The members of the Slough branch sat on a commercial jet cramped into their tiny seats. Tim slept while Gareth sits on one side of his seat and Dawn sits on the other. Gareth tries to spray breath spray into his mouth but misses and hits Tim in the face waking him up with a start.
"Gareth, what on Earth..." Dawn lets out a giggle. Tim turns to Dawn "Oh, you think that's funny?" she nods giggling some more. "Laugh it up, Dawn. I could've died you know?"

"Died? From being sprayed with breath spray?"

"Oh is that what that was?" He turns back to Gareth "Why are you using breath spray?"

"We're about to land," Gareth explained. "You never know who you'll run into. I want to give off a good first impression unlike some people."

"Well here's a tip, Gareth spray the breath spray into your mouth next time. It might be more effective."

Michael Scott sat in the back of the 15-passenger van singing, "I am the Walrus".
"The Beatles." Michael explained. "Another wonderful contribution from England. I believe this weekend we will all learn more about ourselves, and in doing so make the world a better place.

The van pulled up in front of the hotel and they all piled out. The Slough branch was waiting in the lobby. David rushed up to Michael violently shaking his hand and bumbling "It's a pleasure to be here. I have a lot of information to share with your company on what it takes to be a successful business."

"And I for your company" Michael said with a slight bow. The two companies stared at each other. After a moment they all started to mingle and chat putting their suitcases into different piles.

"Tim meet Jim... Jim meet Tim... heh heh... rhyming is a part of poetry. I'm a poet at heart." David told the camera.

"Jim is my number two" Michael said immediately following with a horrible impression of Dr. Evil. "Hello number two, I can do the Macarena. Tuhka tuhka tuhka... ahhhite!"
Jim waited until Michael was done to give Tim a firm handshake.

"Jim Halpert"

"Tim Canterbury"

Michael burst out "SNAP INTO A TIM JIM! Like a Slim Jim... beef jerky!"

Jim and Tim simultaneously raised their eyebrows
"So Tim, how do you like the states?" Jim asked trying to ignore Michael.

"It's great so far I haven't seen much but this should be a fun holiday."

"Pip-Pip Cherrios!" Michael chimed in. "It's just your accent. It's great."
Awkward pause.

"I think I might go help with the luggage." Tim said hurrying away before Michael could make another comment.

"Good idea I'll join you." Jim said quickly following Tim's lead.

"Him Tim... Him Jim..." Michael said pointing at the two, nudging David Brent in the side.

"Right" David laughed, "Right... listen do you know if there are any good pubs around here I think the team could use a bit of a pick me up, we could all go down to the pub and have a good laugh it'd be great." David awkwardly straightened his tie

"Yes! Yes that is a fabulous idea see, that's what I'm talking about two brains from different countries working together!" Michael smiled his proudest smile.

David muttered "My idea... the pub... and the drinks." while smiling at the camera.

"Attention everyone! All paper pushers American and English gather around, I am about to announce your room assignments!" Michael yelled smiling with glee while waiving an American flag in one hand and a British flag in the other. Dwight stood by his side with a clipboard while surveying the crowd. "Let's start with the fair lasses first"

"Kelly and Meredith you will be sharing a room
Angela and Phyllis will also be sharing a room
Pam, Karen and Dawn you all will be sharing a room "Hot." Kevin said. Keith nodded in agreement.
Ryan and Stanley
Oscar and Creed
Kevin and Keith
Toby and Neil "ugh good luck Neil" Michael said under his breath.
Tim and Dwight
Jim and Gareth
And last but not least your fearless leaders shall be sharing a room."

"The room of leadership." David Brent added. "Where leaders lie down to sleep and wake up to inspire you with their knowledge, and the room might be used for something else as well... things of a romantic nature. Not with Michael of course but maybe one of the ladies would like to join me for a drink later on." The ladies all exchanged looks. Meredith grinned.

"Michael," Karen asked "Why does every other room have two to a room except for our room" Karen motioned to Pam and Dawn.

"Good question. There was a slight mix up with the reservations and I accidentally reserved the honeymoon suite for David and myself... Michael paused and smiled at Jan. Jan rolled her eyes. "And the hotel wouldn't let me change it so we had to reserve fewer rooms than we originally planned."

"Ooh the Honeymoon suite, now who wants to have a drink?" David winked at the ladies. Meredith grinned again.

Karen did not look pleased. Dawn sighed and looked down at her luggage and Pam was trying hard not to notice the looks Dwight and Angela gave each other when Michael mentioned the Honeymoon suite.

"Now everyone," David said rubbing his hands together. "Let's load up the luggage carts, get settled in and then get sloshed... I mean have a drink." David corrected himself giving the camera a responsible nod.

David's Talking head: I wouldn't object to an overseas Romance if you will. Chris Finch says that American women are quite good in the sack. Not that British women aren't. I don't discriminate.

