Episode #12: Lowren (9/11/97)

Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario

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<Alea> well hullo. You must be Snake

* wisesnake zlins Alea

<Lowren> Lowren is a tall quite young looking Gen.

<wisenake> Eh jeez, not another Farris

<Lowren> Lowren is wearing a clean work outfit that looks like out-t work.

see note 5

* Alea raises arrogant eyebrow

<Alea> well, Snake, I see you're back

* Lowren nervously holds out hand to Snake.

<Alea> Lowren was just asking why you don't like Farrises

* wisesnake laughs

* Alea grins innocently

* wisesnake looks at Lowren's hand, then grabs it and shakes it

* Alea grin widens

<wisenake> I always wanted to try that.

<Alea> you'll get...used to Snake, if what I hear is true

<Lowren> "Me not dislike Farris."

* Alea rolls eyes

* wisesnake 's tentacles slither over Lowren's wrist when she lets go.

* Lowren squeezes Snake's hand tightly and lets go.

* Alea frowns and steps closer

* Alea shoots warning look at Snake

<Alea> Lowren is new here. He's never donated before.

<wisenake> That's quite a grip you've got there, young man. [massages hand]

* wisesnake looks surprised at the warning look

<wisenake> What, I suddenly have a reputation for scaring new donors?

<wisenake> [innocently]

* Alea nager plainly says don't frighten him

see note 6

* Alea switches back to Simelan

<Lowren> `I was very good at sports in school. But everyone says simes are stronger than any person.`

* Alea nods

<Alea> that's true. However, Gens have their own inner strengths.

<Alea> Snake, would you take Lowren's first donation since Veraik is currently unavailable

<wisenake> Sure [smiles]

<Alea> you can trust her, Lowren, she's a... 1

* wisesnake grimaces

* Alea looks at Snake and raises eyebrow

<wisenake> Please.

<Lowren> Do ... donations hurt?

<wisenake> I'll try to make a special effort to make yours completely painless.

<Alea> not at all. I do it all the time.

<Lowren> `a what?`

<Lowren> `Thank you`

* Alea stares at Snake in shock

* Alea thinks where is Veraik when you need him

<wisenake> [baffled, looks back at Alea] "What?"

* Lowren looks from Snake to Alea, puzzled.

<Alea> there will be no pain at all, Lowren

<Alea> no reason to worry at all.

<Alea> nasty habit Channels have...reading your nager. But you'll get used to it Lowren

<wisenake> So Lowren, are you done filling out your paperwork?

* Alea goes to desk to finish daily paperwork

<Lowren> `Reading my 'nazzerh'? What is that?"

* wisesnake switches to Genlan

* Alea nager plainly says, He's all yours

<wisenake> It's like reading your mind, only much more accurate.

* Alea rolls eyes..yeah, right

<Lowren> `Black magic? She knows what I'm thinking?`

* Alea looks up from paperwork

<wisenake> No, just what you're feeling. Who'd want to know what somebody else is thinking? It's all lies anyway.

<Alea> Actually, Lowren. For some reason, Snake doesn't have that sensitivity that most of us do. She can NOT read your mind

* wisesnake laughs

* Alea lifts hand at Snake's explanation in a "see" motion

<Alea> she just doesn't THINK before she says things

<Lowren> `What I'm feeling? Like rough or smooth, hot or cold?`

* wisesnake laughs again

<wisenake> Sure.

<wisenake> Hey, do you want to donate or not? Because I can do it now if you like.

<Alea> no. A Sime just feels your "emotions" like when you're happy or sad, etc. scared, or angry...

<wisenake> Hot and cold also.

<Lowren> `Yes, I was told I have to, now that I live in ... uhh, here.

<wisenake> Great.

* wisesnake gathers Lowren's paperwork "Come with me please."

* Alea goes to filing cabinet to file paperwork

* wisesnake leads Lowren to a transfer room

* Lowren holds out his arms, palms facing each other..

* Lowren follows.

* Alea thinks Sectuib is right about Snake

<wisenake> All right, have a seat right here...

* Alea finishes filing paperwork

* Alea goes to fix some trin tea...my mind on just how well Snake will do with this patient

* Lowren sits down on the wrong end of the couch.

<wisenake> Ah, the adventurous type.

<wisenake> So tell me, Lowren, how did you come to live in Bender Cove Township?

* Alea turns fire up to get water boiling

* Alea goes to putter in files while waiting on tea

<Lowren> My Father said I had to come live among...err in-territory.

<wisenake> Your father? Why did he say that?

* Alea pulls out file on Veraik. Reads it. Nods, puts it back

<Lowren> Disowned me. I have no family now.

* Alea pulls out file on Snake. Starts to read. Eyes widen. Sits down. Frowns.

* Alea wow!

* Alea thinks a shame. good kid.

* wisesnake seems very disturbed by Lowren's words

<Lowren> Brother dead, mother, well

<wisenake> What about your mother?

<Lowren> She didn't want me to go, I know, but she wouldn't do anything.

<wisenake> Look, why don't you just start from the beginning. What happened?

<Lowren> My Father doesn't like Simes. He never let us go on the class tours or anything. Said he'd see we never needed to know, one way or the other.

<wisenake> Go on...

<Lowren> When my younger brother, he got sick, and he thought he was gonna be a De* gonna be Sime.

* wisesnake frowns to herself

<wisenake> And...?

<Lowren> I tried to get him into town to the 'Place *they* are' so they could help him.

<wisenake> What happened then?

<Lowren> But we were two on a horse, and my father must have come in early.

* Alea finishes up reading report on Snake. Thinks very interesting

<Lowren> He caught up with us on the mill road.

* Alea wonders just what type of past Snake and Tramila have

* Alea sees it's only alluded to in file

<Lowren> I tried to get Poach to run faster, but there were two of us and my brother was too sick to ride by himself.

<wisenake> What happened, Lowren?

<Lowren> My father caught us and told me to get away. But I wouldn't.

<Lowren> He shot my brother. He's dead.

* wisesnake looks angry

* Alea goes to file cabinet and puts up Snakes file...Gets out Tramila's

<wisenake> Well. I'd say you're well away from him.

<Lowren> Then he said 'Too bad it didn't hit you too. Damn demon-lover."

* Alea eyes widen

* Alea flips through pages.

<Alea> what the--

* Alea wonders who has altered Tramila's file

<Lowren> I took my brother into town but the undertaker wouldn't even bury him.

* wisesnake listens sympathetically

* Alea scoffs. Farris my foot. By the skin of her teeth

<Lowren> I had to do it myself in a place we always used to play.

* Lowren starts leaking tears.

* Alea thinks with all the trouble she's been in she might not be Zeor much longer

<wisenake> Why didn't you move to another town in Gen Territory instead of crossing the border?

* Alea wonders if that is why the file is so empty. Someone giving her a new start?

<Lowren> Sometimes we'd play Cops 'n Raiders. One time dad caught us and whaled the tar outta us for it. Said we'd damn ourselves that way.

<Lowren> Guess he was right.

* wisesnake frowns

<wisenake> You know I don't think I like the idea of taking the Donation of someone who considers me a demon.

* Alea goes to filing cabinet and replaces folder. Pulls out own folder

* Alea reads it...smiles..nods...frowns...picks up a pen and changes some things

<Lowren> When I went back all my things were packed up. He told me if I loved Demons so much, I should go live with them so they'd kill me away from the sight of decent people.

* Alea nods...much better

* Alea frowns. No one should know about that small indescretion with Sectuib anyway

* wisesnake 's voice turns suddenly hard "Is that what you want? To get killed?"

* Alea thinks whats a slam between....friends

<Lowren> I always wondered about Simes. The other kids told me about the stuff they learned in the special classes.

* Alea thinks probably why I am in this godforsaken place.

* Alea thinks at least away from the pressure

<Lowren> I never understood why my father was that way, I mean that's what the Unity War was for, wasn't it? So we wouldn't have to kill each other anymore?

