A new day is dawning for Dundee & Batcliff. After 175 years of publishing . . . since the days when Mr. Peter Aloisius Dundee arrived from Scotland and joined hands with Josiah Batcliff to form what has become the largest speciality publishing firm in these United States . . . we stand on the brink, once again, of greatness.

Great things have been planned. Great measures have been taken. Now, I know that these last three years has been pretty hard - and the news has been pretty bleak. But, now, your shareholders have given great confidence to a new man - a man of vision and ideas. A man who can return us to the profitability that this great corporation has become accustomed to.

So, it is with great pleasure I introduce our new Chairman of the Board. A man who needs no introduction. A man who for four decades has rubbed shoulders with the captains of industry. The man who helped make the Ulmec Corporation the household name that it is today. So, fire up your enthusiasm for the embodiment of leadrship, who will lead the new charge for renewal at Dundee & Batcliff - Mr. J. Babcock Saul.

I am a captain of industry! And like all captains lead . . . is it hot in here? Did someone forget to turn on the air? Am I to do everything myself - I’m not the janitor you know! I’m the Chairman of the Board!

And like all captains of industry, I mean to lead this ship to success. Dundee & Batcliff has been the industry leader for over 175 years, bringing great stature to the publishing nation. It’s brand means something to all who see the little "sparrow" logo - it means quality and trust. But, in recent years, I feel that that little sparrow has gone astray. I have been empowered to bring her back to her proper perch.

Thank you. Thank you all. Now, I believe that we have some divisions and department that may need some pruning - both in titles and lines - and I also believe that we must look at our assets carefully. The shareholders of this great enterprise are entitled to a monetary return that will make us all proud. So, there will be change. There WILL be change.

Central to these changes will be a careful look at how our business is run. I believe in a leadership model that far outweighs the role of the individual. Teamwork is supreme - and leaders are part of a great corporate consciousness. This is the blueprint for success! This is the blueprint for success indeed. And I have been in this business for 45 years and know it, because I have breathed it. I just didn’t make it up yesterday and will hope to make it all work. I … I … I have crafted this method over many years, and it will work. It WILL work! IT WILL WORK!!!

Questions. Questions for Mr. J. Babcock Saul? There . . . the person over there - yes, there.

Yes, Mr. Saul. I’m Bernard Milker from the Literary division. Will there be any divisions closed in the near future?

Good question Bernie, good question.

Thank you Bernard Milker. Yes, another question, please? There, is that Miss Germania from accounting?

Yes, that’s me. (clears her throat) Mr. Saul, we appreciate your vision of leadership. Will this mean we will be following the Ulmec method of evaluating associate performance.

Another excellent question. What an astute group. Yes, we will, except where it doesn’t apply. One last question.

There, pass the mike to Mr. Fischer. Take it Mr. Fischer.

Mr. Fischer here, from the Technical manual division. I have been with the company for 28 years and have seen many changes. Will you be reviewing the benefit plan and especially the pension funds?

Ah, Mr. Fischer, who has been here for 28 years. You know, 28 years might just as well be 1 year to me. Experience in success is a very important factor; however, when a corporation needs help and is floundering, to boast of many years with the company is to take responsibility for its current state. Now, trust me - your point of view is very well heeded, but you speak from a point of view that holds the very culture we mean to replace.

But, my question was . . .

. . . Fischer, I know what your question was and still is. And my answer is, it WILL be reviewed.

Thank you Mr. Fischer for your question. That’s all we have time for. Everyone, let’s give another round of applause for Mr. J. Babcock Saul.

Well, John my boy! These are fine digs here, don’t you think - and the old protrait is in a good light, wouldn’t you say?

This is better than at Ulmec, J.B. The view is spectacular.

Fuck the view! Whether we’re in the basement or on the top floor, if you’re with me, you’re at the top of the world.

It’s been some journey, J.B.. But, you need to look at this offer for the Scientific division. It’s quite a nice deal.

