"We may take a step to such of a thing but we are to agree on this common currency you speak of Colin."
"Yes, that's good." Colin then switched topics, "Oh, before I forget, I have something for you."
Colin opened a cabinet, and pulled out a large wrapped up box, and gave it to Anthony. "I wanted to give this to you before I forgot- my memory's like a steel sive, as you know."
Wittrock looked at the large wrapped up box in great interest, "You and Mai didn't need to buy a gift, Colin. I more then appreciate the generousity of
both of you. Do you want me to open it now, or tomorrow on Christmas Day?"
"Oh, whenever you like- I don't mind. Plus, I know you'll like it- I made one for myself already. Doing a second wasn't all that hard."
"You'll have to thank Mai too- without her, I could never have done this," Colin added.
He smiled at him, "Something you constructed, Colin?"
"You know me. I like to build random stuff."
"Right," without haste Anthony opened the Christmas present slowly as he looked at Mai who just entered the room and sat on the arm of Colin's chair. He moved the wrapping off as he opened the box and there laid a replica RC of the Avro Arrow, "Spectactular!"
"I knew you'd like it. I've got one as well- want to dogfight sometime?"
Mai chuckled, "Like your new toy, Anthony? I tell ya, building an RC engine that looks like the Iroquois was hard- fortunately, we had the blueprints."
Colin leaned over and kissed Mai. "That's why I love her- she's handy in more ways than one," he chuckled.
Wittrock took a sigh as he looked at Colin child-like, "Bring it on!"
Wittrock smiled and looked over at Mai, "I greatly appreciate this, you guys didn't need to get me anything. This has to be the best gift I have ever recieved. By the way, Mai. I have something for you as well."
Mai was interested. "Oh, Anthony- you shouldn't have.."
Colin turned to Anthony, "I knew you always wanted one. You always used to mutter about how much you hated Diefenbaker for cancelling the real thing."
Anthony lowered his eyebrows, "What a bastard he was."
Standing to his feet he went to his bag as he opened it up, it was packaged in a parcel, walking back he handed it to Mai, "There you go."
Mai was curious as she opened the box. "What could it possibly be," she thought to herself. When she opened it, she was very happy. In fact, so happy, she went over and hugged Anthony, "Oh, Anthony--that's wonderful--Now I can visit back home without having to show ID--Thanks, indeed!"
"Well you were born in Vancouver and you meet the standards for citizenship. So there you go. So when is dinner?" Wittrock held his stomach as he didnt
eat anything on the plane.
Colin checked his watch, "Should be right about...now. Let's go, I'm a bit hungry meself.."
"So, who else is here besides me?"
Mai heard the doorbell ring. "Speak of the devil," she said. "I'll be right back." She left the room.
"That must be Mai's sister Jocelyn," Colin said. "She normally comes and spends Christmas with us now."
"Mai has a sister?" Wittrock came to jumping conclusions.
Colin looked at him quizically, "You didn't know?"
"Well, yeah, she does- She was adopted too. Her parents got killed in a car accident in 1977 - She was only four, poor thing- but, Mai's folks took her in."
"That was nice of them."
"Indeed it was." At that point, Mai got back with her sister.
As Jocelyn walked in, she turned to Colin and said, "Colin, you really should get on the horn to VIA- They were late again."
Colin said jokingly, "Do I look like Mussolini? I don't control train schedules." He
montioned to Anthony, "This is Pres. Anthony Wittrock of the FRC- he's joining us for dinner."
Anthony stood to his feet, "A pleasure to meet you, Jocelyn."
And shook her hand.
Jocelyn returned the favor, "Charmed to meet you, Anthony."
"The pleasure is mine, Jocelyn."
Colin checked his watch again, "Erm, guys, I hate to break up the atmosphere, but I think the food's getting cold- and my microwave is broken."
The group then went into the dining room, where they sat down.
"The Prime Minister's microwave oven is broken, Colin. Why don't you get Mister Sinclair to repair it? He still is the repair man here at Sussex aint he?"
"He's dead, I'm afraid- Killed in theBattle of the St. Lawrence. One of the most decent men I ever met."
"He was hired you know when I was elected Prime Minister. What a great man indeed, Colin."
Colin and Mai both nodded, "Indeed."
