Alexandra Hamilton

Cabinet Battle #1

Washington's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen! You could've been anywhere in the world tonight, but you're here with us in New York City! Are you ready for a cabinet meeting!?" There's a roar of excitement as we commence our first meeting. "The issue on the table; Secretary Hamilton's plan to assume state debt and establish a national bank." Although I must do my best to be impartial, I'm in favor of Alexandra's plan, which she loosely pitched to me prior to this engagement. I'm quite confident that she'll prove her point today in a dignified and professional manner. With the intent of saving the best for last, I allow Jefferson the first turn. "Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir."

Jefferson confidently stands and addresses the group. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We fought for these ideals. We shouldn't settle for less. These are wise words. Enterprising men quote 'em. Don't act surprised, you guys, 'cause I wrote 'em."

I notice the emphasis Jefferson places on the word "men" in his speech and I notice Alexandra simultaneously turning red and digging her nails into her palms. "Ow, but Hamilton forgets. Her plan would have the government assume states debts. Now place your bets as to whom that benefits. The very seat of government where Hamilton sits." He points an accusing finger at Alexandra.

"Not true!" She interjects, but Jefferson asserts his dominance and challenges her with his great stature, towering over her.

"Oh, if the shoe fits, wear it. If New York's in debt, why should Virginia bear it?" Taking on a more condescending tone, he says, "Uh, our debts are paid, I'm afraid. Don't tax the South 'cause we got it made in the shade.

"In Virginia, we plant seeds in the ground. We create. You just wanna move our money around." His next words are a direct attack on Alexandra. "This financial plan is an outrageous demand and it's too many damn pages for any man to understand." Alex holds her papers defensively and becomes more irritated with every word that comes out of Jefferson's mouth. "Stand with me in the land of the free and pray to God we never see Hamilton's candidacy!" This debate is becoming increasingly aggressive. "Look, when Britain taxed our tea, we got frisky. Imagine what gon happen when you try to tax our whiskey."

"Thank you, Secretary Jefferson." I say when he finishes his statement. Slightly nervous for what's to come, I allow Alexandra to speak. "Secretary Hamilton, your response."

She stands and takes a few seconds to straighten her dress before she opens her mouth. "Thomas, that was a real nice declaration. Welcome to the present. We're running a real nation. Would you like to join us, or stay mellow doing whatever the hell it is you do in Monticello?" She leads with mockery in classic Hamiltonian fashion before getting to the point. "If we assume the debts, the union gets a new line of credit; a financial diuretic. How do you not get it? If we're aggressive and competitive, the union gets a boost. You'd rather give it a sedative."

I've always admired her debate skills. Next she goes after his credibility. "A civics lesson from a slaver. Hey neighbor, your debts are paid 'cause you don't pay for labor. 'We plant seeds in the South, we create', yeah, keep ranting. We know who's really doing the planting." I don't react to that last part.

"And another thing, Mr. Age-Of-Enlightenment. Don't lecture me about the war. You didn't fight in it. You think I'm frightened of you, man? We almost died in a trench, while you were off getting high with the French!" The congressmen react with hoots of laughter and I do my best not to crack up. I'll never admit it, but I'm having some fun at this meeting. The fun doesn't last long however. Things take a turn for the worse.

"Thomas Jefferson, always hesitant with the president. Reticent, there isn't a plan he doesn't jettison." Madison bursts into one of his coughing fits and she takes the opportunity to poke fun at him even though this is one debate that doesn't concern him. "Madison, you mad as a hatter, son! Take your medicine! Damn, you in worse shape than the national debt is in!" Oh, shit! I say in my head. I was sure she would at least play nice with Madison considering their previous partnership, but nope.

"Sittin' there useless as two shits, hey! Turn around, bend over, I'll show you where my shoe fits!" That causes an uproar in the room. The two charge at each other, but before they can land blows I step between them. "Excuse me!" I desperately try to keep order in my cabinet. With the little strength he has, Madison tries to hold Jefferson back. When I've calmed everyone down I instruct the two. "Madison, Jefferson, take a walk." Before Alexandra can say or do anything, I respond to her with a much harsher tone. "Hamilton, take a walk!" I chuckle nervously and address the crowd of congressmen. "We will reconvene after a brief recess." I quickly turn to Alexandra and ask her into the hallway.

"Hamilton."

"Sir." She says defiantly, even though she knows that I'm about to scold her.

"A word." And I gesture towards the door.

She follows me out and for no reason other than to push her buttons, Madison whispers, "You don't have the votes."

Jefferson joins in on the taunting. "You don't have the votes." He precedes to mock her with laughter. "You're gonna need congressional approval and you don't have the votes."

She joins me outside and I close the door behind us. On the other side I can hear Jefferson saying to Madison, "Such a blunder. Sometimes it makes me wonder why I even bring the thunder."

"Why he even brings the thunder." Madison echoes.

When I'm certain we're alone I give Alexandra a look of utmost disapproval. I'm not mad; just disappointed. "You wanna pull yourself together?"

She has trouble meeting my eyes. She knows she crossed a line, but she'll never admit it. "I'm sorry. These Virginians are birds of a feather."

"Young lady, I'm from Virginia. So watch your mouth." I warn her.

"So we let Congress get held hostage by the south?" She challenges. God, she can be so tiresome!

"You need the votes." I tell her.

"No. We need bold strokes. We need this plan-"

"No, you need to convince more folks." I say, louder. She's already at a huge disadvantage because of her gender. She won't get very far if she continues to be so disagreeable.

"Well James Madison won't talk to me! That's a nonstarter."

"Ah... winning was easy, young one. Governing's harder."

"They're being intransigent!" Well, so are you.

"You have to find a compromise."

"But they don't have a plan. They just hate mine."

"Convince them otherwise."

"And what happens if I don't get congressional approval?" She asks in defiance.

"I imagine they'll call for your removal."

She's taken aback by that. "Sir...."

"Figure it out, Alexandra. That's an order from your commander." She listened to me better during the war... most of the time. She nods and I leave her to herself while I try to talk with Madison and Jefferson.