by Mark Spaid
“It’s nice to see someone who is laid back and comfortable with themselves. You don’t get that in Washington very often.”
“And, if I may, I have to say that you’re more down to Earth than I expected,” Justin said.
“It’s the Xavier Corners thing.”
“So, you told us.”
“Ah, I see you’ve detected my ruse.”
“Well, I didn’t buy in completely to the Hooterville version of yourself. I knew there was more substance than that.”
“You know, growing up I was a simple country girl with no knowledge of the outside world and a naïve impression of everyone around me. Then I entered politics and saw otherwise. I had to adjust and I did but I tried to keep the most important parts of who I was.”
“I think you have, Madam President.” They looked at one another for a moment then they both grinned.
“Okay, I’m guessing you’re ready to cut the jabber and get down to the nuts and bolts of this thing.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Me too, we’ve exhausted the small talk so, let’s go.”
“May I start with questions?”
“Sure.”
“Alright, whose idea was it for the treaty talks?”
“When Russia took over The Crimea during the Ukrainian revolution, tensions between Russia and the U.S. escalated. There’s never been a friendship between the two nations. In the old days of the Tsars the U.S. was calling for more freedom for the lower classes, the end of serfdom, elections, etc. Then under the Communists of course the call was greater. Radio Free Europe beaming broadcasts into the old Soviet Union telling the people how bad their government was. The Soviets came back with our problems such as the racial divide and that argument was not without merit. After the fall of communism in Russia, there was a brief moment of friendship overtures but as time has passed, we’ve descended back into a less tense cold war but a cold war nevertheless. Each side has about seven thousand missiles pointed at each other. So, friends? No, and it’s not likely to occur in the future unless there’s a common enemy that emerges.”
“Muslim extremism?” Justin posed.
“That could work.”
“So, was it Russia or we that made the first overture?”
“Deniken wanted a resolution so we could move forward. He wants out of The Crimea at least as a governing influence. He approached President Clark but Amos wouldn’t even talk. To him it was still 1958 and the commies were everywhere.”
“Then fate intervened and you became President.”
“Yes, and Deniken saw his opportunity. Amos had met with Deniken in Paris about six months before he died. For one of the few times I was along with the President. I managed to get a note to Deniken and suggested that we had a common goal. He arranged a secret meeting. If Amos knew about it, he never let on that he did at least not to me.”
“What’d you talk about?”
“War, peace, the Middle East and finally The Crimea and The Ukraine.”
“The bread basket of Europe,” Justin remarked and Ellen grinned.
“Yes, and it’s still coveted by Russia.”
“Was it Deniken who broached the subject of a treaty?”
“It was veiled but yes. I told him I agreed but that Amos never would as long as he was President.”
“But then you became President.”
“Yes, and Deniken put out a feeler within a week.”
“For a meeting?”
“A secret meeting between Andrew Bellingham and Vasily Glasovitch.”
“Where?”
“Reykjavik.”
“Sufficiently obscure to not raise any eyebrows,” Justin said as he wrote.
“Yes, and we sent Andrew instead of Marty Ingersoll. When the Secretary of State leaves Washington the press is all over it. Andrew took a three am flight and drove himself to the airport.”
“I see, so you were up to clandestine things early in your Presidency.”
“Yes, the idea of a transparent presidency is a fallacy and anyone who proposes that is deluding themselves and if they continue to talk about transparency then they’re a liar. Many things must be kept from the people to get anything done. Of course, we intended to reveal the treaty to the American people and we did but not until it was complete.”
“Can you reveal the contents of the treaty?”
“Oh, sure, it’s not a secret anymore. The two main issues are Russian takeover of The Crimean Peninsula and Ukrainian membership in NATO.”
“I take it Russia views The Ukraine in NATO as a knife aimed at Russia’s throat.”
“Exactly, you know you should be in the diplomatic corps or be an advisor to me.”
“Couldn’t do it, they dress too formally for me. As you can see slacks, a polo shirt and red tennis shoes are my garb.”
“I like informal but you’re right The State Department and the White House Protocol Office are sticklers for formal attire.”
“How long did it take to work out the details of the treaty?” Justin asked.
“Six days and I mean long days. Language was a big hurdle. Andrew understands some Russian but not enough. One word out of place can change the entire meaning of a passage and we needed to be absolutely accurate. Glasovitch speaks English fluently but would only speak Russian during the negotiations.”
“So as not to cow down to the Americans.”
“Yes, precisely. So, with every sentence by both sides undergoing translation it took forever just to say hello.” Justin laughed, put his pencil down and leaned back to stretch.
“Do you always take written notes in an interview?” Ellen asked.
“Yes, people are more open without a tape recorder and I wouldn’t want what we say here to get out somehow. You know someone breaking into my hotel room to steal the tape. I keep my notebook with me at all times.”
“Very wise on your part. No wonder you have a high trust level.” Justin gave a puzzled look. “Remember I told you that we had a thorough vetting process. I know all about you, even that your father is Phillip Randolph.”
