Altered Seasons_MONSOONRISE by Paul Briggs

Author:Paul Briggs [Briggs, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781944962494
Publisher: Secant Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Pratt looked across the Resolute desk at Wendy Czeczelski. He was sitting, and she was standing, which put their heads at almost the same height.

“Any progress to report on the treaty?” It would be very embarrassing if, after winning the war against North Korea, getting China to stay out of it and getting a good deal in the Treaty of Gyeongju, he lost the peace in the Senate.

“All the Democrats are on board,” she said. “They don’t like giving you a victory, but in a case like this they’ll let it go. I’m working on the Republicans. Ten of them have committed—in person at least—to ratify. Another eleven have told me they won’t. That’s in addition to the three that have already denounced it in public.”

“So we’re close to where we need to be. Do any of the holdouts want anything in particular?”

“Mostly more aid to their states in the next budget.”

“I can do that,” said Pratt. “I don’t like it, but I can do it.” He shook his head. “These people who are against the treaty—I’ve heard some of them on the stump. They’re always complaining about our overseas commitments and the money we spend on them. This reduces one of those commitments and saves us money without leaving us or the Koreans worse off. I don’t understand what their problem is.”

“Mr. President, you’re thinking too much. This isn’t a rational objection. This is a simple revulsion at seeing U.S. forces retreat from anywhere. Even in five years.”

“Senators aren’t supposed to make up their minds on that kind of reaction.”

“With all due respect, Mr. President,” said Wendy, “speaking as a lifelong Republican, you knew what you were getting into when you joined us. If it makes you feel any better, of the ones who haven’t made up their minds there are five that I know I can talk around, and I’m pretty sure about Turgeon, Rieck, and Brearley. One vote from one of them and the treaty makes it through.”

“Well, get out there and bring me that vote.”

“I won’t let you down, Mr. President.” She looked at him like a daughter hoping for her father’s approval… possibly. Pratt wasn’t too sure. His knowledge of children in general was strictly theoretical. He gave her a small smile as he motioned toward the exit.

As soon as Wendy was out the door, Pratt returned his attention to the Transportation Secretary’s report. Rebuilding was going slower than expected; there wasn’t enough concrete and asphalt out there, and fuel for the machines kept running short. Federal projects, and state/local projects in Minnesota, Illinois, and New York, were being further slowed down by the requirement that they be designed and built to withstand another Monsoon. The same was true of the rebuilding of Anchorage. Pratt had no regrets about this. Infrastructure spending was his least favorite thing after welfare, but that was precisely why he wanted it done right the first time—so he wouldn’t have to do it again next year.

Then Treasury Secretary Terry Walther entered for his appointment, his lined face looking particularly troubled.

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