Adeya - Kehinde Adejumo
August 1st, 2050: The Conference
“Are you ready to be introduced into society?” Tola asks her humanoid daughter, Adeya. Tola Ademola and her husband Akin are standing with Adeya in the White House Briefing Room for a private conference about their groundbreaking achievement. The briefing room has a sleek design with cobalt blue walls that illuminate the transparent glass chairs. Reporters talk a mile a minute, trying to get Adeya’s attention. No one has ever seen a humanoid like Adeya before. Standing at 5’ 8’’, she is wearing a bubblegum puff sleeve mini dress with pink heels that compliments her mahogany brown skin. As she smooths down her dress with her French nails, the White House secretary clears her throat.
“Ahem, we understand the excitement surrounding Tola and Akin’s impressive creation. However, let’s quiet down so that they can explain how they built the world’s first ever realistic humanoid.” Tola takes the mic from the secretary. “Thank you, Ms. Hansely, for that wonderful introduction. My husband and I are robotic engineers. We met back in college and bonded over the fact we both grew up in Nigeria. Years later, we tried to have a child.”
Tola’s voice starts to waver. She adjusts her gray blazer as she passes the mic to Akin.
“However, we suffered from a miscarriage and were told that we could never have a child of our own. Over the past 18 years, we have lived in solitude and kept Adeya a secret. When we heard about the government’s robot program, we decided to submit ‘Adeya.’ We were able to use our DNA combined with artificial intelligence and robotic engineering to make the child we always wanted.”
Both engineers look at Adeya fondly. “Adeya is truly one of a kind. All of her data is kept in her left index finger. She scans people with her retinas which lets her retain people’s information. Using artificial intelligence, she has gone under data preparation for human behavior. While Adeya is intelligent, she still needs to adapt in society. For that reason, we want our child to attend University where she can develop social skills and be around her peers.”
The reporters look at each other warily. One by one, their hands shoot up in the air. Reporter Maya Wilks grabs another mic from Ms. Hansely. “How will the students react to Adeya? Shouldn’t this expensive robot be used for more important things?”
Tola clears her throat. “No one will know that Adeya is a humanoid. She’s not just a robot, she’s my daughter.” Akin pulls his wife into a hug. Adeya opens her mouth slightly. After calming the crowd, President Monroe (America’s second Black female president) takes the microphone.
“We understand your concerns. After all, when the Ademola’s first pitched this idea, I thought: we spent half a billion dollars to send a robot to school? However, they reassured me that having Adeya “socialize” with her peers will make her a more believable ‘human’ that can work for the government. Plus, with the looming threat of World War 3, we need Adeya to be human enough to send her to China as an undercover spy.”
President Monroe pulls Tola aside. “Tola Ademola, your robot better be believable as a human. If she can’t fulfill this task, we will choose another robot from the program. Adeya would be reprogrammed, and we would wipe her memory. Do you understand?” Tola gives a swift nod and grabs the mic quickly.
“On that note, our daughter will start school in a week. Thank you for taking the time to learn about what is going to change humanity forever.
August 8th: Moving Day
The family goes to the Apollo apartments where the school had a vacancy in room 111. With the government’s budget, the parents have expanded this room to fit a black couch, a TV, and a bed for Adeya. In Adeya’s closet, there is an array of wigs, clothes, shoes, and other accessories. Today, Adeya decided to wear her ‘bob’ wing with a grey University sweatshirt, black leggings, and grey sneakers. She scans the room: she has a customizable window that can give her any view that she wants. The room has white walls with a brown carpet to match. For the duration of Adeya’s stay, her parents will be staying in a local apartment 5 minutes away.
“Okay honey, we are going to go now but we love you so much! Don’t worry, the school has assigned Jackson Mitchell to help you navigate the campus.” As they say their goodbyes, Jackson comes to the door. He is the first floor RA. Adeya scans him discreetly: Jackson is a sophomore who is six feet, has tan skin and curly brown hair. He’s wearing a black t-shirt with gray sweats. She feels her heart thumping in her metal ribcage.
“Hi Adeya! I’m Jackson.” Adeya mechanically chuckles. She suddenly stops herself. “Yes, Jackson Mitchell. You are my RA. I think this is the part where I ask for your major.” Jackson laughs. “I’m a cybersecurity major with a minor in economics.” Adeya stares at him, getting lost in her thoughts. “What’s your major?”