Colin then said, "So--Anthony, you're the resident man of God- would you do the honor of saying grace?"
He smiled at him, "Well your the host?"
"Yeah, but you've got the connection with the big man. Plus, it's Christmas."
"Fine. I'll pray."
Colin, Mai, and Jocelyn all bowed their heads and folded their hands.
Wittrock tilt his head as he folded his hands together, "Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for this day that we can come together and enjoy one anothers company and be in remembrance of your Sons' birth. Please bless this food we are about to eat in your Sons' name. Amen."
Moments later, "Let's dig in!"
"My sentiments exactly," Jocelyn chuckled.
He smiled at Jocelyn across the table, "Of course, I am sure its the same for the Graves."
Colin and Mai said, almost in unison, "Yes, comrade Wittrock."
Colin turned to Mai- "COMRADE Wittrock? Is this the Communist Party?"
Mai chuckled, "Could be. What do you call Lenin's tomb?"
Wittrock laughed, "Reminds me of the days when I argued with Gilles at the bar in Montreal."
Mai chuckled, "Ah, Gilles- Interesting man, to say the least. I met him in High School- trying to push Quebec separatism on us."
"His idea, I made Western seperation happen. I'm glad the CNSTF arrested him when he tried to escape after the breaking down of the Neo-Fascist Canadian Union."
"Oh by the way Mai. We caught that Parrish bitch too."
"So am I," Colin said. "I do hope you intend to dispose of him."
Mai smiled evilly, "That's great--I want to see her BURN," she yelled as she slammed her fist on the table.
Jocelyn rolled her eyes, "Here we go again.."
"Calm down Mai. I'm sure you'll be present at her trial to make her life a living hell."
"That's good. I'm glad--I intend to make her rue the day she crossed me," she said with a hint of hysteria.
Colin leaned over and whispered in Anthony's ear, "Don't mention Parrish- Mai gets VERY agitated..."
"Alright, Colin. I just wanted to see the evil glare in your wife's eye. You know I love it."
"Hey, it's cool- most people do- that's why I married her," he whispered.
Anthony chuckled as he nodded his head, "Let's change the subject. So what do you do, Jocelyn?"
"Oh? Me? I'm a linguist for the ECIS, East Canadian Intelligence. I work in Arabic languages."
"Interesting. I received my doctorate degree in International Relations in Middle Eastern Affairs."
Jocelyn's face lit up. "Really? That's cool- I think I read your thesis..forgive me, what was it on?"
Wittrock thought for a while, "Relation between the West and the Middle East, basically. I've have to look at the book again. I haven't worked in Foreign Affairs for quite sometime."
"Oh, I remember now," she said. "They asked me to review it- I said something to the effect of, "very well written, a good manual for Chretien on
what NOT to do when dealing with the Arab world."
"Ah right. I was to be the Canadian Alliance Foreign Affair Critic at the time. However Mister Day got it."
"Ah, I remember well," Colin interjected, "I was foriegn affairs critic for PC- I was rather hoping to scream at you on the floor."
Mai batted at him playfully, "You would, you crazy Anglo.."
Colin chuckled, "That's my wife. What're you gonna do? Anyway..."
Anthony laughed as he looked at the couple remembering the early stages of his marriage with Rochelle, he looked down at the plate in front of him for a moment of silence.
Jocelyn was a bit concerned. "Anthony, is something wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong," as he looked back up at Jocelyn and to the other two as he picked up the fork as he stabbed the brussel fork.
Jocelyn was concerned. "Are you sure? You do appear rather troubled."
Mai then whispered in her ear about how Anthony had lost his family in a terrorist attack.
Jocelyn nodded in understanding.
He gently smiled as he brought the brussel sprout to his mouth, "I remember when my grandmother had to force these into my mouth when I was a child."
Mai said, "My mother used to do that to us- remember, Jocelyn?"
Jocelyn chuckled, "Yes, I remember all too well- you would never let them do it. You made such a mess, Mai."
Mai tried to stifle a laugh, "Remember when I actually shot one into the window?"
Jocelyn roared with laughter, "Yes..and it then fell on the cat- That was just hilarious!"
Anthony chuckled.
Colin was a bit confused. "Odd, to say the least."
Mai said, "Oh, come now, Colin, you've done it before, too."
