Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 09

"Madam President, can you better describe this connection you believe your son has with that little girl from Hungary?" asked an older woman reporter from a national newspaper. "You're giving us the impression she's someone very special to you."

"Not at this time, Eunice," answered Gwen honestly. "Lena is extremely special to Steve and me, as well as to Saint. Only time will reveal in what ways."

"Less than a week has passed since you were removed from office," prefaced another reporter. "During that time, you and your husband, with the help of a few others, have saved the young victims of a horrible school bus accident, created a new group of followers you call your Road Warriors, and thwarted a kidnapping. How are you enjoying your retirement thus far?"

Gwen and Steve both laughed along with the reporters at the question. "That's actually a very good question, Hector. Once I was relieved of the responsibilities and restrictions that come with the office of President, Steve and I quickly became more involved in our community, family and friends. They are the heart and soul of this country. Washington is obviously broken, but the citizens of this country are not. They donate time, blood, sweat and money to help others. Lady in Red is all about helping others, and now we have the liberty to concentrate on that endeavor."

"Your movie has dominated the box offices and has already raked in well over a billion dollars worldwide," observed Heather. "Are you surprised at its tremendous success? And do you feel that your 'We Come in Peace World Tour' contributed heavily to your success?"

Gwen smiled at Heather before responding. "I have no way of knowing. Truthfully, it doesn't matter to me. We're very pleased it has done so well and are grateful for the kind words critics and moviegoers have given the film. The best thing about it is we now have more in the till to support our humanitarian efforts around the globe."

"Steve, it's been reported you and your friends were involved in a gun battle with the kidnappers and five of them were killed. The lone survivor suffered a blunt force trauma to the head. His lawyer is claiming you struck him after he'd surrendered. Is that true?"

"I don't believe anyone can corroborate that story," replied Steve with equanimity. "You're referring to a man who set off an explosive in an attempt to kill a 7-year-old girl. A man willing to murder a helpless child is also likely to lie, wouldn't you agree?"

"Your response is simply that he cannot prove the claim?" pressed the reporter. "That isn't quite the strong denial we were expecting."

"It'll have to do," retorted Steve.

"It was reported by a local police officer that Mrs. Smith identified herself, as well as you and Charlie Burns as Federal Officers," pointed out an older man working for AP. "Was that a ruse to get you inside the hospital more quickly?"

"Please allow me to respond," asked Gwen as she looked for and found Steve's approval. "During my tenure as President of the United States, I appointed Steve, Charlie, Chip, Jason and Sybil to the Secret Service. I also issued an executive order granting them authority to operate within Homeland Security, the FBI and ATF. Once I was removed from office, I requested that these five individuals be allowed to retain their rather unorthodox designations. In return, I signed off on any and all Secret Service protection. They are indeed, Federal Agents."

The next few days were spent in Asgard as Steve and Gwen relaxed as much as possible. They spent a fair amount of time with their house guests Adam, Lena and Hanna Kiss.

Gwen revealed a major surprise the second afternoon of their stay. The two couples were joined by Kate, Lisa, Sybil, Jordan, Paula and their spouses. Ted had just returned from his business trip.

"Hanna and I have had the same recurring dream," began Gwen to get the attention of everyone. "It isn't very clear, but we always see Saint and Lena as young adults battling unimaginable creatures as well as humanlike enemies."

"It's odd you're both having the same dream," admitted Chip. "Is this more like sharing a vision?"

"Is it that obvious?" asked a surprised Gwen.

"You've been dropping some rather strong hints lately, Sis," stated Kate, joining the discussion.

"What we see isn't of this Earth!" interjected Hanna. "Logic and science tell me mankind will never see travel to other worlds in the kids' lifetime, so on the surface it all seems distinctly impossible."

"It's impossible, yet you have more to reveal, don't you?" asked Lisa intently.

"Yes. We think it's possible that while the inhabitants of Earth won't develop interstellar space travel within the next several generations, other life forms may travel here," admitted Gwen.

No one spoke for over a minute as Gwen's declaration was digested. It was Chip who finally broke the silence.

