Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 05

Those watching on television were treated to close-ups of their president wearing a short, red leather outfit that exposed a great deal of cleavage. Jordan and Kathy Perrine were similarly dressed, but Jordan was in bright blue and Kathy in white. By the time Gwen finished 'We are the Champions', estimates of the crowd size began crawling across the bottom of TV screens. Russian officials determined that over four million people were packed into every available space possible to watch history being made.

As usual, some Americans watching questioned the appropriateness of Gwen's outfit, but far more viewers simply felt pride and wonder as Gwen entertained and pretty much owned the huge crowd. This was their president! Occasional close-ups of Steve brought gasps from more than a few wives and mothers watching from their homes. He wore a tight fitting tee-shirt with 'Queen of Peace' blazed in Russian above the likeness of Gwen kneeling in the cemetery in Hungary as she prayed for the rescue of her son and her husband.

The songs featuring Gwen singing lead with Jordan and Kathy Perrine singing back-up while dancing on either side of her were the biggest crowd pleasers. When the trio performed 'Hate Myself for Loving You' with Steve and Charlie featured on guitars, millions of people began dancing in place and clapping with the driving drum beat.

Gwen's interpretation of 'Addicted to Love' was another crowd favorite. Watching Gwen, Jordan, and Kathy dance and strut in perfect unison brought groans as well as cheers from the men in the vast audience. Jodi was prominently featured with her sax as she stood just behind Gwen. She blew away the four million fans in front of her as she showed the people of Moscow and around the world why she was considered by many to be the best sax player ever.

As the final encore, Steve and Gwen performed their 'Dirty Dancing' routine. Fans recognized the song after a couple of bars and began cheering and applauding wildly as a spotlight fell on Gwen while Steve sang. Because of the crowd reaction, Charlie signaled to his band mates to vamp until the noise abated enough for Steve to be heard. As the huge audience realized that the musicians were waiting for them to settle down, the entire venue became eerily silent. Charlie started the band again.

Steve joined Gwen in the spotlight and their performance began. The dance routine had been extremely popular in their earlier concerts and was still one of the most frequently watched videos on YouTube. Steve and Gwen brought the house down with their performance that warm night in Moscow.

Back in American tears flowed down the cheeks of viewers across the nation as millions watched President Hammer and her husband dance and sing flawlessly as they 'dirty danced' around the stage. A huge roar of approval thundered across the city when Steve held Gwen aloft while Jordan and Charlie took over the singing as Steve slowly lowered Gwen until her face was even with his. As the lights began to dim on stage, Gwen's lips met Steve's as the audience whistled, cheered, and clapped with absolute delight.

"And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is how you put on a concert!" exclaimed Charlie to his friends once the equipment was turned off.

The next morning, Steve waited as Gwen briefly met privately with President Kozlov. "I've spoken with the team caring for your granddaughter, President Kozlov. They assure me that she is responding extremely well to treatment and see no reason she shouldn't recover fully. It looks like you'll have her with you for a very long time."

President Kozlov's relief flashed across his face. He thanked Gwen profusely as they wrapped up their private meeting. A few minutes later, he posed with Gwen for another photo session before she and her group departed for their next destination. Everyone was surprised when Gwen stepped inside the Russian's proffered hand and hugged the burly man. Kozlov's face first reflected his surprise and then his delight as he warmly embraced Gwen as dozens of cameras flashed continuously.

Steve was delighted when he saw the emotion on the Russian leader's face. Gwen had managed to get past the man's defenses and had secured a place in the man's heart. Steve understood that the man would always place what he felt was Russia's best interests first, but he would at least be willing to listen to Gwen and consider her thoughts on international issues. That accomplishment had been a priority of his for Gwen's presidency. She was building her sphere of influence around the world with her engaging personality and generous acts, as Steve had anticipated when the world tour was planned.

