A/N: Some inflatable bitch with Dissociative Identity Disorder decided to try my patience, just because she was too slow to the punch. Luckily, the pen is mightier than the sword (and so is the block button)!

Standard Disclaimer Still Applies

Chapter Five
Another Meeting

"He's not going to stick this out," declared Stacy.

Lisa nodded. "And if we pressure him, it's going to be like handing him a stick of butter: he'll slide right on through our fingers."

"I don't suppose a bet would hold him in place?"

Both women shook their heads at Doctor Wilson.

"If he's willing to turn in his stethoscope, a measly little bet isn't going to distract him."

"It has to be a superiority complex," Stacy agreed. "House is used to being here…He can bark orders and people will jump…or stretch their brains at a bare minimum. The theatre – on the other hand – is a different venue entirely. If we think Gregory rebels against authority now, just wait…He isn't going to like everything Claire intends to put him through, and it could be a major issue."

"Speaking of an issue…" Lisa tapped her watch. "There's going to be one if we don't get down to the conference room. Everyone is probably there by now."

The Conference Room
A Short Time Later

"Let me take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on their parts. I realize it was all planned from the beginning and it was merely a matter of who got what role, but I will applaud everyone just the same.

"I realize it's been a long day already, but please give me a moment of your time and a bit of your attention. My concerns are valid and some of these things may not have crossed your mind."

Doctor Cuddy sighed and poured herself a glass of water.

"I would like to remind all of you that you are doctors, first and foremost. Your medical duties come before all else, and you are expected to put in at least five hours a day here at the hospital, in addition to attending rehearsals and all other events related to the musical. On that note, let me also remind you that no matter how well rehearsal is going, if your pager goes off and you are needed here, you are to leave immediately and there is to be no hesitation.

"Second, I realize it is difficult to balance being a doctor and being in a musical, as both things are very time-involved. However, I have faith in all of you, and I know that you will be able to balance both and come through with excellence. Some of you had a few sleepless nights during medical school and occasionally during your residencies – I doubt the next eight weeks will be any different.

"Finally, I want you to be very, very careful during rehearsals. Obviously, there shouldn't be too much of a worry, as we're all doctors, but I would like you to be on the safe side anyway. There are many dangers involved with this musical – in any musical, I might imagine – and I would hate to see any of you become hurt, or worse, killed."

Doctor Cuddy came to her feet and gave each of her staff members a long, hard look. "I want you to do me proud out there…Now get going!"

A/N: Sorry for the short chapter…I'm having a bit of trouble getting this to take off. Any suggestions are welcome!