Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 06

Gwen and Steve were conferring with family and friends after the state dinner. "The raid on Iranian soil is huge news," began Ashley. "Iran has already denounced the actions of the United States and Germany. It's demanding that the world community condemn both nations for their acts of war, as Iran phrased it. It's also demanding an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council."

"Lots of luck with the United Nations," replied Gwen. "I spoke with both Kozlov and Li just prior to the raid, and explained exactly where the United States stood on this. Kozlov said he could see Steve's hand in the United States' response and wasn't surprised about our reaction. While Russia is on friendly terms with Iran, terrorism is a common enemy of all nations. He referenced the Chechen attack on Vlad's wedding party, and how Steve and I responded to help our Russian friends. Iran has placed its traditional ally, Russia in a difficult position by supporting, or at the very least, encouraging terrorism.

"Officially, both Russia and China will complain about the United States crossing into Iran, but they'll temper their positions with strongly worded condemnations of terrorism. Steve's plan to build relationships with these countries is already paying off. Iran will have to go it alone if it decides to flex any military muscle."

"Speaking of Steve, was it my imagination or was he even more popular than usual tonight?" wondered Paula. "I thought some of the ladies were going to swoon when Steve asked them to dance."

"Yeah, it seems that all of those cuts and bruises simply made him even more desirable," lamented Gwen. "Women have always been drawn to him, but tonight they were having small orgasms just by being near him."

"I don't think that is at all accurate," contested Nadiya as she squeezed her husband's hand and smiled. "My orgasms were not small. I am still weak in the knees!"

Laughter erupted as everyone caught Nadiya's humor. "I have to agree," added a laughing Ashley. "I think mine may have registered on the Richter Scale. You do Steve a disservice by suggesting the ladies near him were having small orgasms."

"It seems like Steve's been causing orgasms just by standing near women and being his charming self. You should have kept your observations to yourself, Mom; the answer to your query has let a very undiplomatic cat out of the bag," chided Gwen, maintaining a straight face.

"I'm sorry, Dear, I didn't catch what you just said. Steve just stepped a little too close and I lost my concentration," replied a grinning Paula. "I have to go sit down now."

"We were discussing the raid by United States and German military on foreign soil," reminded Steve. "How did that degenerate into the intensity and frequency of female orgasms? Remember that Gwen has ordered all meetings videoed."

"Not informal family and friends' discussions," corrected Gwen. "I appreciate how everyone collaborates to prevent me from over thinking my responses. It really helps just to be a member of a nice group of people having a good time. And speaking of good times, Steve needs his beauty rest, so please excuse us. We'll see everyone at breakfast."

The next morning found the ramifications of the raid on the terrorist cell in Iran at the forefront of international news. Many members of Congress were upset that they hadn't been consulted prior to the raid and were only filled in hours after the fact. Iran was demanding that the world unite in condemning the actions of Germany and the United States.

Once Gwen and Steve had finished a relaxing breakfast, they agreed to meet with the press. At noon Berlin time, Gwen stepped into the press room.

As was often the case, Gwen greeted everyone with a smile before nodding to Amber Stahl to begin. "Madam President, the President of Iran spoke to his nation earlier today. He declared that America had created an international incident. He referred to you and your husband as the Dogs of War. He suggested that if the United States didn't apologize and the world communities condemn your actions in the strongest terms, Iran may be forced to rely on its military supremacy to seek justice. How do you respond to that?"

"I saw that rant," replied Gwen, giving Steve a lingering look. "If he currently thinks of Steve and me as the Dogs of War, he'll be soon be thinking of us as the Hounds of Hell if the Iranian military retaliates in any manner whatsoever. Every ship, every aircraft, every piece of military equipment Iran owns is under constant satellite observation. We will not tolerate any threatening actions. The United States is prepared to defend its interests."

"Are you surprised by the subdued tone Russia and China have adopted regarding the incursion into Iran?" asked another reporter. "Did you expect more vitriol from those two Superpowers?"