"You do realize this all sounds pretty crazy, don't you? Is this theory based on anything more than a dream, or a vision? I'm not disputing you. I'd just like to see some evidence."

"We don't have any, except for sharing the same dream," replied Gwen softly. "And we both see that old fortune teller in the dream every time. She's constantly urging us to prepare, especially Saint and Lena."

"That, and I've been granted access to signals from deep space," stated Hanna. "The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment, or CHIME, in British Columbia has detected a Fast Radio Burst, or FRB. It's my belief it originated from intelligent beings in deep space."

"Even if that's true, the time required to travel to Earth from deep space is astronomical, pardon the pun," argued Kate. "It's impossible for any creature to reach earth in less than thousands of years, unless they do the Star Trek thing with warp speed and travel faster than light, which simply isn't possible."

"That's the flaw in our theory, unless they began their journey to earth eons ago" admitted Hanna. "To base such an unbelievable theory on visions and short radio wave bursts just isn't reasonable. Which is why I'm asking Lady in Red to help me build a smaller, yet stronger radio telescope based on my calculations and design. It would require almost two years building, and costing over two hundred million dollars, again going by my calculations. We could build it on the hill west of the lake and would require less than ten acres of your land."

"Wow! You don't beat around the bush, do you?" asked Lisa rhetorically. "May I assume you believe this telescope of your design will answer your questions about alien life forms and their intentions?"

"I believe it will give us data," replied Hanna with a scientist's precision. "Data that Adam and I would have to analyze and interpret. This project will take years. Gwen and I both place the ages of Lena and Saint in our visions at around 20. That means we have less than 13 years to get this right, if it's an eventuality. Or it may be that Gwen and I are imagining it all."

"It's up to you guys," added Gwen. "I'd never blame you if you refused Hanna's request, I know how weird it all sounds. And either way, we need to keep this among ourselves. It could create all kinds of unpleasant situations, including but not limited to my being burned at the stake as a witch, wasting $200 million dollars and years of Hanna and Adam's time, and our possibly becoming the laughing stock of the world. It could curtail much of the power and influence we've accumulated over the years."

"So our choice is between saving the world, or saving a couple hundred million bucks?" quipped Kate. "I've seen too many things I can't explain to go against Sis and Hanna. I vote we go for it."

"Agreed. What do we need to get this started?" asked Lisa.

"I say we give Hanna a blank check to get whatever she needs. Tyler can oversee the ordering and contracting," Jordan chimed in.

"That's it?" marveled a stunned Hanna Kiss. "No long discussions? You've made your decision that quickly? You're trusting me to spend $200 million of your money so easily?"

"It appears so, Hanna; we're not exactly broke you know, and saving the world seems kinda worth doing," quipped Kate.

"There's something else you and Gwen sort of glossed over," pointed out Paula. "You both believe Saint and Lena will be involved in this future battle, or whatever it is. Are they the only two involved? Surely there'll be lots more people helping!"

"That's the rub, Mom," answered Gwen, studying her mother's face. "Lena and Saint will be doing this... whatever it is, on their own, with no help of any kind from anyone else on Earth. We've both seen that quite clearly."

"We've got thirteen years; so for now, let's take a swim and relax for a few hours," suggested Kate to break the tension. "We'll bring the kids and have a fun family gathering and keep our mouths shut about all this. Let's go about our daily business as if we have no idea what's going to happen, which is truthfully the case."

That evening as they prepared for bed, Steve asked Gwen a question which had been on his mind. "With all this going on in Saint's future, it would probably be best if I remained retired from football, don't you think?"

"Hanna and I discussed that. You can't spend all your time working with Saint. He and Lena still need to be kids as much as possible," reasoned Gwen. "Thirteen years is a large chunk of our lives and we need to live it, not fear its ending. I know you want to play again, so if it were up to me, I'd encourage you to get back with the team. You know Saint wants to see his Dad play another year. He's older now and can better appreciate what you do. It's your decision but if you're asking me, I say play."

"What about all the things Saint needs to learn? I'll be pretty busy for a few months, with very little time for you and the kids," worried Steve.

