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"We the People" is the eighth episode of the first season of *Morning Show,*a segment of *It's All Been Done Radio Hour*. It was first performed on August 8, 2020 as the third segment in Show LXII. It was released as podcast episode 311.

Written by Jerome Wetzel

Directed by Samantha Stark

Previous episode: "We the People"

Next episode: "Evaluation"

## **The Story**

Shelly Meyers is meeting with Brooks Dylan in his office for a regular check-in. He approves her story ideas and asks how she's had six major breaking stories so far. She says journalists don't reveal their sources, and he concedes the point.

Brooks then questions if Shelly has thought about her next steps after this job. She is taken aback, saying she's satisfied in her current role, her only goal being to expand the show's reach beyond the city. Brooks is surprised that she's surprised, given the type of personality she is. He doesn't want to lose her, but if she is going to go, he'd like to be the one to help her make her next move. He invites her to a networking event and she reluctantly agrees to attend.

Downstairs in the studio, Pat Shock worries Shelly is in trouble. Gus Goodall, tired of tiptoeing around the subject, accuses Pat of being in love with her and feeling jealous of Brooks. Pat says a workplace romance would be inappropriate and Gus points out Pat didn't deny he had feelings. Shelly comes in as Pat is flustered and they start going over the rundown of the show, with Pat brushing it off.

Thursday evening, Shelly arrives, late. Brooks introduces her to Councilman Roger Lark, who has heard of Shelly. Shelly immediately pushes to know why Roger and his fellows haven't pushed out Mayor Regina Hayes yet. He says it's not within their powers, and she cites city code that backs that up, but wants to know why they aren't pushing anyway. Roger points out that they're in the middle of a crisis. Brooks starts to apologize, but Roger is pleased that Shelly knows her stuff.

Aidan Pearson is beside Roger and says they were just discussing the recall election and Aidan is urging Roger to run for mayor to replace Regina. Shelly says that's an interesting idea and asks about Roger's platform. He demures, stating he isn't sure if he'll run. She pushes and he asks what she thinks his issues should be. Shelly says anyone angling for the job right now needs to be tough on security and local rule, but given Roger has done a lot of work with social services, he would probably petition the federal government for financial assistance with refugee resettlement, but keep the management for himself. Roger thinks Shelly's words are interesting.

Aidan interjects that healthcare would be an ideal platform, given the concerns about a zombie outbreak here. Shelly admits that the concerns are present, but it's not going to happen. Columbus is far enough away, they'd have plenty of warning., All they need to prepare for is to lock down if needed.

Roger points out that won't keep the population calm, and Shelly derisively calls the public sheep. Roger comments that she doesn't have a high opinion of the people they serve, and journalists are in the public service. Though when Aidan insults Shelly, Roger chastises him to be nice. Shelly returns that people need to educate themselves. She can give them the facts, but they need to take it from there themselves. Brooks excuses himself and Shelly, and Roger says it was a pleasure and he'll see Shelly soon. Shelly isn't sure she'll come to another of these things, but Roger is.

When the two are gone, Roger observes that Aidan doesn't care much for Shelly. Aidan agrees and asks if Roger likes her. Roger isn't sure yet, but would like to find out. Aidan brags about having connections to her show and offers to set up a lunch. Roger says he can handle his own schedule, but softening, asks Aidan what he was saying about healthcare.

## **Guest Starring**

* Ryan Yohe as Brooks Dylan
* Shane Stefanchik as Aidan Pearson
* Darren Esler as Roger Lark

## **Trivia**

* The city codes and rules for removing a mayor cited in this episode are true-to-life for the real city of Columbus, Ohio.