bloodshot. "Would you care to expound upon that rather unusual remark?" Brad inquired. Barker's piqued curiosity was evident in the half-octave rise of his tone.
"Oh, it's a passing thought I've had from time to time, probably not worth exploring," Dorky replied blandly, offering a dismissive shrug. Brad's piercing gaze sharpened. His thin lips became thinner. Barker's flaxen brows lifted inquiringly. Dweeb flashed a seemingly embarrassed smile before plunging into his meticulously prepared presentation, "Well, sir, there's a young lady working at that bank who we have periodically included in the daily edits because of her, um, attractiveness. I have read many positive comments that the brief visions of that young woman have been exceedingly well received. We have never broadcasted that lovely lady speaking. It occurred to me that I might be able to personally instruct her in the desired dialogue and appropriate actions of hosting a special tour."
"Special?"
"Yes, sir, as in the unique broadcast of a private tour for someone who the American people already adore and would be thrilled to see standing in the shadow of our hero's monument. We could air the entire excursion as a prime time special. We could have dramatic background music orchestrated to enhance that pride-inducing production into an emotional extravaganza!" Dweeb had escalated his delivery, deliberately building the suspense.
Dr. Barker maliciously grinned at Dweeb's amateurish attempt to slyly pitch a manipulative ploy to the master manipulator, but he was slightly intrigued. "Very well, Mr. Dorky, you have my attention. Let's see if the body of your proposal is as enticing as its preamble."
Dweeb forged ahead, quickly picking up momentum, "Visualize the music swelling as America's most beloved little girl, the personification of the innocence we are striving to protect, is led by the hand of her gorgeous guide to stand and look into the golden eyes of her protector. The lines can be drafted and the deliveries rehearsed. That angelic child will ask her gracious tutor 'Who is that man?' The hostess will answer reverently that he is the fearless man who gave his life to ensure a safer future for you, Precious . . . and for us all!"
"Precious!" Both Brad and Geek Nerdy exclaimed in unison.
Geek Nerdy, who was sitting at the control room terminal across from Dweeb, had kept his eyes averted since the day Dr. Barker had been confronted and managed to not only clear himself of any suspicions of wrongdoing but make his computer technicians look ridiculous in the process. Dweeb had opted to become a simpering servant dedicated to exuberantly agreeing with every spoken word of his public relations director. Geek had quietly clicked into a default programming mode, diligently performing his technical duties but offering no verbal opinions whatsoever.
The doctor's diagnoses maintained that his pet underlings had been exhibiting two dissimilar but typical psychological responses to being embarrassed by their superior. One had