Colin interrupted, "Mai--let's just keep that buried. It's too embarrasing."
Anthony put the brussel sprout into his mouth and ate it, "Oh come on Mai. Tell us Colin's dirty little secret."
Jocelyn grinned, "Oh, come now, Colin- your election promise was to be honest with the people."
Colin was red with embarrasment. "Oh, fine, I'll tell- If any of you tell ANYONE, it won't be good."
"We will.. I mean... we wont."
He then started, "Back in '94, when Mai and me were dating, we went out to a place in Montreal- I had been there before, it was good- but, unfortunately, Mai there," he pointed, "Did something rather stupid."
"She order frogs' legs. Now, normally, I wouldn't have cared, but she insisted that I try some."
He was really red now. "Not wanting to offend her, I did. It was bloody AWFUL. I made a dash for the gent's room and proceeded to heave."
Witrock began to holler laughing.
Colin shook his head, "It was embarrasing, I admit. Fortunately, no one's brought it up."
"But, anyway, that was seventeen years ago- times change."
Mai chuckled, "That's not all, Colin..."
Colin rolled his eyes, "Mai, can't we drop it? Not about the time I pulled a George Bush on Chretien, please.."
"I remember..."
Jocelyn cleared her throat, wanting to avoid further conversation about bodily functions. "So, Anthony- I'm curious- what exactly do you do as
President?"
"I am an elected official. I am the Head of State. I oversee all democratic operations placed by the government."
"Interesting- so, nothing really different from what the PM here does?"
"Basically the same. However i am also seen as the Commander-in-Chief of the military. The Prime Minister is not."
Colin said, "That's true. That's Steve's job."
"Ah. Steve Ericson. How is he?"
"He's good. Apart from referring to himself in the third person all the time, he's good. That reminds me, I gotta ask him about dissolving Parliament soon," Colin added.
Wittrock nodded as he smiled over at Jocelyn and looked down at his impartial finished meal, "The new gallery staff here is superb."
Jocelyn nodded, "Oh, I know, they've done a wonderful job as of late- I don't get it myself."
Colin said, "The war. Many of them went off to the front."
"But, the point is, the gallery staff is good. I think we got them fresh out of Paris, If I remember correctly," Colin said.
Looking over at Mai, "Another great thing that comes from France, Mai. It seems that Colin actually may come to agreement."
Mai was puzzled. "Now, that's rare- Colin loves to be contrary about anything French. I'll demonstrate." She turned to Colin, "Paris is the capital of France."
Colin replied, "No, it's Orleans."
Mai turned to Anthony again, "See what I mean? There's just no hope for him," she sighed.
Anthony shrugged his shouders he kept it secretly that he was somewhat fluent in the language since he learnt it during his studies in Montreal, "Oui."
Colin chuckled, "As far as I'm concerned, there are a few things good that came out of French culture. My wife is one of them. The other is the Dassault aircraft company. Damn good planes."
"But, anyway, let's agree to disagree on that.."
"The same goes along side with your sister-in-law, Colin."
Colin was embarrased. "Oh, yes, my apologies Jocelyn- I forgot you came from the same idea, too. My deepest apologies."
"It's ok, Colin," Jocelyn said. "We know you forget things easily."
"I remember one time he forgot his pants before coming to Parliament," Wittrock said sarcastically.
"I never was that bad, Anthony. I forgot my briefcase sometimes, and my laptop- but never my trousers."
"But what about the time I crazy-glued your briefcase to the ceiling?"
Colin sighed, "That's because I made the mistake of arguing with you about why the French failed miserably during 1940."
"Jocelyn, why didn't you tell me your sister was like that?"
Jocelyn replied, "Well, A, the two of you love each other, and B, I didn't know Mai would argue about history."
Anthony looked at Jocelyn then to the other two, much more happier then he was at the beginning of dinner.
Jocelyn was a bit curious. "You're grinning like a cheshire cat, Anthony. From dealing with my brother-in-law, I know that's not really good."
"Oh, Jocelyn, can't we all just be randomly happy at least once," Mai said.
"I am just more merrier then earlier. I am enjoying myself which I havent for the past couple of months."
Jocelyn replied, "True, Mai. Although they do lock people up for that."
