These Boots Are Made For Walking<BR>
RP Hennigan 2004<BR>
<BR>
Chapter 1<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"One jacket, green, long sleeve. One skirt, black. One T shirt, olive-green. One pair of boots, black. Bra, panties, and backpack. It's all here, miss. Sign on the bottom and you're free to go get dressed," the jail matron said, in a voice weary from repeating the same line over and over again. Daria leaned forward and signed the paperwork and the woman tore off a sheet to hand to her. "Here's your appearance ticket and go through that door to change," she added.<BR>
<BR>
Daria grabbed the wire basket and walked through the heavy steel door as the woman buzzed it open and stepped through. A few of the other protesters were already inside, removing their coveralls and putting on the clothes they'd worn when arrested. She found a bench and stripped herself bare, tossing it and the rough prison underwear in the large wheeled basket in the corner. One of them, a taller girl with short hair smiled. "What a weekend, huh? I can't wait til I can talk to a newspaper reporter about this!" she giggled gleefully. Daria gave her a withering gaze and the girl directed her attention elsewhere. Dressed and ready, she folded the papers up and slipped them into her pack and waited for the door to open.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>A few more women were admitted to the chamber and it was a while before she heard the welcome sound of the door being opened automatically. The group filed out and into the cool damp air of a Boston afternoon. Looking around, she saw Jane's angular figure waiting in the area outside. "Hola, amiga! So, how was durance vile for our little activist?" she announced, obviously delighted. Daria narrowed her eyes as she approached her friend.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Don't mind me not hugging you, I've spent the better part of this weekend avoiding intimate contact with the same sex. And I'm not a damn activist, for the last time. I was just minding my own business when the riot squad came through. It's not my damn fault someone kicked in the coffeeshop window. My mom got in touch with an old classmate who practices here and she said the charges are going to be dropped when I show up in court. Let's get out of here before they change their minds, okay?" she replied, in an uncharacteristic hurry.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>The two walked down the sidewalk towards a parking terrace. "Sorry. It's just you're the last person I would ever imagine getting busted at a protest is all. Some of your classmates called me, and apparently you're quite the heroine on your campus, Daria," Jane remarked, as they got into her battered compact car. Daria removed her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose as her friend eased into the psychotic Boston traffic. "You even made the news, did you know that? They caught your arrest on TV, and it even made it onto the cable networks. So, you really had nothing to do with the shop getting trashed, huh?"<BR>
<BR>
<BR>Daria sighed. "Like I said to the cops who arrested me, I was just trying to get around that pack of morons when they started throwing tear gas. It wasn't my fault about a hundred bodies came my way. It was all I could do to keep from getting trampled, so I ran with them. When I saw that doorway, I figured if I backed into that, they'd go away and I could leave," she said wearily. Until a SWAT team guy pointed a machine gun at me and ordered me on the ground so the fatter cops could cuff me, that is, she added silently. "I figure it's better to get busted than trampled any day. I at least was better able to fend off the militant lesbians in there."<BR>
<BR>
<BR>Jane frowned, recalling her own unsettling experiences with those of the Sapphic persuasion. "God, Daria, I'm sorry. Look, I'll just get you home and you can unwind from all this. Is there anywhere you'd like to stop first? Maybe get some real food instead of whatever they have in there?" she suggested. Daria shook her head.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"No, I still have a shitload of stuff I was supposed to do over the weekend, and I can imagine there's even more I'm missing right now. I need to get this out of the way so tomorrow in class isn't a total nightmare, okay? Maybe I'll get a pie later, but right now I need to take the world's longest shower," she replied softly. They drove the rest of the way in near silence, Jane snarling at the multitude of idiot drivers as her friend was lost in contemplation. Finally, she turned onto the side street where they shared an apartment, and Daria rolled her eyes.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>Stretched across the front of the three-story rooming house they lived in was a hand written sign reading, "Fight The Power! Free Daria!". She looked at Jane accusingly. "Hey! It wasn't all my idea! Some of your classmates you claim to not care about came over and wanted to do something for you, and maybe a little 'getting-out' party wouldn't be such a bad thing, right?" the tall girl said sheepishly.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Jane, I was in jail all of two days for something even the cops agree I didn't do, otherwise I'd still be there. I'd really rather not have to relive it all for a bunch of idiots who want to pretend they're politically active, okay? Since it seems that I can't avoid it, could you at least ask 'em to keep it short? I'm getting a major headache right now, and dealing with anyone is going to be a major problem right now," Daria said firmly, opening the door. A girl's voice called out, "Here she is! Woo-hoo!" A gaggle of college students emerged from the doorway and surrounded them as they stepped out of the car.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>Daria knew most of them as simply people she attended classes with, not as fast friends, but they greeted her like a long-lost relative. She tried unsuccessfully to fend off a flurry of hugs from the near-strangers as they hustled her inside to hers and Jane's shared apartment, where the fixings for a small party were already assembled. "No keg, that's a good sign," she thought, as a wine cooler was pressed into her hand and a skinny guy with a brash voice called for a toast.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"In honor of our sister in arms, taken captive by the forces of darkness, salute!" he crowed, clearly already well into the celebration. She managed a weak grin and took a sip of the fruity concoction as Jane wrestled her way next to her. With some difficulty, she managed to steer her toward her room and shut the door.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"I didn't know they intended on waiting here until I got you, I swear. I told them all you probably weren't going to be in the mood for anything like this, but they outnumbered me. I'll get them out of here, okay?" she said, as Daria collapsed onto her bed.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Please. And no, I'm not mad at you, if that's what you're worried about. It's just that the last few days have been way too weird for me and I need some peace and quiet. You don't have to be mean, just get them out of here, okay?" Daria replied weakly. To Jane, her tone seemed as if she were near to tears, something she'd only heard once or twice since meeting her friend. Nodding, she replied,<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"I will. You get some rest, okay? When you come out, they'll be out of here, I swear!" Jane replied, as Daria threw a blanket over her head. She left, closing the door, and Daria heard her voice rise over the others explaining that the guest of honor really needed to rest after the police brutality she experienced. After the voices of indignation and protest died out, there was a general mumble and chatter as they left, until the room was quiet. She got up and went outside, where Jane was standing, looking at the mess left behind.