Chapter Text
It’s early Monday morning in Hatchetfield. At CCRP, the five employees of the tech floor sit gathered around the table in Conference Room D, glancing nervously at each other. The door flies open and in parades Ken Davidson, their boss.
"You're probably wondering why I brought you all in here." Mr. Davidson starts the meeting the same way he starts every meeting - and sits expectantly, awaiting guesses from his employees.
"We're getting a raise?" offers Paul.
"The coffee pot is empty and you want someone to refill it?" suggests Charlotte.
"I'm getting fired?" worries Bill.
"Bill's getting fired?" Ted says excitedly.
"No, you silly geese! Corporate just sent down a little memo, wants me to share with the class. Apparently they want us to try some 'team building' exercises. Want us to do something to improve our work environment, once a week. You're here to give me ideas."
Around the table, Paul, Bill, Ted, Charlotte, and Melissa all shift awkwardly. The clock on the wall ticks loudly as the group tries to brainstorm.
"Uh, we could go bowling?" Bill finally suggests.
Charlotte hesitates before saying, "We could start a knitting club?"
"Speaking of clubs, why don't we hit the strip club?" Ted asks with a brazen wiggle of his eyebrows.
"Or we could just not do team building at all!" Paul points out hopefully.
Mr. Davidson shakes his head. "Not a chance, Paul. Mr. Coven wants us to find an activity we can do weekly to improve our problem solving skills and general group cohesion. Now, we could try an escape room or-"
Melissa cuts him off. "Mr. Davidson, I have an idea that checks all of those boxes," she says, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.
Mr. Davidson blinks in surprise. "By all means, Melissa, go ahead!"
"Okay." Melissa takes a deep breath before glancing around the table. "What if we started a Dungeons and Dragons game?!"
At this suggestion, Mr. Davidson immediately perks up. “Oh, that’s a fabulous idea, Melissa! I used to play back in the eighties!”
“What the hell is Dungeons and Dragons?” Ted demands, “Isn’t that like nerd shit?”
Mr. Davidson's smile widens as he turns to Ted. “It's absolutely nerd shit! Sounds great, Melissa. I'll go dig up some modules while you all cook up some characters. We start this Friday.”