{Roxi walks into work only to be confronted by Heather.}
Heather – We have a problem.
Roxi – Which is?
Heather – The Company’s morale has dropped significantly.
Roxi – Okay…
Heather – It has gone from “Low” which, you know, we were okay with, to “I’d like to burn this place down.”
{Roxi arches a brow.}
Roxi – Why was that even an option?
Heather – Talk to Henry, he conducted the survey.
Roxi – Didn’t you talk to Henry?
Heather – I don’t like Henry right now.
Roxi – Why not?
Heather – He… he did my feedback survey. Do you know 64% of the people who work here, find ME too intimidating? Me!
Roxi – Nope… can’t see why…
Heather – Me neither. Quite frankly that seems like their problem.
Roxi – Yeah… let’s … go with that.
Heather – But you need to talk to Henry. You are up for your evaluation.
Roxi – Alright.
Heather – See what you can get out of that little bean counter.
Roxi – I… Alright then.
{Roxi walks by Heather shaking her head, as she makes her way to Henry’s office. Henry eyes her as she sits down, his hair slicked back, and a pretty nice suit, but large “nerdy” glasses adorn his face.}
Henry – Ah, good, you’re here.
Roxi – Yeah, I heard about Heather’s eval, I suppose we’ll all have to make adjustments.
Henry – Not you.
Roxi – No?
Henry – No.
Roxi – You mean… everyone likes me?
Henry – You scored an almost unanimous score of “Excellent.” And there were a few write-ins of “Amazing” “Fun” and “Bangable.”
Roxi – Well… that’s… nice I guess. Wait, you said “almost” unanimous. As in, less than, or more than?
Henry – You scored low in women over 50 in lower management.
Roxi – I suppose they love Heather?
Henry – No. They didn’t.
Roxi – I don’t get it. What did I do to women over 50?
Henry – You’re young, good looking, and successful. Honestly, they probably just resent you.
Roxi – Well, maybe they just need to get to know me!
Henry – Good luck with that.
Part of me in almost sad they are an evil company…. Almost.
{Larry, the Product tester, walks into Heather’s office with Roxi.}
Heather – Okay people, we need to brainstorm. What would make people happy?
Larry – How would we know?
Heather – You two are the smartest, most observant people in the whole company!
{Larry is shocked by the compliment, he looks at Roxi.}
Roxi – She got told to compliment people more.
Larry – Oh…. Still, how would I know?
Heather – Well… you are the suggestion box guy.
Larry – What?
Heather – That’s what they call you upstairs.
Larry – I have never put my name on any of my helpful… but ignored suggestions!
Heather – People suggested that you stop HOGGING the suggestion box.
{Larry looks at Roxi, who can only shrugs and nod.}
Larry – Et tu, Roxi?
Roxi – It wasn’t me!
Heather – We just need suggestions now…
Larry – Well, sitting out there, all those indentical cubicles, I feel anonymous. So does every one else. It’s dull. I’ve always felt disconnected. Like I was just some cog in a giant, de-humanizing machine!
Heather – Slow down Chairman Mao! I don’t need a manifesto, but a suggestion.
Roxi – I think what Larry means is to let everyone decorate their office spaces.
Larry – Exactly!
Heather – Wait…. That’s… all it takes?
Larry – It’s a start.
Heather – You drones are so easy!
Roxi – That’s… not a compliment.
Heather – Meh.
{Roxi and Larry leave the office, both confused.}
Larry – You think that’ll work?
Roxi – Like you said, it’s a start.
Larry – I guess.
Roxi – Larry, can I ask you something?
Larry – Sure.
Roxi – Have you heard anything on something called “Project S.I.N.”?
Larry – Nope. I thought you might have. And that’s… not really our department anyway.
Roxi – Who’s is it?
Larry – That’s Patricia Small in the defense department.
Roxi – Mmkay.
Larry – Why do you ask?
Roxi – I keep hearing about it, and everyone just… hushes me like it’s some super-secret project.
Larry – That’s… because it is.
Roxi – Oh…. Right.
{Returning home, Roxi is greeted by Keira. Roxi props herself down on the couch and kicks off her heels before stretching back.}
Keira – How was work?
Roxi – The usual, some silly problem.
Keira – What is it this time… aside from you know, the demon clone inside the basement?