You don’t say. Where’s Gil Samuel?

I told him to be here?

The management of this company is shit! They just don’t get it! That is they will get it! The axe if I have my way.

J.B. you need Gil Samuel.

I don’t need any fucking lawyer’s legal council, especially some old fart who justifies . . . .

. . . transition, J.B., transition. You need him for now.

You sound like we need his annointment or something.

Oh well, I guess you’re right.

. . .ah, well speak of the devil.

Sorry I’m late, Mr. Saul . . .

Please call be Babcock - or just, J.B. But never B.S (laughs)

Have you met Miss End?

No I haven’t.

Dora End, assistant legal councillor.

My pleasure. Have a seat. And you all know Jonathan Warren here - who is my Director of Special Projects, and currently on mergers and acquisitions.

Miss End. Mr. Samuel.

John has been with me for some time and has come on board from Ulmec. He’s become a real asset to me. He’s like my own son, eh, John?

It’s great to have a son in the business. My son worked here for years, but moved on. I sometimes wished he stayed here to carry on after I retire. But, you know children. They have their own mind and way.

Well, in that respect John is better than a son, because if my own children had decided to follow in my foot-steps, they would need a size eleven - and John here wears a size eleven. Besides, Gil, retirement doesn’t always need the continuation of old patterns by our clones - eh, Miss End?

Well, the reason for this little conclave today is to discuss our most valueable asset . . .

The Scientific division.

Yes, how perceptive. (to Dora) Tell me about this division, Miss End, why don’t you.

What’s there to tell. While the rest of the divisions have been either flat or slow growers, the Scientific has been a wild success.

Mostly due to the progressive management team, I might add, headed by David Preston.

David Preston has certainly come to our attention, eh John?

Good.

Well, he certainly knows the division - and has certainly been innovative. But, he is also rather . . . how should I say it . . .

Openly Gay.

Well there you have it! I know it sounds rather elitist, but if you’re a homosexual in a position of leadership, you should keep it under control. After all, what kind of role model is that?

I must say, J.B., you surprise me.

No, don’t get me wrong. I believe in diversity. I love to look around a room and see all those black and asian faces - and I know we are leveraging the proper mix of employee talent - and it’s good for business. But, these Gays don’t really add to that mix, do they?

Well, I think David Preston would disagree.

And do you?

Eh, do you think I am wrong to state that anything intrinsically Gay is a proper business value. This Preston fella must have some strength, but it’s not because he’s Gay. It’s because he’s got business smarts and good sense; and there’s my problem - because he is so out of the closet and in your face - and leads causes and heads committees and champions things like domestic partnerships and inclusion of same-sex couples at the Christmas party. I don’t know. What’s the point?

Associates look up to him.

And THAT’s my point. He’s part of a mystique - a dangerous, misrepresentation of good feelings and political correctness. This is not the proper tone for my blueprint.

J.B. - I hope we can come to some concensus regarding David Preston, because he will be here to review your plan.

And, what plan is that.

To sell the Scientific division.

Why be surprised. We need capital. Now, we will lay off a number of associates and also close down some crappy divisions. But if we want that "sparrow" to find it’s proper perch, we need some real capital. The shareholders have me on a very strict timetable. So, look around you folks - unless we sell the chairs and the plants in the corner, the only plum, and it’s a real plum, is the Scientific division.

And we have an offer already.

(reading) This is impressive, Jonathan. This is real money. I never thought that the Scientific division would be so . . .

. . . so bankable. And let’s face it. The division is like tits on a bull (to Dora) pardon my French. All the other divisions have the same settled market niche - but the Scientific is special, especially with the software products. And the only competition is . . .

. . .Linkletter.

Hiram Linkletter.

Bingo!

Linkletter publishing? This offer is from Linkletter?

It’s preliminary and contingent on many things, and one of them J.B. is David Preston.

Eh! And speaking of which, he's supposed to be here.