Michael looked over the checklist, turned to Dwight and asked "Where's Andy?" Dwight paused with an odd expression on his face

"Gee Michael, I don't know. I hope he didn't get left behind." Dwight looks over his shoulder at the camera with an evil grin.

Andy is standing in the parking lot at Dunder Mifflin looking around. He looks down at his watch, and looks around again.

" So are you both excited for whatever David and Michael have planned for us this weekend?" Tim asked Jim

"It's better than working... I think." Said Jim scratching the back of his head.

"At least at work you can find other ways to entertain yourself. It seems like we're at the mercy of those two." Karen added.

"Do you think they'll result to physical torture eventually?" Tim inquired

"I don't know I think they've pretty much mastered psychological torture." Karen said with certainty.

"I'd have to agree. It's amazing how two people can be so much alike. Maybe they're twins separated at birth!" said Tim staring at Michael and David suspiciously.
Karen and Jim chuckled.

" I think you may be on to something. Tim have you met Karen?"

"Karen Filipelli."

"Tim Canterbury."
At that moment Pam brushed by Jim and almost tripped over her heavy suitcase she was struggling to carry in front of her.

"Are you okay? Here, let me help you with that." Tim rushed to Pam's assistance. Tim picked up the suitcase with one hand he didn't look it but he was strong.

"Thanks!" Pam tried not to notice that Jim didn't even flinch.

"My name is Tim, Tim Canterbury." He put down the suitcase and shook Pam's hand.

"I'm Pam, Pam Beesly"

"Well Miss Beesly I'm not sure if you're aware of this but you were only supposed to pack enough for one weekend."

Pam laughed and said "I did but Michael needed me to bring some extra props for one of his speeches."

"And you brought them? You're a good sport."

Jim's curiosity was peaked "Props Beesly? I'm almost afraid to ask."

"Well don't, I'm sworn to secrecy." They locked eyes for a moment before Karen broke their gaze by fiddling with Jim's jacket.

Tim smiled "Come on then, Pam lets get this suitcase on a luggage cart before my arm falls off."

Jim watched them walk off before turning his attention back to Karen.

"Jim, I was thinking, it's so great that we're in New York. Maybe you and I can sneak away and see a show on Broadway or go out to eat in an amazing restaurant. Wouldn't that be great?"

"And miss out on all this fun?" Jim teased

"Just say that you'll think about it. I mean how often are we in New York?"

"Well if we can make sure Michael finds out about other paper companies in other countries..."

"Stop it." Jim could see she was in serious mode.

"Alright, I'll think about it."

"Well, I'll see you later." Karen gave Jim a quick peck on the cheek. Jim fought the urge to see if Pam was watching.

"What, you're leaving?" Jim hoped she didn't notice the hope in his voice.

"I want to make sure there's enough space for all three of us in our room. I'll meet you back here?"Jim looked at Pam and Tim from across the room they were whispering and giggling while glancing over at Dwight and Gareth as they loaded up the luggage cart. Dwight and Gareth were fighting over the proper loading procedure of the suitcases. Jim felt a twinge of jealousy.

"Hello... Earth to Halpert!" Karen waived her hand in front of his face.

"What? Oh yeah. I'll make sure not to leave without you." Jim smiled. Karen disappeared around the corner to where the elevators were. Tim did a slight jog over to Jim and picked up his suitcase.

"She's quite lovely." Said Tim

"Yeah, Karen's great." Jim replied

"Oh yes she's very pleasant to speak with, but I meant Pam." Tim said.
Jim paused and his eyes followed Pam's movements from across the room she was now admiring the loading job of Gareth and Dwight. Gareth and Dwight were bickering again.

"Yeah, lovely." Jim agreed. Jim glanced at the camera and then quickly looked away.

Dwight marched up to Jim and Tim "Question: When is everyone going out to the bar tonight?"

"Well I assume we'll all be going once everyone is settled into their rooms" Jim explained

Dwight shifted his stare towards Tim "I am aware that your culture permits you to ingest alcohol in large quantities but there are some here who do not wish to participate in such activities." Dwight's eyes shifted over to where Angela was standing. Jim tried to hide his smile "Therefore, I suggest that we don't go out to the bars but stay in the hotel lobby and have a contest as to who knows more about firearms." He turned to scowl at Gareth who had followed him.

" Couldn't we do both?" Gareth suggested

" Why don't you two stay here and argue about your useless knowledge while everyone else goes out and has a couple of pints." Tim said giving a slight smile to Gareth.

" Fact: Knowledge of firearms is not useless it could save your life one day
Fact: Michael said we should stay together." Dwight was very sure of these facts.

" Besides, Tim I don't think Rachel would appreciate you going out in another country. You're probably planning on getting into some American bird's knickers." Gareth sneered at Tim.

"Actually I think Rachel would be disappointed if I came all the way to America and didn't have a good time. She and I have an understanding. In fact she asked me if she could go out with you sometime."

