Chapter 3

Because of the short flight south from Pyongyang, across the DMZ to Seoul, Gwen had little time to discuss the situation with Steve and her other advisors. It seemed as if they had barely gotten airborne when they began their descent. The decision on how to proceed was formulated as Air Force One touched down.

As expected, a government official unknown to Steve and Gwen and accompanied by a very small entourage, was present to greet them on the tarmac. The man was extremely polite as he quickly explained President Park’s position as diplomatically as possible in excellent English. Gwen’s response was equally brief. She smiled and cordially shook the man’s hand once more. She then strode over to the roped in area where the press corps waited.

“I’m sure all of you have noticed that President Park as effectively snubbed me by sending a lower level government official to greet us. I have been officially notified that South Korea does not approve of my visit to Pyongyang. In return, South Korea has just been officially notified that I stand by my actions.

“The United States reserves the right to enter into discussions with any and all nations of the world. I recently met with Chairman Jong and we enjoyed a fruitful and productive exchange of ideas. It was my expectation to discuss the results of that very exchange with South Korean officials during this visit. I had hoped we could promote the interests of both Koreas and the United States with frank and open talks.

“It’s disappointing that the South Korean government feels that it cannot trust the United States to honor its commitments to South Korea while at the same time improving relations with North Korea,” admitted Gwen.

“I shall be offering no apology since there is no reason for one. Since President Parks has withdrawn her invitation, there will be no state dinner in South Korea. Construction on a stage for the planned concert will cease and the project will be dismantled.

“The numerous large screens that have been erected in Gwanghwamun Square will be removed and several of them will be transported to the USS Ronald Reagan, in the waters near Busan. My friends and I will proudly perform for our incredibly brave servicemen and women, the very same people that were standing ready to defend the interests of the United States in the event the recent crisis had resulted in war.

“I’ll spend my time in South Korea visiting our military bases and meeting with the fine personnel that risk so much to keep us safe. We’ll deliver copies of our new itinerary to the press as soon as it has been confirmed.”

“Was meeting with Jong worth the obvious hard feelings it created with South Korea?” asked a journalist.

“Absolutely,” replied Gwen calmly.

“What if South Korea insists that the United States remove its military presence? What would the United States do?” asked a cable news reporter.

“Why, we’d remove our forces,” responded Gwen. “The United States will not continue to station its military in a friendly nation that doesn’t want our protection, regardless of how close our relations may have been historically. However, if we left, North Korea would still be bordering their country. They can’t ask North Korea to leave, so asking the U.S. to do so would be very foolish; but then, so is refusing to meet with me to discuss the situation. Silence seldom resolves differing opinions.

“I am trying very hard to improve relations with many nations. Having a dialogue with North Korea does not lessen our commitment to the safety and stability of South Korea. Quite the opposite, it’s my goal to stabilize this entire region and bring lasting peace and prosperity to this part of the world. However, as my sister Kate reminded me a few minutes ago, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. If South Korea chooses to maintain an unyielding position, there is very little we can do about it.”

“Senator Lancer predicted that visiting North Korea would create a rift with South Korea,” pointed out a network reporter.

“Is there a question couched in that observation?” asked Gwen politely.

“Yes. How do you respond to Senator Lancer’s stance that visiting North Korea was ill-advised?”

“I disagree with him on that point. Amber, you’re next.”

“Madam President, how do you feel about your reception by the people of North Korea? Over a hundred thousand North Koreans knelt before you and chanted ‘long live our Queen’. Did that surprise you?” questioned Amber Stahl.

“Very much,” replied Gwen with a smile. “It was totally unexpected and greatly appreciated. It served to inspire me to work harder to find some common ground with North Korea that would allow the citizens of that nation to enjoy a period of peace and prosperity.”

“Does that mean that you’ll be lifting sanctions?” asked another reporter.

“It means that we will continue an open dialogue with North Korea and make whatever determinations we feel are beneficial once we have the needed information,” replied Gwen. “Thank you for your patience. I really must leave now. We have children with us and waiting patiently is not their best trait.”

