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greenjacketwhitehatdocmui · 4 years

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Frozen: Clear Communication

Okay, while I should have been working on the next chapter of “Those Left Behind,” this came into my head. This is a bit that, while not anti-F2, certainly calls for some individuals to be held accountable. This involves my OC, Daniel Antonini--and this is a story that can’t happen under my current structure. But it was fun to write.

--Doc

Yelana looked at the castle from the moat to the highest towers. She tried very hard not to be impressed. After all, she was leader of the Northuldra, not some backwater tourist.

"Wow," Honeymaren breathed. "It's...bigger than I thought."

"Huh," Ryder grunted. "Wonder how many reindeer they keep in the stables?"

Yelana shot them a quick look. The siblings were her escorts for her trip. It was just meant to be a quick visit to lay down some trade formalities and such.

She caught the eye of one of the guards. He bowed politely.

"Good day, Lady Yelana," the guard said. "We've been expecting you. Would you prefer to relax in the garden or the courtyard?"

"We're not going into a meeting room?" Honeymaren asked.

"Queen Elsa informed me that you might feel more at ease in natural surroundings," the guard said. "You are, of course, our guests."

"The garden will be fine, thank you," Yelana said. She allowed a hint of approval to color her voice. "Where are Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, if I may ask?"

"They're currently resting." He paused. "Someone will be with you shortly."

The garden was rather peaceful. It didn't really compare to being in the forest, but it was...acceptable. Yelana noted a few stone benches, as well as a duck pond.

They were met by a tall, lean young man in dark blue. He hurriedly smoothed down his shock of dark brown hair. Sharp eyes glanced over Yelana and her companions, as well as the surroundings. He carried a set of scrolls under one arm.

Daniel Antonini bowed to them. "Lady Yelana. Honeymaren. Ryder. Welcome to Arendelle Castle."

Yelana actually cracked a smile. "Mr. Antonini. I see that you're more comfortable here. The last time we met, you looked very...fretful. Is that the correct word?"

"Quite," he agreed with a rueful expression. "Traveling with Queen Elsa is always an adventure, especially given the stakes at the time." He paused. "Not that dealing with aggressive ambassadors is much easier, but at least I'm aware of the hazards."

Yelana gestured to the scrolls. "Are those the trade agreements? That's quite a bit for one day's work."

"I've taken the liberty of translating them into three languages: English, Norwegian and Northuldran--at least, what I could piece together," he admitted, handing the scrolls over. "Please feel free to correct me on this so that we may avoid any miscommunications. Before we begin, may I offer you refreshments?"

The initial negotiations went smoothly. It was a process of feeling out limits. Yelana found the terms to be very generous, especially given the circumstances. They both agreed that any use of resources from the Enchanted Forest would be determined by her tribe, after consulting with the Spirits. There would be no repeating the mistake with the dam.

After about an hour, Daniel called for a break. He noticed Ryder fidgeting slightly. The slightly glazed look in Honeymaren's eyes was another clue. Hammering out a lasting agreement was necessary, but it could be extremely boring at times.

"If you like, I could direct you to the Royal Stables," Daniel suggested. "I believe that Kristoff should be feeding Sven right about now."

Ryder's expression brightened. "I don't suppose that...?"

"Go on," Yelana said knowingly. "Just don't talk their ears off."

"Well, I can't talk to many guys about reindeer," Ryder protested. "I don't know why, but they look at me funny."

"I meant Sven," Yelana said mischievously. "The poor thing probably gets enough conversation from Kristoff."

Ryder looked sheepish as he was led away. Honeymaren giggled at her brother's quirk.

"I'll stay here for the time being," she said, staying close to Yelana. "Just in case."

Yelana sighed. She understood Honeymaren's protectiveness, but the elder detected no threat. Daniel had been very accommodating and honest--unlike the late, unlamented King Runeard. The young man was humble, earnest, and simply wanted to help. She could see it in his eyes.

"I don't suppose that the Water Spirit would be around?" Daniel asked, changing the subject. "I shouldn't be so presumptuous as to think that one could summon a Spirit."

"The Spirits will do as they will," Yelana said philosophically. "If they feel the need to be somewhere, you will find them."

The duck pond bubbled next to them. The pond itself stretched into a pillar, then leapt out. The Nokk landed almost daintily on the grass of the garden.

Daniel stood up from his seat bowed respectfully to the Nokk. "On behalf of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle, I bid you welcome. As such, you are entitled to any hospitality that can be offered to a guest."

The Nokk nodded back. The Spirit looked at Yelana and Honeymaren, who bowed. Then it turned its gaze upward.

"She's resting," Daniel said quietly. "She's still recovering from the injuries she sustained."

Yelana blinked. "Injuries? What injuries?"