* wisesnake considers

* Alea wonders what is taking them so long

* Alea wonders if she should check on Snake

<Lowren> But my father said is was all a trick.

<wisenake> Look, do you expect to get killed or not?

* Alea gets up and puts folder in filing cabinet with a jaunty little pat

<Lowren> I don't know. I just don't know. I don't even know if I want you to.

<wisenake> I would hate to disappoint you by simply taking your donation if a horrible death is really what you are after.

* Alea decides to make some colorful tapestries for the walls

* Alea checks water

* Alea puts tea in three cups, wondering what is taking Snake so loooong

<Lowren> At least wouldn't have blood all over me, like Jask.

* Alea wonders if Sectuib was right...Snake is an emotional keg about to blow

* Alea frowns. Wouldn't want her to snap during a donation with Veraik gone

<Lowren> If you don't kill me it means my father was wrong. Then I could hate him.

* Alea decides to go check

<wisenake> Oh.

* Alea leaves room and goes down to transfer room

<wisenake> Well, it sounds like it would work out a lot better if you lived, then.

<Lowren> So I hope you don't.

* Alea hesitates outside door. Hears murmurs and is reassured. Decides not to interrupt

<wisenake> Well I'd hate to mess up your plans. Why don't I just take your donation and you can go on your way.

* Alea goes back to office

<Lowren> Well maybe I could find Redan, then.

<wisenake> Who?

<Lowren> All right. If you think that's best.

* Alea pulls out embrodiery to work on

* wisesnake goes over and sits on the other (wrong) end of the transfer lounge

<Lowren> My best friend in school. He was always always talking about the stories from Simeland. he showed me some books he had.

<wisenake> Yes, it sounds like you should go find him after you donate. You'll require guidance now that you are away from your parents' home.

<Lowren> They say that think about simes too much makes you one. Worked in his case.

<wisenake> [tentacles twitch with impatience]

<Lowren> Uh. What do I do?

<wisenake> Give me your hands.

* wisesnake holds out her hands

* Lowren holds out his hands, palms down.

<Lowren> ~~hollow stomach feeling~~

<wisenake> Now, now. There's nothing to be nervous about. See, I'm just going to take your arms, like this. [hands and tentacles grip Lowren's arms gently but firmly]

* Alea sets stitching aside

* Alea gets up and checks water

* Alea nods in satisfaction that it is now boiling good

<Lowren> ~~false courage~~ Go ahead. I'm not afraid.

<wisenake> Don't bother denying it. Remember what I said about not wanting to read people's thoughts because they only lie to themselves? Well I can feel you are really afraid.

* Alea wonders if should fix just one cup for me or three cups for all of us

* Lowren looks very worried and nervous.

<wisenake> That's better.

* Lowren licks his lips.

<wisenake> Now I'm going to touch your lips with mine, and draw the selyn out. You won't feel a thing. Trust me.

<Lowren> Will I ned to wash up uh, after?

<wisenake> Oh no. Well, it depends on how scared you actually get.

* Lowren sticks his head forward, trembling.

* wisesnake makes the 5th contact point and draws selyn

* Lowren waits for something to happen.

* wisesnake releases Lowren

<wisenake> There. Your donation is complete.

* Alea picks up glass container to fill cups

<Lowren> Wh* Why didn't you do it?

* Alea forgot to use hot pad...burns hand and drops container...

<wisenake> I did. I told you you wouldn't be able to feel anyth - Yow!

<Lowren> But I didn't feel anything.

* wisesnake jumps up, zlinning

* Lowren jumps

* Alea watches at it shatters and pours all over legs 2

<wisenake> Shuven!!

<Lowren> ~~startled~~

* Alea feels extreme pain

<wisenake> Excuse me

* wisesnake runs out door

* wisesnake augments down hallway into main room

<Alea> shen shen shen!

* Alea shaking with shock of burns

* Lowren tentatively walks to the door and looks out.

* Alea reaches for water faucet..trembling visibly

<wisenake> All right. It's going to be all right. Here, come over here.

* Alea clenching teeth.

* Lowren comes slowly down the hall.

<Alea> Hurts too much

* Alea looks down at blistered legs

<Alea> [and hand]

* wisesnake goes to Alea and picks her up, carries her to a bed in one of the rooms

<Alea> figures...typical of arrogant sime[muttered]

<wisenake> [To Lowren:] Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry, would you mind waiting?

* Lowren flattens against the wall as wisesnake goes by.

<wisenake> Arrogant Simes? What about clumsy Gens???

* wisesnake puts Alea on the bed and zlins the injuries

* Alea thinks one point for you

* Alea tears leaking out of eyes

<wisenake> It's going to be all right.

<Alea> fosebine, please

<wisenake> All right, hold on, I'll get it for you just as soon as I can.

* Alea closes eyes and waits ...

* Alea doing best to bring turbulent emtions under control

* Alea gonna die before Snake gets around to it...wonders if she knows I've been reading her file

* Alea wonders if this is her payback

* wisesnake goes to tap and gets cool water, returns and bathes burns in it until they cool

* Alea smiles gratefully

<Alea> I didn't mean to interupt the donation Hajene

* wisesnake goes to medicine cabinet and gets fosebine, mixes a dose, returns and gives it to Alea

<wisenake> We were done.

* Alea grimaces but swallows it

<wisenake> But the followup was... nonexistent.

* Alea nods

<Alea> I apologize

<wisenake> Hold on for a minute, I'll be right back.

* wisesnake goes out in hallway, looks for Lowren

* Lowren is not in sight.

<Lowren> or zlight

* wisesnake goes to front desk and asks Tarsh if Lowren left.

<wisenake> Did that Lowren guy leave?

* Tarsh is standing with hands on hips looking at the mess.

* wisesnake pulls the contents of Tarsh's inbasket and looks to see if Lowren was signed out on the paperwork

<Tarsh> Who? Is he the one who made this mess?

* wisesnake slops the papers untidily back (halfway) into the in-basket

<wisenake> He's a first time Gen donor, I had to leave him right after taking his donation, to deal with this emergency. Did you see where he went?

<Tarsh> I just got here. I didn't see anyone. Just this puddle. One of the gens could slip and fall on it. On these sharp fragments, yet.

* wisesnake 's manner turns a shade colder "Alea was severely burned. I have been tending to her. I'd appreciate it if you could clean up the mess or order someone else to do so."

* Alea moaning in pain

<Tarsh> New donor? He wasn't on the schedule.

* wisesnake sees Zethraim walking down the hall

<Tarsh> ~~shocked and concerned~~

<wisenake> Zethraim. Please clean up this broken glass before somebody else gets hurt. Thank you.

<Tarsh> Of course, Hajene. Right away.

<wisenake> Oh, my aching sinuses.

* wisesnake performs a quick search of the building, zlinning and looking for the missing Gen.

* Alea sighs as fosebine takes affect...relaxes some

<wisenake> There you are.

<Lowren> snake zlins a nager like Lowren in the washroom.

* wisesnake looks both ways, then enters the men's loo

<wisenake> Lowren?

* Lowren is washing his hands. Getting rather far up the arms for some reason.

* Lowren jumps

* Lowren turns.

<wisenake> There you are. Listen, I'm sorry I had to run off so quickly. Somebody got hurt and I had to help.

* wisesnake looks at Lowren's soapy arms

* Lowren moves to cover himself and then realizes he isn't naked.

* wisesnake 's tentacles curl up, then she hides her arms behind her back

<Lowren> Oh. Of course.

<wisenake> You're entitled to money for the selyn you donated. You can finish filling out your paperwork with Tarsh out front.

<Lowren> Can I help? Who got hurt?

<wisenake> Her name is Alea, she's a Gen who works for the Center. She will be fine, I can start healing her just as soon as we are done talking.

<Lowren> Money? for what? Oh go ahead, please. I'll do it.

<wisenake> Why don't you get washed up and I'll show you back out to the main lobby.

* Lowren quickly rinses off his arms, slopping a good deal of water onto the floor and himself.