Roxi – Low morale around the office. But speaking of that, I did find out who’s in charge of the project, I’m going to try to talk to her tomorrow.
Keira – You mean it’s not Heather?
Roxi – Nope.
Keira – We need to act soon. I can still… still FEEL Sin getting stronger. It’s… it’s growing every day.
Roxi – From what we saw Keira, it’s not ready for testing yet. If I talk to Patricia, maybe I can see how close they are.
Keira – I don’t like it Roxi, not at all.
Roxi – Neither do I. But this is by the book, Keira.
Keira – I know, I know.
Roxi – It’s your eval soon, so I want to make sure you have all the vital information before we do something too quickly.
Keira – I know, and thanks for sticking up for me when we met with Captain Freedom.
Roxi – You know I always will. You’re my wife. I love you!
Keira – I thought they might kick me out for a little while there.
Roxi – I told you to let me do some talking for you.
Keira – I… I know. But… I had to. I have to tell you, and everyone why I am like this.
Roxi – I love you no matter what, Keira. Our past, is our past. It doesn’t always shape our future.
Keira – You don’t see me any different?
Roxi – Of course not. You are my wife, that’s all that matters. I am the luckiest girl in the world that you are mine.
Keira – And I’m lucky that you are mine.
Roxi – Seems that way.
Keira – What’s that supposed to mean?
Roxi – I get approached all the time secretly. People have asked me all the time, just for one night, one time, and because I am with you, and because I love you so much, I always say no. Unless they talk to you, or are… you know… the people we like.
{Keria’s eyes light up a little}
Keira – You do that? For me?
Roxi – Of course I do. Nothing is ever going to make me leave you. Nothing is ever going to make me hurt you.
{Keira smiles slowly turns to a frown.}
Keira – Except Cyrus…
Roxi – I…. I’m sorry for that. But that’s the past. And now, we’re going to face everything together. You and me. Always.
{Roxi takes Keira by the hand and throws her arms around Keira’s neck.}
Roxi – Together.
{Keira looks in Roxi’s eyes and smiles.}
Keira – Together.
{Roxi and Keira share a passionate kiss before Roxi pulls back.}
Roxi – Together, we can take on anything.
{The next work day, Larry walks into work, and sees his cubicle has been decorated for him, all with Cat pictures! Larry looks at Rob, another employee, even more confused.}
Larry – Rob… I think my desk was taken over by a cat lover!
Rob – Yeah… I came in, and my cubicle was all space stuff!
{Heather walks in, a huge smile on her face, her hair, normally tied back in a high, tight ponytail, is now down, as the employees look at her differently. She stops right near Larry.}
Heather – Hello people, you look confused.
Rob – We… just wanna know decorated our cubicles. I mean…. They did a great job!
Heather – Well, Larry suggested –
Larry – Oh… I like where this is going…
Heather – That, you all be allowed to decorate your cubicles. The company thought it would be too risky to let people do whatever the hell they wanted, so they did it for you! You have 4 themes to choose from. Cats, Space, Classic Cars, and Kansas City Chiefs! Isn’t that great? Enjoy your new personalities!
{Heather walks away, leaving people giving Larry the stink eye.}
Larry – Why do I even bother sometimes…
{Roxi walks in, wide-eyed at the theme choices that seem to be working for boosting morale a little. Roxi walks over to the commons arena and pours herself a cup of coffee, but as soon as she turns, Larry is right there.}
Roxi – You know, this whole thing of being right next to me when I’m not looking is going to cause a problem one day!
Larry – Do I look like a cat person to you?
Roxi – Well, you did just pounce right then.
Larry – The Company personalized my cubicle with all this cat stuff! What are they trying to say? That I’m going to die, old, and alone, with a hundred cats chewing on my decomposing body?
Roxi – Maybe if you fed the cats, your story wouldn’t have such a graphic ending. Clearly a happier one too.
Larry – Will you take my side in this? Because despite what my poster says, I’m having a hard time “hanging in there”
Roxi – Now, come on, this company does all kinds of crazy things. It doesn’t mean we’re crazy.
{Roxi eyes an older woman walking through the floor.}
Oh my gosh, that’s Patricia!
Roxi – Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have go seduce a 50 year old woman…
{Larry arches an eyebrow as Roxi makes a mad dash toward Patricia.}
Roxi – Patricia! Hi!
