Twilight's Last Gleaming: An American Political RP Special

[New Luciannova]

"Thomas! And yes, I do remember Abigail! How are you, how have you been? It's great to see you too!" asked Putnam, "I'm sure you'll remember my wife, Kenzie." Putnam grabbed Volkder's hand and shook it double-handedly.
He gestured to where his kids were seated, the three walked over, "I don't think you've met my kids, this is Thomas Aquinas, Dagny, and little Artemis. Kids, this is Thomas Volker, he's a good friend of mine from Congress."

“Oh I’ve been well as usual, it’s been fairly uneventful for me on the Hill lately, luckily I’ve managed to handle some more affairs in my district because of it though. I certainly do remember her.” Thomas replied, smiling warmly towards Dr Putnam before turning his attention to the Putnam children.

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I’ve know your father for some time now and I can certainly say that your father is a truly great man, and I’m sure you are all very proud of the work that he’s doing for our country.”

“You have some truly wonderful children. I apologise that mine aren’t here tonight, they’re all still in Missouri.You know, my second-born, Sarah, is actually considering volunteering for your campaign. Needless to say that it seems like your campaign could be gaining some momentum after all!” Thomas said humorously.

"Thank you, Thomas," said Amadeus, "I've met Sarah before, we would honored to have her aboard. Let her know the door is open whenever she wants to come in. Thankyou for your confidence, I hope we're picking up momentum, but it seems like my rivals see me as a soft target because of my views being, well...."

"Original," finished Mackenzie.

"I was going to say unorthodox or atypical," said Amadeus, "but I like original better."

"So what brings you to Iowa?" Mackenzie asked.

[Greater Arab State]

“Oh I’ve been well as usual, it’s been fairly uneventful for me on the Hill lately, luckily I’ve managed to handle some more affairs in my district because of it though. I certainly do remember her.” Thomas replied, smiling warmly towards Dr Putnam before turning his attention to the Putnam children.

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I’ve know your father for some time now and I can certainly say that your father is a truly great man, and I’m sure you are all very proud of the work that he’s doing for our country.”

“You have some truly wonderful children. I apologise that mine aren’t here tonight, they’re all still in Missouri.You know, my second-born, Sarah, is actually considering volunteering for your campaign. Needless to say that it seems like your campaign could be gaining some momentum after all!” Thomas said humorously.

"Thank you, Thomas," said Amadeus, "I've met Sarah before, we would honored to have her aboard. Let her know the door is open whenever she wants to come in. Thankyou for your confidence, I hope we're picking up momentum, but it seems like my rivals see me as a soft target because of my views being, well...."

"Original," finished Mackenzie.

"I was going to say unorthodox or atypical," said Amadeus, "but I like original better."

"So what brings you to Iowa?" Mackenzie asked.

“Oh, Abigail and I try and attend this dinner each year since I first entered the House, I find it useful to meet fellow Republicans, and future colleagues, in the next state up from mine, it certainly helps with keeping abreast of developments. Speaking of which, I might have something for you and I to discuss, Amadeus.”

[Kavanis]

Organized over Discord and co-written in Google Docs. Details agreed by both parties. Jack and Brooklyn written by Kavanis; Regan written by Kropotkin. Edited by Kavanis.

---

Jack shrugged. “I try. So, how’s Jason doing these days?” He affected a mock salute; he and Regan’s husband had served together in Vietnam. Despite the flippant tone (Jack’s default setting) he actually had great respect for the man. His wife’s politics, not so much.

“He’s fine. Says you owe him from your last golf game…”

Jack snorted. “He got lucky. An orthodontist lost his hairpiece in the sand trap at 13 and held us up, totally put me off my game for the last few holes. I’ll win it back next time.”

“And how is the lovely…” Regan couldn’t keep up with whichever wife this was.

Which Jack well knew. He grinned. “She’s fine. Couldn’t drag her to this shithole – State Senator, hello, how do you do? Yes, great to see you again, we must catch up – with a team of mules, mind. She’s back home in Virginia.”

“I thought you were from Tennessee?”

Jack laughed. “Yeah. Right. Anyway, here to support little Tommy, or shopping around for PAC money?”

Regan frowned disapprovingly. It was starting to seem as though her tough line on campaign finance reform hadn’t quite filtered through to the rest of the party. That, or she was just so isolated and insignificant that no one took any notice of her positions. “Is our Minority Leader not up to your high standards…?” she asked, picking up on the sneer in his tone.