"That's the downside to possibly knowing the future. We could get so wrapped up in our concern for it that we'd no longer enjoy the life we have," replied Gwen. "You have to do things for Steve now and then. You're a wonderful husband and father, but please don't stop being Steve Hammer, quarterback, actor, writer, musician, and whatever else. You've always placed us ahead of your personal wants and needs. But especially now that I'm no longer President, I want my husband to do the things he loves."

"You realize that list of things "I love to do" puts you at the top, don't you?" responded Steve with a chuckle as he cupped his wife's left breast. "I think I'll do you first, and then get around to the other stuff later."

Gwen, Jordan, Lisa, Kate and their husbands joined Jared and Naomi in New York for the Spartan game against the Giants that Sunday. Jared was delighted to see his friends again.

"My bosses are here to check up on me? We've lost our first two games, so you're already looking for my replacement?" he joked.

"You know us better than that," answered Jordan. "Your contract has clauses allowing us to renew it a few dozen times. You'll be running the Spartans until you're sitting in a rocking chair in a retirement home."

"I've managed to find a way to bolster our defense, beginning next week!" revealed a pleased Jared. "I've been cleared to play again. I'll practice this week and be in the lineup next weekend. It'll take a few weeks to get back into game shape, but I'll be able to play at least somewhat well at first, and hopefully help the team."

"That's great news!" squealed Kate as she hugged the big man. "You're better at half strength than most of these guys on their best days. I love watching you play."

"That still leaves us with a glaring weakness at quarterback," replied Jared as he looked toward Steve. "The kid we've got starting has real potential, but he was never expected to step in and lead the team during his rookie season. If we only had a smart, experienced guy to mentor him, he'd be the real deal in a year or two."

"I'm not a football genius, but I think I have the solution to your problem," responded Gwen with a smile. "Are you willing to take a chance on an older player, someone that's a little rusty?"

"By older, do you mean someone my age and probably still the best quarterback in the league?" asked a delighted Jared. "We can still make the play-offs if we start winning some games!"

That weekend, the Spartans lost their third game of the season 32-17. Sports writers were pointing out how difficult it was to begin a season with 0-3 and still reach the play-offs. One reporter made that very observation to Jared in a postgame interview.

"I understand we have a difficult road ahead, but we're making some changes this week that should strengthen the team. I've been cleared to play and all modesty aside, I think I can make a difference to our defense. We've also been able to add an experienced quarterback. He'll help our rookie quarterback develop without so much pressure on him."

"Tell us Steve Hammer is coming out of retirement!" yelled an excited reporter.

"Okay, Steve's coming out of retirement," obeyed Jared with a laugh. "I have no doubt his ability and leadership will immediately make us a far better team. My goal isn't just making the play-offs but winning the Super Bowl."

"You have a home game against Dallas next weekend. Will Steve be ready to play by then?" asked a blonde female sidelines reporter.

"He'll definitely be playing," replied Jared with a grin. "Colt Chance will have two more shots at Steve in head-to-head meetings this season, not that he'll win either of them. This is the matchup every NFL fan loves. They'd better savor it!"

The following Sunday night found Gwen and Jordan singing the National Anthem before a packed house of raucous fans. When it was announced that Steve and Jared would be in the lineup, the network airing the Sunday night games exercised an option in its contract. The scheduled starting time of 1 PM was changed to prime time, and the network anticipated a huge viewing audience.

The network had made certain fans knew Steve was playing in its Sunday night game. It hyped the game with clips from the various activities Steve had participated in during the previous few months. Even viewers who had never watched a football game tuned in to watch what the network billed as "The Return of The Warrior", as well as to see his beautiful wife, the woman who had so recently been President of the United States and was still proclaimed Queen of Peace. Congress impeaching and removing her from office had only made her more popular and admired by many of the citizens of the nation.

Steve had practiced hard all week to regain his timing with his backs and receivers, but he knew he was still rusty and would be missing plays he had been accustomed to making easily. So he went into the game determined to minimize his mistakes and give his team a chance to win.