Patricia – You… are Roxi, right?
Roxi – Yes. I have always heard so much about you! You’re like a legend in this place!
Patricia – Uh-huh… What do you want, Roxi?
Roxi – I want to take you to lunch.
Patricia – Ha. This is how it is?
Roxi – How what is?
Patricia – You don’t have to butter me up to fire me, just do it.
Roxi – No.. no… I’m not firing you.
Patricia - But I will have you know that Project S.I.N. is – Never mind, I can’t believe this is how it ends! 30 years I put in here, and this is how it all ends?!
Roxi – uh, A, could we not shout, and B… I’m not firing you. I just… want to get to know you. And for you to know me. Hey, you can even bring some friends if you like!
Patricia – Okay, what about Abby and Linda?
Roxi – Are they… older too?
Patricia – Excuse me?
Roxi – I just meant… uh… you know, ladies who you have… known… longer?
Patricia – I… see… all… alright.
Roxi – Great!
{Roxi shakes Patricia’s hand, as she is still bewildered that Roxi’s actions. Roxi walks towards the cubicles where Larry is groaning as his desk, miserable. Another employee spots Larry’s cat theme and smiles. Larry looks up at her.}
Larry – Oh, hey Gina.
Gina – I see the company made you a cat person too!
Larry – Yeah, this company sucks! I’m sorry, but I am not a cat person.
Gina – I know, neither was I, but then I realized they’re not saying we’re cat people, they’re saying we’re cats!
Larry – I don’t….think…
Gina – Oh, I don’t mean actual cats. I mean they’re saying we share the same qualities. Cats are quick, smart, and independent. Just like you, mean, Bruce, and Shelly.
Larry – You… you know, that isn’t the worst thing.
Gina – See… it all works.
{Gina walks away as Roxi walks up to Larry.}
Larry – Maybe this whole cat thing isn’t the worst idea ever.
Roxi – See, you’ve got to let it take shape before you denounce it.
Larry – What was all that with Patricia?
Roxi – I… uh… I scored really low with women over 50 on my eval, trying to see why they don’t like me.
Larry – And you chose… Patricia?
Roxi – Gotta start somewhere… I gotta run, just… listen to the poster.
Larry – Very funny.
Maybe this will be an opportunity to get some inside info on Project S.I.N. and find out how close it is to being ready. I just hope Keira can hold out with the panic attacks and it doesn’t cause her to have any more issues.
Gonna need all the time I can get.p
{At lunch, Patricia is the only one to join Roxi at the restaurant. After finishing their meals, Patricia does attempt to make small talk.}
Patricia – So… here we are.
Roxi – Yes, this was very nice.
Patricia – So… what WAS this about, Roxi?
Roxi – Nothing, just trying to get to know you. You’re married right?
Patricia – Yes. To a sleezebag husband, and children who can just… be a bother sometimes.
Roxi – I see your outlook is incredibly peachy…
Patricia – I am focused on my work, I’ve worked damn hard for this company, and boom, some hotshot comes in and takes things from me.
Roxi – Is… that what you think I’m doing? Because I’m not. I hear you’re working on the top-secret projects. I wish I could do that, but, I’m not you, Patricia.
Patricia – That’s right, you’re not. No one is. My project is going to change the defense of this country.
Roxi – Yeah… sounds awesome! I mean, you’ve gotta be close, right?
Patricia – No… we need the last bit of funding. But… that’s not any matter of yours.
Roxi – Forgive me for prying. I just… admire your work.
Patricia – You do?
Roxi – Yes, of course.
Patricia – Well, then, we should discuss matters tomorrow over lunch if you’d like.
Roxi – Yes… yes I would.
Patricia – There’s plenty of matters that I think are of the highest importance for the safety and security of this company, and this country! I always needed someone who sees things from my perspective.
Roxi – I’d be happy to!
Patricia – Excellent. Now, I should really be getting back to work. This project needs my attention!
So, I think I’m making some progress. When Keira and I halted that bank robbery a month ago, that really WAS Chet telling the truth, the company is over budget on Project S.I.N. That means we bought a little more time to get all the details.
And… probably, a bunch of stuff I don’t really need to know from Patricia.
{As the day ends, Roxi meets up with Larry, packing up his things to head home.}
Roxi – Any more cat problems?