<wisenake> Now that you're on you're own, you'll need a job and a place to live. You can actually make enough money donating monthly to make a sort of living if you can't find work right away.

* wisesnake stands back

* Lowren shakes his arms, scattering water around.

* wisesnake stands farther back

<wisenake> the towels are over there.

<wisenake> Tell me, do you have somewhere to stay yet?

* Lowren looks for towels, but there is only a selyn blower. he looks at it and then turns to Snake. I'm ready, lets' go.

* wisesnake goes out into hallway, holds door for Lowren

<Lowren> Uh, no, not really.

* Lowren follows. "Thank you."

<wisenake> I know a place you can stay temporarily until you get situated. I might also be able to find you some work if you don't want to live off donating.

<Lowren> <quoting> " 'A man should work for his keep.' "

<wisenake> Ah. So true. Of course here in Sime Territory Donating is considered work.

<Lowren> Uh. If you could. Thank you again.

<wisenake> But it doesn't pay that well, if your production is... er... scanty.

<Lowren> My guidance cousellor never mentioned that one...

<wisenake> Your guidance counsellor was probably thinking you'd be living in Gen Territory.

* wisesnake shows Lowren out into the lobby

<wisenake> Tarsh, this is Lowren. Please get him to finish his paperwork and see he gets paid. Oh, and I have a _favor_ to ask you....

* Lowren follows into the lobby.

<Tarsh> [cross] What now? ~~sudden recall~~ oh. Of course, Hajene. right away. anything.

<wisenake> He requires a place to stay. When you have a free moment, take him down to Shey's Hotel and tell the counterman that Snake asked for them to put him up for a week or two. Can you do that for me?

<Tarsh> Of course hajene. right away Hajene.

<wisenake> Thank you. Goodbye, Lowren. We'll speak again soon.

* Tarsh picks up the papers. <to Lowren> Uh, Tuib, would you like to fill out a survey we are...

* wisesnake hurries back to Alea

<wisenake> Oh, responsibility gives me a migraine. [massaging temples]

* wisesnake goes to Alea's side and zlins her

* Alea responds to Snake's presence

* Alea looks at snake and senses she's in pain

<Alea> What's the matter?

<Tarsh> Hello Hajene Veraik.

<wisenake> Oh nothing, it's just that situations of high stress and total responsibility always give me a raging head ache.

* Alea nods

<Tarsh> WiseSnake is in treatment room 4 with a burned gen.

* Alea winces in pain

<Alea> sorry, Snake

* Tarsh is helping male low-field gen with donation paperwork.

<Veriak> Hello Tarsh.

<Alea> I was only making tea...I guess I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing

<wisenake> Here, let me get you started on healing those burns.

<Tarsh> Mind the wet spot over there. ~~nageric gesture~~

* Alea remembers what she read in files...is hesitant...but nods

* wisesnake pauses, trying to understand the change in emotions

* Alea forces nager blank

<Veriak> [looks] Why haven't you contacted Zethraim to clean that up?

<wisenake> Are you okay with this? You can wait for Veraik if you want. It's not like these burns are life threatening or anything.

<Alea> it's fine, Snake. Let's just get them healed

<Alea> unless you have a problem with it..me being Farris and all

<Tarsh> He was here a moment ago. He must have gone for a mop.

<wisenake> I don't refuse anybody treatment. I just couldn't help but zlin you had some trepidations yourself.

<Veriak> Where is Alea? I have to talk with her.

* Alea thinks after reading your file and your abject hatred toward anything Farris related....

<wisenake> And I wanted to offer you an out, if you wanted it.

<Alea> I just want to be completely out of pain

<wisenake> Fair enough.

<Veriak> Well, get him here before one of the Gens falls and breaks their neck.

* wisesnake does some healing work with Alea

* Alea responds to Wisesnake's field

* wisesnake ponders that she sure has been getting a lot of practice healing burns recently, although most of them not water-inflicted

<Tarsh> [ checking scroll ]

<Tarsh> Alea was the one scalded, Hajene.

<Veriak> [need is making patience impossible]

<Veriak> WHAT!!! Where is she!!!

* Alea feeling pain much less

* Tarsh leaves Lowren with a word and the paperwork, and carries a wastebasket over to the spill.

<Tarsh> Treatment room 4!

<Veriak> [quickly readjust nager to calm the ambient] Sorry. [wipes tentacle over face]

* Alea reaches out to touch Snake's arm

<Alea> Thank you for the help, Snake

<Veriak> [augments to room 4]

<Veriak> [signals desire to enter]

<wisenake> Oh, great.

* wisesnake stands up, goes and opens door

* Alea is startled

<Alea> What?

* wisesnake stands aside to let Veraik enter

<Alea> Veraik!

* Alea allows a broad smile of relief to cover

her face

<Veriak> Are you all right?

* wisesnake leaves room, walks down hallway, enters the lobby

<Alea> okay

<Alea> better now that you're here

<Veriak> [zlins Gen for signs of pain]

* wisesnake slumps rather carelessly on one of the waiting room couches

<Alea> I think Snake was relieved to get out of here

<Veriak> [zlins deeper to make sure]

<Alea> I'm doing better. I was Gen stupid is all

<Veriak> Why is that?

* wisesnake picks up a magazine, studies the cover.

<Alea> mkaing tea when you've warned me just to leave it alone. I wasn't paying attention

* Tarsh is spreading newspaper over the spill.

<Alea> I dropped the...well, it was glass...and you can see the results

* Alea points at legs and right hand

<Tarsh> Lowren is working dutifully through the forms.

<Veriak> [zlins area]

<Alea> a bit of a mess near your office door...I was reading the files

* Alea blushes

<Veriak> You should always ask for help.

<Tarsh> Did you need anything, hajene?

* wisesnake finds a pen, opens the magazine, begins to write comments in the margins next to the articles

<wisenake> Oh?

<wisenake> Me?

<wisenake> No, thank you.

<wisenake> [massages forehead]

<Tarsh> You're welcome, Hajene.

<Veriak> Well...I'm glad that Snake was there for you.

<Tarsh> <to Lowren> Come with me and we'll get you your fee.

<Alea> I'm just glad you're here now. Tell me, Snake isn't the same person I once met at zeor. How is she working out here?

* wisesnake slips the magazine between the others on the table, gets up, and walks casually over to the filing cabinets

* Tarsh and Lowren go off down the hall.

<Veriak> Actually, I'm findling that she is much better than all the reports that preceeded her.

* wisesnake opens the cabinet and gets Alea's file

<Alea> Good. Sectuib had said she had potential. I wasn't sure

* wisesnake shivers, as if a cat has walked over her grave

<Alea> I think I can walk now

* Alea gets out of bed and leans on Veraik

<Veriak> Oh Good. I'm back on duty. Care to walk with me?

* wisesnake opens the file, reads the newest notes, laughs

* Alea nods. 4

<wisenake> Oh my.

* Alea and Veraik start down the hall

* Alea and Veraik walk into main room and see Snake reading

* wisesnake sits down at Tarsh's desk and carefully notes down the burning incident in Alea's medical record.

* wisesnake signs the notes and puts the folder back in the cabinet

<Alea> hello, Tarsh

<absent> [ Tarsh is down the hall with Lowren ]

<Veriak> [casually] What are you doing Snake?

<wisenake> [puzzled] What?

* Alea hobbles over to Veriak's desk and takes a seat near his chair

<Veriak> You're in the files again.

* wisesnake looks honestly surprised. "You don't want me in the files?"

<Alea> I would think Snake that your time is more valuable

<Veriak> [zlins Alea to reassure himself that she is fine again.]

* wisesnake seems confused

<wisenake> Well...

* Alea nods gently at Veriak to reassure him

<Veriak> [pulls file that Snake put back]

<Veriak> OH! [blush] It's Aleas. Sorry.

* Alea looks nervously between Snake and Veraik

* wisesnake shrugs

<Alea> you were writing in my file?