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Thanks. Sorry about killing the party, but it's really the last thing I need to deal with right now. I see they also took the rest of the party supplies, hmmm?" Daria remarked, seeing the empty table where once had been bags of snacks and a cooler full of drinks. Jane shrugged.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"College kids, what do you expect? I managed to save a couple wine coolers for us when the festivities died down. Want a fresh one? I know you don't drink much, but there are a couple berry-flavored ones hidden away." Daria nodded and finished the one in her hand.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Please. So, I'm something of a legend on my campus, huh? This I was definitely not looking forward to when I went to school, you know. Do you have any idea what they said about me?" Daria asked, unlacing her boots and kicking them off. Jane handed her a copy of the Raft campus newspaper, from that day, and Daria saw the headline: "Campus Reporter Arrested In Protest", followed by a large block of print expounding on the demonstration that led up to her incarceration. "Great. This damn thing only comes out twice a week and Monday they can pull it together enough to embarass the living hell out of me? Usually, those goons have a hard time remembering how to get it to pre-press without expert help, but they manage to do this, and on a weekend. And where they hell did they come up with this? I had no intention of going to this thing, much less covering it for the paper. This is someone else's gig, not mine..." she said vacantly, reading on.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Beats me, but one of your co-workers there was bothering me all weekend for facts about what you might have been doing there. I told him the same thing, so I guess he must have taken a few liberties with the truth," Jane replied, as Daria tossed the paper down.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"William Randolph Hearst would have tossed this story, dammit! I'm not against the war, and never have been. I could care less about it, and least of all protesting it! I was downtown at the used book store looking for something when this all went down, not chanting like an idiot! This is the last thing I need to have come up, especially since I still have to go to court over this, dammit! It's all I'd need to have is the DA thinking I'm a closet revolutionary or something! I am so going to wring his neck..." she trailed off, disgustedly.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>Jane said nothing, just digging in the back of the refridgerator for two bottles. Handing an open one to her, she watched as Daria slugged it back angrily. "So, what are you going to do?" she asked carefully, sitting down next to her friend. Before Daria could asnwer, the phone rang. Picking it up, Daria said calmly,<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Hi Mom, nice to hear your voice too, surprisingly enough," she said. Jane say quietly as her friend spoke.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Daria! I tried to get a message through to the jail, but those Neanderthals claimed that it wasn't possible to speak with you. I already spoke with Brenda, and she assures me that the charges should all be dropped when you appear in court next month, okay, sweetie? You Dad and Quinn say hi, and I want you to know how proud I am of you!" Helen's voice said perkily.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Mom, I don't know why. I spent the weekend in jail because I was in the wrong place ot the wrong time, not because I had any interest in what those fools were protesting about. I just want to put this whole incident behind me, and this dosen't help."<BR>
<BR>
<BR>Helen was silent a moment. "I'm sorry, honey, but I thought you had finally decided to take a side in what's going on. After what the agents were telling me when they searched your old room..." Daria almost squealed in rage.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"What? Agents? Searching my old room? What the hell are you talking about? Who were these 'agents'?" she demanded.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"They were from the FBI, sweetie. They had a warrant and everything, so I couldn't stop them. They found that awful poem you scratched into the drywall, by the way. Cut it out and took it with them, too. I'm all for persoanl expression, but they might not understand what you were getting at, honey." Helen said. Daria rolled her eyes.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I'm sorry too, but I only did that to annoy you, did you tell them that? Say, didn't Quinn take over when I moved out? How did they know it was mine?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Well, they questioned all of us, and Quinn sort of spilled the beans. They also had copies of your stories about that Melody character you created, too. They seemed very interested in where you got some of those story ideas, honey. They were very good, by the way, but I'm afraid the government might not appreciate your creativity. Did Jane give you Brenda's office number? This might be a good time to speak with her, you know?" Helen replied, deftly shifting the subject away from the seized poem.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"No, not yet. Mom? Am I in any trouble over this? Give me a lawyer's answer, not a mom's please," Daria asked, her headache now a living thing behind her eyes. Jane could hear Helen pause and reply carefully,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"As a lawyer? Maybe, is the answer I'd give to a client. I'm sure they'll realize you're just a writer and let the whole matter drop in time, but Brenda is in a better position to answer that for you. Look, honey, I have to go. Your father almost had another heart attack over this, and you know what happens to his eyes, don't you? Call me after you've spoken with her and we'll make our plans then. Oh, by the way, your aunt Amy called, and wishes you the best. She wants you to call her too, okay? Bye, sweetie, I love you!" Helen ended the conversation and Daria set the phone down. Jane dug into a rubber-banded pile of papers and handed her a hastily scrawled phone number.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I was going to wait until after you'd settled down a bit before telling you what went on while you were in jail. A couple stormtroopers from the FBI came in and went through your stuff, but they didn't take anything away, if that's anything. They were really efficient, and one was kinda cute, too..." she said. Daria groaned audibly and rose from the couch. Jane could see her face was pale.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Why the hell are the FBI looking at me? All I did was get arrested by mistake, and now the feds are going through my stuff? What exactly did they say, Jane?" Daria asked, impassively. Inside, she was very, very close to freaking out, but she willed herself to seem calm.