Gwen spent very little time at their hotel that afternoon. The children were left with several care givers, along with Paula and Ted. Within three hours of their landing in Seoul, President Hammer’s entourage was approaching Camp Casey. Personnel were obviously working feverishly to prepare for the sudden change of plans. Steve had seen it all before and chuckled to himself as the motorcade approached.

“What’s so amusing?” asked Gwen. “You seem to be enjoying a private joke.”

“I’ve been on the other end of these things a few times. Everyone was going through their normal routines when it was announced unexpectedly that some VIP was going to arrive in an hour, or a day. The warning isn’t very useful unless it’s given a week or two out. The commanding officer suddenly sees his career in jeopardy because there’s a bit of dirt on the sidewalk or shoes aren’t shined well enough. That anxiety flows downhill to the enlisted men who have to work their asses off to make the officers look good.”

“Do you think they’ll resent me?” asked a concerned Gwen. “It isn’t my intention to cause more work for the soldiers here.”

“Not in the least,” assured Steve. “Once they see how you treat everyone, they’ll be delighted. I’ve seen you in action too many times to think these soldiers will be anything but proud as hell.”

That afternoon, Lt. Colonel Baker sported a big smile as he escorted President Hammer on a tour of Camp Casey. Once Gwen assured him that she was pleased with the condition of the entire Camp, and she seemed especially appreciative of the enlisted men and women, he visibly relaxed. Unlike most superior officers he had the opportunity to host during his various commands, President Hammer was far more interested in making him and his troops feel appreciated than in making herself look good by finding fault whenever possible.

Gwen stopped to speak one-on-one with as many soldiers as she could, thanking them for their service and stressing how proud she was to be the Commander-in-Chief of such competent and dedicated men and women. The high regard was mutual as it was very evident to all that Gwen was well liked and very much appreciated by the personnel at Camp Casey.

It was after nine by the time the entourage made it back to their hotel. “I think that went pretty well,” stated Lisa as an opening to a discussion of the events in South Korea. “The soldiers at Casey were certainly happy to see their president, especially after you and your two top negotiators managed to avert a war. They were very much aware that they would’ve been right in the middle of it.”

“I enjoyed it more than I’d anticipated,” admitted Gwen. “I was extremely pleased when so many soldiers expressed to Steve and Naomi how much they respected their efforts to avoid war. What’s the latest from Washington?”

“Senator Lancer is having a field day. He’s crowing far and wide that you’ve demonstrated your lack of experience as well as your minimal understanding of the dynamics between the United States and the two Koreas,” replied Kate.

“He’s suggested that it was obvious that Jong had ordered the people at the concert to kneel, and to chant ‘long live our Queen’. That Lancer is a real pain in the...”

“Kate! This meeting is being taped. Think before you make any embarrassing or rude comments,” admonished Gwen, but with a grin that removed any sting from her words.

“We need to focus on what Gwen can accomplish here and not fixate on whatever Congress is, or is not doing,” stated Steve. “We’ve just begun this trip and we have a long way to go. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Tomorrow evening we’re performing on the USS Ronald Reagan. Our job right now is to show those sailors how much we appreciate what they do for our country.”

“We all agree with that!” proclaimed Jordan. “One of the highlights of my life was the Independence Day we performed on The Nimitz and the Teddy Roosevelt. I still see the video they made of those concerts on late night TV now and then. I’m psyched! I want to make tomorrow’s show even better.”

The helicopter carrying President Hammer and her entourage landed on the deck of the USS Ronald Reagan shortly before noon. Rear Admiral Foster, along with the ship’s Captain greeted her. Gwen, Naomi, Lisa, Kate, Jordan, Steve, Jared, Jason, and Chip were given a tour of the impressive vessel.

The children were especially impressed with the size of the ship, as well as the aircraft they saw secured to the deck. The group had been assured that the children and their caregivers would be given the use of a medium sized auditorium with cots and other supplies to accommodate the younger kids. Gwen and Kate smiled to each other as they saw the great pride their husbands took in showing the kids around the huge Navy vessel.

When the children began to tire, Steve, Chip, Jared, Charlie, and Jason took them to the designated area. The children were turned over to the personnel charged with caring for them while the men decided to explore the ship a little more.