The others were glad that Anthony was feeling better. Especially Jocelyn. She thought to herself, "There's something about him- I don't know what, but there's something that makes me strangely attracted to him--I don't get it."
President Wittrock folded his hands together, "So Colin. How is your re-election campaign going?"
"Oh- right- that. It's going well. Polls suggest that I'm ahead of everyone everywhere except Quebec. Only because of the damned BQ."
Mai purred, "Colin, I've told you, let me handle your Quebec campaign- I can assure you you'll get twenty more seats there if you let me. Other surprises
too."
"Aw, what have I got to lose? Go ahead- I'm sure you'll do better than I could," Colin replied.
Wittrock, "The prediction for the election in the FRC is rather close, right now I'm a head. Last week it was the Democrat. A former NDPer."
"NDP? Socialists? But I thought you were all rather conservative out there," Jocelyn replied.
He nodded his head, "The conservative minded individuals make up the majority of the population. However you'll be surprised that there are some NDPers still active in politics after the split especially in the FRC."
"Really? I thought they all migrated east," Jocelyn added.
"What distrubs me is this man knows nothing about Foreign Policy. Which Canada is in need of these days."
"For someone to know a great deal."
Jocelyn was puzzled. "How so? I mean, one would think he would know at least SOMETHING.."
"He's just a buisness man."
"Ah--and yet he's running for President on seemingly no platform at all?"
"Colin and Mai know my opinion on buisness people becoming politicans."
Colin and Mai nodded. Colin said, "Yes, we know, they're incompetent. Case in point, Paul Martin."
President Wittrock nodded his head as he put his hands together, "Anyways, if it is close and I do not win. I'll call for a re-election. Since recounts are non-acceptable in the FRC."
Colin was dumbfounded. "Anthony, if you don't win, you don't win..It's democracy."
"I understand that. If the Canadian people want to vote for that idiot as their next President so be it. Relations worldwide will not be the same if I am not elected. He will make the FRC an isolated nation from the world."
"Why would he do that? He's not THAT incompetent, is he?"
"He believes the nation would be better off, but I am not here to dictate politics. I'm here for a pleasant socialable evening two close friends that I almost call family."
Mai blushed, "Aww, that's sweet, Anthony."
Jocelyn spoke up, "I'm sorry to bring this up, but, Anthony, tell me- are there many people in the FRC from the Middle East?"
"I only ask because, if there were, I could take some time off to go and stump for you..."
"There is a few places that I call hotspots with a large Muslim population and we do accept immigrants from the Middle East. So I am sure there are quite a few. And I would enjoy that... if you come stumpin' by."
"It's no problem, I just wanted to help, that's all." She then said, "You know, Anthony, I really quite like you."
He smiled at her again he had that smile across his face, "Well thank you, Jocelyn. I don't know what to say."
Mai chuckled, "Oooh..I hear wedding bells."
Colin then censored her, saying, "Mai, we musn't jump to conclusions, babe. We don't know yet."
President Wittrock remained silent, "That'd be to odd for the time being."
For a moment Anthony then spoke bluntly, "Think of it. Me, being related to Colin?"
Colin was a bit weirded out as well. "Feeling's mutual, Anthony."
Jocelyn sat there, a tad embarrased that she had caused the current ruckus.
Anthony looked over at Jocelyn, "Oh don't worry about it, Miss Jocelyn. We're just teasin'."
Jocelyn smiled, "You're right. From the horror stories I've heard from Mai, this is fairly common."
Colin was a bit confused. "Horror stories? What's so horrific about my job?"
Mai said, "Nothing, except you talk about the opposition in the most dreadful manner- especially the Bloc."
Colin didn't say a word. He really didn't want to go off on another random tangent about the Bloc Quebecois.
"What is on the list of things to do next on the itinerary, Colin?" Anthony said trying to change the subject.
"Erm...I have really no idea. There's plenty of alcohol- but I can't think of much else. Unless you want to take me on in HALO II, that is."
Jocelyn grinned, "Colin, want to play me? I'm eager to practice on someone."
Colin shook his head, "Jocelyn, just because you beat me in Axis and Allies doesn't mean you can't beat me in HALO II."
Anthony chuckled, "She beat you at Axis and Allies, Colin?"
Colin shook his head again, "Unfortunately, she did. She managed to flank my forces driving into Germany and managed to take Moscow. I really screwed up there."
