Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 03

"Let's hope I never have to place any of them in danger! They aren't statistics. They're real people with families. They have hopes and dreams," responded Gwen thoughtfully. "They really are wonderful people and we need to do everything that we can to keep them safe."

"Gwen, I hate to change the subject, but there are reports of demonstrations against your stay in South Korea," broke in Lisa. "Our sources think that President Park is behind the unrest in an attempt to make it appear that all South Koreans are unhappy with your visit to North Korea.

"Mom, Jason, Kate, Naomi, Jared, and I discussed this matter after your performance past night. We think you should do an interview with the Korean reporter that speaks English so well. He represents the largest news organization here and they have a lot of viewers."

Gwen glanced briefly at Steve. He gave her an almost imperceptible nod, which did not go unnoticed by Lisa or Kate. "We're leaving for Tokyo this evening, so set it up for this afternoon if you can. I think it's a very good idea, Lisa. Thanks for everything that you do for me."

Protestors were milling in the streets outside their hotel when Gwen and her group arrived. Many of the protestors had signs in English that declared 'Not Our Queen!' Police officers made a show of keeping them away from the hotel entrance, but even to the most casual observer the 'confrontation' was little more than staged melodrama.

To avoid any unpleasant situations, Gwen and her group were driven into the hotel via underground parking, thus avoiding the crowds. An hour after returning to the hotel, Gwen was sitting down with one of the best known and most popular journalists in South Korea. She spoke at length with him, describing the discussions she had with Jong and how she had consistently reminded him that the United States would never abandon her South Korean friends. She fully expected that better relations with North Korea would benefit South Korea as well. She insisted that the world needed to move closer to a lasting peace. Communication and understanding, rather than posturing and ultimatums, were key elements in preventing conflicts.

Shortly after wrapping up her interview, Gwen and her group headed back to the airport and Air Force One. Once again the flight was quite short, just over two hours. But the reception she received in Japan was entirely different. Japanese Prime Minister Koda personally greeted her on the tarmac with a huge smile and a warm embrace. He made it very clear that Japan was honored to have the President of the United States visit, and would do everything possible to make her stay comfortable.

As President Hammer's motorcade traveled through Tokyo en route to their hotel, thousands of residents lined the street and cheered as it passed. "It sure is nice to visit a country that welcomes us like this," observed Naomi. "Gwen is very popular here in Japan. I can't imagine what her concert will be like."

Gwen's schedule called for no more than two full days in Tokyo and she soon wished that it was longer. The evening of their arrival, she remained in the hotel surrounded by family and friends. It was the first time since she had been sworn in that she was able to discuss her plans and hopes with her entire trusted inner circle.

"Gwen, members of Congress are becoming more vocal every day. They seem to be recovering the nerve they lost when you ripped them apart at the Capitol," began Lisa. "They're telling the press that you're in over your head. They're also claiming far and wide that you've bungled the situation by visiting North Korea and estranging South Korea."

"I still feel strongly that we need to build better relations with North Korea, as well as with many other nations" insisted Gwen. "Please tell me the truth, Grandfather Patterson; do you think that we were wrong to visit North Korea?"

"I'm always going to be totally honest when you ask my opinion, Madam President," responded William Patterson seriously. "I had some serious reservations about this world tour. It seemed impromptu and a bit impetuous to me.

"However, watching the concert in Pyongyang was an eye opener. You reached a lot of people that night. Those people have never seen an American President and they never would have, if not for your bold decision. We all know damn well that Jong didn't order those people to kneel before you. In fact, they could face some unpleasant repercussions for their actions. It obviously wasn't planned. It was simply a heartfelt, honest act of respect by the citizens of North Korea. The affection those people feel for you will last long after Chairman Jong and President Park are gone from office. The South Koreans will soon come to regret their poor reception of the President of the United States, but not because of any American retaliation."