Daniel paused. "She did not come out of her last adventure unscathed," he sighed. "She had a mild case of whiplash and her back was covered in bruises. She thinks that she got those in Ahtohallan. She's been complaining about her knees and feet, thanks to a large jump she took. And she took a blow to the abdomen." He turned his gaze to the Nokk. "With all due respect, would you happen to know anything about that?"

The Nokk's eyes flared slightly. Then the Spirit calmed down.

"Ah," he nodded. "This was executed as part of your duty."

The Nokk tilted its head curiously, then nodded. The glow in its eyes dimmed slightly, as if it were--sorrowful?

"I suppose that's understandable," he said. "I should think that you and the other Spirits do not enjoy hurting people."

The Nokk's head tilted slightly away from his gaze. The Spirit looked ashamed. They were meant to help people. But it was obvious that there was a hierarchy among the Spirits.

"I think you should know that Queen Elsa has done a great deal for foreign relations. I have aided her with re-establishing ties to more than a few countries." He paused. "A few of them are quite aware of magic."

The Nokk returned its gaze to Daniel. It tilted its head quizzically.

"I should inform you that Queen Elsa is much-beloved by not only her subjects, but by other rulers. While I shouldn't speak for them, I can't imagine that they would be happy if Queen Elsa were...injured during the course of her duties." He looked the Nokk right in the eye. "Some may even go so far as to...demand satisfaction."

The Nokk's eyes flared angrily. It whipped its head around in outrage. It was almost saying, "let them come."

Daniel didn't even flinch. Yelana found herself impressed at the young man's nerve. Nobody in her tribe would have dared to even broach the subject of comparing the Spirits to others.

"I would prefer to avoid this unhappy outcome." He took a deep breath. "In the forest, you and the other Spirits are supreme. I grant you that." He frowned. "With the barrier gone, you and the Northuldra have taken your steps into a larger world. Accommodating others is...the best solution."

"And who, exactly, would be capable of challenging the Spirits?" Yelana asked.

Daniel looked thoughtful. "King Triton of Atlantica is quite fond of Queen Elsa. He thinks of her almost as his own daughter." He turned his gaze towards the Nokk. "Perhaps you've heard of him?"

Yelana and Honeymaren shook their heads. "I can't say I have," Yelana admitted.

The Nokk, on the other hand, bowed its head carefully and respectfully. Its watery form rippled, almost like a nervous gesture.

You hurt her, Daniel didn't say. It may have been in the course of duty, but you still hurt her. Well, now the gates have been opened. You're going to learn how to play nice with others and keep her safe. Because if you don't...

"He tends to be very protective of his family, you see," Daniel said calmly. "He doesn't brag about his power, but...I wouldn't want to get in his way if he were roused. I do hope you take my meaning."

The Nokk nodded. There may have been a hint of respect in its glowing gaze.

He smiled and nodded in return. "Brilliant. I'm very glad that we could come to terms. Honest, open communication is far better than oblique hints, don't you think?"

You kept people, including those faithful to you, trapped for over thirty years, Daniel thought darkly, though it didn't show. Not once did you truly communicate with either group. This could have been resolved years ago, but Ahtohallan declared that there had to be a Fifth Spirit. And you didn't have a choice, did you? But it's all right as long as Elsa is happy. That's what matters.

Once again, the Nokk nodded as if it had read his thoughts. It then moved towards the duck pond and leaped inside.

There was a long moment of silence as he watched the duck pond. There was nary a ripple out of place.

"Did you just...threaten the Water Spirit?" Honeymaren asked. She looked aghast.

Yelana frowned deeply. "If you were one of my people, you would be beaten for showing disrespect to the Spirits. That was daring and arrogant."

"It was said politely," he reminded her. "They will have to grow out of the forest and into the world."

Yelana's expression lightened. "You love her that much?"

"I do," he said simply.

"Love? Who?" Honeymaren asked.

"Mr. Antonini here is in love with Queen Elsa," Yelana explained. "I've seen that fierce, protective look before, but never against a Spirit. You are either very brave or very foolish."

"I hold to my convictions, Lady Yelana. Do you have any objections?" he asked.

"I should...but I've decided that I like you," she returned with a little smile. "You are clever, but you are also earnest."

"He was taught by some of the best," Elsa said from the garden entrance. Anna and Olaf were flanking her, holding her hands. "Welcome to Arendelle Castle. I hope that Daniel has been a good host."

"I have no complaints," Yelana said wryly. "Honeymaren?"

Honeymaren did not gape at Elsa's attire. She was in the same dress that had been created in Ahtohallan. In the afternoon light, it was dazzling.

"He's been very...hospitable, yes," Honeymaren got out. "Yes, he's been a very good host."

Daniel bowed deeply. "How are you two feeling?"

