Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #7: Spy Problems? (9/3/97)
Veraik:How are you feeling tonight Aleiaa?
Veraik:Is Klana treating you right?
Aleiaa:better
Aleiaa:[looks nervous]yeah, of course, why wouldn't she?
Veraik:[zlins nager] You zlin better than yesterday.
Veraik:Just checking.
Aleiaa:[regains equilibrium]of course I'm fine. Just left over from Snake's transfer[sneers at snake]
Wise Snake:[gazes dreamily into the distance; doesn't seem to register Aleiaa's words]
Veraik:[goes to file, looks at Klana's notes then replaces file]
Aleiaa:what's up with snake?
Aleiaa:[flicks her nager to get snake's attention]
Wise Snake:[starts] What? Oh
Aleiaa:yeah you. What's up?
Wise Snake:[warily] Nothing.
Aleiaa:you think I believe that. I'm out for a day and you get knee deep into it, don't you
Aleiaa:[shoots look at Veraik]
Aleiaa:why are you both so quiet?
Wise Snake:[surprised] Knee deep into what??
Aleiaa:that's what I'd like to know
Veraik:[holds out black scarf] Snake, I think you should wear this.
Aleiaa:looking so..so...gushy eyed
Wise Snake:Oh, give me a break.
Aleiaa:[eyebrows shoot up]
Aleiaa:you mean she's finally acknowledged she's a Farris
Wise Snake:I told you, black makes me look pale as a vampire.
Wise Snake:And it will make my neck itch.
Veraik:[uses tentacles to tie scarf around Snake's neck]
Aleiaa:not exactly right, but since there's no braid around[grins smugly at Snake]
Aleiaa:it looks absolutely divine
Veraik:This material has come directly from Zeor. It will be fine for you.
Wise Snake:[fidgets -- hates it]
Wise Snake:[hates Aleiaa's smug nager]
Aleiaa:[pours it on even more]
Wise Snake:[gets up, moves to other side of Veraik, finds a different chair]
Wise Snake:[pulls on scarf trying to loosen it so she can breathe]
Veraik:Well. Now that that is done. I think.... [hear commotion outside]
Wise Snake:Geez, it's like a leash or something.
Wise Snake:[pull pull]
Wise Snake:[freezes in pulling motion and looks up at sound of outside disturbance]
Wise Snake:[jumps up and runs outside]
Veraik:[rushes out to see several Gens all talking at once.
Wise Snake:What's going on here?
Gen: It's Margaret. she just passed out.
Aleiaa:[follows slowly--still sick]
Aleiaa:passed out? waht is it?
Wise Snake:[looks around warily; if it seems safe, zlins Margaret]
Aleiaa:[scooting up behind Veraik to assist him as any good Companion would]
Gen: She is the back of the truck 1
Veraik:[zlins changeover]
Wise Snake:Wonderful.
Veraik:[tentacles twitch but he controls them quickly]
Aleiaa:[shooks Veraik a look and reaches out to touch his elbow in support]
Wise Snake:You. Are you her parents? Bring her inside the Center.
Aleiaa:which one of you is going to handle this?
Aleiaa:[looks from Veraik to Snake]
Wise Snake:[glances at Veraik]
Veraik:[zlins Snake's condition] I am.
Aleiaa:[stays by Veraik's side]
Wise Snake:But -
Aleiaa:come on Snake[motions her inside]get the room ready
Veraik:You monitor, Snake, then you handle the next changeover victim.
Wise Snake:Wait a minute here -
Wise Snake:[kicks door in a show of anger]
Wise Snake:[disappears inside center]
Veraik:Gen: CHANGEOVER!!! I though she was sick!
Aleiaa:[projects soothing field toward Veraik as gather child]
Veraik:Said in Simelan: Go after Snake, Aleiaa. Ask her if she is having an entran problem.
Veraik:Bring her back
Aleiaa:[nods]
Wise Snake:[prepares room, shaking with rage]
Wise Snake:That bastard.
Aleiaa:[finds snake in room]
Aleiaa:Snake?[eases inside, field carefully nuetral]
Wise Snake:'you can handle the next changeover victim' my ass!
Wise Snake:bastard
Gen: What is this! The Center said to bring our children here for free medical help and what do I get but my daughter becoming a Snake. [hissed]
Aleiaa:[puts out hands, using field to project comfort]
Aleiaa:Snake. I don't think Veraik meant it as an insult
Wise Snake:[barely looks at Aleiaa] get away from me, you two-faced
Wise Snake:[slams drawer, puts supplies next to transfer lounge]
Aleiaa:[smiles gently]what is it? Your ...?
Aleiaa:um, look...just a minute...
Aleiaa:[goes back to Veraik]
Aleiaa:Ask the child her name and who her mother is?[points at Gen]
Aleiaa:[seeing no other way to help]
Veraik:[zlins girl]What's her name?
Aleiaa:Veraik! It's important. Either do that or you can handle both Snake and the Gen
Aleiaa:on your own...
Aleiaa:Well, if she were a boy, I might say Snake junior[smiles with a quirk]
Aleiaa:[nods toward other room]
Aleiaa:IT's SNAKE'S daughter[simpleton!] 2
Veraik:[monitors]
Veraik:Aleiaa, none of that.
Aleiaa:Snake needs to be here with her
Aleiaa:[reins in anger]
Veraik:[turns to parents] She'll be fine.
Aleiaa:well...about Snake?
parents: She is NOT in changeover. What ARE you doing....
Veraik:Aleiaa, tell her to come for Margaret. I'll have to talk to the parents.
Veraik:Look Mr. and Mrs. Pelmor. Your daughter will be fine. You did the right thing.
Veraik:She is in the first stages.
Aleiaa:[goes back to Snake]
Aleiaa:sorry Snake, the illness, you know...makes me delusional
Wise Snake:[has cooled down somewhat, is hanging out moodily in the transfer room]
Wise Snake:Yeah whatever,
Veraik:The Center didn't lie. We do help any who come here who are sick but in Margaret's case it was doubly important to bring her here. She will never kill and you will be proud of her.
Aleiaa:so, want to tell me your problem?
Aleiaa:Snake, answer me.
Aleiaa:[approaches]what is your problem?
Wise Snake:[shrug] It's very stupid really.
Aleiaa:yeah, well, evidently it wasn't to you
Aleiaa:so what goes?
Wise Snake:Well,
Wise Snake:You see,
Veraik:Come. You can sign the release forms so that your daughter can attend one of our training centers.
