Under New Management

Glinda followed Jane through the maze of cubicles. Although Jane had agreed to walk instead of fly, Glinda found it difficult to keep up.

Jane said, “This is where Battalion Squad Epsilon…”

Glinda shook her head, clicking her tongue until Jane corrected herself.

“…Former Battalion Squad Epsilon now is stationed for Operation Munchkin City Beautification ma’am.”

Glinda nodded and walked over to one of the cubicles and cleared her throat until the winged monkey sitting at the desk typing stopped to turn and look at her. He stood up and struck a salute.

“Ma’am. I trust you’ll find everything is in order.”

Glinda smiled, “No need for that, er…” she looked at the name on the cubicle “…Jim. How is your lovely fern doing?”

Jim gave what he hoped was a convincing smile, praying she didn’t look too closely at the plant. “It thrives ma’am.”

“Lovely! Jane, can we visit the meditation park now?”

“Do I have a choice?” she mumbled under her breath, but she nodded and briskly marched off in the direction of the park with Glinda prancing to keep up.

“Lucky break Jim,” Joe said as he walked to Jim’s cubicle.

“Don’t I know it! When that stupid plant bit it I had to scramble to find a replacement? Do you know how much that damn munchkin fleeced me for a fake fern?”

Janet poked her head up from the adjoining cubicle. “I’m glad I’ve been able to keep mine alive, but it’s not looking too good.” She looked around the office space at the ferns Glinda had issued them, all in various states of distress. “I don’t know how much longer I can take this!”

“Do you want to end up like Jack?” Jim asked. They all shuddered.

Jane came back in, without Glinda. “Good save on the fern situation Jim.”

“Never mind that! Jane, tell me you’ve figured something out,” Jim pleaded.

“I was so hoping the water bit would work again,” Joe said. They all nodded, remembering that attempt had only resulted in her staging a revival of Singing in the Rain.

Jane said “Not water, but I think I may be on to something.”

“What? What can stop her?”

Jane’s grin grew feral. “You think anyone can be that perky naturally? Oh no, I got her number. Those munchkin bastards keep her rolling in tributes of coffee beans. We find a way to decaffeinate those suckers and I think we’ll be on our way to having things back the way they should be.”

The office erupted in happy hoots and yells until Glinda came back in. Jane quickly explained to Glinda that everyone was cheering about the plans proceeding well for the meditation park. Mollified she beamed at the winged monkeys. “Yes you poor dears, soon you will have everything you’ve longed for but could never have under the reign of that cruel, cruel witch!”

“Won’t that be lovely,” Jim said. 

Song Choice: Nine to Five by Dolly Parton

This blog post is part of Linda's Shadows of Oz blog party. Follow the link to see what the rest of the guests are up to!