What time is it?

Seven. There’s still time.

Fuck, you say.

You’re not going in today - but I have at a 9 o’clock staff meeting.

Get your ass back here. We’re just a half hour away - or does it take you a long time to make yourself pretty.

I have to shower and shave and some how resuscited my suit. It’s a wrinkled mess.

You’re such a fag.

Look who’s talking.

Here, wear these. We’re about the same size.

I need a suit.

Well I don’t wear suits. So, your options are be wrinkly - wear my duds or screw the staff meeting, call in sick yourself and screw me.

Very tempting. But, who’ll fight for your honor at work if both of us lay around all day and froth at the mouth.

What’s wrong? Has the daylight made things look differently? I could very well go in and face it all.

No, it’s scary - but I said I would.

Yes, in the moment of passion and with a mouthful of Chinese food you said you’d be my shield and sword. But now, with the passion passed, I could well understand if you reneg.

Reneg? The passion is still raging - but I am still afraid of the compromise I may need to make.

You should be afraid.

Thanks. This has helped me.

No. love - you should have been afraid a long time ago - so afraid that you’d break away from that mother-fucker. But, whatever fear you are released from today, there is always me. I am here. I will be your rock and pillar.

I will be strong for that.

Go shower and get dressed.

No. I’m going to stink today - and have stubble.

Good for you.

And dress in my boyfriend’s tacky clothes.

Fuck you!

What? What’s so funny?

You never looked better.

I’ll wear those kisses all day.

Last night you robed me in your armor. This morning I robe you in mine. Kneel.

If I give you a blow job now, I’ll be late.

Just kneel.

"Go in peace, since both of us have sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever."

I love you dear warrior because you have made me forget the battle and made me retire to this haven of peace, with nothing but the sweet memory of you between my legs and your soul within my heart. In a flash, we have had the trust of the ages as our legacy and the baptism of the love of man as our testimony.

When you enter the den of mammon, I will be there with you. I will stand in your heart as fierce as the lion of Judah, as strong as the temple we shall build. And when the king roars his loudest and shows his teeth to make you quell, remember he is nothing to us and the lord, and to the annointed. Ours is the legacy of truth. I seal it with a kiss.

Go noble warrior. Many have gone before you.

Go noble warrior to your father’s hearth and make him know the victory of truth and steadfast love - of love consummated beyond the laws of Levitticus and the spurns of Sodom. We and we alone have purified this temple - and I will never lull the giant to sleep again for so low a cause as vane glory. Go my noble warrior. Go.

I had a dream last night. A forboding dream. A dream like I never had before. I never remember my dreams, but I can recall this one. I dreamt I couldn’t sleep. I had the worst case of insominia I ever had. I walked around my office and they all came to visit. One after the other, they all came. They had no names. They just had faces. Some I recognized - while others I didn’t. And they all said the same thing. "Saul, you cut me adrift and my life was changed forever. A curse on your name. A curse on your life."

Then, I saw this David Preston fella. He didn’t curse me. He carried a guitar. I remember it clearly, it was a red guitar, with golden fittings and silver strings. And he wore a funny looking jacket - a green plaid jacket. He didn’t look so bad. He was rather friendly and he said, "JB - can’t sleep a wink. I have the very thing."

Then, he played on the guitar a sweet melody. I’m not a music fan. At least, I used to like good music, but with the career and all - I forgot. Then the guitar played sweetly. It was the most wonderful tune I ever heard. I was lost to it. I sighed and gradually feel asleep. What peace this was. Then I woke up. For real. Strange - I was dreaming I was awake and only awoke when I dreamt I fell asleep. What magic bullshit is this?

I need to shake this off - they’ll be here soon.

Ah Dora.

JB, they’re coming in. They’re assembled outside in various fashions, eager to hear the official word about Gil Samuel. And I have this . . .

A transfer order moving Preston to the Inccunabula division.

Excellent. I just can’t wait to spring this on him. Let’s see how he handles the surprise - and old, dusty books that never see the light of day.

Shall they come in?

Absolutely.

Miss End, where is David Preston?

Not here yet.

And John Warren?

Same. Shall we begin without them.

Well some preliminary business to start.

Welcome, gentlemen . . . and ladies, to our first official staff meeting since I began my blueprint innovations. I’d like first to introduce you all to Miss Dora End. Miss End is replacing Gilbert Samuel as my chief council and . . .

Sorry, I’m late, JB - I had a late start and traffic was a bitch.

That’s . . . that’s all right . . . John. I’m just surprised that . . .

At what, JB?

At . . . well, nothing really.

JB was just introducing me as Gilbert Samuel’s replacement.

I knew that Dora. I knew yesterday that Gil Samuel was . . .

. . . chose to retire?

And what a loss his services will be. I knew he wanted to retire for some time; however, I truly hoped he would have worked with me in the transition . . .

. . transition. There’s something different about you today, John. But, no matter. As for Samuel, the zeal to play golf in Boca Raton certainly outweighed any consideration he had for good old Dundee & Batcliff. Nonetheless, John, where’s Dave Preston? Have you seen him yet?

He won’t be here today.

He must be here today. How could he not be here today?