Gwen and her female friends, hosted by Rear Admiral Foster were touring the dining area. Gwen was very impressed by how extremely clean and modern everything appeared. As they approached a doorway leading from the dining hall, they clearly heard a loud voice.

“Hey, Top Gun! It’s good to see you! Whatever happened to that girl with the nice tits and gorgeous face that you used to date at the academy? Did she finally dump your ugly ass?”

Gwen’s face broke into a smile as she recognized the voice of Earl Brown. He had played center on Navy’s national championship team. He was a big, likable guy with a great, if somewhat crude sense of humor and tremendous loyalty to his friends and family. Gwen had come to know and enjoy him. His personal nickname for Steve was Top Gun. Gwen was surprised that it hadn’t caught on with the rest of the team when Steve played for Navy, although it had eventually become one of Steve’s nicknames in the NFL.

As Gwen stepped into the hallway, she found Steve laughing and embracing a large man whose back was toward her. “You lucky bastard!” proclaimed the man as he hugged and clapped Steve on the shoulders. “You married the sexiest woman in America, with tits and an ass to die for. You are one...”

By this time Steve had seen Gwen’s group approaching. He quickly whispered to his friend. The man stopped speaking and suddenly stiffened noticeably, but remained facing Steve.

“Commander Brown!” spat Rear Admiral Foster. “Your conduct is unacceptable. Return to your quarters to await further orders. You will be dealt with appropriately.

“Madam President, I apologize on behalf of the Navy. We do not condone that sort of language directed toward, or spoken about women. Commander Brown’s words and thoughts do not reflect those of the crew of the ship, or its officers.”

“Just a minute, Rear Admiral Foster. May I have a word with this officer?” insisted Gwen as Earl Brown slowly turned and snapped to attention while Steve covered his grin with a hand.

“Commander Brown!” began Gwen sternly before pausing and looking the man up and down for a full thirty seconds. “I clearly heard what you just said to my husband. If your intent was to be cruel or disrespectful to either my husband or me, I will see that you lose rank and perhaps be discharged from active duty. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Ma’am!” replied the man at ramrod attention.

“However,” she continued in more playful tones, “if that was all said in the spirit of two male friends and former teammates greeting each other in your strange manly fashion after a long separation, with no disrespect intended, I must insist that you give your President a big hug to demonstrate your sincerity.”

“Yes, Ma’am!” replied the much relieved man as he swooped Gwen up and swung her around while hugging her tightly. Gwen and the rest of her group were laughing heartily as Brownie returned Gwen’s feet to the deck. Gwen stretched up and kissed him on the cheek.

“Brownie, where’s Heather now?” asked Gwen, leaning back to gaze into his face, her arms remaining around the big man’s waist.

“She’s home in San Diego with the kids,” replied Brownie, now sporting a big grin. “I’ll tell her that you were asking about her the next time we talk.”

“You’re not getting out of trouble that easily,” warned Gwen. “Rear Admiral Foster was correct about the need for discipline in this situation. Give me her phone number and I’ll call and speak to her personally.”

“Ah, Madam President, would it be possible to let me talk to her first?” asked the obviously worried man. “You know how she gets when she’s angry.”

“You’re afraid of a woman that’s a couple of inches over five feet and barely weighs a hundred pounds?” taunted Gwen. “I’ll let you decide. Do you prefer Rear Admiral Foster determines your disciplinary action, or will you give me her number?”

Brownie glanced at the obviously annoyed Foster and quickly made his decision. “Okay, I’ll give you her number, but please make sure she knows I was just kidding with Steve. I have nothing but respect for you, Madam President.”

Gwen had Brownie enter the number into her personal phone. Once he was finished, she pressed the call button and grinned as Brownie began to squirm.

“Hello? Heather? Sorry to trouble you in the middle of the night. Nothing’s wrong, really. Yes, this is Gwen. Thank you for the encouragement. Yes, I know he’s at sea. I’m standing on the USS Reagan with him right now.

“The reason I’m calling? I just ran into your husband and convinced him to give me your number. Steve and I were wondering if you and he could stop by the White House for a visit sometime soon. He’ll be home in four months? Then let’s plan on next spring, if not sooner. I’ll give Steve’s number to him and they can set it up. Thanks, Heather. I look forward to seeing you and meeting your children.”

