Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

"Gwen, this is Anna Dobish," introduced Steve. "Anna, this is my wife, Gwen."

"It is an honor to meet you, Mrs. Hammer! I have seen all your movies and have all your music. I watched your wedding on TV, and I cried through most of it. It was beautiful!" babbled Anna.

"Please call me Gwen," managed Gwen just before she heard several gasps from the other diners.

"It sounds like Jordan and Charlie have arrived. Please stay and meet them," insisted Gwen when Anna began to leave. Soon Jordan and Gwen were chatting with Anna like they were long-lost friends. Finally, Anna excused herself to return to the kitchen.

The restaurant was filled to capacity by the time the friends finished their meal. Jordan and Gwen couldn't praise the quality of the food and the service enough. Carl visited their table once they finished dessert and was delighted with the praise offered by these two beautiful and famous women.

"I could be wrong, but it looks like everyone is waiting for something," observed Charlie. "Could it be they're hoping Steve will sing again?"

"Everyone's heard him wail already. It's about time Gwen and I gave these folks something easier on the ear," joked Jordan. "Let's go do a few songs. I think these people are fans, and they're hoping we'll play something for them."

Steve and Charlie sat back as Jordan played the piano and joined with Gwen in entertaining the room for over an hour. The tables and bar became filled to capacity, and Carl was forced to turn some eager fans away.

Charlie had been studying the layout as he and Steve listened to their ladies singing. "There's an empty building that shares a wall with this restaurant. These people should buy it and expand into it."

"As I understand it, they're still struggling to get on their feet," replied Steve. "I'm pretty sure they won't be able to afford it anytime soon."

"Then maybe we should look into buying it as an investment. This restaurant's going to take off, and the property next door will increase its value. We could lease it to Carl, so he could expand his business. He'll need the room, especially if Gwen and Jordan stop in to sing now and then. With great food and some pretty good entertainment, this place is going to do very well," surmised Charlie.

Lady in Red Productions negotiated for the purchase of the building adjoining the restaurant a few days later, and proceeded to completely remodel it. Carl and Anna had been flabbergasted when Jordan and Gwen approached them about leasing the newly reconditioned building. Carl had flatly stated they would never be able to afford it, and it was a waste of time even to think about it. He refused to consider the possibility.

"Men!" exclaimed Gwen. "Anna, come next door with Jordan and me. We'll discuss terms while we show you how great the place looks."

An hour later Jordan and Gwen returned with a beaming Anna, who hugged Carl before telling him, "Jordan and Gwen made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and a horse didn't even need to die. They're our friends and they won't let us fail, so stop worrying.

"Look how many football players and fans come here now. People stop in all the time hoping to catch Jordan, Gwen, Charlie or Steve singing. It's okay to accept some help from people that love you, and whom you love in return," reasoned Anna. "We've been blessed."

Anna's Place became the unofficial Redskins' restaurant before the season was halfway over. Pictures of athletes and other famous customers adorned several walls. Lady in Red had a dedicated wall of photos all to itself. Weddings and other social events were now commonplace and the restaurant thrived.

Now Gwen had returned as President of the United States, as well as the Queen of Peace! As always, her Warrior husband was at her side, facilitating and protecting her in every way possible.

Once they were finished with their meal, Gwen gave a nod to Jordan. The two famous women stood and walked across the room to step onto a small stage. Jordan sat behind the new baby grand piano, while Gwen stood next to her. Everyone in the restaurant went silent as Jordan began playing one of Gwen's many hits.

For the next couple of hours, tourists and locals alike were treated to an incredible evening of music as Jordan and Gwen were joined by Charlie and Steve to play old favorites and try out some new material as well. When they finally wrapped up their impromptu performance, the restaurant was being monitored by the fire department to ensure the number of people in the building didn't exceed the legal limit. The sidewalk in front was packed with people hoping to catch sight of the foursome. The crowd had spilled over into the street, which was finally closed off by the police, since they couldn't safely keep it open to vehicular traffic.

Gwen and Steve spent the night in the White House, very aware that it could well be the last time they would do so during Gwen's administration. If they ever stayed with Vince and Cindy, they would be relegated to a guest bedroom.

