Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #17: Alea's Dream (9/16/97)

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* wisesnake removes all her clothes and wraps the whip around her body

<wisesnake> Ahh...

* wisesnake removes the whip and goes to the shower

* wisesnake throws the junk out of the shower and washes up, hating every moment of it

* wisesnake dries off very thoroughly [hateful-!]

* wisesnake pauses to examine her look in a mirror

<wisesnake> Something's missing.

<wisesnake> Ah.

* wisesnake retreives the whip and entwines it about her body

<wisesnake> Yes.

* wisesnake puts on a clean Tecton uniform over the whip and nothing else

* wisesnake hunts for the letter "from" her to Tarsh by Alea

* wisesnake can't find it; puzzled

* wisesnake sees a shred of paper on the window sill, frowns, goes to window

* wisesnake surveys the scene of hundreds of sheets of stationary covering that corner of the garden

<wisesnake> I really out did myself that time. [can't remember doing it, but...]

<wisesnake> oh well.

* wisesnake leaves her room and looks for Alea

* wisesnake finds the new "office" nearby

* wisesnake leans in doorway and smiles at Alea

<wisesnake> Hello, Alea....

* Alea startled looks around. Mouth drops open at Snake's dress

<Alea> uh, hello

<wisesnake> What's the matter, don't you think I look good in uniform?

* wisesnake smiles an exceedingly sleazy smile

* Alea trying to judge Snake's mood

<Alea> just fine

* Alea wondering what the shenned I did THIS time to upset her

<Alea> I didn't even realize you owned one

<Alea> so, where are you going all dressed up

<wisesnake> Why, coming to see you.

* Alea 's eyes narrow

* wisesnake moves softly into the room

<wisesnake> Well, well well. Veraik's desk. How... interesting.

* wisesnake touches the desk lightly

<wisesnake> And Veraik's chair.

* Alea really nervous the way snake is acting

<Alea> Look Snake...

<Alea> I'm kinda busy here.

* Alea refuses to defend herself

<Alea> what is it you want?

* wisesnake 's eyes glint

<wisesnake> What do I want?

<wisesnake> I've been trying to answer that question myself for a long time now.

* Alea for the first time Alea really hates the "snake" quality of Snake's eyes

<wisesnake> Tell me something.

<Alea> if I can

* Alea decides that was a stupid answer

<Alea> if I decide you should know

* Alea qualifies it

<wisesnake> That letter that you wrote. Did you write it because you wanted Tarsh but you didn't know how to say it to him?

* Alea turns from Snake

* wisesnake studies Alea keenly

* Alea walks across the small room to the window

* Alea turns to face Snake

<Alea> It was a joke

* Alea smiles weakly

* wisesnake 's expression doesn't change: intense study

* Alea hoping she will buy it

* Alea guards her field

<wisesnake> That doesn't answer my question, does it?

<Alea> as far as I'm concerned it does

<wisesnake> So it was a joke, was it.

* Alea wondering if Snake believes her

* wisesnake smiles as if at a secret thought

<Alea> look, Snake, we've been at each other from day one...I don't know why, we're both Farrises we should be working together

<wisesnake> I think I know why it is.

<Alea> really?

* Alea thinking if she really knew that she just wanted to share a good TRANSFER with a Farris and her field was driving her crazy

* wisesnake smiles more strongly

<wisesnake> Yes I do.

* Alea deflates

* wisesnake closes the door and locks it so nobody can walk in on the two.

<Alea> Look, okay...do you know how frustrating it is..[pauses at her actions]...I've been away from Zeor for a long time

<Alea> I miss having good transfers with a Farris

<Alea> I come here...meet a Farris and am hoping for a great transfer

<Alea> and you wreck it!

* wisesnake 's intense, narrow gaze never wavers

<wisesnake> So I did.

* Alea doesn't like that fact that Snake locked the door

<Alea> why?

<Alea> was it on purpose?

* wisesnake laughs

* wisesnake 's voice is suddenly hard and bitter.

<Alea> sorry, but I wouldn't put it past you

<wisesnake> Of course it wasn't on purpose!

<wisesnake> You stupid woman, you have no idea what I have been through!

* Alea realizes she has hurt snake again with her calloused words

* wisesnake 's words cut off abruptly, as she regains control

<Alea> maybe not...but do you want to know what it feels like brimming over with selyn each month and having no one who you can satisfy because you're assigned to lowers

* wisesnake breathes hard, manages to avoid a retort

* Alea automatically moves a bit closer to soothe nager...realizing how bad a Companion she has actually become

<Alea> so, what do you really want to know

<Alea> why are you here?

* wisesnake trembles

<Alea> I assume that stupid prank with the letter isn't it

* wisesnake 's eyes are dark and crazy

<wisesnake> Yes

<wisesnake> The letter.

* Alea realizes she shouldn't have mentioned the "letter"

* Alea wonders what is going to happen when she finds out there are more floating around

<wisesnake> I know why you wrote that letter.

<Alea> I told you why

* wisesnake looks Alea straight in the eye and moves closer to her

<Alea> uh, look, let's talk about this

* Alea for the first time thinking that Snake is a Channel she is only a Gen

* wisesnake smiles grimly

* Alea mentally running through rules about a Gen hurting a Farris channel

* Alea shudders at what she knows would happen

* Veraik goes to his office.

