After they received a summons from Nathaniel, it was a slightly larger group that met back in the private study. As Fitz took one of the two single seats that were set at either end of a grouping of paired leather sofas, Nathaniel took the other one.
Colleen and her father were two of the new additions, along with Susan Ross, Fitz noted. It was clear from her expression that she was puzzled and more than a little intimidated by the company she now found herself in. She sat herself uncomfortably on the couch where Olivia's side
There was also a young woman that he didn't recognize who was seated on one end of the double couches closest to Nathaniel. He tried not to stare but couldn't help himself. She couldn't be more than seventeen at the most - so close - too close to Karen's age. The realization was a sharp jolt to his heart. Her being Hispanic, all wide dark eyes and darker hair left very little doubt as to why she was here. She had to be somehow connected to situation in San Collondias.
Both Olivia and Jocelyn took seats opposite one another on both couches, positioning themselves closest him, consciously declaring their loyalty. Colleen and her father found their seats, as Will seated himself at the bar.
Peter was the last to take a seat, locking the door behind him at his father's request.
"This time there'll be no interruptions." He sent an apologetic glance in Fitz's direction before joining his brother at the bar.
Susan looking around, was the first to speak, wondering aloud why she was here.
Fitz smiled at her. "We're gathered here to make some decisions about a delicate situation."
"So again, I ask - why am I here?"
"Your opinions came highly recommended, Susan." He said, trying his best to reassure her. "You know that you and I have had more than a few interesting conversations - and that made me more determined than ever to bring you in on this."
His words did little to ease the deer in the headlights look on her face.
"In on what?" she asked.
"Protecting a fledging democracy." Nathaniel explained.
"A goal that's more than worthy of your talents." Fitz added.
"Who recommended me?" It was clear that Susan still wasn't convinced.
Both Olivia and Colleen smiled their answer.
Nathaniel answered everyone's unasked questions by introducing the young woman sitting silently beside him. She was Annarosa Diaz-Ramos and once they heard her last name, there was no explanation necessary - she was clearly a relation of General Ramos. The family resemblance was clear.
Fitz saw something that he wondered if anyone else did. As a student of history, Fitz recognized what Ramos has done by sending this young woman here; it's an old world tradition to send a family member into negotiations as a sign of trust given and offered for both sides. He was careful not to show it, but his heart ached a little at the idea that so much responsibility had been placed on such young shoulders.
If she was wary of them, it was only to be expected and if she was afraid, well then, Fitz thought - she was hiding it well.
Nathaniel guided the conversation. "I coordinated with the General to have Annarosa arrive at this time to keep her appearance from appearing suspicious. I don't know how successful we were, since she was delayed by what we're being told were mechanical difficulties."
At least, it was clear that had been what they'd hoped it was.
His words were the opening of what followed; the Cassidys spoke up first;first they introduced themselves to Annarosa - this was the first time that they'd met face to face.
Then - for the benefit of the group - they turned to Fitz, explaining once again some of what he already knew from conversations with Colleen. On a commercial level, they'd already established a relationship with the government of San Collondias where they'd been contracted to work out an educational program. It was a smaller, experimental version of the same STEM initiative that Colleen was planning to execute in the states next year.
The general's niece nodded and it was clear that she'd been thoroughly briefed on the matter as she asked several pointed but informed questions about the program's progression.
Colleen answered most of them for both she and her father. The numbers coming in from the preliminary research looked promising and they were ready and willing to move forward with the general's permission. "And yours, of course, Mr. President."
Fitz nodded in reply, even as he remembered the education package that included the STEM initiative crossing his desk a few weeks ago. He, Olivia and Cyrus had discussed the pros and cons briefly but hadn't come to a definitive conclusion then. Now he had to take into consideration this new turn in the political atmosphere.
One thing he did know - even if he didn't think that he had the words to say it in the manner in which he wanted to say it - was the last thing that he wanted was for America 's offer of aid to come off seeming condescending towards the smaller country.
As usual, Olivia seemed to read his mind; her next words were meant to smooth the way. "I think that we can all agree that education is the key to success in any functional democracy.
"My uncle agrees." Annarosa nodded. "An educated populace in an informed populace - however he wants it made clear, that it is the Collondias people who will make the decision as to what forms that educational progress will take."
"This is something that we've agreed with from the start." Colleen said.