I scheduled him in after we meet.

Well, anyway, councillors - please take copies of this away with you and do your lawyerly duties. I need a clean read and counter offer as soon as possible.

(rising) Well, Dora, let’s get to it. I’ll send Dave Preston in . . . is that ok?

Eh! Whatever.

Well, John, I’ll see this . . . what’s his name?

David Preston.

Whatever. But, whether I sell him to Linkletter or not, I want you to be the driving force. I need for you to help effect any little correction needed to make this deal work. There are high expectations of me this time out, and I mean to deliver. I mean to be the man in the painting here. Meanwhile, I need to piss.

Excuse me, is Mr. Babcock Saul here? I have an appointment.

Well, hello. J.B. is indisposed at the moment. I’m Jonathan Warren. You must be David Preston. Please come in - and sit.

Mr. Warren . . .

. . . Jonathan . . .

. . . Jonathan, glad to make your acquaintance. I read the announcement that you joined the firm from Ulmec. Welcome to Dundee & Batcliff.

Well, I thank you. And I have heard so much about the Scientific division and it’s phenomenal growth. Congratulations.

Thank you. We are a hard working team at the Scientific. And we have lots of ideas on the drawing board. I have been anxious to talk to Mr. Saul about them. I am sure he’ll want to continue the division’s growth.

I’m sure he’ll be interested.

Well, well, this must be . . .(looking to Jonathan)

David Preston, head of the Scientific division.

Yes, yes. Don’t get up. It’s not necessary this time.

Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Saul.

J.B. call me J.B. - but never B.S. (laughs) John, get Dave here some coffee. You’d like some coffee?

Well, if it’s no trouble.

No trouble at all. How do you take it?

Milk and 2 sugars.

Well, Dave - I have heard quite a bit about you and the Scientific division.

Thank you --- J.B. - Our team has been rather successful and . . .

Don’t mention it. Great strides in one area over the other only wrecks the overall fibre of teamwork. I feel strongly that successful managers need to leverage their successes for the overall greater good.

Thank you. (takes the cup). But the Scientific division is different than the rest of the company.

Of really. How so?

My team has been very hard working and innovative. Right now we have plans for a new software line - interactive training on all the major personal computer platforms. This work will . . .

(hold his hand up) You need to learn when to keep quiet and when to listen!

Ah! (quite taken aback)

No, listen and learn. I am not interested in what plans the Scientific divison has. It’s irrelevant. I am more interested in the leadership model and why your talent to lead did not effect good results company wide.

Well, I am looked upon as a leader by many.

Well, you’re Gay and I suppose the homosexuals look up to you. And I have looked at the record and see you have headed up many diversity issues here at Dundee & Batcliff. But diversity needs to be measurable. I’ve seen the brochures, the awarness efforts and I don’t mean to demean your efforts - but they are just words on paper and guess what happens with them. They wind up in the rubbish bin.

Maybe, I ought to leave.

Maybe you should. But before you do, there are some important things you need to know. I’ll send John here over to your office to fill you in. Meanwhile, just think about what I’ve said. In business we quantify everything. Awareness programs and future software plans are not where it’s at if you have leadership values that count. Trust me. I’m not making this up. I’ve applied it many times over many years with great success.

I’ll be over shortly to fill you in.

Did you want to see me Barney?

Yes, David. I have a problem with the . . .

Oh, is this a bad time?

Maybe it is Barney. Ah! Barney Harper, this is Jonathan Warren. He works for the big boss.

No, don’t leave on my account. (puts the coffee down). Nice to meet you Barney. (to David) You left your coffee. Go on Barney don’t mind me.

Ok. This morning we found a bug in the processing requirements for the GPLC program and a full 400 records bombed.

Well Fuck me! Did Richards look at it?

Yes. Twice. No go. I was thinking we need Mike Frisco.

Can’t afford him. (to Joanthan) He’s a consultant. (to Barney) Have you run the code yourself?

