Chapter 300

“Mr. President, I asked that you meet us in public because Novokov and D’Anjou both did. I’ve been open and honest with them and they’d know if I left the room to meet with you. They would lose confidence and everything would unravel. I realize things are not normally done this way, and that’s a problem you should work to correct. More open discussion and transparency would serve your administration and Washington well. Let me explain what concessions the French and Russians are willing to make. Then I’ll explain what they will need from you, and you’ll decide how you want to proceed,” advised Steve as he went into a brief, but thorough description of his talks with D’Anjou and Novokov.

President Hanson listened intently, and then asked several questions. He was reluctant to agree to some terms and told Steve so. They had another brief discussion on what they each felt was in the best interest of the U.S. Gwen listened and remained silent as the two men kept their voices down,