Her father spoke up. "It's why we agreed to the training program and the five year initiative timetable that he requested that will hand over the entire program to your people."
"Your company has - but we have yet to hear from your president." Annarosa gave Fitz a challenging look.
"Be careful with your words, Annarosa." Nathaniel cautioned.
She answered him quickly."Believe me, Tio, I am being very careful with my words. It's my intention - on behalf of my general and my people - to make sure that we're all very clear on where we stand."
Fitz wondered just how much - how well - the Collondias government knew their American history.
"The Collondias people have every right to be cautious." Fitz said. "Our history hasn't always been the most shining example of democracy. But I can say that we've had our moments when we've tried to do better. I'd say that this is where we are in this moment of history. It's your country's chance to make it better - and our chance to choose to be on the right side of history."
"For a change?" The look in her eyes made it clear that Annarosa Ramos was very much up to date on her histories.
Fitz met her gaze and held it. "For a change." He agreed.
Fitz turned to Jocelyn and then Susan to get their opinions. Jocelyn, with her experience in international relations didn't think she saw any problems at the moment. She did worry about the future, especially once the project became known to the public. "We'll need a fresh assessment of San Collondias' neighbors along with each of their individual political aspirations."
"It's why we are pushing for a summit - so that they can make their voices heard and hopefully put any reservations aside. It's not our purpose to make anyone worried about our own aspirations."
"And your people may have to acknowledge the fact that despite your best intentions, that may not be possible." Fitz pointed out.
"You would condemn us to failure without giving this plan a chance?" Annarosa asked.
"The president has done no such thing." Olivia kept her voice as gentle as possible as she corrected her. "However, he's determined to face the reality of the situation - a fact that we can all be sure that your General Ramos would appreciate."
Her words must have struck a nerve; Annarosa had no quick and ready answer to Olivia's statement. She looked from Olivia to Fitz to everyone else in the room.
Fitz gave her what he thought was a reassuring look before he turned to Susan. "I know about your work concerning the quality of education in your state - it's one of the reasons we wanted to bring you on board."
Susan blushed. "Sir - Mr. President - I really don't know what to say…"
"Whatever you're thinking, Susan." Fitz said.
The weight of everyone's eyes on her made Susan's voice more than a little shaky. "This all sounds promising…"
"But?" Fitz urged her.
She was silent for a moment and it was clear that Susan was mustering the strength to speak her truth to power; once she started to speak, the words began to tumble out of her.
"But…is any of this really doable? I mean, it sounds wonderful and noble and everything that we want our country and your country -" Susan looked directly at the young envoy. " - everything we want our world to be. But the people in this room don't determine policy. At least not alone, Mr. President, and I don't think that I have to remind anyone here that there are many - including some inside our own party, sir - that will not be especially pleased with this."
"Susan's right." Olivia said. "It's a fine line we'll be walking; the countries surrounding San Collondias will need convincing that your country is not being set up as a shell democracy, a political lapdog of the US. Unfortunately, we have a sad history of doing exactly that."
"It's why we request those assurances." Annarosa said and despite her bold words earlier, Fitz thought he saw a shimmer of hope in her eyes.
"I think a lessening of trade tariffs would be a good place to start." Jocelyn suggested. She'd been watching her president and was encouraged by the subtle approval she'd seen in his response.
She took her cue from Olivia and let her words shape a positive path. "Education and economics are always foundational to a nation's growth."
"Investments too." PC Cassidy added. In spite of his grouchy exterior, it was clear that he was all in as well. "My daughter and I are ready on that end."
"A sister-city connection." Susan said suddenly. "It's a way to establish ties between our countries and give us a way to explain our working together."
"I think I can help with that." Will had been quiet this entire time, knowing that the conversation up until now had been far above his pay grade.
Nathaniel spoke up, pointing out that Susan was most definitely right in her assessment of where things stood, but also that this was an election year and asking what consideration Fitz had given to how this will effect his upcoming re-election plans.
"It's not the first time I've dealt with opposition and it won't be the last." Fitz said. "What we're discussing here is only a first step. But I think it's an essential one."
"In an election year, sir?" Peter asked.
"That shouldn't matter." Fitz said. "I won't let it matter. If what I choose to do becomes dependent on my election campaign, well then - we've already lost."
Peter smiled, and for once it didn't hold his usual mockery. "Mr. President, I think you just got my vote."