Jocelyn was glad. "No hard feelings, Colin. I just happened to be able to mobilise most of my forces in an all out attack on your army- You just happened to collpase fast."
At that moment, Colin's beeper went off- he was being told to get to call Parliament, fast.
"Oh, hell's bells," he muttered. "They probably set off an alarm or somethin'"- He turned to Anthony, "Sorry, but I gotta check it out- otherwise they'll keep bugging me."
Mai interjected, "I had better go with him- He may need me to interpret."
"Ah right. If there is anything I can help you guys out. I'm here to address anything of importance."
Mai interjected, "I had better go with him- He may need me to interpret."
President Wittrock looked over to Jocelyn with a smile, "I guess it leaves you and I all alone."
"I suppose it does," she said. "So, Anthony- I'm curious- tell me more about yourself- I'm rather curious."
He nodded, "As you may now, that my daughter and wife were kidnapped and murdered by an unknown terrorist group five months ago. I was born in the same city as Mai, there I would grow up into a young handsome man, where I would join the Canadian Army as an Officer. After I reached the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. When my contract came to an end for renewal, I decided to resign my commison in the Armed Forces to go study at University. I recieved a Masters Degree in Political Science and as well a Doctorate in International Relations. Somehow inbetween, I got involved into Canadian politics by joining the Canadian Alliance back in 1995. From there, I have had quite an interesting political career. Being Prime Minister, then now being President of the Federal Republic of Canada. What about yourself?"
She nodded, "Well, I was born way back in '82 in Gaspe- I lived there until I was about four, when my parents died in a car accident. Mai's family then took me in after that, and I moved to Montreal. I went to University of Toronto, class of '04, majored in Arabic Languages. I've only dated two guys, unfortunately, no luck so far- but, I'm optimistic.
"You'll find someone. The only woman, I ever dated was the woman I dated. Do I think I may remarry or date again? I have an uncertainity, however when my wife was alive we did discuss this that if either of us died that we should find someone. And, is agreeable that man cannot be alone."
"That's true. I think, in this matter, you should do what you think is right- it's just best to follow your heart."
"For the time being, I am waiting for the right woman. I know no one could replace her, but there are more woman out there that I can fall in love with."
Anthony looked over at Jocelyn, she was one of the beautifulest woman he had met over the last couple of months as he was invited to several parties by members of his Administration.
"I understand the feeling. Though I was very young when my parents died, I felt that I had lost them forever--but, I realised that they wanted me to be happy- and I think that's what your wife would want for you- just to be happy."
"She was a great woman, and there are other great women out there somewhere, especially the one sitting across from me right now!" Anthony exclaimed.
Jocelyn was taken aback by his outburst- "Anthony...I don't know what to say..."
Anthony raised his left eyebrow and replied, "Just nod your head, smile and say thank you."
She did just that. In her mind she was thinking, "It couldn't be him, could it--could he be the man I've been waiting for?"
Anthony smiled, "There we go."
Jocelyn gulped, "Anthony, I'll be blunt, I love you."
Anthony looked at her shocked and didn't know how to respond to her statement, "I do not know what to say."
She smiled, "Just nod your head, smile, and say thank you."
Anthony chuckled, nodded his head with a big smile, "Thank you!"
Jocelyn walked over to him and hugged him.
Anthony stood up and continued to hug her, gently kissing her on the forehead.
She started to kiss him as well. She said as well, "God, I love you.."
Anthony smiled as he moved his hand through her black hair, "I'm starting to love you..."
She just smiled and purred, "As I you.."
Anthony moved his head down as he began to kiss her neck lightly.
She purred again, "Oh, Anthony..."
Anthony moved his hands down her back lightly as fingers trace her dress as he continued to kiss her neck.
At that moment, Colin opened the door. He took a quick look inside, said "Sorry- didn't realise", then quietly shut the door. He turned to Mai, "I really should listen to you more on these things."
Mai sighed, "Of course I was right, Colin. I can sense these things."
Colin just smiled.
Meanwhile, inside, Jocelyn was very happy. "Anthony--how did you get so good at this?"
Anthony smiled, "I was married?"
"Musn't forget these things," she sighed contentedly.
"I probably won't forget too," Anthony looked over at Colin and Mai, "I apologize for this..."
