Lately my inspiration seems to be limited to creating my dream teasers and endings for the show. This one follows "The Mummy Problem". I haven't actually watched any of the new episodes, but read recaps for the first two, so this is the result of my need to see some kind of resolution.

Ok, try to picture your network in somefinal commercials, then listening to the drums and watching the flapping flag: The West Wing. Previously, on the West Wing:

"We can't do this" "You need to delegate" "I was promoted to spokesperson" "Get me a campaign liaison that won't screw my with my pants on!" "They are making plans" ...

The Liaison

-Ok, so we all agree we need to take things more seriously, face the issues straight forward, delegate tasks, and have better inner communication in order to act like a real presidential campaign, right?-

Josh looked around to the people listening to him. He was standing at the end of a large conference table, in a room where, for once, all the fundamentals of his team were sitting together. They had been all morning in there, debating vigorously, coming up with strong strategic moves from each of their specialized fields and, in the process, feeling more like a family. Josh knew they weren't quite there, but he could see now that they would eventually reach that bond, or at least he hoped they were given the chance.

-Right, those things should become real for this team as of today, but first thing we need now is not to be at war with the people that could be our greatest allies- Lou seemed serious about this, and looked pointedly at the campaign manager.

-Yeah Josh, where is the love from that White House of yours?

-Trust me, Congressman, I've been wondering that as well, but with the present scenario, it seems like we are pretty much on our own–

He did feel lost without their support and company, but he was no longer there, and that needed to be faced. Lou was right, though, it was about time they got driven by the kind of confidence and inspiration that nurtured the times of Bartlet for America, that made him enjoy the fight and long for the challenge. God, he missed those people.

-Well, I seem to recall, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall being at least introduced once or twice to some of the staffers in the current administration, am I right Josh? Have we met these people? Are we in any way linked to them?

-Ok, I get it Leo! – the Vice-Presidential candidate could be quite scary with his sarcasm- I get your point, but everything among us is just…I feel its like, we used to be friends and now…I don't know. We used to be together everyday, for every single fight, loss and triumph, and that's just gone, and how could it ever come back?- Josh froze a little at his own words, what was he really talking about? More importantly, was there even a chance of getting things back to how they were, and if so, how in God's name?

-Talking!- Joey screamed in her own voice, which always startled Josh- Talk to their liaison to the campaigns, figure things out, get numbers straight, coordinate events, elaborate a careful design for the news cycle and share information. Work like a team and show them some respect and appreciation, because it seems that your cute butt ain't doing the trick anymore! –Well, listening that kind of words out of Kenny's mouth was also weird to Josh. But she was dead on with her point…talk, he needed to do that, really talk.

-With Toby- he said out loud forcefully, trying to keep his thoughts on track- All right, Ronna, please get me the White House. – as she exited the room he turned again to this people, his people, working all for the next President.

– I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've been wrong, partially at least, and most of you have been pointing my mistakes. Now I'm aware of our flaws and we are spinning this campaign and facing whatever comes our way, and we are doing it as a team. We'll listen to each other, and scream to each other if we have to, hell, we'll probably do it even if we don't have to, but we'll stand by each other no matter what and relay on each other because we are absolutely going to nail this thing. – His face was strained and worried as he said this. He believed in this team, but he seemed doubtful about something nonetheless.

-Wouldn't it help if you decided to smile at least once in a while Josh?

-I'm sorry?

-Yeah, Bram is right, Josh. You can't be leading this campaign if you don't seem eager to do it, you have a large staff now and they need to feel the pride and excitement of working here. I was told that the reason for you being a political mastermind was that you actually enjoyed every step of the process. From what I heard, you have a great way of spreading cheer once you've won a battle, is that true?

-From who did you hear that, Edie?

-It's from whom, not from who – Ronna corrected him sticking her head from outside- and your phone call with the White House is ready. Seems they have a new liaison.-

-Ok, this could be good. Remember Josh, the campaign liaison of the White House is essential for us right now. - Lou told him while Edie and Joey nodded approvingly- We need him to be our best friend, not one that pats us on the back, but one that calls us dumb when needed, questions our choices and beliefs, disagrees with us in private and supports us in public with honest care and loyalty. You need someone able to work synchronized to you and that doesn't take your bullsh….-

-Ok, thanks, listen all, - He had to cut, her little metaphor was ringing some heart-wrenching, very loud bells- I'll take the call in my office and schedule an appointment, you come up with some key issues and proposals that need to be discussed with them and…-he smiled briefly- I promise to give that, to give all of this my best fight.-

Back in his office, he picked the receiver not sure who he would be talking to,

-Hello?

-Hi

-Who is this?

-So I see the gods have finally heard my prayers and you've forgotten we ever met?

-Toby?

-No such luck, it seems. Anyway, I just wanted to have the pleasure of communicating you with our new White House Liaison to the Campaigns, and the newest member of my team. Seems like C.J. answered to your requests, or maybe mine, and appointed someone different for the job, who I'm hoping will give you hell nonetheless. But that's enough for the introduction, so wait a minute and I'll put you through myself, good luck.

-What?…who?….hello?… Great, holding hell of hold…. I hate that music.

He had left the door to his office open, so he could see Bram and Ronna walking into their area, back from the meeting with some kind of assignment. They both looked at him.

-Hey Josh, how's the search for the lost smile? And the lost White House love?

-Really Josh, be nice. You could use a best friend, we all could.

He ignored them openly, tapping his fingers on his desk and wondering who in God's name this new inexperienced guy was, daring to keep him holding this long. He was going to hang up, that was the best….ok, being nice, he remembered. And continued holding. He thought about the last few comments made at him, trying not to actually think about them. He smiled sometimes, didn't he? Come on! Didn't he? He was also sure he had good friends, he just didn't talk to them. And how much longer would he have to hold to speak to someone who would probably had no chance at understanding the needs of this campaign and the complexity of his political mind?

(In a different office, in Pennsylvania Av.)

-Ok Senator, thanks.- a carefully but plainly manicured hand hanged the receiver and pressed the intercom.- Arthur, tell me again, who is on line 3?

-mmm it's either someone from Santos' campaing or Vinick's… I think

-Yeah well, that narrows it down, thanks. –the third bottom of the telephone is pressed, the receiver lifted and put back down after the "speaker" mode is switched on, all in one quick, expert move:

-Liasion with Presidential Campaigns- silence – hello? -… or was that a harsh intake of breath on the other end of the line? –Hello? Are you still there?

Santos' HQ

Ronna nudges the young man next to her, until Bram's inquiring look changes to match her mocking smile. They are staring at Josh, who is holding the phone tightly to his ear, slightly agape and shocked but slowly forming a huge smile. It's not quite the infamous dimpled grin that these staffers have yet to see, but given the nervousness and surprise, he still looks happier than he has for the last months as he says into the receiver:

-It's been a long wait, but yeah, I'm still here, Donnatella.

(theme song)…and credits...