Not yet.

Well, do your best. But if we don’t get this fix today, we’ll be off-schedule - and we can’t afford that. Let me know.

Barney, close the door.

Shit! Piss and corruption! This has been one fucking stressful day! Is your boss always like that?

It’s his style.

Well, he really showed his respect for the hard workers in this company by regarding teamwork as crap and worthless. And how do you think I feel being told all my efforts and passion can be tossed in the garbage. What an asshole!

Oh. I’m sorry. This is steam! I know you must think differently.

He’s an acquired taste. Actually, the more he insults you, the more impressed he is with you.

Impressed! I’m happy he doesn’t love me to bits - ‘cause he’d probably blow me to bits.

You have quite a temper.

Well, I work very long and hard hours. I’m very proud of the accomplishments of this division; and when, the Chairmen of the Board minimizes it and calls it a blight - and our success is the company’s problem - it fries my ass. I can hardly be contained.

And what’s all these comments about me being Gay - What a homphobic prick! How can I take this?

Calm down! Calm down! When you hear what’s going on, you’ll see things in a different light.

I will eh?

You will, eh!

OK. Brighten my day, Jonathan. I defy you. Let’s hear it.

Ok. You’re being sold.

(Standing) Sold!

Shhh! Not so loud. This is a good thing.

For who? Who’s buying us?

Listen to me - calm down. We got a great offer - but before I can give you the details, you need to sign this.

What’s this?

A confidentiality agreement.

(reads) Keep going. I’ll sign it. Keep going.

Well, the Scientific division is different - you’re correct in that. It’s grown and growing and doesn’t fit the rest of the company’s marketplace. In order to do what we need to do with the rest of the company, J.B. needs quick cash. So, the Scientific is a monetized asset.

(signing) And who’s the prospective buyer?

Hiram Linkletter.

Of that’s fine and dandy. We’re being bought by the competition. They’ll smash us to hell.

You’ll all get smashed to hell if you’re not sold. Some of those great innovative ideas and projects will get a willing ear - and I think the division will merge quite painlessly for all.

You sound a little like your boss now.

Well, it is practical. And the question is whether you will sold as part of the deal.

Is there any question?

Oh there is? So, that’s what all that crap was about me being Gay and all. I get it now/ My ideas are fine, but an openly Gay manager may diminish the amount of cash value. So, no more dresses at work? Earring is out! Do I marry the bosses daughter and have a kid. This is piracy.

You have to understand how J.B. thinks. Before he negotiates a deal, he looks at all aspects. Now, I am very important in this decision. He will listen to my opinion in this matter. So, over the next few days, I want to spend some time with your direct reports and some of the other staff.

Snooping?

No, quantifying the deal. And maybe we can talk about the new programs you plan and let’s look at the track record.

You have problems with someone looking over your shoulder?

Yes I do. It’s not my style. How would you feel?

I will open myself up to you. I won’t ask any question that I myself wouldn’t answer.

Ok. That’s fair. Are you married?

(laughs) Oh, so you’re first with the questions?

Ok, no, I’m not married. And I went to Columbia University - MA in business. I’m originally from a small town outside of Pittsburgh. I buy my suits at . . .

. . . ok, ok, I get the point. I see you also workout.

New York Sports Club - and I assume you work out at Gold’s?

(laughs. Drinks coffee). This is cold. Listen, it’s almost quiting time. Are you humgry?

Famished.

I know a great place.

To a success in this venture.

Let’s not drink to that. It takes me a little bit of time to warm up to things.

Well, how about drinking to good company.

Good company!

What I don’t understand is that you’re such a nice guy and you’re working for that . . . that . . .

Prick!

Nicely and aptly put.

It has its rewards.

Is all the promotion and advancement worth working for such an egotisitcal bastard.

Well, as I said, J.B. is an acquired taste. But he has very particular views on leadership and mangement. In fact, he once told me that the word "manage" should be taken literally, from its root.

