"I know it's been a while since we've last seen each other.

I suppose now I should say, heard each other.

You won't be seeing much of me anymore.

I can just imagine your surprise to this new format. You're confused- rightfully so.

But once we get going, you'll understand what's happening. So try to keep up.

For the past nine weeks, protestors have gathered outside the White House every morning to exercise their First Amendment right.

I don't think I need to tell you what they're angrily chanting. But if you need a clue, an infamous hashtag exists because of it.

You see, nine weeks ago we had an election in this country. But because two states failed to certify, neither Conway or I received the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.

Thanksgiving. Christmas and half of January have passed and the three branches of government are in crisis.

Congress is in disarray, The Supreme Court is missing a justice, and the executive branch is without a boss.

The Founding Fathers- as ingenious as they were, couldn't think of everything.

We've had this sort of trouble before. The election of 1800, Jefferson versus Burr. They wound up in a tie. 73 electoral votes each, which was the number required back then.

Congress tried to address what the Founding Fathers couldn't imagine and that's how the 12th Amendment was born.

It says if the states don't certify the House chooses the president, and the Senate chooses the vice-president.

One person, one vote. And if there's a tie, there's an elegant solution to this political hell.

A toss of a coin.

The next President of these United States is in the hands of a bunch of self-serving, money-hungry, power-seeking politicians who can be seduced, blackmailed, or sucker punched into submission.

The Founding Fathers didn't plan for this...

But I did," Frank Underwood smirked, flipping a coin into the air. He caught it on his wrist, looking at it before tossing the coin into the Potomac River.

"I already told you I will not yield."


Will Conway paced his living room, frustrated with his dire and helpless position. He was currently in New York, not so far away from D.C., but far enough to not thwart the Underwoods' scheming.

He knew Frank had sabotaged the election. He knew Frank would try and steal the presidency from him. He knew Frank was planning something at the moment to ensure the House would vote for him.

He knew the type of man Frank was; he could see past his bullshit so well that he knew Frank would set fire to the White House before he'd let Conway step foot in it.

"I should be the damn president right now!" Conway shouted to no one in particular.

"There's still a chance, Will," Hannah came up from behind, keeping her distance from her furious husband.

"Yeah, but you and I both know Frank is out there 'convincing' the House who to vote for! And I'm stuck here waiting on an outcome that was stacked against me from the start!" Conway fumed.

"...You are still the Governor of New York," She slowly approached him. "You didn't get that position without skill and talent. Use that influence; go out there and start talking to every media outlet, every representative, every person who can help you win this." She looked up at her husband with a tender expression. "I'll use my influence online too. We cannot just sit here and do nothing... We have to at least fight. We can't just let the Underwoods' win this so easily."

"If only someone in Congress had a backbone. Why is it that no one can refuse the Underwoods?" Conway mused. "All the Underwoods' have done is lie and cheat and manipulate their way to power. We have actually earned our place here."

"Tom Hammerschmidt." A sudden idea came to Hannah's mind. "His article with Walker and Jackie and Remy. That's who we need to talk to. We need to bring that article back to the forefront."

"Will anyone even pay attention to that?"

"They already have. Frank's approval ratings are at 19%"

Conway remained silent for a moment before asking, "And Congress?"

"I'm not sure actually," Hannah sighed, sitting down on the couch.

"Either way, we do need to take action instead of waiting like sitting ducks," Conway stated, already heading for the phone. He dialed a number, letting it ring before someone answered.

"Is this the Washington Herald?" Conway asked, beginning to configure a plan in his mind as to how he could tie up all these loose ends. The first one to cut off would be with Hammerschmidt, which would hopefully point him in the right direction towards the presidency.


"Do I care?" Frank practically slammed the door in Romero's face after a discussion with him. He had tried to persuade him to sway the House Democrats to vote for him, but his patience with the congressman had worn thin.

Immediately after the door closed, Doug Stamper came into the Oval Office. Stress was evident on his face, which Frank took notice of right away.

"How are we doing, Doug?"

"Not good, sir. I can't convince Maine and New Hampshire," Doug stood in his place, watching how Frank would react to this news.

"Do whatever you have to do..." Frank's voice lowered at this, considering something. "Doug, is there something wrong? You have been different lately. You don't seem to be taking this seriously."

"I'm sorry, sir," Doug averted his eyes downwards.

"Don't apologize, Doug. Apologies are meaningless unless they bring results."

Claire came into the Oval at that moment before Doug could say anything more. She looked miffed, which had been the result of Donald Blythe insulting her earlier.

