April 8, 1894
Amber Hesh stood on the grand platform of Washington's central train station, preparing for her diplomatic journey to China. Despite the formal occasion, she was calm, composed, and ready for the role ahead. Her presence would mark Amerathia's participation in the historic completion of the Grand Hanzhou River Dam—a major engineering feat made possible by the collaboration between several Western powers and the Chinese Imperial government.
Matthew adjusted her hat gently and smiled. "I still feel bad about not going myself," he admitted. "But with the industrial reform bill in Congress and the ongoing transportation overhaul, I can't leave the capital for even a week."
Amber squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You don't have to explain, Matthew. We both knew there would be times like this. You're needed here. I'll represent us well."
