A Pair of Rookie Congressmen

Columbia, Federal District, the United States of America

February 3rd, 1801

"So what do you think about her?" Jackson asked as he sipped on his glass of beer.

Nathaniel Boanpart fiddled with the fork on the table and sighed, "She's my mother-in-law, what do you want me to say?"

"I meant as a Congress...Congresswoman."

"She has always been well-versed in politics and helped father-in-law with his Congressional speeches and debates. I'm sure she'll do fine." Nathaniel visited the Adams family often due to his marriage to Elizabeth Adams, and he witnessed just how political his mother-in-law could be personally.

The two Congressmen were sitting at a private table in the KoAm restaurant in Columbia. The "chain" restaurant, which was owned by former president Samuel Kim, had a spectacular view of Capitol Hill and was a personal favorite of many Congressmen. This was the third time the two had visited the eatery since they moved to Columbia in early January. Nearby, several other Congressmen were enjoying late lunches as the House session was currently in recess.

Jackson grinned and gently placed his glass on the table, "She seems confident and determined. Hell, I see a fire in her eyes that I don't see in many of the other Representatives."

"Well, if you were the first woman in Congress, I'm sure you would also have the same fire in your eyes."

"I do have fire in my eyes! Before I was elected, I promised the voters that I would light a fire under other Congressmen's asses and pass sweeping change through the House! I already submitted a new bill to build more schools in North Carolina and the rest of the Union! "

"How did a Unionist like you even get elected in North Carolina anyway?" Bonapart asked as he looked around for his meal. There was only an hour left before recess was set to end and he didn't want to be late.

"My district covers Wilmington and you know how the people in towns go about these days. They all want those shiny new factories in their towns and benefits from the federal programs." The North Carolina Representative said as he waved his hands around dramatically.

Bonapart frowned, "But your district is still rural."

"The Union Party has plenty of benefits for rural folks, they just need to spread the message and make sure the Democrats and the Front don't poison them," Jackson shrugged as he sipped his beer, "Well, I guess my "fame" had something to do with my victory, along with my message. You know, for that long journey you and I took to the Missouri River. That probably didn't matter for you though, you live in a Unionist stronghold."

The former Army officer couldn't' deny his friend's accusations. He lived in New York City, so it was hardly surprising that the people of his district overwhelmingly voted for the Unionist candidate.

Just then, a waiter delivered food for both of the Representatives. Bonapart dug into his Caribbean spice stew and bread, while Jackson wolfed down his bulgogi with rice covered in salted seaweed. The Corsican had to admit that Jackson's meal looked scrumptious, as the bulgogi looked extremely tender. His stew was also delicious, but strangely, there was a bittersweet taste from the Haitian inspired dish.

"How's your wife doing anyways?" Jackson asked as he swallowed another mouthful of the Korean meat.

"Elizabeth? She's doing fine. Since her mother is in Columbia now, she decided to move here with me. She's back at the apartments. Is, what's her name?"

"Sacagawea."

"Is she in Columbia with you?"

"Nope. She's back in Wilmington with ma and my brother Hugh. They're sending her to the primary school there."

"I still can't believe you adopted her," Bonapart muttered as he broke off a piece of bread.

"The Hidatsa tribe kidnapped her and it wasn't like we could send her back to her own tribe! She's twelve! And her tribe lives in Spanish territory and worse, near the British Oregon Territory."

"Well, it did nearly get us killed," Nathaniel mused. Jackson was furious that the Hidatsa tribe was trying to sell young girls into slavery and personally defeated six of their warriors to free the captives. In the end, no one in their expedition was hurt and the two of them were promoted to Brigadier and Colonel respectively before their discharge, "You have a soft spot for Natives."

Jackson snorted, sending a few pieces of rice flying out of his mouth, "You sound just like Bob. Thankfully Hugh was supportive. He deals with the Natives in Hisigi all the time. A lot of them are trying to learn how to farm and Hugh teaches them."

"So does Lucien. He's setting up a small factory in Onon... I don't even know how to pronounce it. The Iroquois are really interested in making steel for themselves, for weapons and things. I don't know much of the details, I was never really keen on the family business. Speaking of family, Lucius is in... that Native territory in the west. The one with the Territorial Guard." Lucien was six years younger than Nathaniel, yet he was already a wealthy businessman. Meanwhile, Lucius, who was nine years younger, followed Nathaniel's footsteps and joined the Army.

"You mean Anikegama?"

"That's the one. I heard he's deployed there with Richard." Nathaniel replied with a nod.

"Isn't Richard a Brigadier now?"

Neither of them had seen the son of the Revolutionary War hero for some time, but both of them remained in regular contact with him. He was sent to Anikegama at the beginning of the year along with his unit, the Second Infantry Division.

"Promoted a few months ago, yes. Hopefully, both of them stays safe. The Sioux are stepping up their activity in the territory."

The former Marine finished his meal and wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Well, we can discuss more later on after the House session is finished. Are you doing anything later today?"

Nathaniel sighed, "We both have a Union Party meeting with Mr. McHenry, Andrew."

"I know, I know. I was just thinking, maybe we could work on a bill together?"

"What do you have in mind?"

Jackson gave his counterpart a sly grin, "Ever heard of Haulies?"