Steve's reaction did not go unnoticed by James Hawthorne. On the flight to Berlin, he brought the subject up to the entire group. "Steve's orchestrated this trip brilliantly. He's been very careful to present Gwen in the best light possible and trust that her beauty, grace, charm, and gentle nature will win over world leaders, as well as the citizens of the countries we've visited."

Everyone turned their undivided attention to James. "Have you noticed how he places the rest of us in situations to help our standings in our home countries? He and Gwen were extremely warm to his cousin Jen and her husband, who just may become Prime Minister in the not too distant future. Look how well he and Gwen supported Nadiya in Ukraine. They took great pains to showcase Vince Rosen and Cyndi Quick when they flew out to join the tour. They've made it obvious that they regard Stephanie and me quite highly. I like to think that I have some influence in the politics of Great Britain. I'd be very surprised if Hans doesn't receive a great deal of positive exposure when we visit Berlin. Michelle will be quite prominent when we reach Paris. She may well be their next Mayor.

"You're right!" gasped Paula as realization washed over her face. "Gwen and Steve have a master plan for this world tour. I just thought that they were being generous and supportive, but James has opened my eyes. You've been building support for the future as well as the present, haven't you, Gwen?"

Gwen smiled with pride. "We've been trying, Mom. It was pretty much Steve's idea. He's always promoting me, as well as our friends. He's so good at it that people seldom realize he's doing anything at all. He's always looking out for me and working behind the scenes to improve my sphere of influence. Notice that he never makes any effort to take his place in the limelight? He's content keeping me front and center. That's why I insist that he accompany me to as many of the press conferences as he can. I want it made obvious to everyone that we're a team. I think people like knowing that Steve is very much involved in the decision making process. Everyone respects and trusts him."

"It's almost nine AM back in Washington," observed Steve as he smoothly deflected the subject. "Naomi, Jeff, Jason, Kate, and Lisa are all scheduled to go in front of Senate committees today. I'm very curious to see how they're received by the Senate. Lisa doesn't need Senate approval, but since she was asked to appear to discuss Gwen's presidency, and since we want Jason approved to head FEMA, she's cooperating as much as possible."

In Washington, Jason was already testifying, although his appearance was not expected to be as contentious as Kate's and Naomi's. The Senate committee first wanted him to explain how Lady in Red had been able to respond so quickly and effectively to the natural disaster in Hungary.

"It took some time to put it all together, but essentially, we have thousands of businesses contracted to supply us with whatever services or goods we could conceivably require. We give them a reasonable good faith deposit once they meet our standards and they maintain a larger than normal inventory. Many vendors across the country, and now in Europe and much of Asia, are contractually obligated to respond as soon as they are notified. When they are needed, those vendors that are compensated above the going rate in their area for their goods and services," explained Jason.

"Do you own any of the equipment, building materials, or health supplies that your company delivers to disaster sites so quickly?" asked a curious senator.

"We do not. We rent the equipment when we need it and pay for all supplies upon delivery. We have no equipment or supplies in storage anywhere."

"You believe that is less expensive and faster than buying the equipment, building materials, and temporary housing before the emergency occurs?" pursued the same Senator.

"Absolutely. FEMA has thousands of fully stocked single wide mobile homes parked in fields and lots all across the country. Most of them will never be used. They'll simply deteriorate until FEMA has to pay someone to dispose of them," reasoned Jason.

At the same time, Naomi was preparing to answer questions from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the Dirksen Building. Jared sat quietly behind her as Naomi was introduced and then sworn in before the questioning began.

"Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to appear today," began the committee chairman as he posed the first question. "As soon as President Hammer assumed office, you were dispatched on a global diplomatic mission with President Hammer's husband. Neither of you carried any official position in this nation's government. Do you feel that it was legal, ethical, and reasonable for President Hammer to place you in that difficult position?"

"Yes, sir," was Naomi's brief reply.

"You couldn't have had time to be properly briefed on the negotiations in which you were expected to participate. Don't you think it would have been more prudent for President Hammer to send seasoned diplomats that had been involved in the negotiations from the outset?" demanded the Senator.