Its root?

The French manage - the walk a horse through its paces.

Nice. Management is something altogether different than that. There’s a human element - not an equestrian one.

But, it's supposed to be good for the horse - and the success of the enterprise. The results are always predictable.

Predictable? I should say so. You have a bunch of trained monkeys under stress - and the manager is under just as much stress. Where’s the spontaneity and the innovation. Guidance is better than management - and guidance to a mutually beneficial plan.

I believe in that. That’s why I offer you some guidance through J.B.’s unconventional ways. I know the man.

Guidance. I think I know the man also.

Just a few adjustments in style and he’ll be won over. Litle compromises that show him he’s in control and he’s the boss.

You mean some guidance in being less Gay at work. Now how could YOU help me there?

What?

Nothing.

Looks pretty fresh.

I guess so. Pretty fresh indeed.

What? Something wrong with yours?

No. It’s fine.

Tell me, what do Gay men from Pittsburgh do in Pittsburgh?

Why do you ask me?

I think you know why I am asking you?

(upset) I don’t know whether I want to continue this line of conversation.

I’m sure you don’t. But if you are going to presume to give me guidance on how to survive a homophobic prick at work, I am sure you have a base of experience to work from - or have you written the book?

(turns away) I’m not sure I want to continue talking about this.

Why hon, don’t be a hypocrite. Be In the closet or Out - but don’t be In and expect those who are Out to crawl in with you.

(stands) I can’t do this.

(less aggresive) Oh, I didn’t mean to cause you such pain. I’m not cruel - but you shouldn’t be either.

I’m not cruel. I’m just concerned for you. I’ve seen J.B. in action with people he fears.

Fears?

Anyone who has popular support and is powerful he slaps down and controls them - or moves them to areas of career oblivion. But, the minute I saw you, I knew I wanted to know you better and to advise you on how to avert disaster.

Don’t fret on my account. I’m not afraid of him - and this is just a job.

Bullshit. You’re the classic Gay over-achiever. I bet you don’t have a boyfriend - because you’re so wrapped up in your career.

That’s a little probing?

How can you work for him knowing that if he found out you’d be shit canned.

Find out what?

Ok, if you want to play this game, I can’t stop you. But if you want to know me better, I need some honesty here.

Well, what gave it away?

Actually, hon I knew the minute I laid eyes on you - or at least I hoped. And you were such a dainty little miss to fetch me coffee - I thought you had to be a family member. But the clincher was the way you stared at that darling waiter’s butt..

He is hot, isn’t he?

So, is that so terrible? Are you so deep in the closet?

Actually, I am not in the closet - only at work and I am very careful to protect that. I mean, if J.B. found out I’d be more than shit canned. He has me dating his daughter. He regards me as the son he never had. I dine with him and his wife. I listen to their plans for their daughter - the estate - the wedding they hope for. And it’s all directed at me. When I leave, I run to the car, close the window and scream. Then I head for the nearest anonymous sex.

Not so shy now.

You haven’t anything to fear from me. I don’t believe in outing people - no matter what the circumstance. But let’s strike a bargain.

We need to move forward with this deal.

Yes, but on my terms. Being Gay is just one part of me. I am also a planner, a designer, a writer and I paint.

Houses or canvas?

Both actually. You should see my etchings.

Now wait, you said a deal - this sounds like a proposition.

Well, so it does. What I’m trying to say is, leave the Gay part of me at work alone. It has thrived at Dundee & Batcliff - and it encourages other gay folk to perform better - and it’s a great thing for all the employees, because when us gay folk are allowed to dwell in peace, all the other denizens of the sea can swim in freedom. Let’s face it, on the discrimination list, we’re the bottom feeders. So let’s work through this merger deal, but don’t change me. You’ll like me less.

That’s a deal. But, it will make me very nervous for you. It will add to my stress.