"Me?" Anna asked. "Oh, I'm fine. I mean, I just had a few minor scrapes and bruises."

Behind the banter, Anna gave Daniel a questioning look. He responded with an almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment.

Yelana tried not to smile. Daniel's little speech hadn't been just for himself.

"Still a little stiff," Elsa admitted. "The doctor says that I should be all right in another week." She changed the subject. "Speaking of stiff, you can drop the formalities, Daniel. We're in front of family."

"So, I've your permission to hug Anna and Olaf, followed by snogging you silly? Is that what you mean?" he asked impishly.

There was a round of suppressed mirth in the group. Elsa withheld her giggle with her left hand. Something sparkled on her finger.

Yelana blinked. "When did this happen?" She gestured to the ring on Elsa's finger.

"Oh, um...last night," Elsa admitted. "It was all very awkward and silly, but very sweet."

"You might want to rephrase that," Anna pointed out. "People might get the wrong idea."

Daniel winced. "Yes, thank you, little sister of my heart. The world must know how awkward things can get."

"Soon to be sister-in-law," Anna reminded him. "And aren't you supposed to be the smooth, unruffled diplomat?"

"I tend to falter around family," he admitted. "In any case, might I suggest that we all have a seat?"

Elsa blinked as she sensed something. "Was there a Spirit here?"

"The Water Spirit," Honeymaren replied. "It was here for a little bit. Daniel had a little talk with it."

"What kind of talk?" Elsa frowned slightly.

"It was merely a clarification of certain positions that have changed," he said honestly. "I may have called for better relations between certain powers."

"It was my idea," Anna interjected. "I just didn't want the Spirits to think that they could act however they wanted to around, you know, King Triton or other people like that?"

"No, it was my idea," he corrected her. "It was the most diplomatic--"

Elsa rolled her eyes skyward. "It was both of you, wasn't it? Am I going to have to calm the poor thing down next time we meet? I thought we were done with secrets?"

Anna coughed theatrically. "Didn't tell me about the voice because it would have bothered me," she muttered.

Daniel harrumphed. "Went three days without sleep and didn't mention it," he added sotto voce.

Olaf wheezed and coughed a proverbial lung. "Almost pushed Anna away because you had to cross a sea and you didn't want her get in trouble and--" Olaf took a deep breath. "--kept that all to yourself."

Elsa laughed sheepishly. "Et tu, Olaf?"

"There's more than two of us here," the little snowman pointed out. "Or does that mean that you ate two of something?"

Any further response was interrupted by a faint, chortling sound. It grew to an outright belly laugh that rang through the garden. Yelana laughed for a full thirty seconds before she calmed down, wiping tears from her eyes.

"Spirits, I haven't had a good laugh in years," she said. She turned her gaze towards Elsa. "I think that I could get used to being part of this family." She stepped forward, leaning on her staff, and extended a hand.

Elsa and Anna's hands covered Yelana's. The foundation had been laid for a brighter future.

#frozen #frozen 2 #yelana #honeymaren #frozen nokk #my writing

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bad-at-names-and-faces · 4 years

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The State Dinner

Chapter 5 (ao3)

[photo of Ellen Terry, age 16, circa 1864]

Inga found her brother exactly where he was supposed to be, outside the doors to the dinner, waiting impatiently.

"You smell fine," she said as she stepped up next to him, "but let's see your fingers."

“Yes, I cleaned up!” he said, holding out his hands. His sister could see some dirt under his nails, but not a lot, and she knew that it would not be worth sending him back at this point.

“So, what were you doing out there?”

“Just climbing in the loft over the stables. That’s it. When you found us, anyway…”

She glared at him, realizing that, yes, he was as tall as she was now. They were eye to eye. Across the room, she noticed the young man she had spoken with earlier… Lars was his name, she remembered. She waved to catch his attention. He came over.

“Good evening, Your Highness,” he said, glancing over at the cluster of older men on the other side of the room. “Oh, yes, hi, Mr. Nilsen,” she said, realizing that he would, of course, need to be formal, just in case. “I don’t believe you’ve met my brother, Frederick. Frederick, this is Lars Nilsen, from Corona.”

Frederick looked over, realizing that his sister was talking about him. “Me? Oh, hey,” he said, extending his hand a second or two later when he remembered that was expected if they weren’t bowing.

“I’ve heard of you, of course,” said Lars, shaking his hand. The young prince was nearly his height, and he had never thought of himself as short, “you two look much more alike than you do in the portrait,” he said. “That’s not something I’m used to hearing,” laughed Inga, “but maybe Freddie needs a haircut.” “I got it cut last month,” he protested. “Anyhow, Mr. Nilsen, are you the one with the horse? Father said he was going to introduce me to someone with a horse…”

“I… have a horse,” Lars said, “but I don’t believe I’ve been introduced to your father, yet. I think I met the castle steward when I was in the stables, though.”

