Falling Towards Apotheosis
Fandom: West Wing
Characters: Sam, Bartlet
Rating: PG
Setting: future; references "Hartfield's Landing"
Written for tww100 Challenge #60 - Babylon 5 episode titles
Original LiveJournal post, with comments

Finishing the oath, Sam lowered his right hand, fighting the temptation to exhale nervously. As he turned to face the crowd, he caught his mentor's eyes looking up at him, a knowing smile on President Bartlet's -- Jed's -- face.

Bartlet's words still echoed in his mind, that conversation from what seemed like a lifetime ago, over what he thought had been an innocent chessboard. "Don't be scared. You can do it. I believe in you." The man was a damn prophet. Sam had to suppress a smile at that thought.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Samuel Seaborn, the President of the United States."