As soon as she and Jack had finished talking, Katherine had taken off to Miss Medda's to take the older woman with her. Together, they are going to see the only person who can truly help them. Once they arrive at the office, Katherine takes a deep breath and says to the receptionist,

"I'm here to see Governor Roosevelt." The young woman at the desk hurries up to his office. After a few moments, she comes back down.

"Follow me," the receptionist says slightly impatiently. Katherine and Miss Medda exchange a nervous look before they walk down the long red carpeted hallway. The receptionist comes to a large oak door and just by the look of the door, Katherine can tell that Roosevelt is much kinder than her father ever will be. The sound of the receptionist knocking on the large door startles Katherine out of her nervousness. Miss Medda gently places a hand on the younger girl's shoulder. The door swings open revealing several soldiers clad in green uniforms. Their faces serious as they peer around the door frame to see the people wanting into the Governor's office. Katherine nearly gasps when she sees Roosevelt himself. "Do this for Jack and the boys. Jack is worth more than your fears scaring you," She tells herself as they pause outside the office.

"What're your names?" The receptionist asks impatiently.

"Katherine Pulitzer and Medda Larkson," Medda answers for Katherine as she gives Katherine's petite shoulder a light squeeze. The receptionist turns and starts to announce them, but a cheerful voice cuts her off,

"Just let them in, Ellen, I know who they are and they know that they are always welcome here." The receptionist turns to Katherine and Medda and says,

"You heard the man." She scooted aside allowing Katherine and Miss Medda to continue into the office through the narrow doorway. Roosevelt steps around from behind his desk and holds out his hand. Medda rushes forward to shake it and as she does, Katherine remembers Jack and his casual spit shake she is certain he would have performed even to the Governor. Teddy Roosevelt seemed to be the type who would simply return the favor. Smiling at this, she barely notices when Roosevelt holds his hand out to her. Katherine, remembering her manners, shakes his hand and greets the Governor.

"So, what brings two fine ladies like yourselves to this large establishment today?" Roosevelt asks as he pushes his glasses up his nose. Katherine pulls Jack's drawings and the article she crafted out of her pocket.

"I wanted to inform you that the Newsies of New York are trying to start a city wide strike against child labor. The Newsies and I printed out a banner calling children from all over New York to join us. We spread it out to every working kid in New York and we are waiting to see what happens. The leader is speaking to my father trying to get him to give, but I know he won't unless we have some help," Katherine explains, "We could use some of your powerful persuasion. My father will listen to you. The strike also has one other object that it is fighting for." Teddy Roosevelt raises his eyebrows in excited anticipation. Jack's drawings suddenly weigh a thousand pounds and feel as though they are going to set her hands on fire at any moment. One by one, she hands them to the Governor. Roosevelt examines them and asks Katherine,

"Do you, by chance, know what these represent?" Katherine nods thinking exactly of what Jack told her that night on the fire escape.

"They represent the Refuge and the living conditions there. The artist, the leader of the strike, told me that himself. He has been there and has experienced these harsh conditions," She answers slowly. Medda peers over Roosevelt's shoulder to see them and her eyes grow wide.

"Jack and the other boys have been to that place and lived in those conditions?" She exclaims and Katherine nods solemnly.

"You said that was the Refuge, right?" Roosevelt asks. Katherine nods quickly. "Would you happen to know who the warden is?" He asks. Katherine shakes her head slowly. Medda smiles and says,

"The warden is named Snyder. He's been after Jack for years since he escaped and will stop at nothing to catch Kelly."

"I will send some of my men to make a thorough investigation of the facility, and how can I help you right now, Miss Katherine?" Governor Roosevelt asks kindly.

"We can take you to my father if that is alright with you?" Katherine asks. The Governor nods and takes Medda's arm when suddenly, he turns to Medda.