This season The Cowboys had drafted a middle linebacker, Leon Baker from Ohio State, in the first round. He was off to a fast start with four sacks in his first three games. He was also an excellent run stopper and had really stiffened Dallas's defense.

The rookie had soon become known as a showboat. He celebrated his plays a little harder and longer than his opponents felt appropriate. He had also made a point of telling reporters Steve Hammer was too old to give him or his team any problems. He promised to sack Steve at least once during the game.

The kid quickly made good on his promise, as he dropped Steve for a loss in the first offensive series. Thereafter the Spartans began keeping the tight end or a back near Steve, just to help block Baker.

Home team fans became incensed when the rookie hit Steve late and very hard at the very end of the third quarter. To compound the fans' irritation, the kid stood over Steve beating his chest as an obviously shaken Steve slowly rolled over and regained his feet. The play was assessed a 15 yard penalty, allowing the Spartans to make a field goal early in the fourth quarter to bring them within 4 of Dallas.

Jared and the defense stopped Colt Chance's offense just beyond field goal range. Dallas punted and pinned the Spartans down on their own 7-yard line with less than 7 minutes to play.

Steve missed two passes he would have made with more practice. Then with a 3rd and 10, he once again threw behind his receiver. As he watched the ball hit the ground behind his target, he was bowled over yet again by Baker.

The crowd was silent as Steve lay stretched out on the field with the young linebacker again beating his chest and prancing around in some sort of dance. Several flags flew as everyone waited to see if Steve was okay. Two trainers were trotting onto the field as Steve slowly managed to stand up. They asked him questions and examined his eyes and memory before clearing him to remain in the game.

The penalty advanced the ball to the 22-yard line and automatically gave the Spartans a first down. Steve told his concerned teammates in the huddle, "We'll have to run the ball to give me some time to clear my head. Just block your men."

After three running plays, the Spartans still needed 4 yards for a first down. Steve never looked to the sideline to see if the coach wanted to punt; he simply called the next play. He handed the ball off to the tailback, who promptly ran up the middle for 6 yards! The Spartans then slowly marched down the field and reached the Dallas 20-yard line with a minute left in the game.

The fans were on the edges of their seats when Steve moved into the shotgun and backpedaled once he received the ball. He found his running back open as he raced across the middle of the field, just 8 yards from the end zone. Steve hit the young back right in the numbers with a perfect spiral. But the ball bounced off the receiver's hands and shot upwards and slightly closer to the goal line!

Thousands of fans let out a collective groan as Leon Baker gathered the ball into his arms and quickly headed downfield with the interception. He evaded several tackles before putting a spin move on a Spartan receiver trying to bring him down. As he finished his spin and once again turned downfield, he was met by Steve Hammer hurtling towards him at full speed! The loud crack of their pads colliding echoed around the stadium.

Steve had watched the play go south and instinctively knew the young linebacker would try to run the ball back for a score rather than go to the turf and let his team's offense run out the clock for the victory. With no Dallas players near enough to block him, Steve raced up the middle of the field and timed his hit perfectly, just as Baker came out of his spin. Steve's left shoulder hit the young linebacker in the chest as he tightly clutched the football.

The force of the collision lifted Baker completely off his feet and sent him flying backwards, forcing the ball from his grip. Once again it seemed to float upwards before yielding to the forces of gravity and beginning its downward journey.

The Spartans running back who had bobbled Steve's original pass had been chasing down Baker when Steve hit the man and dislodged the football. Incredibly, the ball dropped right into his arms for the second time in a single play! This time he tucked it in and raced toward his end zone. In a stunning reversal of fortune, he crossed the goal line to give the Spartans the lead. The extra point would make it a 4-point lead, with just 20 seconds left to play.

The extra point attempt was delayed while the Cowboys training staff worked on young Leon Baker. He was finally helped to his feet and guided off the field as the home fans whistled and yelled their pleasure at his misfortune. After the successful point after attempt, the Spartans' defense held Dallas back, clinching their first win of the season. In the locker room, the players were jubilant.