Larry – I actually… I actually made some new friends around the office. Maybe this thing with themes isn’t as bad as I thought.
Roxi – Glad to hear it.
Larry – How did it go with Patricia?
Roxi – I have to go to lunch with tomorrow and hear about how she hates her family.
Larry – Wow… what theme did the company give you?
Roxi – …
{Roxi pats Larry on the shoulder and heads out the door, heading home for the night. She gets home and once again Keira is there to greet her.}
Keira – Well, how was it today?
Roxi – Remember when we stopped Chet from robbing that bank?
Keira – Yeah, so?
Roxi – Chet was telling the truth. They are actually over budget for the project!
Keira – Wow… I guess… good then?
Roxi – Yeah, it is.
Keira – Wait… how did you find that out?
Roxi – I talked to Patricia Small, she’s the one in charge of something having to do with Project S.I.N.
Keira – She just… told you that stuff?
Roxi – And a lot of other things too.
Keira – Like what?
Roxi – Stuff about her own life. She’s just miserable person. Work is the thing that keeps her happy.
Keira – I see. Well, does that mean we have more time?
Roxi – I think so. We’ll see what happens. I have to go back to lunch with her tomorrow.
Keira – Well, maybe you’ll get some more information.
Roxi – I hope so.
Keira – How are things with Misty?
Roxi – Not as good as I hoped. She still doesn’t remember anything.
Keira – Any luck getting that video from the show?
Roxi – They still haven’t sent it to me. I had to go through the official channels to get it. I wish I knew what was going on there. It makes me uneasy.
Keira – Don’t push it too hard. You do enough as it is.
Roxi – Misty is my friend. I just want to help her. But Melody and O’Malley, the two people with the most information, can’t give me enough to go on.
Keira – You think… maybe one of them knows more than they’re telling?
Roxi – Keira! Melody is a sweet girl. She is my friend, she wouldn’t hurt Misty.
Keira – You sure? Didn’t Misty kidnap her at one point?
Roxi – That… that was a long time ago. Melody is fine. She’s super good.
Keira – I see she still hasn’t divorced James.
Roxi – Yeah… been meaning to ask her about that.
Keira – Seems to me that they both had motive.
Roxi – That’s not strong reasoning Keira. I mean, Misty and Melody made up before she even got attacked. She was helping Misty get the makeover, and she was the driving forcing of the team. For her to throw that away seems ridiculous.
Keira – O’Malley’s not clear either.
Roxi – O’Malley loves Misty. He has even less of a reason to hurt her. Granted he’s a little…. Eccentric, but he’s not a bad guy. He’s the only who told me that Misty was in trouble. I don’t see how he would all of a sudden have her attacked, of stage her attack.
Keira – But… think about this, how much does anybody really know about O’Malley?
Roxi – I… uh… not many people, Misty did.
Keira – Right. So, maybe he knew she would find out something he didn’t want her to?
Roxi – That’s speculation Keira. Nothing solid to go on. And he got attacked too.
Keira – Did Melody say that?
Roxi – The video shows him already on the ground when Misty arrives. They got him first.
Keira – Yeah, he’s already on the ground. No one saw him get him, no one him hit again either did they? No. Something somewhere doesn’t add up.
Roxi – A lot of it doesn’t add up.
Keira – Just saying… you need to keep all the options open.
Roxi – I’m not going to cast suspicion on my friends without proper evidence. You shouldn’t either Keira.
Keira – You’re right. I’m sorry. I just… I just don’t like it when things don’t add up. I wish things were happier around here.
Roxi – Trust me… Happier doesn’t always equal better.
Keira – Still, you should focus on your match now with Krissy.
Roxi – I don’t know much about her. She won her debut and she seems like an okay person.
Keira – Still, you need to focus on that more. There’s always time for other stuff later.
Roxi – Maybe you’re right…
I hate to say it based on what we talked about, but maybe Keira has a point. I really wish I was there. I really wish I could have helped prevent all this. Now Misty’s frustrated and seemingly alone. She rarely talks to me or Melody anymore, and O’Malley is a ghost all of a sudden. A lot of things aren’t adding up, and poor Misty is suffering from all this. She has to be so confused and untrusting. I’ve got to do something to at least show her that I’m on her side. But then again, she probably thinks everybody wants to be on her side, for their own gain. Maybe she’ll regain her memories soon, and it’ll put a stop to this.