“Thanks so much, Gwen, I mean Madam President,” gushed the obviously relieved Brownie. “Heather’s constantly telling me to use a filter between my brain and my mouth. She’d be upset if she heard what happened today.”

“You’re not out of the woods, Brownie. Rear Admiral Foster has to take some action here. Would it be reasonable to have Commander Brown take some sensitivity courses over the next four months, Rear Admiral Foster? He really is a valued friend and I don’t want him to lose rank, or suffer too greatly for the overenthusiastic welcome he gave Steve.”

“It would be my pleasure to see that he attends them,” responded the Rear Admiral. “Thank you for insisting that he receive some sort of disciplinary action for his behavior. We strive very hard to maintain a respectful working environment in the Navy. If he had been allowed to skate on this, it would have sent the wrong signal to the rest of our people.”

“And I really do appreciate your position. It’s wrong to make anyone feel uncomfortable, or that they are being treated like an object. Women endure that far more than men ever realize,” agreed Gwen. “However, I also know that we cannot alter certain basic truths.

“Most males of any species compete with, and try to intimidate other males. Men need to respect women at all times, but women need to understand that men are pretty basic in their desires and responses. That’s what gives women so much influence in relationships.

“Women need to judge the tone and intention of men’s statements and actions. Brownie thought he and Steve were having a private moment. He’d never deliberately insult me, especially to Steve. The fact that Steve was laughing with him enforces what I already thought. They were two male friends doing what males do. I understand it. My sisters, and Jordan, Naomi, and I are around some of the toughest men imaginable and we often hear them joking with each other, and we have to smile. We chose to fall in love with real men, not creampuffs,” concluded Gwen as she hugged Steve’s arm to her chest before continuing.

“I remember introducing Brownie to Heather the week Navy played Michigan in the Orange Bowl. Six of the girls from our house at Stanford flew down with Charlotte and me to spend a few days enjoying the sun and surf before watching Navy take on Michigan the day before New Year’s Eve.

“Steve had previously introduced me to Brownie when Navy came west to play San Jose State my freshman year. He was always a lot of fun, but I have to admit that I never dreamed he and Heather would fall in love and get married,” admitted Gwen as she thought back to an earlier time.

Gwen and Charlotte had moved into a huge Victorian during their sophomore year at Stanford. The home was owned by Lady in Red Productions and had six large bedrooms, as well as a small suite in the attic. They shared the largest bedroom and had invited a dozen of their girlfriends from Wooster Dorm to move into the house with them. Heather had shared the attic suite with Dakota.

Stanford was scheduled to play Penn State in the Rose Bowl. But it was Navy’s invitation to participate in the College Football Playoff that had created a huge debate among football fans and coaches. Several major college coaches had stated quite frankly and publicly that they didn’t believe Navy deserved to be in the playoffs. UCLA’s coach was particularly outspoken.

“We lost only one game during the season and that was to Stanford by two points. We played one of the toughest schedules in the country. Navy admittedly went undefeated, but the only quality teams they played were Ohio State and Notre Dame. The tournament officials sold out for better ratings. It’s just that simple. Everyone wants to see Navy’s quarterback, mostly because he’s a movie star, not because he’s an especially good player. They’ve turned it into a beauty contest.”

Florida State’s coach was only slightly less critical. “I know the tournament officials want to generate interest in the championship series, but fans would have been better served if the four best teams in the nation were involved. I honestly don’t think Navy belongs in the playoff. They’re a good second tier team, but simply don’t have the horses to play for a national title. We lost just one game and that was to Alabama on a last second field goal. Navy’s schedule hardly compares to ours. I think the tournament officials made a very unfair decision.

“Michigan will advance to the title game after barely working up a sweat this week against Navy, while whoever wins the Penn State/Stanford game will have to work like hell to get there. Michigan’s going to have a huge advantage in the championship game.”

Navy spent the week before the Orange Bowl in Miami, ignoring the firestorm of controversy raging around them as they quietly prepared for perhaps the biggest game in Navy’s long history. Gwen had accompanied Steve to a media event two days before the big game. She was surprised at how Steve remained calm as the debate swirled around him.

