Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 01

A short while later, all of the children were gathered to watch Tim open his gifts. Charlie had the grill going and everyone enjoyed his famous grilled burgers and hot dogs, along with the various covered dishes the guests had provided.

The children had been promised a chance to play in the pool and soon prevailed upon their mothers and grandmothers to take them in. Gwen took the hand of her three year old, Vicky, and slowly stepped into the pool with her.

"Has anyone noticed how good our president looks in a bikini?" asked Charlotte Marsh as she held her own three year old daughter's head above the surface. "Our first female president rocks a bikini! That is just very cool."

As everyone helped pick up at the end of the party, Gwen was approached by Sandy Turner's mother. "I just want you to know how proud we all are of you. We know you and Steve will do your best to prevent another war. Sandy's younger brother is a Marine and we're really proud of him. He'll always follow orders and if that means going to war, so be it, but I pray that you'll find another way."

Gwen embraced the worried woman as she responded, "Steve and Naomi fully understand how important it is to avoid a conflict. I guarantee that they'll do everything possible to save your son and all of the others in our military from the horrors of war. We'll do our very best!"

Two days later, Gwen and her entourage landed in Washington to attend the funeral of President Crawford, as well as to begin the transition to the Hammer presidency. Gwen hadn't been asked to play any role in the services, so she simply attended and remained quiet. She had been openly critical of Crawford's policies and was actually quite content not to have to speak at the funeral.

Members of both houses greeted her warmly after the services. Some of them wasted no time in lobbying for their pet projects. Gwen simply smiled and told them she would consider their proposals once the country was out of the shadow of war. Then she made her first trip to the White House as President of the United States.

Gwen, with her family and friends, remained low profile as they rode in limousines from the Capitol to her new home. Once they were inside the private quarters and away from any outsiders, chatter quickly broke out.

"I can't believe this!" exclaimed Lisa. "We're standing in the White House. My sister is the President of the United States. The next three years are going to be extremely interesting, to say the least."

"Steve and Naomi have been flying all over the world for the last few days, trying to work out some sort of solution to the impasse with Russia, China, and North Korea. He suggested that I call in the Joint Chiefs and leaders of Congress for his report and recommendations this evening at seven," reported Gwen as she looked at her phone messages. "He texted me, if you can imagine. Congress would have a conniption if they knew he hadn't used eight layers of security. I guess that's why he didn't state anything specific.

"Lisa, please see that the appropriate people are here by seven for this meeting. I need to know who's on board with whatever Steve and Naomi will be proposing. Kate and Jeff are in my cabinet, or soon will be, and I want them present as well. Naomi will be present by phone and we're still looking for people to fill the other cabinet positions, I want their input, as well as yours. Knowing Steve, his solutions will require a lot of determination, faith, and courage, but he'll know exactly what he's doing."

By seven PM Gwen was seated in the Roosevelt Room, just across the hall from the Oval Office. Lisa and Kate were seated on either side of her with Jeff Wilson seated on the other side of Lisa.

At exactly seven, Steve was placed on speaker phone. "Madam President, I won't take up too much of your time. Naomi Wilson-White and I have been in the air a great deal more than we've been on the ground. We're simply going to make our recommendations and answer any questions."

Naomi was next to speak. "After extensive negotiations and more than a little arm twisting, this is what we have. Russia, China, and North Korea, with one caveat, agree to pull their forces back to positions held prior to June of this year. They will do that only after the United States and other NATO forces have pulled back to the positions they held prior to June."

"That's it?" asked an incredulous Army General Dawson. "That's what you came up with? We can't take that chance. Once we pulled back, the Ruskies could take over half of Europe and there'd be damn little we could do about it! China would be free to move against Japan and Southeast Asia, and who the hell knows what North Korea would do?"

The general's opinion was echoed by most of the military and Congressional leaders in attendance. Gwen was silent as she listened to the discussion among her assembled advisors.