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Well, they did ask me if I might happen to be an anarchist, now that you mention it. And just how did my brother's old T-shirt end up in your room, pray tell?" Jane replied. Perplexed, Daria gave her a confused look. "His old T-shirt, the one with the "A" in a circle? The one that also conveniently happens to be the symbol for anarchists. I told 'em you probably got it my mistake, but they bagged it up and took it with them anyway. I feel sorry for them, now that I think of it," she laughed. Racking her brain, Daria thought about how she might have wound up with one of Trent's shirts. It came to her.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I got it from your room, your ragpile, to be precise. Technically, this should mean you go down with me, but something tells me that won't be easy. Damn, this is getting dumber by the minute." she said, accepting another bottle from Jane. "Between that and what they found scrawled into my closet wall, I imagine they should be here any time now. I better call that lawyer my mom found..." She dialled the number and spoke with a receptionist. After a few minutes wait, a new voice came on.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"This is Brenda MacAffee, Daria. How are you doing?" she asked.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Fine, except for the fact that the FBI was going through my stuff while I was locked up. They even went to my old house in Lawndale and scared the bejesus out of my family. Look, I already told you on the phone at the jail I had nothing to do with those crazies, but I'm afraid the feds might not see things that way," Daria replied.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"How so? From what I got faxed to me, this appears to be a simple criminal trespass and vandalism charge, and once I get hold of the tapes from the cameras the city has, I'm sure we can get those tossed. I'm curious too about how the federal government got involved," came the reply. For the next few minutes, Daria enlightened her about some of her writings and the discovery of Trent's old T shirt, along with what had been removed from her old room. When she finished, there was a long silence on the other end.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Well, I can see how that might complicate things somewhat, especially nowadays. Okay, before you start getting worked up, let me ask a few questions and I'll get back to you. As soon as you can, I want you to send me a copy of your appearance ticket, and maybe I can pull a fast one on them by requesting an earlier hearing. The government works in two speeds: slow and stopped, and I might be able to head them off. I also want to see you in my office sometime this week, too." the lawyer said smoothly.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I suppose I could come in tomorrow, since I've decided to take another day off from classes about five minutes ago. Look, me getting worked up isn't going to be a problem, but if this little mistake might result in me getting into real trouble, is there anything you can do to explain to these people just how insignifigant I really am?" Daria replied, looking at the appearance ticket in her hand.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I can fit you in after two, okay? Make sure you bring everything they gave you, and anything you feel might be, shall we say, controversial? Besides, I've always wanted to see what Helen and Jake's offspring look like. I'll call your mom today and let her know what's going on. If it really gets sticky, she wants to come up here and help me, if you don't mind," MacAffee said, in a matronly tone.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I guess I can't tell her no, seeing as she's paying for my education. Yes, oddly enough, I think having my mom with me here might be more helpful than even I'll admit. Thank you, ma'am, and I'll see you tomorrow," Daria replied, hanging up. Looking at Jane, she had a helpless look on her face. "I won't bother repeating what she said, since you were hanging on every word I said and I know how loud this phone is. I'm gonna need the car tomorrow, unless you're willing to take some more time off and drive me to my lawyer's office."<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Not a problem, amiga. Since I'm indirectly responsible for the feds getting excited about you, it's the least I can do. I just wonder what Trent's gonna do without his T shirt. The boy has a problem with shopping, you understand," Jane replied. "Say, do you think they're tapping the phone? That could be a major problem, especially considering what some of my classmates tend to talk about with me," she added, a bit nervously.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I actually hope they are. All they have to do is listen and they'll see I'm not a slavering anarchist hell-bent on bringing down the government. Now, I have to find out just how the hell they got that idea, besides being near the demonstration. Maybe..." her thoughts were disturbed by the phone ringing. She let Jane answer it.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Hello? Yeah, Daniel, she's here. What? You'd better tell her yourself," she said, handing the phone to her. Daniel Framingham was one of Daria's classmates and co-worker at the campus paper, and was a minor annoyance to both girls due to his constant belief the government was taking over. Daria sighed and took the handset.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"What do you want now, Dan? I've had a hell of a bad weekend, and what I read today isn't helping," she began. Jane could hear his excited high-pitched voice clearly as he spoke in rapid-fire staccato.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I know, it's great, isn't it? I always knew you were secretly politically active, aren't you? I told the stormtroopers everything you stand for, and that you weren't going to back down from them rotten bastards! Look, I already spoke with the assistant dean and the head of the political science department, and you're scheduled for a speech outlining the injustices you suffered. The news is going to be there and everything! Isn't that great!" he squeaked. Trying her best to keep her voice steady, Daria replied,<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"First of all, Daniel, I don't care all that much for politics, especially now. Second, I don't know what you said I 'stand for', but the only standing for I do is for myself, not some cockamamie ideal those morons with the bandannas do. Lastly, I want to know exactly what you told them, and I swear, if anything you said is the reason I'm being investigated by the government, I will hurt you so badly you will be breathing through a tube. I'm not giving any speeches, nor am I going on TV for any reason regarding this. You might be in seventh heaven over this, but I have to get a lawyer, and quite possibly may have to go to jail thanks to all this nonsense, so you had better be very careful what you say or do regarding me and this situation. Good bye, and tell all of them the rally is off!" she snarled, slamming down the phone. "I have a bad feeling I know how the FBI got so interested in me. That idiot had to have something to do with it."<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I never liked him, now that you mention it," Jane agreed. "He reminds me of a weird mix of Upchuck, Jodie, and that UFO guy all rolled into one. "So now what are you gonna do? Hide until this all blows over, a la Br'er Rabbit? I know a brier patch near here," she quipped. Something outside caught her eye, and she peered through the window. A plain four-door sedan had parked across from their apartment, with two occupants inside. They remained seated, and one of them met Jane's gaze. "Oh shoot..."