"It's alright, Anthony," Colin said. "Take your time." He shut the door again.
Anthony looked back at Jocelyn as he sat down on the chair, "Your such a wonderful woman. If we did get together, I wouldn't want you to seperate yourself from your work. It seems like you enjoy yourself working with the Eastern Canada Intelligence Service."
Jocelyn shook her head, "It's alright, Anthony- Colin's a good man- I'm sure he could arrange for me to be our liason for your intel service in Victoria."
He nodded and motioned her to come sit down on his knee, "That he is, Jocelyn."
She sat on his knee. "It'll be alright- Anthony- we won't need to make any serious adjustments, I should think."
Moving his hand down her back softly, "Sounds good, I'll be back here in Eastern Canada after the Federal Election for an Official State Visit."
"Oh, right, the election- I do hope you win. Polls look to be in your favour."
"Right now they are, hopefully they remain the same."
"That's the idea- I hope. Anyway, did you want me to come out your way to help the campaign?"
"Maybe you can persuad the Arabic vote in favour of me?" He smiled gently as he lifted his head up to kiss her on the cheek.
She kissed him. "They always told me I was rather persuasive."
He smiled at her as he continued to move his hand down her back, "I guess maybe we should join our host and hostess for the rest of the evening that they have planned? From there, maybe we can do something afterwards?"
"That's a good idea- I wonder what Colin's up to right now, anyway."
He gently stood up with sitting on the chair as he picked up Jocelyn inbetween him.
The two of them walked down the hallway. Colin and Mai weren't there, but they could hear playful laughing echoing from down the hall.
Jocelyn sighed, "If I know my sister as I do, that means she's 'busy'."
"Maybe its for the best we do not interrupt them?" Wittrock looked at Jocelyn as he spoke quietly.
At that moment, the door flung open. A half-naked Colin (forunately, with pants on), fell out.
"Oh, hi, guys--Erm, I can explain."
"Is it often to see your half naked Prime Minister falling out of a door of a bedroom suite, Miss Jocelyn?" As he looked at Jocelyn jokingly.
"Having fun, Colin?," Jocelyn asked.
A few minutes later, he stepped out, wearing a sweater.
"Sorry about that, I, was, erm..fixing the television," Colin answered. "Anyway, anything I can get for you two?"
"Ah we just decided to come by and see what Mai and you have planned for the evening?"
"Nothing, really- rather open. Have anything in mind?"
"Maybe sing some Christmas Carols and have Egg Nog, like we did last year?" Wittrock laughed.
"You really want to hear my drunken singing," Colin asked.
"I always enjoy it, and I'm sure Jocelyn would like to see that side of her brother-in-law?" As he looked over at her, holding her hand.
Jocelyn turned to Anthony, "I already have, Anthony. It is rather entertaining, I admit."
Colin nodded his head, "I agree with Jocelyn for once. I am rather entertaining when drunk. But, it ain't worth it."
"He also does the barbershop type singing if you put a little Crown Royal into his drink."
Colin said, "Want to hear such tunes as the Soviet National Anthem and the Internationale from a drunkard? Ask Mai. She's good at that."
"Speaking of which, here she comes now." Mai came out (fully clothed, fortunately.) "Saying something about drunken singing?
"It is tradition, Colin. You can't put a stop to tradition. This time I wont be making passings to Mai."
Colin and Mai said, almost in unison, "Thank God for that."
He winked at both of them as he looked over to Jocelyn.
"Anyway," Colin said, "I could use a drink..Jocelyn- I got Bourbon in anticipation of your coming."
Jocelyn was glad. "Gotta love the bourbon, man."
"Mmm... good French wine. What year?" Wittrock asked.
Colin said, "I think 1971- the same year the other good French thing came into being."
He said that as he ran his hands through Mai's hair.
"Colin, a romantic? I can't believe my ears. Can you Jocelyn?" As he looked over at her with a playful grin.
Jocelyn chuckled, "Hard to think."
Colin said, "I've picked up a few things in the sixteen years I've been married."
Jocelyn laid her head on Anthony's shoulder, "I trust you didn't inherit the romance deficit that tends to run in Anglos?"
Wittrock smiled, "Well I learnt a few things, like search the internet when I first started dating Rochelle."