Jack shrugged again. “He’ll do, for now. Bit of a RINO. Can’t stand this compromise he’s making on guns.”

“We should talk about that… Still, he is our leader. And some of us ‘RINOs’ happen to be proud Republicans.”

Jack grinned; he was just teasing, really. “I know, I know. Don’t worry. We may not see eye to eye on every policy, but I am always the very model of respectfulness. Say – did you meet Brooklyn?” He gestured and his aide, Brooklyn approached. The young woman was wearing a white T-shirt with block red lettering.

TERRORISTS HAVE KILLED
3000 AMERICANS SINCE 2001.

ABORTIONISTS HAVE KILLED
3000 AMERICANS SINCE
YESTERDAY.

“A pleasure,” said Regan, who began mentally booking an appointment with her dermatologist as she arranged an appropriate smile and shook hands with the woman. “And what about you Congressman… What brings you here? Supporting a particular candidate?” She looked around the room at the various Presidential candidates milling about, shaking hands, gossiping in quiet corners. “I’m going to take a wild guess and say you’re an Eriksen man…”

“Erik who?” Jack laughed. “After telling the grey hairs they’re being shipped off to the coal mines once he takes over?” He cocked his finger and mimed blowing his brains out. “Not for me. I haven’t picked a horse yet. Debate didn’t help much. How do you have a whole debate and not one fucking question about Iraq? You?”

Regan resisted pointing out that Mr Claassen’s hair was rather gray, now. “The debate might have helped me rule out a couple of names but I don’t think my endorsement will carry much weight, anyway.”

“I’d have thought you’d be a CHS gal all the way,” continued Jack probing for information.

“Not really. But even if I did back her, there’s zero point one woman endorsing another right now, no one will take either of us seriously. Especially when the most politically visible woman in America has just self-destructed her career.” The news of Wilson-Carter’s press conference had broken the very same day. “People are going to be saying women aren’t tough enough for the top jobs now.”

“Maybe they aren’t.” Jack grinned, then quickly held up his hands. “I’m kidding. But, you know, they were probably going to say that anyway.”

“Oh, believe me I know, this just makes it all so much worse…” Regan sighed.

Jack had seen a passing state legislator who’d written a hateful bill that had managed to be condemned by the NAACP, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Organization of Women, National Council of La Raza, and the Iowa Society for the Protection of Wild Geese. He needed to go congratulate him. “Well, anyway, see you around Congresswoman. Give your husband my regards, try not to trip over any stray corn dogs!” He left. Regan found herself alone with his aide, Brooklyn

“And who do you support – I’m sorry, was it, Brianna?”

“Brooklyn. I’m still making my mind up too. I’m hoping the speeches here will help. No one’s really inspired me yet, electrified me.”

Regan smiled at the innocence of youth. She thought the speeches would mostly be snoozefests but she admired the young staffer’s optimism. “And what is the younger generation thinking, in general?”

“A lot of my friends,” said Brooklyn, who was black, “Say that if Fleming or St. Cierge is the nominee they’ll be voting for them.”

That was a particular demographic problem Regan had already considered. Putting aside the fact that Brooklyn, seemingly a black, pro-gun, anti-choice, Republican woman, was in an exceptionally tiny demographic minority, the broader question of African-American support swinging an election (with no Hispanic candidates in the mix, so far as she could remember) was quite a tricky one for the Republicans.

Brooklyn continued: “I think I like Senator Feyrer and Governor Calalo best so far. I like Congressman Putnam, he’s quirky, but, I don’t think I could support him as President.”

Regan nodded, and it reminded her, she wanted to see Congressman Putnam, so she excused herself from Brooklyn and began trying to hunt down the maverick New Hampshire libertarian.

[Meretica]

Leaving Glenn to talk to whomever he would, Cassie happily walked over to Henry Gallagher, a smile across her face. She was still extremely angry that she had not been given permission to speak (in her mind, it was the party's attempt to silence any talk of bringing back the moderate big-tent coalition that had kept New England Republicans in power), but she did not let it show. Rather, she would do what she could to make the event useful to herself.

"Good evening, Mr. Secretary," Cassie greeted him, right hand extended. "How do you do?"

"Senator." Henry said, shaking her hand. "I'm fine, fine. Got a busy schedule ahead, but nothing as important as this event. What can I do for you?"