Steve’s coach had specifically requested that Gwen attend with Steve. He had been feeling the pressure and felt that having the two best known faces in America advocating on behalf of the Navy team would help convince fans that his team belonged in the tournament.

“Midshipman Hammer, how do you feel about so many coaches, sports writers, and fans saying that you and your Navy teammates are in way over your head?” asked the first sportswriter.

“I’m fine with it,” replied Steve. “That’s what makes a horse race. A lot of people think they know what the outcome will be, but we still get to play the game. We’ll have sixty minutes on the football field to state our case. It shouldn’t take a minute longer”

“Have you heard that Coach Hardman of Michigan told the press this morning he’d rest his best players and empty the bench in the last quarter to keep his starters fresh for the championship game?” asked a TV sportscaster.

“Seriously?” asked a very surprised Gwen. “He really said that? That sounds like what my friends on the Navy team would call ‘bush league’. Steve and I had not heard that comment, but I’ll be very happy to respond to it.

“Navy is not only going to defeat Michigan; they’re going to destroy them! Their own coach has just given the Midshipmen extra motivation to win the game. Next week, you’ll be asking Steve and me if Navy was just lucky to thump Michigan, and whether they have the slightest chance against Penn State. I can hardly wait to respond to that question!”

“You’re obviously cheering for your good friend, Jared White and his team, to defeat your own school. But if Navy should get past Michigan, and Stanford defeats Penn State, will you be cheering for Navy, or for your own school?” asked a woman reporter.

“That’s easy,” laughed Gwen. “I’m very proud of Cardinal football and I know they’ll play very well against Penn State. Colt Chance is an extremely good quarterback. We’ve become friends this year, but he knows I’ll be rooting for Jared. Next week Steve will be taking Colt to school if Stanford defeats Penn State. They’re the best two quarterbacks in the country, but Steve is incredible. His preparation and dedication make him unique. His skill, strength, and nerve make him the very best there is.

“I’ll always be in Steve’s corner. I love him and I’ll be leading the cheering for Navy, regardless of who they play next week. Stanford has a great chance of winning it all next season, but this is Navy’s year. Steve will see to that.”

“You’re scheduled to perform a concert on New Year’s Eve, the day after the game, Steve. Will you feel up to it after a tough game, especially if you lose?” asked another reporter.

“I’ve given my word and I fully intend to keep it, regardless of the outcome of the game. It will have no bearing on my performance. All I have to do is stay out of the way and let Gwen and Jordan carry the load. They’re the ones fans want to see and hear; I’ll be fine, no matter what,” promised Steve.

Once the Navy players had finished their stint with the press, their coach gave them three hours off before they had to return for an afternoon practice. The guys decided to spend their free time relaxing on the beach. Gwen and her friends were already enjoying the sun when the players arrived.

Many of the players had their girl friends with them, but the unattached guys made their way over to hang with Gwen and her girlfriends. As Gwen introduced everyone, she noticed that the usually outgoing Earl Brown had been unusually quiet after meeting Heather.

A short while later, Heather found an opportunity to speak to Gwen away from the others. “That big guy, Earl, seems to be spending a lot of time staring at me. Is he okay to be around? He’s a good looking guy, but why does he keep staring?”

“Maybe it’s that bikini you have on, or rather the bits and pieces the bikini is barely covering,” responded Gwen with a laugh. “Brownie is the center and Steve thinks he’s a good guy, and that’s all it takes for me to like him. Are you interested?”

“Do you think he’s interested in me? If he’s a decent guy, I think I might like to get to know him better. These Navy men are so confident and self-assured. I like that in a man.”

Less than half an hour later Gwen asked Earl to help her out. She had already shared her plan with Steve. He was chuckling discreetly as he watched Gwen put her plan in motion. “Earl, it looks to me like Heather is beginning to burn. Would you be a gentleman and rub some of this lotion on her back and legs?”

Heather had been lying face down on a large towel when Gwen made her request. She quickly looked at Gwen and then glanced at Brownie as he rose from his beach chair and shyly approached. Gwen offered a tube of lotion to him as he cautiously looked from her to Heather and back again.