"Pissing off the South Koreans isn't the only issue Congress has with you, or more precisely, with many of us," stated a concerned Kate. "Tyler and Lady in Red Productions have begun promoting the release of 'The Queen's Ransom'. It garnered a lot of interest while we were filming, but now it's really gathering momentum. Some members of Congress are quite upset because the film will feature the President of the United States, as they put it, 'scandalously sans clothing ', or something like that."

"I am not going to begin worrying about such nonsense. I've appeared nude in movies before," pointed out Gwen.

"Yes, but you weren't the President then. We were a little concerned because you were a Senator at the time we filmed it," added Lisa. "I'm being told that the final edit is finished and it just might be the best movie you and Steve have ever done. Tyler thinks Steve will be nominated for both his writing and acting, and you're a lock for a Best Actress Oscar nomination as well."

"And that's part of the bigger issue in Washington," added Ashley. "You're an owner in a company valued at almost a hundred billion dollars. Your new movie will probably set box office records and rake in even more huge sums of money. More than a few elected representatives and cable news stations are insisting that there is a very real conflict of interest for all of us that have a stake in Lady in Red, and have an active role in your administration. That includes Naomi and me, since we're handsomely rewarded for our work for the company."

"This is a bit of a catch 22 situation," explained William Patterson. "Since you're already wealthy, you'll make money regardless of what you do the rest of your lives. Money makes money. If you promote and improve America's economy, you'll make even more, thereby helping yourself become even wealthier, and according to some, that would be unethical even if the entire nation benefits."

Gwen considered the situation for a minute, and then replied, "My argument would be that we have all worked extremely hard to build Lady in Red into a successful, thriving business that employs thousands. It is extremely well run, and it will continue to prosper. All of us have been working hard and promoting it for years. You have no need or desire to use your influence, or any inside knowledge to make it more valuable."

"Then you should discuss the billions of dollars that your company has spent on hospitals all over the world as well as the billions you've funneled directly into disaster relief in the past decade," continued William Patterson. "Don't downplay your success or great wealth. Be proud of your family and your accomplishments and pledge that the same work ethic, diligence, and solid decision making will now be benefiting the nation."

"For some reason, it never occurred to me that the success of Lady in Red Productions could be viewed as a negative thing," admitted Gwen. "I can see how people that don't know us might assume that we're going to use my presidency to increase our personal wealth, when the fact is that not one of us would place our personal financial well-being ahead of the country's. That's a simple truth."

"I have one final word of advice and then I'll climb off my soapbox," joked William Patterson. "You have the best support group I've ever seen. Trust them and listen to what they tell you. But, at the risk of appearing biased, there's no person in the world better able to assist you to make the right decisions than my grandson. His understanding of politics and diplomacy far surpasses anything I've ever seen. His devotion to you cannot be questioned. I don't have to tell you this, but you can depend on him to be completely loyal to you to the end. Take advantage of his insight and wisdom."

"You're preaching to the choir on that one," responded Gwen. "I don't know how I ever managed to reel him in, but he's the best! I know that. Every day I try to show him how much I appreciate and love him."

"We'll go over these talking points a few times," insisted Lisa. "You need to have responses ready when the press starts grilling you. We've had a bit of a temporary setback in South Korea, but everything is picking up now."

"Gwen, you need to know that there are no 'conflict of interest' laws regarding the president and vice president," chimed in Kate. "There are some vague laws about taking payments from foreign nationals and sovereign nations. Lisa, Jason, and I will probably be accused of having conflicts of interest that could make Senate approval of our appointments more difficult."

"We'll face that when the time comes," replied Gwen. "I am not going to appoint anyone I do not trust completely to be among my closest advisors. I'm going to continue relying on you three heavily, officially or unofficially if necessary, regardless of what the Senate decides."

The next day Gwen was taken sightseeing by several Japanese government officials. Every place she went, crowds quickly formed. When she faced a group of people they would quickly drop to a knee and bow their heads and remain in that position for a short time before returning to their feet.