Wise Snake:It used to be people brought their kids directly to me. Now I've told them they should bring their kids to the Sime Center. But I still feel like I should be the one...
Wise Snake:Stupid of course.
Aleiaa:[moves closer and leans against bed]
Aleiaa:not stupid. Loyal, if you ask me.
Aleiaa:[eyes Snake gently]when is the last time you've actually 'worked'
Wise Snake:No, I think stupid is definitely the word for it.
Wise Snake:[thinks]
Wise Snake:Beats me.
Wise Snake:Two days ago I think.
Aleiaa:is it possible that maybe what you're experiencing is entran?
Aleiaa:you are a Farris after all
Wise Snake:[winces]
Wise Snake:[reaches up and starts to untie scarf]
Aleiaa:that won't change what you are
Aleiaa:and I'll tell you something else, if it is entran, I can almost guarantee you Veraik will allow you to help the young soon to be renSime.
Veraik:[exits to calm Gen parents]
Aleiaa:the parents probably trust you by now, know you, and you need this as much as that child
Wise Snake:I may as well not make my life more difficult by disobeying Veraik.
Aleiaa:[although, you did burn me--but that was different--trying to convince myself]
Wise Snake:[pulls scarf off, kicks it under bed]
Aleiaa:[raises eyebrow]disobeying where you want, i see
Aleiaa:I think you're afraid. It was easy as long as no one knew, no one was watching
Aleiaa:but now...representatives of the Tecton, people who can get word back to others are here and will be here to see if you really have the ability in you or if you're just a mess up.
Wise Snake:[stares at Aleiaa, honestly baffled by the chain of logic] What?!
Aleiaa:coward
Aleiaa:you would really not go out there and risk Veraik's censure
Wise Snake:[even more confused]
Aleiaa:to help that family who probably knows you, or rumors about you.
Aleiaa:you'd rather stay in here and hide?
Wise Snake:If this is you trying to be manipulative, I'd suggest you hold off until you're feeling better.
Aleiaa:I'm fine...just a little delusional but fine.
Wise Snake:And in any case, why aren't you out there supporting Veraik?
Aleiaa:he sent me to check on you--not that you care
Wise Snake:Oh, give me a break.
Wise Snake:[exits the room]
Wise Snake:Where's Veraik.
Aleiaa:[relief, though thinking Veraik is off his rocker] where else [idiot channel] with the changeover victim
Wise Snake:[looks extremely impatient] Come with me, Aleiaa.
Wise Snake:[goes and finds Veraik and the parents and the changeover victim]
Aleiaa:[figures I'm stuck with her]of course.
Wise Snake:[sees Veraik is having trouble with the parents who are extremely worried]
Aleiaa:[this poor child is an accident waiting to happen]
Wise Snake:[zlins the kid]
Wise Snake:[hesitates]
Wise Snake:[quietly] He should have let me handle this.
Aleiaa:[counting flowers on the ceiling in delusions....]
Aleiaa:why?[looks at snake]
Wise Snake:[alarmed - glances at Aleiaa]
Aleiaa:I'm fine:)
Aleiaa:what's the matter[goes to support snake and assist her]
Wise Snake:[frustrated] he's handling the parents all wrong! They trust me.
Wise Snake:[examines the child's arms]
Aleiaa:[well there's one]
Aleiaa:[who trusts snake]
Aleiaa:[forces skepticism out of nager]
Aleiaa:[impressed with how carefully Snake is performing her tasks]
Wise Snake:[soothes child with quiet words]
Wise Snake:[to Aleiaa:] I want to move her into the prepared room.
Aleiaa:what would you like me to do?
Aleiaa:[field shows willingness to help]
Wise Snake:Here. Take her into the room I prepared. Don't worry about the timing... there's plenty of time.
Veraik:I don't think.....
Aleiaa:[wondering why a SIME would want a Gen to help her to the room]
Aleiaa:[puts her arm around Margaret]come with me, sweetie
Wise Snake:[interrupting Veraik] Excuse me.
Wise Snake:[firmly]
Veraik:Your girl will get the best training the Tecton has to offer.
Aleiaa:[takes her to room and helps her up on bed]
Wise Snake:I said, [pushes Veraik gently, but very firmly, to the side] Excuse me.
Wise Snake:[smiles to parents]
Wise Snake:I'm terribly sorry.
Aleiaa:[begins to chatter]That is an absolutely lovely color of hair you have. Here, let me brush it and we'll just pin it back so you'll feel better.[ueses field to soothe girl]
Veraik:[starts to argue then sees relief in parent's eyes]
Wise Snake:Veraik, could you... ? [jerks head in direction of door]
Aleiaa:[finishes hair and gets girl drink]
Veraik:Fine...Handle Snake [nager says ...but you better not mess it up]
Aleiaa:[continues to chatter young girl things with Margaret]
Wise Snake:[Tecton Standard Smile at Veraik's departing back]
Veraik:[exits] I'm going to check the front desk.
Aleiaa:[reassures girl's fears]
Wise Snake:[turns back to parents] Now. [Pulls large wad of cash out of pocket]
Aleiaa:[unobtrusively checks girls arms and wonders where the shen a channel is]
Aleiaa:[holds the bowl as child empties her stomach--ah the duties of a Companion]
Aleiaa:[helps girl wash mouth out]
Wise Snake:[still chatting with parents] Yes, yes, and each month as long as she remains proudly and publicly pro-Tecton.
Aleiaa:[assures Margaret that what she is experiencing is normal and will soon be wonderful]
Aleiaa:[sees small bubbles appearing on wrists]
Wise Snake:[sends the beaming parents on their way] Don't stay for dessert, though, she'll be all ready to go home in about...oh... an hour.
Wise Snake:[sees them off]
Aleiaa:[starting to worry if she's going to hvae to serve first transfer]
Wise Snake:[as soon as they're out of sight, hurries back to the transfer room]
Aleiaa:sweetie, it's fine. You're starting to zlin, aren't you?
Aleiaa:yes, that's normal...yes, the contractions are normal too
Wise Snake:[bursts into room, somehow keeping the ambient pretty nonetheless]
Wise Snake:Sorry about the delay, you wouldn't believe the...
Aleiaa:uh now, snake
Wise Snake:[zlins kid] Yes, I see.
Aleiaa:[steps back to support snake]
Wise Snake:[takes kid's hands]
Aleiaa:[please please please don't mess this up]
Wise Snake:How are you doing? [smiles]
Aleiaa:[relief]
Wise Snake:Aleiaa... try to be a little more subtle, okay?