"Wasn't Jack Kelly the boy who I shared a carriage ride with? If he is, that boy is a character!" Roosevelt says excitedly. Katherine laughs a little at the description of Jack. He certainly is and will always be an interesting character. Medda nods an answer to Roosevelt's question and a wide smile flies onto his face. As they leave, Roosevelt gives instructions to his men to investigate the Refuge and if conditions are the same as they are in Jack's drawings, to shut it down for good. Katherine smiles internally. Jack's worst nightmare is about to be destroyed for good. He can finally live his life outside of fear once Roosevelt shuts it down and maybe he will trust Katherine with everything. She ponders this as they stroll out to Roosevelt's carriage and sits down. Katherine sits across from Medda and Roosevelt, absentmindedly staring out the window. Roosevelt reaches across and says

"Thank you for alerting me of the terrible things that were happening in my state. It will help New York to become a better place." Katherine nods and says,

"You're welcome, Governor. Thank you for helping us. You have no idea how happy Jack is going to be when he sees you."

Meanwhile, back in the World building, Jack is avoiding the printing ban question under Pulitzer's steely gaze. He finally formulates a plan on how to distract Pulitzer long enough for Katherine and Roosevelt to get here.

"Oh, we're your loyal employees. We only use da best," (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack replies with a huge smile on his face. All of the adults in the room immediately become puzzled. Jack can't stop smiling. That Ace of his is really clever. Finally, one of the employees yells,

"The old printing press down in the basement!" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies)

"Ohhhhhh," another one of the employees, Hannah, says in realization. (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Pulitzer rises from his chair and states angrily,

"I gave you the opportunity of a lifetime and this is how you repay me? Anyone who does not act in his own self-interest is a fool." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Davey snatches this opportunity and says,

"What does that make you?" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Pulitzer looks at the younger boy in shock. Davey continues, "Every day you are losing thousands of dollars just to beat us out of one lousy tenth of a cent." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack smiles as he remembers why Spot called Davey "The Walking Mouth" the first time they met. The kid really knows his fact. "Why didn't you just come talk to us or something?" He asks. (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack stands up from the chair that he is so comfortably sitting in, with one leg draped over one of the arms and leaning back against the other in a very Jack Kelly manner. David looks confused as to why Pulitzer is not answering him and so Jack answers for him,

"Oh guys like Joe don't talk to nobodies like us," (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack explains to him, "But, a very wise reporter once told me bein boss doesn't me ya have all da answers. No, just da smarts to know da right answers when ya hear it." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack suddenly hears his boys singing about seizing the day and nods in the direction of the lovely sound. Pulitzer cautiously follows, unsure of what to expect. Spot, David and the staff members follow them as they walk over to the balcony outside the office window. Spot smiles as he takes in the scene and says to the powerful man next to them,

"Take a good look down there, Pulitzer. N'case ya haven't figured it out, we have ya surrounded." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack, Spot, and David wave down to the crowd of people standing below and they eagerly wave back. Jack turns to face Pulitzer, a challenging look in his hazel eyes.

"The city's shut down. Paralyzed," He says, "You can't get a shoe shiner, go down an elevator, or cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Ya can't even get outta your own office. So, what's your next move?" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack never breaks eye contact with the rich man. Pulitzer looks away, thinking of a witty reply when suddenly,

"Mister Pulitzer! The Governer's here! With your daughter!" Bunsen announces wildly. (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack gives an inward sigh of relief as Katherine strolls in with Teddy Roosevelt who has Miss Medda on his arm. Roosevelt gives a click of his tongue and comes up next to Pulitzer.

"Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, what have you done now?" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) He asks with a shake of his head. Jack and Katherine make eye contact and Katherine can tell that he is not a bit scared. She is trying to feel the same, but it is a struggle.

"Wait until you hear my explanation," Pulitzer starts, (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) but Roosevelt interrupts with

"Thanks to Miss Medda Larkin and your daughter, I already have a thorough grasp on the situation. Graphic illustrations included! Bully is usually the word I use to employ approval, but in your case I simply mean... bully." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Katherine laughs internally and she looks up to see Jack with that goofy sideways smirk rolled across his face. Roosevelt strolls over to him and inquires "This is the boy you spoke of? How are you, son? I'm told we once shared a carriage ride." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Roosevelt extends a hand to Jack and he shakes it with a nervous smile on his face.

