Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 07

"What about their Constitutional rights?" persisted the same reporter.

"What about my Constitutional rights?" countered Steve curtly. "Lady in Red pays the salaries of these men and certainly has the right to expect certain behavior. Let me ask you this. Would you kneel during the anthem if you were on the team?"

"I'm here to report, not give personal opinions," objected the stubborn reporter.

"That's a case in point. The truth is you wouldn't be employed as a reporter very long if you told the world where you stand on the issue. You're not paid to express opinions. In fact, you'd likely be fired if you did unless your employer assigned you to write editorial opinions. We pay these men to play football, and they're expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well on their teammates and ownership. You seem unconcerned about your own personal Constitutional rights while squawking about the rights of these millionaire players, but except for the pay scale they're in the same boat as you. You're applying a double standard," reasoned Steve. "Your job prohibits you from presenting personal opinions, yet you feel that players wearing our uniform and drawing pay from our company should have the option of insulting us and every other American that feels strongly about what our flag, our Constitution, and our National Anthem represent.

"Lady in Red will contribute to any cause our players feel strongly enough about to create some sort of nonprofit organization. Jared White is a perfect example of what a man who actually cares about people can do. He started a foundation to promote education in the poorest parts of Washington. He's recently expanded it to several other cities. He's doing something positive to help people.

"If sitting or kneeling for ninety seconds is the extent of the effort someone wants to put into a cause they support, we have no interest in them as players on our team. Lady in Red has the legal right to trade or cut any players it feels do not fit into our system, and we will do exactly that. Demonstrating respect for our nation and especially for those that gave their lives to maintain our freedom is not negotiable!"

"How do you feel about all that's been written and reported about your wife being referred to as the Queen of Peace? You're often called the Warrior. Are you comfortable with these titles?" asked Heather Jensen, quickly changing the subject.

"Up until very recently, I thought too much was being made of it. But when Gwen explained to me how exhausted she was becoming, it opened my eyes. To the people who strive to do better, who want to see their children live healthy, happy lives, Gwen is a Queen. It's not pretend. It's real. No one else has ever accomplished the things for the people of the world that Gwen has in her career. Right now, she's prouder of being considered the Queen of Peace than she is being the President of the United States. Much of that is because of the politics of Washington.

"As I stated before, Congress ultimately represents the people of America, so it follows that the course Congress follows is the will of the people. Right now, that would indicate Gwen is neither respected nor wanted by the majority of Americans. That fact was made painfully clear to us when the two Senate committees reported unfavorably for Kate and Naomi, two of the most qualified nominees the Senate has seen in a very long time."

"Our Queen took that vote personally?" asked Heather Jensen in a follow-up question.

"Yes, of course she did," admitted Steve. "President Hammer will not submit any other nominations for Attorney General and Secretary of State if Kate and Naomi are not approved by the full Senate. She refuses to be drawn into the political charades played in Washington.

"Many people think I wrote the Rise of the Empire trilogy to give Gwen a great movie role. The truth is that I based the character of the Queen on Gwen. I didn't write it for her, I wrote it about her. The Warrior part was my belief of what a man should strive to be if he was fortunate enough to become the mate of such an incredible woman. Gwen is the Queen," concluded Steve.

"Speaking of movies, Lady in Red has moved up the release of your latest Empire movie to coincide with President Hammer's return to the United States. Is this a blatant attempt to capitalize on the publicity the We Come in Peace Tour has generated?" asked a thin man near the back.

"Tyler Smith is the one making most of the business decisions while the rest of us are so involved in this tour and appearing before committees. He has an MBA, and he's pulling down a very good salary to oversee the success of all Lady in Red ventures," responded Steve. "Could anyone think his decision to release the movie at the absolute optimum time is a coincidence, a bit of luck, or anything but a savvy business decision?" he asked rhetorically.

"That brings me to one last announcement before I join Gwen and the kids," continued Steve. "The We Come in Peace World Tour has added one more world capital to its schedule. Gwen will be leading Lady in Red in a concert on the Washington Mall on Saturday, September eleventh, three days after we return to the United States. It will be in commemoration of September eleventh, 2001 and a celebration of those American lives lost that day, as well as in appreciation of all first responders in our great nation.

"We'll be attending the premier of our new movie in Sparta on September 9th, the day after we return to the United States, and then we'll fly to Washington the next morning. Lady in Red will be footing the bill for a weekend long celebration of Gwen's success as President of the United States as well as becoming known worldwide as The Queen of Peace.

"Gwen became President under pretty somber conditions. She had no inaugural ball or celebrations of any kind. That weekend will serve as an opportunity for the people of the Unites States to see her perform free of charge. There'll be enough food and refreshments to feed everyone that cares to come. As I already stated, Lady in Red will be paying for everything, including the clean-up afterwards as well as any extra security required that weekend," promised Steve.

"Gwen and I will make every effort to safely meet as many Americans as possible. We'll be available and are looking forward to showing everyone how much we care about our country and its people. We're anxious to shake hands and chat with the everyday citizens that make our country great."