"No, sir." responded Naomi once again.

"Ms. Wilson-White, this committee expects more detailed responses to the questions," chastised the committee chairman. Naomi made no response to his statement and simply waited for him to continue, which seemed to annoy the powerful Senator.

"Do you understand what I'm telling you?" asked the man, obviously irked.

"Yes, sir," responded Naomi as the gallery broke into loud laughter.

"Okay, Ms. Wilson-White, we'll do it the hard way," pressed her red-faced questioner. "Please explain to this committee exactly why you feel that you were qualified for this extremely sensitive assignment."

"Yes, sir," responded Naomi with a quick smile. "President and Steve Hammer explained the situation to me. They then told me that they felt that I was well qualified for the position of Secretary of State and that my name would be submitted."

"That's it?" exclaimed the chairman when it became apparent Naomi had completed her response. "Two people said that you were qualified and you believed them? Please explain what your thought process was that led to your conclusion."

"Sir, I may be oversimplifying the situation, but essentially that really is all there is to it," responded Naomi thoughtfully. "I had more than a few doubts when President Hammer told me that she was placing my name into consideration for the position of Secretary of State. As Steve, Mr. Hammer and I looked over files on the situation, Gwen and Steve made it a point to explain why I was selected. It boiled down to their absolute confidence in my ability. I realized that if the two most accomplished, most patriotic Americans I had ever met felt I was qualified, I certainly was. I trust their judgment implicitly."

"That's just incredible," complained the Senator. "Do you know if there was a background check of any kind? Wouldn't it seem prudent, even for the all-knowing Hammers, to scrutinize your background before appointing you to such an important position?"

"President Hammer didn't need a background check. Steve has known me for twenty years and Gwen for almost as long. They also knew that the Senate would conduct an extensive investigation into my past, which I'm sure that it did. Since I'm here today and no horrible bits of information have been leaked about me, it's pretty apparent that nothing untoward was discovered," reasoned Naomi.

"You seem extremely confident, Ms. Wilson-White. Are you and President Hammer expecting the Senate to simply rubber-stamp its approval?"

"Steve cautioned me against expectations of any kind, Senator. I have no reason to be nervous. I've been involved in some very delicate and stressful negotiations recently," explained Naomi, "all of which turned out extremely well. I'm simply here to respond to direct questions and to tell the truth. My role here is quite simple."

"It may sound simple to you, but the members of this committee take this responsibility seriously," insisted the Senator. "There's a very real possibility that the committee will recommend that you not be approved. What would you do then?"

"I'd continue to assist Gwen any way I could while we determined whether the American public was willing to allow the Senate to place personal and party agendas above duty to your country," replied Naomi calmly.

"Are you threatening this committee?" demanded the angry Senator. "You're saying that if we don't approve your nomination, we're somehow shirking our duty to make certain that we have a highly qualified individual for Secretary of State."

"No, sir. I am not making a threat. I was simply answering your question about my reaction to not being approved by the Senate. The reaction of the citizens of this country would dictate my actions," explained Naomi.

"Exactly why do you think the public would be so upset if you were not approved?" posed the Chairman.

"Sir, I've been back in the United States for several days now. Before that, I had a firsthand view of President Hammer's global power and influence. The United States has never had a couple represent it like this couple has for the last seven weeks or so. I've seen the response she gets from the citizens of the world. If Americans don't get behind her and support her efforts to bring peace and stability to the world, I'll be extremely surprised and disappointed.

"She's being hailed as the 'Queen of Peace' around the world. She and Steve are in a place no one could have ever imagined a couple of months ago. They represent the best of us, and the best of humanity. The citizens of America need to express their feelings to their elected representatives," concluded Naomi.

"Again, you're assuming that the people of America want you as Secretary of State," countered the Senator. "I would like you to tell me what makes you qualified for this extremely important position."

