Oak panels and scarlet cloth line the intricately leveled walls and ceiling that enact the corporate theatre room. Perfectly aligned, slick microphones point their sullen, matte greyish heads at various directions as the air whispers dire portent. A dim murkiness of the soul surges in an imaginary haze induced by this blatant corporate display of pecuniary squandering and a soft splash of light pours over the elevated platform on which orators have spoken victoriously. The staging dimly lit, hundreds of silent voices linger, untouched but by a silent, nervous cough. The atmospheric sense of laden ineffability demands that a play be performed, unspoken power be exhibited, unconditional obedience from the audience be exacted.
Enters a man. Unheard, a button is flicked. Then, pixels light up. Distortion, crackle, pop, PAL chan01 --:-- PLAY appears.
The huge video wall now depicts a man of age, sage, of wisdom and calm judgement. Silent, and with a stern look, yet of a kind and gentle disposition, he looks at and upon his troops. A small company logo gleams its stilish blue at the awed audience - fixed in the left breast pocket on the crisp corporate costume. The pre-recorded president of providence finally speaks. He speaks of a new world. Of bravery and perseverance, of a fearless fight for fortune and fame. We are at the beginning. We, a transcendent unity, We, in concord, We, hearts and minds aligned. The We are about to embark upon a sacred journey. The We are faced with Great Challenges. The pre-recorded president believes in us. The pre-recorded president loves us.
As children waving flags with the corporate logo close this powerful speech, tears well. Tears of joy. It feels great to be part of it all. One to the power of twenty five thousand equals one.