Page 151 of The Examiner

Unknown number

That’s right.

Jem

Well, I got a First in my BA and I want a Distinction at MA. With art being subjective, I don’t want the unconscious bias of my tutor (who has always favoured another student) resulting in my grade being negotiated down. I’m a lot younger than the other students and I’m very aware their maturity could, potentially, make my work seem juvenile.

Unknown number

I’m confident your final grade will be an accurate reflection of the work you put in and of the progress achieved on the course.

Jem

I hope that’s true. If there’s even a slight chance I might not get a Distinction, then I *will* be asking for a regrade and won’t hesitate to continue that challenge to whatever level it takes.

Unknown number

I’m sure that won’t be necessary.

Jem

Good. Because let me tell you, the things that’ve happened behind the scenes on this course would make your toes curl.

Unknown number

What exactly has been going on behind the scenes?

Jem

One of the other students, Alyson Lang, hasn’t been seen since the sourcing team went to Somerset back in January, and the rest are covering it up. By the rest, I mean Gela too. When I looked into Alyson’s disappearance, I discovered she’s actually called Suzie Danners and is on this course using her sister’s name. She’s married to Jonathan Danners, another student. He told us he couldn’t take a first degree because his mother and sister died ten years ago. I then found out he did a Bachelor’s at Imperial, works as a climate scientist and that his mother and sister died *two* years ago. They must have a very good reason to tell such odd lies. But that’s not all. Gela had favourites from the beginning. When Alyson and Jonathan stole a radio from RD8, Gela hushed it up to save face. You can request all our Doodle comms from Royal Hastings. But now we’re in touch, let me invite you to our final-project event. The installation features an amazing centrepiece, a spine-tingling soundscape and an experiential tunnel, all made to a strict client brief. The client has zero idea about art, by the way.

Unknown number

I’ve accessed the Doodle cache already and have secured an invitation to the event tonight. I’m on my way.

Jem

Really? That’s amazing! The others will be stoked!

Unknown number

Thank you, Jem, but don’t tell them. Let’s make it our surprise. In the meantime, if you have any private emails or WhatsApp messages that might give me an insight into the course and its students, please send them to me.

Jem

I’ll do that as soon as I can. By the way, what’s your name?

Unknown number

Ben Sketcher.

Doodle message group [Private] Hannah and Gela, 30 May 2024:

Hannah O’Donnell

Diversity forms. This is literally the last day before I need to submit the data.

Gela Nathaniel