Seeing it's getting later in the day, and knowing they'll be back on set soon. He says, "On that note. I better go babe. Shonda is calling me. So it's about time to pay the piper." Kira rolls her eyes as she says, "Okay babe. I won't say what I was just thinking. I will let you handle her. Because I know you can. But, I am sending mortal kombat vibes to you." Again, they share a laugh as he replies, "Damn, I love you woman." She responds, "You'd better. I love you too babe. I will see you soon. Bye." He smiles as he says, "Bye."

When their call ends, he sees once again he's missed Shonda's call, and he simply shrugs as he puts the phone down. He sees she's left a message; but he decides not to listen to it. Instead he finishes his meal, and then heads back toward the set.

When he reaches the doorway leading to the set; he sees Dave and Christine walk in, as the camera crew begins setting up. They walk up to him as Dave says, "Hey Tom. You remember Christine, she's over network labor." He nods as he replies, "Yes. I do. How are you Christine?" They shake hands as she responds, "I am well Tom, thanks. How are you?"

He smiles as he nods as he says, "I am doing very well, and the day is almost done. Much like the work." They both nod as Christine says, "Dave was telling me about your creative shooting plan designed to reduce labor, and I had to come see what that looks like. I understand it's been working well for you on the HTGAWM set."

Tom happily replies, "Yes. it's been a great time saver for us over there. You're more than welcome to stick around to get a closer look. We are just about to restart filming shortly." They look around seeing the number of crew on set, and Dave says," It looks like we have a rather light crew this afternoon, is that apart of your strategy?" Tom nods as he responds, "Yes. We handled all of the heavy shoots earlier today, and now we are doing reshoots for previous episodes. So there's no need for a full staff this afternoon."

Christine smiles as she replies, "Interesting, and how did you come up with this strategy?" He begins to explain, but his phone rings, and because it's not yet on silent. He hears Shonda's ring tone and replies, "I'm sorry. This is Shonda calling."

Dave perks up as he replies, "Oh. That's good. Go ahead and answer, and put her on speaker. I want her to hear how successful this plan has been." Tom gladly agrees to answer, thinking this is either going to go well, or it's going to explode. Either way, he's here for it.

He pulls the phone from his pocket and answers the call, but kindly lets her know from the start they're not alone. He says, "Hey Shonda, I'm here with Dave and Christine from the network." She was fit to be tied when she dialed his number, and was ready to bite his head off when she heard him answer. But, her brain catches her mouth before she sticks her foot in it, as she processed what he said when he answered.

Doing a 180 degree turn in attitude and tone; she flips the script as she says, "Oh, hello Dave and Christine. I didn't realize you were on set today." They both say, "Hello Shonda." And Dave follows with, "We are both sorry we missed you." Christine chimes in, "Yes. We are."

Dave continues, "I had to bring Christine down to see the way the set was being ran today over here. Tom came up with an ingenious plan to reorganize the shooting schedule today, which fits very well into our budgeting numbers for the show. As you recall, we talked about revamping the shooting to conserve dollars and increase profits. Without sacrificing the integrity of the final product. And his approach is working very well over on Peter's set. So, i am so glad he was able to bring some of that knowledge over here."

Shonda wants to throw up, because by the tones of their voices; they're both very excited about the changes Tom has implemented. The very changes she was going to take him to task about, had he not warned her about the network executives being present.

Thinking it's possible the call dropped; but knowing it's more likely Shonda is biting her tongue to the point of it bleeding. Tom is smiling inside as he says, "Are you there Shonda?" She quickly replies, "Yes. I am here. Sorry, I hit a dead patch for a second or two there. You know how it is on the pacific coast highway."

They all nod as Christine says, "Well, we won't hold you. We just wanted you to know things are running swimmingly in your absence. Which means you've done a great job of assembling a phenomenal team." Dave adds, "I agree. You've got some great self-starters here Shonda, you're blessed to have them."

She's now in a situation where she has to agree with them about Tom's idea, and it's killing her. Tom again is delighted to hear what happens next. And without fail, she does the expected as she says, "I agree. They're all great from the actors down to the key grip. I have a great cast and crew to work with every day."

Dave smiles as he replies, "Agreed. Well as Christine said, we won't hold you. I know you talked about coming in later. But, honestly there doesn't appear to be a reason for you come. They'll be done by the time you get here anyway. So, feel free to start your holiday break early. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the girls."

Wanting to scream, to release her frustration. But, unable to do it now. Shonda almost grits her teeth as she replies, "Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving to you all as well. See you when we return." They all say, "Same to you. Bye."

Tom happily hangs up the phone before she can say anything else. And he smiles at both Christine and Dave as he says, "Well, I know you two were interested in me sharing how I came up with the shooting schedule changes. But, I do need to get us rolling first. So, if you excuse me; let me get everyone set up, and then we can chat while the filming is being done." They nod agreeably as Dave says, "No problem, we will be right over here."

Tom grins as he says, "Good deal. I'll be right back." As he turns around he sees Kerry, Jeff, Bellamy, and Josh walk back on set, and the crew is ready to roll. He gives everyone direction as they prepare to run the 8 scenes they have to reshoot. With everything in place, and leaving the shooting duties to his assistant. He confidently steps away to speak to the execs, answering their questions.

Surprisingly, their curiosities are fulfilled within about a half hour. And, Tom is able to return to the director's chair as he finishes up the shooting with the cast and crew, with everybody feeling accomplished at the end. And, ready to go home for their holiday break.