It is one of those delightful mornings in the Piedmont. Temperatures hesitantly seemed to be rising to the freezing point, while the astonishing depth of the sky above shouted unsaid that there is beauty in this world, and that it is a pleasure to be alive.

Despite the environment, DeMille looked solemn. That is not unusual at the mid-week meeting in which the production staff in the Writer’s Section finalizes the outlook for foreign and domestic events that could impact the contracting business in the national security sector. The trick is to report accurately and without the partisan pall of the bundles of information flying around. There are broader implications to all of us who have to live in the same world. There is stuff this morning that will have effect on everyone, and the best approach usually is to simply report it and keep going. On this delightful morning there were the inflation numbers and controversy over voting rights legislation in the Senate, but of course there is more.

Of course. In fact, that is why DeMille had been sure to include the young attorney who had been selected by the Legal Department to provide refreshed guidance on story lines, and a rep from HR, who is comfortable with any pronouns selected and stated “they” required no additional punctuation in their identification. “It seems to interfere with simple narrative flow. We believe in grammatical consistency in Resources.”

That seemed a reasonable approach, but demonstrated an issue in narrative depiction of confusion and concern in current events. HR and Legal both had copies of input rom the readership, one accusing Splash of rejecting legal obligations, and another mentioning resentment about suspicious poetry. DeMille had copies, which he passed around the circle at the Fire Pit under incongruously glorious skies streaked with contrails of passing jet aircraft high above.

“You realize that “poetry” or “verse,” if you will, has not been controversial since the Lawrence Ferlinghetti days. So that is a remarkable thing in and of itself. But it also signifies a moment to take some time and assess where we are in the Narrative framework. There is a thought that another Footnote might be required, but placed at the header, rather than buried at the bottom of the Dailies.”

There was some confused nodding around the circle. “So, we have to say not to take anything seriously? That simple exercise of First Amendment speech, carefully monitored, is no threat to public order, elected officials, current or disturbing foreign events?”

“You can see the problem if you review what you just said. Slowly.”

This time there were no nods, just confusion. “How about you tell us what the organization says through personnel, legal and production. That would save some time, since all this is a little different from what we have been doing for more than a half century without problem, and in full compliance with all laws, local, state and Federal.”

“That is your contention. The point of identifying specific guidance is only intended to reiterate our unified support, corporate and personal, for the Government at all levels of public interaction.”

“Why would we have to do that? It is our right, guaranteed in the Constitution.”

“That doesn’t appear to be completely accurate, though it is something we generally strive to ensure.”

Splash frowned. “Lemme hear what we are supposed to comply with. We are in the country, salute the flag, and rarely leave the property. What’s the problem?”

“There are some things that make the Chairman a little nervous, and consultations with Legal suggest there could be emergency temporary mandates issued about new emergencies from the good people at the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. We want to ensure that we are compliant, even if we don’t know what threats to safety and health might be involved.”

Rocket smiled. “That sounds like having to pass the legislation to find out what’s in it.”

“See the problem?” DeMille pulled a single paper from his hunting vest, folded long-wise. He opened it and began to read. “Socotra House Publications, LLC, is devoted to following the law. All of them. We respect all officials entrusted with enforcing it, and are resolute in our support to a nation founded on equality and justice under the law.”

Splash laughed at that one. “You didn’t call it by the right name. Don’t you have to use that other word that sounds like equality but isn’t?”

DeMille re-folded the document and placed it back in his vest. “Don’t nit-pick. We can always update the note to meet emerging requirements, so long as the Chairman is onboard.”

Melissa showed no emotion at all. “Dig it. We are in for an interesting electoral season that already has people emotional. There is no point in painting the company into some corner from which there is no easy exit. So get with the program. We are law abiding citizens, and so long as we do not pose a threat to anyone, foreign or domestic, we should be allowed to live our lives quietly in the country.”

“But when we see something that looks strange, aren’t we supposed to report on it?”

“That was last week. Like Legal says, get with the program. And HR is committed to helping you find a new fence to sleep next to if you need one.”

Marlow and Arrias participated by Zoom. Melissa, Rocket, Loma and Splash seemed to agree, or at least nodded that way. The noise of chainsaws hacking at trees fallen by the weight of recent snow rose from the property next door. Under DeMille’s leadership, we are pleased to report that all of us, present and distant, are prepared to obey whatever laws are in effect throughout the rest of the year. Enthusiasm may be situational, but compliance is assured.

You can trust us. We are Socotra.

Copyright 2022 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com