Aleiaa:[concentrates strictly on work at hand and pushes personal feelings aside]
Aleiaa:[thinking the wonderful feelings of giving transfer]
Wise Snake:[works with child to coordinate contractions, speaking soothingly]
Veraik:[bursts into room to check on the changeover victim.]
Veraik:How is she doing?
Aleiaa:[refuses to turn, keeping all attention on Snake so snake can control the ambient]
Veraik:oh.... [meshes field and backs out]
Wise Snake:[protects child from bursting in of Veraik]
Wise Snake:Veraik. If you're going to do it, now is the time.
Aleiaa:[THIS is a first order channel]
Aleiaa:[now I know why he was disciplined]
Aleiaa:[restlessness]
Wise Snake:Steady Aleiaa.
Veraik:[backs away] uh..uh.. I don't think I can handle it. You do it, Snake.
Aleiaa:[incredulous...quickly damping it down. Shen stuck with two incompetent...]
Wise Snake:[shoots a narrow gaze at Veraik, but doesn't argue]
Aleiaa:[what is going on here!]
Wise Snake:[to girl:] Come on. Do it how I showed you.
Aleiaa:[A first, transfer shy]
Aleiaa:[leans forward in wonderful anticipation]
Aleiaa:[thinkin come on sweetie]
Wise Snake:[contractions come harder]
Aleiaa:[thinking how sweet it'll be for her]
Wise Snake:[the girl cries out as her tentacles burst out]
Aleiaa:YES![quietly]
Aleiaa:[but with great ferverence]
Wise Snake:[projecting Gen, allows the new Sime to grab her in transfer position]
Aleiaa:[it is going to be okay after all]
Wise Snake:[the transfer is complete]
Aleiaa:[new respect for snake in Aleiaa's eyes]
Wise Snake:[supports the new Sime while she tries to figure out which end is up]
Wise Snake:Take it easy. No reason to rush anything.
Veraik:[wipes face with tentacle] Congratulations Margaret.
Wise Snake:Veraik, could you take it from here?
Aleiaa:<sniff sniff>
Aleiaa:how sweet
Veraik:You...you...did great Snake.
Wise Snake:Thanks. [a little bit short]
Wise Snake:[leaves the room]
Aleiaa:do you require me here, Veraik?
Veraik:[pants] Go to Margaret as he watches Snake leave the room.
Veraik:Please send one of the renSimes in to help clean her up. Thank you.
Aleiaa:Yes Naztehr
Aleiaa:[leaves, stops another renSime to go help clean up new renSime then goes to find Snake]
Wise Snake:[It takes a while to find Snake]
Aleiaa:Finally! Where have you been hiding?
Wise Snake:[Snake is lurking in an obscure storage room near the rear of the building]
Veraik:Margaret: [catches wondering tentacle] Are you ready to go to a Sime School?
Wise Snake:Where does a person have to go to get any privacy around here?
Wise Snake:[leaning against wall]
Aleiaa:[cheeky]you want privacy, you don't work in a Sime Center. So, what's up?
Aleiaa:If you're worried about your performance in there...you did superb
Veraik:Calm down. There will be a lot of others just like you at the school.
Wise Snake:Oh god, lay off with the happy feelings. [rubs forehead with back of hand]
Veraik:You'll like it. You'll see.
Wise Snake:[you can see her sweating]
Aleiaa:[tones down nager]so this is more serious than I thought. Just what is up?
Aleiaa:[immediately allows her nager to support Snake]
Veraik:[renSime enters and Veraik leaves]
Veraik:[leans against wall then looks for Snake]
Wise Snake:[starts to say something, but stops when Aleiaa adds support]
Aleiaa:what is it Snake?
Aleiaa:you're tied up in knots.
Aleiaa:[suspicious]
Wise Snake:Your constant pestering questions are not helping my nerves one bit.
Wise Snake:[leaning on Aleiaa's nager]
Aleiaa:[reaches arms out to Snake allowing Snake whatever she requires]
Veraik:[walks outside, spots Snake&Aleiaa-doesn't notice prob] That was a perfect transfer, Snake.
Aleiaa:[ignore's Veraik concentrating only on Snake]
Wise Snake:[flinches] Yeah. Great. Thanks, Veraik.
Wise Snake:[leaning on Aleiaa's field]
Veraik:That girl will be fine at Zeor. Yes...I think I'll send her to Zeor.
Aleiaa:Veraik...I think that'you might want to talk to Snake first before you make that decision
Veraik:[notices problem] What's the matter? You're all tied up in knots.[soothes field]
Aleiaa:she is the one who performed transfer...give her some time to fill out the chart
Wise Snake:[pained] When are you going to learn that Zeor doesn't want all your thrown away garbage, Veraik?
Aleiaa:before you get Zeor mad at us for sending someone who doesn't...
Veraik:Garbage! [flares anger]
Aleiaa:[trails off at Snake's words]
Wise Snake:[closes eyes]
Aleiaa:[tries to shield Snake]
Wise Snake:[opens eyes]
Wise Snake:Look, Veraik, I'm sorry, now can we talk about this later?
Veraik:[tentacles snap] What IS your problem Snake!
Veraik:oh very well Later then
Aleiaa:Natzher, can't you see Snake requres some time...
Aleiaa:zlin her
Wise Snake:No, it's fine. Fine. We'll talk about it now.
Wise Snake:[angrily]
Veraik:[zlins]
Wise Snake:[shrugs off Aleiaa's support]
Aleiaa:[rolls eyes...]I'll be inside with Margaret
Aleiaa:[leaves]
Wise Snake:[shields from Veraik]
Wise Snake:We've got to talk about it sometime.
Veraik:So talk.
Wise Snake:You can't just send people to Zeor.
Wise Snake:It doesn't work that way.
Wise Snake:[trying to think of right words to say it...]
Veraik:why not. Zeor is the best.
Wise Snake:Look...
Veraik:Its reputation for training channels can not be beat.
Wise Snake:Yes, but they insist upon starting with the very best material.
Veraik:And Margaret has the potential to be the best.
Wise Snake:With a channel for a first Donor? Not likely.
Veraik:But you're a Farris so it shouldn't matter.
Wise Snake:[grimaces] I hate it when you say that.
Veraik:And not wearing your color isn't going to change that.
Wise Snake:And yes, it does matter. Whatever else I am, I am not a Gen.