Well, I’ll throw in a massage - as opposed to a manage.

And about those etchings?

Well, actually - I believe the best why to get acquainted with a new friend is to look at photographs.

Friend. I like that. I don’t have that many friends.

You have what’s her name? The boss’s daugher?

Mira. Don’t remind me.

To new friendships.

To that and to going to my apartment to look at photographs.

I’d like that. When?

Now.

But it’s a school night (laughs).

It’s either that or we flip a coin for the waiter.

I suppose it’s ok.

Just Ok.

More than ok. Oh shit! I think I’m going to be in deep shit.

Yes, Maggie, who is it? Oh, good - patch him through.

Hiram! Great to hear from you. It’s been too long. How are things over there at Linkletter? Yeah. Yeah. Life’s been good here too. Yes, yes. New blood in the veins of this old dreadnaught will perk things up, don’t you think?

You don’t say. Well, I received . . .

Yes, I got it. I have my boy John on it. No, he’s my lieutenant. I said boy figuratively. I have daughters you know. Well, yes. Yes. They are more expensive. I agree. Yes. Yes.

Anyhow, it’s being reviewed. I must say it is a generous offer. Need to look at some things ‘though. Well, firstly we’d expect Linkletter to cut back in some areas of our remaining markets. Oh, I know your feelings on that. I quite understand. We aren’t talking total withdrawal, just some entrenchment. After all, our Scientfic division will leave you clearly in command of the . . yes, yes - I fully expected that. I’m fine with that - but, my legal gurus are . . .yes, yes.

As to the intrastructure, we have a number of key associates at the Scientific division who have made it all possible - and who will continue to . . . Yes, yes, I know you’re interested in Preston. He’s very valuable to us. He’s been told, but we haven’t really discussed it yet. And frankly, I’m new here - and I’m looking at the track record. Wouldn’t want to sell you a pig in the poke. I’m meeting with him today.

Yes, yes. I know you need that infrastucture - it’s clear. But I’m not sure if Preston’s the one for you. Let me see how it goes and I’ll call you later, and . . Yes, Yes.

No shit! Wow. Well good luck with that. That should be a great find. You might consider him to lead it. Not sure yet about Preston. I’ll let you know . . I’ll . . Pressing meeting - well go to it. Yep. That’s it for now. Bye.

Maggie - send Jonathan in.

I hope he has that Preston character well in hand. I’m not selling the fruit with the cereal this time. It’s makes me look like an idiot. Linkletter’s no fool; and he has the ear of association.

You wanted to see me?

Where’ve you been?

Sorry, a bit late. Had a late evening.

Working with this Preston guy, I hope?

You could say that. He’s here to see you.

Has he recovered from his passion of yesterday?

These things take time, J.B. Give it some time.

Time is something I have not! Send him in.

Good Morning Dave. Sit, sit. I hope we can be friends today. Yesterday was a bit sour for us both, I’m afraid.

(sitting) I was a little concerned by some of your remarks.

Don’t be concerned. I like to confront people to see what they’re made of. It’s a good approach. You must keep on your toes.

It’s a new style for me.

You’ll get used to it.

Did Jonathan fill you in on the . . .

Sales of the Scientific. Yes.

And . . some of my concerns?

Yes. You think I’m too gay at work. You want me to be closetted in the workplace.

Well, I wouldn’t use those exact words. After all, you’re already a known quantity. It’s just, scaling back your appearance and maybe some of your mannerism wouldn’t hurt.

So, let me understand you. In order for me to continue my career at the Scientific divison as part of this merger, I need to be someone who I am not.

Well, since you put it that way, we are all actors of sorts. I mean, it must make the straight associates at the Scientific very nervous when you say something particularly gay.

I can’t believe you said that. May I be frank?

Speak your mind freely.

