Madam President ✓

43. An Eventful Evening

Tanya

   I can only compare the East room to a ballroom, especially now. Past presidents often favor this room for such events. I haven't exactly had the time to pick a preference, and I wouldn't have had a chance to choose either way with how quick this was thrown together.

  This is the first time since the explosion I've had a chance to look nice- and I mean nice, not professional- without getting second glances because everybody else is in formal wear too. It feels odd because I've never seen Melissa in a dress- yet here she is looking stunning in a piece donated by Ralph Lauren. That's one thing I'll never get used to: world famous and indie designers alike basically begging you to wear and keep their stuff in your closet for free. While her and Carlos took him up on his offer, Walter and I went to the same indie designer- who will undoubtedly skyrocket to the very top as soon as the cameras start rolling. In a corner facing the singular podium, media have set up their cameras, ready to go live when I give my secretive speech. The media were only informed there was going to be one, not of its contents or the contents of the box sitting beside the podium.

From across the room, Walter nods.

  It's time.

  I glance to that corner, where the lights on most of the cameras are blinking red.

  In the movies, someone would clink their glass. I simply step up to the podium and everybody goes silent. This speech will be short and to the point- then everybody can go back to the only break they'll have for a while.

  "I know I have said this many times, and I know you are probably all sick of it by now-" I gesture to the senators, cabinet nominees, Supreme Court nominees, and the cameras. "But we have an astronomical task ahead of us: rebuilding the government. We have the special elections for the House of Representatives on March 4th, the confirmation hearings for my cabinet and the Supreme Court. I have yet to choose a Vice President but we are working on that. And then six months from now- there is the trial of my offspring. Here today, I would like to honor those who brought her to justice. I'd like to ask FBI Agents Alex Higgins and Jeremy Parks to come here."

Confused, they do.

I start with Alex.

"For your role and your sacrifices as a main proponent in the investigation that took down the most wanted terrorist of all time, I am awarding you the first medal of freedom of my administration. I cannot think of a person who deserves it more than the two of you." Someone hands me the first medal. I place it around Alex's neck, who stands completely still, looking confused- like she doesn't get why I chose her.

"Madam President I was just doing my job."

"Oh, you did so much more that that. As did you-" I place the second one around Jeremy's neck, then lean in to whisper in his ear. "And for that the country will always remember your names- and be grateful for your existences."

Later in the night, I get a phone call.

"Tanya- we need to talk."