#bergen_county

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Meanwhile, Sylvi has her own concerns. A certain teacher.

Oddly, he's been a bit more subdued. Ever since her mom talked to his wife.

That's kind of a mixed blessing. Yes, it's better not to have a confrontation if it's not necessary...but she'd also really like the chance at a decisive victory, showing him that he's a no-nothing while the rest of the class cheers her on.

Of course, her papers and work are still under his power. He may not confront her as often openly, but she's sure he's still knocking her down a half grade just because she's her. That said... Dirk's aid has helped.

Having a redcap tutor for government is not something she ever expected. But it's true, he's helped her figure out how to say what she's trying to say in language that Mr. Grant will understand.

Which is why she's being cheated of a HALF grade and not a full letter

Yet, the paper grades are still annoying. "Dirk, can you take a look at this one?"

Is Grant still leaving snarky comments on them?

Dirk looks over and reads , his brow knits, yes, his lips move, then he says "Well... you're idealistic but that's a difference of opinion, not a mistake in the learning. "

Slightly passive agressive stuff like 'is it ??' when she makes a point now and then

She sighs. "Sometimes I'm amazed he's not actually more banal than he is. I feel like he wants me to just...y'know, surrender or something."

"Course he does" Dirk answers "Don't get me wrong, we got some decent teachers... but some ARE control freak dicks"

"And here..." She points at one of the is it?? comments. "I'm right that it is. Right?"

Dirk snaps, but not at her "Yeah, that's bullshit. You proved your point in the following sentence and have a reference listing at the bottom. Yes, yes mother fucker it IS."

She pulls her hand back reflexively, but tries to make it look like it's not a flinch.

"I really wanna call him out again," she mutters with frustration.

"Look, this would be a lot easier if you'd just let me beat the shit out of him in a dark alley of my choosing. I'll wear a mask. He'll be out for the last quarter at least, but not dead"

She shakes her head. "If he gets beaten, I want him to know that I'm the one who beat him, and I want to do it on his turf. With an audience."

A pause "But his turf isn't where your audience is"

She blinks at him. "Sure it is. The classroom. Other students." It seems an obvious equation to her.

"Nope. Your audience is the internet. " He points out "Way bigger than anything he has. He's lucky you're not recording this shit"

"Yeah, but...my make-up people don't want to see this stuff...do they? I mean...it would look like just me whining off-topic."

"probably not, but maybe not your regular channel?"

She frowns, thinking about it. "I mean, yeah, I could do a new channel...but...what, the Bitch About My Teacher channel?" Then she pauses and looks at him. "Wait...it could be something like a current-events channel, right? Like...I have somebody else on who really knows more about this stuff, and we have a conversation where I pose my questions and he gives his side and we hash it out?"

He shrugs "I don't know enough about this stuff to say. I just think if you make a stink, either you get kicked out, or he does. But either way folks will see what a douchenozzle he is"

A line furrows her brow as she thinks about this. "I was thinking about starting up a channel with you as the other guy talking...but...you mean challenging him to do a podcast with me."

"No. I mean I don't know much about interneting" He shrugs "Look. I'm still stunned I'm making As in this class." Dirk frowns and focuses "What about professor Wayburton?"

Her eyes go a little wide. "Uh. No...no no no."

"AIn't he a college guy? If he interviews and backs you up... he outranks a high school teacher right? "

"Yeahhhh...but...I mean, I know I could out-do Grant because he's so narrow-minded. But Prof. Wayburton? He intimidates me. And...I think he might make me look like an idiot if I can't keep up with him. Because he's for real."

"Oh.. I suppose you got a point." He ponders "What if it wasn't like a challenge, but like a thing where you have him review your work? You'd owe him, but I bet he'd help if you asked his wife or Zane. Even if you don't do it online, wouldn't having a college professor say 'this grant asshole is wrong' help you?"

She bites her lip, thinking about it. "I guess....maybe it's worth a shot? I mean, I can ask him, at least, and see what he thinks."

"I get it, you want the kill. You want to take Grant down in front of others to show them you're stronger in more ways than one. That's natural, but seems to be no shame getting all the weapons you need for the job. Wayburton could be that weapon"

He nods at her

She nods, warming to the idea. "I'd have to hype it up a bit on my regular channel" The gears are turning.

"See, I don't know what I'm talking about with social media. YOU do. that's where you're strong. You trolls always want a fair fight, but Grant won't give you one. So, since he set the tone that it's okay to attack when he's strongest, he's got himself to blame if you agree that's okay then. This is about academic survival... life or death kinda. THAT I understand. You don't let the other guy set the rules if you can help it." Then he adds "Also, I can tell you one thing that'll make you feel amost trollishly obligated to take him down and not out of pride"

"Yeah?" She grins. "What's that?"

Dirk abandons his usual scowl, and neither does he use his default predatorial grin of joy that comes up when he gets to bust heads, rather he grows surprisingly somber "He's an abuser, and abusers like this don't STOP abusing just because a target gets away by graduating. If he doesn't learn a lesson, SOME Lesson, then that just means some other girl or guy next year might end up setting off whatever petty little spite button he has, and they'll get treated like you did. Who's to say this asshole doesn't have LOTS of old grudges he's willing to get back on by people's kids? You curb him now, you protect the other kids coming after you who did no damned crime beyond being a sucess or reminding him of someone he resents. I'm a cap. Wouldn't care. You're a troll. And while there are trolls bigger an stronger than you in a physical fight.... when it comes to guile and social shit? You're a gawd damn behemoth others can count on."

She listens, and the import of what he's saying has exactly the impact he'd predicted. After he finishes, she takes a moment, then grins. "You can plan my castle onslaught anyday. I'm in." She stands, gathering her things.

"Blood makes the grass grow- Kill Kill Kill" NOW the grin

Even if it's an unnerving grin, it doesn't stop her from leaning over to give him a sudden hug. "Thanks, Dirk. You kick ass."

"Ah geez you ruined it" He says like a younger modern Archie bunker without meaning to, but he returns the hug "Ah you're welcome."

She lets him go with a light punch on the arm to compensate. "Okay. I'll keep you posted." And off she goes, to seek the wizard....ah, the professor.

The quest continues, with her troll side firmly invested in the fight!

(End scene.. for now)

Professor Wayburton is surprised when Sylvi shows up at his door.

"Ah, hello, Professor! I was wondering if I could, um, ask you a question? Um, actually...kind of a favor...."

"Come in, Come in, Sylvi. A favor? Well well, my expertise sought out by TWO freeholders. Delightful. " He motions her to come on in