Steve was surprised only by how quickly Gwen's detractors had managed to set things in motion. He had expected the 'dance' to begin during the summer recess. He was already feeling quite irritated when he was stopped by a TV reporter as he made his way through the airport.
"Can you shed any light on these ethics violation accusations? What exactly is Gwen Anderson being accused of? Can you tell us that much?"
"I can explain a few things," replied Steve with a seemingly calm demeanor. "There are certain members of Congress that believe that Gwen's popularity is threatening to them, or diminishes them in some way.
"Gwen is the most ethical, honest person I know. This whole thing isn't really about ethics. Hell, most of these people in Congress wouldn't recognize ethical behavior if it bit them in the ass.
"This town is about money, power, and influence. Gwen has all three and that upsets certain politicians that have less. Gwen's worked hard to make our company a success. That hard work has gained her considerable power and influence here in the U.S., and in other nations. She didn't buy it, like so many politicians try to do, but earned it by performing remarkable acts of courage, generosity, and kindness.
"We will not enter into this fray unprepared. As soon as the battle lines become clear, those unwise individuals that are leading this witch-hunt will rue the day they decided to question Gwen's ethics, integrity, or honesty. Uncle Sam has trained me in the art of war. We'll counter attack with vigor, and without mercy. I'd caution those that join against Gwen in this ill-fated fiasco that they'll not come out unscathed."
"Are you implying that you consider this investigation akin to actual war?" questioned the amazed reporter.
"No, I'm not implying it. I'm stating outright that this is an unprovoked attack, which is an act of war by almost any definition. We will respond accordingly. Political blood will be shed."
"Are you threatening the politicians that are questioning Congresswoman Anderson's behavior in the House?" pursued the stunned reporter.
"That would depend on how you look at it. If promising to reveal truths, expose corruption, and quite possibly force some members of Congress from office for malfeasance and outright illegal activities is considered a threat, then it would seem that I am. I simply consider it a promise. We look forward to literally cleaning House."
"You're an officer in the U.S. military. Can you even say these things without landing in serious trouble yourself?" was the final question posed to Steve.
"Why would we officers be trained to fight, and taught to defend honor, freedom, our way of life, as well as the Constitution, if we were expected to ignore threats to loved ones? I feel strongly that this is one of the reasons I worked to become an officer in the U.S. Navy, and it's what the American people expect from me. I will support Gwen to my last breath. America will accept nothing less from me, and quite frankly, neither will I!
"I'd ask viewers that wish to support Gwen in this upcoming kangaroo court to visit our web page, LadyinRedProductions.com to find contact information. They can use it to report any suspected unethical activity by elected officials in Washington. We'll take it from there."
Steve ended the interview at that point. It was rushed past editors and played on the evening news along with the story of Gwen being investigated for ethics violations.
"Do you believe what your boyfriend just did?" asked Charlotte as she, Gwen, and some friends watched Steve's interview. "He's come out fighting. That's for sure! It doesn't pay to insult or attack Gwen Anderson in any way. He came across as very calm but extremely determined. I wonder what the fallout from this will be."
"We decided that once this started, we'd be on the offensive. We've had people working on this matter for weeks now, and we've gathered some pretty damning information," admitted Gwen. "But I never expected Steve to fire the first salvos. I hope he doesn't get into trouble. He sure does get upset when anyone tries to hurt me, doesn't he?"
The next morning found Steve seated in front of a very irate Senator Chatham. "I've had a dozen calls already this morning. Every last one of them was from a member of Congress that wants you disciplined, at the very least! There's pressure on the Navy to court martial you. They want President Hanson to denounce you and Gwen, or at least distance himself from you both. Some of my advisors are telling me to jettison you as far and as fast as I possibly can. You've opened a real can of worms."
"I warned you that I'd support Gwen come hell or high water," responded Steve. "You're the one that told me this was coming and to be prepared. I didn't just come up with those statements on the spur of the moment. I've been thinking about it for weeks.