<wisenake> Yeah

<Alea> What happened to the donor, by the way

<wisenake> He's getting paid right now.

<wisenake> I found him a place to live until he can get settled.

* Alea raises eyebrows in surprise

<Alea> that was nice of you Snake

* Alea looks up as Tarsh walks in

<Veriak> [glances through file] [nager reflects shock]

* Alea moves to Veriak's side

* Tarsh comes into the lobby, talking to Lowren "Shey's isn't much, but it's cheap and not too bad an area. A good place to stay while you get your bearings."

* Alea studies Veriak

* wisesnake , seemingly forgotten by the others, idles over in the direction of the locked medicine cabinet.

<Veriak> Suddenly, walks down hall with file still in hand.]

* wisesnake tricks the lock open with the ease of long practice

<Alea> just what did you write in that file Snake?

* Alea suspicous

* wisesnake turns to face Alea

* Alea shakes head at snake's actions

<wisenake> What are you talking about. I just noted that you'd been burned, and that I handled it.

* Alea looks at snake then to where Veriak headed

* Tarsh and Lowren walk out the door.

<Alea> I hope that's all. Lock that cabinet back and don't be teaching Tarsh any of your tricks

* Alea heads off after Veriak

* wisesnake stares after Alea, narrow-eyed

* wisesnake turns back to the cabinet and begins to rummage through it, examining black-labeled bottles trying to find a really kick-ass painkiller

* Alea searches for Veriak...nervously wondering what is the matter

* Alea legs begin to bother her so she goes back to Veriak's office

<Alea> you're still here Snake?

<wisenake> [grouchily] I work here, in case you didn't notice.

* Alea surprised

* wisesnake reads a label.

* Alea projects soothing nager

<wisenake> Ucch, this stuff would kill the pain, and me too. No thanks. [discards bottle]

<Alea> you really shouldn't play in Veriak's medicine cabinet

<wisenake> You think not?

<Alea> actually, I imagine you pretty much do what you want just to upset people

<wisenake> Oh.

<wisenake> Yeah.

<Alea> but since Veraik organized that and we might require one of those medications in an emergency

* Alea shrugs

* wisesnake closes the cabinet, locks it, and turns away from Alea, in a foul mood.

<Alea> where is Tarsh who was manning the front desk?

* wisesnake flings herself artlessly onto one of the waiting room sofas.

<wisenake> Beats me.

* Alea is confused

<wisenake> How should I know? Like I am the guy's supervisor or something.

<Alea> what's the matter with you? You're certainly...entertaining today

<wisenake> What's the matter with me??

* Alea smiles patiently, waiting

<wisenake> I invite you to pull my folder and have an eyeful. It pretty much covers everything.

* Alea picks up stitching to work

* wisesnake sighs, closes eyes, lets head fall back on arm of sofa

<Alea> And?

<wisenake> [without opening eyes] And what?

<Alea> and what is bothering you?

<wisenake> Oh, the usual, I'd imagine.

<Alea> such as?

<wisenake> Where do you get off on pestering me after I've been so nice to you? [asked rhetorically]

* Alea surprised

<Alea> How am I pestering you?

* Alea lays stitching aside and leans forward intently

<Alea> If it seems that way, Snake, perhaps it is because you are a Farris too

* wisesnake puts forearm over eyes

<wisenake> yeah, whatever

* Alea projects soothing nager

<Alea> Maybe we got off to start on the wrong foot

<Alea> Besides, you've read my file too. Why would I hold your file against you?

* Alea thinking well...that could be a really stupid question

* wisesnake hauls herself up into a sitting position, looking disheviled

* Alea looks on concerned

* wisesnake always looks disheviled. Now she looks like a spoogle-doogle.

<Alea> is there something more you're not telling me?

<wisenake> Look. All I said was you are welcome to read my file if you want to know "what's wrong with me". It's all detailed right there.

<Alea> I already have an idea what's wrong with you. It started with Tramila

<wisenake> That is one way of looking at it...

<Alea> went through when you were kicked out of Zeor for your own safety... to the blundering mess Sectuib made last time he was here. I think it's about time you had a break

<Alea> I'm just unsure of you, since I haven't really worked with you.

<Alea> And I have worked with Veriak

* wisesnake shrugs

<wisenake> Sure

<wisenake> Ok

<wisenake> That's your right.

* Alea shakes head

<Alea> whatever.

* wisesnake Looks around, zlins for Veraik. "Where is he, anyway?"

* wisesnake jumps up, heads in Veraik's direction

* Alea looks nervous

<Alea> I don't know where he went

<wisenake> [avoiding walls and such where necessary]

<Veraik> [rereads files]

* wisesnake hunts down Veraik

* Alea gets up, thinks about making tea, changes mind

<Veraik> [sighs, puts on Householding Liorie tunic, heads for the garden in back]

* wisesnake encounters Veraik in garden

<Veraik> [zlins] Hi Snake.. What's up?

* wisesnake shakes her head

<Tarsh> Tarsh walks into the lobby. "Hajene. Natzehr, are you felling batter?"

<wisenake> Alea asks too many questions.

<Alea> much, thank you Tarsh

<Veraik> Sit down with me. [askance]

<Veraik> I know. Do you think you can handle it?

* wisesnake hesitates, then sits down beside Veraik

* Alea sniffs Tarsh and wonders if he's been drinking "batter?"

<Tarsh> "What? You smell something?"

<Veraik> [turns to friend] You and I both know that many things about this Center must be kept between the two of us.

<Alea> make a little sidetrip there, Tarsh?

<wisenake> Yeah

<wisenake> I imagine so.

* Alea sniffing for portsan

* Alea frowning in silent rebuke

<wisenake> Alea's questions were of a more personal nature.

<Tarsh> Sidetrip? No, just took that O-T rube down to Shey's. what kind of a side trip would I want to make? In this part of town?

* Alea studies tarsh

<Alea> if you say so...your language was just a bit slurred, thought...well, it doesn't matter

* Alea thinking of the warning about Lotta's she overheard to some others

<Veraik> So...you read her file. IF you don't like her prying...Fight fire with fire but be careful. She is a Farris and no matter what her file says...She has power.

* wisesnake snorts

<wisenake> Power isn't a possession, it is an action.

<Tarsh> <curtly> Is that your much ballyhooed Farris Sensitivity?

* Alea guards her field

<Alea> I beg your pardon

* Alea says arrogantly

<Veraik> And you are the best when it comes to action. I have faith in you but if you require a little, extra help [zlins with a small sexually overtone] I MIGHT be able to distract Alea for you.

* Tarsh goes over to his desk and starts shuffling papers with great vigor.

* Alea realizes as tarsh is a renSime she hadn't been careful with her field

* wisesnake recoils slightly from the sexual overtone

<wisenake> Well... what happens between you two is none of my business...

<Alea> I didn't mean to intrude Tarsh.

* Alea gathers dinity and marches back into Veriak's office to work on paperwork

* wisesnake looks across the yard "I see your trin bushes are recovering nicely from the vomit bath they received last week." 3

* Alea sits down and writes letter to Sectuib

* Alea thinks...writes...seals it...looks around...gives it to a runner to deliver for her

<Veraik> [stands] I have to get to work and I have just enough time to change back to my Tecton uniform before I'm due. See my again when you have works out more of the details of our little job.

* wisesnake 's eyes narrow

<wisenake> What are you talking about?

<Tarsh> HEY! WHAT EXCISED BLOODYSHUVEN LORSH HAS BEEN MESSING WITH MY FILES!

* wisesnake looks up suddenly, zlinning some kind of disturbance up front

* Alea marches to door

<Veraik> The trin bushes are recovering.

<wisenake> Shidoni, not another emergency!

<Alea> excuse me, but if you're not HERE Tarsh then who is to take care of those files

* Alea thinking how nice it would be to slam Tarsh into a quivering mess

<Veraik> What DO you ZLIN?

* Alea staking my territory in my nager

* Alea daring Tarsh to cross the line

<wisenake> I - I don't know! First it was a hideous blast of outraged anger, then somebody else feeling murderous intents!