“You probably did meet him, then,” laughed Frederick, “but here he is, now, so we can make sure you do.”

Lars turned around, recognizing the man from the portrait.

“Oh, good,” said Kristoff as he approached, “you two have already met!”

“Papa,” said Inga, “have you met Mr. Nilsen?”

“Your Highness,” said Lars, feeling a twist in his stomach and hoping this was, in fact, their introduction.

“Yes, we’ve met,” he laughed.

“We… have?” Lars stammered.

“Oh, Papa, you really shouldn’t play games with people,” said Inga.

“It was my mistake entirely, I forgot to introduce myself.”

“I’m terribly sorry, I should have asked. I didn’t realize that I would be meeting anyone so soon…”

“Well, here we are,” said Frederick, “and you’ve met us now, and they’re letting us in to eat, and I’m starving!”

Kai then signaled for attention. Inga had to poke Frederick back to attention after their father had been called in, and then it was her turn to enter the dining hall. As she sat down, she noted which countries had sent actual princes, and which ambassadors were in attendance. Despite her father's assurances that there were no plans of any negotiations involving herself, she did try to pay attention for any foreign princes who didn't look too old, or too short, just in case it would benefit anyone.

After all the ambassadors had entered, she saw the young man they had been talking to, and made eye contact, remembering to smile. She generally didn't bother. She had heard the maids saying how it was important to smile if a young lady wanted to be attractive, but she already knew it didn't really matter for herself.

Once she had eaten the first few courses, she was able to relax a bit. Perhaps she wasn't as hungry as Fred, but she hadn't exactly had a big lunch, either. Her mother was right, too, at least this was only a dinner. She always got praised by their dancing instructors, and she had enjoyed dancing when she was younger, but in the last few years, she started realizing that, as far as she was concerned, all her dancing partners, aside from her father and brothers, were sizing her up, hoping to gain her maiden hand for some grand duke or other, back in their home country.

She kept up with whatever conversation was expected of her with the men next to her and across from her at the table. This time, none of them had brought wives or daughters. Sometimes when they did, it was a relief, but sometimes all they wanted to discuss was hinting at which brother or uncle of theirs was being pushed at her, or worse, hinting that they were looking at her brother as a potential match.

She didn't need to talk about serious subjects all the time, and she would be more than happy to discuss the pony they liked to ride or the lovely fabric they found for their new dress. But it always came down to the young men they had either recently married, or were soon to marry, or were actively being courted by. And she was sixteen now, and they would tell her all about the other princesses who were engaged by that time.

During a break in the conversation, Inga noticed her brother walking to the balcony. She excused herself to follow him. She would not be stuck inside if he was allowed to leave. She saw him making his way to the roof.

"I caught you!"

"Fine, then join me," he said, "you know I'm not trying to get away from you, and it's nice sunset."

"Not in this dress, I won't. We can see the sunset from here. Besides, they won't bother coming this way, the ones I was talking to didn't have any princes or dukes to introduce me to this time. And I didn't see any young ladies, so you're perfectly safe."

He slid back down.

"What do you mean by that?"

"You're joking, right?" She asked incredulously.

Frederick stared blankly at her.

"They're all looking to marry you. It's rather simple."

He wrinkled his nose.

"I wouldn't worry, they won't make you do anything right away, they just want to secure you before you agree to anyone else."

"Now you're the one who's joking."

"Well, that's what all those people in there are thinking. Except Papa. And I'm pretty sure Mama thinks the same as him. So you don't need to worry."

"Well, thank goodness," he said moving closer to her, "And I'd miss you if you left. Marry someone here instead."

She gave him a half hug, as much as her skirt would allow without going flying up toward the room behind them.

"That's sweet of you, but I don't have any ideas, yet. I promise you I won't keep it a secret. I always hoped I might be lucky like Mama."

"That... didn't seem very lucky…" he said elbowing her gently.

"Oh… I was thinking of Mama and Papa… but, see, that’s all the more reason for me to avoid any of them in there."

"Fine, then, we'll both avoid them this evening."

"Who are you two avoiding?" Lars asked, stepping outside. Inga and Fred both turned around with a start.

"Oh! It's just you!" Fred exclaimed.

"You can join us out here, if you like," said Inga more calmly, "but I hope you didn't hear too much of what we were saying."

"Well, just as a warning, I was sent out here by the ambassador to find you, and he's going to want to invite you to the coronation of the prince and princess of Corona."

"Oh, and he's the perfect age for me, isn't he?" Inga sighed, "but I know you're not supposed to say as much."

"Officially, you're being invited because your parents are unlikely to travel in the next few months."

