What is apparently the head boy of the bench press crew says, "You pretty strong."
I laugh and say, "Stronger than the average couch potato."
The guy laughs and says, "Yeah, me too. I'm Dan."
I say, "I'm Jim, just another workout guy."
We shake and I'm in with another workout crew.
I'm upbeat,with the prospect of a new job and my workout goes well.
After my workout, I shower up and prepare to exit the gym.
The lady at the front desk says, "There are a couple of ladies waiting for you."
I look over and there are two ladies in an interview/sales room, where the gym people usually try to sign up new members. One of the ladies is Cassandra, The other lady might well be young Cassandra. I walk over and say, "Good afternoon ladies, you wanted to talk to me?"
Cassandra looks over at young Cassandra and silently indicates, "He's the one."
Of course, as just a computer programmer, I'm too dumb to pick up on the silent message. I say, "Cassandra, I know you. The young lady I don't know."
Cassandra says, "The young lady is my niece, Janice. Janice has some of the same power that you do."
I say, "I'm pleased to meet you, Janice. Are you also a computer programmer?"
Janice says, "No, not that kind of power."
I ask, "What can I do for you ladies?"
Cassandra says, "Matt tried to fire you, for talking to me. The personnel lady then called me and found out that you didn't talk to me. You then got laid off. There will be trouble."
I say, "Matt tried to fire me, for being an incompetent. I managed to get that converted to a layoff, lack of contract work. I made no trouble."
Cassandra says, "Incompetent Matt tried to fire you. He failed. Matt works for Vinny. Vinny is a complete politician. Vinny does not accept failure. Vinny does not accept people succeeding with talent, instead of politics. There will be trouble."
I cautiously reply, "I got laid off. I made no trouble, I am now searching for another job. If Vinny or Matt actively try to prevent me from getting another job, either or both of them will have to face a state labor hearing, with potentially major financial penalties for trying to prevent me from getting another job."
Cassandra says, "Matt is pretty much powerless. Vinny can and will hire goons to beat you up."
I say, "I don't want to face goons. However, I am capable of dealing with goons, if I have to."
Cassandra says, "Vinny has dispatched one Clancy to get help and then beat you up. You are in danger. My niece Janice can help you."
I look carefully at young, slim Janice and see no help against Clancy and, perhaps, some goons.
Janice notices my evaluation and places a fancy pen, suspended in mid air. The pen then rises, by itself and then descends back to its mid air starting point.
Dumb James Coll watches the pen flight and then says, "On the other hand."