“You do?”
“Oh, yes, you have quite a pedigree you know.”
“Yes, I do.”
“I know he’s proud.”
“How do you know?”
“I talked to him about a month ago. He was in Washington and stopped by my office.”
“He has access to the White house?”
“Phillip Randolph has access to just about any place he wants.” Justin nodded understanding.
“Back to the treaty. Why does Deniken want this?”
“He wants to dispel the notion that Russia is a land grabbing imperialist power.”
“But they are, they always have been.”
“I know and so does he and that’s what he’s trying to change.”
“Who opposes the treaty exactly?” Justin asked.
“The Stalinists of course and other sections of the population that don’t want to see the U.S. gain anything.”
“So, we get Russia out of the Crimean Peninsula, I guess that’s a gain but it also eliminates a trigger point.”
“Yes,” Ellen said.
“We lose The Ukraine in NATO but that could be a good thing down the road since they’re going to remain pro-U.S. anyway. The Ukraine in NATO means if Russia attacks them for any reason that’s NATO and then we have war across the board. This is good for both sides,” Justin posed.
“Of course, and Deniken’s reasoning is just like yours and mine and that’s the reason he put forth the idea of the treaty.”
“I see, I hadn’t thought about it much but this is a good idea for both camps. It eases tension and reduces the chances of war. The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty under Kennedy, SALT under Nixon and START under Reagan were very similar. I hope it goes off without any problems.” Ellen said nothing. “But you do anticipate problems.”
“Andrew thinks the Russians may up the ante to express their opposition.”
“Makes sense. I’d say given the dubious value of The Ukraine in NATO, which could only be symbolic, the opposition in Russia feels that Deniken has been too generous.”
“You’re grasp of international relations is exceptional, Mr. Weaver.”
“Thanks, but I’m briefed regularly by Little Wolf.”
“Andy and Jozette’s son.”
“Yes.”
“What makes him an expert?”
“He knows everything.”
“How?”
“I think it has to do with his ancestors.”
“Native Americans?”
“Yes, they see things differently than we do.”
“White people?”
“Precisely,” Justin said chuckling.
“Explain.”
“We miss subtle indicators that people give off and Little Wolf sees and understands those. Native Americans are more observant than white people.”
“I don’t doubt that and it makes you wonder how we won.”
“That’s easy, measles and smallpox.”
“Yeah, that was a terrible thing. I mean it wasn’t deliberate but it was deadly and wiped out thousands of Native Americans.”
“Yes,” Justin said.
“Well, that was an interlude, where were we? Oh, I know, the genius of Little Wolf.”
“We got him or rather Jozette and Andy did when he was ten. We all watched him grow up and his wisdom was there even when he was very young. We’ve all been touched by his understanding of the world and the people in it.”
“And he’s quite a lawyer.”
“Oh, yes, you should see him in the courtroom, it's something to behold.”
“Quite a young man…do you suppose he’d come and work for me?”
“I doubt it but what a plum it’d be for you to have his advice.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for the future.”
“Back to the treaty. What do you think Russia will ask for?”
“No idea but I think they might want a naval base on the west side of The Crimea.”
“Near Sevastopol?”
“Yes.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“I don’t think it’s a problem. I don’t want them to feel hemmed in or they’ll want to expand their Baltic presence.”
“And if they don’t get Sevastopol, they’ll want a base in the Baltic Sea.”
“Exactly.”
“Gotland, maybe?”
“Sweden wouldn’t agree to that.”
“Here’s one that is a possibility…Hiiumaa.” Ellen sat back and sighed.
“You’ve thought about this haven’t you?” Ellen gave Justin a long look and he guessed it.
“Wait, Deniken proposed it, didn’t he?”
“Yes,” Ellen said.
“And?”
“I’m thinking about it.”
“Wow, I thought we’d have learned our lesson after Munich,” Justin remarked
“This isn’t Munich.”
“Isn’t it, though, Madam President?” Ellen sighed and shook her head.
“It is to a certain degree but I don’t want to lose this treaty.”
“I assume you’d want to get Estonia’s approval since you’d be giving away part of their country,” Justin posed.
“It’s a potential mess, Mr. Weaver.”
“What could Estonia get in return?”
“Money, probably from us.”
“That won’t work, the people would revolt if the government tried to sell Hiiumaa; the people who live there for certain would go ballistic.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“What if Deniken stands firm for a Baltic base and Estonia won’t budge?”
“Then the treaty will die…we can’t give away a part of someone else’s country without their consent.”
“But you’d be doing that with Sevastopol.”
“Yes, but the population in The Crimea is Russian by ancestry and language. They’d welcome a Russian presence.”
“But you don’t want the Russians close to the Mediterranean.”
“No, of course not but we may have to accept that to get the deal.” Justin nodded agreement.
“I think you’re right. It’s worth it to get them out of The Crimea,” Justin said.
“Do you have what you need so far?”
“Yes, and thank you.”
