"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Those gathered in the great room in Valhalla remained silent as they absorbed the full impact of the presidential oath. President Crawford had died within two days of suffering a massive stroke. Chief Justice Hamilton, upon being informed that the transfer of power was imminent, had immediately traveled to Sparta. He had grown to consider Steve and Gwen Hammer personal friends, and he and his wife both felt strongly that it was only fitting that he be the one to administer the oath.
Immediately following the oath, and surrounded by family and their very good friends, Gwen and Steve held a very brief, whispered conversation. Gwen had her hands on Steve's chest as he held her close. Her face was turned up to his as he leaned in closer to listen attentively to her hushed tones.
"You have to help me with this. I'm scared to death. What do I know about being president? Am I even qualified? You're the one who understands international diplomacy, not me."
"No one on the planet is more qualified," insisted Steve quietly. "You're brilliant, compassionate, loved, respected, and honest. You're our Queen. This is simply the next step in your incredible career. I swear I'll help you any way I can, and do anything you ask of me. My heart is filled with pride. This country needs you desperately. You're going to make the difference. I'm sure of it."
Paula stood proudly with Ted's arm around her waist as she watched Gwen engage in quiet discussion with her husband. The gist of it was obvious to anyone watching Gwen's body language. She had lovingly pressed her hands to Steve's chest as he held her close. The love and respect the couple shared was never more obvious. Gwen was now the President of the United States, but it was apparent that she would continue to rely heavily on her husband, the powerfully capable man that had always placed her welfare above his own. Paula was extremely proud of her daughter's superior intelligence, skills, and accomplishments, but she had no illusions about how much Steve had contributed to her success. Gwen's current position was the result, at least in part, of the absolute trust and respect the couple shared, and the dedication Steve constantly displayed for his wife.
Across the nation and around the world, viewers had watched the new President of the United States as she took the oath of office. It was almost inconceivable that this beautiful woman was assuming the position of leader of the free world, especially at her age! She was just recently turned thirty five. She had only served as vice president for ten days!
What the world saw was the newly sworn-in president in the arms of her warrior husband, seeking his assurance that she was capable of shouldering the tremendous responsibility of the office. As Americans watched the most famous couple in the world prepare to lead their nation, their hearts were filled with hope, as well as a great deal of pride.
The country had recently been plunged into dark times; war on several fronts appeared likely. Would Gwen have the leaderships skills required to lead the country in time of war? How would the death of President Crawford affect the very unsteady balance of power as tensions mounted across the globe?
Was it possible that, with the help of her husband, President Hammer could somehow find a pathway to a sustainable peace? President Crawford had insisted that his administration had done everything possible to avert war and to find a peaceful solution to the current tense situation, but public opinion polls revealed that over half the population did not trust his word, and even more people questioned his abilities.
Now Gwen Anderson Hammer was the President of the United States. Simply seeing her stand tall and determined next to her very accomplished husband inspired many of those watching to dare hope for better days. This was a president with compassion, honor, and intelligence, as well as great beauty. The couple's calm demeanor and confident composure was inspiring by itself.
Amber Stahl, the recently promoted network anchor for CBC, gave her commentary after viewers watched the new president repeat the oath of office. "This will be a presidency like no other. President and Mr. Hammer have dedicated their lives to helping others, to righting wrongs, to stopping terrorism, and to building what may be the most generous, philanthropic, and successful family owned business in the world.
"This couple, along with President Hammer's two sisters, and Jordan and Charlie Burns, owns Lady in Red Productions. The company's value is currently estimated by Forbes to be just short of a hundred billion dollars. Yet, even with the incredible wealth they enjoy, none of the owners have been content to rest on their laurels. Lady in Red Productions is known around the world for its generosity and compassion to those in need.
"It appears that President Hammer has finished quiet conservation with her husband. Oh! That's another thing the country can expect to see more often. This couple is extremely demonstrative and they have no qualms about showing their love for each other," added Amber as the world watched the President of the United States kiss her husband with more than a little ardor.
All of those attending the ceremony smiled when Steve leaned a little farther down and kissed Gwen as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Only after a fairly long kiss did Gwen step back from Steve to greet her family and friends.
Once the hugs, tears, handshakes, and words of encouragement were over, Steve spoke to the group. "The President is requesting that all our friends and family join us in our meeting room immediately. We need to hit the ground running on numerous issues, and all of you will be needed. The kids will remain here with our day care staff."
Not knowing exactly what to expect, Paula led the procession into the large meeting room. Steve stood by the door as his friends and family entered and found seats. Steve's authority in his wife's administration became evident when he stopped two men in suits.
"This meeting will consist only of those people in the President's inner circle," stated Steve firmly. "I realize that President Crawford regarded you highly, but he's no longer the president. This is a new administration. You may wait in the great room, if you'd like."
The two men exchanged surprised looks, then angrily turned and headed for the door. "It appears that President Crawford's two most trusted advisors have been turned away from the first meeting of the new presidency," observed Amber Stahl. "Then Vice President Hammer made her frequent disagreements with President Crawford's policies known, even before she was appointed Vice President. Most political observers feel that the late President Crawford would never have selected Senator Hammer for the position of Vice President if it hadn't been forced upon him. When former Vice President Grandquist was indicted for fraud, racketeering, and income tax evasion, and subsequently forced to resign in disgrace, President Crawford's administration was in disarray. The selection of the extremely popular Senator Hammer to serve as Vice President was a matter of political survival.
"Senator Hammer had promised that she would not seek the presidency when her three plus years of service as Vice President ended. That was the common ground required by leaders of both parties to agree to her nomination. They did, however, put off the approval process for two weeks to allow Senator Hammer to reach the age of 35. That's the minimum age required by the constitution for anyone to hold the office of president, and by default, the office of vice president."
Meanwhile, Gwen was addressing her inner circle in the secure meeting room at Valhalla. There was no indication that she was nervous as she spoke confidently to the group.
"First, I want everyone to be aware that this meeting is being videotaped. Every meeting in my administration will be taped for accuracy, transparency, and for historical purposes. This administration will always be totally transparent. Tapes of meetings will be released to the press and public as soon as it can be determined that there will be no security issues created by their release," began Gwen.
"I am going to ask many of you to make some very real sacrifices for me, and for your country. Please be honest if I ask something of you that you feel is either beyond your ability, or your willingness to undertake now, or going forward.
