The dragon on your tenure committee

Alex emerged post-shower, to be greeted with skeptical sniffing by Yellface, whose cozy curl was coincidentally barring the way to Alex's accustomed seat.

"She is a gentlecat, but not a scholar," I mused.

Further collective discussion about what kind of personality she would be, as an academic.

Belovedest was asked for input.

They paused, turned their head slowly, with great dignity.

"There is no way," they said, "That the Cat ... Would receive tenure before I do."