Things will change.

Suddenly, you come to a realization, which itself is followed by a new idea.

"Yes, I can do whatever I want, Megan," you reiterate. "EXCEPT for fire you!"

You watch as the jaw of your subordinate drops, before her mouth slowly curls into a seemingly-fiendish smile. You remind yourself that it's not the proper setting to inform her of the positive reaction you have to this change.

"That's right!" Megan responds, filling the silence as though it's a part of her job description. "You CAN'T fire me! I have a job in this building until I'm in the ground! Firing ME would assuredly be the same as saying 'Goodbye' to your OWN employment!"

"We are in agreement, then," you say, before turning to head back to your own desk.

"I suppose that we are," she says, smiling again, but only briefly. "Wait! About what?!"

"That I can't fire you," you answer simply while lowering back into your seat. "However, it would be a major step backwards by the company to allow your current workrate to continue."

"I don't see it improving," she states simply, and you don't hear the slightest hint of her having a problem with the information.

"Nor do I," you fire back. "Which is why you will be joined by Mandy Monday!"

"I have not MET this one who you call 'Mandy'," she says.

"You certainly have!" you correct, working to conceal the laugh in your voice. "She is your friend, and you're the same age. She simply didn't go by THAT name! However, over the weekend, your job will be to inform her that doing so is part of her NEW job next week!"

"Does that name-change come with a change in salary?" she asks.

"Now," you tell her. "I do not believe that YOUR job comes with the ability to ask me that question! CERTAINLY not to get me to answer it honestly!"

Megan nods silently.

"Conversation Closed!" you inform the female for whom nothing has changed during this verbal interaction.

She nods silently once more, before turning away. She then slowly and silently exits the office (which you are only sure of because you note that you're the only person in it).