<Tarsh> I can't be here if I have to run errands for every shidoni farmboy in two territories!

<Veraik> Let's go.

<Alea> then I suggest you DON'T run the errands and see to the duties here

<Alea> the center should come first

<Veraik> I guess I'll have to work in my Householding Tunic again.

* wisesnake runs to front of (and?) Center

<Veraik> [zlins and hears Alea]

<Veraik> What is going on?

* wisesnake backs up Veraik

* Alea turns a narrowed look in Snake

* Alea sees Veraik and forces her field flat

* wisesnake 's eyes meet Alea's, snake savage

<Alea> nothing hajene

* Alea meets Snake's stare

<Veraik> [projects smoothing nager]

<Alea> We were just...discussing the running of the...center

<Tarsh> [freezingly correct, clenched teeth] Hajene, How Can I Keep This Place In Order If People Keep Tampering With The Files.

* Alea looks at Tarsh

<Veraik> [goes to Tarsh] [works nager into a smoothing blanket]

* wisesnake continues to back up Veraik

<Tarsh> ~~cold rage at territorial violation~~

<Veraik> Tarsh...the channels and the Donors must have access to the files. That's part of their job as well.

* Alea is furious that she would dare be questioned by a renSime

<Alea> [a non Farris renSime]

* Tarsh grabs a clipboard and shoves it under Veriak's nose. "Regulations Require That All File Access Be Recorded."

<Veraik> [turns to Snake and Alea] Please. I know that it is hard but I think we should all make the effort to put back the files where we found them. If at all possible.

* Alea nager goes flat with insult

* wisesnake stares at Veraik, then retreats a couple of steps, appearing confused

<Veraik> [Looks at clipboard.]

<Alea> that wouldn't be a problem if you kept them in order, Tarsh

<Veraik> Hummmmm.

<Tarsh> "If the Tecton IG comes in here and finds files out with out a log of it, It'll be *MY* laterals, not yours!"

<Alea> or left the clipboard where it could be found

<Tarsh> ~~somewhat mollified by Veriaks support~~

<Veraik> [tentacles gesturing] Calm down everybody.

* Alea thinks with a flick of her nager she could put Tarsh out of his misery

* wisesnake backs off another step, leery of being too near Alea

* Alea smiles smugly at Tarsh but reins in her feelings before Veraik rebukes her

<Veraik> [turns to Alea, hestitates in uncertainity then pushes nager to Snake as in question of Alea's nageric feel]

* Tarsh sees Alea's smile and seethes inside.

* Alea puts on an innocent look

<Veraik> Stop.

* Tarsh glowers at Alea.

<Veraik> That is enough.

* wisesnake won't meet Veraik's eyes. After a moment, steps back even further, putting Veraik somewhat between her and Alea

<Veraik> This is not going to help the Center.

* Alea looks to Veriak and forces field down to where it won't bother Simes

<Veraik> [Veraik notices Snake's movements]

<Veraik> With the exception of Snake, we have all been through first Year.

* Tarsh makes a great effort and pulls himself up and retracts his tentacles.

<Alea> yes Hajene

* Alea looks sympathetically at Snake

<Veraik> That means we all know that Tarsh is correct. We are supposed to sign the log.

* wisesnake looks confused

<Veraik> Snake, now you know too BUT

<wisenake> [and wary]

<Tarsh> "I can't comment on that, I'd need to chack the files. IF They Were In Order."

<Veraik> Tarsh, if the log is not available how can we sign it?

* Alea shoots Tarsh a longsuffering look and then rolls eyes behind veraiks back

<Veraik> So, I think we all will have to redouble our efforts.

<Tarsh> "Does that make me Quadrupled or Decisextupled?"

<Veraik> That means that we sign the files in and out and we put the files back where they belong. [stares at Tarsh] And that means ALL of us.

<Tarsh> ~~tries to pull down his augmentation level~~

* Alea surprised that Trash...er...Tarsh would comment like that to Veraik's face

<Veraik> Half the time I can't even find the files.

* wisesnake pushes past Veraik and grabs the clipboard

<Veraik> [looks over Snake's shoulder] What did you find?

* Alea moves up behind Veraik in concern

<Veraik> [curiosity]

<wisenake> Get off my back, I'm just trying to log my use of Alea's file earlier.

* wisesnake scrawls something on the clipboard

<Veraik> Oh.. that's great Snake.

<wisenake> Bunch of paranoids

* Alea mentally counts just how close to need these three Simes are and decides to back off

* wisesnake throws clipboard back on desk

<Tarsh> Thank you Hajene Snake.

<wisenake> And if somebody wanted me to log things in and out, they should have shenned well told me.

<Veraik> [zlins adjutation]

* Alea mentally snickers..hajene Snake...

<Tarsh> ~~7 days past turnover~~

* wisesnake stomps over to the waiting area and sits in a chair facing away from them all

<Alea> should I make some tea for us, perhaps

<Tarsh> ~~great difficulty~~ I'm sorry Hajene.

<Alea> I think we all should just, calm[projects soothing nager]down

<Veraik> [alarmed] No! I thought you learned your lesson earlier today on that one.

* Alea realizes she's just as much at fault

* Tarsh looks over at the wet newspaper.

* Alea sighs

<Alea> yes hajene...but there's never any made and that is exactly what we require right now

<Veraik> Tarsh? Do you have a Gen lined up for me? I have to work.

* Alea goes and picks up stiching and goes over near Snake to sit down

<Veraik> [zlins poorly]

<Tarsh> <softly> thank you hajene veriak.

<Alea> ever embrodiered before, Snake?

* Tarsh goes to his desk and resumes paperwork.

<Veraik> [nods]

* wisesnake looks at Alea, incredulous

* Alea shrugs.

<Alea> Just asking

<wisenake> No.

<Alea> has a nice soooothing effect

* wisesnake becomes visibly more tense

<wisenake> Is that so.

<Alea> yes, actually it is.

<Alea> The thread goes in and out and you just follow your mind's eye..

* Alea glances to Veraik

* Tarsh gets up and gathers the newspaper from the floor and stuffs it in the wastebasket.

<Veraik> Tarsh. [grits teeth] Do you have a donor ready for me to handle?

<Alea> just how close to need are you Snake?

<Alea> I'm thinking Veraik is the closer...to transfer time, that is

<wisenake> I'm closer, but I handle it better.

* Alea nods

* Tarsh fills up another pot and puts it on the burner.

<Alea> typical of a Farris

* Alea reaches out to touch Snake's hand

* wisesnake shivers

* Alea nods knowingly

* Veraik zlins with jealousy.

* wisesnake grimaces and withdraws from the touch.

* Alea sits back and sighs that offer was rejected

<wisenake> You'd better make sure of your assignment before you do something like that.

<Alea> I'm Farris...they wouldn't deny you a Farris transfer

<wisenake> They wouldn't, would they?

* Alea laughs

<Alea> well, said that way, yeah, they probably would

* Alea goes back to stitching, waiting for her assignment...refusing to go near Tarsh's desk and ask

<Tarsh> [to Veriak] We have a regular coming in in ten minutes, if she's on time.

* Alea guards field carefully at those words

<Veraik> Fine. I can wait.

<Veraik> Tarsh: Hand me the assignment cards.

<Tarsh> Of course hajene.

* wisesnake gets up and goes to window, stands staring out at the skyline

* Alea feels like drowning...between two first orders both in need

* Tarsh goes to another cabinet, scribbles on yet another clipboard with tentacles while extracting a folder.

* Tarsh hands the folder to Veriak.

<Veraik> [Takes folder, looks at cards, shuffles through]

<Veraik> [nager modulates with feeling]

* Alea holds up hoop to look at symbol

<Veraik> [finds the card he was looking for]

<Alea> this is going to look nice on the wall[murmurs to herself]

* Tarsh glaces over at the hoop.

<wisenake> Ghod, it's intense in here. I'm going for a walk.