"Couldn't they decide for themselves who to send as a substitute?" Fred interrupted.

Lars shrugged, "that's outside my authority, you know."

"I suppose I should go back in, then," Inga sighed.

The ambassador from Corona was standing in a corner of the room with two other ambassadors she vaguely remembered seeing before. She stood quietly a short distance away, wondering how long their conversation would continue. The names of people and locations could have been changed around, and everything they were saying would be equally meaningless.

One of the men noticed her standing near them, and all three abruptly cut off their conversation and turned to bow.

"Your Excellencies," she replied, "I understand that His Excellency from Corona wishes to speak to me?"

"Your Royal Highness," began Mr. Meyer, "if you would permit me, we wish to extend an invitation to the coronation of His Royal Highness, Prince of Corona, to be held in two months time."

"Your Excellency," Inga began, pausing to think of the best response, "I had understood that His Royal Highness has a twin sister? Will she not have a coronation, as well?"

"Oh, yes, but of course. It will be on the same day, in fact."

"Am I not to be invited to the coronation of Her Royal Highness?"

"Well, yes, you are, obviously, invited to both."

"Thank you, then why not say so? As it is, I don't believe I am old enough to be traveling unescorted. And, I believe, my parents should be asked first?"

"Ah, of course, Your Royal Highness, that is quite true."

"Thank you, Your Excellency, I will await their instructions."

Inga returned to the balcony as quickly as she could gracefully manage. Her brother and Lars were having an animated discussion, it would seem. The sun was making its slow summer journey toward the horizon, always looking like it would soon be dark, and never quite getting there.

"Oh, good, Inga, you're back," said Fred enthusiastically, "was it what you were afraid of?"

"I shouldn't say anything," she said, glancing at Lars.

"I'm sorry, if you'd rather I left," Lars began.

"Well, I suppose you don't have to tell anyone this, but your ambassador made it sound like your prince doesn't have a twin sister."

"Um, I'm sorry?" Lars asked in some confusion.

"I think she's saying that they want her to marry Prince… what's his name? And what about me? There is a princess, and she's not that much older than me, and I know I was saying I don't like it, but a trip would be fun…"

"Fred…"

The two glared at each other as Lars stood, unsure of what he should be doing.

"I'm sorry, we really shouldn't be speculating about this around you," Inga apologized.

"That's… that's quite all right. I knew there would be occasional marriage negotiations, but I really thought they would be at least a bit more…"

"Subtle?" Inga suggested.

"Romantic…" Fred blurted out. Inga gave him another look.

"You know that's what you're really thinking."

"At any rate, I told the ambassador I'm too young to travel alone and that he'll need to ask my parents first."

"And, if he had asked your parents first?" Lars asked.

"Well, he didn't. I have as much or as little decision making power as I want, when it suits me."

"To be honest," Lars said in almost a whisper, looking around the inside, "that was absolutely not what the ambassador was instructed to tell you."

"What do you mean?" Inga asked.

"Just before we left Corona to travel here, I accompanied him to his audience with the royal family. The princess, I mean the mother, of course, expressed regret that your mother would not be able to attend the coronation, and had hoped that she could finally meet some of her children. I'm quite certain she didn't mean it the way the ambassador told you."

"I didn't know that she knew them," said Fred.

"Everyone knows everyone at some point, I suppose," said Inga.

"Oh, well, she and her husband were here twenty-one years ago, and stayed for a few months. I guess they liked the place in spite of things."

"I had no idea," said Inga, "I hope this doesn't sound rude, but our mother has never mentioned that."

"Perhaps she was referring to your aunt, then?"

"I don't know…" Inga said as she tried to think.

"Well, quite a lot was going on then," Fred offered, "so maybe they were just too well-behaved to be remembered."

"Perhaps you're right. And, of course, they all send nothing but politely flattering messages to each other," he paused, "no offence to you two!"

"None taken," Inga said. Noticing the sun had finally set, she looked inside. "Should we see if they've served dessert?"

"Ow!" Fred shouted as his dash inside was stopped by his sister's grip on his wrist.

"I should probably check in with His Excellency," said Lars, "but, Frederick, I do hope to take you up on the offer to ride around the countryside."

"Have a good evening," said Inga.

"Now can we get dessert?" Fred asked when Lars was inside. His sister nodded and went on in.

#my fic #kristoff #kristanna #glitter and be gay #nobody reads these

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deniseyallen · 6 years

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On Senate Floor, Portman Honors Memory of President George H.W. Bush

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) delivered remarks on the Senate floor in memory of his friend and mentor, President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last Friday at the age of 94.

“Jane and I send our condolences to the entire Bush family and to his many, many close friends. At the close of this truly great American life, this guiding light, let us honor his legacy by following his example of patriotism, public service, and civility. Godspeed, George Bush.”

Transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here.

“Today I want to talk about the loss of a great American. I want to talk about George H.W. Bush. I was just watching on C-SPAN coverage of what’s going on in the Rotunda right now, and there are hundreds of people crowded around his casket paying tribute to this great man. They’ve been there all day. They’ll be there all night. Friends of mine from Ohio are here in town who never met him but knew of him and are inspired by him. We’re all inspired by him.

“George Bush did it all. He was a war hero, youngest naval pilot at age 18, shot down over the Pacific. He was the last president, by the way, to serve in combat. He was also a member of the United States Congress and proud of that. Prior to that, a successful business leader in Texas. He was an ambassador to the United Nations. He was CIA director. He was envoy to China, the first one. He was vice president of the United States, and he was president, of course, during one of the most momentous times in our nation’s history. What a life.

“In his absence our country is losing a lifelong patriot, a guiding voice, and really the embodiment of the very best of America. For me, President Bush was also my mentor. I was very blessed early in my career to have been able to work for him. He brought me into his White House when I was a young man trying to figure out my way in life, and I would not be in this crazy business of politics but for him. Not just because he gave me opportunities to work for him but because he showed me that you could do this work of public service and politics with honor and dignity and respect. He showed that nice guys can finish first. He showed that his approach, kinder and gentler, as he would call it in 1988, was something that indeed you could achieve here, even in the halls of Congress. So I have a special reason to be so grateful. Also so sad about his departure because I relied on him for advice and counsel, and he rarely give it proactively. But when asked, he always had the wisdom of years and the judgment that so many of us will miss so badly.

“He took a chance on me as a young lawyer from Cincinnati, Ohio, to come into his White House as associate counsel to the president. He then took a chance on me to join his legislative affairs team to be director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. To be frank, I was not particularly qualified for either job. I had only worked on the Hill briefly as an intern. I was not nearly as distinguished as the other members of the legal team who had been mostly Supreme Court clerks. But it made me work all the harder to try to earn his trust and his respect. He didn’t just give me a job. He taught me about being a leader, a public servant, being a better husband and father. He showed me what servant leadership meant, what it looked like in practice. And I try to work every day to live up to that example. One of the most decent and honorable people I’ve ever met, politics or otherwise.

“He saw himself as a servant. That’s what motivated him. He saw himself as a public servant when he signed up to become a young Navy pilot, flying dangerous bombing missions. That sense of service, duty, and patriotism was why years later after a successful business career he decided to put it on the line, run for the United States Congress. By the way, I’ve noticed this week there’s been a lot of discussion about all of his successes, and there are so many. But one thing people might forget is that he was also resilient. He had setbacks in his life. Certainly the death of his beloved daughter, Robin, at a young age was one. He ran for the Senate twice in the state of Texas and lost. He didn’t give up, he bounced back, he was resilient, he was tough.

“When he was asked to serve as UN ambassador, he took up that task because of his devotion to service. When he was asked to chair the Republican National Committee during a particularly tough time for the Republican party—not a task most people wanted to take—he took it on. When he was asked to become the first envoy to China—again a big challenge—he knew it was the right thing to do for the country. And, of course, at the CIA , he stepped into a difficult situation. Morale was low and he turned things around.

“When he was appointed as CIA director, back in 1976, there had been a lot of hearings here on Capitol Hill. They were called the Church Hearings, named after Senator Church. The CIA was under fire, big time. And morale was low. It was a difficult period. He stepped in precisely because of that. And during his tenure at the Central Intelligence Agency, he made the CIA stronger, he built a special bond with the employees, he put some reforms in place that were important—widely credited by everyone as having restored a sense of pride in that important agency. I’d heard that repeatedly. And when I got elected to Congress in 1994—by the way with the help of President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, both of whom came to speak and helped out on the campaign by just lending their good names. Barbara Bush even did a radio ad for me that I think is probably the reason I won. She was probably the most popular person in America at the time. But when I got elected, I looked at the CIA complex in northern Virginia—then called Langley, it is still in Langley, Virginia. It was not named after anyone and I had heard so much from people at the agency about their respect for him, career people. People who had worked there for years had proposed the idea of naming the CIA after him and I proposed legislation to do that 1999. Today, that headquarters has been renamed under that legislation, the George Bush Center for Intelligence. I remember being at the ceremony with him when the naming was changed and just the love and respect that he had from the people at that agency.

“I remember him telling stories, including stories about why he took the job and how much he respected the people there and the work they did and how in many respects they were on the frontlines for all of us. I remember stories being told about him, including one I will never forget, which is that directors for years had gone into the CIA and then taken their own private elevator up to their office, which makes sense. It’s a big job. George Bush wouldn’t take that private elevator. He insisted on going on the employee elevator every morning. Why? As he said to me later, ‘Because I wanted to hear what’s going on, hear from the employees, hear from the officers.’ But I think it was more than that. I think it was because he wanted them to know he was part of the team. That was his approach to everything he did. Vintage George Bush.

