Episode 12 Takeover!

Narrator As I said earlier, 'life must go on'. Despite his family problems, Peter still has a job to do. His energy is amazing. In addition to coping with his heavy workload as Managing Director of Bensons, he somehow finds time – or, rather, makes time – to work on his computer software project. In fact, he's discussing it now with his friend, Jim Lovelace. Jim works for BIM – B...I...M – a large, international computer company.

Jim So the big plus of this system is that an author can virtually typeset a book at home?

Peter Yes, even the most complicated subject matter.

Jim In any language with a Latin-based alphabet?

Peter More than that, Jim. It can cope with other alphabets, too. Russian, for example.

Jim Ah. Cyrillic, too?

Peter No problem. Don't forget, I've spent five years on this.

Jim Instead of using a conventional typewriter, the author types into a home computer, right?

Peter Right. The author or reporter or copywriter or whoever...

Jim Yes, of course. It can be used for books, magazines, brochures, leaflets, the lot...

Peter Using our floppy disks, of course.

Jim Or BIM's floppy disks?

Peter Well, maybe. We'll have to see about that.

Jim We're very interested, you know. And we've got the finance and distribution network which'll be needed.

Peter Oh, yes, you've got the know-how ... Ha, ha. I didn't think you were here just for old times' sake!

Jim Ha, ha. Don't mix business with pleasure, you mean?

Peter No, not really, Jim. It's good to see you again.

Jim But business is business, eh?

Peter I am interested in some sort of deal with BIM.

Jim When you say 'I', do you mean Peter the individual or Bensons the company?

Peter Good question. I've done all the development work in my spare time.

Jim In your own time, eh? But using the company's computers?

Peter No, funnily enough, I bought them out of my own pocket.

Jim So it's your own personal invention? Not Bensons'?

Peter I don't know. I've never thought about it in those terms.

Jim Ha, ha. 'L'état, c'est moi', eh? Peter is Bensons.

Peter Ha, ha. Stop showing off, Jim. It was just my hobby, my pet project.

Jim Well, whoever the invention belongs to, we're interested in buying the rights.

Peter I'll think about it.

Jim Have you taken out a patent?

Peter Yes. At least, the patent's applied for ... Come in.

Angela There's a telex in from Dan Harvey, Mr Benson. I thought you should see it at once.

Peter Hmm, what's he up to? Excuse me, Jim.

Jim Go ahead.

Peter Pleased to inform you that... Oh, my God!

Jim Peter! Are you all right? What is it?

Peter Bloody hell! Here. Read it yourself.

Jim Pleased to inform you that Superbooks Inc. now owns 51% of Benson's shares. Arriving Wednesday 06 00 hours. Harvey.

Angela What does it mean?

Jim It means that Bensons has been taken over by Superbooks.

Peter But who sold them the ... Arnold! I'll kill him! I'll kill the rotten ...

Narrator I don't think you should hear what Peter is saying. It's not very polite. And understandably so. It looks as though Arnold has stabbed him in the back.