"I just talked to Donald," She said, approaching her husband.

"And?" Frank crossed his arms over his chest.

"It didn't go too well. He refused to prevent the filibuster and keep the Republicans off the floor."

"I'm not surprised. He's always been a sniveling coward," Frank seethed.

"Francis. It's not just him. The House is going to choose approval ratings over political party," Claire's cold, blue eyes narrowed.

"What do we do now, sir?" Doug glanced towards the president.

"I tell you what we do. Doug, go back and get me Maine and New Hampshire. Claire, talk to Leann and see if she has gotten any results," Frank demanded; his anger rising more and more. "I will not hand my presidency over to some entitled, pretty boy, celebrity!" Frank's fist hit his desk, causing Doug to scowl and Claire to stare at him with her icy gaze.

"He doesn't deserve it! He hasn't broken his back to get to this position like I have! What does he know about hard work?" Frank continued his tirade.

"Francis," Claire cut in. "They wouldn't split the ticket." Frank just gave her an aggravated look in response.

"I'll be sure to get those states, sir," Doug spoke, wanting to leave the office as soon as possible.

"And don't come back until you do," Frank ordered gravely. Doug nodded mechanically before exiting the room.

"I find it strange that Conway has been silent on this for weeks. I figured he would be all over the media, seeing that he likes the spotlight," Claire stood beside her husband, looking out of the large window behind the desk.

"You're right. It isn't like him and that bothers me," Frank didn't even turn his head to look at Claire. "I wonder what he's doing right now."

Suddenly, Claire chuckled at a ridiculous image. Frank finally turned his head to look at her out of surprise.

"I just imagined how it would be with Conway, you, and I all living on The White House grounds," She smiled briefly before returning to her usual demeanor.

"I would kill him before I let him through the front door," Frank glared. He was angered by how she could even think of something as stupid as that.

"What did I say about losing, Claire? Never speak about losing in front of me again!"

"Francis, we need to consider the future. There is a possibility it can go that way."

Francis's murderous eyes met Claire's apathetic ones. He uttered the next words ever so slowly to make sure Claire understood how serious he was.

"We? You mean your future."

Claire remained silent as they stared each other down. After seconds passed, she broke the tension by opening her mouth and saying:

"I'm going to go find Leann."


Tom Hammerschmidt jotted down the information furiously as Lisa told her account of Rachel. She had gone in skeptical that he wouldn't take her seriously since she had no evidence that Doug killed her friend. But he thought it would at least be worth checking into.

She had just finished talking when the phone rang in Hammerschmidt's office.

"Excuse me, but I have to answer this," He told her. She nodded, knowing this was the cue for her to leave.

"Hello?"

"Tom Hammerschmidt," the voice on the other end said confidently.

"Who is this?"

"I thought you of all people would recognize my voice by now."

Hammerschmidt's eyes widened at this realization, shutting the door to his office quickly so no one would hear their conversation.

"Will Conway? What do you think you're doing calling me like this?" Hammerschmidt asked incredulously.

"Don't worry, I'll make this brief. I know you're a busy man. But I'm going to have to make you busier."

"What are you talking about?" Hammerschmidt sat back down at his desk.

"Your investigation into Frank Underwood. It needs to get media attention again. Circulate it again and I'll make sure it does."

"I don't have any new leads or information though. No one wants to read the same stuff all over again."

"You have to have something new by now. It has been months."

"...I.. do, which I'm not discussing, but it's not even a verified source. Much less a credible one."

"Practically every other journalist claims an anonymous source told them. Just write that," Conway laughed.

"I'm not like every other journalist," Hammerschmidt retorted.

"If it's money you need for the investigation, I can-"

"It's not the money! It's about integrity," He whispered harshly. "How do you even plan to get media attention with this?"

"By promising to launch a full FBI investigation on him when I'm in office," Conway answered, causing the other end to go silent.

"This would be so much easier if I had someone on the inside..." Hammerschmidt sighed tiredly.

"I can be that someone. But you have to do this for me." Conway paused, thinking over something. "Oh, and another thing. Can you arrange for Jackie Sharp and Remy Danton to meet me?"


"Ma'am, it honestly doesn't look good," Leann explained to the First Lady as they walked into a meeting room. "I think you need to consider the chance that Conway will be president and you will be vice-president."

"We still have two more days, Leann. Anything can happen," Claire responded firmly, closing the door.

"Your approval rates are in the '30s. Frank's are practically in the toilet," Leann tried to make her see reason.