* Alea goes back to stitching

* wisesnake heads for the door

<Veraik> [then takes two other cards scribbles on both cards]

<Veraik> WAIT

* wisesnake stops at the threshold, hesitates, then turns reluctantly back

<Alea> snake, you're awful close to transfer time to be wandering the streets alone

<Veraik> [hands assignment card to snake]

<Veraik> You are assigned to Alea for transfer.

<Veraik> [hands other card to Alea]

* wisesnake stares at card

<Veraik> Alea, take care of Snake.

<wisenake> But -

* Alea relieved to have transfer finally

* Alea stands

<Alea> Snake?

<Tarsh> ~~brief flash of envy~~

<wisenake> But wait a minute.

* Alea projects invatation

* wisesnake resists

<wisenake> But -

<Alea> zlin me, Snake. I'm a Farris.

<Alea> I can meet what you need

<Veraik> What is the matter, Snake?

* Tarsh drifts hyper.

* Alea desperate...

<Veraik> Only Alea and Tramila can match you.

* wisesnake zlins, then forces her tentacles to retract with obvious effort

* Alea has been a long time without a good transfer partner too

<wisenake> I still have a day to go.

* Alea sighs with disappointment

<Veraik> Would you rather have Tramila?

<wisenake> Egads! Tramila? [whole body shudder]

* Alea looks up with hope

<Veraik> I know and it is not unusual to know who your transfer partner is ahead of time.

<Alea> I'm a Donor...it'd be better to go with me instead of a channel

<Veraik> As I zlin it, you have very little choice if you are to have a good transfer.

<wisenake> I wouldn't touch Tramila if she were the last selyn bearing object on earth.

* Alea notes Tarsh zlinning and forces field down

<Veraik> And after last month's, you need one.

* wisesnake remembers last month, grimaces; remembers the fate Aleiaa met, frowns.

* Tarsh comes down to duo and tries to push himself hypo.

* Alea embarrassed to allow her own "need" to show so blatantly in front of a renSime

* Veraik zlins Tarsh for intil.

<wisenake> I still have to go for a walk. Even more now than before.

* wisesnake looks at card in hand; seems unsure what to do with it; puts it on corner of desk

<Veraik> Fine but when you return, I think you should help Alea with her problem.

<Tarsh> ~~intil is up~~

<Veraik> You are supposed to keep the card with you at all times.

<Alea> no, that's fine, hajene. I can wait until someone else shows up

* Alea moves to other side of room

* wisesnake glances at Alea

* Alea puts distant between first order channels and her system

<wisenake> To Veraik: We have to talk about this.

<Veraik> We will but just zlin her. She can barely keep her nager under control

<Veraik> And Tarsh is getting the brunt of it.

<wisenake> When I come back, then.

* Alea affronted at being zlinned so openly...goes into Veraiks office and closes door

<Veraik> Fine.

* wisesnake gathers her showfield around her and flees the Center

<Tarsh> ~~mixed relief and regret~~

* Veraik sooths ambient.

* Alea lays down on Veraik's couch, pulls over over her and tries to forget about everything outside of the office.

* Tarsh relaxes and moves to turn off the teapot.

<Veraik> We have to get a better campaign going. We require more Donors.

* Tarsh snorts. "Gens! Can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em."

<Veraik> You know people in this town. Have you been able to talk any of them into coming here.

<Veraik> Now Tarsh. They are people.

* Veraik works a soothing ambient for Tarsh.

<Tarsh> "But will they let us be people too?"

<Tarsh> "I don't know many Gens, Hajene."

<Veraik> ~~~ Is worried about his next transfer since he just assigned Alea to Snake and there is no one close available who is close to his capacity and speed. ~~~~

<Tarsh> ~~holding back~~

<Veraik> I understand you hang out in the Gen bars. You must know a few.

<Tarsh> ~~spike of fear/anger~~

<Tarsh> "Well, sometimes. Early in the month." ~~deception~~

* Veraik goes hyper.

* Veraik zlins deception.

<Veraik> Just do it Tarsh and don't give me shen.

<Tarsh> ~~tries to control field (not succeeds, just tries)~~

<Tarsh> "I'll see what I can find Hajene."

<Veraik> I think I have a file in my office. I'll go get it. But you better think about what you are doing....whatever it is. Because I don't want to hear about it the wrong way. That's all that I ask.

* Veraik goes to office

* Alea 's field responds to Veraik's entrance

* Alea sits up

* wisesnake slips in the front door, seeming rather subdued

<Alea> hello hajene

* Tarsh is standing glaring at the office door, with fists and tentacles clenched.

* wisesnake picks up the card off the corner of the desk and looks at it

<wisenake> [to herself] Who am I trying to kid?

* wisesnake glances up, belatedly noticing Tarsh's state

<wisenake> What's going on?

* Alea studies Veraik warily wondering why he is so quiet

<Tarsh> "just something that Veriak asked me to do for him."

<wisenake> What did he ask you to do that was so upsetting?

* Veraik tightens nager at seeing Alea in his office.

<Alea> Perhaps I ought to just leave, hajene, since we aren't partners and yours should be here any time

* Alea stands and edges toward door

<Tarsh> "I'm supposed to keep the paperwork in order, not go out recruiting."

* Veraik stops Alea.

<wisenake> [quickly] Recruiting? What do you mean recruiting?

* Alea studies Veraik warily

<Alea> did you want soemthing, hajene?

<Veraik> I would like to have you assigned to me for post.

<Alea> uh, well, uh...

* Alea glances nervously toward door

<Alea> it might not go that well at all between Snake and me and that would ruin your post too

* Veraik 's nager closes arond him in need.

<Tarsh> Veriak was saying that we need to recruit more donors. And He want *me* to use my 'contacts here in town'.

* wisesnake 's eyes grow cold

<wisenake> Is that so.

* Alea torn over what to do

<wisenake> Veraik.

<Tarsh> "Like I have a good track record on _that_!

<wisenake> I'm not good enough for him, is that the problem? I'm not bringing him Bender Cove on a big enough platter?

<Veraik> I have faith that you will both be in need enough that nothing will stop you in attaining bliss.

* wisesnake grabs something off Tarsh's desk and hurls it at the floor in a fit of rage.

<Alea> uh, well...I am glad you have such faith in me and Snake, hajene

* Alea jumps at sound on other side of door

<Veraik> What?

<Veraik> What's the matter?

* Alea looks at Veraik like he has grown two heads

<Alea> something is going on out there

<Alea> didn't you hear it?

<Alea> or zlin it?

* wisesnake 's breath comes hard as she tries to rein in her temper

<Veraik> [embarrassed] No.

<wisenake> Well

* Alea motions toward door...better check it out

<wisenake> It's not your fault.

<wisenake> I will tell him to leave you alone.

* Veraik shields nager and goes to the front desk.

<Tarsh> Thank you Hajene.

* Alea follows, curious...relieved to see Snake standing there

* wisesnake steels nager

<Veraik> Snake?

* Alea tentatively goes to her side of the room

<Veraik> Is there a problem?

* Alea won't get too close unless invited though

<wisenake> Do you have a problem with how I've been bringing donors in?

* Alea moves forward

<Alea> perhaps this isn't the best time, Snake, just before transfer

<wisenake> Because let me tell you, I have been busting my ass for you. I have brought in more than thirty first timers a week since the Center opened.

<Veraik> No, of course not.

<Veraik> I realize but.....[looks to Tarsh]

* Alea projects soothing nager to snake

<wisenake> And there are a lot more where those came from...

<Veraik> I thought he could help us expand.

<Alea> snake, perhaps this should be left until later...

* wisesnake tries to fight Alea's nager

<Alea> please, think...

<Veraik> ~~~~~ nager fluxates with need ~~~~

* Alea oh heavens

* wisesnake pants

<wisenake> Look

<Alea> let's go talk in a transfer room snake...

<Alea> all of this can be handled later

<wisenake> I don't need these kind of mind games. Either I am doing a good enough job or I'm not. I don't need to come in and find someone has been making deals behind my back...