The state dinner that evening was an elaborate affair, as Prime Minister Koda pulled out all the stops to honor and impress the American President. Steve never left Gwen's side throughout the entire evening. Once again, the folks back in America were treated to news clips of their President as she represented them in a very receptive Japan. Much was made of her beauty and poise by members of the media, as well as by the general public.

James and Stephanie Hawthorne were traveling with President Hammer's group. Gwen and Steve were very careful to demonstrate to the Japanese, as well as to the members of the press that the two couples were very close. Steve had discussed it with Gwen during the flight from Washington to North Korea, and they felt strongly that keeping James and Stephanie in the limelight would enhance James' political career, which in turn, would strengthen relations between the United States and Great Britain.

Of course Stephanie had always been extremely comfortable with her cousins and their close friends, and James had been welcomed as part of the family, so it required no real effort for Gwen and Steve to make it obvious that they thought very highly of Prime Minister Blake's representative. That evening, Gwen managed a couple of dances with James, while Steve managed the same with Stephanie.

"James really appreciates what you and Gwen are doing for his career. Being seen with you two is always good, but especially now. Britain stuck its neck out to support your peace initiative. It wasn't a universally popular move in Great Britain, but James managed to convince Prime Minster Blake that you were up to the task and that you were the world's single best bet to avoid war.

"It helped the Prime Minister's popularity, but it also brought James to the front in the political arena," stated Stephanie. "His wife is first cousin to the incredible Gwen Hammer, President of the United States. Highlight reels of James accompanying you as you enter into negotiations with various world leaders are constantly playing in London.

"You've been great to my family, including James. I've loved you for years and that's only gotten stronger. Diamond talks about her 'Uncle Steve' all the time. Whenever she sees you or Gwen on TV, she starts smiling and calling out your names as if your images might respond. Who could have guessed that when fate put you and Gwen together at that mall that day it would change the course of history?"

"You're overstating things more than a little," replied Steve modestly. "Nothing would have kept Gwen from achieving great things, with or without me."

Stephanie broke into a big smile as she gazed into Steve's eyes. "You've convinced my family that you believe that to be true, but we all know better. Gwen's incredible. We all realize that, but you're the guy that made it possible for her to achieve so much more than she ever would have on her own."

At the end of the evening, Prime Minister Koda prevailed upon Gwen and Steve to once again perform the dance that had begun their journey. Steve was outfitted with a microphone so he could sing as he and Gwen glided around the dance floor. At the end of the performance, he leaned down and kissed the President of the United States with passion, as onlookers cheered and clapped their approval.

The next evening saw Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, Steve and the other musicians climb a raised platform erected near Shibuya Station. Fans had packed every square inch of available space, including the streets from curb to curb as far as the eye could see.

Gwen moved to the front of the temporary stage to speak. She had barely managed to begin thanking the people of Japan for their gracious reception, when those near the stage went to one knee. The gesture quickly spread and in less than half a minute, each member of the huge audience had dropped to a knee and bowed their head!

Once again, Gwen had difficulty articulating her feelings. Tears formed in her eyes as she motioned for the crowd to stand. Once her audience had regained its feet, Gwen gracefully moved across the stage, stopping to bow numerous times and in every direction as the crowd roared its approval.

Gwen managed to deliver a shortened version of the speech she had planned as she constantly wiped tears from her eyes and cheeks. It was all shown very clearly on the many large monitors Lady in Red had erected prior to the show. The citizens of Japan loved her honest emotion. Gwen finally managed to collect herself enough to announce that the show was about to begin.

Hours later, as the singers and other musicians were relaxing and enjoying food and refreshments after the show, Charlie made an observation to the group. "I've never been involved in anything like this before. The energy and passion that Gwen invariably brings has raised all of our performances beyond my greatest expectations. Every last one of you was amazing. This tour is going to be one for the history books. Normally, I'd expect improvement as we grow more comfortable with each other, but after tonight I wonder if that's even possible."

