Orchestral Movements in the Dark!

Last Episode Ben had got himself into a real pickle – sexual harassment for telling Penny Promo that he didn’t like the way her bits wobbled. He meant the bits on her pen, but Penny hadn’t seen it that way. He’d had a conversation with Calvernicus, the father of compliance (or had he?). He was looking forward to his dinner with Jemima, but was worried about the bonding session, 'boys’ night out’ he'd had with Mr T and Glenny.

******

Ben had come back from his Christmas break all fired up. He had survived the ‘boy’s night out' but had a really bad feeling about the repercussions. Mr T had told him that as the new kid on the block he had to pick up the tab for their dinner.

“Don’t worry, Benny boy,” reassured Mr T, “your expense claims go to me and then they go to Glenny; we’ll approve them. It's just a way of sharing the love - spending some of that budget we got last year, but didn’t use!”

Ben was sure this was not what was meant to happen, and he had a bad feeling about it. He worried about the 2 bottles of $600 Grange. Then there was the limo ride home. Finally, he recalled Mr. T barking, “Put this down to dinner with ten doctors,” in his drunken haze.

He hadn’t drunk that much and really couldn’t see what all the fuss about vintage wines was. Red wine was a truth serum to him; the more you have, the more you say and live to regret.

He remembered the time a couple of years ago when he had had a few too many red wines. He blurted out his take on the Queensland lifesavers, calling them puffed-up “prima donnas.” He joked that they wear their budgie smugglers so tight to stop their brains arguing.

Most of the gang responded loudly, but one person didn’t care. She was the wife of the President of the Lifesaver Association, and she was not impressed. He ended up at Fartbender because it was his second choice. His first choice was a job at Utopia Diagnostics, which was run by her husband.

No, he was worried. He didn’t need any more trouble with HR. Ben was lost in thought, dreaming about dinner with Jemima tomorrow night. He didn’t notice Penny Promo sneak up behind him and gently tap his shoulder. He nearly went through the roof.

“Bloody hell,” he yelled out. “What did you do that for? You could have given me a heart attack!”

“Oh, I’ve only just started, Ben. You don’t know who you are messing with!”

“Just thought you should know - I had an interesting conversation with HR; you can expect a call from Mrs Pussycat. She’s not very pleased with you or your behaviour.”

As Paula walked off, Ben slumped down in his chair. What a disaster! I need to try to get Paula back on side or I’m in real trouble, he thought. His mind wandered; what had he got himself into?

He hated this place and the people in it. They weren’t at all like his old mate Ernie or his new idol Jemima. No wonder Tina had gone into hiding—why wouldn’t she?

Ben began contemplating all the different players in his life. Ernie, the trumpet player or whistleblower, whatever he was, was a mystery. Mr. T banged his drum at every chance. Glenny always blew smoke, leading the wind section. Tina and Jemima stood out front, playing calming music on their violins.

Then there was Ben Boa, a symbol player extraordinaire. No matter what he did, he could never go unnoticed or be quiet. He always caused a commotion somewhere.

“Orchestral movements in the dark,” said this deep voice that he had heard before. He looked around at no one. Calvernicus, the father of compliance – CC; what did he want?

“Ben, you could get into a lot of trouble in your quest to bond with Mr T and Glenny. What you did was wrong; do you know why?” asks CC.

“Well, I am sure you are about to tell me. I’ve done my compliance training—what did I miss there, Fruit Loops?”

“What you did was wrong, Ben. You were misled, but you knew better, didn’t you?”

“What was I supposed to do? They are my bosses. If I don’t do what they say, I could get fired!” replied Ben, who, as soon as he said this, thought maybe it was not such a bad idea.

Next Episode, Episode 10 - The discretionary account – frequent-flyer points for everyone!!

Till next time,

Calvin