CHESS

Chess is a Game of War

We’re Not Friends — We’re Family.

We Leave No-one Behind.

Margaret :
You're all set for lunch.

Claudia-Jean :

You sure he's up to it? 

Margaret :

He said so.

Claudia-Jean :

He's not being polite? 

Margaret :

I'm sorry.

Leo? 

Claudia-Jean :

He has a courtly side.

Margaret :

Not with me.

Claudia-Jean :

I don't wanna overtax him.

Margaret :

He would've said.

A car will pick up the food, then swing by to take you to his hotel at 1.

Claudia-Jean :

Great.

Margaret :

He asked if you play chess.

Claudia-Jean :

Chess? 
Not really.

Margaret :

I'll let him know.

*******

Charlie :

Leo e-mailed me something about reminding the president to play Chess.

He and Leo played weekly chess games.

Claudia-Jean :

Okay.

What did Leo say about it? 

Charlie :

Just to remind him.

Claudia-Jean :

Guess that's just it, then.

Charlie :

Yeah.

*******

President Josiah Bartlett :

We done? 

Claudia-Jean :

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Oh, sir, I'm sorry.

Leo mentioned to remind you to play chess.

President Josiah Bartlett :

Please tell Leo when he's healthy enough to give me a game, I'll be glad to school him at chess.

Claudia-Jean :
Thank you, sir.

*******

Claudia-Jean :

How in the world did you manage it for seven years? 

Leo :
I had a heart attack.

You remind The President about playing Chess? 

Claudia-Jean :

He pretty much blew me off.

Leo :

You need to insist.


Claudia-Jean :

I obviously don't know the president as well as you but already, I can tell when something's a no-go.

Leo :

You have to insist.

The President gets regular physicals and because of the MS, rather more regular MRIs and neurophysical tests.

But MS is a disease of the central nervous system.

It can affect cognition, perception, reasoning, judgment.

What the doctors actually term.

"Executive Function."

As President of the United States, this needs to be monitored on a weekly basis.

You need to get the president to play Chess.

Finish Your Lunch.

*******

President Josiah Bartlett :

What was it you wanted? 

Claudia-Jean :
Sir, if you'll follow me.

Mr. President.

Sir, this is Roger Quast from HUD.

He was on the Stanford chess team.

He's here to play a game with you.


President Josiah Bartlett :

Roger, unfortunately, you've been dragged here for nothing.


Claudia-Jean :

I've cleared your schedule for the hour.

I spoke with Leo.

You're going to play chess, Mr.President.

President Josiah Bartlett :
You heard the lady.

Where do you think you're going? 

Claudia-Jean :

Sir? 

President Josiah Bartlett :

You're gonna play me.

Claudia-Jean :

Sir, I don't really-- 

President Josiah Bartlett :

Stanford here is gonna stay and help you.

Sit down.

Chess team, huh? 

Stamford :

Yes, sir.

Claudia-Jean :

I'm trying to imagine the cheer - 

Check them to the left 

To the right 

Stand up, sit down 

President Josiah Bartlett :

I was on the chess team.

Claudia-Jean :

Right.

I really have no clue.

President Josiah Bartlett :

He's gonna help you.

And I'll know if you're holding back, Young Man.

You are hereby directed by Presidential fiat to try your damnedest to kick your commander in chief's ass.

Stamford :

King's pawn over two spaces.

Good.