Executive Orders

CH 07 | The Band

Chapter 07

Cyrus opened another folder from his stack, handing out copies of a three page report. "On the idea of a Summit of the Americas, we're getting mostly good feedback."

"Mostly?" Fitz asked, zeroing in on Cyrus' focus. A quick look in Olivia's direction told him that she'd caught it as well.

"It seemed some of our colleagues may be a little miffed that America - meaning 'our' America - didn't think of it first."

"The majority of which belong to our Republican base, I'm sure." Fitz said.

Cyrus answered first. "Surprisingly, there are more for you than you - or your opposition - might imagine."

"Care to share any details?" Fitz asked.

Cyrus proceeded to do exactly that. With satisfaction. "There's large areas of the west that are producing concrete grass-root support for the Summit."

Fitz nodded slowly, taking the information in. "This is good news. There's nothing like support from those who have to live with the day to day consequences of life on the borders. Whoever got this started has my thanks."

"And if we can, a personal thank you call is definitely in order, whoever it is." Olivia said, reading Fitz's mind. "Whether it's a group or an individual, it would be a good and positive thing for the president to thank them - at the appropriate time."

"Well then, you'll be doubly pleased to know that your old friend Andrew Nichols seems to be shaping up to be a major player in the movement." Cyrus said.

"Still the maverick." Fitz said with a grin. "Can I just state for the record that I'm pleased to hear it?"

His happiness was real; he and Andrew had a long-term friendship that went back to their college days. Their fathers had had a political alliance and understanding, but that hadn't stopped the two of them from forming their own friendship. And even though they had followed their own paths for a time, when Fitz had run for Governor, it had been Andrew who had come back to his side to become his Lt. Governor.

"I'm glad that you're glad, Mr. President."

Fitz was puzzled by Cyrus' tone. "But you're not necessarily pleased."

"I'm necessarily concerned, Mr. President - and that's more important." Cyrus said. "Before we start making phone calls and offering congratulations, we have to ask ourselves if this work for us or against us in the long term? The immigration issue is enough of a challenge, adding this summit is another."

Fitz frowned a little as he thought over Cyrus' words, trying to evaluate Andrew from his chief of staff's point of view.

He glanced over at Olivia to gauge her reaction and found himself somewhat surprised to see the quietly thoughtful look on her face.

"On the plus side," she said at last, "Andrew Nichols has been your voice crying out in the wilderness. There are no direct ties other than your shared families' relationships and the Californian governorship - and neither of them have ever been a secret."

"Just like everyone knows that a comprehensive path to citizenship immigration program is something I've made my thoughts clear on from the beginning." Fitz said.

"Spoken like a true Californian." Olivia said, smiling.

"So says the East Coaster." Fitz said. It was something that the two of them had teased each other about more than once.

"But what's almost equally important is stabilizing South America so that so many people stop believing that their own chance to live and thrive is to flee to the U.S. This is one of the major goals of this General Ramos and one I feel that I can throw my full support behind."