"I had just the opposite in mind," Cassie said slowly. "Things in the Senate are slow, and your job hasn't exactly been the easiest lately. I was wondering if there was anything that I could do to make your job easier."

[Hanovereich]

"Senator." Henry said, shaking her hand. "I'm fine, fine. Got a busy schedule ahead, but nothing as important as this event. What can I do for you?"

"I had just the opposite in mind," Cassie said slowly. "Things in the Senate are slow, and your job hasn't exactly been the easiest lately. I was wondering if there was anything that I could do to make your job easier."

"Well, my job hasn't been smooth, but there are no immediate points needing to be addressed. Any bill on international aid or foreign policy, however, will be much appreciated- my hands are very much tied over here."

[Madrinpoor]

After finishing off some shrimp with the Governor of Iowa, Tommy made his way through the crowd of unimportant Republicans, heading towards Jack Claassen, because he wanted to talk with him about a slightly crazy idea he had...

[Free Ward Marchers]

Representative Markoe adjusted his collar for the fifth time in the last hour, he always hated black tie events. He scanned the room in front of him, he doesn’t truly know who to talk to here, despite his 16 year long stint in congress he never really got along with anyone long enough to become friends with them, besides president Cush, so he relegated himself to the food table and hoped the shrimp didn’t have to much lemon on it this time.

[Meretica]

"I had just the opposite in mind," Cassie said slowly. "Things in the Senate are slow, and your job hasn't exactly been the easiest lately. I was wondering if there was anything that I could do to make your job easier."

"Well, my job hasn't been smooth, but there are no immediate points needing to be addressed. Any bill on international aid or foreign policy, however, will be much appreciated- my hands are very much tied over here."

Cassie nodded slowly. "Are you thinking general funding increases, or something more specific?"

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Representative Markoe adjusted his collar for the fifth time in the last hour, he always hated black tie events. He scanned the room in front of him, he doesn’t truly know who to talk to here, despite his 16 year long stint in congress he never really got along with anyone long enough to become friends with them, besides president Cush, so he relegated himself to the food table and hoped the shrimp didn’t have to much lemon on it this time.

Helms, who was still picking food from the table with his wife, decided to speak to Markoe while he was there.

"Ah, hello. I'm Senate Minority Whip Ruskie Helms, might you introduce yourself to me?"

[Free Ward Marchers]

Representative Markoe adjusted his collar for the fifth time in the last hour, he always hated black tie events. He scanned the room in front of him, he doesn’t truly know who to talk to here, despite his 16 year long stint in congress he never really got along with anyone long enough to become friends with them, besides president Cush, so he relegated himself to the food table and hoped the shrimp didn’t have to much lemon on it this time.

Helms, who was still picking food from the table with his wife, decided to speak to Markoe while he was there.

"Ah, hello. I'm Senate Minority Whip Ruskie Helms, might you introduce yourself to me?"

Markoe looks up from his shrimp platter (Which too his dismay had too much lemon) and looked up at the man in front of him, Senate Whip Helms, a little more radical than Markoe socially (and a lot more devout than Markoe for his tastes) but otherwise a O.K person. He decided to give him the time of day.

“Representative Bobby Markoe, I was the chair for house homeland security till the demoncrats took it back this year, it’s a pleasure to meet you, I remember watching your show “the Helms Hour” back in the late 80’s”

[Kavanis]

After finishing off some shrimp with the Governor of Iowa, Tommy made his way through the crowd of unimportant Republicans, heading towards Jack Claassen, because he wanted to talk with him about a slightly crazy idea he had...

Jack was talking to a political ad consultant about some ideas he had. “And we make sure to feature Fleming or St. Cierge every time we used the words ‘radical’ or ‘un-American’, of course, and, can we get the word ‘thuggish’ into the script? I’d like that. Oh, hello, Mr Leader,” said Jack, spotting Tommy.

He broke off and addressed the Minority Leader with a hearty handshake, while the consultant slipped away to find enough alcohol to wash away the horrifying images Jack had been conjuring up.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Helms, who was still picking food from the table with his wife, decided to speak to Markoe while he was there.

"Ah, hello. I'm Senate Minority Whip Ruskie Helms, might you introduce yourself to me?"

Markoe looks up from his shrimp platter (Which too his dismay had too much lemon) and looked up at the man in front of him, Senate Whip Helms, a little more radical than Markoe socially (and a lot more devout than Markoe for his tastes) but otherwise a O.K person. He decided to give him the time of day.