Steve returned to his suite in time to spend some time with Gwen, Paula, Jordan, Stephanie, Ashley, and their families. Everyone forgot about politics and simply enjoyed relaxing and spending time with precious loved ones.

As they prepared for the concert in the privacy of their room, Steve broached a subject he had been mulling over for days. "To the world, you're known more as the Queen of Peace than as President of the United States. I think it's about time you embraced the Queen title, even if Congress should decide to remove you from the presidency."

"Really?" asked a surprised Gwen. "Wouldn't that look pretty self-serving and egotistical? Do I just proclaim myself as the Queen of Peace?"

"You've already been given that title," responded Steve with a smile. "All you have to do is accept it. That wouldn't be an ego thing. It'd be acknowledging the opinion of millions of people around the world."

"How would I even do that?" wondered Gwen. "It's been getting more and more difficult to be called Queen and not be able to respond directly. You must have an idea, so spill it."

As everyone prepared to ascend to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, Gwen gave Steve a warm kiss and a long hug. "I've heard about some of the things you said about me to the press this morning and I love you even more for being so dedicated to me and the kids. I really needed that time with family today so I could recharge, and it worked. I'm ready to deliver the best performance I possibly can tonight."

"I just hope you're not so outstanding you make the rest of us look bad," replied Steve as he held Gwen close. "Remember that millions of people will be watching this evening. If they bow to you, and I can't imagine them not bowing, let them know you really are their Queen and how much you appreciate that honor. It's time to embrace the role bestowed on you by people around the globe. Be the Queen they want you to be."

The Paris concert became known as the turning point for President Hammer's acceptance of the Queen of Peace title. As she stepped to the front of the stage the crowd, estimated in the millions, silently dropped to a knee in unison. As the stage slowly revolved, Gwen flashed her trademark smile and nodded to the adoring masses. She maintained her smile for an entire rotation of the stage before speaking. "Your Queen asks that you all stand for what she hopes will be the best concert you've ever experienced!"

The huge crowd remained silent for a few seconds as Gwen's words sank into their consciousness. A deafening roar suddenly erupted and within just a few seconds, it morphed into a loud chant, in English. "Long live the Queen!" echoed across the many streets of Paris leading to the Arc de Triomphe as millions of voices joined together. Their Queen beamed as she waved to the crowd while the stage made another full rotation.

When the chant began to fade, Charlie cued the band and the driving rhythm of We Will Rock You engulfed the City of Light. It soon became apparent to Charlie and Steve that the energy level was beyond anything they had ever seen. Jordan, Kathy, and Gwen had grown very comfortable performing together. Their singing and dancing had the crowd in a near frenzy.

The three gorgeous women harmonized perfectly and danced in unison as they performed their many hits. Gwen and Jordan had no qualms about singing back-up when Kathy performed one of her hits and she gladly returned the favor when Jordan or Gwen was featured. The massive crowd was mesmerized as the huge screens showed what many considered the three most attractive, sexiest women in the world performing together so enthusiastically.

Halfway through the show, Kathy Perrine introduced a song she had written after the tour began, called "On the Flight to Rome". It was similar to many of her trademark love songs, with the one big difference being that Steve sang it with her as a duet. The effect on the audience was dramatic. The cameras panned across the tear-stained faces of many of the ladies in the audience while Kathy and Steve appeared oblivious to anything but each other.

As soon as the song ended, Kathy quickly kissed Steve and then moved across the stage to hug Gwen. Gwen was effusive in her praise for the song and it was apparent to the crowd. The Warrior had sung a love song with one of the world's most beautiful women and his Queen was obviously delighted. Few women would have the confidence to allow their man to perform such a romantic song with the very beautiful Kathy Perrine!

The evening was magical as the musicians performed their hits along with a few songs they had never played in public before. Near the end of the concert, Steve and Gwen once again performed Time of My Life from the movie Dirty Dancing. It had been a YouTube favorite ever since they had performed it during their first Paris concert years earlier.

The audience reacted with almost total silence as the obviously strong affection and pleasure of America's First Couple radiated across the huge screens. The President of the United States, the Queen of Peace, the incredibly beautiful Lady in Red was dirty dancing with her Warrior for the entertainment of the huge crowd! It occurred to many watching that they may never see anything remotely like it again in their lifetime. The roar that erupted when Steve lifted Gwen over his head was deafening. It continued as Steve slowly lowered Gwen until his face was very close to her impressive cleavage. He held her as she graced her husband, and the spectators, with a huge smile. Then Steve lowered her enough for his lips to join Gwen's in a smoldering kiss. YouTube would soon have another favorite dance routine by the world's most famous couple!

Everyone could see the absolute joy the two lovers felt in each other's arms as they broke their kiss, and effortlessly displaying his strength Steve finally lowered his Queen to the stage and together they faced the front of the revolving stage to wave to the cheering audience. Any concerns about the actions of Congress were forgotten for the moment as the Queen and her Warrior stood proudly before the adoring masses gathered as far as the eye could see in every direction.

It was a night Paris would long remember. The party atmosphere carried on to daybreak and beyond as the City of Light basked in the glory of hosting Lady in Red in yet another historic concert. Like so many others, the people of Paris felt a special relationship with the Queen and her Warrior. Hadn't they displayed their courage and generosity to their city many times in the past? While it was an honor to host the President of The United States, it was the Lady in Red and the Queen of Peace whom Parisians cherished.