“He did it with grace and dignity, bringing people together, working in a bipartisan manner, stood for what he thought was right, but he understood that other people had different points of view and respected that. He carved out an interesting role as vice president of the United States, unprecedented in terms of his ability to work with the president, work with the cabinet, work with foreign leaders. Ronald Reagan was there, of course, during a time of intense international politics when the Cold War was coming to an end. As President Bush said during President Reagan’s funeral, he learned more from Ronald Reagan than anyone he had encountered in all his years of public service but he also served Ronald Reagan well. As president, then George Bush was responsible for taking this end of the Cold War and being sure that it worked well, not just for us but for so many millions of people around the world. He led our country through some great change there, not just the end of the Cold War but the Berlin Wall came down. I was working for him at the time, and I remember the excitement about it and the sense that he should give a boastful speech and talk about how America had finally prevailed. He was hesitant to do that. He didn’t want to spike the football in the end zone. Instead, what he wanted to do is ensure that transition was handled properly. The reunification of Germany was a very controversial issue. He knew it would be in the interest of the world ultimately to reunify East and West Germany, but he did it carefully, diplomatically, with respect. He knew that Mikhail Gorbachev was in a tough position and so he handled the fall of the wall and, more importantly, the transition in Eastern Europe and Central Europe—again—with diplomacy and with respect for Gorbachev and the people, the millions of people who were affected. Of all the major events in which he played a role as Commander in Chief, I think that in some respects was the most important one. If you go to Eastern Europe or Western Europe today or Central Europe, all of them have a positive view of George Bush and the role he played and America played during that time period.

“Maybe the most well-known role he played as Commander in Chief was Desert Storm. There he showcased his abilities not just as a president but as a president who had served in combat himself. He understood the need to bring people together. In this case, other countries to ensure a successful result. Think about this. Over 30 countries were involved in Desert Storm. Hundreds of thousands of troops, all to stop the aggression of Saddam Hussein in the Middle East. He knew Saddam Hussein had to be stopped. It was within his moral fiber that he couldn’t sit back and watch one country move into a smaller country, take over in this case the country of Kuwait. So he knew there had to be a decision by America to lead this incredible coalition of countries all around the Middle East and the world. But he also knew that he had to get the American people behind him. I remember at that point I was director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. Our job was to ensure that we could support the president up here on the Hill. A lot of people were giving the president advice not to seek approval from Congress for that conflict. The fear was that Congress would say no. There was a lot of pushback. And the consensus was it had to be done. But George Bush believed that it was important to involve Congress, for two reasons. One, he believed in the institutions of our democracy. He believed Congress played an important role. Second, and maybe even more important to him, as a World War II vet, he wanted to get the American people behind it. He didn’t want to repeat what he viewed as some of the mistakes in previously conflicts, Vietnam in particular, where the American people were not with our troops. So he wanted us to go to Congress to seek that approval, and it was a fight. I was up here on this very floor, the United States Senate, trying to persuade people to do the right thing to ensure that Saddam Hussein could be removed from Kuwait, people could have a chance in that country to find their own destiny. That vote was won by three votes, three votes. If three members of the Senate had voted the other way, we would not have received that approval. It was close. But as I look back on it, I must say George H.W. Bush did the right thing. Of course, we won the vote which makes that easier, but the point is he insisted that we get the American people behind that conflict, and it ended up being not just a relatively popular military fight, which was successful, but one where the American people understood, because of the debate that happened here on the floors of Congress, the House and the Senate, what the stakes were.

“He never chose to do things just because they were easy. The easy thing would have been just to go ahead without seeking the approval of Congress. He made his decisions on what he thought was the right thing to do, and that’s the kind of man he was. There has been a lot of talk this week about his ‘Thousand Points of Light’ proposal. The Thousand Points of Light Foundation continues today, incredibly good work all over the country, people volunteering to help fellow citizens. He believed that everybody had a responsibility and an opportunity to be part of the change that moves our country forward to a better and brighter future, and that’s what points of light was about. That resonated with so many Americans and continues to spur action and encourage cooperation, and people give up their time, their service. I do think, though, it’s just as important to have some bright guiding light as it is to have the thousand points of light, and that’s what he provided. He was the guiding light, as an example for all the rest of us. Throughout his incredible life, he didn’t just tell us what it meant to lead, to serve others, or to be guided by what is right. In fact, that was not his style. It was certainly not to lecture. He didn’t consider himself a great philosopher. He led by example. He showed us. And, again, I will be forever grateful for that.