“Representative Bobby Markoe, I was the chair for house homeland security till the demoncrats took it back this year, it’s a pleasure to meet you, I remember watching your show “the Helms Hour” back in the late 80’s”

Helms saw something on his Blackberry, quickly glancing at the text.

"Thank you. I actually need to go and speak to someone now, but thanks for introducing yourself, I might end up talking to you later tonight."

Helms took his salad and went over to Calalo.

[Free Ward Marchers]

Markoe looks up from his shrimp platter (Which too his dismay had too much lemon) and looked up at the man in front of him, Senate Whip Helms, a little more radical than Markoe socially (and a lot more devout than Markoe for his tastes) but otherwise a O.K person. He decided to give him the time of day.

“Representative Bobby Markoe, I was the chair for house homeland security till the demoncrats took it back this year, it’s a pleasure to meet you, I remember watching your show “the Helms Hour” back in the late 80’s”

Helms saw something on his Blackberry, quickly glancing at the text.

"Thank you. I actually need to go and speak to someone now, but thanks for introducing yourself, I might end up talking to you later tonight."

Helms took his salad and went over to Calalo.

Markoe glared at the man walking away “Newbies think their so fucking important” he spoke under his breath. He decides to walk around the place, maybe if he’s lucky he will find a person worth talking to

[Lavan Tiri]

Markoe looks up from his shrimp platter (Which too his dismay had too much lemon) and looked up at the man in front of him, Senate Whip Helms, a little more radical than Markoe socially (and a lot more devout than Markoe for his tastes) but otherwise a O.K person. He decided to give him the time of day.

“Representative Bobby Markoe, I was the chair for house homeland security till the demoncrats took it back this year, it’s a pleasure to meet you, I remember watching your show “the Helms Hour” back in the late 80’s”

Helms saw something on his Blackberry, quickly glancing at the text.

"Thank you. I actually need to go and speak to someone now, but thanks for introducing yourself, I might end up talking to you later tonight."

Helms took his salad and went over to Calalo.

Olivia was in conversation with a couple of state Senators in a corner when she saw Helms approaching. Barely restraining the urge to roll her eyes, she put on a smile and met him halfway. "Hello, Ruskie."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Helms saw something on his Blackberry, quickly glancing at the text.

"Thank you. I actually need to go and speak to someone now, but thanks for introducing yourself, I might end up talking to you later tonight."

Helms took his salad and went over to Calalo.

Olivia was in conversation with a couple of state Senators in a corner when she saw Helms approaching. Barely restraining the urge to roll her eyes, she put on a smile and met him halfway. "Hello, Ruskie."

"Hello, Olivia. Can I speak to you quickly, in private? I need to talk to you about some very confidential matters."

[Madrinpoor]

After finishing off some shrimp with the Governor of Iowa, Tommy made his way through the crowd of unimportant Republicans, heading towards Jack Claassen, because he wanted to talk with him about a slightly crazy idea he had...

Jack was talking to a political ad consultant about some ideas he had. “And we make sure to feature Fleming or St. Cierge every time we used the words ‘radical’ or ‘un-American’, of course, and, can we get the word ‘thuggish’ into the script? I’d like that. Oh, hello, Mr Leader,” said Jack, spotting Tommy.

He broke off and addressed the Minority Leader with a hearty handshake, while the consultant slipped away to find enough alcohol to wash away the horrifying images Jack had been conjuring up.

Tommy shook Jack's hand, and realized with horror that his own hand was sticky from some sort of food...

"Mr. Claassen! A pleasure, of course, like it always is..." Tommy pulled his hand away and stuck it in his pocket. "The party has been treating you well?"

[Lavan Tiri]

Olivia was in conversation with a couple of state Senators in a corner when she saw Helms approaching. Barely restraining the urge to roll her eyes, she put on a smile and met him halfway. "Hello, Ruskie."

"Hello, Olivia. Can I speak to you quickly, in private? I need to talk to you about some very confidential matters."

"Sure," Olivia said, allowing the fake smile to slip from her face.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"Hello, Olivia. Can I speak to you quickly, in private? I need to talk to you about some very confidential matters."

"Sure," Olivia said, allowing the fake smile to slip from her face.

Helms' face turned to a despairing one. It was one of the few times that he would show any emotion to anyone outside of the campaign trail or when he was angry.

