age raise, Jimbo. Every year you tell us the same thing. Times
are tough, the legislature won't spring for a decent appropriation.
The dean can't...."

"I know that and I've been thinking how I could cut the roster and have
a little more to share among the rest of us. If you agree, I think
it's time we let Diana Trenchant go. Last year I had to give her a
whopping raise while the rest of us had to settle for the usual 3%, and
Ted at the Affirmative Action Office says we've got to give her more
again this year and then still more until she catches up to or
surpasses Fred's paycheck.

"Of course, it means that you will have to share Fred, our only other
technician, do your own research or get a grant and hire your own
technician."

Most of the people in the room moved uncomfortably in their chairs
looking down at the floor or out the window. Looking anywhere but at
each other or Jimbo.

"It's settled then, we let her go?" Jimbo broke the silence. "No one
opposes? All right then, it's....

"I don't know too much about these things," came a hesitant voice from
the back of the group. Everyone turned around to look at the young
graduate student, Holly Preston, who had spoken.

In a voice getting stronger all the time, she continued, "As I say, I
don't know much about this, but I thought when someone was fired that
there had to be cause. That is, that they were not doing their job
properly or whatever.

"Since I've been in the department, I have been impressed with Diana
Trenchant's hard work and knowledge. I've gone to her often for help.
What reason will you give for firing her, Dr. Jones?"

A taut silence descended upon the room like a malignant fog. Then, an
angry, red-faced Jimbo Jones glared at Holly, declared the action
tabled and adjourned the meeting. The NERD faculty Judas goats
shuffled out sheepishly, having been well and truly sheared by a lamb.

Chapter 2

VP Henry Tarbuck closed the file folder then shifted his bulk to place
it on a nearby table. His expensive chair started to groan in protest
then as if remembering how much it cost, only murmured quietly. "We
must be careful that this hearing gives all the appearances of being
completely fair, especially after the disaster in Lyle's office."

Jonathan leaned forward and deposited his now empty cup on the stand
beside him. "Yes, I heard about Lyle bungling that one. First he
yelled at her so loudly that the secretaries in th