The next morning saw Gwen and Steve join the press corps in a large meeting room in their hotel. Gwen was gracious as she smiled and acknowledged each reporter individually. Then she nodded to Amber Stahl.

"My Queen, you referred to yourself as Queen at the beginning of that incredible concert last night. Can you tell us exactly how you view the role of Queen of Peace? You appear finally to be embracing it."

"Steve and I have discussed this at great length. I've been trying very hard to avoid appearing arrogant or entitled. As you know, I never aspired to any title except, of course the Lady in Red. Many people have been bowing to me and calling me their Queen for years and it honestly made me uncomfortable at first. Then I came to accept it as something people felt rather strongly about.

"This world tour has been a real eye opener. I've come to realize that for many people around the world, I am the Queen who actually brought peace. We all know I personally didn't do much to accomplish it, except to task Steve and Naomi with the challenge of finding a peaceful solution to a very volatile situation. They came through for all of us in a big way.

"But recently we, Steve and I, came to realize that there's a real need for citizens of the world to be able to believe in something good, to know that someone cares about them and will fight for them when necessary. They have expressed over and again that they see those traits in their proclaimed Queen and her Warrior. Rather than be uncomfortable and trying to downplay it, we've decided to accept it and to do our best to improve the lives of as many people as we can. Rather than downplay our role we'll concentrate on striving to be the champions many citizens of the world already think we are."

"You've already had Senate committees decline to approve your Secretary of State and Attorney General nominees," pointed out a cable news reporter. "Isn't it likely that Senators will feel that your acceptance of the title of Queen is yet another reason for concern, and will erode any support you currently enjoy?"

"I've been telling you for a while that I no longer worry about the actions or opinions of Congress regarding my nominations, or my right to serve as President of the United States. The truth is that I did worry about it, even as I attempted to ignore it. It was only after Kate and Naomi failed to receive committee support that I truly felt free of the emotional shackles Congress had managed to force on me.

"I've been in the public eye for years. I was approved as Vice President by a significant majority of Congress. It has to be obvious that since I've become President many members of Congress regret my appointment, as well as their approval of it. It has nothing to do with my performance as President, and everything to do with the power and influence Steve and I have attained.

"We feel that Congress is no longer a concern. There's a real possibility that I'll be removed from the office of President of the United States. If that should occur, it'll forever be a black mark on Congress, and not a reflection on Steve and me. I'm confident that history will prove me right. We've done our very best since the minute I took the oath of office. If that isn't good enough for the people of America, then I really should be replaced, because I honestly can't do any better. Everyone's seen the very best we have to offer. It's out of my hands and I'm relieved about that."

"Madam President," began a network reporter, "You and your husband are considered by many to be the most powerful couple in the world. Aren't you concerned that being removed from the office of President will diminish the power and influence to which you just referred?"

Gwen gave the reporter a bright smile as she considered her response. "Not in the least. We don't care about any power we've managed to gain, except for how we can utilize it to improve the lives of billions of people. Because we have no personal agenda in that regard, our influence will simply continue to increase. The Presidency has little to do with achieving our goals at this point."

"My Queen, are you telling us you believe that being removed from the office of President of the United States won't diminish your influence around the world?" asked an obviously surprised Heather Jensen.

"That's correct, Heather. Steve and I have been downplaying it for some time, but the truth is we both feel that whatever small efforts we have been making to appease Congress have been restricting our growth. That's pretty much what many members of Congress have intended. We've come to realize that neither my performance as President, nor our personal wealth is the real concern of these politicians.

"Washington is all about power and influence. Everyone there seeks it even as they fear it in others. Steve and I have been increasing our already substantial amount of that commodity. That's what really troubles Washington politicians."

"Madam President, are you saying that you feel embracing the title Queen of Peace would more than offset the possible loss of the Presidency?" asked another reporter.

"Yes, I would say that sums it up pretty well," agreed Gwen with a smile.

"Your new movie is scheduled to open the day after you return to the United States from your world tour. Wouldn't that indicate you are using your office to bolster your box office receipts?" asked another cable newsman.

"My detractors may say that, but some others would say it indicates that I can't attend the premier unless I'm in the country, as well as be in the city where the premier is taking place," pointed out Gwen. "This is exactly what I've been trying to tell you this morning. I simply don't care how the Washington politicos perceive us anymore. Steve and I are moving forward to accomplish our life goals. Concerns about the barbs and arrows of members of Congress were impeding our progress. That will no longer be the case," stated Gwen.

"How do you feel about the welcome given you by the people of France at your concert last night, Madam President?" asked a French reporter with Paris Match.

"It was both humbling and gratifying. We in Lady in Red have some wonderful memories of Paris. We've made some great friends here and have been touched in so many ways by the courage and resolve of these people, especially the children. We visited the orphanage we support and were extremely gratified to see the children doing so well, as well as meeting some dedicated adults who were once orphans there themselves. There's a special place in our hearts for Paris.