Veraik:You are what I would have liked to be. I just don't understand why you are rebelling against it.
Wise Snake:[pauses]
Wise Snake:[incredulous]
Wise Snake:Is that what this is all about?
Veraik:[turns nager inward]
Veraik:No. but you should be proud of what you are.
Wise Snake:[shrugs]
Wise Snake:Well.
Veraik:So, if we don't send her to Zeor, where should I send her.
Wise Snake:I'll have to discuss it with her, and her parents. We had a deal.
Wise Snake:Perhaps the details can be rearranged a bit.
Veraik:A deal....what deal. There are no deals in the Tecton.
Veraik:I'd send her to my House, Liorie, but it is too far from here.
Wise Snake:This place may have a Sime Center, but it is not fully within the Tecton yet.
Wise Snake:[reaches out and opens store room door]
Wise Snake:[goes out into hall]
Veraik:True so we must get Margaret on the first train to In-Territory 3
Veraik:She requires training as soon as possible.
Wise Snake:[goes out into main office]
Wise Snake:I told you, I need to talk to her, and her parents, first.
Veraik:[follows Snake] Where are you going?
Veraik:So talk but be quick about it.
Veraik:I'm going to check on Aleiaa.
Wise Snake:They will be back soon. I will talk to them then.
Wise Snake:[Sits down at an unused desk and begins to fill out Margaret's paperwork]
Veraik:With her pregancy, today's activities may have been too much for her.
Wise Snake:She is also ill.
Veraik:What?
Veraik:[turns back] What's the matter with her?
Wise Snake:Remember, she fainted yesterday.
Veraik:Is that why you didn't want her support earlier?
Wise Snake:And since then, her... perceptions seem oddly distorted.
Wise Snake:[waves off the question] No.
Veraik:Yes, I remember but I thought that was from her pregancy only.
Veraik:So her nager is off-true?
Veraik:I didn't notice that.
Veraik:Only a Farris.
Wise Snake:I didn't mean her nager. I meant her own perceptions of the world.
Wise Snake:Some of the things she's said today... I almost wonder if she's had hallucinations.
Wise Snake:Although, I have never been pleased with the state of her nager.
Wise Snake:[studiously fills out forms]
Veraik:So what is Maraget's rating?
Wise Snake:[hands paperwork to Veraik, pushes chair away from desk]
Veraik:[looks at paper] barely a Third Order. I guess that is why I didn't pick it up sooner.
Wise Snake:[massages own tentacles and sheaths, while looking out window in a restless manner]
Veraik:Was there another problem with her that you are not telling me about?
Wise Snake:[very reluctantly] Well...
Wise Snake:No.
Veraik:That doesn't sound very convincing but I guess I'll let it pass for now.
Veraik:I'm going to check on Aleiaa. She may be in trouble.
Wise Snake:[nager flickers troubled at mention of Aleiaa]
Veraik:[gently knocks on Aleiaa's door]
Aleiaa:come in
Veraik:How are you feeling?
Aleiaa:fine
Aleiaa:[coolly]
Veraik:[zlins chaotic nager and staggers]
Wise Snake:[pays a little visit to Margaret]
Aleiaa:[reluctantly shields nager]
Wise Snake:How are you feeling... [smiles] That's wonderful.
Aleiaa:is there something you require Hajene?
Wise Snake:Let me show you how to take care of that little problem... there, that's perfect.
Veraik:[controls nager] Yes. I just wanted to make sure that you hadn't overly tired yourself.
Aleiaa:[goes across room and sits down on edge of bed]
Aleiaa:of course I'm not tired. [resentful]
Wise Snake:Tell me, Margaret, have your parents discussed the future with you?
Wise Snake:They have.... yes... yes... I see.
Veraik:After all, you are pregnant. You should be more careful in these early stages.
Wise Snake:Then you understand what's expected of you?
Aleiaa:Pregnant! [Stands up in shock]
Aleiaa:whatever gave you that idea?
Wise Snake:Well... there's been a little bit of a change. Something came up...
Veraik:Hadn't Klana told you yet?
Veraik:I thought surely she had already told you.
Wise Snake:Yes, a channel. I know it must be a bit of a surprise.
Aleiaa:considering I woke up AFTER she was gone...
Wise Snake:But if you compare our fields... zlin like this. And compare to me... see?
Aleiaa:that slimy no good...I can't believe....
Veraik:Now Aleiaa....she was only trying to help. [soothing nager]
Veraik:[pats arm with tentacle]
Aleiaa:not her...HIM...trips in anger...
Wise Snake:No, this doesn't mix things up too badly.. but it does bring up the issue of training.
Veraik:Who?
Aleiaa:[clamps firm control over nager]
Veraik:The father.
Aleiaa:[shrugs--refusing to meet Veraik's eyes]
Aleiaa:just someone I knew
Veraik:So you know who the father is.
Aleiaa:[shrugs again]oh, I don't know...could be anyone;)
Wise Snake:Your family's end of the deal will only be upheld so long as you remain pro-Tecton.
Wise Snake:And to obey the Tecton laws, you must be trained and work as a channel.
Veraik:so you know which channel or Donor it is.
Wise Snake:Yes, like me.
Wise Snake:Not exactly like me.
Wise Snake:But somewhat.
Aleiaa:uh, yeah[evasive]
Veraik:Give me the name and I'll add it to your chart.
Aleiaa:[looks back arrogantly at Veraik]I don't think so
Veraik:And why not. [nager flicks of anger]
Aleiaa:It's none of your business
Veraik:Of course it is. We should know in case of Complications.
Aleiaa:[flinches]I doubt I'll be here when the baby is born anyway
Veraik:For instance, if it was a Farris, you would require constant monitoring.
Aleiaa:[field goes flat]I don't want to talke about it
Veraik:Unless you can give me a good reason, like have a Farris father, then you will stay here.
Aleiaa:[resentment but silence]
Veraik:We have more than addequate facilities and three Farris channels for any problems that occur
Aleiaa:I never said it was a Farris
Veraik:Then who is it?
Wise Snake:[finishing up lengthy discussion with Margaret] Well, I'm not so sure about THAT, but I am told the pay is quite lucrative.
Aleiaa:[shrugs]
Aleiaa:I can't discuss that right now
Wise Snake:And there is no reason to assume you wouldn't, ah, get "plenty of beefcake" as well, if you put your mind to it.
Aleiaa:Is that why you let Snake serve a channel today instead of me?