<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"What? This better not be any more bad news, Jane..." Daria asked, getting up to join her. "Of course. I guess this does mean I've made the big leagues, huh? I have my very own stakeout. If you'll excuse me, I think it's time for me to check on the dust bunnies underneath my bed." She turned away and got up, headed for the bedroom. Once she had closed the door, Jane grabbed her coat and went outside, approaching the vehicle.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Hey! Why the hell don't you leave us alone, huh? My friend's not a criminal, dammit!" she snarled. The two men exchanged glances, and the window rolled down.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"Miss, you're interfering with federal agents. If you continue, she won't be the only one going down, understand? Move along, or we'll get the locals out here," one said, in a neutral tone. Jane showed him her finger and stormed away, slamming the door theatrically. Daria was standing there, in her sleeping shirt.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I wish you didn't do that. Now they're really gonna think I have something to hide, and maybe you too. I like you, Jane, but I have no desire to spend a few years in a cell with you. Or anyone, for that matter. Let's avoid riling them up for now, okay? Please?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>Jane's cheeks burned, and she nodded. "All right. I'm sorry, but this all seems so...stupid and wrong. And, the least they could have done was send the cute one instead of those old farts," she pouted.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>
<BR>
Chapter 2<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>The rest of the evening had been quiet, broken only by calls from the dean's office and the local news station, confirming that Daria was adamantly opposed to any appearances. The assistant dean, a former hippie protester from the sixties, was especially disappointed, but as soon as she said the magic word 'lawsuit', he changed his position. The next day, the two girls drove to the lawyer's office, and Daria steeled herself for what would come next.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"So, this is one of your mom's old friends, huh? She isn't like those two hippies you told me about, the Yeagers? Because if she is, I'd highly recommend getting another one," Jane said, trying to make conversation as she weaved through the nightmarish Boston traffic, but Daria wasn't biting. She merely grunted and sighed until Jane gave up. Shortly, they were waiting in the office for MacAffee to finish a phone call. Her secretary motioned them in, and they met at last.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>She was a stout woman, Helen's age, with light brown hair shot through with gray, tied in a bun. A warm, heart shaped face belied a fierce personality, and she indicated for them both to sit as she rifled through the materials she'd asked Daria to bring. In addition to the summons, she had printed up her Melody Powers series, as well as some poetry. She made an umcomfortable sound as she scanned the documents.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Hmmm, I can see what you're worried about, but let's just focus on one thing at a time, okay? Now, you say you had nothing to do with the demonstration, right? Why were you there?" she asked.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"I was at Books By The Ton and a couple used book shops, looking for some out of print works. I didn't have a choice but to cross the park, because that's where the bus stop is. I tried to go around them, but about halfway across, the cops threw tear gas and all hell broke loose. I had to go with the crowd or else I would have been trampled. Next thing I know, someone's busting windows and tossing chairs and tables out, and then the SWAT team showed up and arrested me. I didn't break anything, I didn't take anything, and I most certainly didn't have anything ot do with what those bozos were protesting. I don't even know WHAT they were protesting, to be honest. I just want all of this to go away, ma'am," Daria exclaimed, exasperated.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>The lawyer gave her a tight smile, and opened up a folder. "I understand completely. I spoke with your mother after we talked, and she told me that you would be the last person to get involved in anything like that. But, the fact remains that you were arrested, and in addition to some statements from others arrested with you, in addition to other information, the district attorney may try to press the issue. It's an election year, and the locals are getting sick and tired of having the anarchist-types come in and bust things up. Plus, I made some discreet inquiries to the feds, and someone is very interested in your writings. That may or may not be a problem, but I think I can still get this charges dropped or at least reduced. You may have to pay a fine, maybe even do a little time in the county lock-up. How do you feel about that?" MacAffee said. Daria's face paled, and Jane noticed a slight tremor in her hands.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"How do I feel about that? I didn't do anything! I don't want to pay any fines, and I definitely don't want to go to jail! It was bad enough I wasted a weekend in there as it is! Isn't there anyway to explain to these fools I'm innocent?" she demanded. The woman drummed her fingertips on the table until Daria had settled down.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I understand, but I'm still waiting for a copy of the tapes, and from what I've been told so far, it was a very confusing scene. The police are standing by their report, which they do even if they're proved wrong, and there's an assistant US attorney who is making noises like he wants to make a statement over this. I'm going to go over what you brought me, and we'll see if we can't get this cleared up, nonetheless. Don't worry about payment, I owe your mom more than couple of favors, and I promise, I'll do the best I can. Now, I want you to go and carry on normally, that's the best thing you can do. By the way, cancelling that interview was a good idea, but you should have a word with the editor of your school paper. I understand he's trumpeting this as some kind of political issue, and that's not a good thing for you. If you need a note, I'll be happy to supply you with a 'stop-order', dear," she said softly. Daria nodded and rose.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Thank you, ma'am. I'll do what I can, but I'm afraid I may need that. One of the other writers is stupid like that, and I think he's the one who's causing the problems, but I'll see what I can do," Daria replied. The lawyer nodded, and escorted them out. As they walked back towards the parking terrace, Jane finally spoke up.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Sorry she didn't have better things to say. I can't believe you might have to go to jail over this! It's so unfair, especially knowing you. Now what?" she asked. Daria shrugged, an air of defeat about her.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I don't know. Growing up with a lawyer in the house, you start to understand just how screwed up the system is. All I can hope for is that no one decides to make this a personal issue, and unless I miss my guess, that's going to start with my teachers and some of my classmates. Take me to the campus, Jane, I have to talk to somebody."<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>Jane nodded, and soon they were pulling up in front of a building on Raft's campus. "Norman A. Wanker Memorial Building", a plaque proclaimed. Jane snickered, as she always did, but today it didn't seem so amusing as her friend made her way to an office on the top floor. The sign painted on the door read "The Raft Informer", and inside were several students working. A distinguished-looking older gentleman sat behind a desk, and he greeted Daria warmly.