A barrel-chested man entered as the receptionist left. Rodgers recognized him from the party.
'Admiral Link,' Rodgers said, rising.
'Sit,' the admiral said. He shut the door behind him before shaking Rodgers's hand. He swung an armchair around so that there were three chairs in a circle. 'Good to meet you. Sorry we didn't have a chance to talk last night.'
'Those things are always so unmanageable,' said the senator, taking a seat. 'Not like a good cattle drive.'
'You should hand out electric prods,' Rodgers said.
'Best idea I've heard in a while.' Orr laughed. It was a genuine laugh, not a performance.
'I heard about William Wilson on the drive over,' Rodgers said. 'Has there been any fallout?'
'Not yet,' Orr said. 'I have to do a live segment on the CBS Evening News in about twenty minutes, though. I'll know more after that.
Hopefully, you'll stick around so we can talk more. I don't want to rush this.'
'Of course,' Rodgers said. 'I have to tell you, though, Senator. I'm not really sure what 'this' is.'
'A new political party, a new way of doing business in D.C.,' Orr told him. 'You have heard this before, I'm sure.'
'So often that I've stopped listening,' Rodgers admitted.
'Most Americans have tuned out, General Rodgers, which is why we need to get their attention. We need to make a dramatic new start fast, no wasted time.' On-leaned forward in his chair. 'I am about to announce my candidacy for the presidency. I will be asking the admiral to be my running mate. None of that will surprise anyone. However, what I will be asking for in my acceptance speech will be different from typical convention rhetoric. I will demand what we are calling FAIR change.
That's full American infrastructure reform. Everything from the judicial system to Social Security will be reorganized to serve the people who need them.'
'That's going to take clout and money,' Rodgers said.
'The funds will come from misguided programs, such as the billions we spend annually in unappreciated foreign aid and foreign products,' Orr said. 'If other nations want access to our consumers, it will cost them in tariffs. As for clout, I'll get that from the people of this country. We've forgotten the electorate, General Rodgers. If necessary, we will hold monthly plebiscites to decide issues.
Representatives who oppose the wishes of their constituents will become former representatives.'
'It's a program with hair on its chest, I'll give you that,' Rodgers said.
Orr sat back. 'But?'
'I'm from 'show me' Missouri by way of hell,' Rodgers said. 'I'm a starry-eyed pessimist.'
'I like that,' Admiral Link confessed.
'Hope for something good but expect the worst,' On-said.
'I would say 'anticipate it,' ' Rodgers said.
'Sam Houston was like that, and look what he accomplished,' Orr said.
'He built a state.'
Rodgers grinned. 'But then, he was from Texas. I'm from Connecticut.'
Orr smiled broadly. 'Texas is a state of heart, not just geography.
General, we're a little different from you, the admiral and I. We are cautious optimists about how FAIR will be received. Regardless, once our campaign is under way, I will need a military adviser, one with chops. A man who has been out there getting his hands dirty and who also understands intelligence work. One who will become the secretary of defense in an Orr administration.'
