"Leo's just finishing up a call." Margaret told Donna as she waited to see Leo.

"I've got time."

"You know we're all really proud of you. If not a little jealous. You did a great job with the Governor."

"Thanks. You know if you want a new challenge I could do with a new advisor." She suggested. "You would ever have to bring me coffee and you'd have a staff."

"Stop trying to steal my assistant and get in here." Leo said swinging open the door.

"Think about it." Donna said as she entered Leo's office.

"Donna." Leo scolded.

"Sorry Leo."

"You did good with the Governor." Leo said flicking through a file on his desk.

"Thank you I learnt from the best." Leo looked up at her.

"The best? You're not just talking about Josh are you?"

"Josh is good at what he does, he may have a slightly unorthodox approach sometimes but he's good. But know I wasn't just talking about Josh. Over the last three years I've watched you all work. I've learnt about handling the press from CJ, I learnt to play hardball from Toby, and Sam, well Sam has taught me a lot. You and the President taught me a lot too."

"Nice to know we're good at something. So what can I do for you?"

"I have a problem with my staff."

"And what would that be?"

"They're not very good at their jobs. They can take instruction but they're not efficient."

"You can't just fire them, you've only had this job for a few days, let it settle before you cause a big shake up."

"I don't want to fire them Leo, I've talk to Toby, Josh, Sam and CJ they're willing to let my staff work shadow them for a few days but they wanted me to get you're approval. I think it will teach them how the West Wing does business."

"I don't see a problem with it. My main problem is finding Josh a new assistant he can work with."

"As I told the President I'm working on that. I think he was so hostile with the others because he thought I would come back. I'll find someone and I'll train them. Hannah's willing to stay until then."

"Good. I understand you have some meetings set up on the hill." Leo

"We're going ahead with the child homelessness issue. I've got a few Democrats and a few Republicans willing to work on drafting a bill. Congressman Skinner is willing to help me get approval from the Republicans, helping children looks good."

"Matt Skinner?" Leo questioned.

"Yes. He likes me and the fact that I could put up with Josh. He says if I can manage that I can do anything."

"Get Ed and Larry to help out they know."

"Leo, I need to do this myself. I know when to get the White House to wade in but I can do this. Ninety percentage of the Senate and the House probably think I slept my way into this job just like the Governor. I'm going to prove them wrong."

"We're here when you need us."

"Thanks Leo. By the way I'm setting up with a meeting with Josh, Mrs Bartlett has a few problems with the appropriations budget she would like me to iron out and I've got numbers."

"Talk to Toby about it, Josh will give in too easily. You need the practice at talking people round."

"Thanks Leo. I need to get back." Leo got up to open the door for her.

"Send you're head assistant over she can sit with Margaret for the day she won't mind. Right Margaret?" He opened the door.

"Of course. Donna, Josh is looking for you."

"He'll just have wait; I've got to get back to my office and figure out an assignment schedule. Margaret, I'll call you later."

~

"Good morning people." Donna said as she called a staff meeting early the next morning. "I think most of you know who I am and I know most of you. But for those of you who don't, I'm Donna Moss. I used to be assistant to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman. Mrs Bartlett asked me to step in as her chief of staff and the President has agreed on a trial basis. As most of you know we had some problems with the Governor of Louisiana over the last week, we brought to a head Mrs Bartlett's role here. It also brought up a topic which we're going to working on over the next few months concerning child homelessness. But to start I've been looking at the efficiency of this office and today we're going to institute a few new policies." Donna paused. "The first concerning coffee, no assistant will be required to bring their boss coffee while I'm in charge here. If you want coffee get it yourself, they only people who get brought coffee are visitors. Secondly after talking with Leo we've agreed to an exchange. For the next few days you'll be appointed a member of the west wing staff to work shadow, the west wing is a lot faster moving than this office but hopefully you'll be able to pick up skills there which will improve the running of this office. Janice will hand around your assignments."

"Donna what are you going to be doing if we're all out of the office?" Jack Miller asked.

"I've got a meeting with Congressman Skinner on the Hill and then I'll be interviewing people for the position of Josh's assistant as the President asked me to take care of the vacancy."

"Eagle is on the move." A Secret Service agent appeared in the doorway. The President walked into the room.

"Mr President." Donna said getting to her feet from her position lent against the desk.

"It's okay Donna. I just wanted to say a few words."

"Of course Mr President."

"I know Donna wasn't the most obvious choice for this position but she is the choice my wife made and I have to agree with her. Donna has a wide depth of knowledge on the running of the west wing and politics in general. Listen to her and you'll learn a lot, if any of you for even one minute believe the Governor's allegations now would be a good time to quietly resign. I believe in Donna's up most integrity and hopefully our offices won't get into too many fights."

"Yes sir." Donna said with a smile.

"I think that's all I have to say for now. Anything you'd like to add Donna?"

"Thank you sir. You all have your assignments, if you have any problems I'll be here for the next two hours feel free to come and talk to me."

"I have to get back. The country unfortunately doesn't run it's self."

"Yes sir. Have a nice day Mr President."

"You too Donna."

TBC