<wisesnake> You can't hide from this any more, Alea.

* Alea shakes her head, not sure what Snake is talking about

* Veraik stops as soon as he entered.

* wisesnake reaches out and touches Alea's hand

* Alea accepts her touch, projecting a soothing nager, thinking maybe she's about to save her butt

* Alea thinks trapped with a channel she has pushed over the edge

* wisesnake 's fingers curl around Alea's wrist, and the tentacles slide smoothly over Alea's skin

* wisesnake 's eyes never leave Alea's

* Alea eyes widen

<Alea> uh, Snake...

<wisesnake> Shhh....

* Alea thinking quiet as a church mouse

* wisesnake 's other hand takes Alea's other wrist, with eerie gentleness

* Alea smiles and nods thinking soothing

* DarronGor walks into the lobby, the dust of the road still clinging to him...

* Alea swallows nervously

* wisesnake 's hands and tentacles hold Alea securely now.

* Alea watches thinking she has never been taught what to do in this situation

* DarronGor looks around to see if there are any staff members on duty...

* Veraik is unable to move at the sight of the worn desk.

* wisesnake whispers, "Alea, your presence here has been like a torture to me."

* DarronGor sets his duffle bag behind the reception desk and begins exploring...

<Veraik> He does to the lump of wood then grabs the side of the desk and flips it over.

* DarronGor goes back to retrieve his Tecton papers and Donor certification from his bag....

<Alea> oh, please, Snake. [not sure what she means but not going to agree either]

<Veraik> As the desk is laying of its side, Veraik spots a hair pin...then he sees another.

* wisesnake closes her eyes briefly, with a shivering breath

<Veraik> ALEA!!!! I am going to get you for this. You have pushed me too far this time.

* Alea cocks her head sideways...

* Alea forces herself to relax

* Veraik storms out of his office and goes in search of Alea.

<wisesnake> Alea, I have a confession to make.

<Alea> okay Snake, it's time to work things out between us

* Alea relieved at Snake's words

<Alea> yes?

<wisesnake> Alea,

<wisesnake> I -

* Alea motions with nager for Snake to sit down

<Alea> yes?

* DarronGor thinks he can hear some voices down the hall.

* Alea leans against desk, leaning over Snake

* Alea worried that Snake is getting sick

<wisesnake> == did not sit down and is still standing right in front of Alea, holding her arms ==

* Alea frowns when Snake refuses to sit down

<Alea> look, let's clear the air and then we can get on with everything

* wisesnake 's eyes open and meet Alea's. Intense; filled with a powerful undefined emotion

* Alea nervous the way Snake is holding her with hands and tentacles

* Alea knows she could easily be stripped by a Farris

<wisesnake> Alea, you drive me crazy. You've driven me crazy since the moment you walked in the door.

* Alea thinks she might be telling the truth... ~~compassion~~

<Alea> I'm sory. I had no idea

<wisesnake> I - I can't -

<wisesnake> Your nager is everything I could ever have hoped for in a Gen. Yet you constantly frustrate me with it.

* Alea projects compassion and comfort

* DarronGor sees Veraik. Calls out, "Excuse me!"

<Alea> I've been out of practice lately. I am truly sorry, hajene

<Alea> I've done you a great disservice

<wisesnake> Your knowledge of the channeling arts is greater than I will ever possess, and yet you would rather taunt me than show me your skill.

* Alea shame tinges nager

* wisesnake trembles

<wisesnake> What are you doing here!

<wisesnake> You don't belong here, you shouldn't be here, why are you wasting your time?

* Alea looks worried, then more determined

<Alea> I can't tell you

* wisesnake pulls Alea toward her

* Alea forces herself not to fear

* wisesnake disentangles her grip from Alea's arms and crushes Alea in a powerful embrace

* Alea surprised, but allows it, relieved

<wisesnake> You have no idea.

* Alea brushes back Snake's hair and rubs her back, wondering what she should do now

<Alea> oh, Snake...

* Alea sighs

<wisesnake> They say your kind can feel the things we feel. Can you know the state I'm in, the state I've been in?

* Alea nager responds to Snake's words

* wisesnake shudders, then rests on Alea's nager

* Alea realizes she has really messed this Farris up ... realizes just what her "job" has really pushed her to become

* Alea doesn't like that much at the moment

* Alea soothes Snake, running hand up and down middle of back

<Alea> I'm sorry, Snake.

<Alea> As Farrises, we sould be working together, not trying to tear each other down

<wisesnake> To - to go to work day after day, knowing you are here and feeling your presence flitting around like a tease... it's making me crazy.

<wisesnake> And to have to face Tramila in that condition... you have no idea the humiliation I felt.

* Alea eyes widen

<Alea> Tramila was here

* Alea tries to hide her despair

* wisesnake shivers

* Alea takes Snake's hand

<Alea> come over here and lay down...I can only imagine what she did to your systems

* wisesnake releases Alea from the embrace

<Veraik> After looking in all parts of the Center, Veraik decides to go to Alea's room.

* Alea leads her to bed and motions her down

<Alea> you lay right here

* wisesnake obeys

* Veraik uses to the bell to signal Gens to indicate his desire to enter.

* wisesnake jumps up again at the sound of the bell

* Alea turns toward the door...looks torn between Snake and answering

* wisesnake 's eyes dart tensely to the door

<Alea> I can ignore that if you want

* Veraik calls, "I may not be able to zlin you from here but I can still hear you. Now open up."

