University of Change

Chapter Two: Registrar's Office

Monday 10:00 AM

Mrs. Michelle Johnson sighed as she saw the last student leave her office. If one more student comes through that door about a bimbo history class they didn't register for, she will scream.

Michelle looked around the room. The other staff members were trying to figure out what was happening. Some were arguing with each other about who sent that email to the students about the feminist class or were on their computers trying to find any piece of information about the Cultural History of American Bimbo course or Professor Danica Tuck.

She did know (or at least was very sure) that the registrar did not email students about successfully enrolling those students into the bimbo history class (despite the students' emails saying otherwise), and there's no record of that bimbo history class or Danica Tuck in the system. Why and how this problem happened, no one knows.

Michelle felt like her head was going to explode as she tried to stay on top of the situation. It was impossible to get anything done in this mess. Finally, she shouted, "Stop everything you are doing now! Lock the door and everyone in my office."

The sudden authority in Michelle's voice startled her colleagues. However, they did what she asked. With phone calls and conversations on hold, the registrar's office was temporarily closed as staff members entered Michelle's office. The space was cramped with twelve inside, but Michelle needed everyone in one room and on the same track.

Michelle took a deep breath, trying to calm herself amidst the chaos that had taken over the registrar's office. "Listen very carefully," she began, her voice hushed. "I don't want any finger-pointing happening inside this office. We need to get to the bottom of this, and we need to do it now. It's clear that something unusual is happening here, and we cannot afford to let it continue. Our students' academic records and the integrity of this institution are at stake." Michelle looked around her colleagues' nervous faces as some stared back at her. "Can anyone tell us if they found any meaningful information?" she asked.

Sarah, who had been researching IT logs and in contact with the IT department, said, "I checked with IT, and they said there was no unusual activity. From what they could find, a computer from the registrar's office emailed students about the bimbo history class at 8 AM."

The room erupted in groans and disagreements as Michelle yelled at them and told everyone to settle down. "Please continue," said Michelle.

"Right, but that's where I found another problem," Sarah said. "I've been looking into the email sent to the students. The email headers don't match any of our standard templates or servers. The IT department insists the emails were sent through our servers, but I think they may have gone through external servers."

Michelle glanced down, trying to piece together what Sarah said. "Anyone else?"

Robert, who had been trying to locate any trace of the mysterious course in the university's databases, added, "I couldn't find any records of this course, but I did manage to dig up some information on Professor Danica Tuck. According to the dean of the history department, Dr. Miller, Danica Tuck is a current professor and has been working here for nine years. However, I still couldn't find any records of Danica Tuck, even though Dr. Miller had managed to look it up on his computer. Dr. Miller said he'll email me the record he found."

The room went quiet as Michelle took it all in. It was a real head-scratcher. On the one hand, there was undeniable proof that Professor Danica Tuck was real and had been teaching at the university for almost a decade. On the other hand, the registrar's office didn't have any record of Danica Tuck or the course itself.

Taking a deep breath, Michelle spoke, "Thank you for your efforts, everyone. It's clear that we are dealing with a major error in our systems. We might have to get the administration involved."

Then, a young blonde student raised her hand. "If you don't mind," she said. "I think these problems might be easily fixable."

Everyone turned toward the student expectantly. Michelle raised her eyebrow. "How so, Miss...?"

"Jessica," the student worker said.

"I'm sorry," Michelle said. "I don't recall ever seeing you here before. What do you do again?"

Jessica nodded. "I provide relief for the staff."

"Relief?"

"Yes. For when the staff gets too stressed from work. I do back and foot rubs, among other things, around the office."

Michelle turned to her computer and began typing. Why would the registrar's office need relief? "I apologize, but I need your name and student ID." Jessica nodded and gave her name and ID. The stress must be getting to her if she's suspecting staff members of not being actual employees. Sure enough, Jessica showed up on the system. Still, something wasn't right. "Again, I apologize, Jessica. You were saying..."

Jessica smiled politely, seemingly unfazed by the minor mix-up. "No problem at all. It's a hectic day for everyone. I wanted to suggest that this might be a case of data corruption or some sort of glitch in the system. Professor Danica Tuck and the Cultural History of American Bimbo course may exist in our records but are currently inaccessible due to a technical issue."

"So it's a matter of verifying the IT and history department's claims?" Michelle asked.

"In a sense."

Michelle was silent for a second while her staff waited for her response. "This doesn't solve every problem plaguing us now, but it's a start. Thank you, Jessica." The student worker blushed. "Despite this hectic start for the day, we still have an office to run." Michelle pointed at four people. "Dave will contact the history department again. This time, I need you to request a face-to-face meeting with Professor Danica Tuck and verify her documents."

"Yes, ma'am," Dave said.

Michelle continued, "Sarah, you'll continue to trace the email's origins. Robert will look into the email the history dean sent us. Jessica, you'll gather any available information on Professor Tuck's courses and teaching history." The three of them nodded. "To the rest of the staff, I need you to focus on your work and not allow this situation to distract you. Best case scenario, it'll give the administration the excuse to tighten the cybersecurity."

As staff members started to head out of Michelle's office, she pointed at Phillip to stay with her for a moment. With just the two of them, Phillip asked, "You needed to speak with me?"

Michelle leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on Phillip with a glint of curiosity. "Phillip," she began, her voice very warm as she let his name hang for a moment. "I couldn't help but notice how well you handled yourself this morning. Your confidence, your sharp mind, it's all incredibly arousing."

Phillip's eyes widened as he stepped back. He shook his head and blinked. Is this really happening? "Uh... thank you, Michelle. I... I didn't realize you felt that way."

She smirked, leaning forward, her ample cleavage on display. "Oh, Phillip. You have no idea just how much I've wanted you. The way you carry yourself, the way you take charge, it drives me wild."

His mouth went dry as he swallowed, his gaze locked on her inviting lips. "I... I never expected this, Michelle. I don't know what to say."

"Do you know what I want you to do?" Michelle said as she gracefully got up from her and sauntered toward him. Grabbing his tie, Michelle and Phillip were only a breath away from each other. Poor Phillip could only mutter incoherent sentences. He felt as though he couldn't breathe. "I want you to be a good boy and keep an eye on Jessica." She let his tie go as Phillip finally found his breath. Phillip put distance between himself and Michelle and tried to hide his erection (thank goodness for dark pants) as she continued, "Maybe it's the stress, but I don't remember Jessica ever working here, let alone giving relief to the staff. That's Sally's job. However, I could definitely use some relief by the end of the day." She looked at him, waiting for him to respond, but Phillip looked like a deer in headlights. "Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, boss," Phillip said as he left her office.

Michelle could only shake her head. Something weird was going on inside this university.