Characters created by: Rebecca Sugar
Chapter 2: Inauguration Day
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Capitol Building
In the Capitol Building, Connie, Steven, Aquamarine and the Gems stood, surrounded by the chiefs of Congress and standing with them was President Edward Montague, a brown-haired man, an aging, droopy face, roughly Connie's size, and his Vice President. Connie's own Vice President, Allen Grant, stood beside her. Aquamarine was about to be sent out to be introduced to the public. Connie held both his hands and kissed him on the forehead.
"I'll see you on the other side." she said.
Aquamarine smiled and hugged Connie. Once separating, he turned to Garnet, and they both nodded. Garnet walked with Aquamarine down the stairs, heading to the doors that led outside. The others behind turned to a television screen of live coverage of the event. They saw Aquamarine on camera passing by. He looked around at the cameras and smiled.
"And here is Aquamarine Universe, being escorted by Garnet, the leader of the famous Crystal Gems, good friends to President-Elect Universe. Aquamarine is the only one of Connie's children who could attend the inauguration, as Connie's daughter, Turquoise, is currently enrolled in college, busy obtaining her Medical degree, to follow in her mother's footsteps as a doctor, and her other son, Amazonite, is currently stationed in Parris Island, South Carolina, undergoing training in the Marine Corps. But, I'm sure they are both watching this historic event from their present locations, cheering on their mother, as she is near to take the oath of office."
"Honestly, Aquamarine would've loved it if Amazonite were here right now in Marine uniform." said Connie, not taking her eyes off the television.
The others laughed.
Then, the live coverage switched to the outside view of the Capitol Building doors, as they opened. An announcer on microphone spoke.
"Introducing Aquamarine Universe, escorted by his personal bodyguard, and leader of the Crystal Gems, Garnet."
Emerging from the Capitol Building was Aquamarine and Garnet. Aquamarine looked around him and smiled. Clapping could be heard from the millions of people attending the inauguration. They found their way beside the podium, standing aside from it before stopping.
A speaker on the live coverage spoke from the television.
"It is now about time for the First Lady and the Vice President's wife to step out."
President Montague kissed his wife on the forehead and smiled. His wife had black hair in a bun. She smiled.
Montague's wife and the Vice President's walked off, joined by two Marine guards. On the television, they could be seen walking through the Capitol, heading to the doors. Once the doors opened, and they were introduced, they stood near the podium.
It was now almost time for Steven and Grant's wife to be escorted out. Steven held both of Connie's hands and looked into her eyes.
"I know you're anxious, honey." he said, "But remember the campaign. You pulled through. You showed them what you're gonna do… Just remember, these people all came to see YOU. They believe in you. I believe in you. Don't be scared."
She smiled.
"Thanks, Steven."
Amethyst came up to Steven.
"Let's go, Ste-man."
Steven walked off with Amethyst, he looked back and waved at Connie, to which she waved back. Connie then turned her eyes to the television. Steven and Amethyst walking down the hall. She smiled. The television then turned to outside, with people waiting around the podium.
After a minute…
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Steven Universe and Mrs. Elizabeth Grant, escorted by Amethyst, of the Crystal Gems, and Speaker of the House, Raymond Albert."
Steven was smiling at the people clapping. He gave a big smile and gave a peace sign with his right hand. Connie giggled as she saw him on TV. Steven stopped and stood beside Aquamarine. She saw Aquamarine smiling while speaking to him, him replying smiling just as much.
Now, it was about time for President Montague and his Vice President to be introduced. His Vice President, Edmund Hallifax, a man in his mid forties with neat combed brown hair, stood beside him.
Montague shook Connie's hand.
"I remember when you were a Senator in this building." he said, "We spoke to each other a lot. Giving me suggestions. I should've made you part of my Cabinet… But, you're taking my job now, the ultimate job... I wish you good luck, my friend."
She smiled.
"Thank you."
He and Edmund walked off, along with Marine escorts. Connie once again turned to the television, watching the live coverage.