Adeya snaps back to the conversation. “I’m a theater major with a minor in music. My parents want me to understand emotions.” Adeya quickly covers her mouth. Jackson seems speechless for a moment. “Yeah, emotions are important.” Out of nowhere, a short girl with golden brown skin and long black wavy hair pops her head in the door.
“Jackson, stop suffocating her! Hi, my name is Jada.”
Jackson playfully rolls his eyes and waves goodbye to Adeya. She mechanically mimics his wave. From Adeya’s retina scan, she knows that Jada lives in the building. She’s wearing a white baby tee with blue jeans. “Hello Jada, are you my neighbor?”
“Yes, I live in room 112. You’re Adeya, right? We’re gonna have so much fun!” Adeya’s machinery runs cold. How does this girl know her name? Maybe Jackson told her? She decided to shrug it off. Adeya thinks Jada can be a friend. “Great. What do you mean by ‘fun’?” Jada bursts out laughing. “Girl, you didn’t tell me you were so funny. Let’s hang out later.” Adeya slowly nods. “Okay.”
Adeya closes her door and grabs her journal. The government thinks she will learn how to become a spy if she writes about her experiences. Her parents told her they have to check the journal to give reports to the President. She writes down that Jada was friendly and Jackson is cute. She wants to see if there is something between her and Jackson.
August 22nd: First Day of School
Adeya takes the campus shuttle to the Student Center. She’s wearing a black crop top, dark blue jeans, and white sneakers with her hair up in a ponytail. Adeya stands still for a moment, taking in all the stimulations. The Campus Center is massive with restaurants at every turn. It had a rustic feel with fake leaves hanging everywhere to complement the brown walls. As she is walking, she gets some odd looks because her skin has a glossy finish that looks a little metallic. However, she ignores it. She chronicles this discomfort in her journal. Adeya decides to stay in the Student Center till noon since she has evening classes. Jada sees Adeya and walks over to her. Jada is wearing a grey long-sleeved shirt with a black mini skirt. She tells Adeya more about the clubs on campus. Adeya did some research and asks her about the African Student Association. She thinks that if she joins some clubs, she will connect with humans on an emotional level. Jada tells her they are one of the biggest orgs on campus and that she should attend a mass meeting to see what they are about.
“I will do that. My parents are Nigerian, and I should learn more about my culture. I have been studying Yoruba but it’s not enough.” Adeya looks down as Jada pats her shoulder. “I’m here to help you. Hey, if the African Student Association doesn’t work out, there’s always Sankofa Africa.” Adeya is confused. “What’s that?” Jada and Adeya talk for hours about what college life has to offer.
***
Back at the dorm, Adeya feels her phone buzz in her pocket. She picks up a call from her parents but they are talking with the President. Adeya puts her earbuds in and mutes herself. “The first day of school is almost over and you both haven’t sent your report. What’s the problem?”
“Adeya still has to attend her classes. After that, she can give you a full report.” Akin sighs.
“I didn’t want to reveal this to you, but we need this to work. We had our suspicions, but now they have been confirmed: a spy from China is trying to get ahold of Adeya. I want Adeya to become Senator-at-Large at the University. If she can learn to advocate for a college, she should be able to understand government training.”
Adeya’s eyes widen in shock. “She’s not ready for that! She hasn’t even figured out the campus.” Tola says. Adeya hears someone run down the hallway. Adeya activates her x-ray vision to see the hallway but no one is there.
“I’m giving her the semester to become Senator. She should be able to handle it.”
The phone cuts off. Adeya is paralyzed with confusion. Since her parents were unaware she was on the call, she gets a text from them saying that they are coming over.
***
Jada closes her door quietly and calls her informant. “What did you have so far, Jada?” She has a dangerous smile plastered on her face. “I know who the American robot is. I will bring her to you, but it will take some time.”
“Fine, but if you don’t complete your mission, you will be killed. You know too much already.” The informant says with a lethal tone.
“Believe me, I’m well aware.” Jada rolls her eyes, more determined than ever to bring Adeya down.
***
“Adeya, we have something to tell you.” Both parents say at the same time.
Before, they can get into what the President said, Adeya double taps her wrist to activate sound cancellation. No one can hear them within a fifty-mile radius. “I know. You accidentally called me. I overheard everything.”
