Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
After a week of failures and delays due to disappointing prospects, four directors created a final roster of who would be in the program and who wouldn't. At least, that had been the plan. Now, of course, another problem popped up out of nowhere.
Dreyfus Zithen, one of the directors of the latest audition program, slammed a fist against a wall. "Is it true that someone found Tae-Jun Thera wandering around in the forest, dressed in torn-up rags?" He was enraged at the timing because he'd almost persuaded the other directors to remove that delinquent's name from the lineup.
Couldn't that obnoxious brat die already? Dreyfus barely kept the thought from escaping his mouth. He already knew that one of the other directors was just itching to get him kicked out of the program's planning department. Dreyfus ground his teeth furiously as he glowered at Claudius Midda.
He was the senior director, much to Dreyfus' agitation. He wasn't given the position for whatever reason, but that man received it. Soon, though, Dreyfus would out him once and for all. He would not satisfy Claudius Midda because he was unfit for this project.
Dreyfus sighed in aggravation. After all, that man was Cilin Midda, his daughter's fiancé, father, and stepfather to that delinquent Thera Tae-Jun. The other two directors exchanged uncomfortable glances. For all that they were also, Zithen surnamed, they had no backbones. Dreyfus dismissed them as useless.
Unfortunately, if Midda found a reason to eliminate Dreyfus, that also meant severing the engagement. Dreyfus sighed as he contemplated that obstacle. Now that he thought about it, there were fewer benefits to keeping the engagement intact as time passed.
Well, that was a topic for the future, not right now. Dreyfus frowned when he noticed silence fell. "So, who answered the question?"
All the other directors and assistants shook their heads simultaneously, much to Dreyfus's annoyance.
To Dreyfus' surprise, Midda took the lead in the conversation after his question was met with annoyed and disgusted stares.
"No one, we thought it wasn't worth the time. We're now discussing the final list of participants in the auditions." Claudius shot Dreyfus a cool stare. "We are including young Thera because while he was in seclusion in the forest for three days,"
Dreyfus scowled in disgust when he noticed how smug Claudius suddenly became. Was there an actual smirk on his face? Had he dared speak so presumptuously?
Dreyfus scowled when Claudius remarked. "He's become remarkably improved during that time." He gestured to one of the hall monitors recording external activity. "I'd recommend taking a look while we continue talking."
Hmph, what utter nonsense. Dreyfus grudgingly glanced at the monitor with a sigh and almost choked in shock. Who was that tall, slender figure with long, loose hair wandering around? He blinked in surprise. Dreyfus shook his head. That made no difference. "We should still reserve judgment until the photo shoots and interviews are completed."
Claudius grunted. "That has already been covered. Where has your head been this entire time?" He glowered in disbelief.
Dreyfus shrugged. "Oh, I'm listening, but we should be cautious about using resources right now." There had to be a way to disqualify Thera, but how? That was what concerned him.
The others sighed and shook their heads. "Just keep on with the discussion. I'm sure someone will give Dreyfus notes to go over later on." Arden Zithen informed Claudius Midda. "Otherwise, we'll be here all night. I have other tasks I need to finish in the other department I must oversee."
Aware of their conversations, Dreyfus noted whom else he would have to deal with later. Arden that individual was so mealy-mouthed. She never bothered to conceal her disdain for him or any other male. She only pandered to the people she viewed as adequately powerful.
Now that Dreyfus thought about it. There might be a way to salvage the situation. From what he recalled, Tae-Jun Thera despised confrontations and wound up fleeing in tears whenever he was faced with potential violence. There could be a setup that would either force him into a fight that would get him disqualified or a verbal confrontation that could make him appear a spoiled rotten brat who couldn't handle insults. Either way, he would only escape criticism that would lower his ranking after an official event began.
Yes, now Dreyfus could see a way to get rid of him properly. He knew people would be more than willing to make a fuss about the fight, physical or verbal. It only matters so long as the goal of disqualification is completed.
Yes, that would work nicely. However, Dreyfus would have to arrange that after the meeting concluded. Dreyfus returned his attention back to what was being discussed. He added that he thought it was worth offering. Dreyfus acknowledged that he could make minimal contributions at the beginning of the reality audition show. He reviewed the almost completed agenda and checked what was included. Since this wasn't the finished product, he had yet to make arrangements for the latter weeks. However, when it came to this day in particular, Dreyfus could see where he could do something about that brat.
When they finally stopped talking and took a break, Dreyfus spoke with some people on a communicator as he headed for a restroom. He glanced at where a photo shoot was taking place. After a second check to make sure that it was one that Thera was headed to, Dreyfus put the first part of his plan into action.
No sane young man enjoyed being harassed by other men, so Dreyfus figured that would be a good way to start causing Thera problems. Besides, the photographer was notorious for having restless hands.
Pleased with his arrangements, Dreyfus washed his hands and headed to the breakroom. He had to speak with the other directors who shared his surname. It was time to exercise his authority and rein in their insubordination.
If this continued, Dreyfus feared for the company's livelihood. It would start doing things that would become dangerously progressive. While he was all for progression, Dreyfus drew the line at condoning certain activities that would continue allowing the use of coed dormitory rooms. That wouldn't be good with wild young men in their prime.