Rick wants a briefing first.

Helen tilted her chin, waiting for Rick's reply.

"If time is a little tight before break," Rick said, "maybe we could
run through your briefing material together. We can do introductions
later, so I get a chance to chat with people."

"All right," Helen said. "I think there's time to do a briefing and
demonstration of the most important points in our technique."

Helen led Rick to the adjoining conference room and quickly took him
through a review of her new morale policy and its results. He was
familiar with the outlines, but there seemed to be some gaps in the
details.

"Yes, those are the bare numbers," Helen concluded. "Now, here's
where our new policies came from. One of the most significant things
that creates tension in an office environment is our sexual nature."

Rick smiled. "Or releases tension, sometimes," he said.

Helen winked. "Rarely, in the usual office," she said. "People
want to look. They wonder what it would be like with him, with her.
There's no place to get sexual release during the work day." She
paused. "We'd like to harness some of that energy productively.
To break down barriers between co-workers. To release tension.
To build loyalty."

Rick said, "Your results certainly look encouraging. Now how do
you do it?"

Helen said, "We provide a time and place for our people's natural
urges, and the rules, structures, and boundaries to keep our
people physically and emotionally safe."

"I can see why you've let the results lead the way and kept the
details a little quiet," Rick said. "The HR director's first
question would be about distracting people from work. Next, were
we encouraging sexual harassment or nuisance suits from people who
have difficulty with your techniques or feel slighted by someone
they want?"

"Our performance numbers should erase any doubt on the first count.
Not only are people happier and more committed to the job, but
they perform better, and it shows on the balance sheet. We do
periodic reviews to address any distraction problems." She took
a breath, and Rick watched her chest rise. "As to the second part,
our office has a rigorous screening process to find emotionally
secure people. Background investigations help us find people whose
sexual experience indicates they'll be most compatible with our
techniques. Not everyone could work here, which is partly why
I haven't taken any transfers in from other offices."

"Yes, and I saw your recruiting costs were up. You have a very
special team here. But what about frustration?" Rick asked. "You
must have a few people who hope to connect with someone, but can't."

"If someone is feeling frustrated or ignored, there are several
people who are available to give them sexual attention. I'm among
them. Usually it works itself out in a week or two."

"I can see you and Andrew have a very special arrangement, then."

"Yes," she said, and squeezed Rick's hand. "That's true of all the
married and committed people who work here. We brief and screen
their partner as well. Either their partner has agreed that they
participate at some level, or they're positively for it. We even
have a few couples working here. Did you meet Ayanna Washington
at the security desk?"

"No, she was out and Patty buzzed me in," Rick said.

Helen nodded. "I'll introduce you to Ayanna and her husband Stan
at break. They're two of our most enthusiastic participants."

"Have you had any trouble with gay sexuality?" Rick asked, "With
people being uncomfortable seeing it or feeling threatened if
they're approached?" Rick asked. "Or people who want gay sex but
hesitate because it might hurt their career or friendships?"

Helen said, "To the contrary. With a few rules and a commitment
to respect, people feel safe to ask and try things out without it
being a big deal. People's tastes broaden, and as they get to
know each other, they feel OK 'playing gay' with their friends.
Though there are definite preferences, of course. Some women
here only have sex with other women, but they're happy to watch
and be watched by everyone. One or two women prefer men but don't
enjoy intercourse. No labels, unless you want to put them on
yourself." She laughed. "We have guys calling themselves
'100% straight' who stroke each others' cocks while they watch the
'bent' fellows get each other off. But don't worry. People here
will tell you what they like and don't."

Rick nodded. "My hat is off to you. You mentioned a demonstration,"
he said. Do you think we have time before break, or should we be running along?"