“Ma’am, is it okay if I rub some lotion on you?” asked the big center. “You’re beginning to burn and Gwen thinks you should have some protection.”

“Do I need protection from the sun, or from you?” asked Heather provocatively while gazing up at the nervous man.

“You’ll never need protection from me,” replied Brownie earnestly. “I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

“That’s nice to hear,” responded the diminutive woman as she silently admired his gentle demeanor. “In that case, my gallant knight, please rub some lotion on my back and wherever else it looks like I’m beginning to burn.”

Gwen and Steve watched as Brownie carefully rubbed the lotion onto Heather’s back, gently caressing her as if she were a china doll. When he finished her back, he rubbed some lotion between his hands and then began coating Heather’s lower legs with the white lotion. It seemed to take forever, but eventually he worked his way up her legs until he was rubbing her upper legs near her pert butt.

Heather finally stopped him as he worked his way toward the Promised Land. “I think that may be enough for now, but thanks so much. Would you like me to get your back?”

Brownie had obviously been surprised at Heather’s offer and stumbled embarrassingly through his response. “Well, if you don’t mind, I mean you don’t have to, but ... I mean I’d like it if you would.”

Heather was grinning as she gestured Brownie to lie down on her beach towel. Soon she was gently rubbing the big fellow’s back as she chatted about football and how she hoped Navy would win. Gwen marveled at how small she seemed next to Brownie. By the time the players had to return for the late practice, Heather had agreed to attend the Lady in Red concert on New Year’s Eve with him.

The day before the game, Navy’s outstanding running back had come down with such a severe case of food poisoning that he required hospitalization. The sports media became even more certain that Navy would have no chance against Michigan. Their second running back lacked the speed and power of their starter.

Gwen and Jordan had sung the National Anthem before the game began and then hurried to join Charlie, Lisa and Jason, Paula and Ted and Kate and her friends in the Lady in Red skybox. Gwen’s bold prediction became prophetic as the underdog Navy team completely dismantled Michigan.

Michigan received the kick-off and ran the ball back to the thirty. On their first play their quarterback completed a short pass that was stretched into a first down by the receiver. Unfortunately for Michigan, a Navy safety hit him hard as he struggled for another yard. The ball was jarred loose and Navy recovered at the forty two yard line.

Without their star running back, Navy lined up with five receivers and an empty backfield. On their first play, Steve saw the confusion on Michigan’s side of the line and called an audible. He moved back to the shotgun position and took the snap. He looked left to draw the defenders in that direction before turning to his right and lofting a high spiral toward the right side of the end zone. He put enough air under the ball to allow his speedy receiver the opportunity to get under the pass. He left his feet and stretched out, barely managing to reach the ball and pull it down. He landed in the end zone with the ball cradled in his arms.

The Navy side of the stadium erupted into a deafening roar that continued until the kicker set up for the extra point. Navy was up by seven with just over a minute played!

Michigan received the kick off next and after a decent return, began driving the ball downfield. Navy finally managed to stop them on Navy’s forty-five yard line, forcing Michigan to punt the ball. The Navy punt returner decided to let the ball bounce into the end zone for a touchback, but the ball took a sideways bounce at the one yard line and was downed by a Michigan player just short of the goal line.

Once again, Navy sent out five receivers, leaving an empty backfield and surprising everyone in the stadium. Teams traditionally took the more cautious option of running the ball when it was so close to their own goal line. Steve barked the signals from the shotgun as Michigan prepared a blitz. Steve caught the snap and pre-empted the blitz by immediately gunning the ball to the wide-out on the left sideline. Navy had gained three precious yards!

Navy quickly lined up, no huddle, with Steve under center. This time, Michigan blitzed a linebacker and the safety. Steve fired the ball to the tight end as soon as he received the snap. The big end managed four yards before being gang tackled. Once again, Navy lined up without a huddle. Steve was under center this time. He received the hike and fired to the split end as he crossed the twelve yard line and was immediately tackled. It was enough for a first down, and now with more room to operate, Steve began to take more time setting up his passes. Navy marched down the field and scored on a seven yard pass to the tight end to take a fourteen point lead without benefit of a single running play.