The parents hug Adeya which she is still not used to.
“This has to work. We can’t afford getting on the President’s bad side.”
“Worse than that, she will eliminate our daughter.” Tola says.
“Wait, what?” Adeya exclaims, knowing she will have to win the election by any means necessary.
Tola takes Adeya’s hand. “We didn’t want to tell you but it’s true. If you don’t complete your mission, the President will wipe your memory.” Adeya’s metal body stands still as her parents give her a hug. They assure her that nothing will happen to her. After they leave, she deactivates her noise cancellation and texts Jackson to ask if he could come over.
Jackson knocks on the door to see Adeya with tears rolling down her face. “Adeya, have you been crying?” Adeya wipes her tears, but she can’t stop crying. She’s never cried before and she doesn’t like it.
“What’s wrong?” Jackson takes her hand and looks deep into her glass eyes. Adeya’s mouth opens slightly but the words don’t come out.
“You might feel better talking it out. I’ve heard that I’m a pretty good listener.” They both laugh. She knows she can’t tell him the truth, which makes her even more sad.
“I got some pretty devastating news. I can’t talk about it, but I’m really glad you’re here.”
“I won’t push you, but you know you can tell me anything.” Jackson wipes some of the tears off her metallic cheeks.
“I know.” They hug for a long time. After that, they talk for hours. Adeya finds out that Jackson loves Afrobeat music which is something she takes a mental note to study later.
September 26th: 3:15 pm
After a month of school, Adeya has been getting to know other students in the Student Association organization and the African Student Organization. Her efforts have paid off and she has gotten the attention of the board members of both organizations. She is also getting better at her theatre classes and gradually starting to understand music. Her favorite genre is Afrobeat. Adeya’s parents have been giving her Yoruba lessons and teaching her about Nigerian culture. Jackson has become Adeya’s friend. They text constantly and hang out on the weekends. Today, Adeya decided to wear a black mini-dress with white shoes with her signature ponytail. Currently, she is sitting with Jada at the Student Center near Coast, the school’s café. The café has a beach theme with surfboards hanging everywhere and waves painted on the furniture.
“Adeya, I know your secret!” Jada beams. Adeya starts racking her brain for excuses. There’s no way she could know Adeya’s a robot as her social skills have vastly improved into a slightly awkward college student, not a barely functioning robot.
“What do you mean?” Adeya nonchalantly asks. “You have a crush on Jackson! I see the way you both look at each other. He totally likes you!” Jada pushes her arm. Adeya has noticed that Jada is a fan of physical touch. She wonders if Jackson is too.
“Jada, we are just friends…” Adeya might not have been alive for long, but even she knows the concept of lying. Liking Jackson isn’t part of her goal but it doesn’t stop her from overthinking every time she’s with him.
“Adeya, I see right through you. You should ask him to meet you in your room. Then you can tell him how you feel.” Before Adeya could respond, she gets a call from her parents.
“Sorry Jada, I have to take this.” Adeya was thankful for the distraction. She knew that Jada wouldn’t let her off the hook that easily.
“Okay, but you better ask him out. Love ya!” Adeya waves her off and answers the phone. Jada hides in a corner, listening to their conversation.
“Adeya, we wanted to check in and see how things are going. Is it okay if we come over?” Akin says.
“Okay, give me a half an hour. I need to take the shuttle back to my room.” Adeya lied again. She wanted to see if she could catch Jackson before her parents came.
“Alright sweetheart, see you soon.”
***
Jada calls her informant again. “Do you have anything useful to report?” The informant asks.
“Yes, Adeya has feelings for her RA Jackson. If she’s distracted, the U.S. government will see no use for her. When she fails her mission, the President will be scrambling and that’s when we attack the U.S.”
“Brilliant, I knew you were the person for the job. Excellent work.”
“Thank you.”
***
Adeya arrives at her room to see Jackson about to knock on her door. He’s wearing a University sweatshirt with grey sweatpants. She motions for him to come in.
“I’ve been wanting to talk to you,” they both say at the same time. They laugh and decide to sit on Adeya’s bed.
“Listen Adeya…” he takes her hand, “I really like you. I’ve never met anyone like you before.” Adeya almost shuts down from all the emotions she’s experiencing. She would be lying if she didn’t feel the same. “I like you too.” He leans in and they kiss. Suddenly, the door swings open and Adeya’s parents came barging in.