"I informed the heads of both Russia and China of our intentions immediately prior to the raid, as well as our reasons for them. All nations need to refute terrorism. Any rational government will recognize terrorism as a challenge to its very existence. Rest assured that Russia and China understand the necessity of our actions," replied Gwen calmly.

"Was it difficult for you as President of the United States, as well as a medical doctor, to issue orders to terminate the members of this cell?" questioned a newspaper reporter.

"It was a decision I didn't make lightly, but in the end it was the only one I could make," replied Gwen thoughtfully. "I'll never knowingly allow murderers and psychopaths the opportunity to commit barbaric acts. It's my belief that eliminating this terrorist cell will result in saving many lives, and that's very compatible with my core values."

"Many observers feel that this raid into Iran has your husband's fingerprints all over it," began Heather Jensen. "Is this something he recommended? Was the raid Steve's response to this attack on Chancellor Braun and your family?"

"Steve is known as the Warrior, and with good reason. He's my most trusted advisor. I've said before that when it comes to terrorists, he's hell on wheels. But make no mistake, the buck stops with me, and this decision was mine to make. Please don't try to separate Steve's contributions from my administration. His fingerprints, as you put it, will be on everything my administration decides to do. We discuss strategy and form policy together; that's no secret. We went over the options and determined our course. I took Steve's and other people's thoughts into consideration, but the final decision was mine to make," concluded Gwen.

"Why didn't you consult Congress before sending troops into Iran?" quizzed Amber Stahl. "Isn't that standard procedure?"

"I'm not required to consult, placate, or pamper the legislative branch of government. We had a narrow window of opportunity and I decided to take advantage of it. Congress received my briefing in a timely manner," dismissed Gwen.

"Madam President, that response is not likely to sit well with many members of Congress," insisted another cable news reporter. "They're already expressing their displeasure. Senator Lancer stated, and I quote, 'her impetuous reaction to the attack on herself and Chancellor Braun was driven by Ms. Hammer's and her husband's personal anger that the terrorists had tried to kill her and her family.'"

"Really? Did Senator Lancer include an argument that he wouldn't take it personally if someone tried to kill him and his family?" demanded Gwen, obviously irked. "Let me tell you something. I took it very personally!

"The American people took it personally! There was an attempt by terrorists to kill the President of the United States and her family. They would have succeeded if I hadn't been with Steve Hammer. If Senator Lancer had been riding with me instead of Steve, Chancellor Braun and I would both be dead right now, along with Senator Lancer, and his family would have to determine whether they took it personally.

"Terrorism is very personal. They're trying to spread literal Terror by indiscriminately killing random women, children, families, people who are unable to defend themselves. This assassination attempt had specific targets, but their plan was to create as much widespread mayhem and Terror as possible. Perhaps Senator Lancer can remain detached as deranged terrorists ram his car with a truck packed with explosives and try to kill him and his loved ones and everyone else in the vicinity, but that's not me, and we all know it's certainly not Steve.

"Senator Lancer makes no secret of the fact that he hopes to be the next President of the United States. If he's successful in his bid, he just might survive because of the action I took in Iran. When you try to kill the President of the United States, it becomes very personal to millions of Americans, regardless of their political party or ideology. When you try to harm those near and dear to my Warrior husband, you've just signed your own death warrant!" proclaimed Gwen emphatically.

"Then it was Steve's urging that tipped the scales in favor of wiping out the terrorist cell in Iran?" asked Heather.

"I didn't say that," clarified Gwen quickly. "Steve made his thoughts known, as did several other trusted advisors, as did German Chancellor Braun. What tipped the scales for me was a firm belief that my Warrior would not have rested until those killers were neutralized. Steve and I have been on the world stage for half of our lives. Have any of you any reason to think that Steve would knowingly allow terrorists intent on harming his family to survive?"

"Are you telling us that if you hadn't acted as you did, your husband would have sought revenge on his own, independently of the government?" asked a stunned cable news reporter.

"No, I'm not saying that, either. For one thing, revenge is not a goal that drives Steve. Keeping his family safe by eliminating barbaric murderers is not revenge. It is, however, sound logic," reasoned Gwen. "When that terrorist cell began making plans to harm me and my family, they became dead men walking. There was no place on earth where they could've hidden; no hole or tunnel deep enough to save them. Frankly, I'm surprised that I have to explain this to you, or to anyone else for that matter."