The next morning was a brilliant, warm late summer day. As impossible as it seemed, more people had arrived in the city for the concert. The streets were so jammed with people that many side streets had to be closed and only police, fire, and official government vehicles were allowed to, very carefully, navigate the crowded main thoroughfares. Two hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, the police and the Secret Service escorted President and Steve Hammer, along with their other band members, to the small trailer set up near the stage.

By 3 PM, when the show was scheduled to begin, Washington DC was a sea of humanity. There were no vacant spots, no saved spaces, no possible vantage points not already being occupied. The mass of people extended as far as the eye could see in every direction. As the band climbed the steps to the stage, a thunderous roar swept across the entire city. Many people still inside office buildings would later insist they'd felt their building shake, so loud and long was the reception for the President and her fellow performers.

Gwen flashed a huge smile and waved with both arms as she strode purposely to the front of the stage. The immediate cessation of sound was unlike anything anyone had ever experienced before. The incredible tumult of moments before made the sudden silence feel far more intense than would normally be the case.

Hundreds of thousands of people dropped to a knee and bowed, as Gwen waved to fans in every direction. The huge screens showed Gwen's beautiful smile as she fought back tears.

"Your Queen asks you all to stand!" was all Gwen managed to say as she motioned for everyone to take their feet. Her request was heard clearly across the silent masses, as fans began returning to a standing position.

Gwen had to wait through a few minutes of adulation before the cheering and applause settled down enough for her to continue.

"I ask that all of you join me for a minute of silence in memory of the two thousand nine hundred and ninety six innocent victims who died, and the more than six thousand who were injured, both civilians and first responders, because of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Please also remember all those brave souls who have since been injured or killed in defense of our liberty, and our way of life!"

The huge crowd was very respectful as Gwen stood silently with Steve and the other performers for a full minute. Then Gwen and Jordan moved to the front and sang the National Anthem to the receptive crowd.

Gwen then announced to the once again roaring crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy the final performance of the We Come in Peace, World Tour!"

News organizations constantly panned their cameras over the city to give viewers a feeling for the size of the crowd that had descended on Washington, DC. Experienced reporters described how they had never seen anything that could even remotely compare to the sheer volume of people in the nation's capital to see and listen to President Hammer and her fellow performers.

The mood was festive and there was very little trouble, especially for such an unprecedented crowd. Counter-sided trailers bearing the Lady in Red logo were parked conspicuously here and there on many streets and avenues. Millions of bottles of free water and snacks were passed out. Portable toilets were lined up along streets in every direction. The music was exceptional, and the party carried on into the evening.

When Gwen was joined by Jordan and Kathy Perrine to perform 'Hate Myself for Loving You', over a million voices joined in singing to express their pleasure. The three beautiful women gyrated seductively as they sang and danced while Charlie and Steve played their guitars behind them. As it had been in every city on the tour, the song was a huge crowd favorite. Charlie signaled for the group to repeat it immediately, much to the approval of the cheering masses.

Because it was their last concert and there were so many people in attendance, Lady in Red played long into the evening. Gwen and Steve sang every hit they'd ever recorded. Jordan had released more hits than any other living performer, and she and Charlie sang them all for the huge crowd. Katy Perrine had enjoyed a great deal of success during the previous two years, and she belted out her ballads and love songs for the crowd. She and Steve joined to sing "The Flight to Rome", which happened to be the current number one song in the country. Jack Timberline was also well received when he performed his hits. The sun was setting in the nation's capital as the epic final performance of the 'We Come in Peace World Tour' came to an end. It took several more hours for the traffic to resume, as much of the city's sidewalks and streets were clogged as pedestrians worked their way back to their cars, buses, trains, hotels, and homes.

The internet and news organizations posted dozens of photos of the huge turnout for the performance. The National Park Service reported it was unable to even estimate how many people had been in attendance for the concert, but they felt safe in stating that well over a million and half people had been in Washington for the concert. The numbers totally eclipsed any crowd size ever previously reported for an event of any kind in Washington.

It was constantly mentioned that 'Queen's Ransom' was a huge blockbuster, easily breaking all previous movie attendance records. It was estimated that it would take in over a billion dollars worldwide on the opening three-day weekend. The reviews were stellar, and the word of mouth was extremely favorable. Many fans reported viewing it two or three times.