Veraik:Then I will confine you to your room until you do.
Aleiaa:[shock]
Aleiaa:you're imprisoning me?
Wise Snake:So, can we tell your parents the good news?
Veraik:yes....You have to conserve your energy.
Wise Snake:[Snake and Margaret exit into the main offices, meet Margaret's parents in front]
Aleiaa:I'm a shenned good Donor...you can't possibly do that, as shorthanded as we are! I have to be free to go out in the vicinity and well..and...[trails off]
Veraik:Watch me. I'm sure Klana will help me with this.
Veraik:And what
Aleiaa:I'm just as sure she won't[with a knowing certainity]
Aleiaa:look, I'm only pregnant...it'll be months before the child is born.
Veraik:[nager closes] SHE is on my side.
Aleiaa:You can't really mean to keep me in here that long
Aleiaa:meaning I'm not?
Wise Snake:[Snake shakes hands with Margaret's parents... Margaret leaves with them, waving goodbye to Snake]
Veraik:Yes but you require monitoring from the beginning.
Aleiaa:fine, monitor me...but don't lock me up
Aleiaa:better yet, let Klana monitor me
Veraik:I will unless you tell me who the father is
Aleiaa:you don't know him.
Aleiaa:are you serious? You would really lock me in here?
Veraik:I think a better choice will be Snake.
Veraik:Then it should matter.
Veraik:if you tell me or not.
Aleiaa:no...I don't want snake in here.
Aleiaa:Fine. He's...from another town.
Veraik:[nager says gotcha]
Veraik:Fine, so who it is?
Aleiaa:[nager is burning with supressed anger]
Aleiaa:you don't require a name!
Aleiaa:it'll be taken care of
Aleiaa:in time
Veraik:I do and I'll have it.
Veraik:Tell me the name!
Aleiaa:suffice to say that the channel was a First Order channel.
Veraik:Fine [locks door with tentacles] I'll be back later then you can tell me who this First Order channel was.
Aleiaa:[looking Veraik up and down]you know, you shouldn't get drunk so much!
Aleiaa:you might remember more!
Aleiaa:[let him stew on that and wonder]
Veraik:[exits]
Aleiaa:[goes and throws up in basin]
Aleiaa:[dumps basin out window on Veraiks prize trin plants]
Wise Snake:[Snake is in main office puttering through somebody else's desk drawers]
Wise Snake:Would you look at that. Huh.
Wise Snake:[riffle, riffle]
Wise Snake:[closes drawer]
Wise Snake:[gets up, goes over to Veraik's desk
Wise Snake:[sits down in Veraik's chair]
Aleiaa:[pounds on door hoping someone will hear]
Wise Snake:[pauses... thought she heard something odd]
Aleiaa:[gleefully hoping it'll get her out because of what it'll do to the Simes in the area]
Aleiaa:[pounds again]
Aleiaa:[if I can get out, I can escape]
Wise Snake:[reaches for handle of Veraik's desk drawer, but pauses, unable to shake itchy feeling between shoulder blades]
Aleiaa:[angry...kicks door hard...then grabs toe]
Wise Snake:[zlins] odd
Aleiaa:[hysterical...hurting and horomones making want to scream and cry both]
Wise Snake:[zlins more than really wanted] oh. Ugh
Aleiaa:[done with temper tantrum...ashamed, but toes are still hurting]
Aleiaa:[decides to try and use nager to lure someone there]
Wise Snake:[tries to ignore strange bumps and thumps and weird stuff in the ambient]
Aleiaa:[calls to anyone passing...boy, what tricks a Gen has up her sleeve]
Wise Snake:[opens Veraik's desk drawer and handles all his stuff]
Wise Snake:Why doesn't Veraik get any new stuff?
Wise Snake:[gives up, decides to pilfer a few rooms]
Aleiaa:[great Veraik locks me in my room and then leaves...]
Wise Snake:[gets up, saunters casually in the direction of the living quarters]
Aleiaa:I'm probably the only one in this shindoni be flayed backwoods Sime Center
Aleiaa:Stupid assignment. And to be pregnant on top of it!
Aleiaa:Maybe Klana can get me a transfer
Aleiaa:after all, she's the one that got me here in the first place.
Veraik:[Returns] Are you ready to tell me yet?
Aleiaa:[blinks]
Aleiaa:where did you come from?
Aleiaa:Okay, yeah, I'll tell you
Aleiaa:[field goes flat]there was this guy in Out Territory. A raider you see...
Veraik:I've been standing here zlinning your temper.
Aleiaa:and..[looks away]well,...
Veraik:[coils tentacles around arms]
Wise Snake:[goes back to Veraik's desk]
Veraik:And...
Aleiaa:I fell in .... love[ugh]
Aleiaa:he died
Aleiaa:that's it
Veraik:That's better. And what was his name?
Wise Snake:[studying some documents Veraik has written, writes a plausible love letter from Veraik to K'LanaSime [in Veraik's handwriting]
Aleiaa:[at least part of it's true, you tyrant Hajene]
Veraik:I'm very sorry to hear it but I still have to have his name.
Wise Snake:[expressing a desire for the utmost discretion]
Aleiaa:uhh.....Vallory.
Aleiaa:[darn, wish I was better at making up names]
Aleiaa:[but at least he bought the story]
Wise Snake:[and a burning -- nay, consuming -- lust]
Veraik:Vallory? Nice name but you said he was from Out T.
Wise Snake:Damn I'm good [inspecting quality of forgery]
Veraik:What was a Channel doing in Out-T?
Aleiaa:he was JUNCT
Aleiaa:who said it was a channel?
Veraik:You did. Before I left.
Wise Snake:[folds letter, places it in an envelope]
Aleiaa:[better try to keep my lies straight.]well, okay, a junct channel
Veraik:You're not telling me the truth so let's try again.
Aleiaa:[mouth drops]
Veraik:What was his name and who is he?
Aleiaa:I am. Why would I lie to a First [I mean, it's not like you're a Farris ]
Aleiaa:okay okay...he was in OT and was a raider.
Wise Snake:[nips into K'LanaSime's room and places the letter in her underwear drawer, underneath the... um... photos]
Veraik:True but I zlin something that you are withholding from me.
Aleiaa:He was using an alias...okay?
Veraik:Fine and his name?
Aleiaa:Can I help it if he didn't use his real name[truth]
Aleiaa: K'igte
Aleiaa:[not entire story but it's all the truth. Smiles gratingly]
Veraik:Wasn't that the name of Klana's Donor who just died?
