Scene 1 :
Tom Knows Best
Autocracy

Setting: A reception area outside the publisherâs conference room. Five people are in the meeting and Sam can see a bit of the interactions through a window. She strikes up a conversation with the publisherâs assistant, Ann, while she waits:

ANN: I'm sorry. These meetings always run late. It should only be a few more minutes.

SAM: That's OK. Thanks for the coffee. So, whatâs going on in there, anyway?

ANN: Itâs the weekly OpsComm meeting. And there is always just too much on the agenda. They never get through everything.

SAM: OpsComm?

ANN: Oh, Operations Committee. It is the publisher, Tom, and his four direct reports. They meet every Wednesday and they always have such a full agenda. There are so many things that need attention· (At this point, Dan pops his head out the door and hands a stack of papers to Ann.)

DAN: Ann, we're running late and we need a few copies of these. Would you call Peggy and ask her to reschedule my staff meeting for later this afternoon?

ANN: (Glancing over at Sam, then back to Dan) I'll bring the copies right in, but would you also let Tom know his lunch appointment is waiting.

DAN: (Notices Sam.) Oh, Hi. Just a sec. (He disappears back into the meeting while Ann excuses herself to go make the copies. Sam waits. Ann returns and disappears into the meeting room. Karl walks up.)

KARL: They still in there?

SAM: Yes.

KARL: You new?

SAM: Ah, well, I'm·uh, just here visiting.

KARL: Interviewing? With Tom?

SAM: Well, yes. Anyway, I'm suppose to be - as soon as he finishes in there.

KARL: Hope you're comfortable. You could be here a long time. (Ann reappears.)

KARL: Ann, did Tom sign that requisition? I told them weâd get back to them a couple of days ago and they are still waiting.

ANN: No. I have it right here but Tom hasn't had a chance to review it. Iâll try to have him look at it this afternoon. I'll call you as soon as heâs approved it.

KARL: (Somewhat under his breath but clearly audible) Figures. So when was the last time he let anyone else make a decision? (As he's walking away, he leans over to Sam and whispers) If you get hungry waiting, call me at extension 208 and Iâll buy you dinner.

SAM: (To Karl's back as he disappears) You meant lunch, right? (Tom steps out of the meeting. The others in the room gather up their things to leave.)

TOM: Sam! Glad you could make it. Sorry weâre running a bit behind. I just have to check a couple things with Ann and then weâll be on our way. (The group, clearly frustrated, files out of the room.)

DAN: So, Tom, when can we finish up - 4 oâclock?

TOM: Maybe. Ann will get a message out to all of you as soon as we rearrange a couple of things. (The others leave.)

SAM: Is this turning out to be a bad day? Would it be better if I rescheduled?

TOM: Oh, no. We'll be on our way in just a bit. It's always like this around here. (Some time later, as Sam and Tom finally head off for lunch, Sam overhears another employee running down the hall after them.)

EMPLOYEE: Tom! Ann said you need to OK this. It'll just take a sec.

Fade to black.