Because of the short flight south from Pyongyang, across the DMZ to Seoul, Gwen had little time to discuss the situation with Steve and her other advisors. It seemed as if they had barely gotten airborne when they began their descent. The decision on how to proceed was formulated as Air Force One touched down.
As expected, a government official unknown to Steve and Gwen and accompanied by a very small entourage, was present to greet them on the tarmac. The man was extremely polite as he quickly explained President Park's position as diplomatically as possible in excellent English. Gwen's response was equally brief. She smiled and cordially shook the man's hand once more. She then strode over to the roped in area where the press corps waited.
"I'm sure all of you have noticed that President Park as effectively snubbed me by sending a lower level government official to greet us. I have been officially notified that South Korea does not approve of my visit to Pyongyang. In return, South Korea has just been officially notified that I stand by my actions.
"The United States reserves the right to enter into discussions with any and all nations of the world. I recently met with Chairman Jong and we enjoyed a fruitful and productive exchange of ideas. It was my expectation to discuss the results of that very exchange with South Korean officials during this visit. I had hoped we could promote the interests of both Koreas and the United States with frank and open talks.
"It's disappointing that the South Korean government feels that it cannot trust the United States to honor its commitments to South Korea while at the same time improving relations with North Korea," admitted Gwen.
"I shall be offering no apology since there is no reason for one. Since President Parks has withdrawn her invitation, there will be no state dinner in South Korea. Construction on a stage for the planned concert will cease and the project will be dismantled.
"The numerous large screens that have been erected in Gwanghwamun Square will be removed and several of them will be transported to the USS Ronald Reagan, in the waters near Busan. My friends and I will proudly perform for our incredibly brave servicemen and women, the very same people that were standing ready to defend the interests of the United States in the event the recent crisis had resulted in war.
"I'll spend my time in South Korea visiting our military bases and meeting with the fine personnel that risk so much to keep us safe. We'll deliver copies of our new itinerary to the press as soon as it has been confirmed."
"Was meeting with Jong worth the obvious hard feelings it created with South Korea?" asked a journalist.
"Absolutely," replied Gwen calmly.
"What if South Korea insists that the United States remove its military presence? What would the United States do?" asked a cable news reporter.
"Why, we'd remove our forces," responded Gwen. "The United States will not continue to station its military in a friendly nation that doesn't want our protection, regardless of how close our relations may have been historically. However, if we left, North Korea would still be bordering their country. They can't ask North Korea to leave, so asking the U.S. to do so would be very foolish; but then, so is refusing to meet with me to discuss the situation. Silence seldom resolves differing opinions.
"I am trying very hard to improve relations with many nations. Having a dialogue with North Korea does not lessen our commitment to the safety and stability of South Korea. Quite the opposite, it's my goal to stabilize this entire region and bring lasting peace and prosperity to this part of the world. However, as my sister Kate reminded me a few minutes ago, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. If South Korea chooses to maintain an unyielding position, there is very little we can do about it."
"Senator Lancer predicted that visiting North Korea would create a rift with South Korea," pointed out a network reporter.
"Is there a question couched in that observation?" asked Gwen politely.
"Yes. How do you respond to Senator Lancer's stance that visiting North Korea was ill-advised?"
"I disagree with him on that point. Amber, you're next."
"Madam President, how do you feel about your reception by the people of North Korea? Over a hundred thousand North Koreans knelt before you and chanted 'long live our Queen'. Did that surprise you?" questioned Amber Stahl.
"Very much," replied Gwen with a smile. "It was totally unexpected and greatly appreciated. It served to inspire me to work harder to find some common ground with North Korea that would allow the citizens of that nation to enjoy a period of peace and prosperity."
"Does that mean that you'll be lifting sanctions?" asked another reporter.
"It means that we will continue an open dialogue with North Korea and make whatever determinations we feel are beneficial once we have the needed information," replied Gwen. "Thank you for your patience. I really must leave now. We have children with us and waiting patiently is not their best trait."
Gwen spent very little time at their hotel that afternoon. The children were left with several care givers, along with Paula and Ted. Within three hours of their landing in Seoul, President Hammer's entourage was approaching Camp Casey. Personnel were obviously working feverishly to prepare for the sudden change of plans. Steve had seen it all before and chuckled to himself as the motorcade approached.
"What's so amusing?" asked Gwen. "You seem to be enjoying a private joke."
"I've been on the other end of these things a few times. Everyone was going through their normal routines when it was announced unexpectedly that some VIP was going to arrive in an hour, or a day. The warning isn't very useful unless it's given a week or two out. The commanding officer suddenly sees his career in jeopardy because there's a bit of dirt on the sidewalk or shoes aren't shined well enough. That anxiety flows downhill to the enlisted men who have to work their asses off to make the officers look good."