"As you're aware, my father has been suffering from vascular dementia for quite a while," Helms started, not wasting any words. "I have just received information that his recent stroke has become worse. I think he'll pull through - he sadly has them quite often. But it has put into perspective what limited time I have left to spend with him. That is why I have been thinking recently of whether I would drop out of the race in order to spend more time with him. I know probably have no compassion to give for me or my father, but what I want to ask you is this. It is not normally encouraged for people to be so blunt about it, but I feel like being blunt about it today.

Suppose I were to drop out. Would you be willing to give me the Vice Presidential spot on your ticket in exchange for my endorsement and some campaigning for you in the primaries on my part?"

Helms' face paused with a nervousness that was rarely, if ever seen of him.

[Lavan Tiri]

"Sure," Olivia said, allowing the fake smile to slip from her face.

Helms' face turned to a despairing one. It was one of the few times that he would show any emotion to anyone outside of the campaign trail or when he was angry.

"As you're aware, my father has been suffering from vascular dementia for quite a while," Helms started, not wasting any words. "I have just received information that his recent stroke has become worse. I think he'll pull through - he sadly has them quite often. But it has put into perspective what limited time I have left to spend with him. That is why I have been thinking recently of whether I would drop out of the race in order to spend more time with him. I know probably have no compassion to give for me or my father, but what I want to ask you is this. It is not normally encouraged for people to be so blunt about it, but I feel like being blunt about it today.

Suppose I were to drop out. Would you be willing to give me the Vice Presidential spot on your ticket in exchange for my endorsement and some campaigning for you in the primaries on my part?"

Helms' face paused with a nervousness that was rarely, if ever seen of him.

Olivia bit her lip, betraying no emotions. She kept up her impassive prosecutor mask, sipping champagne to buy a moment.

"I'm...very sorry about your father, Ruskie," she said after a long pause, a touch of gentleness to her voice, "I can't imagine what you're going through right now. But we're a long ways off from picking a running mate. I can't make that promise any more than I can promise Harold Gunsley won't pull ahead and win it all."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Helms' face turned to a despairing one. It was one of the few times that he would show any emotion to anyone outside of the campaign trail or when he was angry.

"As you're aware, my father has been suffering from vascular dementia for quite a while," Helms started, not wasting any words. "I have just received information that his recent stroke has become worse. I think he'll pull through - he sadly has them quite often. But it has put into perspective what limited time I have left to spend with him. That is why I have been thinking recently of whether I would drop out of the race in order to spend more time with him. I know probably have no compassion to give for me or my father, but what I want to ask you is this. It is not normally encouraged for people to be so blunt about it, but I feel like being blunt about it today.

Suppose I were to drop out. Would you be willing to give me the Vice Presidential spot on your ticket in exchange for my endorsement and some campaigning for you in the primaries on my part?"

Helms' face paused with a nervousness that was rarely, if ever seen of him.

Olivia bit her lip, betraying no emotions. She kept up her impassive prosecutor mask, sipping champagne to buy a moment.

"I'm...very sorry about your father, Ruskie," she said after a long pause, a touch of gentleness to her voice, "I can't imagine what you're going through right now. But we're a long ways off from picking a running mate. I can't make that promise any more than I can promise Harold Gunsley won't pull ahead and win it all."

"Very well. I'm afraid without that promise, I won't be able to endorse you in the primaries. But thank you for your time, and thank you for your understanding."

[New Luciannova]

“Oh, Abigail and I try and attend this dinner each year since I first entered the House, I find it useful to meet fellow Republicans, and future colleagues, in the next state up from mine, it certainly helps with keeping abreast of developments. Speaking of which, I might have something for you and I to discuss, Amadeus.”

"Okay, what's up?" asked Amadeus.

[Kavanis]

Jack was talking to a political ad consultant about some ideas he had. “And we make sure to feature Fleming or St. Cierge every time we used the words ‘radical’ or ‘un-American’, of course, and, can we get the word ‘thuggish’ into the script? I’d like that. Oh, hello, Mr Leader,” said Jack, spotting Tommy.

He broke off and addressed the Minority Leader with a hearty handshake, while the consultant slipped away to find enough alcohol to wash away the horrifying images Jack had been conjuring up.

Tommy shook Jack's hand, and realized with horror that his own hand was sticky from some sort of food...

"Mr. Claassen! A pleasure, of course, like it always is..." Tommy pulled his hand away and stuck it in his pocket. "The party has been treating you well?"

