vestigator. He was presented with a list of
staff and faculty positions with a notation of the total number and how
many were held by women. The investigator was here to make sure the
university was in compliance for a million dollar federal research
grant."

Surprise suffused Jonathan's face. "How did she get that information,
Henry? I thought that was one of our better kept secrets."

The Vee exploded. "We were exceedingly careful never to publish
anything like that. Members of the Staff Association went through the
campus directory to compile the list. Took a lot of time, but they
kept at it."

"Sonofabitch!"

"Yeah," agreed Henry. "Lyle gave her a faculty appointment to get her
out of staff politics. He had her teaching every semester with the
hope that she'd be too busy to cause anymore trouble. Next thing we
know, she's threatening to sue the NERD for plagiarism. You know the
rest and we have just time enough to get ready. Use the facilities if
you need to." He pointed in the direction of an adjoining washroom,
then opened a closet door and removed his cap and gown which he laid
across the table. Jonathan opened the case he had brought with him.

As both men donned their robes, Jonathan asked, "why is the Trenchant
hearing being held so soon after graduation?"

"We wanted to wait until the students left, of course. They've been
pestering us with petitions in support of her and we sure don't want
them around during her hearing. Also everyone wants to leave as soon
as possible for summer vacations, Jonathan. We want this mess cleaned
up before we leave."

"Well, my station for the grand march is west campus. Yours?" Fully
garbed in medieval academic splendor, Jonathan paused by the open door.

"My department forms up in front of the library. See you next week."

"Right."

The two men left the office together then separated at the founder's
statue to reach their appointed destinations.

What a farce, ruminated Jonathan as he made his way between the
colorful plantings bordering the walk. Shakespeare would have loved
it. Much ado about nothing and a tempest in a teapot. What a hoot,
making all this fuss about seven student feedback forms. Nobody ever
pays any attention to them yet suddenly they are so important.

Hard to figure a valid reason for such violent reactions from the Vee.
Just a couple of years ago, Professor Beand was convicted of child
molestation. He was suspended f