philophobia

Chapter 1

Elizabeth Hamilton is the current Deputy Secretary of the Interior, responsible for helping manage the nation's natural resources, public lands and cultural heritage. She's always been into politics and this was where that path led her.

Her brother, Owen Bartlet, who's chosen to go by a different last name, has been trying to make his way to the top and is currently the Secretary of Defense. Elizabeth and Bartlet always stick by each other's sides no matter what and will never cease to defend one another.

This cold afternoon, the siblings made their way into the Presidential Luncheon at the White House. Sat at their table, Bartlet inched closer to Elizabeth and whispered: "Do you see Jacob Tran? He's going to be the next President, I'm calling it."

"You know what? I do like that idea quite a lot." Elizabeth pondered. However, her mind was stuck elsewhere. She spent the entirety of the luncheon listening to the President of the United States, Owen Park, who she sensed was under great amounts of pressure.

Later that afternoon, Elizabeth's nomination vote began in the Senate. It went incredibly well and she was made Secretary of the Interior, something she knew placed her closer and closer to the POTUS.

The day did not get any quieter. At 7PM, during the State of the Union Address, a sudden wave of opposition towards President Park began. It was starting to become apparent  that he was not willing to compromise nor would he split his power with anyone else ever since the Vice President stepped down. Elizabeth's disdain for him suddenly grew, what the opposition stated just made sense. For Owen Bartlet, this turned into an opportunity.

The following day, Bartlet made his way into the Oval Office and spoke Owen Park's ears off.

"Two Owens are better than one!" He constantly exclaimed after each proposal.

"I'm not sure I need you, I made your career and you've done nothing for mine." Owen Park stated in a snarky manner. 

"Have you given me a chance?" Bartlet replied and sealed the deal. Park was now considering him for VP.

Elizabeth knew she had to support her brother so she roamed the long halls of the White House spreading word to all those who could make a difference. Finally, she met Shermichael Peterson, who had already started campaigning for the most powerful spot in that House.

Shermichael, the White House Chief of Staff, exclaimed: "Really? Two Owens? That's calling for an impeachment. But, sure, two Owens have to be better than the one we have in office right now."

About two months later, the White House was unrecognisable.

Owen Bartlet had been sworn in as Vice President and, although he claimed it was an "inside job", rumours spread that he was only power hungry.

Elizabeth Hamilton was now supporting Shermichael's campaign and was leading the movement that pushed for Owen Park's impeachment.

Every week, at the Cabinet Room, the conversation was the exact same.

"You are hogging, Owen! You have to step down!"

"Elizabeth Hamilton, do you want to be fired?" The President retorted.

Hamilton could recognise that phrase from a mile away: "Oh, sure, keep threatening you'll make me a Deputy again! See if I care!"

"You think I won't actually do it this time?" He argued. The truth was, he would never do it, he liked bickering with Elizabeth and it was almost as if she made him want to keep going.

"Oh, please. This is ridiculous. We need a President who speaks up for important matters, not this!" Elizabeth felt her cheeks get red with anger.

Owen looked down and hid his smile. It almost scared him how much he enjoyed this, there were contradicting feelings in his heart. Park felt a strong desire for this closeness alongside and equally strong urge to avoid it. Before he could think, he heard Elizabeth.

"This is why we need Shermichael as President! Who's with me?" Shouted Elizabeth, which instantly caused commotion.

After the meeting, Elizabeth was exhausted. Every day that passed, she felt less hopeful about the United States of America's future, that was her home which she always cared about. Her hatred for Owen was growing aswell, she couldn't believe that a man would be so unable to recognise his own mistakes. How could someone rule a country if they seemingly have no love for it?

Inside the white walls of the Oval Room, Owen Park shared his concerns with Owen Bartlet.

"That Elizabeth, she's going to get rid of us..." He sighed. "You have to run for President."

Although enamoured with the prospect of power, Bartlet didn't share that he had a family bond with her and instead opposed him: "Shermichael Peterson and Jacob Tran should be given a chance."

Owen Bartlet always stuck by his sister's side, with that in mind, he stormed out of the Oval Office and rushed into her office.

"Elizabeth. Let's take this to Senate, only they can impeach him. We've had enough."

Her head instantly perked up and, later, they both met at the Senate Chamber. Bartlet and Hamilton scheduled a hearing for the following week, giving everyone enough time to prepare their defence.