“What’s going on here?” Tola shoots daggers at Jackson. He takes it as his cue to leave while avoiding Akin’s glare. “Adeya, I don’t know what’s happening between you and Jackson but you can’t get involved with him.” Adeya stands up from the bed, crossing her arms.
“Mom and Dad, you programmed me to be 18 years old. So legally, I’m an adult. I’ll date whoever I want. You’re the one who wanted me to have feelings. Now you’re trying to stop me from exploring them.” Adeya storms out of the room and calls Jada in the study room.
“Jada, I need your help. Jackson and I kissed, my parents barged in, and I yelled at them and I – “. Adeya rambles but Jada cuts her off. “Adeya, slow down. Jackson always goes to the Deep Lounge club on Monday nights. You can find him there and talk about what happened. “Thanks Jada, you’re a lifesaver!” Adeya says. “Of course, now go!”
***
Jada drives Adeya to Deep Lounge which is 10 minutes away from campus. Adeya decided to wear her hair down and change into a red mini-dress with black heels. After they get their purple stamp for being underage, they walk in to see bodies meshed together under the purple club lights. The music’s so loud that it shakes Adeya’s metal bones. She sees Jackson over by a velvet couch and walks over to him. Jackson’s wearing a maroon silk shirt with black pants. “Hey, I know things got weird earlier…” Adeya fumbles with her hands as she sits down. “Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t stick around – I just didn’t want to make the situation worse.” Adeya smiles sheepishly. “But why were your parents there in the first place?” Jackson stares at her, incredulously. Adeya’s eyes go wide. She couldn’t tell him the truth. “Let’s not worry about that. I came here to make things right with you.” Jackson smiles but his concern is still plastered all over his face. “Yeah, lets finish where we left off.” They kiss on the couch, hoping this moment would last forever.
October 13th: Election Day – 9 p.m.
Jackson and Adeya are officially dating now. They have a favorite TV show they watch together. With every day that passes, it’s harder for Adeya to keep her secret. She is acing her classes and learning more about her culture each day. Now it is time for the election which is being held in one of the lecture halls. Adeya is wearing a black pantsuit with red pumps. Jada and Jackson are supporting Adeya in the audience. The current Senator-at-Large, Mikey Lebowitz, is moderating the election. “Okay candidates, please state what you would do as senator if World War 3 happens”. The campus is genuinely concerned with the potential war, so the Senator-at Large is expected to help the student body cope. The other candidate gets a call and renounces their bid for Senator. Adeya says that it is not likely to happen because the U.S. has a secret weapon that they will use to beat China. The audience looks at her with confusion.
“How would you know that, Adeya?” Mikey Leibowitz’ asks. Adeya stammers, knowing that she said the wrong thing. The only way she would know that is if she had secret government information. Jackson stands up. “Guys, Adeya has a psychic she goes to every week. She probably told her that during one of their sessions. Right Adeya?” Jackson silently nods at her. Adeya returns his nod, “Of course, my psychic specializes in government stuff.” The election committee shrugs it off and Adeya wins by default.
Jada and Jackson rush to the stage. Jackson pulls her aside. “How did you know that the U.S. will beat China?” He crosses his arms. Adeya opens her mouth to respond when she gets a phone call from her parents. “I have to take this, I’ll be right back.” Adeya rushes out of the lecture hall to the bathroom two doors down. Jada changes into another pair of shoes and hides in the bathroom stall furthest from Adeya.
Adeya tests out the new bracelet her parents got her and accepts their hologram call. “Adeya, the President says she is happy with your progress. However, you will only have two months to make change as senator. You will leave school at the end of the semester.” Adeya’s lip trembles. What if she doesn’t want to leave? What about Jada? What about Jackson? Adeya knew better than to argue with the President’s orders. “Okay, I’ll finish in two months.” She ends the call abruptly and sinks to the bathroom floor.
She slowly stands up and walks to the bathroom mirror. Adeya wipes her artificial tears and puts a smile on her face as she leaves the bathroom. Jada and Jackson expect her to be happy. Jada waits for Adeya to leave before calling her informant.
“You better have an update for me.” The informant taps his fingers on his desk.
Jada mimics his condensing tone in air quotes before speaking. “I do have an update. Adeya has won the election and has two more months to make change as senator.”