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Miss Morgendorffer! So good to see you. Daniel has told me all about your experiences downtown, young lady. Step into my office, if you please," he said, rising slowly.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Thank you, Professor Smith, I really need to speak with you as well. Do you mind of my friend joins us?" she asked, as the others in the room looked on. Daniel glared at them, obviously miffed he wasn't included in the conversation, but they paid him no mind. The man closed the door and motioned for them both to sit.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"The assistant dean called me this morning in regards to your wish not to speak out on this matter. May I ask why?" he said, sitting back down heavily.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"My lawyer said for me to keep quiet, and I personally don't want to make this an issue. It was a mistake, not any doing of mine. I had no part of those idiot's protest, or even know what they were protesting in the first place. I do want the paper to retract the statements made in the article yesterday, and I'd also like to know who wrote it, as it didn't have an author. It was totally false and misleading, and infers I have an interest in what those morons stand for. Sir," she said quickly. The old man nodded, and opened a drawer. Pulling out a folder, he selected a type-written copy and handed it to her.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"You can thank Daniel for that one. I thought it was odd he didn't want to take credit for it, but considering the subject matter, I didn't stress that point. I was hoping that you would be giving us a description to go along with it, but I see now that probably isn't going to happen, eh?" he asked, in a mildly disappointed tone. Daria took it and read the text, her eyebrow raising a full inch.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Oh, I'm going to do more than thank him for this, never fear. And, once this nonsense is dealt with, you will get an article about this, one that tells the truth. I don't hold you responsible, sir, but I would like to see the retraction before you send the next issue to pre-press, if that's all right. Also, I'm taking some time off from the paper, and I know it might have some repercussions for my journalism grade, but the law comes before everything, and if I say or do anything the DA might perceive as impertinent, it could get me a real jail sentence." she stated flatly.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Ordinarily, I'd refuse to allow you that, since I feel it's an unlawful invasion of your first amendment rights, but if it's your decision, I will grant you that. As for your grade, I can assign you what the regular students have to do so you don't suffer unduly, but I for one will miss your insight into the operations here. I'll also ensure that Daniel writes a suitable retraction and forwards a copy to you as well. Is there anything else I can help you with?" he asked.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Not unless you can convince the DA to drop everything they claim I did. Thanks, and I'll let you know when, or if, I can return," Daria replied, rising from her seat. The professor smiled and tapped the side of his nose.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I'll make a few calls to people I know, and at the very least, I'll be happy to vouch for your character. Don't let this get you too worked up, it's been going on around here for decades, and while they may sound like Damocles at first, it really isn't in their best interests to incarcerate the innocent. I'll see you in class, when you're ready. Good luck!" She left feeling a little better about her situation. Getting back into Jane's car, she even managed a ghost of a smile as they drove off.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Don't look now, but we have company behind us," Jane warned, indicating discreetly behind them. Flipping down the visor and pretending to look at her face, Daria saw the government-issue sedan that had been parked out front now behind them at a short distance. She sighed and flipped it back up before replying,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Big deal. So they're wasting taxpayer's money following me around. It's not like they're going to find out I'm really the big, bad, anarchist they seem to think they are, right? If they want to go sight-seeing, let's give them a tour of the Boston area, huh?" she sniffed offhandedly. Jane laughed, and obligingly began to take a series of detours taking them from colleg row to the slums and out to the ritzy side of town, interspersed with a few stops for gas and snacks. "Persistent, aren't they?" she mused, as they finally headed back to their apartment. "I have an idea. Let's stop by Dan's place, and let them think he's somehow connected. Maybe if they start looking at him, they'll realize I'm small fry and leave me alone."<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"How so, amiga? From what you've told me about him, he's really just an overgrown mama's-boy who spends too much time looking for government conspiracies on the net. He's like that Artie guy back home, only his "aliens" are the US government..." she asked, then it hit her and she realized what her friend was alluding to. "You little vixen! Of course! It's perfect! And if he's as stupid and opinionated as you've told me, he'll end up burning himself. Damn, they don't call you a brain for nothing!" Jane cackled with glee as Daria sat there with a knowing smirk. Framingham's apartment was not far from their own, and it took all of their willpower not to look back at the two FBI agents who'd followed them there. Entering the rundown building, Jane asked,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"So now what? Do we just wait here and hope they think we're making more diabolical plans with Danny-boy?" Daria shook her head as she read the mailboxes. Motioning for her to follow, she went up the stairs to a second-floor apartment and pressed the buzzer and waited. "But, isn't he still in class now?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Yeah, he is, but they don't know that for sure, and even if they do, it doesn't matter now. What matters is that bigmouth anti-establishment boy is now locked in the sights of that which scares him the most. If before he showed up on their radar, he was just some idiot wanker online spouting reactionary rhetoric he picked up from the poli-sci textbooks, now they'll really have something to look into," she said, a malevolent gleam in her eyes.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I have a bad feeling about this, Daria. You heard what she said about keeping out of trouble, and if he's into this anarchy stuff, it may spill right back into your lap," Jane warned. Ignoring her, Daria dug out a notebook and scribbled a note to him and slid it under the door.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Please, Jane. Daniel Framingham the Fourth needs a taste of his own medicine, and this little fiasco may just provide the opportunity to give it to him. Ever since I got here, all that jerk does is stir up trouble, convinces people to do things they know they shouldn't do, and sits back safely on the sidelines while they twist in the wind. He's what they used to call a rabble-rouser, and if he actually believed in any of the things he spouts, I'd defend him to the last, but all he really is is a rich hypocrite who mouths whatevers conveniently anti-establishment to make himself look like he's something he's not," she seethed, turning away and heading back down the stairs. As they exited the building, the FBI sedan was still there, and Jane thought she saw one of the agents raise a camera to his face.