King of the Mountain:
Part 37


Lynn Jepsen


The governor's press room is packed to capacity, and I can understand
why. There's only two things to report on in politics this week - our
transition and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree. I'd like to think
we're more interesting. I'm almost certain the Secret Service convinced
Sam and Lisa not to show up for this announcement, but it's not
important. Besides, we were up all night hammering out the details. This
is the easy stuff.

"Okay ladies and gentlemen, let's finish this up so we can get out of
here for Christmas." Carol shuffles her notes, and it might be just me,
but I think she looks happy to be up there. "All I have for you today is
the breakdown of the Senior Staff." Someone shouts out an early question
and Carol glances up, glaring slightly. They shut up. "Okay, everyone got
your pencils ready? White House Chief of Staff, Josh Lyman. Deputy Chief
of Staff, Lily Mays. Legislative Affairs, Ramon Perez. Communications
Director, Toby Ziegler.... Stop laughing guys. He can still beat you up.
Deputy Communications Director, Diana Reed. Political Affairs, Claudia
Jean Cregg. I'm supposed to remind you that referring to her as Mrs.
Zielger will result in a slow painful death, and actually printing the
phrase 'Claudia Jean' will get you banned from the White House. Mrs.
Seaborn's Chief of Staff, Zoey Young, whom you may remember as Zoey
Bartlet. Press Secretary, Your's Truly up here. Any questions?"

I think it's the guy from the Post that asks about White House Council,
and Carol swats him down like a pesky fly. To be honest, we're still
fighting over that one. Sam wants me to appeal to Ainsley Hayes' sense of
duty. I want to get Mark Grene from Case-Harper. I have a feeling I'm
going to lose, but I'm not willing to give up just yet.

"What about Cabinet appointments?"

"I'll have those for you when they make up their minds, Jeremy."

"What about Leo McGarry?"

Okay, that was another point of contention. We wanted Leo in Washington.
Leo wanted to go back to the New England DNC. We compromised. Leo's going
to be the new DNC director. Best of both worlds.

*

Elle is riding around on Brutus. That's not the site I expected to find
when I walked into the office today. Not by a long shot. "Unca Joth"
Okay, when did she learn that? I pick her off Brutus, and he grumbles
appreciatively in my direction. Well good morning to you to buddy. Uncle
Josh, you said Uncle Josh. Now, can you say Evil Republicans? She stares
up at me with side eyes, and I sigh. We'll work on that one later.

"Josh!" What! "Do you want these files to stay here or come with?" I
don't know. You tell me. I haven't figured out the filing system around
here... Well, ever. Rachel rolls her eyes at me, and tickles Elle before
ducking out the door again. We've been packing up and moving, and the
only person who's been immune from that particular curse is Sam. Between
Lisa and Margaret, he hasn't had to do anything except, you know, prepare
to run the country. Not that that's an easy job, it's just easier than
packing.

Sarah and Sam had one of those sibling chats that I'm glad I wasn't
around for, and they decided that if Rachel passed all her exams, she
would live with the First Family in the White House and work for whoever
she wanted. Of course, Sarah was lobbying for college, but Rachel was
unmoved. I'm thankful. I don't think I could break in another assistant
in a month, and it's bad press for the Chief of Staff to have a revolving
door of assistants.

"Hey, Josh, want to grab some dinner?" Yeah, is everyone going? "No, just
me." Glancing up at Diana, I do the some quick subtraction. She's twenty
six. When she was born I was a senior in college. She's going to be
working for me, at least, in a way. I am horrible at relationships. I
stand up and grab my coat. Sure, why not? Diana smiles at me, and I tell
Rachel to go home on my way out. This ought to be interesting.

King of the Mountain: Part 38

HOME | TITLE | AUTHOR | CATEGORY