They were led inside a huge hanger, filled with military personnel and their families. The rows of men and women in uniform stood to attention, smartly saluting the Commander-In-Chief.
Joe helped Jill onto the makeshift stage and they each said a few words, thanking the personnel for their service, complimenting their families, their commanding officers and, finally, much to everyone's delight, confirming that the first couple would have breakfast alongside them.
'Let's eat!' Joe exclaimed once they were all in place. The scraping of boots and chairs and the clatter of cutlery mixed with the excited chatter, warmed their hearts. For the next hour they conversed with the soldiers, hearing about families and challenges, the highs and lows of a life in service.
For the public, invited to witness the event via the small press pool, the gathering was another example of the president and first lady grabbing an opportunity to meet with the troops. It was certainly a welcome respite; it was also an excellent cover for the real purpose of their visit, but it gave them some time to calm racing minds and weary bodies too. Refresh their souls for the next task ahead.
Gideon was shown through the security and the rows of troops and found his place near Anthony.
'All sorted?' Anthony asked as he stopped beside him.
Gideon nodded. 'Yes, just soon as they're ready'.
Together they watched as the first lady worked her way down a long table of personnel and their families. She chatted easily, paused for photos, answered questions and offered some advice from the deep well of personal experience. As she came closer to the end of the final table Anthony and Gideon prepared to step in and do whatever she required of them.
'Hi', Jill smiled as Gideon came to stand near her. 'You got here quickly', she said innocently.
'Yes ma'am. The secretary of state kindly offered me a ride but his plane unexpectedly required a small layover in London so I got here a little sooner than expected', he explained with a small grin, knowing that she had personally organized the change in the flight path.
'Oh, that was convenient', she replied, unable to hide the glint in her eye.
'I'm almost finished here', she told him, looking around now and finally spying her husband coming in her direction, stopping for selfies and handshakes and hugs every step along the way.
Joe caught sight of her and Gideon standing close and moved a little quicker. 'I've gotta go, guys. I can't keep my wife waiting any longer or I'll be in trouble', he joked as he made it near the top.
Finally, he smiled at Jill and held his hand out to Gideon.
'Hey man', he said simply, gripping his hand tightly. 'Thanks for doin' ... all of this', he said sincerely.
'Mr. President. Good to see you, sir', Gideon said, returning the handshake.
As Joe turned away, Gideon took a drink from the water bottle held securely in his other hand.
'Can you join us on the visit, Joe?' Jill asked, slipping her arm around her husband's waist. 'Gideon has everything organized. Right?' she confirmed, looking towards him.
Gideon replaced the cap on the bottle. 'Yes, they're all set at the museum, so whenever you're ready to go just let me know, ma'am', he told her.
Gideon watched as the president smiled and leaned down. Watched as he looked discreetly around and spied the press pool being ushered away at the far side of the vast hanger. Taking his opportunity he kissed his wife. 'Yup, I'm all good for a few hours and we've managed to keep it as a private visit too so, lead the way!' he exclaimed. The first lady sighed happily and slipped her hand into her husband's as they walked towards the car, the phalanx of people undulating around them as they moved.
