Washington D.C., the Senate Office Building.
Daniel Sanders sat behind his desk, which was piled high with draft bills and policy briefs.
The progressive leader, usually known for his fighting spirit, was now taking off his glasses and wearily pinching the bridge of his nose.
He peered through his fingers at the television on the opposite wall, which was always on.
The news was on.
Onscreen, Leo Wallace stood before the deep pit on Grant Street. Behind him was Mary Gaiter, sitting in a wheelchair with a heavy cast on her leg.
The red banner at the bottom of the screen scrolled a shocking, bold headline:
"DEMOCRATIC CIVIL WAR? MAYOR OF PITTSBURGH SUES PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL"
Then, the scene changed.
It was a chaotic scene in the plaza before City Hall.
Hundreds of angry dockworkers holding signs were blockading the main entrance.
