Joe had moved into the shadows, away from the main mele of lights and cameras, cables and props. He discretely moved closer and closer to the anteroom. He watched Jill for a moment longer, waiting for his own instructions to be relayed to him. 'We're ready sir', he heard a familiar voice say and he nodded, casting one more look toward his wife. A phone was handed to him and the President held it to his ear, supposedly beginning a conversation, allowing for the door of the narthex to be discreetly closed, giving the President privacy for his decoy conversation. The space was filled with agents and staffers, all shuffling, nervous now.
Joe made his way towards the opposite door, casting an interested look at the chimney on the right, indicating the location of the famed stove used during the conclave to elect a new Pope. The ballots burned after each round until finally, with the addition of a particular chemical, the famous white smoke would be seen outside in St Peters' Square indicating the choice had been made, a new Pope elected. Facing the door now he looked with interest as the knob was twisted and the ancient wooden door opened with just the smallest creak.
Joe was greeted by the sight of a Swiss Guard, the Pope's personal security. Joe's own agents stood close by, eyeing up the dangerous-looking halberd on display in the guard's white-gloved hand. The knowledge that a revolver was hidden beneath the medieval-styled clothing also a note of passing concern. A man in black tails and white shirt with a ruffled collar addressed him. 'Mr. President, if you would follow me sir, the Holy Father and our guests are waiting for you'. Joe fell into step and followed the man through the halls of the papal palace.
The door through which he had come was seldom used unless the cardinals went into conclave. The party walked through a dizzying complex of corridors and stairs, guarded at intervals by Swiss Guards, Secret Service agents, and the security team of a third leader. 'Through here sir', his guide indicated. Joe thanked the man and stopped on the threshold for a moment for his team to reorganize. Agents took up position in the corridor outside and his closest agents, Brian and Tony, entered with him.
Still in the hallway Joe clapped his friend and Secretary of State on the shoulder. He was followed closely by the National Security Advisor and Secretary of Defense. All had flown into the country days before and on separate flights from different locations. News of any of them arriving in the country so soon after the President would cause alarm bells to ring, all three arriving would have raised serious red flags. The team had so far managed to keep their presence under wraps and needed to do so for another couple of days. Brought in a different entrance while Joe and Jill were in the basilica they strategized as they waited for the President. Now they took a moment to quietly update him on their ideas before the three walked in together with their interpreter.
'Mr. President, dearest Joe', the Pope smiled brightly, struggling to stand from his wheelchair. Joe moved quickly, taking a knee at the side of the chair and clasping the man's hand. 'Your Holiness, please don't stand on my account', he said, 'thank you for facilitating this'. The Pope nodded sagely. 'I wish you every blessing in your endeavors', he said, drawing his hand in blessing above Joe's head, his other hand still held in Joe's. Joe made the sign of the cross on his chest before standing.
Joe stretched his hand out to the other man. 'President Zelensky, I'm glad to see you in the flesh', he began pumping the man's arm, 'we have a lot to talk about', he said. 'Mr. President, it is my honor', the Ukrainian President replied.
The Pope turned his eyes to each man in turn. There was so much to say, so much to hope for, words seemed inadequate at that moment. 'I will leave you. Take as much time as you need and please request anything that may be helpful to you', he said sincerely as his assistant wheeled him from the room.
Once the Pope had left the doors were closed securely. Pleasantries exchanged, the group took their seats to listen, to learn, to request, to promise assistance.