"Mr. Hammer, can you offer us any safeguards against the worst case scenario? Would there be anything in place to prevent these nations from taking advantage of the situation?" questioned Senate Majority Leader Lancer.

"I have made it very clear to all three nations that the United States would look upon a failure to live up to terms of the agreement as a grave act of aggression which we would not tolerate," responded Steve.

"That's a pretty empty threat, considering how we'd be giving up any advantage we may have at the moment," retorted Lancer. "How do our allies feel about this?"

"The representatives from Britain, France, and Germany have indicated that they are quite certain that their governments will not be willing to take the risk," replied Naomi calmly.

"You're telling us that no one but our enemies have agreed to this scheme?" demanded Air Force General Peterson. "Why would you even present this insanity to us without having the support of our NATO allies?"

"Time is the sole reason," responded Steve. "Naomi and I need a firm, unwavering commitment from the President before we can even begin to persuade our allies to go along with us. This offer is only good for three days. China was very reluctant to agree to it. They feel they're in the driver's seat now and aren't that anxious to yield ground."

"Do I understand this correctly? This deal where we give up our tactical positions while the Russians and Chinese keep theirs, is only good if we agree immediately and our NATO allies go along with it within 72 hours?" asked General Peterson.

"That would sum it up, Sir," replied Steve quickly.

"What you are proposing is tactical suicide," accused General Dawson. "The United States cannot agree to such a one-sided agreement. Do we at least get to see this agreement in writing? Has it been signed by Russia, China, and North Korea?"

"I felt that the effort to get the participants to place their positions in writing would waste a great deal of valuable time, as well as create an opportunity for them to reconsider their position. This was done with a handshake," stated Steve evenly. "Once the immediate threat of war is past, we can then hash out the details of a long term agreement that all parties can sign."

"Sweet Jesus!" erupted Dawson. "A goddamn handshake? What the hell is that worth in today's market? Personally, I'm stunned that you'd even waste our time with this lopsided proposal. We can't even consider anything so foolish."

Gwen had been listening carefully to the exchange between her advisors and Naomi and Steve. It was her decision. She knew that Steve would never hold it against her if she failed to accept his recommendations. It was also evident that agreeing with Steve's proposal would go against her military advisors, as well as most of Congress.

Steve was willing to place the United States in what could become a much compromised position. That wasn't like him. Was there more to this deal than what he had already explained? Hundreds of millions of Americans relied on her to make the correct decision. She needed to get this right.

"Something tells me that there may be more to this than what you've told us so far, Steve. Is there more?" asked Gwen as the rest of the room suddenly went silent.

"I was thinking that after we began pulling back to the earlier positions, you might order our submarines and some warships to move around a bit. Russia and China are well aware of their positions and will know immediately if they begin moving. We don't have to place them any place special as long as they remain within range to rain hell down on China and Russia. We would be well within our stated agreement, but prepared to engage any enemy within minutes. It wouldn't really change our capabilities much, but it would make them wonder. Doubt is a very strong tool in any negotiation. We need to be confident and create reason for them to feel doubt," finished Steve.

"That's a pretty flimsy argument," reasoned Senator Lancer. "This isn't a football game."

"Naomi and I will fly to Berlin today to argue our case, if you give me the go-ahead and tell me that the United States will begin withdrawing to our earlier positions within seventy two hours, Madam President," responded Steve calmly.

Lisa and Kate watched Gwen as she silently considered the options. This decision was huge, especially considering that she had only been President for a few days. Her two sisters held their breath as Gwen arrived at a decision.

"In exactly seventy two hours, The United States will begin returning its forces to positions held prior to June of this year. You can take that message to our NATO allies. Be sure they understand the importance we place in their support and leave no doubt that we will support them fully if the need arises," stated Gwen.

There were gasps and groans echoing off the walls as Gwen made her decision known. "Madam President, you can't place the United States at risk just because your husband has some half-baked hope that The Russians and the Chinese will honor their word!" erupted General Dawson. "I can't go along with this dangerous course of action."

