Falling Through Time: Basking in Firelight: Book 2

Debating the Future

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Warnings: *cough* Fre-

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Jefferson decided that his trust issues were because of Hamilton.

Well, okay, he couldn't blame Hamilton entirely. He did go of his own free will and he knew it was going to be some sort of public appearance since they were dressed up brightly. But he certainly did not expect Hamilton to lead him through a shady backdoor into a pitch black room. Hamilton guided Jefferson forward, planted him in a specific spot only he seemed to see before his hands disappeared from Jefferson's shoulders and he disappeared into the darkness of the room.

"INTRODUCING THE ICONS OF THE REVOLUTION, ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND THOMAS JEFFERSON!" a voice boomed, echoing throughout the room.

Oh shit.

Lights clicked on, illuminating and blinding Jefferson where he stood. Every single one of Jefferson's instincts kicked in instantly. He slapped on his most charming smile and waved at the crowd that he could now make out due to the lights, they were thundering their applause. Jefferson glanced over at Hamilton who stood at a podium, smiling at the crowd. Jefferson had his own podium.

This wasn't good.

"Are y'all ready for a debate?" the host person said. The crowd roared in response.

Oh fuck.

Hamilton brought him to a presidential candidate debate.

Fuck.

"Alright, let's start this off with the basics," the host said.

Jefferson was not prepared for any debates. He was so screwed.

Hamilton did this on purpose that little bastard. There was only one way to do this. Wing it.

"Basics?" Jefferson asked, "Where's the fun in that?" Jefferson walked out from his podium, slipping the microphone from its stand fluidly and strutted forward. "Never do anything basic. Always go for style and the greatest you can achieve." Jefferson could feel Hamilton's stare on the back of his head. "Now, let's get this started off fun." He stepped out to the edge of the stage, looking over the audience. "Who wants to come up on stage with me and ask a question?" he asked cheerfully, "Any question at all!"

Hundreds of hands shot up. A huge smile split Jefferson's face, "That's it! Let's let the people run this! Okay, you!" he pointed at a girl, "Come on up and ask your question." The girl stood up and made her way up to the stage and accepted the helping hand Jefferson offered her to get on stage. "Can we get an extra mic over here?" Jefferson looked around. "No, nevermind, that's fine you can have mine. Hamilton and I can share so we don't talk over each other. Hamilton, quit hiding behind your podium and get over here." Jefferson handed his mic over to the girl and stole Hamilton's mic as soon as he stepped over. "What's your name and question?" he asked.

"Martha and my question is what is the future for the people? Individually and as a whole?"

"Martha, that's a beautiful name. I had a wife named Martha. You have her beauty," Jefferson smiled, the girl blushed. "You first, Hamilton," Jefferson said, tossing the mic over Hamilton who caught it smoothly.

"Very broad question, Martha," Hamilton started, "Under this New Constitution, the people are their own future. We all have the power to make the future how we want it." Hamilton tossed the mic to Jefferson.

"You know, I don't think I've ever heard him say his opinion in so few words," Jefferson laughed with Martha, "Martha, the people are the future. That's the whole point about building a nation or a home or an empire, so it stands the test of time, to pass it on to the next generation and the next. Did that answer your question?" Martha nodded and walked off stage. Jefferson tossed the mic back to Hamilton.