Gwen, Steve, and their friends and family, were having a late dinner in the White House as they listened to the reports of their record-breaking triumphs on the national networks, as well as on cable news.

It was humbling to listen to the interviews the stations aired. A couple holding two kids, with the woman dressed in an Air Force uniform, seemed to get the most air time.

"We have a President who places the welfare of the nation and of the world ahead of personal fame and fortune. The funny thing is, her being that way is exactly what makes her so famous and wealthy. Today's concert, as well as President Hammer's entire world tour, has caused my husband and me to reexamine ourselves, and try to be better parents and citizens."

"I've never been so proud of my president, or my country," proclaimed a crusty looking older man. We've always been a country of high standards and ideals, but we sort of lost our way for a while. President Hammer brought us back home."

An interview on a cable news station with a college-aged girl caused more than a few tears. "I want any daughters I may have to grow up knowing they can become a queen, a successful business woman, a great mother, and President of the United States, all at the same time. President Hammer has made our world a safer, better place. America was so lucky to have had a woman so prepared to lead us through the dark times politicians had created. She's incredible!"

While Vince and Cindy had been with them, everyone had been careful not to mention Steve's belief that Gwen's presidency was about to end. Vince had commented on the House and Senate both meeting in closed sessions, and asked Steve if he was aware of what issues were under debate by Congress.

The press had determined, and reported, that Gwen had returned from her travels with agreements and treaties she had submitted for Congressional approval. These agreements appeared to be very unpopular on Capitol Hill. Most reporters expected both houses would refuse to approve any of the agreements President Hammer had reached with other nations, simply because she had agreed to them without any input from either chamber.

"Congress isn't friendly with this administration, as you well know," replied Steve to Vince's question. "Secret meetings seldom result in a win for democracy, but Congress has its own agenda. I'm sure we'll know more by morning. If there's a tie vote you'll be called in, if that's any consolation."

Vince decided not to press Steve any further and departed for the Number One Observatory Circle with his new bride. He was more interested in enjoying his honeymoon for now, and he decided he'd find out what Congress was meeting about soon enough.

Gwen and Steve followed suit soon after Vince left, and retired for the evening. They were both exhausted from the worry and tension created by the threat of impeachment, as well as the effort of performing for such a long time. They made gentle love and quickly fell into an exhausted sleep.

Gwen was surprised when she woke up to see Steve was still asleep next to her, and it was almost eight AM! She couldn't remember the last time he'd slept that late. She realized he'd tirelessly worked the previous two months trying to protect, defend and facilitate her appearances, and it all must have finally taken its toll. He must need a vacation more than she did. He'd been beside her every public step of the tour, but he'd also constantly worked behind the scenes to ensure a smoother path for his wife. His eyes opened as she leaned over and kissed him.

"You've been so generous to me with your time and energy," praised Gwen. "I want you to know that I understand how hard you worked to make our trip a success. You made certain I'd always be on top of any situation I faced. You're the reason I became President, and you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"I'm glad to hear it, but would you care to express your gratitude in a more physical manner?" whispered Steve as he took a nipple into his mouth and teased the nub with his lips and tongue.

It was almost nine AM before the happy couple strolled in for breakfast at the inelegantly named White House Mess (because it's run by the Navy), holding hands and smiling. The dark looks on the faces of their friends and family quickly erased their happy demeanor.

"Nero may have fiddled while Rome burned, but he had nothing on you two," wisecracked Kate as she pointed toward the large TV screen. "I went to get you almost an hour ago, but the sounds coming from your room indicated you were 'fiddling around', so I left you alone. But now that you're here, you need to know there's hell to pay this morning!"

Gwen and Steve turned their attention to the television. Amber Stahl was on the air and she was obviously agitated. "To repeat, the Congress of the United States has just removed President Gwen Anderson Hammer from office through impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate!

"In a closed session lasting until four AM, the House voted to impeach President Hammer for accepting emoluments from foreign nations. Proponents claimed that President Hammer was profiting personally from her office because her very successful family business had many international dealings.

"As ludicrous as that must sound to everyone, it gets worse. At eight o'clock this morning, the United States Senate, by a vote of 82-18, voted to convict President Hammer, thus officially removing her from office, effective immediately!

