Predefined queries in a PERFORM screen?

Is there a way to send a string of characters to a PERFORM screen that cause it to query up a record (or add, remove, whatever)? I've tried redirecting the standard input from a string i.e., isql <database> -fr <perform_screen> << ! q12<ESC> ! -OR- sperform <perform_screen> << ! q12<ESC> ! In both cases, this is meant to query a field with value 12 in the first field. The <ESC> is actually the escape key, not the string "<ESC>". Both behave identically (read that 'don't work'). They open the screen, query the record then go into an infinite loop of tabbing through the fields on the form. If I hit the interrupt key, it stops tabbing through the fields and skips through the menu choices in RAPID succession. I have to kill the process to get it to stop. This will work OK if i put an "e" at the end of the string: sperform <perform_screen> << ! q12<ESC>e ! This queries the record 12 and exits with no errors or complications, but is less than useful. Any ideas?? Dave Clough Portland, OR