I hate stories like this. Given the topic and situation, I can't not read it. So then I do and the story is pointless. Ugh. Precious minutes I will not get again. kthxbye.

your comment saved me those precious minutes - thanks

This story only works because some of the characters are psychologically "abnormal." It's the same kind of substitute for carefully fleshed-out motivation as certain creatures being "evil" in a fantasy context.

http://badgods.com/orc.html

(In fairness, a part of the "fun" would be wondering about your own professor. And some of the philosophizing about academia is interesting.)

Michael Meloan (mdmeloan@aol.com) has published fiction in Buzz Magazine, LA Weekly, Chic, and Caffeine. He has also written for Joe Frank's National Public Radio show.

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Why was this even posted? It took me a moment to realize it was fiction. I guess I'll start reading the comments first.