Executive Orders

CH 66: Assumptions and Ambitions

That conversation that came after gave them the answers Fitz and Olivia were looking for even as it ended up taking an unexpected turn. Running into Peter's wife, Fitz had asked about Nathaniel's whereabouts and she immediately personally guided he and Olivia to the same study that they had met in earlier.

As they went, Fitz purposefully re-examined himself ruthlessly; it wasn't his intention to accuse the Caldwell family of anything - after all, there was no proof, nothing he could point to told him that he should - but then again, privilege could blind anyone. He'd been accused of being too idealistic more than once over the years and some had even tried to use the fact that he'd been born into that privilege as the reason why while at the same time trying to use it to promote their own interest over his. It had made him cautious. It had made him careful. It had made him humble. It had made him care - and Fitz found himself caring, very very much.

He could bow down, give in, accept all that the Party was willing to offer him on a silver platter - as long as he used the circumstances of San Collondias to their long term benefit. In return they'd give him an easy path to his own agendas, a complicit quid pro quo.

Was that the legacy he wanted his presidency to leave behind? Asked and answered - it was a definite no.

These were the thoughts that continued to circle around and around in his mind as they made their way back to Nathaniel's study.

The older man was there, with only his oldest son still there keeping him company. Whatever they'd been discussing was cut off immediately; both men rising from their seats as Fitz and Olivia were shown in.

Something of the seriousness of his thoughts must have shown in Fitz's face; Nathaniel didn't smile or offer a joke but looked him in the eye before asking how could he help the president and from the older man's expression, Fitz thought that maybe, just maybe, Nathaniel had expected this unplanned visit.

That thought only sharpened Fitz's senses; he went straight to the point concerning the Caldwells' many possible motives, the fact that both he and his sons were operating operating from positions of power and generational wealth. He gestured with one hand at the luxurious surroundings that only underscored his words. "Power and privilege used in questionable ways have put wealth into more than one pocket at the expense of those who have by birth, lacked access to the same opportunities."

It was clear that Nathaniel took Fitz's words under serious consideration before he answered. "And suddenly it occurs to you that my family has had enough generational access to wealth to raise concerns with your rather - diverse - group of counselors."

Yes, Fitz thought - the older man definitely understood the source of his concerns, but one glance at Peter showed that his reaction was decidedly different from his father's. His eyes were bright with anger; as he watched, Peter stood, obviously prepared to defend Nathaniel, even if his father seemed disinclined to do the same.

Peter didn't even try to hide his outrage. The only restraint that showed was the fact that he hadn't raised his voice. His voice was cutting even so, its quietness sharp and precise. "You came back here to question my father on the use of his power? Considering who your father was - and how he handled his business - maybe we should be questioning your choices. Or hadn't you thought about that?"

"I have." Fitz felt rather than heard the razor-sharp challenge in Peter's words, felt their keen edges slicing into him. They were bloodless but cut deep and he tried not to let himself lose his temper in response. "And for the record - I don't need anyone reminding me about my father's actions."

His gaze shifted briefly from Peter to Nathaniel and back again. "I can also assure you both that I am also very much aware of how little scruples my father had when he was establishing his own power base and how he used it once he got it. And just in case you misunderstood me - let me state clearly that I am very much aware of his sins, thank you very much."