"If we're able to maintain the level we've managed so far, we'll be doing pretty darn good!" proclaimed Kathy Perrine enthusiastically. "I've done a lot of concerts in the past five years, but I've never seen anything like what we have going. Of course, the fact that we're performing right along President Hammer and Jordan Burns is the biggest reason for the success. No one's sold more music or placed more butts in concert seats in the last ten years than Jordan. She's on the top of the music world, and President Hammer is only slightly behind her. I've never been so proud to be a part of anything as I am with touring with all of you."

It was quite late when the performers finally made their way back to their hotel. Everyone was exhausted and retired for the night in preparation for the morning flight to Beijing. Ashley reported to Gwen's room shortly after she and Steve had finished their breakfast.

"Madam President, the press is requesting an opportunity to ask you some questions. They're pointing out that they haven't had much access to you the past few days."

Gwen looked at Steve to learn his thoughts. "You need to have a good relationship with them. You promised to be transparent and answering tough questions is a big part of doing just that. Keep in mind everything we talked about the other evening. You'll do fine."

"Okay. Ashley, tell the press Steve and I will be down to the media room the hotel has provided us in half an hour. That'll give us time to answer questions and still keep to our schedule. We don't want to arrive in Beijing late."

"Madam President," began a network reporter soon after Gwen and Steve had stepped to the podium. "Members of Congress have expressed concern over your great wealth and the very real possibility of conflicts of interest for you. How do you respond to those concerns?"

"I was wealthy when Congress approved my appointment to become Vice President. Nothing has changed, except that I'm now President, and they're suddenly voicing concern. Congress as a whole, always seems to do what it perceives as politically expedient, be it right or wrong. I won't."

"Are you denying that there is potential for conflict of interest for both you and proposed members of your cabinet?" followed up the reporter.

"That would be akin to denying that gravity exists," reasoned Gwen calmly. "Unless the President of the United States is completely penniless, that possibility always exists. But I do deny that I or any members of my cabinet will ever consider personal wealth when making decisions that affect the nation. Lady in Red Productions is a very strong, viable company. It will have a large income stream regardless of my executive decisions."

"What steps will you take to avoid any perception that you and your family are using your position to further your personal wealth?" quickly questioned another reporter.

"None, other than always doing what I feel is best for America. I really can't be bothered worrying about perceptions. I will not be running for reelection, so I'm not going to even give it a thought. Let it be known, however, that every decision my team and I make will be predicated on what we feel is best for the United States."

"Do you expect Americans to believe that your wealth won't increase substantially while you're in office?" pursued the reporter.

"Please allow me to respond to that question, Madam President," interrupted Steve. "Harold, the President has been very clear, but either you're not listening or you're unable to understand what she is saying.

"Lady in Red Productions is guaranteed to increase in value over the next three years. We receive royalties from music, films, and television every week. We have a new movie coming out that will do extremely well, and we fully expect to make more films. We have a clothing line that is extremely successful. Our action figures, as well as our animated films are quite profitable. I have several lucrative promotion contracts from my sports career.

"Can you see where I'm going with this? Lady in Red Productions is a large and profitable entity, and will continue to be one long after my wife leaves office. What you have not mentioned is the billions of dollars our company has spent on disaster relief around the world. You haven't asked about the hospitals we've financed, with no taxpayer dollars, so our veterans can receive the best possible care. You've neglected to bring up the hospitals both in America and around the world that bear our logo, where children receive the best health care available, free of cost. The people of the United States can rest assured that our charitable donations will only increase as time goes on.

"My wife has no need to apologize for her talent, wisdom, or success. The United States is extremely fortunate to have a person with her skills working to improve the lives of all Americans. This will not end the unfair speculation that Congress and the media thrive on, but it will serve for the moment to end any questions directed to her about conflicts of interest, understood? It's a huge waste of her time, and if you check, you'll see that the president and vice president are exempt from the federal conflict of interest statute," concluded Steve firmly.