* Alea thinking Tarsh should be shot for getting these two up in this state

* Alea wonders if Klana left that leather whip behind

* Alea no no...only make matters worse...but after transfer....

* Veraik turns to the donor who just entered the Center. The donor flees at his look.

* Alea hesitates...starts to go to him, but forces herself to turn to Snake instead

* Veraik 's nager and tentacles get tied in knots.

<Alea> Tarsh, where is Veraik's donor?

<Alea> We need him now

* wisesnake zlins the conflict within Alea; flinches from her nearness

<Alea> Veraik, why don't you go to your office and rest

<wisenake> You hypocritical Gen, go to him if that's what you really want.

<Alea> Snake, come with me

<Alea> no Snake. I don't want that. I need you

* wisesnake seems angry and confused; not rational

* Tarsh darts to the desk and picks up the phone, dialing.

<Alea> Snake, help me with Veraik and then we can go have transfer

* wisesnake stares at Alea, not seeming to understand the words

<Veraik> Let me go. I just need to work. That is all.

* Alea turns to Snake, concerned

<Tarsh> "The is Tarsh in the Front Lobby. Get Veriak's Donor up here, pronto."

* Tarsh hears Veriak mention work.

* Tarsh darts out the door after the donor

<Alea> Veraik I need to call this one on Snake and take her to a donor room now. She doesn't look too good

* Alea goes to Snake and slides arm around her

* Alea looks to Veraik

<Veraik> Fine....[tentacles up] You do that. I'll be fine. Really. I just need to work.

<Alea> I'm sorry...but she's my partner

* Veraik backs away slowly.

<Veraik> That is why I assigned you.

* Alea propels Snake gently toward transfer room

<Alea> come on, Snake, we have to do this now

<Alea> are you with me, Snake?

* Alea allows Snake to zlin my field

<wisenake> [follows Alea]

* Alea opens door and crosses transfer room

* Alea turns to Snake

<Alea> nothing else matters except here and now

* wisesnake 's eyes are downcast

* Alea flares field enticingly

* Alea holds out arms

<Alea> please Snake...let's get this taken care of

* wisesnake looks slowly up to Alea's face

* Alea patiently watis, allowing Snake to take initiative

* Tarsh comes into the lobby with a middle aged gen woman. "Now, Mrs. Jergen, Hajene Veriak was just annoyed because the copier repairman is very late and I've been nagging him about it. He thought you were the repairman coming in, that's all."

<Alea> come on, Snake...think about how good this is going to be. We both 'need' it

<Tarsh> "He was just asking me yesterday when you were coming in again."

<wisenake> Can you make it hurt?

* Alea covers surprise

<Alea> you know we can't do that

* wisesnake lets eyes fall again

<Alea> but you don't need the pain. I can give you what no other Gen can.

<Alea> I'm a Farris. You know what that means...

<Alea> Those shendoni be flayed idiots haven't been assigning you what you need

<Alea> this will easily replace anything you've gotten from other gens and far surpass it.

* wisesnake massages one hand along a forearm distorted by swollen ronaplin glands

<wisenake> Yeah

* Alea takes initiative and glides forward

* Alea gently runs hands up Snake's arms

* Alea projecting willingness to give everything she can

* wisesnake stiffens, but doesn't move

* Alea coaxes laterals out of sheaths

<Alea> come on, Snake...zlin it...

<Veraik> [Goes to Gen.] I'm sorry. Tarsh is right. I was just hoping that the repairman had arrived.

<wisenake> Why can't you just give me what I want?

<Alea> Because I have to give you what you need

<Veraik> Tarsh has been after me for quite a while to get the copier fix.

<Alea> and wanting is going to end you up dead one day...

<Alea> but what you need is going to sustain you for a full life

<Alea> stop fighting and take what you need

* wisesnake 's eyes are still down cast

<wisenake> Ah, what's the use

* Alea shivers with the desire to give...

<Tarsh> "You go ahead with Hajene Veriak, Mrs. Jergen, I'll fill out the paperwork for you, I know it by heart."

<Alea> please Snake

* wisesnake stops resisting Alea's efforts

<Veraik> Takes a clipboard/ Why don't you fill out the paperwork so you can get your payment voucher. I'll wait by Tarsh until you are done.

* Alea blares relief and joy and leans forward, allowing Snake to go ahead and make fifth contact point and draw at her own speed

<Veraik> Why thank you Tarsh. Then are you ready Mrs. Jergen?

* wisesnake stops just short of making 5th contact

* Alea groans..."What?"

<Veraik> Please follow me.

<wisenake> I can't.

<Jergen> "yes, Mr. Verak, if you're sure you are all right. You looked so upset before."

<Alea> you've got to

<Alea> do you want me to?

<wisenake> You're not committed to me.

<wisenake> I can feel it in your heart.

<Jergen> [ She has never managed to get your name right, but is a very nice person ]

<Alea> please...I am. Do you know how long it's been since I've been matched with another Farris!

* wisesnake trembles

<wisenake> It's inside you.

<Alea> those shenned idiots at the tecton don't realize what we need, what being Farris means

* Jergen comes along with Veriak, chattering away.

<wisenake> Inside where you can't even tell the truth to yourself... you want him, not me.

<Alea> so, we're talking post here...well, yeah, my mind is on someone else for post...isnt' yours?

<Veraik> I'm so sorry, Mrs. Jergen.[decides not to correct the nice lady who will help to relieve his entran]

<wisenake> No.

* Alea trembles...

<Alea> when was the last time you took care of your post reaction...is THAT your problem? Because I can guarantee you, I have got to have transfer with a Farris soon...

<Jergen> And my youngest, Jeremy, is doing so well in school, especially the changeover classes you suggested I send him too.

<wisenake> I've never actually been post.

<Alea> tell me what you want, what to do...we can work this out

* Alea [goggle]

<Alea> not even your first time

<Veraik> Oh That's nice. I'm so glad he decided to take. [gesters for Jergen to enter room.]

<Jergen> "I don't know that he'll need them, of course, but it does set a good example for the rest of the community, and that's important, like I was saying to my neighbor Bartha just the other day."

<wisenake> Are you kidding me? My first time was utter disaster. I nearly killed the guy, and he had to shen me to save himself, only it was against Zeor's code and he committed suicide afterward.

* Jergen goes in and sits down on the correct end of the couch.

* Alea totally dumbfounded by snake's words

<wisenake> He thought he'd killed me when he shenned me, you see.

<Alea> why hasn't someone been helping you through this

* Veraik sits on the other side on the couch and wait until the nece lady rolls up her sleeves.

<Veraik> ~~~ is barely able to keep his laterals from emerging ahead of time ~~~

<wisenake> Well, my second and third transfers, at Zeor, they did some stuff, but it didn't last long enough or go far enough. And by the time of my 4th transfer, I was out on the street.

<wisenake> My 5th was with Aleiaa [glumly] You probably heard how THAT one went.... an abort.

<Jergen> My husband was talking again about getting a selyn power system for the shop to replace that old one that gives him so much trouble, and I don't have to tell you how hard it is to get a repairman these days.'

* Alea takes snake and guides her to the couch

<Alea> what you need is just to take your time...relax...

<Alea> I'm here for you

* wisesnake leans on Alea's field

<Alea> we'll do whatever is necessary to get you through this and get you post

<Alea> give you something to remember for years to come

* wisesnake laughs bitterly

* Alea gives out soothing, understanding

* Jergen rolls up her sleeves. "But I worry that if the new one does break, then he'd need to order parts from all the way in-Territory, what with customs delay and all."

<Alea> you have every right to be bitter

<Veraik> Yes...I know. They ahave been promising for the past four days to fix the copier but everyday is a no show.

* Alea smoothes snake's hair...

<Alea> relax, when you're ready we will proceed

<Veraik> But Mrs. Jergen...as a donor, you are able to order the parts through the Center. The parts should arrive sooner and the delivery charge is waived. That is one of the benefits. Didn't Tarsh explain that to you?