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I hope to hell you know what you're doing, Daria, because now I'm part of this little game, and even though I wouldn't mind having that one agent strip-search me, having a federal rap sheet wasn't high up on my 'to-do' list," she said, unlocking the car and climbing in. "Just in case I have to answer any questions, what exactly did you write on that note?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Nothing major, just that I talked to Smith and wouldn't be working directly on the paper til this blows over, and that the professor was going to speak with him. Don't worry, Jane, you said it yourself, I'm not an activist, and no matter how hard they try, I doubt anyone can make it look like I am. Daniel, on the other hand..." she allowed herself an evil grin as they drove off, the FBI car close behind.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>A few days later, Daria was leaving the History building, relieved that her classmates' attention spans were sufficiently short enough that most didn't bother to mention her arrest the weekend before. As she mad her way to the Mathematics annex for Physics, out of the corner of her eye she caught the FBI agent trying to blend into the crowd of Raft students on the quad as he followed her around. "Sooner or later, someone higher up will end this nonsense, I hope," she sighed to herself, shaking her head that the young man thought that somehow no one would notice the earphone and wire going into his shirt. Just as she was about to enter, Daniel cam charging up to her, clearly agitated about something.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"What the hell did you do? I want answers now!" he shrieked, somewhat girlishly, as he stood before her. Taking an exquisitely long time to answer, she fixed a blank gave on him and replied,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Excuse me? I don't normally have to explain myself to madmen, Dan. What precisely did I do that requires answers?" she asked innocently. For a moment, she was afraid he was about to hit her, and for once was glad there was an FBI man trailing her, if only to provide a witness if he did.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"You stopped by my apartment and left me a note, and now the feds think I have something to do with that protest, dammit! What were you thinking?" he screamed, causing eyes to turn their way. Mentally counting to ten before answering, she replied as blandly as she could,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I only left you a note telling you I spoke with Smith about that editorial you wrote about me, and that I'd be taking a sabbatical from the paper is all. What's wrong with letting your boss know why you can't come to work, Daniel?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>She thought he was about to turn himself inside out as he changed colors several times before her eyes as he shrieked back, "Those gahdamn pigs came back with a gahdamn search warrant to search my gahdamn room and they seized my gahdamn computer is why, you twit! DO you know what I had on that thing? Do you?" he advanced on her, and for a moment she thought he was about to hit her.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"No, and get out of my space, dammit! I told you what I did and why I did it, and if you can't accept a simple answer, fine! Just stay the hell away from me until and unless you learn a little more self control, Mr. Framingham the Fourth!" she snarled back, hopefully loud enough for whatever listening devices were trained on them. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the FBI man speak into his collar, and felt a little relieved that at least if Daniel did freak out on her, at least someone would pull him off her. In addition, several students came closer, and he realized people were watching.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Dammit, Daria. You simply don't understand what's at stake here, do you? On that disk are some important names and addresses of people in various movements, and now, thanks to you and your stupidity, the gahdamn government has them, not to mention some other things I'm not going to get into here! Do you know they called my father about this, and right now, he's talking to the Dean, and it's all you fault!" he whined petulantly, reminding her of a child crying about something.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"How is it my fault you chose to get yourself mixed up with those type of people, Daniel? How is it my fault that everytime you find some nutjob organization out there you embrace it and try to get everyone except yourself to join in? Weren't you the one who pushed to publicize that damn demonstration I got caught up in? And aren't you the one always saying the ends justify the means? Huh? Don't blame me if you get burned because you were playing with matches, okay? Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and do what I actually came to Raft for, and that's to get an education, not overthrow the government, like you always rant about. I'll see you around, Daniel..." she said dryly, turning away and into the building. A few male students glared at him as he started after her, and he backed down and stormed off as the FBI agent watched intently.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>Back at the apartment, she turned the key and went in to find Jane staring intently at her latest piece, something abstract and unidentifiable. "Hey Daria. How'd it go today?" she asked, keeping her eyes on the painting as she dabbed some color onto it. Dumping her bag on the couch and going into the kitchen, Daria opened the fridge and pulled out a soda and opened it before answering.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Eh, same ol', same ol'. Most of 'em have forgotten about it already, my FBI man was following me around, and Daniel cornered me on the quad and almost had kittens in public, but otherwise a normal day. You?" Jane rolled her eyes and reached over to the answering machine and pressed the button. Daniel's voice came on, demanding she call him immediately, followed by a click and beep, followed by yet another call from him.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"He left eighteen more, just like that, only he started using the kind of language you just don't expect from the graduate of a private school. I take it your attempt to put him on the radar was a success, no?" she asked wryly. Daria smirked as she took another sip of her pop before responding.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>"You tell me. Yes, he's now fully "painted" on their radar, to turn a phrase. Not only that, but apparently, they even got a warrant to search his pad and lifted his computer. Oh yes, he was quite the angry little activist this afternoon, Jane. I'd give a year's tuition to find out what they found on his computer, besides the kiddie porn everyone suspects he's into," she said, a little louder than normal. Jane's eyes bugged out and she hurriedly scrawled on a scrap of paper the words "We may be bugged!!!", to which Daria took it and added, "I know. Play along".