The President by Parker Hudson

Author:Parker Hudson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: virtual reality, political thriller, christian thriller, jihad, terrorist attack, state of the union, government policy, lgbt in the navy, progressive liberal policies
Publisher: Parker Hudson

THE ADRIATIC SEA—The U. S. Network interview with the Harrison family aired at two in the morning local time off the coast of what used to be Yugoslavia, and Hugh stayed up in order to watch it in the wardroom on the U. S. Armed Forces satellite link from the states.

As the show began, Teri Slocum opened the forward port door to the wardroom and quietly sat down next to Hugh; he had mentioned it to her at the start of their deployment, and she had noted it on her calendar. Since midnight rations had concluded two hours earlier, they were the only officers in the dimly lit space.

They talked quietly during the commercials, and at the end of the show, Hugh turned down the volume and said, “Boy, that was great seeing Jen and the kids, even if it was a little strange watching us being interviewed.”

“You’ve really got a wonderful wife and beautiful children,” Teri said, turning slightly toward him in the chair.

“Yes,” Hugh replied, obviously moved by seeing them again, “God has blessed me with a wonderful family. I miss them a lot...and we’ve got five more months to go.”

“Mmm. In the interview you didn’t sound too much in favor of the new crew arrangement on the ship, though you were diplomatic enough not to say it outright.”

“I guess it showed, huh?” Hugh said. “Well, that’s the truth. I’m not But I’m trying to roll with the punches and wait to see what happens.”

Teri’s eyes, close to his, reflected the light from the television, and Hugh, sitting close to her in the dimly lit space, suddenly felt very much at home sharing his thoughts with her. It was as if a chapter in their relationship was over; physical attraction was no longer the main driving force. It was still very much there, but now it was in the background. Maybe it’s because I’ve been praying, Hugh thought. It was as if she were suddenly a really good friend. No, more like the attractive younger sister of his best friend—the tension was there, but it now acted to energize the periphery of a far deeper relationship, one which combined friendship and playfulness with respect, protection, and concern.

He looked into her eyes, and it was if she shared his understanding, their shift to a deeper, less sexual, but more profound relationship, in that single moment. They held each other’s eyes as the understanding passed between them. Neither said a word, but they both felt it, and each eventually smiled.

“So, should I get off at the next port?” she asked demurely.

“What? And leave me with all your women to deal with!”

“Should we all get off?”

He hesitated, and his expression grew more serious. “Teri...yes and no. I’ve told you many times it’s not about you or your division’s capabilities or readiness. And the same goes for the homosexuals. They’ve shown that they’re very capable. It’s just, again, that we’re different. There’s tapes inside us—I’m a man, you’re a woman. I react in a certain way to things you do, and vice versa, I guess.

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