"And now, the President and Vice President are heading to the doors." said a reporter on the coverage.
Soon, Connie would be the one walking out of those doors. She knew this. But, she was braver than she was as a child. Then…
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States, Honourable Edward H. Montague, Vice President Edmund A. Hallifax."
Montague smiled, waving at the people. As he walked down, he greeted many, including past presidents who came.
"And here is President Montague greeting the past presidents." said the reporter.
President Montague walked up to Steven. They both smiled as they spoke.
A man walked up to Connie.
"Madame, it's almost time."
Connie took a deep breath.
"Okay…"
She looked to Allen.
"Ready, Allen?"
"Gladly." he said.
Pearl walked up to Connie and escorted her. They passed by camera crews and government officials. Connie's expression showed a bit of anxiousness. She would occasionally gaze at the floor while walking forward. They went down a flight of stairs, keeping her eye on each of her steps. They then reached the doors. Connie turned to a camera to her left. Her expression did not change. She then turned to a camera to her right, then back to the door. Allen was about to step out. She turned to him and smiled. The doors opened.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Vice President-Elect, Allen Johnson Grant."
Allen walked out smiling, he went down the steps of the Capitol Building, eventually to where Connie could no longer see him. She could hear the crowd cheer. A man walked up to her.
"You're almost up, Madame."
Connie looked to Pearl beside her. Pearl just smiled at her. Connie then adjusted her tie and took a deep breath.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, escorting the President-Elect, her personal guard and member of the Crystal Gems, Pearl. Please welcome President-Elect Connie Maheswaran Universe."
The crowd erupted. It was so loud, no one could hear the person beside them. Connie and Pearl walked down the steps. She saw the crowd of millions gathered in front of the Capitol. She saw the Washington Monument towering nearby, and she saw flying cameras everywhere, trained on her. She smiled and held her hand up next to her head, waving lightly. As they went down the steps of the Capitol, Connie shook people's hands as she passed by. They then got to the podium, Connie doing her wave again, then making a peace sign, like Steven.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee for Inaugural Ceremonies, the Honourable Elton Kelly."
A man with thin greying hair walked up to the podium.
"Thank you all. If you'll have a seat. You can sit down."
Everyone sat down as he began to speak.
"Everyone, welcome to Inauguration Day. It has become a big tradition in these United States that a newly elected President be given power by the previous. It has become the same since 1797, when George Washington gave power to his Vice President, John Adams. But these were two friends who knew each other well. The real test came in 1801, when John Adams was to give his power to Thomas Jefferson. It was concerning, considering that Adams and Jefferson weren't particularly very fond of each other. But Adams willingly gave up his position that day, without any hostility. This was the first truly peaceful transfer of power in American history. Ever since then, every transfer of power has gone the same way, peacefully. This of course will be no different. Today, we will inaugurate the new President and Vice President. Now, please stand while the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Walter Tomberlin, administers the oath of office to the Vice President of the United States."
Everyone stood, and Allen walked up next to the podium as Elton stepped back. A bald African-American in his sixties wearing glasses walked up. Allen's wife hend an open Bible next to Allen, as Allen shook Walter's hand. He then held up his right hand as Walter was about to administer the oath.
"Mr. Vice President-Elect, raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Allen Johnson Grant, do solemnly swear…"
"I, Allen Johnson Grant, do solemnly swear…"
"That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…"
"That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…"
"Against all enemies, foreign and domestic…"
"Against all enemies, foreign and domestic…"
"That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…"
"That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…"
"That I take this obligation freely…"
"That I take this obligation freely…"
"Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion…"
"Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion…"
"And that I will well and faithfully discharge…"
"And that I will well and faithfully discharge…"
"The duties of the office on which I am about to enter…"
"So help me, God…"
"So help me, God…"
Everyone started clapping. Walter shook Allen's hand.
"Congratulations."