"I think I'm finally getting it," admitted Heather, looking at Steve. "Madam President, you're telling us that we should all know by now that the Warrior will defend his Queen and his family against all dangers and all odds. I think that America is proud as hell that we have a First Couple with the strength and courage to face danger and eliminate it so effectively. Is it your expectation that your swift and deadly response will cause terrorists to reconsider their plans?"

"Realistically? No, I'm sorry to say I don't," replied Gwen. "These people are zealots. Their hatred is stronger than their fear. Terrorism will not end until people let their hatred go and decide to live peacefully. Part of the problem is that we Americans are hated for all manner of things: for our manner of dress, our respect for women, for our freedom of speech, our freedom of religion, our basic culture.

"Many of these terrorists will not only forever refuse to accept our freedom, they'll try to end it because if they don't, it'll eventually spread to every corner of the planet. Freedom and equality are fundamental rights. They can be delayed for periods of time, but the innate human desire to be free will never be squelched. That is the ultimate truth that all terrorists will either have to accept at some point or to die, struggling against an inexorable universe."

"Are you actually encouraging people to address your husband as The Warrior and yourself as The Queen? Isn't that more than a little melodramatic and tremendously self-serving?" asked a reporter from a major New York newspaper.

"I make no claims about being The Queen, or a queen of any kind," answered Gwen thoughtfully. "People who address me so are being very kind and respectful, but aren't doing so because I ask it of them. But I have been giving a great deal of thought to my husband's position lately. I realize how this may sound strange, but I'm convinced that Steve Hammer is something very special. In ancient Greece he might've been considered a God, or at the very least, the son of a God, much like Achilles. In many ways he's become the most powerful man in the world. I've seen the respect leaders around the globe show to him. I've seen firsthand how he instinctively reacts to danger and achieves the impossible to save lives, as well as to end the lives of murderers and psychopaths."

As Gwen spoke, the reporters turned their attention to Steve as he stood behind her and off to the side. He was unable to conceal his obvious surprise at his wife's words. He quickly moved to her side and placed his arm over her shoulders.

"My wife is my biggest supporter," Steve grinned disarmingly as he hugged Gwen. "Like most wives, she thinks that her husband is pretty special and I'm pleased that she does. I know that I firmly believe that Gwen is the best person I've ever met and I love her beyond anything I ever thought was possible. We're much like other married couples in that regard." Steve then pulled Gwen into his arms for a passion-filled kiss before leading her out of the room, effectively ending his own, and Gwen's, participation in the discussion.

Clips of Gwen's news conference played throughout the morning on every news program in America. The group of friends scheduled to appear before Congress once again met in the White House to watch it before heading to Capitol Hill.

"Wow!" exclaimed Lisa. "Gwen just told the world that she thinks Steve is some kind of God, or at least far more than a mortal man. You all know that it'll be the first thing you'll be asked about today. Any ideas how to respond? What was Gwen thinking?"

"I think Steve handled that as well as he could have," observed Vince Rosen. "Her remarks were those of a woman very much in love with her husband, who just happens to be the extraordinary Steve Hammer. He's very special to her, but he's still only human. That's how I suggest we handle it."

"Not me. When they ask me about it I'm going to tell them the truth," disagreed Naomi as she looked around the table at her friends. "Gwen's right. How much more proof do we need?"

"You're going to tell the Senate and the world that Steve's a paranormal superhero like Captain America?" joked Kate. "But seriously, I know Sis was beyond amazed at Steve's quick response to the attack the other day, and looking back, this feeling of hers has been building ever since she met him. She's convinced that he's extraordinary in every way that matters, and I don't see how we can argue that point when it's so obviously true."

"Naomi and Kate are right!" decided Lisa. "We can't go out there and dispute what Gwen said, or disagree with her. If we don't support her fully, how can we expect anyone else to do so?"