"This is the first time in our nation's history that a President has been removed from office by means of impeachment. The procedure is clearly outlined in the Constitution and was apparently followed by both houses of Congress, albeit in secret. The United States may be on the brink of a Constitutional crisis!" continued Amber.

"State and local leaders have expressed their outrage in no uncertain terms. The streets of Washington have become impassable as angry citizens are gathering on Capitol Hill and near the White House. As you know, Washington area hotels were filled to capacity this weekend for the 'We Come in Peace World Tour' grand finale. These are fans and admirers of President and Steve Hammer. They are not happy!

"We have reporters trying to reach members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rumors are circulating that the Military may step in and forcefully return Gwen Hammer to office. Vice President Rosen, a very close friend of both President and Steve Hammer, has not yet issued a comment, although there are recent reports of him being escorted to the White House. He is now tasked with running the government, but he has yet to be sworn in as President. It's unclear how he'll react to this sudden turn of events."

"Wow!" gasped Gwen as she digested the news she had just heard. "I thought this would go a lot more smoothly. It never occurred to me that there'd be so much turmoil. What should we do, Steve?"

"It appears Vince has just arrived, thank God. We need to speak with him first of all and get this situation settled," replied Steve grimly. "The United States has always prided itself on an orderly transition of power. Just the suggestion of a military coup, not to mention riots in the streets, severely damages our standing in the world community."

"I got here as soon as I could!" interrupted Vince as he strode into the room with Jordan's mom holding his hand. "Because of the crowds, I had to summon a helicopter to travel two and a half miles! This is pure bullshit! I'll resign my office before I'm sworn in as President of the United States under these conditions!"

"Vince, I understand your feelings, but that would be the worst possible thing you could do," countered Steve. "I saw this coming, but I didn't let on to you and Cindy because I knew you'd react just like this. Your first duty in this situation is to your country. If you resign, chaos will rule the day. Speaker Clune would then assume the Presidency, and we both know that would be disastrous.

"We need to present a united front. Gwen and I will attend your swearing in ceremony, and congratulate you in front of the world. The transition of power needs to be seamless and transparent."

"Steve and I are fine with this, Vince," added Gwen. "We have some grand plans for Lady in Red and our international efforts. We've been chafing under the constraints of trying to appease a polarized and contentious Congress. We need a vacation, and then some time to see where this Queen of Peace thing will lead.

"Sticking you with the Presidency is taking horrific advantage of our friendship, but you're the only person we have confidence in to do a great job for the country. Please don't resign. Steve and I will always be available to you if you should ever need us. We love this country as much as you do, and we want it to succeed!"

"If that's how you truly feel, I'll do it Gwen, but I'm going to hold you to your promise to be available when I need sound advice or someone to represent the United States in crucial situations," replied Vince as he absorbed Steve and Gwen's words. "You know I only expected to serve as your Vice President and to leave office when you completed your term. I had no ambition to return to the White House, and especially not under these conditions."

"There may not be much left to govern," worried Cindy Rosen. "The short flight here was pretty frightening. There must have been tens of thousands of people jamming the streets, and they all seemed to be shouting. People are extremely angry."

"Uh-oh! Look at the TV! There's a huge mob in front of the Capitol building," worried Lisa. "Amber just said that members of Congress don't dare leave the building. If any doors to the street are opened, even a crack, they don't think the security that's in place can ever keep thousands of people from storming the building. They're trying to get more police there, but the streets are teeming with very angry citizens. Vehicular traffic in the city has come to a complete standstill."

"Steve, I think we need to do everything we can to prevent this from getting even worse," stated Gwen calmly as she looked to her husband. "We need to speak to these crowds and ask them to stand down."

"Should I request a TV crew to come in for an interview so you can be seen asking for calm?" asked Ashley. "I'm sure they'd be happy to help."

"No, that won't work with a crowd like this," replied Gwen calmly. "I caused this mess, and I need to fix it. I'm going out there."

"That's crazy!" gasped Paula. "It isn't safe. Steve won't allow it!"

