With the support of the people of Idaho as well as many across the nation who shared his political views, GO was convinced that he would be able to use this incident to achieve his lifelong aspirations. So long as the President continued to blunder as he had that morning, Thomas knew he would be free to justify just about any action he took while winning the majority of the nation over to his side. The only thing that he would need to be careful about over the next few days was keeping his distance from those elements that could discredit his cause. Already a number of militia leaders and other fringe elements had made it public that they were ready and willing to support his stand. GO reminded himself that he would need to make doubly sure that his Attorney General understood the importance of keeping an eye on the militias and right wing radicals. GO appreciated the speed with which national leaders and the media could turn away when someone became identified too closely with extremists.

As important as that issue was, it would have to wait for the moment. Walking out of the building, GO could all but feel the warm glow of the media spotlight. Journalists and camera crews, kept at bay by a single strand of barbed wire strung up around the headquarters, sprang to life when they saw him. Like a pop star he paused, flashed his famous smile, and absorbed every ounce of the excitement and glory he could manage. With studied ease, he pulled a set of aviator style sunglasses from a pocket on the sleeve of his jacket, flipped them so that the arms sprang open, then coolly brought them up to his eyes while scanning the crowd. Only one thing could top this, he told himself as he looked at the mob of journalists. There was only one more victory that he needed in order to make this one of his more exciting and fulfilling days.

At first he didn’t see her. GO had expected to find Jan Fields in the forefront of her colleagues waiting to interview him. She was, after all, noted for her aggressiveness when it came to getting the story du jour. He had been counting on this drive. It was therefore a bit disconcerting when he was unable to find the prize that he felt justified in claiming.

He had all but despaired of finding her when he saw the world famous journalist out of the corner of his eye talking to a Guard officer. Though he had no clue who that officer was or why she was wasting her time interviewing him, GO was determined that he would correct Jan’s lapse in judgment. Buoyed, he gave the noisy crowd another broad, confident smile, a quick wave, and turned to make his way over toward Jan.