Dan shakes his head as he says, "You've got to be kidding Josh. I've seen the stuff you've said to people. Dude, you can't be surprised at some of their replies." Josh responds, "Whatever, like I said. I finish what they start." They all laugh at him, as Kerry says, "Spoken like a typical teenaged girl."
As the laughter settles, at Josh's expense. Bellamy, finally feeling like she needs to say something; to rid herself of her overbearing nerves, says, "He's right Josh. They only roast you on twitter because you antagonize them. Calling them a cult, could be the reason for their vitriol toward you. They seem nice as pie to everyone else."
Despite Kerry and Tony not being a fan of hers right now; they have to agree with her point, and Kerry responds without thinking, as she says, "Good point Bells." Her pleasant reply surprises her, Bellamy, and Tony. But everyone at the table nods in agreement. Bellamy feels her nerves settle after that exchange. And hears Katie add, "Agreed Bells. If you respect others, they'll respect you in return. It's pretty simple."
Josh scoffs as he replies, "Whatever." His reply again, sounds like that of a child. They all shake their heads and continue to laugh at him. He knows he can't win this debate, and they're thankful he's letting it go.
In keeping the conversation going in a more positive manner though. Tony says, "I didn't think it was possible for the fans to be any liver in person, as they are on twitter. But, I think they topped it. It was quite an amazing experience. They're energy is phenomenal."
Kerry nods in agreement as she says, "Yeah, some even had T shirts on with the name on it." Katie excitedly says, "Yeah, I saw that. I think that was the today show right? When they were screaming for you two so loud; that you could barely get the interview done."
Tony and Kerry both smile and nod in agreement, at her comment. Columbus smiles too as he says, "Yeah. It's definitely an Olitz takeover going on. Good job you two. Your popularity is keeping us all employed." Everyone says, "Here, here."
In the wake of the moment; Scott notices how tight and familial the group seems to be, and he wonders if he will be able to click with them. Despite the standard greeting when they all walked in; other than Josh, nobody else seemed to be happy to see him. But, with Shonda on his side; he figures it doesn't matter if he fits in, she's his protection.
He snaps out of his head, as they all raise their mugs in solidarity, and take a sip. The door opens and Shonda comes back into the room. After closing it behind her, she takes a breath and says, "Sorry about that. Now. Where were we?"
Scott smiles as he says, "I think you were going to officially introduce me." Shonda looks at him and flashes him a smile that makes everyone else in the room take a pause. Which is only broken by Shonda's voice. As she says, "Yes. That's right. Before we get started. I want to re-introduce you all to Scott Foley. He will be appearing on the show this season, as a recurring role, Jake Ballard."
Everyone looks at Scott, as he says, "Hello again everybody. It's good to be back, and I can't wait to add to what you all have put together." Josh grins as he excitedly says, "It's great to have you back Scott. You've been missed." Darby, again unable to contain herself sighs, and under her breath, loud enough for Katie and Columbus to hear her says, "That's debatable."
Both Columbus and Katie snicker at her comment, along with her. As Katie smiles and whispers, "Stop it Darby." However, Columbus smiles as he murmurs, "Spoken like a true smart ass." Darby gives him a wink, as she replies, "I learned from the best."
Katie shakes her head, as she says, "Both of you are incorrigible." Columbus responds, "And that's why you sit with us." Katie can't refute his reply, and both Columbus and Darby see the look on her face, as she scrambles to find words; but she can't. Instead, she settles with defeat, as Columbus and Darby continue to giggle at her, and they turn their attention back to the front of the room.
They tune back in just in time to hear Henry ask, "What will be Scott's character on the show?" Shonda responds, "His character will be a fluid one; meaning he will impact the show in various aspects between the white house and OPA. He's going to add an element of freshness, taking the show in a new and exciting direction; that is going to have everyone talking, and keeping us ahead of the game. We are going to capitalize on the versatility of the show, and our cast, to make sure the focus is on the premise as a whole. So that there's something for everyone. You know, like a buffet of drama and suspense to keep the audience thrilled and excited."
Her response catches everyone a bit off guard; nobody is sure what she's saying, when she speaks of there being a new direction, or adding suspense and excitement, and expanding the vision of the show's focus. Especially since this is only the second season, and the ratings are through the roof. Most of them feel the original premise has already been set; so making a change at this point could spell an epic disaster.
As everyone ponders what they've heard. Tony already has an idea of where this is going, despite the vagueness of her statement. But, he doesn't say anything. Instead, he sits back and allows her words to settle in with everyone else; he knows inquiring further is futile with her. She's clearly made up her mind, and this is something she's already invested the time into, along with the approval of the network.
Which means money is also invested, and she's already started implementing changes; starting with the set work he saw taking place when they came in this morning. This all tells him the train has already left the station, whether they're on board or not.
After a few minutes, some of the cast have become curious about where this change will lead. While others smile and take in the information with great excitement; just happy to be employed and ready to work. Besides, you can't object to something if you don't know what it is yet.
As Shonda looks around the room; she sees that although it's rather quiet. Some of their expressions indicate concern. But the main person she was looking to get a rise out of, Tony; isn't even bothering to look in her direction. Instead, he's sitting at the table in a rather relaxed manner, as if he has no care in the world. She thinks to herself; his attitude will be changing soon enough.