She is in her car, a Holden Monaro. She is in her element. Bette Porter is on the highway to work. Normally, she prefers something more classical or jazz oriented for her commute music. This morning, she decides to indulge in a guilty pleasure known as AC/DC.

The opening riff to ”Highway To Hell” elicits a sly grin as her sunglasses conceal what they can the confidence in her eyes. Bette darts through traffic as if she were gaining high scores in a video game. There is nothing impeding her path. Nothing can stop her.

”Livin’ easy. Lovin’ free.”

Her destination is Burgamont Station which has now become known as the home of the California Arts Center, or the ”C.A.C.” for short. She is its leader, its captain. She is their guide to relevance and prominence. Pulling into her parking lot as the song continues.

”I’m on my way to the Promised Land!”

She smiles for a moment, reflecting on how good life has been to her as of late. She sees the usual protestors lining up in their designated area. Very calmly, Bette takes a sip of coffee as she lets her song finish, drowning out the catcalls and jeers. Undoing her seatbelt and turning off the ignition, Bette is finally ready to emerge from her vehicle and rule the world.

The protestors call her whatever they can. She is a ”sinner,” an ”abomination” and various other things. Whatever she is to them, they are simply empowering to her as she enters the building past security. One of the guards looks toward Bette.

Tasha: Good morning, Miss Porter.

Bette: Hey, Tasha. Please say you’ve been able to enjoy yourself a little since Friday.

Tasha shrugs.

Tasha: A little, ma’am.

Bette: We’re going to have to fix that.

Tasha: Right now I just have a job to do.

Bette looks over at the protestors, her sunglasses still on.

Bette: I see you’re doing it well.

Bette turns her attention away from the outside and makes her way inside the C.A.C. Walking to her office, she sees her receptionist James already looking up at her with a slight sense of urgency. Bette removes her sunglasses as she walks towards his desk.