Gazali looked nervous. “There apparently is a statute still in the law that allows the wife of a legislator or other public official to take her husband’s office if he dies while in office,” Gazali said. “The law was put into effect after the War of Retribution so the government could continue functioning even if lawmakers serving in the armed forces were killed in battle—”

“Are you saying that Salaam may still become a presidential candidate even though she is not even Egyptian?” al-Khan thundered.

“It is of no consequence, Minister,” Gazali said quickly. “Salaam may have been the wife of a public official, but in peacetime the statute is symbolic, nothing more.” Gazali made some pretense of being needed on the other side of the podium and scurried away after giving the cleric another nervous bow.

But al-Khan could quickly see for himself that this was much more than symbolism—it was about to happen. A few moments later Gazali stood to address the Assembly:

“The Assembly will come to order,” the speaker ordered. When the chamber assumed some semblance of quiet, the speaker continued, “A motion has been brought before us by the honorable senior delegate from Alexandria that any wife of a public official who dies while in office may assume her husband’s office for the remainder of his term. There is considerable debate by the members on whether or not this applies to the high office of president.”

Gazali paused, then glanced at al-Khan. The deadly warning stare he received in return decided his course for him—Khalid al-Khan was too powerful a force in Egypt to be crossed.

“We note with pride and affection the love many in our country have for Madame Salaam,” Gazali went on. “We note that Madame Salaam served Egypt well as an officer in the American air force, advising and supplying our armed forces with vital information, advice, and counsel during the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait. She has been a faithful and loving wife to our beloved president and a friend to us all. We also recognize her countless contributions to the betterment of Egyptian society, especially her patronage and support for universal education, the restoration of our ancient libraries in Alexandria, and the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and outcast children in our cities.