"Gwen's right," disagreed Steve as he took Gwen's hand. "The only person on the planet who can stop this is Gwen. I don't think it would be a good idea for even the Secret Service to go with us. They'd be in danger, plus their guns could be taken from them. We need to do this by ourselves."

"You need to do this with me," insisted Vince Rosen. "I won't be hiding behind the curtains while you two risk your lives! I'm going with you. Cindy, you stay here with Jordan."

"Like Hell!" snapped Cindy Rosen. "I may not be considered the best First Lady material, but I refuse to be known as a chicken-shit First Lady. I go wherever my husband goes."

"I think we agree that Vince and Mom should go with us," stated Jordan as she looked around the room, daring anyone to defy her inviting herself and Charlie along.

"Kate and I wouldn't miss this for the world!" Chip offered with a short chuckle. "The family that faces angry mobs together, stays together."

"Mom, please take care of the kids for us," requested Lisa as she took Jason's hand. "Gwen and Steve need our support, and we won't let them down."

"Aw, crap!" muttered Jared as he took Naomi's hand in his and headed for the hallway leading to the exit. "They wouldn't do anything rash to one of the guys who helped bring a Super Bowl trophy to town, would they?"

"Okay, we have all the support we need. The rest of you stay here and wait," insisted Steve before anyone else could volunteer to join them. "We need people we can trust to care for all the kids if we get into any serious trouble. I think we can avoid disaster, but an angry mob seldom has a conscience."

The Secret Service refused to allow Gwen and Vince to venture outside at all, never mind without them, but Steve took them aside and reasoned with them quietly. It was a grim collection of agents that watched the former President of the United States join the current President in walking out to brave riot conditions, and with no protection! Steve had explained the alternatives and the possible worst-case scenario if nothing was done. Reluctantly, and against all regulations, the agents stood down.

Paula and the rest of those remaining behind were glued to the television as Gwen and Steve led their friends across the North Lawn of the White House.

"We see some movement from the White House," declared Amber Stahl, with amazement clearly evident in her voice. "Gwen and Steve Hammer, along with President and Mrs. Rosen, and eight family members and close friends, are walking directly towards the angry protestors crowding Pennsylvania Avenue! They appear to be intent on facing the huge crowd with no sign of the Secret Service anywhere around. They have absolutely no security! This is beyond belief!"

Viewers across the nation were riveted to their televisions. The woman who had been President of the United States until a few short hours ago was fearlessly striding out to confront the protestors! How would the angry mob react when they discovered Gwen Hammer was approaching them?

A worried guard at first refused, but then nervously opened the gate to the sidewalk at Gwen's direction and stepped aside as she led her group onto the crowded street. Lisa clutched Jason's hand as tightly as she could as she heard the chanting and curses of the anger-fueled crowd.

"Quiet!" shouted a deep authoritative male voice. "Our Queen has arrived!"

The voice was heard by dozens of the people closest to Gwen, and they immediately went silent and dropped to a knee. There was a domino effect as others turned to see what was happening, only to find President Hammer, their Queen of Peace, walking among them. They began taking a knee as soon as they recognized her.

Gwen held Steve's hand tightly as she smiled and waved with her free hand as people continued to take a knee in respect. It looked like a human wave at a football game, as people standing behind those who had just gone to a knee realized why they had done so and quickly joined them. Gwen led Steve forward into the kneeling crowd and began working her way along Pennsylvania Avenue toward Constitution Avenue.

A path began to appear in front of Gwen as she and her entourage walked slowly while scanning the crowd, seeming to look each person in the eye as she passed. "My Queen!" was quietly uttered by many of those kneeling as Gwen moved past them. She began reaching out and gently touching the shoulders and heads of those nearest her. Vince Rosen and Cindy followed Gwen's lead as they too nodded, smiled, and softly touched random people in the crowd. Jordan and Charlie were right behind Jordan's mom and stepfather. Jordan flashed a huge smile as she quietly greeted people as if they were long-lost friends. She had long ago learned how to work a crowd; Gwen Hammer was the only person on earth better at making friends and getting strangers to love her. Kate, Lisa and Naomi quickly realized how effective Gwen and Jordan were being, so they also began following their example. They smiled, nodded, touched and quietly thanked the crowd as they followed behind the others.