"I won't blame you if you distance yourself from me. I'm a big boy and I'll accept any punishment my superiors deem appropriate. I will not ignore attacks on Gwen. You can take that to the bank."
"I didn't say I was going to follow that advice," countered Senator Chatham. "I'm still hearing all sorts of praise about your efforts after that tornado. FEMA hasn't even responded yet and your company has a good portion of the recovery work already done. No one has ever seen a private company move so fast and so effectively. Hell, no company has ever even considered helping on the scale that yours did. It was amazing.
"I'm going to confer with the President about this matter in a few minutes. It'll be on speaker since he wants to talk with you directly. Stay in that chair and wait!" insisted the senior Senator from Tennessee before leaving the office.
Steve remained quiet as he watched Senator Chatham's staff struggle to handle the large volume of phone calls that were pouring in. Fifteen minutes later, the Senator returned. She and Steve were the only two in her office.
"Mr. President, this is Senator Chatham. Lieutenant Hammer is the only other person in attendance. I've already mentioned to him some of the pressures you're facing from his 'declaration of war' yesterday evening."
"Steve, how are you?" asked President Hanson by way of a conversation starter. "That was some pretty slick work your company did over the weekend in Tennessee. That required a great deal of planning and a considerable investment."
"Yes, sir. My brother-in-law, Army Ranger Captain Jason Hunter, graduated West Point with an engineering degree. He's retired from the military now and working very hard to prepare our company's response to emergencies across the nation and possibly around the world. That was our first major test. We did some things wrong and we're expecting to improve for next time."
"I'm very familiar with his record. I'm not surprised that he was able to design such a well conceived strategy," replied Hanson. "You've done a great service to the people of Tennessee and this nation.
"That said, you must realize that your response to Ms. Anderson's situation has placed your superiors in a difficult situation. Members of the military do not speak their minds to the press, especially if it's contrary to the will of Congress, or the President," stated Hanson firmly.
"I understand that, Sir. I am prepared to accept any and all punishment the Navy administers, but I will always respond when Gwen is attacked," declared Steve just as firmly.
"And it's that chivalry, that desire to protect your lady that makes this so difficult," replied President Hanson. "Television and the internet can't stop talking and writing about it. The average man on the street is solidly behind you both, while Suzy Homemaker feels that you're Sir Lancelot and Sir Walter Raleigh all rolled into one.
"My advisors think you've overstepped your bounds this time. They tell me that you and Gwen can't survive the kind of campaign that certain powerful members of Congress will wage against you. They want me to cut my losses, as well as any ties that I have with you.
"The Kremlin will announce later today that you and Gwen are going to serve as best man and maid of honor at Vlad Novokov's wedding. Talk about timing! That information will fuel the distrust some people have of Gwen and you. It looks like a perfect storm and my advisors are telling me to pull in my head, batten the hatches, and wait for it to pass."
Neither Steve nor Senator Chatham wanted to interrupt the president as he spoke, so they remained silent and waited for him to continue.
"Unlike almost everyone else in Washington, I have no political ambitions after January. That actually removes some of the stress of this situation. This may also be the most nonpartisan movement I have ever experienced in my many years in Washington. Some powerful members of both parties are uncomfortable with Gwen's influence, as well as the speed at which it's been increasing. She doesn't play by their rules. She can't be intimidated, bought, or cajoled into doing things their way.
"My gut feeling is that some very powerful people are about to receive a lesson in civics, the American tradition of hard work, honesty, and the strength of public opinion.
"I'm going to come out in support of Gwen, without equivocation, or misgivings. I'll not allow the Navy to punish you in any way, Steve. I'll be very honest here. My wife is your biggest fan. She's convinced that you two will come out on top, and be stronger than ever. I can't remember the last time she was wrong about something like this. She feels so strongly about it that she insists we support you, to the point of gambling with my legacy, and betting it on you and Gwen. I tend to agree with her."