Allen stood aside as Elton Kelly stepped up to the podium.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's an honor to introduce the Chief Justice of the United States, Albert Red, who will administer the Presidential Oath of Office."
Connie walked up next to the podium. A man with dark brown hair walked up to her. Steven walked up next to Connie, holding a velvet cushion with a folded American flag on it. Connie held up her right hand as the man began to speak.
"Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Connie Maheswaran Universe, do solemnly swear..."
"I, Connie Maheswaran Universe, do solemnly swear..."
"That I will faithfully execute…"
"That I will faithfully execute…"
"The office of President of the United States…"
"The office of President of the United States…"
"And will, to the best of my ability…"
"And will, to the best of my ability…"
"Preserve, protect, and defend…"
"Preserve, protect, and defend…"
"The Constitution of the United States…"
"The Constitution of the United States…"
"So help me, the people…"
"So help me, the people…"
"Congratulations, Madam President."
He shook her hand. The people gave loud cheers. Once again, no one could hear the person beside them. In the distance, artillery guns could be heard firing in celebration, and the music started. With a smile, Connie came up to Steven and held his hands.
"I knew you could do it." he said with a smile.
He kissed her forehead. Aquamarine walked up and hugged her. President Montague shook her hand.
"Congratulations, Connie."
She smiled.
Meanwhile, Elton Kelly stepped back up to the podium.
"What a day it is. Now please welcome the new President of the United States as she gives her Inaugural Speech."
Connie walked up to the podium. Everyone was now silent as she was to give her speech.
"People here today, people of America, everyone watching, it is an honor. I welcome your support, for I will need it these next four years. In my oath, I said "So help me, the people"... This is true. I cannot do this alone. I will need the government and the people's support in order to lift this country out of its bad times…"
The flying cameras were trained on her, not moving.
"The way I see it, I have been put in a big predicament. Not only are we in high financial crisis, but the world is being threatened by a brutal empire. The French. As you know, the people of Europe have been hanging by the thread, as the Allies attempt to fight France back to Paris. The Germans are being threatened at the Rhine. The Norwegians are keeping a close eye on their coasts, and Britain is currently fighting off blockades at their ports. And in other parts of the world, the French have spread their influence. Taking control of a few of their former African colonies, some in East Asia, and in the Southern Pacific. And, most concerning, in Haiti. French ports have been established there. But! Remember this, Emperor Lacroix remarked that America is not at fault for Europe's "ignorance", and that he has no intention of hurting us. Say what you will about his remarks, I believe he has no reason to threaten us."
She took a few seconds to let the crowd think.
"Then there is our domestic problems. Our financial crisis, and the conflict of the new energy sources discovered. Our economy is in a bad state. Many people are out of jobs. It's like the 1930s all over again. But I have ideas. Franklin Roosevelt had some ideas on how to stop the Depression. Like construction jobs, and making the American landscape beautiful and accessible. Though his legislation did not completely succeed, it helped lessen the severity of the Depression. If we can pass this, our crisis will lessen. I also believe the government should increase spending, to keep money in circulation, henceforth kickstarting the economy's recovery. I will also speak with my Cabinet on fresh new ideas for this."
She stopped speaking for another few seconds.
"So it comes down to two things. I either focus on the war, or I focus on our economy. I cannot do both at once… I choose to help our economy."
The people began cheering and clapping. She refrained from talking until they settled down. Once they were done…
"But, I will keep on high alert. In case Lacroix does decide to hurt us in any way, he will be met by resistance. I WILL send troops if I have to. I'm still putting the economy first, but Lacroix is still a problem. If he is watching this, I have these words for him. Leave America alone, and we'll leave him alone. Simple as that."
The people cheered again.
"As I have stated, I will need your help, people of America. Let's rise from our depression. Thank you!"
The cheers were now at their height. Connie balled her fist and into the air. The Army band began playing Hail to the Chief.
East Side of the Capitol Building-Thirty Minutes Later
On the East Side of the Capitol Building, Connie and Steven walked with Montague and his wife to a helicopter. Once they got to the helicopter, Montague shook Connie's hand.
