The office of the dean was inordinately dull. Wood paneling. A few books. Big desk. The only photos were of his family, as if he didn't want to think about the school. All the papers were tidily stacked, more sterile that an Intel commercial.
If I were the dean of a college I would panel my walls with touchscreen computer monitors. I don't suppose that would fit in the budget very well, though. Failing that, I would at least have a few more books, something the office was distinctly lacking.
Our steadfast dean was at the coffee shop when the Campus Patrol officer showed us into the office, so we got to sit in awkward silence for five minutes. The cop was smart - he stood in a corner while we squirmed to avoid being eaten by the leather chairs.
When the dean arrived he was accompanied by a cute young secretary, with whom he appeared to be flirting. Sarah was shocked. Mike looked a little envious.
The dean dismissed his secretary and let the Campus Patrol officer have his attention. When our friendly cop had presented his case he was dismissed to continue his rounds. I stuck my tongue out at him as he left.
"So," said the dean, settling himself behind the desk, "you know why you are here. You lied to a campus police officer. Why?"
I was still debating whether or not to confess when Sarah spoke up. "What rules govern the campus police force?" she asked.
The dean was taken aback. "I suppose they have bylaws or something... What does it matter?"
"I ask because I do not think the actions of that officer were ethical. He psychologically manipulated us, placing us on the defensive. He falsely implied that we were overstepping our rights as students. On those grounds, I would argue that he is as much to blame as we are." Everyone but the dean nodded in agreement.
"In fact," continued Sarah, "I would like to review the Campus Patrol bylaws if you have time. And speaking of rules, could we also discuss the issue of the posters? I know that they are not currently regulated by any sort of campus policy, and I think that poses a problem. It leaves us with a very clear opportunity for pollution of the campus. In light of that, I would propose a mandatory recycling program for them, and..."
It was then that I realized we were in for a good time. (If watching Sarah verbally slaughter the dean fits your idea of fun, that is.)
Sorry. It's a short post, it's late, and it isn't well edited. I'll be back tomorrow, though, with a surprise of sorts. It'll be a special installment, but still a continuation of this storyline. Speaking of which, I think that I've settled on a storyline now. For a while, at least. And I've got some other storylines running that ought to be fun when I finish this one.
A while ago Brian griped about the popular obsession with Quantum Physics. Here's the sort of thing he was talking about: http://www.tenthdimension.com/medialinks.php It isn't complete nonsense; it's a clear explanation of the concept. Still, from my (admittedly lacking) knowledge of string theory I question the amount of hard science and the accuracy of the metaphors. Maybe I'll read one of those books on quantum theory that have been sitting on my shelf for so long now...
Before I hit the sack this evening, I'd like to suggest Candide, by Voltaire. Short, witty, and extremely philosophical. (It's Voltaire, what do you expect?)
Goodnight and goodlife, everyone!
1 comment:
Sounds like Omar...
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