Jed Bartlet sits on Air Force One, thinking that maybe his life hasn't changed too much after becoming President. He's got a speech in one hand and a sleeping child by his side. It's quite reminiscent of his days as governor, except this little girl technically isn't his. Jed considers Cerulean family however, just like his staff.
Jed had Charlie bring Cerulean into his office when he was able to hear Sam and Doug going at it from two rooms away. Cerulean miraculously stayed asleep through the argument and the move. Jed supposes that was the fatigue. Sam had said she'd be a lot less energetic than usual, and it was getting close to midnight. She should be asleep. They should all be asleep.
Jed sighs and adjusts his glasses. This flight is too long. Cerulean's tossing and turning beside him now, and he wonders if the air of stress that surrounds them all is getting to her. Fred gets tossed to the floor in all the moving. Jed puts his papers down and picks the toy up. He sets Fred next to Cerulean. Her eyes fly open and she sits up.
"Mister President?" Her voice is high and distressed. Jed reaches to put a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes, Cerulean, I'm here. Are you all right?" he asks. She shakes her head.
"I want my Daddy."
"He's working right now," Jed says. "But I'm here, and Charlie's right outside. What do you need? What can I do?"
"I need Daddy." The door opens and Charlie walks in.
"Everything all right, sir?"
"Charlie, I think Cerulean's had a nightmare. Do you want to talk about it, sweetheart?" Jed says. "Sometimes it helps to talk about it." Cerulean begins to cry. Damn it. Jed rubs her shoulder and back.
"Shh, it's all right, Cerulean. Whatever it is, it's over, it's all right."
"Sir, I'm going to get Sam," Charlie says, backing out of the room. Cerulean's crying continues, no matter what Jed says. C.J. enters shortly after Charlie leaves.
"What's going on, Mr. President? Is she okay?"
"Apparently not, C.J. I think it was a nightmare," Jed says. C.J. comes over to kneel in front of Cerulean.
"Hey, Cerulean, look at me. Look at me, sweetie. You're okay," she soothes. It does nothing to stop the tears, which actually become more hysterical.
"I want my Daddy! I need my Daddy!" she sobs. There's a few more minutes of fruitless calming attempts and Cerulean crying before Sam arrives with Charlie. Sam rushes over and picks Cerulean up.
"I got you, Cerulean," he says softly. She puts her face in his shirt and cries some more. Sam looks at Jed.
"Sorry, Mr. President. She's been like this since she got back from the hospital."
"It's fine, Sam. Don't worry about me," Jed says. Sam nods and looks down at Cerulean, who is starting to calm down.
"Want me to walk you around a little, Cerule? We could explore."
"I- I don't- don't know- where-"
"You're on Air Force One, remember? We talked about this before," Sam says. Cerulean nods.
"Let's- let's walk- around." Sam takes her out of the room. Jed turns to C.J. She spreads her hands somewhat helplessly.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. President?"
"No. Thank you, C.J.," he answers. There's nothing else to be done really; nothing that will help Cerulean or Sam right now.