<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Whatever they find, it's none of my business, and I don't intend to make it any. Smith gave me credit for what I've done so far, is allowing me to take the rest of the semester off from working on it, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm done with it until after I go to court. Until then, I'm just gonna worry about the present, and leave the activism to him and his buddies. I hope they hang him for what he's done, you know Jane? I may not be the most patriotic of people, but at least I don't go around offering to sell out my country," she said, with an evil gleam in her eye. Jane took the paper back and wrote, "Remind me to never get on your bad side. Pizza?", to which she nodded and they both left the apartment.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I wonder if those guys might wanna join us for supper?" Jane asked, as they walked past the FBI car parked up the street from their house. "I mean, if they insist on following us around like a couple of clumsy stalkers, they might as well enjoy themselves, right?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Why don't we ask them?" Daria said, suddenly darting into the street and up to the car window. The middle-aged man behind the wheel looked startled as she approached and asked, "Hey fellas. We'll save you the trouble of following us if you gove us a ride to the pizza place we hang out at. You know it, since you followed us there yesterday. Mind if we get in?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I...Uhhh, I..." he stammered, until the other agent sighed and hooked a thumb at her and said, "Get in. It's the least we can do, right?" Daria straightened up and smiled at Jane, motioning for her to come over. "Since our cover's blown, we might as well ask how long you've known we've been following you around, Miss," the second agent asked, after the two girls got in the back seat.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"You guys stick out like a sore thumb, to be honest," Daria said, as they pulled away. "That and the fact I liked to read spy novels when I was younger, and I just put two and two together. Besides, the only other white men in suits who sit in their cars in this neighborhood are either pedophiles and stalkers, and you two don't look like either. Just to save face, we'll let you drop us off around the corner is you wanna pretend you're still watching us, or if you want, you can come in and talk, if you like," she offered, as Jane's face paled noticeably. "Oh yeah, muy friend here kinda likes one of your co-workers, too. He was one of the guys who searched our apartment the other day. I'm sure she knows his name. Go ahead, Jane, ask them?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Sure thing, just as soon as I finish strangling you. Heh. I didn't really mean that, fellas, honest," Jane stammered, but the two men just sat there stoically as they drove to the restaurant. It was a small place, just a few booths, catering mainly to the college take-out business. A lone video game sat against the wall, and it was hot as an oven inside. The FBI men didn't take up her offer, and the two girls watched as they drove away after dropping them off. "Daria? Have you lost your mind? What the hell were you thinking?" she hissed.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Jane, please. Half the block knew those guys were feds and you know it. I for one would want my nation's secret police to be actually able to operate in secret. Maybe the next pair they send will blend in better, and if not, we can always get a free ride here, right? It's not like we did anything illegal, is it?" she smirked. Jane slapped her forehead as they went in and ordered a pie and sat down to wait.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I distinctly recall that lawyer lady telling you to keep out of trouble, yet here you are baiting a couple of G-men! Honestly, Daria, I wonder if maybe this whole thing has gotten to you in a bad way. Speaking about your lawyer, don't you have an appointment with her tomorrow I have to drive you to?" she asked. Nodding, her friend calmly sipped her drink before replying.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Nonsense. It's called being upfront and honest about what I'm doing and where I'm going. They had an assignment to keep an eye on me, and they did that, only they did it badly, and all I'm doing is pointing out there mistakes, just like I said. Also, by doing mindless stuff like this, I'm letting them know I really have nothing to hide, in which case, they'll probably figure keeping tabs on me is a waste of time and manpower. I gave them someone much more interesting to follow around, so I'll just sit back and watch everyone else run around playing Spy vs Spy. Maybe someday I'll put this in a story, you know? This is some great material, Jane."<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>Post 4/11^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<BR>
"Your funeral, or rather, your sentence, if they fail to see you point of view," Jane pointed out. Daria nodded at that, and replied, a little more thoughtfully,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"I know what I'm doing Jane, I think. I'm not as worried about those guys as I am about the locals here. I don't want to have to pay any fines or community service for being in the worng place at the wrong time. Not that I want to sound like an optomist, but I doubt they're going to put much stock in a couple hack stories and a corny poem I wrote when I was fifteen. Now let's try to forget about all this crap and concentrate on hardening our arteries, shall we?" Jane made a grunt that could've meant anything, as the pie was brought to their table and they dug in.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>The next morning, Daria stepped off the bus on campus and went to her first class. Located nearby were the campus mail boxes, a relic of the pre e-mail days, but still useful in disseminating information. Idly leafing through her returned papers and notices, she saw a tersely lettered request to see the assistant dean as soon as possible. Grumbling at the diversion to the administrative offices, she didn't notice the campus police car parked outside. "Hello? I have a letter from the Mr. Warner saying he needs to speak with me. My name's Daria Morgendorffer," she said to the receptionist, who pointed down a hallway.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"He's waiting for you. Go on in, please," the older woman said. Knocking on the door, a male voice called for her to enter, and she saw the Warner was with another man, a bit older, in a rumpled suit. The assistant dean spoke,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Please sit down, Miss Morgendorffer. This is Captain Mallory, the chief of the campus police, and he has a few questions for you, if you don't mind," he asked, as the other man pulled out a few pictures from a manila folder on the desk.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Don't I need my attorney present for this?" she replied cooly. "I can call her right now, and I'm sure she'd lovee to hear what you have to say to me. In case you don't know, she told me not to discuss my case with anyone until after my hearing tomorrow." Her tone was neutral, but the chief scowled as he looked at Warner. "Gentlemen, I don't want to be rude, but I'm going to be late for my first class, so I'd like to leave now."<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>Mallory replied tersely,"It's not about that, miss. It's about Daniel Framingham. I understand you two work together on the paper, and also that immediately after your release, you went to his apartment. The next day, Mr. Framingham failed to show up at all of his classes, and yesterday as well. When Professor Smith attempted to contact him, his roommate said he hadn't been home since you two had an altercation outside one of the labs. What I'd like to know is if you might have any idea where he is at the moment?" Daria blinked and shrugged.