<Alea> You should really be taken care of.

* Alea sighs

<Alea> hold on Snake

* Alea goes to door

* Veraik pushes bell again.

* Alea unlocks it

* Alea opens it

<Alea> hello Veraik

* Alea knowing she was going to have to face him sooner or later

<Veraik> Alea. Pushes his way into her office.

<Alea> Hajene

* Alea rather alarmed and just a bit angry

* Veraik stops when he sees his desk. [zlins Snake and knows she's there]

<Veraik> [points with tentacles] THAT!!! is MY desk!

<Alea> what is it you want

* Alea shrugs

<Alea> oh

<Alea> THAT

<Alea> well...

* Alea shrugs again

<Alea> Considering I do more work than you

* Alea glances at Veraik's chair

* wisesnake stands where she was, not moving or saying anything

<Veraik> YOU have more work!!! Just what are you

talking about. I'M the Controller here.

<Alea> yeah, and who does all of your work while you read your dirty little magazines

<Alea> and who has been patient when you've acted totally out of control lately

<Veraik> My magazines!!! I desire a little time for myself once in a while. And what I read is NONE for YOUR business.

* Alea remembering acute embarrassment of her and Tarsh yesterday

<Alea> when it interferes with your work and you pile more and more of it on me?

* Alea forces herself calm

* Veraik zlins Alea's interesting nager.

<Alea> you are perfectly right, hajene.

<Alea> noone of this is my business

<Alea> simply get me a desk like the others in this place and I'll be perfectly content

<Veraik> I will take my furniture back. ALL of my furniture. You can keep the magazines.

* wisesnake 's stance stiffens slightly when Veraik zlins Alea, but she says nothing

* Alea thinks that it doesn't matter since she threw those and all of his other junk in the trash that was already taken out

<Veraik> But if you take or sit in my furniture again, I'll have you sent back to Zeor where you belong.

* Alea wishes now she'd kept the magazines

* Alea field glows with hope...but quickly dies because she knows it won't happen

* wisesnake fidgets

<Veraik> I'll get you a desk. You can have the one you so graciously left me.

<Alea> Look Veraik..nows not the time. If I promise to give you it back, can we talk later?

* Alea thinks about Snake and wonders why she has been so quiet

* Alea afraid to find out why

* Veraik goes to partition. "Why are you lurking back there........... you have a clean uniform on."

* wisesnake comes out slowly

* Alea drops head and sighs...should have known Veraik wouldn't let it pass

<Alea> we're talking, hajene...privately

<Veraik> [looks back] Yes.....we are overdue for a talk, Alea.

<Alea> no...Snake and I are talking...

<Alea> Can't this wait?

* Alea wonders why she doesn't THINK first and THEN act

* Alea stupid move with the desk

* Alea and hurting Snake like she's been doing

* Veraik zlins rolling emotions from Alea.

* Alea realizes she doesn't much care for her sick little games anymore

<Alea> please, Veraik.

<Alea> I'll come talk to you, later.

<Alea> Let me finish with Snake

<Veraik> Look..let's just start over. All of us. This is getting too much.

* Alea doesn't want to mention that she thinks Tramila probably screwed up Snake

* Alea Farris loyalty and all

* Alea relived, smiles and nods

<Veraik> I'll have the furniture moved and we will go from there.

<Alea> sounds good

* Alea looks at Snake worriedly

* Veraik leaves to have the furniture handled and so that Alea and Snake can finish their talk.

* Alea sighs

<Alea> sorry...

* Alea reaches out and touches Snake's hand

<Alea> lay down and let me help you

<Alea> come on, Snake

<Alea> as a matter of fact, scoot over...I can

work just as good laying down

* wisesnake obeys Alea

* Alea plops down by Snake and then reaches for her hand. Forces herself to work and not allow her mind to wander

<Alea> now talk to me.

<Alea> what happened with Tramila...how bad did she hurt you?

* wisesnake clings to Alea's field

* Alea field repsonds

<wisesnake> It didn't... hurt.

* Alea simply listens, continuing to allow her field to work on Snake

* Alea soothing, comforting, gentleness...

<wisesnake> Physically, she was only trying to help.

<Alea> well she does try...sometimes

<Alea> she's not perfect Snake

<Alea> but go on

<Alea> this is about you not Tramila

<wisesnake> What she tries to do to my head... [voice becomes angry, bitter]

* Alea slides her hand up arm

* wisesnake breaks off helplessly

* Alea empathy

* wisesnake sighs at Alea's touch

* Alea has been in similar situations

<Alea> go on

<Alea> how can I help?

<wisesnake> Sometimes it seems impossible that the things I remember happening were true.

* Alea field surges desperately wanting to help

<wisesnake> When Tramila comes down here and tells me I was told it all would happen, and Sectuib comes down and... and tells me it happened for another reason and I could come home.

<Alea> want to tell me...it's up to you.

<wisesnake> They kicked me out of Zeor, and now they want me back.

<wisesnake> And they're trying to make me believe I left on my own.

* Alea field flares with jealousy but she pushes it down

* Alea goggles

<Alea> just how are they going to prove that?

<Alea> I mean too many people know

* Alea realizes too late she has revealed that she knows too

<wisesnake> Sometimes I know exactly who and what I am...