“He was also a person who put a lot of value on people and on relationships. He believed, quite simply, that building and strengthening relationships was incredibly important to building trust, which meant people could come together to solve problems. It meant that you could achieve consensus more importantly. He put that to work here in the Congress, being his liaison to Congress was relatively easy because he had so many friends. Even though he had only been here for a couple of terms, he had so many friends among Democrats and Republicans. Relationship building was important to him. It was also important to him to be able to deepen the ties between nations, to create a stronger, safer, more prosperous world. If you think about it, whether it was Gorbachev who we talked about earlier who was his friend to the end or whether it was Brian Mulroney from Canada. I know tomorrow there are a number of heads of state who will be at the funeral. This helped us as a country by having those relationships and building those relationships of trust to be able to build a safer, less volatile world.

“He is known for writing these handwritten notes, and a lot of attention has been paid recently to the class and humility he displayed in the note that he left for incoming President Bill Clinton the day he assumed office where he wished him well. But it goes beyond that. He was personable and respected everyone. A lot of his friends were Democrats. One example that I thought was striking was an Ohio congressman. I am from Ohio and I knew this congressman. He was a pretty liberal guy, a Democrat named Lud Ashley from Toledo. His relationship with Lud Ashley transcended politics. They were good friends. I’m told that just before President Bush’s term as president ended, he and Barbara Bush invited two couples over to dinner at the White House. Lud Ashley, Democrat from Toledo, and his wife were at that dinner. Just another example of George Bush reaching out, being a people person first. That aspect earned him a lot of goodwill on Capitol Hill across political parties.

“I have been in the habit since the 1990s of going up to Maine to Kennebunkport in the summer to visit President Bush. Sometimes with members of my family, sometimes alone, with friends. It’s always a great visit. It’s always an opportunity to talk about people, again, focusing on people. His questions to me were sometimes about policy and what was going on, but often it was about what do you think of that senator or that U.S. representative? What’s he like? What’s she like? Tell me about them. He was curious. And until the end, he was curious.

“I was with him in September of this year for our last visit. And although he wasn’t speaking as much, he was curious as ever and asking questions. And of course, willing to give me a little advice, all of which I treasured. A few years ago, back in 2015, you may remember President Bush had a health scare. He had fallen and broken a bone in his neck. He was in tough shape. I was headed up there for a visit. I had made plans to visit him before his injury had occurred, but once that happened, I thought I better do something a little different, a little special this time, so I got a baseball, and I wrote ‘George H.W. Bush, America’s First Baseman.’ I asked a couple of my colleagues if they would be willing to sign it. Folks, when people found out this baseball was going to George H.W. Bush, everybody wanted to sign it. I got a get well card that was about this big, the biggest one I could find, and asked a couple colleagues if they would be willing to sign it. Folks, everybody wanted to sign it. By the end of that process, we had about 95 signatures on that baseball and on that get well card. And why? Because everybody wanted to be part of sending this message to the beloved former president. He loved it when I handed him the baseball. And of course he was very curious to see who had signed it. One of his questions to me, which was typical George Bush, was to say, ‘Did so and so sign it?’ And the names he recited were of some more partisan Democrats here on the floor. One, as I recall, was whether Harry Reid had signed it. And sure enough, he had, proudly. That made George Bush so happy. His eyes shown. He smiled. And he knew that those messages of encouragement to him were heartfelt, and they were.

“Finally, it’s impossible to talk about George H.W. Bush without talking about Barbara Pierce Bush. They were a partnership. And what an example for all of us. Seventy-three years together. A true team. They put family first always. That has been a great lesson to my wife Jane and me and our family to watch how they navigated this crazy political world we’re in, and yet they kept their family strong and together, and to this day, you saw the family yesterday, every one of those children and grandchildren and now great grandchildren coming, loves and respects their grandparents, great grandparents. That unconditional support and love that George and Barbara Bush had for one another in a very equal relationship. Barbara Bush was feisty and opinionated, and George Bush respected that and respected and loved her. But those relationships between family is what gave him so much strength, in my view, as much as anything. For him, it was always about family as the foundation.

“He was also a man of deep faith. He didn’t wear it on his sleeve. He believed that he was going to rejoin Barbara, and to him, that was a blessing. He also believed that he was going to see his daughter, Robin, who they lost way too soon. That was a blessing. As we mourn the death of President George H.W. Bush, we can find comfort in knowing that he has been returned to those beloved family members.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 4, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Smith/Emily Benavides | 202-224-5190

https://bit.ly/2ohuz6T

On Senate Floor, Portman Honors Memory of President George H.W. Bush

Transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here.

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from Rob Portman http://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=972A1D1C-DA7B-4D70-9ED1-F21334104F9F

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