Shadows of Bureaucracy: The Dark Mystery

Chapter 7: The Faculty Are Not Bourgeois

Emily, Max, and Lila made their way to the Faculty Union for Progressive Educators meeting, hoping to gather more information about Professor Blackwood's suspicious death and the enigmatic figure of Professor Whitmore. The meeting was being held in a large auditorium, which was already filled with faculty members chatting animatedly.

"Let's find a seat near the back," Emily suggested. "We don't want to draw too much attention."

The trio settled into their seats just as the union representative, a wirery man with an unnerving presence, took the stage.

"Welcome, everyone, to our monthly Faculty Union for Progressive Educators meeting," he began. "Before we dive into today's agenda, I'd like to share an invitation."

He cleared his throat and read from a piece of paper. "This year's Equity conference is titled Co-conspiring for an Equitable Future: Building the Social Justice Bridge. It will focus on envisioning radically different futures, strategies for co-liberation, (in)/(hyper)visible labor in the university, and care and healing."

A female professor in the front row grumbled loudly, "Could you guys just focus on equitable salaries, possibly?"

The union representative's face tightened. "We are committed antiracists. We are focused on defeating racism and Zionism. You're being a Karen."

The woman stood. "Do you understand that there is actual racism and poverty in the community that surrounds this institution? That nothing you do mitigates actual oppression?"

The room fell silent for a moment, tension hanging in the air. Just then, another union rep burst into the room, waving a piece of paper excitedly.

"We've been offered a 10% raise!" he announced, his voice ringing with indignation. "It's an insult! We demanded 13%!"

"Do they think this is a negotiation?" The union leader laughed. "The fools. That's not how this works. We strike tomorrow! Let's shut this place down!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause, faculty members standing up and chanting in solidarity. Emily, Max, and Lila exchanged worried glances.

"This is getting out of hand," Max whispered.

"No kidding," Lila replied. "A 10% raise isn't good enough?"

The union rep on stage raised his hand to quiet the room. "Before we adjourn, we need to decide which global conflict to weigh in on this month by sending a strongly worded email to our membership."

A professor in the crowd raised their hand. "Should we, as revolutionary educators, do more than write a resolution? Like go to a war zone and teach there, or set up a partnership program? Write a grant? Volunteer?"

The union rep shook his head. "Nah. An email will suffice."

Emily leaned closer to the stage, trying to catch the eye of the union representative. "Excuse me, we have a few questions about Professor Blackwood's murder."

The union rep waved dismissively. "This is neither the time nor the place for that. We're preparing for a strike."

"But it's important," Emily insisted. "We think it might be related to the issues you're discussing."

The union rep's eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting that his death was politically motivated?"

"We're not sure," Max said, trying to keep his voice calm. "But we need to find out."

The union rep sighed. "Fine. Talk to me after the meeting."

After what felt like an eternity, the meeting finally began to wind down. Faculty members started to file out of the auditorium, still buzzing with excitement over the impending strike.

The union rep approached them, his expression a mix of curiosity and irritation. "Make it quick."

Emily took a deep breath. "We need to know where you and other key faculty members were during the time of Professor Blackwood's murder. It's possible someone here saw something or knows something that could help us."

The union rep looked taken aback. "You're suggesting one of us is involved?"

"We're not accusing anyone," Max clarified. "We just need information."

The union rep hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. I'll ask around, but you need to keep this quiet. We can't afford any distractions right now."

"Thank you," Emily said, her. "We appreciate it."

As they left the auditorium, Lila couldn't help but comment, "Well, that was a circus. But at least we got a lead."

"Let's hope it takes us somewhere," Emily replied, feeling a renewed sense of determination.

Just as they were about to exit the building, an announcement echoed through the halls. "Attention, all students and staff. Due to the faculty strike, the campus will be closed for one week. Faculty members are demanding equitable treatment as workers in an oppressive capitalist system.

Just like mine workers and healthcare workers, we are workers who work so hard."

Another faculty member's voice added, "We also request catered meals to be provided while we strike."

Lila snorted. "Catered meals? Are you kidding me? They want to fight capitalism but can't pack their own lunches?"

Max shook his head. "The irony is thick with this crowd."

Emily sighed. "Let's focus. We have a week to dig deeper into Blackwood's murder without the usual campus activity getting in our way."

Together, they walked into the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their quest for the truth.