<Alea> you are a Farris channel, Snake

<wisesnake> And other times I think I have never known anything at all, that I have known nothing but lies and counterlies and deceptions

* Alea guilt in nager...swiftly gone

<wisesnake> Some times I wonder if you stripped that all away, if there would be anything left.

* Alea empathy surges

* Alea bleakly realizes the choices she talked about with Tarsh are back once again to haunt her

* wisesnake reaches for Alea and pulls her close in another embrace: a desperate clinging

* Alea accepts

<Alea> you are a channel.

<Alea> It's the Tecton, hon, that you are the way you are

<Alea> you're also someone very special...and don't let Tramila or anyone else convince you otherwise

* Alea heart bleeds for the pain Snake has gone through

* wisesnake hides her face against Alea's shoulder, losing her identity in the center of Alea's field

* Alea reaches up and strokes Snake's hair, noticing how soft it is.

* Alea never realizing Snake had been hiding behind a persona until now

* Alea field says let me help

<wisesnake> Alea, tell me how long you're going to be here.

* Alea thinks how both of them have gotten the bad end of the deal from the Tecton

* Alea guilt and confusion

* wisesnake regret

<Alea> I don't know, Snake

<Alea> I-I-

* wisesnake steels herself against her own feelings

<Alea> I am dedicated to Zeor. My name, your name says it all, Snake

<Alea> Farris

<Alea> All my life I've blindly obeyed rules done whatever was necessary to advance the Farrises

* Alea shame and guilt

<Alea> things I won't talk about

<Alea> I am suppose to be here two more months, though no one else knows that except you

<Alea> but...

* Alea thinks of things she has to do

* Alea sighs

<Alea> I doubt I"ll ever see Zeor again

<Alea> I'm pretty much a wanderer.

* wisesnake shivers and pulls away from Alea's center

<wisesnake> I'm not.

<Alea> But this place is different

<Alea> There is something here...something that other Centers don't have

<Alea> Yeah, we are at each other's throat.

* wisesnake tries to smile. "Psychos?"

<Alea> {laughs} Yea that too. But like the kid that came in the other day,

<Alea> we are right on the border, able to bridge a gap that I think most of the Tecton has forgotten

<Alea> down here, you work with the people

<Alea> MOST of the time[remembering the school teacher]

<Alea> You're not worried about the almighty Tecton...but the people

<Alea> I can tell you it's not like that at a lot of the Centers.

* Alea sighs again

<Alea> I'm thinking, if things work out, I might just be staying here

* wisesnake thinks about what other Centers might be like; has no idea

* wisesnake opens her eyes, looks at Alea

<wisesnake> What do you mean, if things work out?

<Alea> so, two days ago my answer would have been two months. Today, it's ...

* Alea lowers her head

<Alea> I don't think you want to know Snake

* wisesnake watches Alea for a short time

* Alea sighs wavers in telling her

* wisesnake then reaches out a hand and gently touches Alea's face

* Alea looks up and meets Snake's gaze

* wisesnake 's pale eyes show pain and longing

* Alea return the look

<Alea> I've got to trust someone

<Alea> and you are Farris

<Alea> I'm a spy for Zeor

<Alea> I've been assigned to go from center to center, test the loyalties of people

<Alea> throw problems into things and see how they're handled

<Alea> things like that

* wisesnake stares at Alea

<Alea> I'm sick to death of it

<Alea> Do you know ... yeah, of course you do. Living a lie day to day, being told when the enxt assignment is over, I'll finally have good transfers back at Zeor again

<Alea> Having to write letter after letter reporting to...to...Zeor what is going on

* Alea shudders

<Alea> so, there you have it.

<Alea> My big secret...

* wisesnake 's breath is coming hard, and her eyes have hardened to show no emotion at all

<Alea> And seeing you, a Farris...

* Alea stops

<Alea> but I am trusting you simply because you are a Farris though I know you hate the thought of being a Farris.

<wisesnake> How can you....

* wisesnake struggles for control

* Alea desperately tries to help her control

<Alea> I had no choice.

* wisesnake twists away from Alea in revulsion

<Alea> It started out small things...if I didn't do it, then where would I go?

<wisesnake> Shen!

<wisesnake> Get away from me, you -

* Alea pulls back from Snake

* Alea regretting she has messed up Snake's systems again probably with the shock

<Alea> please...don't...[true regret]

* Alea gets up and crosses room, putting as much distance between them as possible

* Alea sits down in a chair in the corner

* wisesnake starts to get up but then just sits there, curled over holding her head in her hands.

* Veraik walks down the hall, passing Alea's room on his way to the changeover room.

* Alea sees it and can't stop from going over to help

<wisesnake> It's... it's... this is my worst nightmare.

* Alea touches snakes elbow

<Alea> I'm sorry

* Alea can't help the tears that start falling

* wisesnake flinches from Alea's touch

* wisesnake starts trembling

<Alea> you don't know...the last thing I would ever do would be to hurt a Farris.

<wisesnake> And what are you going to tell them? What are you going to tell them about the loyalties of Snake?

* Alea reaches out with nager

* Alea shrinks back

* wisesnake looks up, eyes burning

<wisesnake> Well?

<Alea> nothing

* Alea whispered it

* wisesnake 's nostrils flare in outrage

<wisesnake> Nothing?

<wisesnake> I can't believe that,

<wisesnake> Everybody must be dying to hear about Snake.

