AN: If you have read my other MS fics you know the Russell, Conrad and Bess are my fave trio. But I was re-watching the beginning of season two, and they were making me mad. So this has come from that. This fic will probably be a few chapters long. R&R!

Elizabeth stormed into her office Blake close behind.

"I can't believe them!" She exclaimed, pacing in front of her desk.

Blake closed the door behind them, locking it for good measure. "Ma'am?" He prompted. Blake knew that she needed to rant to someone before she could actually think.

"They started without me! Again!" She told him, her jaw clenching, "And they're doing it on purpose! They even moved the meeting to ten minutes before without informing me! Or you!"

Anger pooled in Blake's gut, the fact that these people had the audacity to show such blatant disrespect astounded him. His boss was the Secretary of State, she had saved all of their asses more than once! Even the President's'!

Her steps sped up, "Conrad isn't even listening anymore! Neither is half of the other cabinet members!" She said, her voice tight and controlled. Trying not to give way to yelling. "It's like I'm not even there! They all are shutting me out of huge decision! Ones that State should be at the forefront of! But we're overruled, without even a brief notice!"

Blake's frown deepened and displeasure was wrote all over his face. "Are they even allowed to do that?"

Elizabeth glanced over to him, "He's the President. In Russell's words 'He can do whatever the hell he wants!' Which is appearing to be true! I mean, what's the point of me being here if I can't make any change or help anyone!"

"I don't know Ma'am."

"I'm not trusted to help our people, or anyones people at this point! It's like I'm here just to smile and look pretty! What kind of misogynist bullshit is that!" She waved her hand infront of her. "And Conrad says he can't be brought down with my opinion of all things! My opinion for god's sakes!"

He felt his jaw clench involuntarily, "Did he really say that?" He asked in astoundment.

"Yeah, he did!" She sounded scandalized, "And it was my opinion on who should hold the head position of the NSA! It's practically my counterpart, but apparently my opinion is a burden!"

"The President has some nerve forcing his decision on you, and saying that." He commented.

"I know!" Elizabeth exclaimed, hands sprawling about. "And then there's Russell!"

Blake grimaced, not quite hiding his disdain for Russell Jackson. He had never really liked the man.

Scoffing, she continued. "The man kept speaking for me! As if he knew what I wanted!" She turned and faced him, her hands flat against her desk as she leaned on it. "I mean, how arrogant do you have to be!"

Blake understood why she was angry. The Secretary had always been big on equality, and she had always been disgusted with men treating her or anyone with less respect than what they'd show another man. In fact, he was disgusted with the other cabinet members himself. In his eyes, she was owed more respect than any of them.

"He wouldn't dare do that to Dalton, but when I'm acting President it all goes out the window!" Her voice rose at the end. "The cabinet members have been taking cues from him, Conrad and Craig! So I haven't been consulted on almost anything!"

The fire in her eyes flared bright. It was a different look from the one she wore when someone pushed her too far. He hadn't seen this one before. If he had to guess, it would be the look of her being pushed off the ledge and she was climbing back up. Selecting those who would pay for how they treated her. And if she wanted to get back at them, he'd be right by her side.

"Then there's Craig! He told me it wasn't my turn. My turn! I had forgotten that the man was a sexist tool when I listed off his qualities."

"He said what?" It wasn't a question. "Is he aware of the fact that you don't have to wait for your turn?!"

"Right!" She agreed, "And I'm so tired of this! It's been going on for months!"

"Ma'am-"

"It is all about Russia too! Conrad still blames me for it! But he won't come right out and say it, so he's resulting to playground rules." She rubbed her temple, "I'm running out of ideas."

Dread overcame the anger, "Ma'am, are you talking about quitting?"

She looked over to him, "No, no... That would prove them right. And that's the last thing I'm going to do."

"Then what are you talking about?" Blake asked her, his brow furrowed.

"I'm talking about proving them all wrong. And one-upping them. I'm talking about making them remember why I'm not someone to mess around."

He cleared his throat, "May I make a suggestion?" Continuing when he saw her nod, "Call Mike B. He's good at what he does, and he's a friend of yours. And he can be trusted with whatever you want to do."

She was quiet a moment before she nodded, "Let's do it. Set up a meeting somewhere where we won't be noticed."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"And Blake. Who do you think we should bring into the fold?" She asked him, standing up.

"Jay and Nadine, Ma'am. And maybe the others once you decide on what you want to do." He advised, unlocking the door.

"Good choice. Oh, Blake, try and set that meeting up as soon as possible. I'm done waiting around to be walked over."

He nodded and opened the door, but hesitated in the middle of the doorway, "Ma'am." He said turning to face her slightly, "You don't have to wait for your turn." Referring to Craig's comment. "You make your own. Because if they don't give it. You have to snatch it."

She gave him a soft smile, "You sound like, Henry." She chuckled quietly, "But I think I'll take your advice. If you'd please brief Jay and Nadine while I'm in the meeting with Mike."

"Of course, Ma'am."

"You can use my office to brief them in. And let's leave my meeting with Mike off the record, please." The Secretary requested, the fire hidden in the back of her eyes.

Blake nodded and walked over to his desk, his mind racing as he made the necessary calls.

They should have known better. He thought as the phone connected.