausted and elated.
Damian gave them a nod of approval. "Fantastic! You two have more than earned your merits and some rest so go on, get some sleep. I'd hate for you to be worn out before David returns."
He leaned back in his chair, reflecting on the transformative impact David had made on the estate. Under his son John's and his own leadership, the family had merely maintained their holdings. But David's vision, policies, and investments had elevated the Howletts to new heights, transforming the territory into a thriving, innovative region. David's knack for talent was equally impressive; he knew exactly where to invest and which people would make the most of it.
Glancing at his pocket watch, Damian decided it was time to go out for some fresh air. As he left his office, he was joined by a group of men in uniform, these are the elite soldiers assigned to be his personal guards. Not that Damian necessarily needed them, but their presence served as a status symbol for the Howlett family's power and influence.
From the window of his carriage, Damian observed the bustling city streets. The wide, paved roads accommodated four carriages abreast, with designated lanes and newly implemented traffic rules. 'A stroke of genius,' he mused, remembering how the public had initially been wary of these changes. But as they saw the efficiency of the new system, their appreciation for David's forward-thinking ideas grew.
People thronged the streets, smiles on their faces, their interactions reflecting a sense of pride and belonging. The Howlett estate ran like a well-oiled machine, a model of structured management where every citizen played a role, from farmer to blacksmith, to teacher and doctor. The Howlett family's approach was clear, its citizens were its workforce, and the outside world its marketplace.
As the carriage continued, Damian's eyes caught sight of a sleek new train, its tracks leading to Zama Town, a new settlement in Alberta between the Northwest Territory and British Columbia. What had once been Zama village had transformed into a fortified town with a growing military presence. Most residents here were soldiers and trainees, handpicked by David to build a defense force that would secure the Howlett estate's borders.
Zama Town served not only as a military camp but also as a training ground for the advanced machinery and systems that David envisioned for the future. Just last month, the estate had begun installing telegraph lines between Zama Town and other towns across the territory, further expanding communication. The prototype combustion engines, such as the one built by Otto and Daimler, would likely revolutionize their production, making the estate more self-sufficient and connected.
Damian took in the scene with pride, realizing that he was witnessing the foundation of something extraordinary. The roads, the machines, the people. It was all part of David's grand design.
Damian's carriage continued on, passing the estate's thriving marketplaces, new workshops, and fields tended with modern equipment. The Howlett family was no longer just a name as it had become a symbol of innovation and leadership. And as much as Damian admired it all, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with humility.
"Investing in people," he murmured, looking out over the bustling estate. "Who would have thought it could yield such wealth?"
A sense of purpose swelled within him. He may not have David's vision, but he could support it, nurture it, and protect it. And in doing so, he could ensure that the Howlett name continued to stand for something far greater than he ever imagined.
***
The news of the Howlett estate's rapid rise in influence and resources did not go unnoticed. Across the western territories, whispers of the family's independence from traditional British rule spread like wildfire. The townsfolk, military leaders, and even the aristocracy sensed the ripple effects, each group perceiving it differently based on their own loyalties and ambitions.
In one of the bustling salons of London, Lady Annabelle Kensington sat with her circle of society elites, her voice barely a whisper as she leaned in close to Lord Chesterfield. "Have you heard? That 'Howlett boy' has taken quite the liberties, nearly disregarding the Crown itself."
Chesterfield scoffed, swirling his glass of port. "It's not just liberties, my dear. This young boy reeking of milk from his mum's tit called David Howlett has built a veritable fortress in the northwestern territories, practically a state within a state. It's a serious disruption to the established order if you ask me." He took a sip, as his brow furrowed. "I believe the Crown will not tolerate this for long."
At the same time, across the Atlantic, the newly appointed governor of British Columbia, Mr. Fitzwilliam, read the latest reports from his scouts, each one more glowing than the last. His position as governor had been secured with David's support. The muscle of James and Victor, whose silent, persuasive assistance had ensured his predecessor's swift resignation.
Now, Fitzwilliam operated under the Crown's radar, working in David's favor while keeping up appearances of loyalty to the British authorities. In the surface the two territories are at war with one another but he would secretly introduce Howlett's policies one by one.