“And, you won’t breathe a word of this until we’re back in the states.”
“My lips are sealed until then.”
“Good.”
“When do you meet Deniken?”
“In the morning.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks, I’ll need it.”
CHAPTER NINE
“Well?” Dixie asked nudging her girlfriend Jessica as they woke up to the sun shining through the window.
“Well what?”
“How was it?” Dixie asked as she leaned over her partner and moved the hair out of her eyes.
“Okay.”
“That’s it, okay?”
“Yeah, okay.”
“It wasn’t amazing, incredible, spine tingling or anything like that?” Jessica looked at the ceiling and thought for a moment.
“No, it was just okay.”
“Oh,” Dixie said deflated and laid back down staring at the ceiling. Jessica could hold it in no longer and burst out laughing. “So, it was funny, that’s even worse.”
“No, it wasn’t funny, baby, it was amazing, incredible, spine tingling and a hundred other things. Just like you said. I’ve never felt anything like that in my life. I knew when we made love the first time it’d be great and it was,” Jessica said as she leaned over and kissed her girlfriend. They kissed for a long time and when they finished, they both laid back and breathed hard.
“I guess we better get up and get ready. Miss Lexi said we’d leave at ten-thirty.”
“Can’t we just stay in bed forever?” Jessica asked.
“If it was with you, baby, I’d say yes.” Jessica sat on the edge of the bed and Dixie joined her.
“I love you, Dix.”
“I love you back, Jess.”
“I’m glad I lost my virginity to you, baby,” Jessica said then she put her hand to her mouth with a look of horror on her face. “I’m sorry, Dixie, I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry.” Dixie grinned.
“Look, Jess, we all know my past and that’s what it is, the past. I can’t change it so we move on to today. For me in my heart and mind I came to your bed as a virgin. Yes, I had sex with many men when I was a young girl. It was rape but I still had sex. My mom’s boyfriend pimped me out for cash. It was all a painful nightmare and I hated every second of it. Last night was the first time I ever felt warm and sensual and it was with the woman I love and cherish so, yes I feel good…all warm inside and very happy.” They hugged and squeezed for a long time.
“I call shower,” Jessica said as she ran to the bathroom. Dixie sat on the bed and grinned.
“Good morning,” Lexi said as she had laid out breakfast for everyone. Darcy and Zara were already up and dressed. Melanie and Mallory sat down a few minutes later.
“Sorry, we’re late but Melanie had to look beautiful,” Mallory said.
“I do not.”
“Hey, kiddo, you always look beautiful to me,” Lexi said as she hugged Melanie from behind. Melanie made a face at Mallory who smiled and crossed her eyes at the twin sister she adored. They were fiercely devoted to one another. Melanie was the second twin born and was in the womb an inordinately long time. As a result, her right arm was not fully functional and she had a slight limp in her right leg. Mallory was always protective of her little sister as she called her, helping her do everything. For a long time, Mallory said she’d never get married until Melanie did. Melanie told her a couple of years ago that she didn’t have to wait and Mallory agreed but Tatiana and Dave didn’t think Mallory would get married before her sister.
“Are we picking up Pa
ulita?” Darcy asked.
“I told her mom we’d be there at eleven,” Lexi said. They finished eating, picked up Paulita and made it to the mall by eleven-thirty.
“Should I use the card, Mom?” Darcy asked.
“Yes, and Zara too,” Lexi answered.
“Where are you going?” Will asked.
“Zara and I are going to the Paris Boutique,” Darcy said.
“You won’t come back as can can dancers, will you?” Will asked.
“Hey, that’s an idea,” Zara said.
“Honey, you need a couple of outfits,” Lexi said to Zara. “Darcy make sure she gets them.
“I will, Mom.”
“We’re going with Paulita to the music store,” Mallory said.
“Big surprise,” Will said. Paulita had appointed herself the guardians of the twins since they were eleven and though they were all eighteen now she still never let them out of her sight.
“And you two?” Lexi asked grinning.
“We’ll decide as we walk,” Jessica said and they left holding hands.
“Well, all our little chicks have left the nest,” Lexi said as she turned to Will.
“There not all ours.”
“I wish they were.’
“You do?” Will asked.
“Yes, don’t you?”
“I don’t know, I already live with three women, I can’t imagine seven.”
“I don’t hear you complaining so far.” Will lowered his head, chuckled and looked up.
“No, I’m not complaining.”
“Do you want to sit and rest?”
“No, I’m okay.”
“I don’t mean to treat you like a baby, Will, but I worry about you.”
“I’m glad you worry about me; it makes me feel safer.” He had asthma and could have an attack at any time for no apparent reason. Some of them were bad and Lexi, Darcy or Zara had to get him through them and get him to breathe. He also had a dislocated back that could go out at the slightest movement and he was on the floor and couldn’t move without help. As a result, either Lexi, Darcy or Zara were always with him at home.
“I need a pair of shoes,” Lexi said.
“Good, I can watch you stretch your legs when you try them on.”
“You’re funny.”