<Alea> I wrote a letter earlier to Zeor tendering my resignation, probably cutting myself off forever from the one thing I need.

<Alea> But I couldn't...I just well...couldn't do it anymore. I put in an appeal to come home, but I imagine it'll be denied

<Alea> now if you want to know what I've reported already....

* wisesnake 's eyes never leave Alea

* Alea sighs

<Alea> At first I reported you were a misfit, a lunatic

* Alea looks down ashamed

<Alea> but as I've gotten to know you...well, I've realized that it was not you that was the misfit.

<Alea> You're still only first year! What you've learned without the help of Zeor!

<Alea> I realized you should be honored, not down here slinking around, messed up like you are

<Alea> And I hated it

<Alea> Because I knew if Zeor decided to, they could take you home...somewhere I'll probably never see again

<Alea> why do you think Tramila came here?

* wisesnake is now staring at Alea with the same intense, studious stare as when she first came in

<Alea> someone wanted to check out my reports and probably sent her

<Alea> wanted to see if you were as good a channel as I said

<Alea> of course, I doubt Tramila knows that

* Alea shrugs and looks away

<Alea> same with Veraik. I found no fault there.

<Alea> Oh, well..he's a tad possessive among other things

* wisesnake 's stare never wavers. "I am possessive too."

<Alea> but when it comes to the people here you help...[shrugs]

* Alea glances back at Snake

<wisesnake> Alea,

<wisesnake> Alea...

<Alea> I'm sorry. I know no one likes their dirty laundry aired...I can understand you not wanting anyone to know

<wisesnake> Alea. Just tell me one thing.

* Alea sighs...her nager automatically reaching out to try to comfort her

<Alea> yes?

* Alea wary

<wisesnake> When are you leaving here.

<Alea> If Veraik gives permission...I'm not leaving

* Veraik does the daily routine verification of changeover ward items.

* wisesnake reaches for Alea's arms, not too fast.

* Alea has despair with a mild hope swirling in her nager

* Alea glances at Snake, thinking she's done this once before

* wisesnake seizes Alea's arms in a firm grip, meshing fields

* Alea knows she has no choice but to trust her...she's already handed her her life by telling who she really is

* wisesnake 's eyes are tormented, distant

* Alea tries to comfort with field

<wisesnake> Then don't talk about those things any more.

<wisesnake> And don't talk about Zeor.

* Alea 's mouth drops open

* Alea snaps closed at second statment but knows it would be fruitless to argue with Snake

<wisesnake> What do I have to do, to win your attention and your devotion the way Zeor held it once?

<Alea> well, you certainly have my attention

* Alea smiles

* wisesnake 's expression is desperate

<Alea> and I guess you have some of my devotion, don't you

<wisesnake> You have no idea what I've gone through since you arrived.

<Alea> I mean, despite our constant arguing

<Alea> I'm here aren't I?

<Alea> no, I don't. But you won't be going through it again with me.

<Alea> I promise, snake, to do my best not to cause you any problems again

<wisesnake> But what do I have to do, so that you will stay at my side during tranfers and donations, and assist me with the healing, and go out into the city as my...

<Alea> I guess we'll just have to take it one step at a time

* wisesnake bows her head

<wisesnake> It's crazy

<Veraik> <beep> <beep> <beep> Emergency changeover ....Emergency changeover.

<wisesnake> I'm crazy

* wisesnake jerks, startled by the alarm

* Veraik runs to the lobby.

* Alea reaches out and takes Snake's hand again, pauses at sound

<Alea> ignore it...Veraik will handle it

<wisesnake> But it's an emergency...

<Veraik> Where is the victim?

* wisesnake [tension]

<wisesnake> Somebody's child

<Alea> if Veraik wants you, he'll come get you...he said he was giving us time...

<Veraik> Goes to front. [zlins]

<wisesnake> Alea...

<Veraik> boy is curled up but zlins of immediate breakout.

* Alea runs hand up arm.

<Alea> let go of the past. Let's start new, right now

<wisesnake> Alea, when I said you have been driving me crazy, I mean really crazy.

* Alea drops head

<Alea> I know

<Veraik> [shouts] Leave! Come back later. Quickly!

<wisesnake> I have had the most crazed things passing through my mind... lunatic desires like killing and kidnaping and...

<Veraik> There's no time.

* Alea looks up surprised

<Alea> and you blame me?

* wisesnake 's grip on Alea's arms tightens at the movement

<wisesnake> Yes

<wisesnake> [whispered]

* Alea soothing

<Alea> but why?

* Alea pain

* Veraik zlins a channel.....probably high order, with no Donor available to handle him.]

<wisesnake> You have no idea what your field zlins like to me

<Alea> oh, I think I might have an idea

<Alea> why do you think I keep to Veraik

* wisesnake trembles

<Alea> Why do you think I was ecstatic about finally getting to have transfer with you

<Alea> why do you think I was so angry when it went sour

* Alea drops head again

* Veraik coaches to kid....[regrets that the boy's first transfer is going to be Sime to Sime]

* wisesnake jerks Alea roughly towards her

* Alea field reaches out to Snake

* Alea looks up refusing to do anything to hurt Snake again

* wisesnake takes Alea in full transfer position

* Veraik gets a wafer under the boy's touch to help the contractions.