An aide approached, handing him a file on the recent developments in the Howlett territories. Fitzwilliam read through it with a serious expression, inside, he is admiring the marked progress such as new towns near the borders, militia training centers in Zama Town, and a formidable transportation network connecting everything seamlessly. Sooner than later, the whole of British Columbia and Alberta will all be under the Howlett's control.
"Yes, this is promising indeed," Fitzwilliam murmured to himself. His aide, unaware of the true implications, simply nodded and moved to leave.
Fitzwilliam carefully adjusted his glasses and added the file to a locked drawer. He knew that, to maintain his cover, he'd have to act as if the Howletts' independence was a growing concern to British Columbia. To this end, he prepared reports for the Crown, filled with carefully curated information that painted a picture of order and cooperation though he left out David's expanding military influence and political leverage.
With his position secured, Fitzwilliam was free to funnel critical resources to the Howlett territories be it transport permissions, favorable trade deals, and strategic information. He coordinated in secret with Damian and other Howlett advisors, ensuring that any intelligence reaching London was measured and non-threatening, while David's actual operations moved forward unimpeded.
***
Back in London, whispers had already reached Parliament, where ministers debated the threat posed by the Howletts. Some demanded swift action, while others argued that the family might yet be an asset in advancing British interests in the western territories.
Prime Minister Gladstone himself, after hearing reports, summoned his inner circle for a private meeting. "Gentlemen," he began, leaning over the map laid before him, "we've been presented with an unusual challenge. The Howletts, particularly young David, are operating outside our control, establishing what could well be a rogue state. Their resources, their territorial expansion, and now…their defiance. This is not simply a matter of disobedience. They are building an empire within an empire."
One of his senior advisors, a stout man named Horace Pemberton, cleared his throat. "The public is becoming aware, Prime Minister. There's even a movement among the intellectuals to support the Howletts as symbols of British industrial progress. I fear they may soon be seen not as upstarts, but as champions of independence."
The Prime Minister sighed, rubbing his temples. "So, what is to be done? We can hardly wage a war against our own subjects."
"Perhaps not," said Lord Levington, a military strategist and a confidant of the Prime Minister. "But we can make their lives difficult. Blockade trade routes, increase tariffs on their exports, restrict their access to certain technologies or resources."
Gladstone nodded thoughtfully. "Yes… we apply pressure, remind them that the Crown's authority is not to be challenged lightly. Let's send a delegation to meet with them in a subtle show of force."
"Sir," he began, clearing his throat, "we have urgent and rather alarming news concerning David Howlett of the Howlett estate." An aide burst through the meeting room catching his breath while he reported the news.
"Go on," the Prime Minister replied, he looked at Pemberton with a frown but the other man seemed to be just as clueless so he redirected his gaze to the aide. The aide took a deep breath and straightened himself before speaking. "Our sources have confirmed that David Howlett, the current head of the Howlett estate in the Northwestern Territories is currently in London. He's has been seen meeting with notable figures such as Nathaniel Essex Frederick, Prince of Wales, The Duke of Queensberry, The Earl of Bute, Lord Melcombe, Sir William Stanhope, Sir John Dashwood-King, Sir Francis Delaval, Sir John Vanluttan, Henry Vansittart."
A murmur rippled through the room. These names were not unfamiliar to the gathered officials; they represented some of the most influential and controversial forces within the empire. The Prime Minister's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his otherwise impassive face.
'The Hellfire Club?' He thought with a frown. This club is nothing more than a group of lunatics who have grown bored of their normal lives. They are normally just debauching, drinking, and dancing but if they really are meeting with the upstart, the power they can wield may be a little problematic.
"And what, precisely, is the purpose of these meetings?" he asked, eyes narrowing as he tried to confirm his suspicion.
"We don't have the full details, Your Majesty," replied the aide, stepping forward to provide context, "but what we know so far is that Mr. Howlett has been seen not merely as a visitor but as a potential ally. It appears he is laying the groundwork for substantial alliances, perhaps aimed at strengthening his family's independence from Crown influence."
The Prime Minister's expression grew colder. "Perhaps?" He asked sternly and the aide lowered his head in shame. The Prime Minister could only sigh at this. "Independence, you say?"