“Okay, this could have been filed in a report. How is this important?” The informant sighs.
“Because now that she has a position in the school, I can mess up her plans as Senator. The president will see that she’s incompetent and that’s when we strike.” Jada smiles devilishly.
“Great work, Jada. Get on this right away.”
“Believe me, I’m already on it.” Jada hangs up the call. What she didn’t tell her informant was that she also wants to expose Adeya for being a robot. If she can pull it off, the U.S. will have to call off their plans for World War 3. She texts Adeya that she had to leave and goes back to the apartment.
Adeya walks back to the lecture hall and sees Jackson waiting for her. He still wants an answer from earlier. They stand in a corner.
“Adeya, I covered for you but how the hell did you know that information?” Jackson doesn’t want World War 3 to happen and is against government things in general. While Adeya was in the bathroom, she came up with a cover story. “I didn’t want to tell you this but I had a White House Internship last summer and I overheard someone talking about it. I guess it just slipped out.” Jackson stares at her suspiciously but reluctantly accepts her answer. Is it possible that he’s onto her? Adeya decides to change the subject. “Hey, how about we celebrate my big win?” Adeya pleads. “Yeah, I think that’s a great idea.”
November 24th: Thanksgiving
Jackson has invited Adeya to his parent’s place for Thanksgiving. Since they live in the area, Adeya didn’t feel the need to tell her parents. They think that she is studying for finals and working on Senator stuff. Adeya was unsure if she should accept his invitation, but Jada reassured her that this is the next step for them as a couple. Currently, Adeya and Jackson are standing right outside his parent’s doorstep. She adjusts her ponytail and smooths down her brown pleated skirt.
“Are you ready to meet my parents? I know it’s soon, but I want them to meet the girl I can’t stop thinking about.” He takes her hand, setting off sparks in Adeya metal heart. She looks up at him, noticing how cute he looks in his black winter hat. He’s wearing a dark blue funnel neck coat with black pants to match. Adeya decided to wear a long sleeved white blouse and knee high black boots to fit the occasion. She has a temperature adjustment feature that never lets her feel cold in winter weather.
Adeya gives him a kiss on the cheek. “Yes, but I’m nervous. What if they don’t like me?” Jackson laughs to himself. “How could they not like you? You’re adorable.” They smile at each other for too long. Jackson’s mom suddenly opens the door with his dad beside her.
“There’s my baby! Come in and give your mama some kisses.” Jackson’s mom ushers them in and hugs her son. Jackson’s dad gives him a pat on the back. Adeya looks around their house: it looks like a cabin with taxidermy hanging from every wall. They had log cabin siding with green furniture to match. They all sit down on the couch.
“Jackson, where are your manners? How about you introduce us to this little lady you have here? Jackson’s dad said.
“Well, this is Adeya, the girl I am head over heels for.” Jackson can’t help but smile like a kid in a candy shop.
“Oh, Harold and I met in college as well. So, Adeya, tell us about yourself. How did you meet Jackson?” Jackson’s mom leaned in, staring at Adeya.
“I am Senator-at-Large at our University. I major in theatre and minor in music.” Adeya and Jackson lock eyes for a second. She clears her throat. “I met Jackson on moving day. I learned that he was my RA and I felt sparks from the moment we met.” Adeya adjusts her shirt, buckling under the pressure of Jackson’s mom’s stare.
“Well, she seems like a sweet girl Jackson. “You two make a lovely couple,” Jackson dad says.
“Yes, we do,” Jackson replies. Adeya and Jackson spend the rest of the day chatting with his parents. Adeya told them that she didn’t want to eat anything. The parents kept insisting but she made up an excuse that she was participating in an intermediate fasting ritual. They seemed to buy it. Jackson took longer to convince, though. They all laughed, and Adeya spent the night at his parents’ place.
***
Jada decided to stay in the apartment during Thanksgiving. She told Adeya that her parents live abroad, and it didn’t make sense for her to go home for a holiday they don’t celebrate. She waited till the hallway was clear and then walked over to Adeya’s room. Jada stole a spare key from the office and opened the door. She couldn’t believe her eyes: Adeya’s room was massive, and it was painted differently from everyone else’s. However, that wouldn’t be enough: she needed real proof. So, she used her x-ray scanner to look around the room. After some time, she found Adeya’s journal under her mattress. With rubber gloves, she picked up the journal, read it, and found all of the entries detailed to the President. Granted, they were all written in Yoruba but her scanner also had a translator function. She took pictures of the journal and walked back to her room. Jada goes to her room and calls her informant.