"Senator, with all due respect, you have my dossier in front of you right now. Perhaps it would facilitate things if you simply stated any reasons you may find to question whether I am qualified. I've studied the qualifications of the last ten people to hold the office. We both know I compare favorably to all of them," replied Naomi.

"That is not the way things are done!" thundered the exasperated politician. "We ask questions and you answer them. That's how this works."

"Sir, that approach simply prolongs the process, as well as lengthens the time that your face remains in front of numerous cameras and microphones. Everyone on this committee knows my entire life story. If you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to respond," promised Naomi with a beautiful smile that contrasted sharply with the tense demeanor of her questioner.

"You are trying my patience and not helping your cause with your confrontational attitude," insisted the Chairman before asking his next question. "Some think that President and Mr. Hammer are far too friendly with the Russians. What sort of promise did you and Mr. Hammer make to Kozlov to persuade him to withdraw his forces? Was there a promise or some sort of deal that the American people need to know about?"

"Actually, Steve did make a somewhat veiled promise to President Kozlov that appeared to further the outcome we were seeking," admitted Naomi.

"Why am I not surprised?" asked the Senator rhetorically. "Would you please tell us what was promised to the Russians that turned the tide of the negotiations?"

"President Kozlov had referred to the American Congress as a 'sad collection of career politicians, afraid of their own shadows'. Steve promised President Kozlov that our self-serving Congress would never have the fortitude to prevent President Hammer from taking whatever steps she might deem necessary should Russia renege on its agreement. Steve told President Kozlov that the United States had deliberately placed itself in a weakened tactical position to attain peace, but if war were to occur, the United States, under President Hammer's leadership, stood prepared to defend its people, as well as its allies, in any fashion necessary."

Naomi's response was met with silence at first. Then whispers and mutterings raced across the chamber. It was Naomi Wilson-White's contention that no secret agreement had been reached. Steve Hammer had simply made it clear to Russia that there would be extreme consequences if the prior informal agreement was not honored.

"Are you telling this committee that Steve Hammer threatened Russia with nuclear war?" asked the incredulous Senator.

"No, sir. He simply explained that Congress was in no position to prevent President Hammer from defending our great nation in whatever manner she felt necessary," answered Naomi. "I might add that observing Steve Hammer negotiate with heads of state was extremely educational. He has the well-earned reputation of being open, frank, and fearless. World leaders know before he even speaks that he'll stand by his promises, as well as support his friends and allies."

Reporters quickly scurried from the room to file their stories. This was a side of the negotiations that had not previously been revealed! President Hammer's husband had issued a veiled threat to President Kozlov, and it had achieved its desired effect. Steve had dismissed the ability of 'a self-serving' Congress to impose its will on his wife, President Hammer, or to prevent her use of every weapon at her disposal if it came to war.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle felt anger, as well as some embarrassment, over this revelation. The Hammers considered Congress weak and unable to stand against the power and influence of the First Couple, and to add insult to injury, President Kozlov must have agreed with that assessment since he had pulled his forces back so quickly.

Kate was testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee the same time that Naomi was appearing in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"Mrs. Martin, thank you for appearing before this committee began the committee chairman once Kate was sworn in. "Senator Lancer will begin the questioning."

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mrs. Martin, I have a few concerns about you becoming Attorney General. You're very wealthy. You are an owner in a company that has business dealings around the globe. How do you propose to divorce yourself from possible conflicts of interest and the appearance of making decisions simply to further your great wealth?"

"I don't, Senator" responded Kate frankly. "However, I will decline any salary or compensation for serving in the capacity of Attorney General."

"Considering your great wealth, that wouldn't be a hardship of any consequence," responded Lancer quickly. "You'd make far more on any given business transaction than you'd ever collect in salary. That's a token gesture, at best."

"It would mean that I'm not a government employee and thus not subject to laws restricting their activities," replied Kate calmly. "The simple truth is that every attorney general we've had over the past thirty years has been a millionaire. They all became wealthier while they were in office.