"Washington has never before seen anything like this!" managed Amber once she remembered to breathe. "Gwen Hammer is peacefully walking through what only a few minutes ago was an angry and unruly mob. People, who a moment ago were shouting abuse, are falling silent and kneeling out of respect for their Queen! Can there possibly be any doubt she's the most loved and respected woman in the world? With the obvious exception of those still skulking within the halls of the Congress, Gwen Hammer has the admiration and love of this entire nation.

"Her commanding presence has turned an angry mob into what appears to be huge gathering of her ardent supporters. She somehow realized her appearance was required to placate and calm the irate crowd."

Cameras zoomed in to show tears trickling down the cheeks of many of those fortunate enough to be touched by Gwen as she passed. Grown men were wiping their eyes after Gwen had simply placed a gentle hand on their shoulder.

A weeping woman handed an infant to Gwen. She released Steve's hand and held the innocent baby up for the crowd to see before kissing its cheek and returning it to its mother, who was still overcome with emotion.

Fifteen minutes into the walk, Gwen came upon a woman with a child about her daughter Vickie's age in a wheelchair. Gwen stopped and knelt in front of the little girl and took her hands into her own before chatting briefly with her. Gwen kissed the girl's hands and then her cheek, before standing to resume her trek. Tears flowed freely through the entire crowd as emotions bubbled to the surface.

The anger and frustration that had gripped the frenzied mob had rapidly morphed into pride and adulation. This was the person who had been so cruelly and unfairly removed from office by Congress. She remained serene as she smiled and interacted with the people she met along her route. She walked among her subjects modestly and with humility. Gwen Hammer's legend grew with every step.

Cindy Rosen had been petrified when she stepped into the angry mob with her husband, but she was determined to remain by his side as he faced whatever was to come, as a good wife should. She was weeping quietly as she realized the power and respect Gwen inspired. Cindy briefly considered the wasted years of her own life squandered in seeking personal pleasures. Gwen was a woman she needed to emulate! Even though Cindy had turned her life around years before, this was another true epiphany!

She glanced back to see Jordan serenely interacting with the people along the way, and her heart was filled with pride. Jordan had known for years why Gwen was so special, and she had the very same qualities! She was loved and admired because she gave so freely of her talent and her love. People sensed that she truly loved them, and she would do all she could to make their lives better Thus, they responded to her. Her daughter was incredible!

Tyler had received a text from Steve, and he immediately gathered the Lady in Red crew and instructed them to prepare the stage that had been used for the concert the previous day. Steve wanted the sound system as well as all the Jumbotrons working by the time he and Gwen reached the stage on the National Mall.

As Gwen and Steve, along with their small group, finally ascended the stage which had previously been erected on the Mall, people were kneeling as far as the eye could see!

Gwen smiled her appreciation to one of her crew as he handed her a microphone before she whispered into his ear. The man nodded and went to the side of the stage, then returned with another microphone, which he handed to a surprised Jordan.

She turned questioningly to Gwen, who quietly spoke a few words to her. Jordan's smile beamed across the huge screens as she nodded to Gwen and took her hand. The two women walked to the front of the stage, where Gwen spoke to the silent crowd.

"Your Queen requests that you all stand and face one of the many American flags that can be seen from wherever you're standing. Your Queen also asks everyone to remember what a wonderful country this is and why we all love it so dearly, as Jordan and I sing our National Anthem!"

Amber went quiet in the broadcast booth as Gwen and Jordan delivered a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The crowd began cheering before they'd finished singing, and was roaring by the time the duo bowed to the huge gathering.

Jordan backed away a short distance as Gwen surveyed the cheering crowd and waved to them. She then gestured for silence and waited for the mass of humanity to quiet down before speaking.

"First of all, I need to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support. However, I want you all to understand one thing. Steve and I will never betray our oaths to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States! We love our country! Congress has the Constitutional authority to impeach and convict a President it deems guilty of treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors. Again, Steve and I support the Constitution of the United States. This does not mean that Congress was correct, but it does mean it has that Constitutional power and we are honor-bound to accept their decision. I'm not standing here to lobby for myself. I fully accept that I am no longer your President," stated Gwen before a long round of jeers and booing echoed across the National Mall.