* Alea flinches, but doesn't fight

* Alea thinks I won't hurt you, Snake

<Veraik> [boy cries out]

* wisesnake holds the position for a moment, then loses the 5th contact and lays her head on

Alea's shoulder, eyes closed

<wisesnake> You do it even now.

<Veraik> [tentacles break out]

* Alea Alea sighs but accepts the weight

<wisesnake> What you're doing, offering, then refusing, then offering...

<wisesnake> It scares me, you could make me do about anything.

<wisesnake> I have thought of killing.

* Veraik entwines tentacles wince boy doesn't know how.

<Alea> I'm sorry[helplessly]

<Alea> you wouldn't

* Veraik makes fifth contact.

<wisesnake> I have thought of stealing, of kidnaping, of, of murder

<Veraik> [Boy begins to draw.]

<Alea> I would imagine being out on your own, tossed out by your house, would make one think those things

<wisesnake> Alea, I want you.

* Alea thinks that Snake said it was her though, not the house

<Veraik> At first it is slow, then the speed quickens.

<Alea> I'm here, Snake

<Veraik> Selyn is stripped from Veraik at a furious speed.

* Veraik gives all.

<Veraik> The boy demands more.

<wisesnake> Before you came, I thought I wouldn't live out my First Year. Everything I did was aimed toward finishing what I'd started before...

* Veraik gives and gives and gives and gives and...........passes out.

* Alea nods to Snake

<wisesnake> Now I can't know what to believe.

<Alea> there's hope.

<Alea> Please, Snake

<Alea> You're one of the best shendonibeflayed channels I've ever met

<wisesnake> When you are by me, when you give me what I have to have, I can believe that.

* Alea joy rises in her

<Veraik> Boy is alarmed and runs into the Center shouting....tentacles waving in all directions.

* Alea hunger, need

* wisesnake leans hard against her

* wisesnake hesitates

<wisesnake> Do you hear something?

* Alea is happy...finally has found

* Alea startled...

* wisesnake releases her and darts across the room

* wisesnake yanks open the door

<Alea> Alea jumps up and darts after Snake

<Alea> what is it?

* Alea pounds down the hall after Snake

* wisesnake is nearly bowled over by a young panicking channel with bloody arms

* wisesnake struggles to calm the kid down

* Alea Alea falls in beside her giving her control over to the channel in charge

* wisesnake uses Alea's strong, calm field to help quiet the young channel

<wisesnake> Everything's going to be fine. Just tell me what happened.

<wisesnake> No, you didn't kill anybody... I can zlin you are not junct. Where is the person... by the door?

* wisesnake hands the channel off to some other Center employees who have finally appeared

<wisesnake> And watch out, he's a channel!

<wisesnake> What a head ache. [meant figuratively]

<wisesnake> [to Alea] Come on.

* wisesnake runs toward front of building

* Alea jumps after Snake

<wisesnake> Veraik!

* Alea shock! brought quickly under control

* wisesnake rushes to Veraik's side

* Veraik groans when he hears his name.

* wisesnake swears at what Veraik zlins like

* Alea falls down beside Snake...eyes disturbed, but then turns attention to Snake

* Alea trembles

* wisesnake tries to save Veraik's life

* wisesnake deep zlins him

* wisesnake takes Veraik into a full transfer position

* Alea supports Snake

* wisesnake feeds selyn into his unconscious form

* wisesnake tries to initiate general healing

* Veraik takes selyn then shens in unconscious shield to protect the boy.

<Alea> what? what is it?[to Snake]

<wisesnake> Shen

* Alea jaw tightens

<wisesnake> He doesn't realize he's not still in transfer with the boy.

<Alea> he knows my field

<Alea> Gen

* Alea looks at Snake

* wisesnake says [to Alea] hold steady.

* Alea doesn't break eye contact

* Alea with snake

* wisesnake meshes her field deeply with Alea's, then takes Veraik in transfer position again

* Alea can't help but let her deep concern for Veraik show

* wisesnake initiates selyn flow again, this time reflecting Alea's caring field through her own

* Alea projecting the need for Veraik, the desire for him to live, to take what he -needs-

* Veraik tightens Sime-Sime position and begins to take Selyn from the caring field.

* Alea keeps her eyes on Snake her jaw tight

* wisesnake matches Veraik's draw

* Alea thinking you can do it Snake

* Alea whispers

<Alea> only you

* Veraik senses Alea's tension and tries to abort.

* Alea relaxes

* wisesnake trusts Alea and does her utmost to override the abort

* Veraik begins to draw selyn again.

* wisesnake patiently feeds it in

* Veraik draws to his top speed.

* Alea patiently doing...nothing

* Veraik finally gets all the selyn he needs and begins to close the transfer.

* Alea sighs with relief

* wisesnake allows the selyn flow to taper off, but keeps Veraik in the transfer position, floating in peace

* Veraik ends transfer and leans into Snake's shoulder. "Thank you, Snake."

<wisesnake> Shhh, lie down, Veraik.

* wisesnake deep zlins Veraik

* Alea backs away

* Veraik lies quietly on the ground.

* wisesnake takes Veraik briefly in transfer position again, and makes some adjustments to his hormonal balance.. this time, the correct adjustments.

* wisesnake double and triple checks to make sure she did it right

* wisesnake releases Veraik

* Alea smiles...moves back so other orderlies can get to Veraik

<wisesnake> there.

