Alexandra Hamilton

Cabinet Battle #2

Jefferson's POV

"The issue on the table..." Washington's voice rings as the cabinet meeting commences. "France is on the verge of war with England. Now, do we provide aid and troops to our French allies, or do we stay out of it? Remember, my decision on this matter is not subject to congressional approval. The only person you have to convince is me. Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir."

I believe it is our duty to aid the French during these times. I want to help, but the short and mercurial secretary of the treasury has been wearing me down and making it difficult. I stand and clear my throat, not letting anyone know how worn out I am. "When we were on death's door, when we were needy, we made a promise. We signed a treaty. We needed money and guns and half a chance. Who provided those funds?"

It was a rhetorical question, but I hear Madison answer, "France." In a tiny voice.

"In return, they didn't ask for land— only a promise that we'd lend a hand and stand with them if they fought against oppressors. And revolution is messy, but now is the time to stand! Stand with our brothers as we fight against tyranny!" I do my best to appeal to the president's sense of justice before aiming to discredit a certain coworker. "I know that Alexandra Hamilton is here and she would rather not have this debate..." I narrow my eyes at her with the intention of puncturing her twisted soul and making sure she knows that she doesn't belong here. "...I remind you that she is NOT Secretary of State!" There are impartial murmurs amongst the crowd. "She knows nothing of loyalty! Smells like new money, dresses like fake royalty!" I can't help but take cheap jabs at little things like her clothing and demeanor; anything to see her filled with shame. That'd be a sight. "Desperate to rise above her station, everything she does betrays the ideals of our nation!" I've wanted to lash out against her for so long. She really is just a bastard who got lucky. "Hey. And if you don't know, now you know, Mr. President."

"Thank you, Secretary Jefferson." Washington pauses. "Secretary Hamilton, your response." I notice him give her a subtle look of encouragement. Favoritism much?

She receives a few cheers from cabinet members— something that I didn't get right before my speech. I'm definitely not bitter.

She stands and there is quiet for just a moment. I stare, anticipating what she's going to say or do. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, walks towards me, and...

"YOU MUST BE OUTTA YOUR GODDAMN MIND IF YOU THINK—"

Many people in the room cover their ears. Madison whimpers beside me and I'm almost positive I bursted an eardrum.

"—the president is gonna bring the nation to the brink of meddling in the middle of a military mess—a game of chess where France is queen and kingless. We signed a treaty with a king who's head is now in a basket! Would you like to take it out and ask it? 'Oh, should we honor our treaty, King Louis' head?' 'Uh, do whatever you want. I'm super dead!'"

The cabinet falls into chaos. Everyone is yelling about who they think is right and wrong. "Enough! Enough!" Washington demands silence from the group. "Hamilton is right."

I could see that consensus coming from a mile away, but I'm not giving up so easily. "Mr. President!" I protest.

"We're too fragile to start another fight."

"Sir, do we not fight for freedom?" He has to help the French! He just has to!

"Sure, when the French figure out who's gonna lead 'em." He says as passively as possible.

"The people are leading!" I explain. It's no different than how our country came to be.

"The people are rioting. There's a difference. Frankly, it's a little disquieting. You could let your ideals blind you to reality. Hamilton, draft a statement of neutrality."

"Yes, sir." Alexandra responds, quite pleased with herself. The meeting ends and the room clears out, but I have some unfinished business. Alexandra walks off to draft a statement and I stop her.

"Did you forget Lafayette?" I mutter from behind her.

She immediately stops walking. "What?"

"Have you an ounce of regret?" All of my hatred towards her is coming to the surface. "You accumulate debt, you accumulate power, yet in their hour of need you forget."

I've struck a nerve with her. I must have. Otherwise she wouldn't be so silent. "Lafayette's a smart man. He'll be fine." She finally turns to face me. "And before he was your friend, he was mine." I can hardly imagine Lafayette being friends with this selfish and obnoxious harlot.

"If we try to fight in every revolution in the world, we never stop. Where do we draw the line?" But this is France we're talking about! Our allies! She's not wrong though. And I can't even respond. She's wrung me dry. She's just that good at arguing.

"So quick witted."

"Alas, I admit it." She flips her hair with pride, but that wasn't supposed to be a compliment.

"I'll bet you were quite a lawyer."

"My defendants got acquitted." Of course they did. Of course she's just that good. I can't seem to get to her today, can I?

"Well someone oughta remind you..."

"What?"

"You're nothing without Washington behind you." There it is. It's brief, but I notice a touch of fear in her face before Washington calls after her.

"Hamilton."

"Daddy's calling." I quickly say. That clearly got to her. She stares at me, dazed and speechless for a few seconds before following Washington to his office.

AN: Sorry this chapter took three months to write. I had writer's block and my philosophy teacher heavily criticized something that I wrote, so that was a huge blow to my confidence. I finally did start writing again, but I'm spending my summer in Ghana and the WiFi is shit, so I can't publish very often. But I'll do my best. I really do love writing this and I appreciate y'all reading. Thank you!