Aleiaa:Now, is Klana's donor a channel...and in OT???
Aleiaa:[close but no cigar buster]
Aleiaa:I mean Klana is a farris...she would have to have a farris donor...not a channel
Wise Snake:[While in K'Lana's room, Snake takes the opportunity to try on some of K'Lana's underwear]
Wise Snake:Hey, this stuff is keen.
Veraik:True but his twin brother was a channel and a Farris.
Wise Snake:Who would have thought?
Aleiaa:duh.....[blinks]
Veraik:That's what I thought.
Veraik:And that's why Klana is monitoring you.
Wise Snake:Oh well.
Wise Snake:[puts everything back how she found it]
Aleiaa:well, yeah[relieved that she accepts that which is true ]
Wise Snake:[except for the forged letter which is placed lovingly back underneath the lacy stuff]
Veraik:[zlins] Something's not right. [runs our door]
Veraik:[See Snake come out Klana's door]
Veraik:And just what do you think you were doing in there?
Aleiaa:slips out door...heads toward front door, intending to escape.
Aleiaa:[not getting locked up again]
Aleiaa:[have to contact Klana and warn her]
Wise Snake:[Smiles, with no guilt whatsoever in her field] Trying on her underwear.
Veraik:[turns back] Go back in your room Aleiaa!
Aleiaa:[waves bye]
Veraik:[laughs] She'll murder you.
Aleiaa:I have some errands and I know you don't really want me locked up
see note 4
Wise Snake:[snake has a lot of practice -- didn't get a drop on herself]
Aleiaa:[groooooooan]
Aleiaa:[goes into room to clean up]
Wise Snake:[sees passing janitor] Hey.. Zethraim. [orders him to clean mess on floor -- he's one of her stooges]
Veraik:[that comment was meant for Aleiaa]
Aleiaa:figures [goes in, washes face, changes clothes]So, Snake, why don't we just go out this window and see the town for awhile? Hajene wouldn't mind too terribly much
Wise Snake:Just how stupid do you think I am?
Wise Snake:Okay, don't answer that.
Wise Snake:But you know I can zlin right through your lies.
Aleiaa:[pretty stupid]
Aleiaa:I thought you didn't like him
Wise Snake:What does that have to do with anything?
Aleiaa:Look, I don't want to be locked up! Surely you can understand that.
Wise Snake:[surprised] Locked up? What are you talking about?
Aleiaa:he's gone crazy. I haven't done ANYTHING and he's locking me in my room
Wise Snake:[mystified] What reason is he giving?
Aleiaa:[shrugs]I have no idea. He just got this look and said I had to stay there
Wise Snake:Lie.
Aleiaa:[I really hate Channels]
Aleiaa:okay, well...looks, she wanted to know who the baby's father was
Wise Snake:yeah?
Wise Snake:And what did you tell him?
Aleiaa:well, he was so close to the truth I let him believe it. Said it was Klana's donor's brother. That was close enough. I mean, I did like him
Veraik:[thinks about Snake coming out of Klana's room]
Wise Snake:Oh. Who was it really?
Aleiaa:[frustrated. can't tell without being found out and putting life in danger]
Veraik:[goes to room, looks all around, finds letter, reads it, then slips it inside jacket]
Wise Snake:In-ter-est-ing.
Veraik:[goes back to stand guard in front of Aleiaa's room]
Aleiaa:Just rest assured with Klana watching over me, I won't get into trouble
Wise Snake:I don't see her here now.
Aleiaa:please, let Veraik believe what he does and convince him not to keep me locked up
Aleiaa:okay okay...it was a raider. Does that make you happy Snake. I've gone through this with Veraik. We were in the camp for one night, passing through for...a reason and it happened then [embarrassed]is THAT enough
Veraik:[wonders where else Snake had been earlier]
Aleiaa:I mean, it's not like I pry into YOUR past
Wise Snake:[watches Aleiaa]
Aleiaa:it's JUST a baby!
Wise Snake:[snake has weird eyes]
Wise Snake:Do you think it will just be a regular child?
Aleiaa:[looks put out]what do you think, channel?
Wise Snake:I'm asking you what you think. Do you think out of a thousand children, out of a thousand thousand, there will be something that will set yours apart as being different from all the rest?
Aleiaa:[reddens]
Wise Snake:Yes or no.
Aleiaa:I'm not getting out of here until I answer, am I?
Aleiaa:[contemplating fainting again]
Wise Snake:[shakes her head]
Aleiaa:yes
Wise Snake:Good.
Aleiaa:[dumbstruck]Good? Why!
Wise Snake:Because anybody who would answer no to that question doesn't deserve to be a parent.
Aleiaa:you put me through all of that...
Aleiaa:well, good. Good. Now can we go?
Wise Snake:I can.
Wise Snake:[leaves Aleiaa's room]
Aleiaa:[Aleiaa goes to door and pushes it open]
Veraik:Snake: you've been in my room again.
Veraik:Aleiaa?
Wise Snake:[Warily] maybe.
Aleiaa:yes?
Aleiaa:[warily]
Aleiaa:[feels nauseous again]
Veraik:Go back and lie down. You zlin like you're ready to fall down.
Aleiaa:I'd be fine if you wouldn't continue to scowl at me[muttered]
Aleiaa:I really should work[louder]
Aleiaa:fine fine...[goes back to room]
Veraik:No working until Klana tells you you are ready.
Aleiaa:going to spend the rest of my life in here. Wake up, ready to go to work, and bingo...
Wise Snake:[watches the interaction with slightly narrowed eyes]
Aleiaa:Veraik announces I'm pregnant and sends me to my room.
Aleiaa:like I'm some bad girl
Aleiaa:[goes to room]
Veraik:Well you are and that is where all good pregnant ladies belong.
Aleiaa:[outrage]
Wise Snake:[incredulous]
Aleiaa:[sway hips and walks toward Veraik]
Veraik:So did you place a letter from Klana in my room, the same way you left one for Klana from me in her room?
Aleiaa:oh, Veraik, honey, now who have you been lisening to?
Veraik:That is just the way it is, Aleiaa.
Aleiaa:[walks over to Veraik and slides a hand up his chest...the invatation obvious]
Wise Snake:[dumbfounded]
Veraik:Women get pregnant and deal with it.
Aleiaa:oh, I can deal with it...that's not what I'm talking about right now though
Wise Snake:[refuses to zlin]
Wise Snake:[leaves]
Aleiaa:why don't we go have a ... private covnersation about...