"Did she really? When?" Gareth said, hopefully.

" I can't believe you believed me. No Gareth. No I'm not going to get in any girl's knickers and no, there is no possible way Rachel would ask me if she could go out with you." Tim shook his head at Gareth

" Who's Rachel?" Jim asked

" Oh Rachel is a girl I'm seeing back in Slough." Tim explained

Jim's facial expression softened and he started to like Tim a whole lot more. Tim had a girlfriend, good. Jim reminded himself that he, also had a girlfriend.
"Why didn't Rachel come with you?"

"Michael couldn't afford it." Tim said.

"Whoa, hold on Michael paid for you all to come over here?"

"Yes. David said something about a corporate credit card"

Jim smiled a very satisfied smile at the camera.

Jim's talking head: "Somehow I don't think Toby knows about Michael's splurge on our International guests. That should be a fun day."

Dwight and Gareth are trying to maneuver the luggage cart up the stairs.
"Wouldn't this be easier if we took the lift?" Gareth insisted

"The what?" Dwight was already annoyed

" The lift, we should take the lift."

" Don't try to confuse me with your foreign terms. It is an elevator, and they were constructed for the weak."

" I think this would work better if I were on top"

Tim and Dawn exchanged glances and tried to muffle their laughter. They were standing off to the side watching this whole endeavor.
" No, this way is more productive. Fact: I am stronger and I am wiser."

"You're just fooling yourself into thinking that. I could beat you in a fight if I wanted. I just don't want to."

"Why wouldn't you want to?"

"So I wouldn't intimidate the others"

"That's ridiculous. It is important to show others that you are capable of physically dominating them so they will be socially submissive and obey your every command"

" But if they don't suspect that you're stronger you can catch them off guard using the element of surprise."

Dwight talking head: "The British aren't as innocent as they want you to think. They throw up a smoke screen of charm and when you're not looking, they colonize other countries. I think we could learn a lot from the British... but they might try to colonize America again and THAT I will not stand for."

Pam and Dawn were waiting at the reception desk for their room keys.
"Hello, I don't think we met I'm Dawn Tinsley"

"Pam Beesly"

"So what work do you do with Dunder Mifflin?"

"I'm a receptionist"

"Oh, me too."

"Maybe we can exchange tips"

Dawn laughed, "My filing system is an absolute mess. Somehow working for David Brent means all the important papers wind up in the waste paper basket..."

Pam giggled. "I think my form could use improvements in answering calls"

"Oh I can help you with that!"

"We should also exchange tips about killing time."

"This might sound silly but I usually draw"

"Me too! I'm taking art classes right now on the weekends"

"Really? I used to be an illustrator for children's literature"

"Wow, how great! That must have been a lot of fun."

"It was. I miss it sometimes."

"Why don't you do it anymore?"

"Well, my fiancé..."

"You're engaged? This is so weird, I was engaged too!"

"You were?"

"Yeah, we broke up... It's a bit complicated."

"Isn't it always? Lee, my fiancé thought it would be best if I just concentrated on being a receptionist for now, so I quit illustrating. It was hard at first but sometimes you have to compromise."

"But you still do sketches?"

"Oh yes every now and then. The phone doesn't ring too often so I've become very good at wasting time."

"I know exactly what you're saying"

Pam's talking head: "I'm really starting to like this International Convention. Dawn and I have a lot in common and it's great to talk to someone who can relate. I haven't been able to talk to... I mean I just... I'm really glad Dawn came."

"Are you bragging about your amazing pencil sketchings, Dawn? I'd be careful if I were you or you'll intimidate the Americans with your artistic finesse." Tim leaned against the hotel reception desk.

"I think it would take a bit more than my drawings to intimidate them. Pam was just telling me she's a bit of an artist herself."

"Really?" Tim looked delighted "Maybe you two could get together and open your own studio. I could be your first customer,"

"Sod off!" Dawn playfully hit Tim on the shoulder

"Ow, hey, I was being serious. I'm serious!"

"Did you enjoy your flight sitting next to Gareth?"

"I did considering I was unconscious most of the time. I wish it could be like that always. Oh speaking of Gareth..." Tim looked at Pam then at Dawn and formed his face into a smug grin

"What about Gareth. You look awfully pleased with yourself, Tim. What have you been up to?"

"Oh... nothing?" Tim rolled his eyes towards the ceiling and his grin grew even wider as he walked slowly around the two women with his hands clenched behind his back.

"Yeah, right" said Pam "Something's up" Tim stopped walking and put his hands on Pam and Dawn's shoulders.

"Well, Jim and I were just having a chat and we were wondering if you two would be willing to join us for some friendly competition." Tim lowered his head, pleading with his eyes that they would say yes.

Tim's Talking head: Visiting America isn't as bad as I expected it to be. The Americans are quite nice with a few exceptions. And I think this weekend might actually end up being one of the best holidays I've ever been on, which is odd because Gareth is here."