"Again, thank you so much for your support," beamed Gwen. "But I'm here to ask all of you to accept the actions taken by Congress and to participate peacefully in an orderly transfer of power. Our very good friend Vince Rosen will be sworn in as our next President, and it would mean a great deal to Steve and me if you joined us in congratulating him and wishing him a healthy and successful term.

"We want you to know that Vince had nothing to do with Congress' devious impeachment proceedings. He and Cindy were as astonished this morning as you were! And we want Vince to succeed! Steve and I have pledged our total support and assistance to him any time he may require it. We all know how Steve and Naomi negotiated the United States away from the brink of a world war. Steve will still be available if his country calls, as will I," promised Gwen. "Vince is our trusted personal friend and as I stated before, we love this country!"

Steve had been involved in a quick huddle with Charlie and Vince as Gwen was speaking. He called Tyler over and spoke to him briefly before asking Jordan for her microphone. As Gwen finished speaking, he moved to the front of the stage and acknowledged the crowd's warm greeting.

"If you would be so kind as to give me your attention, I have several points to make," began Steve as the crowd became quiet. "Gwen is not going quietly into the night! She's our Queen and she'll continue serving in that capacity around the world! As President of the United States, she was restricted by the demands and obstructions of a hostile Congress. Now that she has been so blessedly relieved of that burden, Gwen will concentrate on helping people around the world. That's the mission of Lady in Red. Gwen is the Lady in Red, as well as the Queen of Peace!"

Steve waved and pointed to acknowledge the presence of various people as he waited for the cheering to subside. "To that end, we're going to have a party here today to celebrate Vince Rosen's marriage, his swearing in as President of the United States, and Gwen's ascension as The Queen of Peace!

"At two o'clock, Vince Rosen will be sworn in right here as the next President of the United States. Immediately following that, we'll have a brief ceremony acknowledging my beautiful wife, Gwen Hammer, our Lady in Red, as she accepts the title of Queen of Peace. If anyone doesn't feel she deserves the honor, you're free to leave. Those of you who want to support her coronation with your presence will need to be here at two!"

Steve once again had to wait for the cheering and applause to subside. "To get the party going right, Charlie and Jordan have agreed to gather as many of our band members as they can, so we'll be able to perform another concert this afternoon. Yesterday, we concluded the 'We Come in Peace World Tour'. This afternoon, we'll perform 'The Queen's Ransom' concert. Congress has freed Gwen from the shackles of the Presidency, but we citizens will pay the price for their foolish decision. All Americans, willing or not, will in fact be required to pay 'The Queen's Ransom' through our taxes, so be here and get your money's worth! Lady in Red will supply snacks, water, sodas and hopefully, some real food, all for free!"

Steve once again waved and grinned as the huge crowd whooped and yelled approval. "There's one more thing I want to cover. I've always tried to avoid politics, thinking we should remain above the fray. I see now just how wrong I was. From this moment forward, Lady in Red is going to actively participate in political discourse on a wide variety of subjects.

"Many of you are angry at members of Congress for their cowardly actions, but it's all on me, and it's all on each of you. It's on your friends and neighbors. Collectively, we've continued returning short-sighted, self-serving and selfish people to represent us in the House and Senate, mostly because it would have taken too much trouble to change. If you're pissed at the way things were handled early this morning, focus that anger when you go to your polling places next election!" yelled Steve to the raucous crowd.

"I'll be actively working to remove many current members of Congress from office, and I ask that you join me. Lady in Red will support and promote qualified, honest, honorable people for public office. We will encourage the formation of a third political party with ideals steeped in the values that have served America so well in the past. We'll form committees to evaluate each candidate for Federal office and offer recommendations to the voting public, and those committees will be demanding informative answers to tough questions. It will no longer be business as usual in Washington!"

The roar of approval echoed across Washington as soon as Steve finished speaking. He had struck a chord with the American voter! Everyone always talked about changing the climate in Washington, but nothing was ever done. Those listening to Steve had only to hear the determination in his voice and the ferocity in his eyes to know a new day was coming.

"One final thing, if I may," managed Steve once he'd convinced the crowd once again to simmer down and listen. "I am serving notice right here, right now, that I'll do everything in my power to prevent Senator Lancer from being elected to any position, ever again! He chose to make this personal when he attacked Gwen's character and even questioned her sanity. Now it's very personal. The gloves are off!"