“Hello? Please tell me you have something worth calling me about.” The informant says.
“Why do you always say that? Anyway, Adeya is at Jackson’s place having Thanksgiving with his parents. So, I was able to sneak into her room and I found evidence that proves she is definitely the robot we are looking for.” Jada sends over the pictures.
“Okay, but what about the senator stuff?”
“Oh, I have been keeping a close eye on that. She hasn’t been able to implement her policies because ‘someone’ may have tipped some E-board members about some scandalous rumors.” Jada laughs to herself.
“Okay, whatever makes her look like she can’t complete her mission is fine with me. Keep it up Jada, your time there is almost done.” Jada laughs to herself. “Yes, I won’t let you down.” She hangs up the phone.
December 15th: Last Day of School
Adeya is finally a master in human emotion and intellect. She hasn’t implemented as many policies as she would like, but she has been able to make some real change at the University. Adeya has passed her classes and can recite Yoruba perfectly. However, she is sad because she has to say goodbye to Jada and Jackson today. Adeya decides that they should know the truth. So, she asks Jada to meet her in her room.
“So, what did you want to tell me?” Jada says. Adeya fumbles with her hands. “This isn’t easy to say but… I’m a humanoid sent here to become more ‘human.’ And now I have to go.” Adeya looks away from Jada. Jada takes a step back. “I’m shocked but you’re still my best friend. I don’t care if you are a robot. I wish you didn’t have to go.” They hug. “I’m glad you’re taking it so well. Now, I have to tell Jackson.” Adeya sighs. He might not take it as well as Jada did. They say their goodbyes and Adeya texts Jackson if they can meet in the RA Office.
“So, what’s going on?” Jackson asks. Adeya takes a deep breath. “Jackson, I’m not who you think I am.” Jackson takes her hand. “Adeya, I know that you’re a robot.” Adeya takes a step back. “How did you know?” Jackson laughs but Adeya stares at him. “After your parents caught us kissing, I heard you mention that they ‘programmed you to have feelings.’ I thought that was strange but then I really thought about it and it makes sense. When we kiss, your lips taste like metal. Your eyes look like glass, and you used to laugh very mechanically.” Adeya nervously laughs as she remembers that she forgot to turn on her noise cancellation that day. “Are you mad that I didn’t tell you?” Adeya asks. “I’ve had time to adjust to it. I knew that there was a reason you didn’t tell me. I just wanted to give you time. You being a humanoid doesn’t change the fact that I love you.” That was the first time Jackson told her she loved her. Unfortunately, it would be the last time too. Adeya grabs his face. “I love you too, but I have to go. I had a mission here and now I have to work on my mission with the U.S. government to help them with World War 3.” Jackson looks at her solemnly. “I wish you didn’t have to go. Especially to work for the government. I guess this is goodbye.” They bow their heads to each other, Adeya’s tears staining her face. Adeya walks away but Jackson pulls her in for one last kiss. A tear falls from Adeya’s cheek.
She runs back to her dorm, tears streaming down her face like waterfalls. She flops onto her bed when she gets a knock on her door. “Adeya, it’s Mom and Dad. We need to talk to you.” Adeya opens the door and tells her parents how she told Jackson everything. Her parents give her a tight hug. Suddenly the President Facetimes Tola. “Good, the family’s all here. Why is the robot crying? Never mind, I don’t care. Adeya, you have completed phase 1 of your mission. However, we have some news: we have found the spy from China. It’s Jada.” Adeya shakes her head in disbelief. Suddenly it clicks. Jada wasn’t shocked at all that she was a robot. It’s as if she expected it… “I know you might not believe me but it’s true. Now that we know, we must extract Adeya from the University immediately.” The parents nod, understanding this is what’s best for Adeya. “You will have to go to China immediately. I know you might be scared Adeya, but you have shown so much progress. You can pass as a human now. Akin and Tola, you will have to go into witness protection program because Jada knows too much about you.” The family all nods. They can’t argue with the President – she holds their lives in her hands.
“I hope you are all ready, the fight has just begun.”