Several Loaded Questions

Alasdair Myers was a man of action. Jun-Ho said it himself. Men, particularly the man among men, were practical rather than objectified. Was this the reason he expected each question Alasdair threw his way? It goes without saying that the top dog waged war in efforts to deconstruct the ideologies behind the Latitude cN or ARK Industries core credence. Times like this Alasdair wished he pursued a higher education than a Master's Degree. It would have assisted him in debating Dr Prince, whose quick, concise answers made him buckle under each time.

Why did society assume being a man was toxic?! Owning a package did not mean they aspire for solely sex and violence. Though Alasdair did not mind punching the cocky Asian rep. The studies conflicted him. In one instance they say society wants more effeminate men, but then in the next shows society writing off these same men. Our supposed society seems to want the worse for men. But for what? Favouring women?

In point of fact, if the alpha man did bottled-up self-emasculation psychological desires, society made them do so. Even if they accepted the wondrous pleasures of cross-dressing, chastity, or humiliation of their dicks, whether small or large, granting them mental clarity; society would continue suppressing their inclinations, perpetuating the alleged toxic masculinity now thrown around like hot stones. It seemed as if ARK Industries wanted to feminise men just to flip the script.

Alasdair stared intently towards Keary, who reddened under his gaze. Yes, they wished to turn men into sissies but give women like Keary the approval to dominate and oppress men like him. As if he would ever submit to a tranny like her. Alasdair looked eye-to-eye with Jun-Ho, who now possessed an arrogant, leery grin compared to the mirth earlier in the day. He could sense Martina's tension emanating, but he did not care.

"It seems June that ARK Industries is pulling a radical feminist agenda. I will concede accepting the peer-reviewed research on damaging behaviours in overly masculine men. However, as you said, change in society is slow. Men more willing to accept emasculation will only be ridiculed and devalued, setting off the cycle for the deterioration of their mental health."

The grin of Jun-Ho faltered. Before Dr Prince could step in, Alasdair spoke again.

"I believe I heard enough from you two, I am actually interested in Mr—apologies—in Ms Green's opinions. She too represents the company, so I am sure she has much to offer."

A cruel, intimidating expression covered Alasdair's face and Keary took note. She looked to both Jun-Ho and Warren. Though Jun-Ho gave her another one of his stylistic smiles, the silent curled lips of Warren granted her the resolve. She toughened up to the best of her ability, before turning to Alasdair.

"Please elaborate, Mr Myers. Are you proposing we condone feminising men?"

"Yes," said Alasdair, a newfound intensity meeting Keary's eyes. "the success of the Latitude cN comes from feminising men while accepting the masculinisation of women. The agenda of ARK Industries is to negate masculinity and become feminine, thus women. This is more destructive and humiliating than supportive, as ARK Industries claims."

"But that is not true," said Keary, hiding the tremble in her voice.

"How so?"

"Well, two things. ARK Industries believes in equality among men and women. Our product seeks to offer a regularly overlooked group the opportunity to tackle the genesis of their destructive behaviours. In no way do we believe this is all men. Second, you are right, we cannot change how society reacts to what you call 'feminine men,'" she gestured with her fingers, "but we can act as a cognitive behavioural tool. We can help these men get therapeutic support for their conduct rather than perpetuate an abusive cycle."

The anger on Alasdair's face strengthened her determination. She even returned his demeaning smirk, making him grip his fists.

"The Latitude is a platform used in various ways Ms—sorry Mr Myers," her slip-up generating slight chuckles from her colleagues, frustrating Alasdair, "it is not our intention for it to be used sexually, however people used unconventional measures to deal with psychological pathologies. One such example popularised is BDSM."

Warren Prince nodded, his elongated grin making the youthful woman blush. Alasdair noticed.

"To say the Latitude perpetuates emasculation is to say BDSM perpetuates abuse, the latter proven false, but only perpetuated by people's own prejudices," continued Keary. "I am beginning to feel this is your case Mr Myers—apologies for being so direct."

Alasdair laughed at her words. Keary's smirk did not falter, emboldened by her confidence. Confidence eliminated by Alasdair's next remarks.

"Touché Keary. Seems you are on the same level as your colleagues. Guess the prick between your legs is good for something."

"Mr Myers!" exclaimed Martina, but he ignored her, rising from his chair to validate his power over Keary. Keary caught her breath, standing up to perpetuate the dissection of Alasdair's resolve. Unfortunately, it proved ineffective.

"Look at you, trannie. Attempting to mimic those same toxic behaviours you alleged is outside the agenda of ARK Industries."

Besides Martina, Jun-Ho and Dr Prince exclaimed their discomfort towards Alasdair's words, however he did not care, his attention all on the trembling woman before him.

"You want to make men just like you. Girls with dicks—submissive and seeking humiliation all because they are maladjusted within society."

"A-A-A," Keary stuttered, shaking violently before glancing at Warren who came to her aid. Alasdair chortled, taking hold of his chest upon realising the truth.

"Wait. Are you telling me your co-workers don't know you have a dick between your legs? That you're not all woman?! Rich—"

"ENOUGH!"

The room went silent at Warren's well-fortified voice, only echoing the thump of Keary Green's body hitting the floor. A gasp escaped Martina, while Alasdair looked on. Warren quickly checked her body, getting her to open her eyes before collecting her small frame. He whispered something quickly to Jun-Ho before leaving. The European Asian glared at Alasdair, whose heart continued to race from Dr Warren's cease and desist.

"I am disappointed in your behaviour Alasdair. While I understand your concern, there is no reason for you to make a spectacle of your homophobia. It might be in the best interest of ARK Industries to reconsider working with inSite."

Martina stood up from her seat.

"June, I sincerely apologise for my employee's behaviour. Do you mind if we talk?"

Jun-Ho considered Martina for a few moments before nodding. She glared at Alasdair, mouthing the words outside before sitting at the corner of the conference table besides Jun-Ho. Alasdair bit his lips before taking a deep breath and leaving the room.

The two spoke until noon while Alasdair sat, arms crossed and wide legged, in the antechamber.

Punished like a child.

The recent moments played in his mind, doing nothing to placate his anger. He knew he fuck'd up.

He embarrassed the company.

He risked his job.

No matter his thoughts about Martina, she was his boss and the right-hand woman to the CEO. If he caught wind of his actions, he was screwed.

Jun-Ho and Martina left the conference room, the man shaking hands with her, before leaving the room with his presentation materials, completely ignoring Alasdair. She shook her head, turning her attention to Alasdair. The top dog stood, looking down at her as she looked upward.

"ARK Industries will continue working with us."

"Okay."

"And I assigned you to lead the digital promotion of the Latitude cN."

"…what?"

"Yes, you clearly hold powerful sentiments about the product so I expect you will be conducive in making their targeted audience more willing to buy. From my observation, you look like one of their prime candidates."

She looked him up and down, a quick glance at his crotch, which he restrained himself from covering. He bit his lips once more before responding.

"And if I don't accept this?"

"Well, put simply, you're fired."

Alasdair stared wide-eye at Martina who exited the antechamber, deserting him in the low volume sounds broadcasted by the large, interior television. Minutes of deep thought passed before he left the room.