Under Duress.
Suffering Lack of Sleep.
Forced to Do This By the Plot Bunnies From Hell.
In other words...I ought to be shot!
(Then, here in DC, this is NOT a popular thing to say lately.)
So when have I given a damn about popularity?
Audrey Lynne
The TV was droning on in the background as Jim Ellison awoke with a start. It was CNN, still broadcasting about the day's Presidential inauguration. The ball was long over, but CNN still had its supposed experts discussing the newest team to hit DC.
"The lack of a First Lady seems to have done wonders in this election, despite the fact that the new President is a self-described 'bleeding heart liberal'."
"Why do you say that, Chip?"
"Well, the female voting population turned out in record numbers for this election. Upon leaving the polls, one voter was heard to say 'he's just so damn cute'... though it's unclear if she was referring to the candidate or his vice-president."
Jim grinned. "Sure, just make women across the country look ditzy. The man got a hell of a push from the Jewish community, too."
As if on cue, the CNN reporters added, "The fact that our newest President is Jewish is a first for the country, and it helped him pull in a large portion of the votes, despite his liberal stance on many issues. His vice-president is somewhat more conservative, however, and that won votes too."
"And it got votes from the vets, all that Army experience," Blair called from across the room, apparently listening to the broadcast as well. He was still up? Well... that wasn't surprising. He always WAS a night owl.
"You must be happy, Chief," Jim replied. "A liberal President again."
"After years of Republican regime? Hell yeah, I'm happy! Okay, so the Congress is still mainly GOP-like. Two years, man, and we'll have a shot at changing that. I know a lot of the far right people in this country are seriously pissed tonight."
"They've been seriously pissed since the election," Jim sighed, heading in to join Blair. "Two sensitive men in a position of power -- they don't gay-bash, they don't pretend to tell people how to run their lives... and, hell, the President's not even Christian."
"God's in many forms, man. Why they can't see it, I don't know." Blair went back to work. "I did sneak a peek at the polling breakdown. You expect liberals to do well with the gay community, and a lot of women... most college kids... but... the military? Typically a Republican standby."
"Maybe the VP's military experience paid off," Jim mused. "I know the law and order crowd liked the team -- tough stance on crime."
"The Vice President living in the White House scared a lot of people, I think," Blair mused. "I mean, it makes sense if you ask me -- with all the ROOM... but it sparks rumors, too."
Jim nodded. "Can't please everyone. So, what'd your mom have to say?"
"Naomi's thrilled. But that didn't surprise me."
"Me either." Jim smiled at Blair. "Of course, we know what CNN isn't saying. Lots of other firsts too."
Blair chuckled. "Yeah..."
"First trouble magnet in the White House..."
"Hey!" Blair protested. "I happen to know the President personally and he's not that bad!"
"And I know his second-in-command," Jim countered, "and he disagrees. Could add a whole new element of difficulty to the bedside vigils... with him having to be acting Prez and all."
Blair rolled his eyes. "You really ARE enjoying yourself far too much."
"You bet. Just watching your face when the election returns came in was a year's worth of entertainment." Jim grabbed a pen for a microphone and leaned across Blair's desk. "So, Mr. President, tell us -- what does it feel like?"
Blair chuckled. "I am SO psyched, Mr. Vice President!"
Jim grinned. "By the way, I got a chance to talk to Simon at the ball earlier. He says thanks for the Secretary of Defense nomination."
"Sure, man, tell him it's no problem if you see him before I do." Blair leaned back. "This Oval Office is NOTHING like it is on TV. It's better! Anyhow, there's no one else I'd want there. Megan accepted the Foreign Affairs Liaison position last night, so we're covered there."
Jim nodded. "She's got dual citizenship now; they liked that. Rhonda for Labor secretary was a great choice; gotta hand you that."
"Only an office manager can handle that insanity, Jim. Joel's gonna make a great Secretary of State."
"You know, the country is asking themselves who the hell all these people are." Jim laughed. "Of course, many of us do the same thing anytime a new Cabinet goes into place. Why Rafe for Treasury?"
"Anyone who could afford those suits on a cop's salary knows how to handle money."
"Good point..." Jim smiled. "The polls about Henri for Homeland Security look good. They may not know who he is, but they like having a cop... or former cop... there."
"Yeah... it didn't take long to find people to fill the other positions," Blair replied. "Senators I liked; people I knew who could do the jobs. Oh, Mary says hi."
"Oh? How's she like her new position?"
"Head photographer? You know Mary and her camera. She's in heaven. I'd watch out for walking around in your boxers if I were you."
"She wouldn't."
"She would!" Blair smiled. "We've come a long way, Jim -- from a neo-hippie punk and an anal-retentive cop..."
"To the first Sentinel and Guide in the White House," Jim supplied.
"We so rock." Blair chuckled. "Besides, it's about time the country had a Vice President who kicks ass."
"Jim?"
Jim opened his eyes to see Blair bending over him. They were back in the loft. He'd fallen asleep on the couch. "Chief?"
"C'mon, we've got to catch our flight to DC," Blair insisted. "Hurry up."
"Why?"
"Remember, Mike -- DC police Mike -- asked for our help? He worked that case with us last year, the Florence--"
"I remember." Jim stood up, grateful for having packed the night before. "Gimme a few and I'll be ready."
"Okay, just hurry."
Jim stopped in the doorway of the bathroom. "Hey, Chief. Ever considered running for President?"
"So I can have the press distort everything I say? No thanks." Blair looked thoughtful. "But you'd make a good VP. After all, this country needs a Vice President who can kick ass."
Blair would never know why that struck Jim as funny as it did.
The End :)
Just a little shortie inspired by the comment from Elli below. Thanks or blame -- your choice -- due to Linda, whose comments fueled half of this on. :)
Elli's comment: Who would know, maybe next he'll run for President. Jim could be vice President? Sandburg and Ellison protected you from crooks, now let them protect you from politicians!