Stunned silence followed Steve's declaration before applause and cheers began slowly, then built to a crescendo. Never before had Steve Hammer singled out a politician so pointedly. His dislike for Senator Lancer had already been well known, but he had just declared his intentions very publicly. The gauntlet had been thrown down!

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we've just heard former First Husband Steve Hammer state how life in Washington will change going forward," reported Amber Stahl to her millions of viewers as the cameras switched to show her sitting in the studio. "This has been a day of historical firsts. Gwen Hammer has become the first United States President to be removed from office by the impeachment process.

"In so doing, Congress has unleashed the considerable wrath of her husband, Steve Hammer. This couple has been in the public eye for almost eighteen years. Nothing they have ever done should have led Congress to believe that Steve Hammer would allow this affront to go unanswered. He has pretty much declared political war on almost all the incumbents in the House and Senate. This all occurred after he and his wife walked unarmed, with no security, into an angry crowd to preserve peace and probably to prevent bloodshed on the streets of the city and perhaps even in the halls of, Capitol Hill.

"The unruly mob behavior of o nly an hour or so ago has somehow been transformed by Gwen and Steve Hammer into a celebration. They announced they will be onstage to support President Rosen when he is sworn in as President of the United States. Some sort of ceremony is planned to install Gwen Hammer as the Queen of Peace that so many people around the world consider her to be. Lady in Red will perform yet another concert on the National Mall to commemorate the occasion.

"In the wee hours of this morning, Congress moved to remove Gwen Hammer from the Presidency. Many observers feel this action was motivated by fear of the power and influence that Gwen and Steve Hammer enjoy from the citizens of this country. It's believed that Congress disapproved of how that power only increased during her time in office. It is an opinion held by many that her popularity was the reason Gwen Hammer was removed from office, rather than because of any concern about so-called emoluments, as both houses claimed.

"What Congress has created is far different from anything its members might have expected. This very morning, Gwen and Steve Hammer walked into a huge, angry mob on the streets of our Nation's Capital and took absolute control of the situation! While members of both houses cowered in hallways and offices in fear for their safety, Gwen and Steve Hammer boldly left all protection behind, and seized the moment," reported Amber with strong emotion.

"We have Secretary of Defense Chatham here with us to share her thoughts on today's incredible events," introduced Amber. "Madam Secretary, will you give us your thoughts on this highly unusual political development?"

"I think it's quite clear what's happened. We've just seen the United States Congress try, and fail miserably in its attempt, to curb the power and influence of Gwen and Steve Hammer," declared the Secretary. "As you more or less just pointed out, Amber, this city belongs to the Hammers. They have the love and support of the people of Washington, of the United States, and of the world.

"By removing Gwen from office, Congress has cut Steve Hammer loose, which will surely prove to be the undoing of many of its members. There is no force on earth that will prevent him from defending Gwen, and in the process destroying more than a few political careers. And it appears that Senator Lancer has drawn his ire more than any other political figure."

"Do you think Steve Hammer will be able to bring down Senator Lancer?" asked Amber. "Lancer's already formed an exploratory committee as a formality before declaring for the Presidency. He's also built a rather sizable war chest for the primaries and the general election."

"If you're asking whether I'd put my money on Steve Hammer or Senator Lancer, I'll take Steve every time. I'll even give odds," replied Secretary Chatham dryly. "Lancer may as well apply for his pension. His career will not only end badly, but any legacy he had hoped to leave will soon be destroyed. Steve acts within the law, but he takes no prisoners. He truly believes his primary role in this world is to protect his wife and children. He feels Senator Lancer stepped over the line. Once Gwen was removed from her responsibilities and obligations as President of the United States, Steve's path became clear.

"We know the Constitution doesn't allow Vince Rosen to run for President once his current term is over. A four-year term after he serves the remaining three years of his current term would place him over the ten-year limit he's allowed to serve as President of the United States," stated Amber. "That would indicate the field will be wide open in three years. Do you see any front runners at this time, if you don't believe Senator Lancer can withstand the wrath of Steve Hammer?"​