* Alea sees snake no longer requires her and stands

<wisesnake> Alea.

* Alea pauses

<Alea> yes, hajene

* Veraik stops orderlies. Snake?

<Veraik> [holds out tentacle]

* Alea reaches out and holds Snake's elbow, realizing she is still in recovery

<wisesnake> Yes, Veraik?

<Veraik> tha....thank....you....

<wisesnake> You're welcome, Veraik.

* Alea smiles as orderlies take him away

* wisesnake accepts Alea's help and leans on her field

* Alea helps Snake to her feet

* wisesnake thinks of something

<wisesnake> Oh.

* Alea slips her arm around snake

<wisesnake> Look, I realize I was being kind of insensitive about your, artwork, earlier.

* Alea feels odd bulge around snake's waist

<wisesnake> If you really don't want me to give it away, I can get it back for you.

* Alea glances up, distracted

<Alea> no, no that's fine. I can make another one

<wisesnake> Okay.

<Alea> you okay now?

<wisesnake> I think so.

<wisesnake> Yes.

* Alea loosens hold

* Alea wipes at sweat on neck

<Alea> I thought we'd lost him

* Alea dabs at forehead

* wisesnake goes to the room where they have Veraik

* Alea looks startled

* Alea snake walked off and left her

* Veraik is breathing hard.

* Alea wonders why Snake left

* wisesnake zlins his condition

* Alea goes to her room to shower and change

* Alea gets in the shower to quickly rinse off wondering what she did THIS time to tick off Snake

* wisesnake wonders why Alea didn't follow her

* wisesnake knows why [sighs heavily]

* Alea gets out of shower and dries off

* Alea goes to closet and pulls out a new dress

* Alea quickly slips on the dress

* Alea then goes and combs her hair.

<Alea> Wonder if Snake was just testing me?

<Alea> Why in the world would she sprint off like that without a word

<wisesnake> == "goes" does not equal "sprints" ==

* wisesnake determines that nothing else can be done for Veraik at this time

* Alea goes to find Snake and see just where she went

* Veraik is sleeping.

* Alea goes out the door

* wisesnake leaves some additional instructions with the orderlies

* Alea thinking she probably went to check on veraik?

* Alea worth checking to see if she is there

* Alea goes down hall past transfer rooms

* Alea comes to hallway where Veraik would be

* wisesnake leaves Veraik's treatment room

<Alea> snake!

* Alea relief

<Alea> where did you go?

* wisesnake seems ill at ease

* Alea glances at veraik's room

<wisesnake> Checking on Veraik

* Alea nods

<wisesnake> He's asleep.

<Alea> oh

* Alea do you feel like a cup of tea

* wisesnake hangs back from Alea's field

<wisesnake> Sure, I guess so.

* Alea looks at Snake strangely

* wisesnake doesn't meet her eyes

* Alea sighs

<Alea> okay...don't bottle it up...for this to work, we have to be honest

<Alea> what's the matter

* wisesnake 's eyes flicker up to meet hers briefly; disappointment

<Alea> what?

<wisesnake> You left when I followed them to make sure Veraik was settled.

* Alea 's mouth drops open

<Alea> well, how was I to know you wanted me along when you turned and walked off without a word

<Alea> I mean, he'd just been sent there

* wisesnake looks pained

<wisesnake> Don't you see...

<Alea> I see fine...but I don't zlin

* Alea shakes head

<Alea> look Snake...

<Alea> think how long we've been at odds

<Alea> How many times have I tried to follow you only to be rebuffed

<Alea> what was to make me think it wasn't happening again, all over

* Alea wounded

* wisesnake shrinks back from Alea's feelings

* Alea holds out hands helplessly

<Alea> I apologize, it was my mistake

<Alea> you're right. My feelings have no place in the work area

<wisesnake> Alea... there isn't any time when I don't want you there.

* Alea reins in nager to ease snake's discomfort

* Alea so surpised she almost falls over

<Alea> I guess that's going to take a little getting used to

* Alea smiles lopsidedly

<Alea> come on, let's go get some tea

* wisesnake hesitates

<wisesnake> Okay.

* Alea pauses

<Alea> no, no...perhaps you want something different?

* Alea sees hesitance in Snake and patiently waits

* wisesnake considers

* wisesnake smiles

* Alea pushes strand of wet hair back and waits

* Alea sees smile and relaxes

<wisesnake> Yes. Tea sounds just fine.

<Alea> great

<Alea> how about I fix it

* Alea turns and starts toward her room and office

* wisesnake hesitates, then succeeds in forcing down her objection 2

* wisesnake follows Alea

* Alea motions to a chair and goes to small cooking area and puts on water

* wisesnake unbuttons the front of her uniform

* Alea puts tea in the cups

* Alea checks the water to see if it's boiling

* wisesnake slides the whip out and coils it up

<Alea> you want anything added to your tea?

* wisesnake sets it on the table in front of her

<wisesnake> no, plain is fine.

<wisesnake> thank you.

* Alea eyes widen

* wisesnake smiles

* Alea hands her a cup, trying to cover shaking

<Alea> uh, the bulge earlier that I felt that I forgot to ask about. I..um..

<Alea> I take it you like to carry a whip around with you?

<wisesnake> Just today.

* Alea reaches for her cup...