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Dave Preston injured himself playing racketball last night.

A sports injury? How can that be? He’s . . . well, no matter. He could have conferenced in to this meeting. He could have made arrangements to hobble in - this is not a straneous exercise - It’s a staff meeting.

I guess, JB, Dave Preston is not concerned with the urgent business at hand, especially business concerning him directly.

Well, I guess those matters can wait until tomorrow - if he manages to hobble into work. Did he call you, John? How do you come by this information?

I was his racket ball partner last night.

And he called you this morning or did you accompany him to the hospital? Just how did you manage to allow Preston to become incapacitated? You know how much I wanted him at this meeting today, John! You knew that it was part of my blueprint to present him with his deserved rewards today, John. I am disappointed that you were unable to manage this, John. Very disappointed indeed.

To business then, JB.

No business. No business today! Maybe next week. Go, all of you.

JB, I don’t understand you. I’m sorry I’m late, but if I choose to play racket ball after work with David Preston, that’s my decision. It’s not my fault he’s injured, and certainly not my fault he’s absent.

And where did you get that jacket?

Why?

That jacket is not like you. You’ve never been uncoordinated in your life! Now you come to work late, unshaven, in a loud jacket and tie, and the aroma of a gymnasium - and to my staff meeting. My lieutenant, embarrassing me in front of these shit heads! I need an explanation! I demand an explanation.

What’s happening here? My plans are overturned. I am defied, and by my closest and dearest boy! I can’t tolerate this behavior. That would be bad management on my part. Such rebellion needs to be tempered at once by the sword and firebrand.

Once a defenseless boy decided that no one in Canaan would be more powerful than he. Once the oil that crowns the lion of Judah annointed the king of kings to rule the holy valley and master the Levites at their best ritual. None shall thwart the prestige and power of the king. None shall share it but his son; and no son will defy a father thus.

And the fruit of the loins of Jesse will not threaten me with war or obstinance. The curse of Sodom will not shadow my rein of greatness - for it is loathsome in the eye of the Lord and trevail to the pure laws I am charged to keep. Defiling the soul of Israel with the scum of Gomorrah, undoes me.

But in the dream, the ghosts of the conquered snap at my feet; only the harpist soothed my temples with the balm of melodious vintage. I am going mad to think that any one would defy me.

So, John Warren - you find merit in this, my enemy. So, John Warren you question my solutions and my process. But, of course, I cannot be too severe on the one who shares my office and who will one day share my family, can I? It’s just a question of letting the lad spread his wings a little. Now, if he defied someone here at this shit hole company, what would that prove. No, he needs to hone his defiance on a true master, to be a true master. So, John Warren you find merit with my enemy - but can you hold your ground against me. That won’t be easy, I’ll warrant - but, I will allow for your compromise and for you apology. What harm can there be in this?

On the other hand, Dave Preston is banished in my eyes. No Pinko, Fag Activist - no bleeding heart liberal for every cause - will ever be a leader of merit on my watch. I wanted to jolt him today in front of his peers with that transfer to oblivion. I wanted to do it! I wanted to revel in it! But, some how that bastard knew! Somehow . . . somehow.

O, so that’s the game, John Warren. Can I forgive you this transgression as well? They’ll be some payment here, I can tell you that.

JB! You here?

Yes, my boy. John, may I sit?

JB, I know you’re upset at me being late and . . .

So, John Warren - you find merit in this, my enemy.

JB, he’s not an enemy. He’s a human being, with needs and talents like us all. He wants to be a part of the new scheme of things - but, we need to respect the precedents that the company has allowed him over the years.

And what precedent may that be, John Warren? That Gay people have special privileges. They can wear flamboyant clothing and earrings to work. They can sleep around with whom they choose and charge the company for health care. They can spread their disease, both physical and mental, to others and encourage people like them to form union-like organized blocks to defy the simple business measures meant to improve the overall associate population and the shareholders. Tell me John, which precedent do you refer to?

JB, you are making too big a deal over this. This is no big fucking deal.

Why John, you surprise me.

It’s simple. David is a good person. He is very talented and a visionary. He has leadership skills - but most important; he’s a great guy. He has a wonderful personality - he sparkles when he laughs and he just feels right to be around. I have never met a person quite like him.

That fruity jacket has gone to your head.

It’s his fruity jacket. It’s his tie, shirt and pants also. Mine are over at his apartment, where I spent the night.

Well, that explains that. That’s ok. If you went to the hospital with him - it’s only natural that you’d oversleep and need some fresh clothing in the morning.

You don’t get it, JB. I spent the night with him. In Bed! Making love. Sex! God Damn it, JB. I love him! And I will not have you destroy what I love!!!

I’m sorry, JB. I could never tell you. Even when you had me taking Mira out on dates and talking about girlfriends with your wife. I’m Gay, JB. I’m sorry if you hate me for it, but that’s who I am and will always be. I’m Jonathan Warren, faggot, fruit, pansy, fucking cock-sucker, in love with David and Gay as queerest folk you can name!

You aren’t gay, my son. You’ve just experimented with a queer influence. I should have never put you on this project.