"I do not care for approval ratings," Claire's gaze never broke Leann's. "Neither does Congress."

"Even if it guaranteed you the vice-presidency?"

"Francis and I are a team. We have made every decision together; that is how we work."

"With all due respect, Mrs. Underwood, but when you first contacted me he was making the decisions on his own. He sabotaged your plans from the beginning," Leann pointed out. "Maybe I'm out of line for saying this, or maybe I just want to keep my job, but you can finally be seen as significant by the American people. You can make history without Frank's help."

"Are you suggesting I betray my husband?" Claire looked at her sharply.

"...It wouldn't have been the first time. But if you truly want me to go talk to more congressmen then I'll do it. I just wanted to make this clear to you. Frank is seriously hindering your chances." Leann turned to leave, but Claire stopped her.

"Wait... we can work with this... If Conway is president and I am vice-president, I can eventually become president," Claire thought aloud. "Unlike with Francis, I would always be stuck as second-best."

"Yes...but what do you mean by eventually.." Leann was disturbed by Claire's implication.

However, Claire's mind was racing at a future of possibilities. Being vice-president would be a temporary position. A minor setback. If Francis was voted president, her chances of being the first female president would grow slimmer. She wasn't a fool; she knew of the public dislike of Francis. That dislike would eventually spill over to her over the next four years.

She had to act now. Especially with the growing heat, Francis was facing from the Herald.

"Nothing," Claire wanly smiled. "Leann, there's no need to talk to any more congressmen. I need you to do something else for me though. And you have to do it as soon as possible."


Jackie Sharp remained seated in the black Sedan, constantly looking in the rearview mirror as the minutes wore on.

"He'll get here," Remy stated beside her, trying his best to reassure her.

"I know.. but the waiting doesn't make me any less anxious," Jackie replied.

Suddenly, the rear door was opened and in climbed a disguised Conway. He wore a hoodie and glasses, which earned him odd looks from Remy and Jackie.

"Thank you for meeting me. I know it's late and sudden," Conway shut the door as Remy started driving off.

"Alright, enough of the bullshit. What have you got for us?" Remy wanted to stop beating around the bush and just get to the real reason he was here.

"Frank Underwood, what else? I need some favors from you both," Conway pulled back his hood.

"And what do we get in return?" Remy questioned suspiciously.

"You think I would forget about that?" Conway smirked. "Remy, I want you to be my chief of staff. And Jackie, you served this country like I did. I admire that. I would nominate you as my secretary of defense."

Jackie and Remy were left speechless at this. These were high-profile positions, which meant what he wanted something huge from them.

"I-I.." Jackie stuttered. "What is it you want?"

"I need votes from the House. 26 of them at least. You're a whip, so I want you to whip me the votes so to speak," Conway looked out the window into the foggy, night sky.

"That can be done. To be honest, the way things are going it looks like you might reach more than that," Jackie replied, facing forward with a slight smile on her face.

"I know better to trust the word of a politician," Remy's voice lowered. "So you can understand why I'm skeptical."

"Of course. I can't speak about what I plan to do as president, but do you really want Frank as president again? Is your skepticism that deep?" Conway stared back at Remy through the mirror.

"I need your full trust if you want mine," Remy was stopped at a red light, giving him the chance to turn around.

"And you'll get it once I'm in the Oval. But for right now, I just need your full support. Frank Underwood can't be president. He can't keep getting away with this."

"He's dangerous. It won't be an easy task," Remy pressed on the gas pedal instantly once the light turned green.

"I never said it would be," Conway stated simply.

"You'll have to be careful. You think Claire and Frank won't bully or threaten you like they did with me? You have an even bigger target painted on your back...They will try to expose you... Claire will do anything to be president," Jackie glanced back worriedly.

"And by anything, that would include an assassination attempt," Remy pulled the Sedan over to the curb. "You get off here. I can see why you're the governor of New York; you're pretty convincing."

"Thanks. And Remy, that's why you have to keep them in line as my chief of staff. If the Underwoods' want to play this game, fine. But they're not the only chess players in D.C. and they seemed to forget that. The rest of us are just as bloodthirsty as they are," Conway's eyes darkened as he exited out of the car.

Conway was exhausted by the day's events. He believed he had accomplished a lot in one day, but there was still one last thing.

The next two days would be even busier as he stepped back into the spotlight. It would be non-stop as he did interview after interview, conference after conference, speech after speech.

A car had been waiting, which he had arranged to follow him. As it drove off, he made one final call.