I just wish I made more answers that questions at this point.
For everything.
But Keira was also right by saying I should focus on Krissy Fliapovich. I can’t afford setbacks when I’ve got so much more to deal with in the ring. This match is far too important for me to just take it lightly, and let other things cloud my judgment. Krissy’s background says that she was in title contention in other places, so obviously she knows what she’s doing. I can’t treat her like she’s not important. She obviously has a grasp on this and she will present yet another tough challenge. Walking and letting someone new to the company just up and beat me isn’t the way to get what I want.
But then again, what do I want? Sure, I’d love to get revenge on Mercedes for faking an injury and getting a cheap win. I’d love to get a bombshell’s title match that I kinda-sorta earned a while back before Necra got it. And I’d really like to beat Joanne Canneli for the Internet championship, seeing as how she only has it because I screwed up. So, the options are clearly open for me at this point, lots of goals and missions. I can’t let all that go down the drain because I lose to Krissy.
Clearly Krissy is a seasoned vet, and she knows how to kick butt in the ring. I saw that already first hand. She’s no rookie, and she’s super impressive. I will obviously have my hands full.
But people just seem to forget who I am, and confuse my kindness for weakness, that because there are things I can’t control, I’m just okay with it. I can handle a loss, now and again, but the fact of the matter is, they sting, and especially since the last two big matches I had in SCW, the Internet championship and the Blast from the past tournament, I didn’t really even lose. I was the one standing in the ring, while someone else got a cheap victory. I’m tired of that. I’m tired to trying to fight, trying to compete, and getting shafted over and over again, but because I don’t whine and complain about it, I must be okay with it.
I’m not. Krissy, I’m sure you’re a great girl, and a great wrestler and all that, I’m sure that after the match we can be friends. It’s just unfortunate that you have to be in the ring with me this week. I have so many opportunities awaiting me, and I’m tired of getting passed over because of silly shenanigans that I just have to sit here and take. I’m not going to just walk into Norway, and let you just beat me, and then you vault to the top of the ladder in front of me. Those days are over. It’s high time I start showing people in SCW that simply because I’m nice, and I try to help people, I need to help myself get to the top. So no more holding back. I’ve got far too many problems in my lap, to let them beat me. I’m going to use this match as a release. I’m going to take out a bunch of aggression of Krissy. Again, Krissy, I’m very sorry that you have to be in the ring with me, it is not personal against you. After the bell rings, I’ll shake your hand. But from bell to bell, I’m going to let loose.
I hope that Delia, Mercedes, and Joanne are watching. It’s coming ten-fold when I get on of you in the ring.
I’ll see you out there Krissy.
<HR>
{The next day, Roxi walks in and sees Heather, who is clearly annoyed.}
Roxi – You… okay?
Heather – No. I’ve been complimenting people so much, I’m making up words. Today I called Dave “Magniflorious.”
Roxi – That really isn’t a word.
Heather – I miss the old me. I don’t know who I am anymore.
Roxi – You’re a boss who get things done!
Heather – You’re right.
{Roxi sees Larry’s desk, and cat stuff all vandalized. Larry sits there, stunned. Heather and Roxi walk over.}
Roxi – Larry? What happened?
Larry – I had lunch with the space people.
Roxi – Oookay…
Larry – The cat people didn’t take too kindly to it. Now I’m an outcast! I thought this whole themes would create a community, and it has! But it’s one of made-up personalities! It’s like high school! Only with more drugs, and everyone is TRYING to get pregnant.
Heather – Druggie teen sluts are too much! I have to put an end to this madness!
Roxi – Agreed.
Heather – Listen up people!
{The employees stop and look at Heather.}
Heather – Things have been way too willy-nilly around here. This morale boosting seemed like a good idea, but clearly, all of you are way too comfortable. So, while this was a worthy experiment, it is now over. So I will no longer be complimenting any of you. So the next time someone takes a survey and asks how happy you are… you check “VERY” otherwise, I’ll give you something to be happy about! Now get back to work!
{The employees seemingly stop co-mingling and head to their desks.}
Larry – Think that’ll get things back to work?
Roxi – Her hair is up. They know the drill.
