Chapter 7: Quid Pro Quo

After the arrogant display by his Legislative colleagues, Peter was not impressed, it appeared they were going to forsake the deal he made before the Democratic National Convention, but he was not worried, after all, he holds all the cards now, after working with this circus for 4 years, he knew that they aren't as infallible as they showed.

"Well gentleman I have a draft for you to read, don't worry, it won't be long I won't take your precious time," said Peter handing them a file containing his draft cabinet proposals.

the circus took turns reading the document, and no emotions were expressed out of their faces.

"well I'll be, our new president is so eager, settle down, Pete your inaugural ball hasn't even started yet and you already wanted to do some politics" joked Congressman Tobias Harris

"hahhaha, it's good though isn't our Pete is such a workaholic," said Congressman Stephen Jordan.

"Indeed, but Pete while officially the appointment of your cabinet is of your pleasure, you need a diverse set of considerations from our closest allies, so that our government would truly be the perfect mix of talented individuals, of course for the betterment of all American including our party," said Senator Truman Crenshaw clearly unhappy with the names listed on Pete's draft.

"Pete you know the Senate would never confirm this draft, this draft reeks of personal connection, and our colleagues would accuse you of nepotism," said Senator Howard Hughes displeased.

"oh you have no faith in me Howwy, these are all the best men and women for the job, representing a wide range of specialties through pure meritocratic deliberation, of course, I did not forget the party, all of them are democrats or Public supporter of the party, truly the best of the best" explained Peter although he knows they wouldn't budge with just that.

"Also I showed this to you all not because I want you to give me your opinions, I want you to make sure come February these people be looking nice and pretty for their cabinet photo opp" Peter's message is clear now he ordered them to affirm his choice without hindrance.''

''Mr.President with due respect, I understand you are eager to put your choice on the roster but, that is not how it works, we have already given you the right to choose your own VP, the cabinet cannot follow suit" Emphasize Senator Howard Huges, he knows now that Peter will not be a president who went along with Party politics.

''Are you saying my Bobby is not qualified to be VP? Are you listening to this Bobby? Need I remind you gentleman Congressman Bobby Mc'alain was Chief of the House Homeland Security Committee? Should I remind you under his committee we put the Iranian-Contra scandal on trial'' Peter said slightly angry as Howard essentially discredited Bobby/s merit.

''Of course not Mr.President I did not mean to discredit my colleague's achievement, but the matter is clear, the party will have to modify your cabinet draft, to ensure that The cabinet will be the best America can offer'' deflected Howard.

''Don't worry Howard I know you didn't mean it that way, although you are still forgetting something you forgot our Quid Pro Quo, Before the DNC, you asked us to sponsor some senator and congressman publicly, and in return, Pete and I might pick the cabinet freely, so is the old guard backing away from our deal?'' Bobby finally chirped inquisitively as he looked at Senator Howard's eyes with a sharp gaze.

''Bobby of course not, what I suggested is that we need a new response towards a better America for the betterment of our union that is all, you and I will work together for a long long time side by side in the senate I would be foolish to make enemies with the VP" Howard finally feels the pressure now, this is n longer just a visit this has became a high stake debate.

"Cut the political language Howard you are not being interviewed by NBC, Let me reiterate to you gentleman, we have a deal, I win you your seats, and you agree to my whim, it is a clear deal with no interpretation," said peter his tone his Voice slightly louder as he press his fist on the document.

"You can't just do that, you would be no better than a dictator, is this how your presidency would be? An iron-fisted dictatorship?" said Congressman Tobias Harris with an angry tone his hand pointing to Peter.

"well if that is how you will play gentleman you may leave, I will make a call to the young wing of the party, I bet they would love to work with me, or better yet I heard the Republican would be open for a new president" peter finally had it and use his trump card, no longer he is willing to entertain the request of the circus.

The gentlemen's faces varied in response from a mix of angry to slightly scared faces, they all understood the amount of soft power Peter had, after all the young POTUS was the most famous president in modern times, and his support would make it easier to pass programs and bills. And if he changes his coat his supporter too will follow suit, threatening to split the party into two.

"Alright-alright Pete, we understand but even so can we count on your support in the future and can you guarantee that your cabinet will follow the party line" Howard finally relented, the way he saw it losing the POTUS support would be more painful than losing a say in who to place in the cabinet.

"well as long as you also supported me and Bobby without too much protest, I'm a simple man Howwy an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a cabinet confirmation for bill support, Like I said before I want a permanent Quid Pro Quo between us, do we have a deal?" Peter finally gives a smile now that the circus will go along with his whim. Pete offers his hand for a handshake

"of course Mr. President we would be happy to work together" Howwy took the handshake reluctantly, he now knows the new president is not someone to easily control, and he need to change his strategy. But for now, he will work together with him.

They all continue to discuss varying degrees of topics from government to personal. They even began to share some very very dry laughs, then after his legislative 'colleagues' finally prepared to leave the Oval Office.

"oh before I go Mr.President and Mr.Vice President, Grandmaster Schwab is waiting for your presence in the next forum meeting, make sure you are in Davos by the 23rd of July," said Howard before he left the room and his legislative colleagues followed suit.

"well that went better than I expected," said Bobby relieved they got what they wanted

"yeah… but I bet Howard is thinking of a new way to get back at me, but oh well Que sera, sera, we'll cross the bridge when we get there," said Peter as he sat lazily back behind the resolute desk.

"Pete, do you still want to be part of the forum? Don't know man they gave me bad Vibes, hell I met some Actual Devils who were more welcoming than that sketchy fraternity" asked Bobby concerned as he got a feeling that the Forum they were talking about was not as simple nor as straightforward as its name implied.

"oh no I am not concerned about the forum, I know they are sketchy but call it morbid curiosity, I wonder what or who is behind the Grandmaster, no doubt it will be a supernatural being, but that being must be very powerful to be able to create the forum'' Peter said lazily as he gazes out towards the DC afternoon sky.

"Well, I hope you know what you are doing, Damn I have to go now I still need to address my own staff, see you at the evening inauguration Gala," said Peter as he hurriedly left the room. Peter now left alone began to think once again about the things he would do tomorrow and the day after, as he waited for the evening for his Inaugural Gala Dinner.

Then he heard his phone rung.

"Hello, President Nassau here" Pater greet the caller.

"Sorry to bother your time Mr.President but an urgent call is awaiting to be connected to you, from Lillith, the Underworld," said the monotone Operator on the other side.

"Thank you, operator, please connect them to me" Peter knew this call wouldn't be just a simple congratulations for he knew the callers from Lillith were no other than the 4 Sovereigns of Devildom Th 4 Satans themselves. adding to an already mentally exhausting day for the new young President.