* Alea rattles at her words

<Alea> [the cup...and Alea]

<Alea> ah, you were, uh, that angry with me?

<wisesnake> No, not angry.

* Alea crosses over to chair

<wisesnake> Obsessed.

* wisesnake watches Alea with Snake's eyes

* Alea swallows

* Alea sits tea down untouched

<Alea> oh

<wisesnake> I told you I have thought many dangerous things since you have come here.

* Alea nervous laugh

* Alea wondering if she was wrong and Snake really would kill her

<Alea> yes, yes you did

* Alea smiles and shakes head

* Alea realizes she is shaking head and nods instead

* Alea shoots a covert glance at whip and then gaze shoots back to Snake's

* wisesnake smiles back at Alea

<wisesnake> It was K'Lana's. Do you like it?

<Alea> I'm sure you had every right to feel that way.

<Alea> er...well,

* Alea remembers thinking how cool it was to find it and hold it over Snake's head if she caught her and Tarsh together

* Alea and the whip

<Alea> yes, it's very nice

* Alea smiles weakly

<Alea> you really shouldn't carry it around though

<Alea> bad reputation

<Alea> shouldn't even have one in a Sime Center

<Alea> I can have someone throw that away for you if you like

* Alea hopeful

* wisesnake rises gracefully to her feet

<Alea> as a matter of fact why don't you got take a nice relaxing shower....

* Alea voice trails off

* wisesnake approaches Alea

* Alea swallows again

<wisesnake> Alea.

<wisesnake> Forget the whip.

<Alea> of course

* Alea immediately nods

<wisesnake> I picked it up because I was crazy.

<wisesnake> Crazy for you.

* Alea starts to relax at her words

* wisesnake gets down on her knees before Alea's chair

* Alea surprised, reaches out to touch Snake but stops herself

<wisesnake> I'm trying to make you understand...

* Alea what a day for surprises...

<wisesnake> I don't want you to look at Veraik, or any other channel. I don't want you to move on to any other Centers.

<wisesnake> I just want..

<Alea> I don't plan to, Snake. I told you that

* wisesnake reaches to catch Alea's hands

* Alea curls her hands in hers and smiles gently

* wisesnake 's eyes are mad and bright

* Alea becomes concerned

* Alea projects soothing nager

<wisesnake> promise me.

<Alea> We'll work through your transfer problems and then we'll have someone to match each of us

<Alea> sure Snake. I promise you

* Alea [how many times do I have to tell her I'm not leaving?]

* Alea empathy for the displaced young soul who should have been raised right

* wisesnake bows her head

* Alea suddenly realizes Snake's top is unbuttoned

* Alea 's eyes widen in surprise

* wisesnake looks up again, Alea's surprise reflected in her own expression

* Alea stares at snake

* wisesnake seems in that moment as innocent as a child, not knowing what Alea reacted to.

* Alea awkwardly reaches out to button snakes top

* wisesnake 's hands and tentacles gently reach up to stop Alea's hands

<wisesnake> Shhh....

* Alea pauses

<wisesnake> [soothingly, like with a donor] it's all right.

* Alea recognition in her eyes

* Alea accepts Snake's soothing

* wisesnake meets Alea's eyes, child/adult, gauging, innocent

* wisesnake 's tentacles curl softly around Alea's fingers, and Snake lowers her head to kiss the fingertips

* Alea Alea gasps softly at the contact

<wisesnake> shhhhh [whispered] everything will be fine.

* Alea responds to Snake's words

* Alea trembles

* wisesnake comes forward, still on her knees, and puts her head in Alea's lap, hands and tentacles softly around her waist

<wisesnake> [whispered] You have no idea, how it's been for me. You, who are perfect and shining in every side and aspect of you...

* Alea alea allows her hands to slide through Snake's hair, gently soothing enjoying the sensual pleasure

<Alea> no, snake..I don't shine

<wisesnake> Oh, but you do.

* Alea doesn't argue continues to comb fingers through Snake's hair

<wisesnake> You are like the sun, the warmth, the heat, the searing brilliance of that sun which gives the world its life.

* Alea wonders if she realizes she isn't shining like anything after the last transfer, but again doesn't argue

* Alea strokes Snake's cheek

<Alea> it's the way it is...sime and gen...together

<Alea> you have to have both, two parts of a whole

* wisesnake edges closer, arms coming gently around to embrace Alea; her head now nestled against Alea's chest

* Alea lets her arms drift down Snake's back, stroking gently, learning her shape

<wisesnake> That is how you seem to us, you Gens, like staring into the furnace of a universe's birth - how can we not zlin you and become enslaved?

* Alea 's breathing becomes sharper

* Alea smiles

<Alea> do you think it's any easier for us?

* wisesnake draws in a breath, but doesn't speak

* Alea let's out a shaky breath

* Alea runs her hands back up to Snake's shoulders

* wisesnake pulls back enough to turn her face up to Alea's

* Alea meets snake's eyes

* Alea leans forward and places a soft kiss on Snake's forehead.

Notes:

1) This episode is a dream Alea had the night following Episode #16. The dream is not shown in its entirety. The "uncut" version of the dream may resurface many years down the road as one of those "lost episodes of Sime/Gen" but in the meantime you'll just have to let your imagination run wild... [return]

2) Letting Alea handle boiling water is definitely an exercise in trust for most Simes. [return]

Go on to Episode #18: OT Wild Safari

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