Both the President and Vice President were obviously shocked and the Joint Session of Congress erupted in bipartisan support and appreciation. The politicians knowing full well that to not vociferously and demonstrably show their approval would be political suicide, given the popularity of the 30 minute war among their constituents and the resulting nationalistic pride it was evoking from the populace.
After the thunderous applause finally settled down, the President thanked Beth and then dismissed the proceedings. The six of us, myself, Beth, Bill, Mary, Jim, and Rache then made our way out, going by and shaking the hands of each SCOTUS judge and most of the members of Congress as we passed.
"Harry," Bill said, "I remember you wanted to speak with the Gold Star families and they are waiting for us in a reception room. You willing to address them now? If not, Jim and I can go and you can address them later if you like."
I looked at Beth who smiled and nodded her approval, "Now is good, thanks for the opportunity. Will there be press?"
"No press. This is not a photo opp. I wanted it to be personal."
"Agreed."
We entered the room with 100 people seated in rows consisting of the parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, and children of the slain soldiers who had died liberating Mexico and the room went quiet. There was a large screen television which had obviously broadcast the joint meeting we had just left and there were quite a few who were crying.
I looked at Bill and asked, "Mind if we go first?" He nodded and let Beth and me stand before the group as they stood to the side.
Taking a shuddering breath, I spoke quietly while still projecting my voice for all to hear, "Families of the fallen, I have no idea how to relate to your grief other than to share with you why I was the Commander of this short war. My father was, what is called in the business, a special operator. He and my wife's father were investigating the Mexican drug families moving drugs into our country with the help of some rogue foreign nationals. The foreign individuals have been dealt with, involving an unprecedented level of cooperation with multiple countries around the world."
I took a deep breath, "However, the Cartels were left for the United States to deal with as they were at our southern border. I am sure the President can speak to all that was done in other areas, but I was in charge of dealing with Mexico. I have the current Mexican President, Lady Isabella who can clue you in with her side of the background story."
Beth then spoke up, "I want you all to know, your family members died saving the lives of untold Americans as well as Mexicans. My entire family was brutally murdered in my presence because a crime boss wanted me as his, unwilling bride. I suffered that humiliation for over a decade, being married to the President of Mexico, before Mr. Harry Walker here saved me."
"Through his leadership and my intelligence briefing, we developed a plan with your President to rid Mexico of all of its crime families and establish a fully democratic government. The goal is to utterly destroy organized crime, disrupt street gangs, and bring to a screeching halt all the drug and human trafficking going on between our countries."
"I am very sorry your families have had to pay such a horrible price for that vision which is still being brought to fruition. Please accept the profound appreciation of the Mexican people and myself for your sacrifice. I know nothing will bring them back, but I hope knowing why they died will bring you some solace and know you can be proud of their service to your country, to Mexico, and their respective peoples."
I then added, "We made them pay with their lives. I want all of you to know that not a single person involved in the deaths of your loved ones survived."
"Mr. President!"
"Yes, thank you Lady Isabella and Ambassador Walker. I cannot say much other than to tell you our military's special operations groups have either arrested or killed all of the primary members and support personnel of all of the drug cartels in South America and all of the crime families in Mexico. Currently we are assisting Mexico with their transition to a democratic government as well as helping to develop a strong economy to reduce the appeal of crime in their society and finish killing the drug and human trade coming across the border."
"While loss of a single American in this war was an unacceptable price, Mr. Walker's war plan was exceptional and our forces carried out their orders with unimpeachable professionalism. As you are aware, the war lasted a grand total of 30 minutes before all the major objectives had been reached. That is unheard of in all of human history."
"There is nothing I can say to take away your pain. But I can tell you that your brothers, sisters, spouses, sons and daughters will be remembered for their sacrifice. The United States Congress has approved a memorial, statues of each of those brave warriors standing with their comrades, which will be placed on the national mall. I personally invite you to attend the unveiling when it is finished and anyone needing accommodations or travel will be helped so you can attend."
Bill then bowed deeply and said, "I thank you all for their service and the entire country thanks you for your sacrifice."
With that, we mingled and consoled before leaving the room.
After we were alone in the Oval Office, Mary shed a tear saying, "Harry and Beth, that was a wonderful thing to do."
Rache added, "Hopefully they will find some comfort knowing what their loved ones died accomplishing."
Jim concluded, "Don't be surprised or dismayed if some of them lash out. That is part of their grieving process and Politicians and military leaders are prime targets. It is just part of the human condition."
I mentioned, "Some will accuse us of going on a vendetta for the death of my father and the attempts on all our lives. I am fine with that and intend to own up to it as part of a response to include all the other, more altruistic, reasons for our actions. I don't know about what your people are saying, but I find that owning up to the personal aspects of this will only affirm we were human and not blind to that issue. The average American will appreciate the defense of our families against criminal aggression."
"Harry, there is a U.S. Senate opening next year in your district. The party wants you to run. Are you interested? I can guarantee you all the funding you need."
Beth smiled, "You would make a wonderful politician, if I may be so bold saying such as an outsider."
Oh shit.
"Thank you Beth, Bill. You know I have to run that by the family first...but I am not saying no to the prospect. Thank you and the party for the offer and please let the powers that be know I appreciate their support."
"Is that a preliminary yes?"
"It is a preliminary yes, barring the family not agreeing to it."
Bill got on his phone and called the Embassy Afloat. Captain Barnes himself answered, "This is Captain Barnes, Mr. President. What can we do for you today?"
"Captain, I need you and the rest of the extended family on this line. How long before you can make that happen?"
"Give me 5 minutes, Sir, while I put you on hold."
Three minutes later Barnes was back, "Sir, the extended family is on the line."
"Wonderful! Harry has something he wishes to ask the family."
I looked at the President with a raised eyebrow. "You really want this to happen, don't you."
He winked, smiled, and pointed at the phone.
Dad spoke up for the family, "What gives son?"
"Well dad, it seems your and Marion's plotting has born some unexpected fruit. The President, on behalf of the party, has asked me to run next year for the open Senate seat in our district. I told him only if the family approves and he just up and called everyone on the spot."