No, JB - I was queer long before David appeared on the scene. But now that he’s here, I will not let him go - and I will not see you destroy him without destroying me as well.

Then, you shall have the rest of the day off to consort with your lover. I need to rethink your place in this company and your relationship to this top office. Good day.

City of Sweet Children, empowered by a restless god, moving to all corners at all hours for all reasons known but to each heart, bring my love back to me in the safeness of your ebb and flo. It is the harrowing hour, when we reach the brink of our flight and have thrown our trust to the latent winds - the one’s that follow the storm, but refuse to take part in the gale. Give my sweet love lift and float. Bring him to me in this safe haven.

Would that I could fly to the moon - this bright moon, that kindles the evening air with wonder and passion. Would that these rooftops were trampolines to catapult me to polaris. I would sing the soul terrific then. All would know that David loves Jonathan - and David is king. Would that he could fly - such power would he endorse upon the sweet children of this city.

City built to mammon’s honor and hour, which counts only the gold piles and the market flux - wrap us in your ignorance and uncaring eyes. Turn your apathetic ear to us and allow us to live without reproach in these bowels and on this bald pate of your highest point. Be forgiving of things that need no forgiveness and we will honor your cold soul with the warmth of our fiery spirit. Breathe with us - fly with us. Make us the temple for your heritage and legacy - the birthright we have as your children, to be left to our natural selves. To caress what we know to be real and undefined by pope and legislature, by the decayed and fallow. We are defined by the moonlight only at noon in midnight’s deep.

So, how did it go?

It went.

That bad. Am I shit-canned?

Not yet, but I’m certain to go.

You came out to him.

In a manner of speaking. I feel mortified that I did, at least in the way that it happened.

But you no longer need to live the lie.

He made me angry. He acused me of falling under your spell.

And you have.

He said our love was experimental.

All love is experimental.

Stop it. I’m trying to tell you.

Sorry.

He made me angry and I shouted at him - and shoved my gayness in his face.

Well, that’s one way to do it. The books suggest more subtle hints and finally a concise revelation with some hooks for the receiver of the news to grapple with reality. But, shouting it out . . .

Complete with fuck and faggot and queer . . .

. . . with fuck and faggot and queer. Did you use fairy and fudgepacker as well? A regular pink lexicon came shooting out of you, did it?

It was strange. As I released all that anger and said those words - I could see the words, as if they were frozen breath or . . .

Or dragon’s fire.

Well, he was hurt. The man has been my mentor and looked upon me as his son - and here I brought him down with one blow.

He treated you like a slave, a lackey . . . and he is probably more angry at his loss of control over you -- you know --- manage --- the french for to control a horse.

You’re probably right?

You know I’m fucking right! But, also, you are so sensitive that you don’t want to hurt him or anyone else. That’s what I love most about you . . .

Besides my dick.

That too - but there’s more to love than lubrication.

Well, I think I will be shit canned too.

So what. We are good together and apart. We’ll both get better jobs and be there for each other at the end of the day.

Every day?

Forever.

So, let’s celebrate this union. Let’s go have a drink.

And boogie until the cows come home.

(to Max) There’s my boss. You need to meet my boss.

I will. Gotta pee first.

What? (The music is still loud)

(shouts) Gotta pee.

Ok.

Hey, look - there’s Barney Harper, from the office.

I remember him.

Hey, Barney.

David, what brings you here tonight? I heard you sprained your ankle playing racket ball. Looks like you’re off your crutches already. (laughs)

Well, that’s a long story. You remember Jonathan Warren.

Yep. Crowded tonight - bridge and tunnel night.

Here alone?

No. He’s in the T- Room. But, I need to tell you something about him.

He’s got one leg?

No.

He’s got three legs.

Maybe. But, I really feel I may have done something wrong and need to tell you.

Shoot.

He’s related to one of our competitors - and I think that there might be a conflict of interest me dating him.

That shouldn’t matter. As long as you don’t give away state secrets. (to Jonathan) And who gives a shit now.

No really. He’s the son of one of our direct competitors.

Here he is. Max, I want you to meet some Dundee & Batcliff people. This is my boss David Preston and . . .

And his partner, Jonathan . . .Jonathan Warren.

Jonathan - David, this is Max . . .Max Linkletter.

Max Linkletter!

Hiram Linkletter’s son?

(To David) Hiram Linkletter’s son is gay?!

I knew you’d be mad.

Don’t worry, Barney and I rarely talk business. I don’t even work for my father. And besides, he’s cool about it.

You mean, your father is . . .

Gay friendly. Very much so. He’s the president of the PFLAG chapter here in mid-town. He’s very gay friendly.

And your father . . .

Great guy - love him to pieces. You’d like him too. He’s very open about his charitable work in the community. Mom and Dad even marched with me in the Gay Pride Parade.

I think this calls for a drink.

You’re not mad at me. I still have my job, right?

Barney, you butch queen, not only am I NOT mad - I am positively - fucking fantabulous to find out that Hiram Linkletter’s son is gay and that his father is a gay- ally. In fact, what are you all drinking?

To Hiram Linkletter - and the future!

To Hiram Linkletter and the future.