Aleiaa:[leans up and whispers in ear]
Veraik:[shift from foot to foot uncomfortingly]
Aleiaa:[smiles alluringly]
Aleiaa:if not that then...[whispers again]
Veraik:[nager oscillates]
Aleiaa:I'll be glad to show you just how much of a lady I am and just how much this pregnancy....limits me
Veraik:[Suddenly leaves and locks door behind him.] Now where did that Snake go?
Veraik:[takes big breath and flees]
Aleiaa:shucks...it could have been fun...even when I slammed him
Aleiaa:[goes to bed and lays down]
Wise Snake:[snake is hanging out in outer lobby looking/zlinning very nervous]
Veraik:Snake. [rubs tentacle down Snake's arm]. There you are.
Wise Snake:[seems kind of freaked out]
Wise Snake:I thought you were done for, for sure. She is 100% psycho.
Veraik:Why don't you show me what you did in my quarters? [smiles knowingly]
Veraik:I know and now zlin me. [pitiful look]
Wise Snake:[hesitates, then zlins Veraik rather lightly]
Wise Snake:[recoils] Ugh! How can you still be post? That was 4 days ago!
Wise Snake:[removes arm from under Veraik tentacle]
Aleiaa:[thinking baby names. Rundal, Hebert, O'car...C'rel, t'nal, Miri]
Veraik:[looks disappointed] Well I had to try. You should have seen what Aleiaa was trying to do with me.
Aleiaa:[digen, rimon...yeah, digen]
Wise Snake:[grimly] Yeah, she was softening you up for a slam.
Veraik:[nager zlins fright]
Wise Snake:Uh, Veraik.
Aleiaa:[kwana,...]oh well plenty of time for that later.
Veraik:Yes.
Wise Snake:Why are you acting this way about Aleiaa's baby?
Veraik:I had word that we had a spy. I think it could be Aleiaa.
Wise Snake:[frowns] Yesterday you thought it was K'Lana.
Veraik:well......It could be both. There's something about the two of them.
Wise Snake:Huh.
Veraik:Or maybe the spy is Zeeta or it could Milari or Teminta or....
Wise Snake:[extends nager to calm Veraik]
Wise Snake:Uh, Veraik, I think you're being a little paranoid, here.
Veraik:[calms down]
Wise Snake:Why don't you start by explaining why you think there's any spy at all.
Veraik:[eyes wide] oh really. with you ransacking my room everytime I have my back turned.
Wise Snake:Oh please. I ransack everybody's room.
Veraik:Paranoid? [tentacles wild]
Wise Snake:[takes a firmer grip on Veraik's field]
Wise Snake:[enforced calm]
Veraik:Exactly!!!! And if anything happens, I get the blame!
Wise Snake:You said you heard there was a spy. Who told you this?
Veraik:[tentacles flicking in and or of sheaths]
Wise Snake:[I said enforced CALM]
Veraik:The information came through with one of the furniture shipments several days ago.
Wise Snake:And what did it say?
Veraik:[tentacles calm] [eyes flashing with annoyance]
Wise Snake:I can't help you if you don't tell me.[looks Veraik steadily in the eyes]
Veraik:Only that a spy was sent to destroy the trust of the town.
Wise Snake:[frowns]
Veraik:I must not fail here!
Veraik:WE Must not Fail!!!
Aleiaa:[stands and paces teh room, wondering how long I get to stay locked up]
Wise Snake:Look, I'm not getting the whole picture here. This message, was it somebody you know who sent it?
Veraik:[whispers] Sectuib ambrov Zeor
Wise Snake:Was it verbal or written?
Veraik:written
Wise Snake:[begins to fear less for Veraik's sanity] Oh. Okay. Let's see it.
Veraik:[tentacles flick in and out again]
Wise Snake:[waits]
see note 5
Wise Snake:uh...
Aleiaa:[looking pitifully hopeful]
Aleiaa:don't you?
Aleiaa:[frantic]
Veraik:Can it Aleiaa. There is still something in your nager which screams 'lie'
Aleiaa:[drops head]
Veraik:I may not be able to get to it but I'm sure a Farris would.
Aleiaa:well, you were going to leave me in here to die. Weren't you. [grumble]
Wise Snake:Please, everybody. Just calm down. [makes soothing nager, tries to uncurl Aleiaa's fingers from shirt front]
Aleiaa:[goes over and washes face]
Veraik:No, but I had to talk to Snake without you nearby.
Aleiaa:[goes back to snake and grabs shirt shoots Veraik a mistrustful look]
Wise Snake:Oh, geeze
Aleiaa:what'd he say?
Wise Snake:[pries fingers off with tentacles]
Aleiaa:you're a ... uh... woman Snake...you know how men are
Wise Snake:What are you talking about?!
Aleiaa:[slips hand in edge of snake's pocket and holds on]
Veraik:[leer]
Wise Snake:Could you at least get a grip on your nager?
Aleiaa:he's crazy. He locked me up, accusing me of all kinds of things...
Aleiaa:[does best to rein in nager]
Wise Snake:[feels a headache coming on, big time]
Aleiaa:[smile smugly at Veraik]
Wise Snake:Look...
Aleiaa:yes[smiles innocently]
Wise Snake:Are you a spy?
Aleiaa:[total shock!]
Aleiaa:A Spy!
Wise Snake:Yes or no?
Aleiaa:You think I'm a spy too?[frantic!]
Wise Snake:No, I don't think you're a spy or not a spy, I'm ASKING you if you're a spy.
Aleiaa:I'm asking you if you're a Farris.
Wise Snake:Sheesh! A deaf blind dumb Gen with no fingers could tell I'm a Farris.
Wise Snake:So answer the question.
Aleiaa:[deflated...thought she would deny it]
Aleiaa:not exactly
Veraik:What do you mean by THAT!
Wise Snake:Veraik, please.
Aleiaa:exactly what I said!
Wise Snake:[to Aleiaa] Do you mind explaining?
Aleiaa:[blasts with anger]
Aleiaa:[immediately controls it]
Wise Snake:[shoves Aleiaa violently away from self]
Aleiaa:[falls toward floor]
Wise Snake:[Furious] shen you
Wise Snake:Witch
Veraik:[head reels, falls down]
Aleiaa:hits floor with resounding smack
Aleiaa:but not much pain
Aleiaa:[blinks up]i'm um...sorry?
