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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Cyber Communication (email, IM’s, etc) (11/04/10)
Characters:
Frank (Call Center Manager)
Sarah (Call Center Representative)

Summary:
Sarah asks Frank for an emergency meeting to discuss layoff rumors.

(A small conference room table placed center stage with a pair of chairs on both ends. Frank and Sarah walk in stage-right, but remain standing near each chair.)

FRANK
So Sarah, what did you want to talk to me about? What’s going on?

SARAH
Thanks for meeting with me Frank on such a short notice. The instant-message gossip is flying around out there like-you-wouldn’t-believe and rumor has it that there is going to be a layoff soon. This is not a good time, Frank. I just need to know—

FRANK
Whoa, whoa! Slow down. I can see that you are upset.

SARAH
You can say that again.

FRANK
What’s going on? What did you hear?

SARAH
They’re sayin’ our call volume is down in our Call Center. They’re sayin’ we have way too much time on our hands. They’re sayin’ they want to let us go—especially me because I supposedly spend too much time sending instant messages. Frank--I know I don’t spend too much time chatting online. I take most of the calls! And then—

FRANK
Whoa—whoa! Slow down…take a deep breath... There, that’s better. Who told you all this?

SARAH
Well, I’d rather not say. I don’t want to get anyone in trouble. Any more than we already are!

FRANK
What else were you going to say?

SARAH
I heard that they want to start pushing people to send more e-mails or send trouble calls via our website.

FRANK
Actually, I’ve heard the same thing—well almost the same thing. Upper management wants to utilize cyber communications more, and get away from using the telephone. Along with e-mail, in the future we’ll start accepting Instant Messages more and more; we’ll even allow our remote users to send TXT messages.

SARAH
So…you will still need us to answer all these e-mails and instant messages, right?

FRANK
Yes. We may have to make some adjustment in staff, depending on the overall Communication volume to our Call Center. That reminds me—

SARAH
What, Frank?

FRANK
We’re going to have to re-name our department. When that day comes when we decide to redirect users to contact us primarily by cyber communications, we will no longer be the Support Services Call Center.

SARAH
How about Help Desk?

FRANK
Absolutely not! It gives people the wrong impression. The perception out there is that we are the Help-LESS desk. Hmmmm… how about something like CyberCom Central Command?

SARAH
Sounds really good. It sounds almost like it’s from a movie.

FRANK
Maybe that is where I heard it.

SARAH
You seem like you have somethin’ else to tell me. We’re still straight, right?

FRANK
Yes…

SARAH
What’s up?

FRANK
I need to remind you about the cyber communications policy you signed back in January. (He pulls out of folded piece of paper.)

SARAH
Ohhhhh…kaaaaay. What’s this all about?

FRANK
There have been….how can I word this? There have been ethical violations as far as your cyber communications go. As you can see from Rule #3, 2nd paragraph—

SARAH
I am NOT going to listen to this! No way, Frank. No way. This is entirely not fair.

FRANK
Well, I need you to read the Rule you violated.

SARAH
Frank – how can you do this to me?

FRANK
I am not doing anything, except enforcing the rules.

SARAH
Then the rules are STUPID.

FRANK
Okay, I will read the rule you read and agreed to.

SARAH
No, don’t worry about it. Don’t waste your time. I QUIT!

FRANK
So you admit what you did?

SARAH
No Frank, yes Frank, what-does-it-matter, Frank? (stands up) I’m leavin’!
(exits stage left)

FRANK
A very unwise choice, my friend. (then, to himself) Kids these days.
(cell phone ringtone: Amazing Grace/My Chains are Gone by Chris Tomlin)
(Frank pulls cell phone out from his pocket, then taps it and places it on his ear)
Hello? (pauses) Yes Mr. Johnson, this is Frank. (pauses) Okay…(pauses) Yes sir (pauses) Yes sir I started to read it to Sarah. She walked out and quit, just as you predicted. (nervously laughs) Well, it made our job that much easier. Do you know how hard it is to let a full-time employee go in this State? (pauses) Okay, Mr. Johnson sir. Yes sir, I agree. Sometimes I long for the olden days, too when all we had was telephones…(pauses) God bless you, too.
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This article has been read 1428 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marita Vandertogt
11/12/10
I found myself feeling Sarah's anxiety. Not sure I like where we're headed, but I enjoyed the read.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/13/10
Interesting story and a good take on the topic. Frank was one tricky dude. I'd like to think there aren't people like that inthe world but... Good job.
Beth LaBuff 
11/15/10
Yes, the guy was underhanded and manipulative. I had no idea where the story was going, so I liked the unpredictableness. This was definitely creative.
Rachel Phelps
11/16/10
I was a bit put off by both characters, which intrigued me. Your story kept me engaged.
Terry Lee
11/17/10
I really enjoy this screenplay format, really sets the scene well.

I liked the character interaction and I loved the irony of the cell phone ringtone at the end.