"Pleasure's all mine, Mistah Governor," (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack says confidently. Katherine smiles at the mention of the carriage ride. Only Jack could get away with something like sneaking a ride on the backseat of the Governor's carriage as a get out of jail free card.

"Well come along, Joe, don't just let those children stand there singing...endlessly. Tell them the good news!" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Roosevelt says returning to the task of what he originally came to do.

"What good news?" Pulitzer snarls. (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Roosevelt beams up at him and says

"That you've come to your senses and are going to roll back your prices. Unless you want me to launch a full state-centered investigation into your employment practices." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies)

"You wouldn't dare," (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Pulitzer snarls and Katherine silently cheers the Governor on.

"After the pressure you wielded to keep me from the office? Of course! I'd do it with a smile. Think of how happy it is going to make those children!" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Pulitzer does not react in any way. Roosevelt turns to Jack and the other boys, "He doesn't do happiness, does he?" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Katherine smiles at the Governor's joke. "You know what's worse than a hard heart, Joseph?" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) The Governor does not even wait for an answer. "A soft head," (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) He answers for Pulitzer. Pulitzer stands for a moment and says,

"I would like to speak with Mr. Kelly alone." (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack rolls his shoulders nervously and turns to Roosevelt. He only answers with a solid,

"Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground, you can do this!" (Dialogue by Harvey Fierstein in Newsies) Jack nods, and Katherine shoots him one encouraging look. She agrees wholeheartedly with the Governor. Jack follows Pulitzer into the office and nervously shuts the door behind himself. Katherine shifts from foot to foot nervously as she watches the door close. She hopes her father is kind to Jack and does not bother him about the fact that he is in love with Katherine. However, being a Pulitzer, she knew what to expect out of her father. She had inherited a knack for being strong headed from Joseph Pulitzer himself. Katherine had never been one into give in to defeat which meant that she never holds back from taking on a challenge. The whole strike had been a challenge and the boy who is currently speaking with her father, he was the most challenging part of the whole strike for her. She does not even know how to begin to describe what kind of a challenge he is to her. A challenge for sure is to not run up and kiss him every single time she sees those handsome hazel eyes glancing in her direction. Another challenge is to not let him completely take over her every thought. He did not when she first met him, but now every other thought in her head winds up being about a certain charismatic newsboy that ran around New York by the name of Jack Kelly. Jack often bothered her and it was challenging for her not to run and smack the living daylights out of the adorable...wait, adorable? Those smirks were not adorable, they were prideful and smug and at the same time adorable. Katherine stares off as she ponders this. She does not come to until she feels Miss Medda gently tap her shoulder.

"Are you alright, honey?" She asks Katherine, loving concern running through her voice. Katherine nods and musters a nervous smile, but the smile does not reach her eyes. Miss Medda, who could tell very well when a person was lying, said, "He'll be alright, you'll see. That man, Pulitzer, ain't got half the heart that Kelly does." Katherine nods silently in agreement. Medda smiles again at the young reporter and pats her shoulder kindly. A few moments later, Jack reappears followed by her father.

AN:/ Wow. A legit long chapter. Your welcome. I hope you enjoy it! I like the scene where Medda and Katherine talk to the governor. I hope you do. Two more chapters to go in this story!!! I hope you are enjoying it. Just a little fyi, I am very busy this weekend, so this is probably the only update you will see and I am unavailable for roleplay this weekend. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I figured you deserved to know!! I also listened to Picture Show from Bonnie and Clyde. I love that song. Not as good as Newsies, but it was good. I love this scene in Newsies. We will have to see what happens next to Katherine and Jack. Feedback is always welcome!! Please tell me what you think of Katherine's part of the strike. Thank you for reading this story and I apologize for the slightly short author's note, I just don't have much to say today. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading and see you around, friends!!