"Hello, Cathy!" He feigned his cheerfulness. "Sorry to call you so late, but I have something to ask you. No, it won't take long at all."


As Conway predicted, the next two days were hectic. He was always on his feet, never stopping to take a break from the press.

But they also proved to be a silver lining for his campaign.

The Washington Herald had broken the story that the White House had staged the terrorist threat on Election Day.

If the White House wasn't in disarray before, it was plunged into anarchy now.

Seth was left scrambling to find the leaker as Frank demanded that this was of most importance.

He needed to know who had done this; he needed to know who he needed to end.

Frank suspected that Conway was behind the leaks as he had suddenly been appearing everywhere trying to salvage his campaign.

"If he's not behind it, he's certainly getting in front of it," Frank stated furiously as he watched the news. He knew that at any moment the House would announce their decision. He hated when things got under his skin, but he especially hated admitted that.

So he was brooding off to the side whilst his staff all scurried around the conference room. Hardly anyone was paying any attention to him as they had more important things to do than deal with his moods. Frank was fine with this as he would rather be left alone with his violent thoughts.

Meanwhile, Claire was making her way to where her husband was. Her heels clicked on the floor loudly as she was walking in a way that commanded attention; that commanded authority.

"Claire!" Tom called out to her. "I haven't gotten the chance to speak with you."

Claire sighed deeply, pausing before turning to face her lover. "Well, we all have been quite busy."

"Yeah, I know," Tom frowned. "Whatever happens today, I know everything will be alright."

Claire looked at him strangely. "Why do you say that?"

"Because... I know you can solve pretty much anything. You're much more brilliant than he gives you credit for."

"Francis?"

Tom nodded. "It's probably treasonous to say this, but at this point, who gives a damn? Camelot is in flames. But you don't have to burn with him. He might convince you to, but now this is your turn. Don't throw it away for him."

For once, Claire broke another's gaze and shifted her eyes away. "When this is all over, I want you to go."

"...I see."

"You have a life to return to."

"And you don't?"

"I do. It's just not with you anymore," Claire continued walking, leaving a dejected Tom behind.


"Will, I believe in you. I believe in us," Hannah held her husband tightly. "You did your best."

"But was it enough?" Conway broke from his wife's embrace. "Will my efforts be worth it?!"

"I wished you would stop taking out your anger on me," Hannah muttered. "I'm only trying to help."

Conway's expression softened, feeling ashamed of his recent actions. "Hannah, I'm sorry-"

His phone started to ring, interrupting his apology. He quickly answered it as Hannah turned her attention to the TV screen.

The news headline read 'Breaking News: Conway voted in as president."

"Will! Will!" Hannah screamed as Conway's phone slid down from his hand.

"Oh my god! Will!" She grabbed him, pressing her mouth to his passionately.

"You did it!" Her green eyes were filled with tears. "I can't believe this, it's finally over!"

Conway was still in a state of shock at the news. A few seconds passed before he allowed a smile to crack on his face.

"I'm the next president... I actually defeated Frank."


There wasn't a sound uttered in the White House conference room as the headline broke.

"Well, I better make my last appearance as press secretary," Seth mumbled. No one made a move to stop him or tell him he was wrong, but he didn't expect them to.

Doug looked about a second from imploding as Leann shook her head in disappointment.

A storm cloud might as well have gathered over Frank as his whole demeanor screamed 'livid.' But that might have been too inaccurate of a word.

No, Francis Underwood was fuming.

And no one dared approached him out of fear.

Except for Claire of course.

"Francis, we can still make this work. If I am chosen as VP-"

"How, Claire?" He roughly grabbed her arm and pulled her into an embrace. "How can you make this work?"

"Let go, Francis. You're hurting me."

"No. Tell me how you're going to swoop in and save the day. Because you seem to think you're of much more importance than you actually are," Frank snarled.

"We can expose Conway somehow. I can be president..."

Frank nearly laughed at her, letting go of her finally. "If you are chosen as VP, you will do as I say. You know why, Claire?" He leaned in close to her ear. "Because everything you've achieved has been because of me. I've handed nearly everything to you."

"...Not everything, Francis," She spat, turning away from him.

Frank stormed out, ignoring Doug and pushing past anyone in his wake.

"You think this is over? That I should already be planning my concession speech? The Boy Wonder might have won, but the real fun has just begun. Conway, Claire, Hammerschmidt, anyone who has started a war with me better sleep with one eye opened. The dragon has been awakened and he's hell-bent on destroying each and every one of them to ashes."