Step Aside, Mr. President.

Chapter 1 - The Last Straw.

The grand chandelier in the East Room scattered light across crystal glasses and polished cufflinks, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was the evening's guest of honor for the State Dinner on April 10th, but President found his attention drawn elsewhere. From his seat at the head table, he watched his Vice President, Eleanor Montgomery, work the room with practiced grace.

Eleanor stood near the center of the gathering, her silver strands of hair catching the light as she detailed the journey of passing the infrastructure bill. Her voice carried just the right notes of humility and triumph, drawing appreciative nods from the assembled diplomats and officials. "It took unprecedented cooperation across the aisle," she was saying, "but we proved that American innovation and determination can still move mountains."

Hayes maintained his diplomatic smile, but his fingers tightened imperceptibly around his water glass. The bill had been his vision, born from countless late nights and delicate negotiations. He'd spent three years building coalitions, making careful compromises, and weathering attacks from both sides of the aisle. Now Eleanor spoke as if she'd orchestrated it all, her ambition barely concealed beneath her polished exterior.

She caught his eye across the room and inclined her head slightly, seeking approval. Hayes nodded back, even as fury simmered beneath his calm exterior. It wasn't just about the bill anymore – this was about power, succession, and betrayal.

Earlier that day, the Oval Office had felt more like an execution chamber. DNC Chair Patricia Fisher, Secretary of State Liam Davis, Secretary of Transportation Steve Miller and Gabriel Morrison—once a close friend and ally, the former president under whom Nicholas Hayes had loyally served as Vice President—had arrived with their ultimatum wrapped in concerned smiles and reasonable tones. President Hayes, though unaware of the full agenda, had a hunch about the meeting's topic. "Welcome, Patricia, Liam, Steve " he said warmly, shaking their hand, "and Gabriel."

"The party needs fresh energy, Nic," Morrison had said, standing by the fireplace where they'd once celebrated Gabriel's re-election victory. "The polls are clear. Eleanor represents the future, and you..." He spread his hands apologetically.

Patricia Fisher, never one to soften her words, leaned forward in her seat. "Your daughter's foundation is doing remarkable work in education reform. It would be... unfortunate if certain regulatory investigations were to disrupt that work."

"We can ensure Rhea's career can continue smoothly," Morrison added quickly. "Your legacy would be protected. A graceful stepping aside now means avoiding unnecessary scandals."

"For the good of the country, you must step aside, Mr. President," Gabriel declared, his voice resolute as he turned to leave the Oval Office.

Hayes had listened, his face a mask of thoughtful consideration. Inside, each word landed like acid on his skin. These people, who'd sworn loyalty, who'd celebrated his victories, now thought they could force his hand with threats against his family.

The afternoon's cabinet meeting had been equally revealing. Eleanor sat in her usual spot to his right, but everything about her posture spoke of someone who believed she'd already won. She interrupted Secretary Chen's defense briefing to push her own foreign policy initiative, missing crucial details about ongoing negotiations with European allies.

"We need to take a stronger stance," she'd insisted, brushing aside concerns about diplomatic implications. "The American people want decisive action."

Hayes had watched her closely, noting how the other cabinet members responded. Some were already shifting their loyalty, while others seemed uncomfortable with her presumption. Each observation was a piece in the puzzle he was assembling.

That evening, before the state dinner, he'd found a moment of quiet with Elizabeth in their private sitting room. After thirty-five years of marriage, she could read his moods better than anyone. She set aside her book as he entered, noting the tension in his shoulders.

"They made their move?" she asked quietly.

Hayes loosened his tie and sank into the armchair across from her. "Morrison and Fisher in the lead. They threatened Rhea with ethics investigation." He explained the meeting, watching anger flash across Elizabeth's face.

"Using our daughter against us," she said, her voice tight. "After everything we did for Patricia's career."

"They think I'm too old to fight back. Too concerned with my legacy to risk a messy battle." Hayes leaned forward, his voice dropping. "But they forgot something important." Elizabeth met his gaze, a small, dangerous smile forming. "They forgot who taught them how to play this game in the first place."

"Exactly." Hayes stood and moved to the window, looking out over the South Lawn. "Eleanor's smart, but she's impatient. She's making mistakes, showing her hand too early. And Morrison..." He shook his head. "He always did underestimate the importance of loyalty."

Elizabeth joined him at the window, sliding her hand into his. "What's our first move?"

"We start with congressman Phillips," Hayes said quietly, pouring himself a scotch. His eyes took on a distant look, as if seeing the chess pieces arranging themselves. "You know, when I made him Ethics Committee chairman back in my Speaker days, he was this eager freshman desperate to prove himself. Now they want him to be their attack dog." He smiled faintly. "But John's old guard, Lizzie. He remembers when politics had rules, when loyalty meant something. He won't appreciate being used to kneecap one of his own."

"And if he still plays along?" Elizabeth asked.

"Then he'll learn why I helped him keep reports detailing his paternity suit hidden from public." Hayes took a sip of scotch. "The old guard protects its own – or it falls with them."

"And Rhea?"

"I'll call her tonight. She needs to know what's coming." He squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "We didn't spend fifty years in politics to be pushed aside by amateurs who think threats and pretty words make them powerful."

Now, watching Eleanor charm the Japanese delegation, Hayes felt a cold clarity settle over him. She glanced his way again, probably wondering why he seemed so calm after this morning's ultimatum. Let her wonder. Let them all think he was falling in line, playing the role of the elder statesman gracefully stepping aside.

He raised his glass as Eleanor concluded her remarks, joining the applause with a gentle smile. Across the table, Elizabeth caught his eye and gave him the slightest of nods. The game was changing, but they'd been here before. They knew how to wait, how to plan, how to strike when the moment was right.

Morrison's words echoed in his mind: "It's time to pass the torch."

Indeed it was time – time to remind everyone why Nicholas Hayes had survived four decades in Washington. Time to show them all that the old guard didn't retire. They destroyed their enemies.