Wise Snake:Why do I even come here.
Aleiaa:you okay Hajene?
Wise Snake:Shen
Aleiaa:[crawls over to see to Veraik]
Wise Snake:What do you think?
Veraik:[groans]
Aleiaa:[hangs head]sorry hajene[to Snake]
Aleiaa:I apologize Veraik
Aleiaa:[reaches out and takes his hand]
Veraik:[opens eyes, tentacles in hair]
Veraik:[recoils]
Aleiaa:it's the baby.
Aleiaa:I'm under control now[looks up to count flowers on celing until calm down]
Veraik:I know..I know. It's hard to control. I'll be fine.
Aleiaa:no, it was unacceptable. I've worked with enough Farrises to know better than to ever lose my control
Aleiaa:[darn]
Aleiaa:[looks guilty]
Veraik:[holds head] It's ok but I think I'll go to bed. I think I'll take a double fosebine after that one.
Aleiaa:maybe we all ought to get some sleep
Aleiaa:[thinking I won't be as likely to let info slip if I'm more rested]
Wise Snake:[still looks extremely upset; says nothing]
Aleiaa:snake, you might want to go change into a dry shirt.
Aleiaa:[looking pitiful]I'm sorry I cried all over it
Wise Snake:If that was all you had done I would overlook it.
Veraik:[zlins Snake, tries to adjust nager to make it better for her]
Aleiaa:[rubs nose on sleeve]
Veraik:[places tentacles on Snake's forehead and rubs at the tension]
Aleiaa:[steps up to help soothe Snake]
Wise Snake:Egads!
Aleiaa:what! [looking around]
Wise Snake:[twists free of their efforts] You people are crazy.
Wise Snake:Too crazy for me.
Aleiaa:but Snake...
Aleiaa:it's not my fault....[trails off and shoots Veraik a look]
Wise Snake:I can't deal with crazy people.
Aleiaa:[soothing nager] now snake...hajene...it's just because you are a farris
Veraik:[moves tentacles to rub arms but contact nothing since she has moved away]
Wise Snake:Bums, killers, whores, cops, yes. Not crazy people.
Aleiaa:you're more sensitive....[reaches out] just let Veraik and I soothe your headache away
Wise Snake:And you -- [shudders, back farther away from Aleiaa] No.
Aleiaa:how about a cool wet cloth if you don't want me?
Veraik:[stops] Snake...this is part of your Farris sensitivity showing through.
Aleiaa:exactly what I said Veraik. I don't think she realizes it though yet, do you?
Wise Snake:It is not. You people are genuinely nuts.
Aleiaa:or maybe she still has some trouble admitting it
Veraik:You should be training in Zeor and not be half trained by a few Farrises.
Aleiaa:would the tecton have trusted us here if we were certifible?
Aleiaa:[smiles sweetly]
Wise Snake:I'm still not convinced anybody here IS actually Tecton. I know I sure wasn't, when I came.
Aleiaa:oh, but you're Farris so that doesn't matter.
Veraik:I have always been part of the Tecton.
Wise Snake:[thumping head ache]
Wise Snake:Sure.
Wise Snake:You might not care [to Aleiaa] that he locked you up and terrorized you until you got sick.
Aleiaa:[sniffle]
Veraik:[stomach turns with Snake's headache and one of his own]
Aleiaa:but wasn't that waht I was complaining about to you when you came in?
Wise Snake:And you [Veraik] maybe don't care that she artificially raised your libido in an attempt to set you up for a fatal slam.
Aleiaa:Fatal!
Aleiaa:No way. I just wanted him to understand that I am STILL perfectly healthy
Veraik:[blink, blink] She did?.......[stern look] She Did.
Aleiaa:in more ways than one[winks]
Aleiaa:well, I wouldn't have done much more than you're feeling right now
Aleiaa:[shoots exasparated look at Snake]
Veraik:[groan..This time not reacting to come-on]
Veraik:[stomach turns at thought]
Wise Snake:I was a fool to consider staying here after nearly being node-snatched by Wonder Woman here. And slammed unconscious and thrown on the basement floor by you, Veraik.
Aleiaa:Is your head hurting worse?[moving to veraik and placing soothing hand on forehead]
Veraik:I'm going to bed.
Wise Snake:Well this is the last straw.
Veraik:ME?
Aleiaa:Let me come and see to you...you need some releif from that headache
Aleiaa:Snake? why don't you just take some time, cool off. After all, you ARE a Farris and you don't want to have to face the entran you would surely face, now that your friends all know you're working here at the Sime Center
Wise Snake:Oh, no. I'm finished with this place. I would rather entran than constantly being slammed, aborted, etc.
Veraik:I promised it will be better next time.
Aleiaa:Klana will even give up her donor...you are pretty closely matched
Wise Snake:yeah, right
Aleiaa:[reaches up to rub Veraik's head]still hurting?
Veraik:Well....sleep on it Snake and you will see that it is better tomorrow.
Wise Snake:[stalks out of the room]
Aleiaa:come on, Snake[says while still rubbing Veraiks head]
Wise Snake:[storms out of the Sime Center in a rage]
Aleiaa:[sighs]well, good nite...hopefully she'll be back tomorrow
Veraik:She always comes back. You'll see.
Veraik:Good night.
Aleiaa:I hope so.
Veraik:[exits]
Notes:
1) This is probably an enclosed or covered wagon of some sort. [return]
2) This is, of course, impossible; at 4 months past changeover, Snake is too young to have a daughter of an age to change over. [return]
3) Since the Center is, itself, in Sime Territory, Veraik probably means for the child to be sent farther in-Territory. [return]
4) A few lines of the log are missing here. During the missing part, Veraik grabs Aleiaa and makes her go back. Aleiaa is still sick and manages to heave all over Veraik's shoes. Since this happened just as Wise Snake was zlinning her, Snake heaved too. Veraik said, disgustedly, "women!". [return]
5) Part of the log missing here. During the missing part, Snake talks Veraik into showing her the letter from the Sectuib in Zeor, whose handwriting she recognizes. The letter warns of one or maybe two people trying to undermine the neighborhood's faith in the new Sime Center but is not very specific. Snake tries to convince Veraik that there is no use in flinging accusations until he knows a little more about what's going on. Veraik wants to go question Aleiaa. Snake agrees, thinking a simple yes or no question, zlinning for truth or lie, would do the trick. At the time the log begins again, Aleiaa has grabbed Wise Snake by the front of the shirt. [return]