[Intro]

The meeting has no title.
The room has no windows.
The rating form waits between us
With one field marked yellow.

[Verse]

The Director turns the screen and says,
"We need consistency across the set.
Nora's technical output is strong,
But leadership has concerns to address."
He points to "collaboration."
He points to "organizational fit."
"A lower rating sends a message.
You understand the purpose of it."

[Pre-Chorus]

He folds his hands.
His voice stays light.
"Daniel, we only need you
To change the rating tonight."

[Chorus]

Change the rating, change the record,
Turn the warning into evidence against her.
Change the rating, make it clean,
Punish the person who described the machine.
I will not sign what I know is untrue.

[Verse]

"This is bigger than one review.
You need to show that you can lead.
A high performer who divides the room
Can damage more than poor delivery."
I ask him which result was weak.
He says, "That is not the point."
The same word crosses the table:
"You are becoming difficult."

[Chorus]

Change the rating, change the record,
Make obedience the hidden measure.
Change the rating, lower the line,
Call retaliation leadership design.
I will not turn her courage into a problem for you.

[Break]

[Director]

Consider your position.
Consider team stability.

[Daniel]

I have considered all of it.

[Nora]

And I am not a lesson
For the others to obey.

[Bridge]

A review should tell the truth
About the work a person did.
A leader does not guard the peace
By sacrificing someone's name.

[Guitar Solo]

[Final Chorus]

I will not change the rating, change the record,
Turn the witness into evidence against her.
I will not change the rating, paint it green,
Or punish the person who described the machine.
Put the order in writing. Attach it to my name.
Her rating remains. The record will not change.

[Outro]

The Director closes the file.
No one shakes a hand.
In the hallway, Daniel copies the notes
And begins another document.