t happen to be holding."
Henry paused, preening himself with obvious relish.

Eager for more of this fascinating information, Jonathan queried, "What
about Diana Trenchant? She doesn't appear concerned that everyone
would know she committed a crime. She refused to quietly resign
claiming that the accusations are false and apparently is going to put
on a defense at the hearing."

"Defense! Ha! It won't amount to bug dust. I chose the panel and I
shall chair the panel and the panel will vote to terminate her." Henry
was becoming very agitated. His pacing was now fast and choppy.

"She's one of those trouble makers who do so well in their job that
it's hard to find a reason to get rid of them. It is vital that we
hold this hearing and terminate her. We must provide an example."
Turning back toward the table, Henry started to shuffle the papers
busily. "We've gone over most everything in the handbook on procedure
and as far as I can see, everything is proper. What do you think?"

Jonathan, who was holding a copy of the faculty handbook and studying
the tip of his left shoe, shook his head in agreement. "It all appears
to be absolutely correct so far."

"Fine. Now I'll expect you to be available during the hearing in the
waiting room. This is just for appearance, for extra insurance.
Things have a way of getting screwed up where she's concerned."

Hoping to reopen the informative flood gates with a smattering of
devil's advocate, Jonathan observed slyly, "You know, Henry, her
personnel file was rather impressive. She appeared to have been an
capable technician, an excellent teacher and received high performance
evaluations. No complaints for being late or absent from work, no
reports of drink or drugs...."

Again the VP became agitated. This time he grabbed his cup and went to
the coffee maker. "She gets people stirred up. That's where problems
arise from--those unexpected, unknown sources. No administrator can
prepare for those kind of events. For instance, a few years ago a
student under her influence embarrassed Jimbo Jones--he was NERD chair
before Lyle--and put the department in an uproar...."

Jimbo Jones, chairman, six NERD faculty members and two graduate
student Teaching Assistants occupied the conference room at the weekly
departmental meeting.

Over the general murmuring and grumbling of a discontented faculty,
Peter, the departmental mouth said, "We ought to get a higher
percent