Gay people who need to be closeted at work are not a very productive lot. We are quite stiffled in that closet. There are secrets there - and indeed no air to grow - and no where to go. It’s a terrifying place. You’re afraid that if people found out, they would cease to like you. You feel that they won’t want to work with you. You loss promotability. It’s a terrible place to be.

It’s like being alone in the dark. Have you ever been alone in the dark, and unable to see anyone or anything? Have you ever walked the floors at night inventing new ways - new lies to protect your secret. Have you ever been beaten to a pulp for who you are? J.B. - we are hated for the wrong reasons. We are hated because we are everywhere and no one wants us anywhere.

I know your are an activist and I know this line of reasoning. Just because you’ve read it in your activist literature, doesn't mean it’s true. You chose this lifestyle - but it must be tempered at work.

Lifestyle? There is no Gay life style. Is there a straight lifestyle? This isn’t about what I do - but who I am. The very fiber of my feeling self knows that I’m gay. The fact that we are everywhere tells me that we may not be the majority state, but certainly we are a normal state.

Well, I don’t agree, but I will respect your views. I am glad you have spoken your conscience. I have all I need to know.

You do?

Yes, I do. I respect a man for holding to convictions. There’s not much more I can say about that. I’ll just move forward as we planned.

Great. Jonathan, we can continue in my office then?

Straight away.

John will be there shortly. I need to talk things over with him.

Now, John, I want you to see how Gil Samuel is doing with the merger paperwork. It’s clear to me that we will not be selling Mr. Preston with this deal. So, you needn’t continue working with him on this. Make some excuse.

But, JB - isn’t this kind of rash?

Rash? Hold on here. Are you saying I should sell my trash to the trade. No sir! I bury my trash.

So, you’re going to . . .

At tomorrow’s staff meeting. We’ll invite Mr. Preston. I’ll do the same as with . . .what’s his name at Ulmec.

Joel Fieirstein.

That’s the one.

What do I tell Daivd? We made plans to play racketball tonight.

That’s easy. You’ll have dinner with me and Helen and maybe spoon with Mira.

I don’t think that’s doable. Let me keep the appointment with David - and some where along the line, I’ll give you a call.

You’re wasting time with him. He’s out of the picture. Did you hear that fag bullshit he was spouting? Did you? Well?

(quietly) I did. You encouraged him.

You bet your ass I encouraged him. I wanted to see how deeply rooted that crap was. If I saw any sign of malleability, I would have work things out with him - through you. But there’s no hope there. A wall of pinko crap and garbage.

Maggie, get me Hiram Linkletter on the line.

(to Jonathan) See Gil Samuel. And I want to see Dora - and without him.

Hello, Hiram. Babcock here. About this Preston character . . .

Let me check my message machine. Work may be calling.

You're so anal. Do you expect work messages at this hour.

Hello Dave. Barney Harper here. Just to let you know we finally found the bug and recovered those records. Now we can breathe free. Also, if you want to meet us at the Splash Down tonight, me and my new squeeze, Max are goin’. Just give me a call. Bye now.

Barney Harper is Gay?

The Scientific division has 12 gay associates. So you see, it will be difficult for any bossman to deflower us at work.

We need to talk some more about that.

We do?

We need to talk about the whole thing.

Why? Did the deal fall through?

No, but you know how I never came to your office today and I said I spent the rest of the day with Gil Samuel?

Well, didn’t you?

I did - most of it. But I was directed by J.B. not to see you today.

I don’t follow. I thought our meeting this morning went well. We agreed to disagree.

No. There was no agreement. He was trying to see how strong your convictions were. And they were quite immovable. So, you’re out.

Out as in OUT at work - or OUT as in on my ass.

No, OUT of the merger deal.

I hate this. I really do. I was really listening to you today - and I can’t see how J.B. could be so unfeeling and uncaring. I heard what you said about how stressful it is to keep up the pretense. It was like seeing myself in the mirror. I envy you that you can be so comfortable with it. But the price, David - the price is high.

I guess it is. What will he do?