"Once again, good luck…"
Connie smiled.
"Thank you."
Montague turned to the helicopter and walked up the steps. His wife stepped in first. He turned and waved out to everybody. Steven and Connie waved back. He then stepped into the helicopter. Steven and Connie turned and walked back to the steps of the Capitol. They turned and stood beside Vice President Grant and his wife. The four saluted to the helicopter.
The helicopter's blades started to spin. Soon enough, the helicopter began to rise, within a few moments, it was flying off into the sky. Connie and the others lowered their salute.
Inaugural Ball-A Few Hours Later
At the Inaugural Ball, people were crowded around a central stage. On the side, a row of instruments lay, with microphones next to them.
Then, Connie and Steven stepped out onto the stage, along with Vice President Grant and his wife, and others. Connie was wearing a lavish white dress, and Steven was wearing his tuxedo. It was about time for the ending slow dance.
Then, Peridot, Lapis, Pearl, Garnet, Amethyst, and a group of men in tuxedos walked out to the side of the stage where the instruments were.
"And now, performing ELO's "Can't Get It Out of My Head", the Crystal Gems, with Peridot on lead vocals, accompanied by the Washington National Men's Choir."
The crowd cheered as they took their positions. Peridot on synthesizer, Lapis on violin, Garnet on piano, Pearl on bass guitar, Amethyst on drums, and the choir standing in a line near Peridot.
With one hit on a cymbal by Amethyst, and Garnet playing piano, with a subtle background of the violin by Lapis, the slow dance started. Steven held Connie's hands as they danced. Peridot leaned to her microphone while playing the synthesizer.
"Midnight… On the water… I saw… The ocean's daughter…"
Amethyst's drums started.
"Walking on a wave, she came… Staring as she called my na-ame… And I can't get it out of my head.. No, I can't get it out of my head.. Now my old world is gone for dead.. 'Cause I can't get it out of my head. No no. Breakdown… On the shoreline…"
The men's choir could now be heard as she continued singing.
"Can't move… It's an ebbti-ide… Morning, don't get here tonight… Searching for her silver li-ight…"
As all the Gems sang in unison, Connie looked up at Steven and smiled.
"You know, I could appoint you Chairman of my council on Fitness."
Steven looked a bit confused.
"They have that?"
"Yes." she answered, "You're in charge of any presidentially sponsored fitness or sports-based events. I know you like fitness."
"Heh."
He looked to her and smiled.
"Thanks…"
As they continued to dance, Amethyst lightly tapped on her drums. Lapis was continuing to play violin, and Peridot began doing a synthesizer solo. Steven looked to Connie again.
"I'm really proud of you."
Connie, who's head rested on him, looked up.
"Yeah?"
He smiled.
"Yeah."
"I thought before that I'd never become President. Back then, I didn't want to be. But now I feel like I need to try and get this country back on its feet. It's the right thing to do."
"Yeah. You're a natural leader."
Connie laughed.
"I love you."
"Same to you, Jam Bud."
Connie closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest. He blushed madly. He noticed Peridot, gazing at him while singing. She gave a wink to him, and he did the same.
"Sitting 'till the sun goes down…" she sang, "In dreams, the world keeps going 'round and 'round. And I-"
"Can't get it out of my head!" sang all the Gems in unison, "No, I can't get it out of my head! Now my old world is gone for dead!"
"'Cause I can't get it out of my head." said Peridot, "No no."
"Oh, I can't get it out of my head! No, I can't get it out of my head! Now my old world is gone for dead! 'Cause I can't get it out of my head! No no. No no."
As the chorus raised their voices in the finale, Connie raised her head and kissed Steven's lips. As the song ended, they parted. The crowd cheered loudly. The two smiled at each other.
Now, you, the readers, get to decide what happens in the next chapter. Say in the reviews what you'd like happen in the next chapter, and the one that I like the most, I'll pick!
