George, aka the man in charge, was in full flight – frustrated, a little disappointed, and with equal measures of indignation and confusion – and his subordinate was a captive audience.
‘I haven’t worked for thirty years to build something honourable, only to have its reputation trashed and advertised like a phone plan.’
Dan squeezed in a comment with a sincere, ‘You’ve worked very hard.’
‘That’s right!’ George affirmed, then asked, ‘But who sees it!?
And I get it – money changes hands. When people grasp the value of what we offer, they support it, they pay us to serve them. They make a commitment that is both behavioural and financial. Some people will say we’re too focussed on the money. It happens. They’re wrong, but that’s what they’ll say.
And you marketing-types love your slogans and your catchcries. No doubt “We offer freedom” isn’t succinct enough. “We trade in freedom” is a bit weird. Let me give you three of my old freedoms for one of your new shiny ones. Doesn’t really work does it.’
Dan couldn’t help but notice the hint of humour. He was also mildly amused at being labelled a marketing-type. ‘Doesn’t really work’, he agreed.
‘Look Dan, I need you to hear my frustration. You’re a good guy and I’d hate to lose you. I know you believe in what we do, I’ve heard it in your speeches. I just want us to be careful using a word like “sell” when the importance of what we do is so great. So very great.’
Finally, George took a breath.
‘Did you have any questions?’
Dan paused. A wise choice on Dan’s part.
Shaking his head, ‘Thank you, George,’ he said genuinely, and with some relief. ‘It’s good to hear you talk about the importance of what we do.’
Dan rose to leave. George offered his thanks and opened the door.
And then it was over.
Mia was waiting just out of sight around the corner.
‘Dan, you’re a remarkable person,’ she started with comforting tone. ‘It’s been a rough year but the character you’ve shown makes you an asset for any organisation. And, it might be overstepping, but if we stay in touch, and you see an opportunity in communications, I’d look at it very seriously.’
Dan, partly slow to catch on and partly enjoying the ride, responded, ‘Not leaving.’
Mia was stunned. ‘What!?’
‘Well George isn’t sacking me.’
‘What did you say!?’, gasped Mia.
Dan thought for a moment, ‘About ten words.’
Mia paused.
‘You’re not human! How do you still have a job!?’ And shaking her head, ‘This is when you peel off your outer skin and eat my head.’
Dan, enjoying the Blondie reference, responded, ‘I was wondering if that was now.’
And so, having revealed himself to be otherworldly by murdering his colleague, Dan waited until nightfall and began dining on automobiles. Okay, scratch that. Dan, who was very much human, bade farewell to Mia and walked himself to an early and quiet lunch.
The terminator was coming, but not for a few weeks.
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