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Beats me. He's a big boy, and I'm sure he had a good reason not to come to class. A lot of people blow off class now and then, and I doubt you go to such lengths for them. Yes, we had a discussion outside the math building. First off, all I did at his apartment was write him a note saying I wanted him to issue a retraction to his editorial and to let him know I was off the paper until this situation is resolved. I did this after making a formal complaint to Professor Smith, who I'm sure will verify it. That's all I did, and as to where he is, I don't recall being made his babysitter, sir. If I happen to run into him, I'll tell him you're looking for him. Am I done here?" she asked innocently. Chief Mallory scowled and looked directly at her.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Listen carefully, young lady. If it were anyone else, I probably wouldn't be bothering you, but his father, the senator, is somewhat concerned about his son being connected to campus radicals, and even more so when he fails to check in with his family. If you know anything, it's better to tell us now, or else this can get a lot more serious, understand me?" he growled. Daria felt a cold surge in her guts, but kept her composure as she asked,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Are you charging me with something, sir? If not, I'll be on my way, or else I'll be late for class, and in the future, if you wish to speak with me, I suggest you contact my attorney first. As a matter of fact, I think now's the time I gave her a call..." she said, rising from her chair. Warner spoke harshly then, motioning for her to sit,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Listen! This isn't a game, young lady! The both of you are tangled up with some dangerous people, and now a young man is missing. I want answers, and I want them now, or your days here at Raft are over! I want you to tell us everything you know, or I swear I'll have you arrested right here, and right now!" he roared.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Excuse me? Just what do you think I know about that jerk? I only work with him because I'm in the same damn jornalism class and on the campus paper. Other than that, I can't stand being around him, and I honestly don't have the faintest idea as to where he went off too. Now I know I'm talking to my lawyer. If you're going to arrest me, sir, you'd better do it now, because I'm leaving," she said, as calmly as she could, getting up a second time and heading for the door. Neither man made any move to stop her, and she almost sprinted out of the offices, not stopping until she was on the greensward, a hard knot of fear in her belly. Wishing she'd bothered with getting a cell phone, she headed to a bank of payphones and shakily dialled a number.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>In her office, Brenda MacAffee was going over a file when the phone rang. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she said to Daria, after she'd told her what had occurred, "You did the right thing, and I'll have a courier over to the dean's office before he leaves with a restraining order against that ever happening again. Technically, we could take this to the police and FBI and they could be charged with interfering with an investigation themselves! Right now, though, I'm concerned that this development may have some repercussions to you case, so what I'd like for you to do is..." On the other end, Daria scowled, but nodded at the lawyer's logic.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Ms. MacAffee, I understand, but if I withdraw for the rest of the semester, I'd have to re-do all my classes again, and while I enjoy being in school, I do want to graduate on time," Daria protested mildly. Brenda responded with,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"If there are any connections, or, God forbid, they 'create' any connections, you may be finishing up in a prison, Daria. Neither of us wants that, so I'm afraid that you'll just have to bite the bullet on this one. And from what I've seen of your transcripts and after talking to you, I doubt that one semester is going to hurt you much, or am I wrong here?" she asked gently. Daria nodded, knowing she was indeed ahead of the curve as it was, but still the thought of having to leave school, even for the rest of the semester gnawed at her. After a short internal discussion, she agreed.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"You're the lawyer, ma'am, and I spent enough time around one to know when not to argue. But won't that seem a little supsicious, especially to the feds?" she asked. MacAffee was quiet for a moment or two before replying,<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Let me worry about what looks suspicious or not, Daria. I've handled dozens of these cases, and by doing this, you both lower your profile among your fellow students as welll as remove the agents following you around all over campus. I'm sure they all stick out like sore thumbs, no? Oh, and by the way, don't be messing with their field agents in the future, please? They're just doing their jobs and it makes mine that much harder when it comes across that my client is baiting them," she added.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Sorry about that, I wasn't thinking very clearly at the time, I'm afraid. So, what do I do after I withdraw? Other than school, I don't really have a reason to be here. I don't even have a part-time job anymore," Daria said, wondering how the lawyer would respond if she found out what that one had been* (ATTWO). "Or is it better if I just hang around my apartment for them to 'monitor' until this mess blows over?"<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"For now, that's precisely what I want you to do. Stay right where they can see you, because that way, they'll be able to see you're not the threat someone up high thinks you are, and let me handle this issue with Framingham's disappearance. By the way, do you happen to know what happened to him? Attorney-client privilege is of course in full play here, Daria," MacAffee said. Daria sighed and repeated what she'd told the assistant dean and campus police chief.<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"Daniel is one of those people I can't stand, ma'am. He's an overbeaing, overprivileged, obnoxious hypocrite who either insults or annoys everyone he comes into contact with. The ones on campus who support the same causes put up with him because he's the editor and also because he seems to be able to raise the funds they need to stage their protests or whatever. From what I know of him, he's having one of his tantrums, and is probably off hiding in Boston. He tries to come off as a new radical, all edgy and political, but deep down, I see him as a spoiled rich boy trying to impress people with his "radicalness"."<BR>
<BR> 
<BR>"That sounds exactly what my investigator told me about him. Don't worry about this nonsense anymore, Daria. Just go and do what I said, stay in town, and make sure you show up on time for your hearing tomorrow, okay? I have a good feeling I can get that charge tossed without any problem, based on what I've seen. I'll see you there," MacAffee replied, before brealing the connection. Daria hung up the payphone and took a look around the nearly empty greensward, a cold wind blowing, mirroring her mood as she made her way to the bus stop and home.<BR>