"General Dawson!" rebuked Steve over the speaker. "You will retract your last statement, or tender your resignation immediately."

"If an order is clearly illegal, immoral, or obviously wrong, I am not required to follow it!" declared an angry General Dawson.

"General, your moral and legal obligation is to the U.S. Constitution and not to those who would issue unlawful orders, especially if those orders are in direct violation of the Constitution and the Uniform Code of Military Justice," stated Kate precisely. "However, the President's orders do NOT, in any way, conflict with the Constitution."

"They're dangerous and could cause tremendous damage to the United States," replied the General heatedly. "We will not fall back to any previous positions. That would be insane!"

"General Dawson, you are hereby relieved of duty," was Gwen's immediate response, as Dawson turned a bright red and clamped his mouth closed. "Is there anyone else in this room that questions my constitutional right and obligation to make these decisions? If so, speak now!"

"Madam President, we understand the chain of command and will follow all legal orders as given," responded the previously silent Admiral Duval. "I am familiar with your husband's skills as a diplomat and a negotiator. He secured the release of my younger brother and his family from the North Koreans a few years back. The United States Navy stands prepared to defend and protect this nation in whatever manner you determine is best."

"Thank you, Admiral Duval," replied Gwen graciously. "I expect each of you, with the exception of General Dawson, to prepare an orderly and timely withdrawal of our forces, to begin in exactly seventy two hours. This meeting is adjourned."

As most of the people filed out of the room, Senator Lancer approached Gwen. "Madam President, I'm confident that Congress will not agree with this decision. As duly elected leaders of this nation, we will not allow you to proceed down this dangerous path."

"Senator Lancer, allow me to explain a few things to you. You are a representative of the people, not a leader. You do not have the power, real or imagined, to block or alter a direct legal command from the President of the United States to the military. And finally, if you are foolish enough to attempt to do so, it will end badly for you," promised Gwen calmly.

Lancer turned and angrily left the room, leaving Gwen with only Lisa, Kate, and Jeff Wilson. Gwen turned to Kate and hugged her tightly.

"For a moment, I thought you were explaining to Dawson that he could disobey a direct order. I'm so glad I allowed you to complete your statement," confessed Gwen.

"I was trying to explain that while he was partially correct that no one should follow an illegal order, he is absolutely required to comply with a legal one, and your order was obviously legal," explained Kate. "I've been boning up on this stuff over the past few days.

"You've thrown down the gauntlet," worried Lisa. "Lancer has a lot of influence in this town. He's going to do his best to undermine you."

"Ladies?" came a voice from the speaker.

"Steve!" gasped Gwen as picked up the handset to remove Steve from the speaker phone. "I'm so sorry about that. Lisa, Kate, and I seem to be floundering here. I just pissed off the military as well as Congress."

"That's not exactly true," replied Steve. "You may not believe it, but you gained respect with the military when you shut Dawson down so firmly. He never would have tried that shit on a male superior officer, but he has nothing but thinly veiled contempt for women. He thought he could push you into doing what he wanted. I guarantee that the other brass in the room understood and approved of your response. Dawson was badly out of line."

"You need to get our allies on board as soon as possible. There's going to be a lot of pressure on me to rethink my orders and it would help a lot if Germany, France, and Britain were with us on this. Plus, I need you home to help me weather this storm," added Gwen.

"Naomi and I are packed and will be headed for the airport as soon as I hang up," reported Steve. "By the way, no one asked about the caveat North Korea tossed into the mix. Jong agreed to go along with pulling back, but only if we do a concert in Pyongyang within two weeks. I told him that we would."

"You promised Jong that the President of the United States would perform for him?" asked Gwen as she worked to keep her voice controlled.

"Perform onstage in a concert, yes!" replied Steve. "The guy loves Naomi and he asks about you all the time. It would be a great opportunity to smooth relations with North Korea, at least a little."