* wisesnake has longish, skanky, black hair like a street punk

* Alea smoothes longish skanky black hair

<Alea> come on, snake, it's going to be fine...this time it'll be okay...

<Alea> I've worked with a lot of different Farrises...a lot of different cases...

<Alea> yours will be okay...

<wisenake> I don't need to get post. I just need to get a decent transfer or two.

* Alea matching system to snakes

* Jergen holds out her arms palm side up. "Oh Really? Well maybe he did and I forgot, I forget so many things because I'm so busy what with the Sime~Gen Friendship Committee and all."

<Alea> whatever you want, snake...I'm here to please you

<Veraik> [Holds Mrs Jergen wrist lightly and lets one tentacle brush the top of her arm in a gesture of friendship.

<wisenake> Whatever I want?

* Alea slides arms down snakes...looks up into her eyes

<Alea> remember the good transfers you had at Zeor? think on those two and then think better

* wisesnake 's mouth twists cynically

* Alea allows ronaplin to coat her arms from snake's

<Alea> close you eyes, zlin my willingness Snake

* Veraik takes Mrs. Jensen in donor position.

<Veraik> "Are you ready?

<Jergen> "Well yes, I suppose I - Yes."

* wisesnake closes her eyes

<Alea> forget the pain, Snake...think only of your need and my desire to fullfill it

<Veraik> [smiles, leans in for the fifth contact]

* wisesnake 's hands and tentacles lash suddenly around Alea's arms

* Alea flares desperate desire to give

* wisesnake snatches greedly for a fifth contact point

* Alea leans greedily into it

* wisesnake seizes control and sets up a scorching draw, trying for pain despite Alea's words

* Alea pushes selyn to match snake's need

* wisesnake tries harder - it's supposed to hurt!

* Alea projects that we're evenly matched...increases speed for Snake

* Alea projectst her joy...don't need pain...but joy

* Veraik slowly draws third level them second level from Mrs. Jergen.

* wisesnake 's draw speed slows abruptly, far too soon

* Alea alea hesistates then begins to push selyn into snake

* wisesnake resists

* Veraik almost stops then tried for a little more and there it was.

* Alea overrides and pushes selyn in to finish the transfer

* Alea projects the desire as she controls transfer

* Veraik draws from the first level.

* Alea Snake reaching peak and Alea slows signalling if Snake wants control back

* wisesnake resists Alea's pushing

* wisesnake does not take up control

* Alea overrides again

<Alea> and finishes trasnfer

* Alea is done and sits still, not moving until Snake makes first move

<Jergen> ~~surprised at feeling of slight movement~~

* wisesnake forces Alea to push through incredible resistance, causing Snake pain which Snake likes

* Veraik slowly removes laterals then handling tentacles.

* Alea stars at snake in amused irony

<Veraik> How do you feel, Mrs. Jensen?

<Alea> well, snake?

* wisesnake opens her eyes

<Alea> are you post? or at least satisfied?

<wisenake> No.

<wisenake> Yes.

<wisenake> I'm not sure.

<Jergen> <speaking a a normal pace which is slow for her> "I felt something just at the end there. I never felt anything before, and I always wondered if you were really doing anything, I'm sorry."

* Alea glad snake can't zlin right now and find out just what Alea is feeling

* wisesnake looks beat

<Alea> why don't you go rest...or find some company...I'm going to my room, sweetie

<wisenake> Ok

<Alea> if you need anything, you feel free to come talk to me okay?

* Alea tries to proejct her concern

<wisenake> Oh...

<Veraik> You may have felt a little selyn movement...[looks kindly into her eyes] Congratuations, You're a GN1 now.

<wisenake> Ok.

<Jergen> "But there was a little something at the end there, not bad or good or anything, just something moving like when you've eaten and it moves about later."

* Alea gets up and goes down the hall to her room...only wanting a private place to cry after a rotten transfer

* Alea undresses and crawls in bed

<Veraik> [joyful little laugh] That is the best description I have ever hear somone give.

* wisesnake remains sitting where she was, trying to marshall her system

<Jergen> "Really? A GN1? Why thank you, it's terribly nice of you to say that but I'm not a young woman anymore who could adapt to things like Simes do in first year, and I didn't feel anything like the burning pain or blazing passion like they talk about in those books like you find at the market not that I ever read anything like that but Agnes caught her daughter reading one and she said that it talked about that sort of thing."

* wisesnake gets up and walks out the door and down the hall, feeling surreal

<Veraik> No...no..no I think you misunderstood me. You are a GN1, not a TN3. [smiles pleasantly] But you will get more money and perhaps you can afford that new selyn power system your husband requires.

* wisesnake floats out into the lobby like a spectre, scaring away about 5 Gens who were waiting to donate

<Veraik> Let's go to the front desk. Perhaps Tarsh will have your paperwork and ready I can add the new numbers so you can be on your way.

* Tarsh looks up at wisesnake. ~~shock~~

* wisesnake stands in front of the window looking out, scaring away anybody who might have been walking up to the Center

* wisesnake turns and looks at Tarsh

<wisenake> What.

<Tarsh> Hajene, You don't look well. Is there anything I can get you?

<Tarsh> ~~concern~~

<wisenake> I don't think so.

* wisesnake turns back to window

<Jergen> "Well OK we can do that but I don't see what the fuss is but the money will be welcome of course because prices just are always going up aren't they, it's terrible."

<Tarsh> "It never quite makes it to what you really expect does it?"

<Veraik> Yes they are. [zlins the problem in the lobby and sters Jensen down the hall.

* Tarsh goes over to the tea station and pours a cup of now lukewarm trin.

* wisesnake ponders the skyline

* Tarsh take the trin over to the windows and sorta holds it out to Wisesnake.

* wisesnake glances at Tarsh; accepts cup

* Tarsh goes back and gets himself a cup also.

* Veraik fills out a duplicate form and hands it to the cashier.

<Veraik> [turns to Mrs. Jergen] There. The cashier will handle your payment. I look forward to seeing you next month.

<Jergen> "Yes, well Agnes was saying that this book was talking about some Bisquik Island where they don't have channels but there still isn't killing which I don't understand how that could work but then it is just a book but still we should think more about what our young people are being exposed to in every store in the territory.

<Jergen> "Why thank you Mr. Veraik, You're so kind to help me with this yourself I was just saying the other day that there isn't enough common courtesy these days as I'm sure you know with all those horrible CoP people and all."

<Veraik> Oh...I've heard of that book. It's a Science fiction one. Nothing to sorry about. A good imagination is good for the kids.

* Tarsh comes oback to the window and looks at the sky with wisesnake, sipping his tea.

* wisesnake belatedly takes a sip of tea

* wisesnake belatedly says "thanks" to Tarsh

<Jergen> "Well I must get going to pick up my sister youngest from the sitter and I'm sure you have too much to get done what with the fire and the copier and all, but you must come over for dinner sometime, I promise not to serve any meat."

<Tarsh> "Anytime"

<Veraik> [waves] Thank you, Mrs. Jergen.

<Jergen> "You do try not to worry so much Mr Verkat you should take better care of yourself you always look so thin and I worry that you aren't eating right. Well, I'll see you next month."

* Veraik decides that it is time to take a shower and to get a couple of hours of sleep before his next shift.

* Jergen hurries out.

* wisesnake drains her tea abruptly and turns away from the window

* wisesnake sets cup on table and starts for door

* wisesnake finds something in her pocket - looks at it - the assignment card.

* wisesnake throws the assignment card at the floor and leaves the Sime Center without a word.

* Tarsh looks at the card for a while.

Notes:

1. She was probably going to say "She's a Farris". [return]

2. Little did anyone realize that Alea was only getting started... [return]

3. And, being transplanted from the burned out yard of the other Sime Center... [return]

4. An amazing recovery! [return]

5. Part of the log was missing here. No further information available. [return]

6. More lines missing... no further information. [return]

Go on to Episode #13: Police Inspection

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