It’s a pattern. I’ve seen it. He’ll promote you to a division that’s destined to be closed. You’ll sign a commission agreement that will make you responsible for turning the place around - but it is always an impossible mission. So, you’ll get the stress, and the blame and the divison will close. And instead of accolades, you’ll get seven weeks severance and a cessation of many of your benefits.

So, maybe I should just quit.

No - He always does this sort of thing with a lot of public flare. He’s planning to do it at tomorrow’s staff meeting.

I was a fool to think he was going to let me be. I won’t change, Jonathan. I won’t. You don’t know how sorry I am that you work for him.

Well, it’s still not too late for you. What I suggest is you don’t go in tomorrow.

I’m not a coward.

Call in sick. Please. He’ll be pissed, but it will give me time to talk some sense into him.

I don’t need you to fight my battles.

I don’t want you hurt. I pledge to you, that if I can’t do this, I’ll do something else.

Like what?

I don’t know. I don’t . . .

Hold me.

I feel I need to protect you. I know you can fight your own battles, but I feel ashamed that I have let this situation go so far. I should have postponed your interview today and some how gotten JB to agree without it.

I think . . . I think I have never met anyone so charming and delightful in my life as you. I think that I want you at my side for any battle I fight.

Take my mantel - and my sword and armor too.

Where have you been, my soul, my truest heart? Where have you been hidden from my sight? I have sought you all my life and never would have found you, least I looked in the enemy’s camp. The fire of life has built its roasting flame near my spirit in a flash - and we will be one without doubt or fear.

I have been here all your life, my soul, my heart. I swear I have been but a stone’s throw for the the abyss of madness - but now I see the sun rise at midnight and my heart sings its warning to the sky, that Jonathan loves David . . .

And David loves Jonathan. And all the Baal of false prophecy cannot break our bonds, our pledge of love forever. All the Sauls upon the earth cannot make a difference in our state.

Far or near, we are always to be near. I weep when we will part - and I will never let you drift into the well of falsehood. I may be there - and may find comfort in its security, but it is a dark and cold place, as you have said. A place where breath freezes and passion cannot dwell. I am dangerously close to the brink of my desire. Dangerously close.

Let all know that I would rescue you from the Dragons of Hell, so naturally matched are we.

So call in sick tomorrow.

If you think it best.

You know Gil Samuel quit today. Retired, he said.

No shit. I liked Gil. He was an ally.

He quit over you. And since that bitch Dora End has been pushing for his job, J.B. had no compunction accepting the retirement --- that is resignation. That’s why I really did not get to your office today. Gil’s resignation upset me. . . and I . . .I . . .

What did you do?

I came out to him.

You came out to him?

I did. It was fearful - but, when he heard about your transfer, he marched into JB’s office and told him this was a great mistake and he did not want to be parcel to it. JB had already expected this. He expected me to tell Gil - and he already had Dora End’s advice and consent. He never liked Gil Samuel. When I heard about Gil’s resignation, I was upset and went to him and apologized. He said, "Apologize, for what?" And I blurted out, "because I am gay and you spoke up in my defense also."

He was so kind. He didn’t reproach me for any cause. He never admonished me for not being out to JB and for being in the closet at work.

That’s because he understands people and he understands me. He witnessed how many gay men and women were stiffled and deprived of simple and common decencies. He would never be reproachful; and I fully understand and appreciate why he stood up for me. He stood up for all humanity. Some peope are bigger than life.

There’s so much I don’t understand. There’s so much I don’t know.

But know this - (holds Jonathan’s hand over the shoulder) - David loves Jonathan.

Smitten, eh?

At first sight. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll be your champion.

I knew I was in deep shit when I met you. You're like a big fucking stone thrown into my calm, tranquil pond. It’s scary. But, I will certainly love what comes next.

And what may that be love?

The bed or the carpet?

The bed. I just had the carpet cleaned.

Deep shit - I knew it, deep, deep . . .