Jack wrinkled his nose at the sticky mess that had been transferred onto his hand. Fortunately the attentive Brooklyn, who’d been left by Congresswoman Storm, was on hand to offer a handkerchief for him to wipe his hands with.

“The party or the Party?” he asked. “Either way… not too bad, can’t complain. At least I don’t have to grip and grin all weekend like those poor suckers,” he nodded towards where Helms and Calalo were talking. “Though I suppose it’s not exactly a vacation for yourself?”

[Greater Arab State]

“Oh, Abigail and I try and attend this dinner each year since I first entered the House, I find it useful to meet fellow Republicans, and future colleagues, in the next state up from mine, it certainly helps with keeping abreast of developments. Speaking of which, I might have something for you and I to discuss, Amadeus.”

"Okay, what's up?" asked Amadeus.

“Well, over the last few days, I’ve been considering ways to compliment your primary campaign and bring our worldview and vision for the Republican Party into greater prominence amongst the American people. To that end, I’m looking at forming a caucus of some kind which will seek to represent our views in the House more effectively, and also grow our influence via candidate recruitment and so on. It’s in the very early stages at this point, and I wouldn’t want to distract you from the primary, but I thought it best to ask you if you’d like to have some involvement in the process?” Thomas asked diplomatically. He felt like Amadeus would be willing to support the notion of a caucus at the very least, but the Granite Stater was already making a substantial contribution to the movement as it was.

Whilst the two Congressman we’re engaged in conversation, Abigail decided to take the opportunity to mingle with Dr Putnam.

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Kenzie. How have things been for you and the children with the campaign and all?”

[New Luciannova]

"Okay, what's up?" asked Amadeus.

“Well, over the last few days, I’ve been considering ways to compliment your primary campaign and bring our worldview and vision for the Republican Party into greater prominence amongst the American people. To that end, I’m looking at forming a caucus of some kind which will seek to represent our views in the House more effectively, and also grow our influence via candidate recruitment and so on. It’s in the very early stages at this point, and I wouldn’t want to distract you from the primary, but I thought it best to ask you if you’d like to have some involvement in the process?” Thomas asked diplomatically. He felt like Amadeus would be willing to support the notion of a caucus at the very least, but the Granite Stater was already making a substantial contribution to the movement as it was.

Whilst the two Congressman we’re engaged in conversation, Abigail decided to take the opportunity to mingle with Dr Putnam.

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Kenzie. How have things been for you and the children with the campaign and all?”

"Sort of a caucus for more-or-less conservatives who hold to firm principles and a responsible foreign policy? Maybe Constitutional originalism? I can see that being a good idea. I'm not sure if I can win this thing, but I think I can change the narrative a bit, and your caucus can continue that sort of work...." said Amadeus, intrigued by the notion, "the foreign policy of the neocons has been a disaster. The people are noticing that."

_______
Kenzie Putnam said, "You know the travelling is a little stressful, but the kids love it. The Freedom Express has a room for them in the back and they get to stay up late, eat junk food, they loved our trip in Wyoming seeing all the bison and pronghorn antelope, and even a grizzly. They have a ton of energy, so the bus has plenty of room for them to have fun. I regret not being able to host class regularly, but it's not that bad, I've wanted to write a book lately anyway. Not to say I've written anything I liked so far. How has politics been on your kids? They've been at it a bit longer."

[Madrinpoor]

Tommy shook Jack's hand, and realized with horror that his own hand was sticky from some sort of food...

"Mr. Claassen! A pleasure, of course, like it always is..." Tommy pulled his hand away and stuck it in his pocket. "The party has been treating you well?"

Jack wrinkled his nose at the sticky mess that had been transferred onto his hand. Fortunately the attentive Brooklyn, who’d been left by Congresswoman Storm, was on hand to offer a handkerchief for him to wipe his hands with.

“The party or the Party?” he asked. “Either way… not too bad, can’t complain. At least I don’t have to grip and grin all weekend like those poor suckers,” he nodded towards where Helms and Calalo were talking. “Though I suppose it’s not exactly a vacation for yourself?”

Tommy gave a politician chuckle.

"Well, almost nothing is. Except Marco Island, I went down there for a few weeks a while ago — gorgeous! Hot tub right on the pier...margaritas, melting...a beautiful beach-blonde..." Now Tommy flashed a real grin, because he'd heard the stories about Claassen.

"But, unfortunately, duty calls, like it always does. I wanted to ask you about something — how do you feel about a trip to Iraq?"