
Osbourne Cox is called into a meeting where he is abruptly removed from the Balkans desk and demoted due to an alleged drinking problem. Feeling betrayed and insulted, Osbourne reacts with explosive indignation, accusing his superiors of political maneuvering and personal bias.
PALMER: Ozzie. Sit down.
OSBOURNE: Palmer. What’s up.
PALMER: You know Peck, and Olson.
OSBOURNE: Peck, yes, hiya. Olson, by reputation. Hi, Osbourne Cox.
PALMER: Oz, look. There’s no easy way to say this. We’re taking you off the Balkans desk.
OSBOURNE: You’re——what? Why?
PALMER: In fact we’re movi
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