"Okay, I think I see where this is going," moderated Vince Rosen. "I think my first idea was good as far as it went, but it won't satisfy the press, or Congress. I doubt if any explanation will. We simply need to refer to Steve's accomplishments over the years. Gwen was simply pointing out the obvious. The guy is uniquely special."

In Berlin, Gwen was having a late lunch before her scheduled concert. Paula was the first to bring up Gwen's departure from her standard responses to questions about Steve's influence. "Gwen, do you think you may have gone a little too far in your praise of Steve? Stating that he could be the son of a mythological being is pushing the envelope a little, don't you think?"

Everyone went quiet as they waited for Gwen's response. "No, I don't, Mom. Crazed psychopaths recently attacked my family with the intention of killing all of us. That truck bomb was supposed to kill Steve, Saint, Vickie, and me. In the destruction following the blast, those men in the vans were going to shoot any survivors in the area. Obviously the first few vehicles in the motorcade would have been damaged if not destroyed by the bomb, leaving them vulnerable to small arms fire.

"The terrorists had no way of knowing that I'd have the kids riding with you, and Chancellor Braun with me: that was a spur of the moment thing. They wanted me and my family dead because I'm President of the United States. As you know, it's only because Steve is who he is that we're all alive right now. It's likely that you, Dad, Vickie, and Saint would have been killed as well," reasoned Gwen as Paula turned pale.

"Is this job worth the lives of my loved ones? Not to me! When the dust settled and I saw how banged up Steve was and how close my entire family had come to death, I had a moment of clarity. I knew that I'd make certain those bastards would never have the opportunity to make another attempt. I also had to admit to myself and to the world that Steve's beyond special.

"It's okay if you don't agree. I don't care if any one agrees. I'll even be fine if I'm removed from office, but I'll never be okay if anything ever happens to Vickie, Saint, or Steve! I realize I may sound like I'm suffering from PTSD, but that's how I feel, and I doubt that'll ever change."

"As a doctor and a friend, I'd say that you're holding up extremely well," offered Charlotte. "I don't see any signs of PTSD, but I do see the undeniable signs of a wife, mother, daughter and friend concerned about her loved ones. Go with your heart, Gwen. If you want to sing Steve's praises from the hilltops, it's okay. You certainly have good reason to feel as you do.

"I know that you never aspired to be President of the United States and that titles really don't mean that much to you. I also know that you're probably the best president we've ever had, probably because it's not something you ever wanted, and you have no desire to even serve a second term.

"You've grown beyond anything I ever imagined when we first met in third grade. You've truly become the Queen of Peace. Steve is your Warrior. I don't think anyone could ever dispute that," concluded Charlotte.

"I've been thinking about what Gwen said about Steve, and I've come to the conclusion that she's hit the nail on the head," joined in Billy Marsh. "In this day and age, we dismiss the feats of ancient Gods as myth. I guess that's why they call it mythology.

"Suppose Steve, or someone very like him, existed in ancient Sparta and accomplished the things that Steve has managed. Isn't it likely that the rest of the community would begin thinking of him as a God, or at least the son of a God? It isn't so much that modern society considers him nothing more than above average, but that in ancient Greece, anyone that did what Steve's done would indeed be hailed as a God."

Everyone turned their attention to Steve as he stared at Billy before finally speaking. "I can see my wife getting a little carried away with her opinion of me, but you're starting to worry me, Billy. Maybe your dress is bunched up in the back and it's affecting your brain."

"Billy, don't worry; you just embarrassed Steve with your comment," laughed Gwen. "He doesn't see himself the way we do. Joking is his way of responding when he's embarrassed."

"Hey, everyone, the Senate confirmation hearings have started back in Washington," interrupted Ashley. "You might want to hear what Naomi said when she was asked about Gwen's statements on Steve and Iran. You can watch in on these laptops."

"Ms. Wilson-White," began Senator Kelley of North Dakota once Naomi had taken her seat. "I'm sure that you heard the incredible comments made by President Hammer earlier today. Let me simply ask you this. Is it your belief that President Hammer's husband is better than other men, a man worthy of being considered a God from ancient Greece?"