"If performing in North Korea will advance the cause of peace, we'll do it!" declared Gwen. "We've got to get over the notion that countries have to do things our way to be on speaking terms with us. I'll talk with Charlie and Jordan and see if they'll go with us."

"Thanks, Gwen. I know it wasn't easy to go against the advice of so many generals and Congressional leaders. That took a lot of nerve. I'll do my best to make you look good on this."

"You've never let me down before. I just had to remember that your opinion weighed more than all of the others combined. I'd be foolish to abandon the brightest light in my life, and maybe in the world. Work your magic and come back home to your family as soon as you can. I love you!"

"I've given this some thought," advised Lisa once Steve had disconnected. "I think you need to tell the world publicly what you've decided. Congress is going to try to vilify you in the press. I think it would be best if you preempted them by making your case to the nation as soon as possible."

By this time, Ashley had joined the sisters as they moved to the Oval Office. Gwen considered Lisa's suggestion briefly before speaking to Ashley.

"Ashley, please tell the press that I'm making an announcement about the status of Steve and Naomi's negotiations at nine PM from the Oval Office. The American people need to know the risk involved."

A short time later, Gwen received the signal that she was live on numerous networks and cable stations. She began her short speech.

"My fellow Americans, earlier this evening, I issued a direct order to our military that in seventy two hours, they were to fall back to their positions prior to June of this year. I did this because Naomi Wilson-White, my choice for Secretary of State, and Steve Hammer advised me that Russia, China, and North Korea would pull back once The United States and the rest of NATO had finished doing the same.

"My military advisors and top Congressional leaders do not agree with this decision, and they are correct in pointing out it is not without risk. The first risk is that our allies will not agree to this solution. The next risk is that Russia, China, and/or North Korea will not honor their commitment once we honor ours.

"I understand the danger and I've determined that the opportunity to end this senseless escalation is worth it. I want you to know that Naomi and Steve are working tirelessly to bring NATO on board with us. This will require courage and more than a little faith from our allies. I acknowledge that and I will personally lobby them to agree.

"Finally, Steve and I, along with Charlie and Jordan Burns, have agreed to perform a concert in Pyongyang, North Korea as part of the agreement. While there, I hope to work on stabilizing relations between the United States and North Korea.

"I did not make these decisions easily. I realize that this course of action is more than a little frightening, but not nearly as frightening as a world war. I ask you to keep Naomi, Steve, and me in your thoughts over the next few days. I promise that we will give the people of this nation our absolute best. Time will judge if our best has been good enough. Good night."

Once the broadcast was over, Gwen returned to the living quarters where her family waited. "You didn't sugar coat the situation, that's for sure," observed Paula. "What a decision to have thrust upon you in the first week of your presidency. I'm extremely proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom. The truth is I'd be lost without Steve. I wavered for a little while when all the military and political people insisted that Steve's request was foolish to the point of being self-destructive. I almost went along with them. How could so many smart people be wrong? Then I thought about what Steve has accomplished compared to the rest of them. I've staked my presidency, as well as the security of this country on his recommendation," worried Gwen.

"I appreciate the pressure you're under," reassured Ted calmly, "but you've placed your money on the right horse. I've seen things in the past fifteen years I never would have thought possible and Steve was involved in every single one of them. He defeated that damn pirate with sheer determination and guts. He'll get our allies to see things his way.

"I also heard that you put an insubordinate general in his place today. I know you're concerned about handling such a huge responsibility, but you're already showing your leadership skills. No one could handle the job better than you, especially with Steve covering your back every step of the way," added Ted proudly.

The news stations covered Gwen's decision and her lack of support from Congress the next morning. Senators and Representatives from both parties publicly criticized Gwen's decision.

"Gwen, both Houses of Congress have decided to return from vacation immediately and hold a joint session. The topic is what to do about you. There's even talk of a very speedy impeachment and conviction to remove you from office!" reported Lisa shortly after noon.

"When do they convene?" asked Gwen with amazing calmness.