Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #20: Transitions (9/19/97)

[view copyright information]

<Alea> How do you feel today, Snake?

* wisesnake looks extremely hung-over

* Alea moves forward and touches snake's shoulder

<Alea> too much of the portsan last night?

<wisesnake> I can't even begin to imagine how I let myself get talked into that.

* Alea looks shame faced

<Alea> It was my fault

<Alea> I--I was worried about Veraik's mood and wanted to go talk to him.

<Alea> It was a mistake, hajene. I hsouldn't have tried to convince you

* wisesnake thinks back, trying to remember anything unusual about Veraik's mood the previous night

<wisesnake> Well.

<wisesnake> It's done now.

<Alea> so

* Alea stands and begins to wander aournd the lobby

<Alea> What do you think of me perhaps taking up weaving and making some more projects for in here

* wisesnake begins to look a bit nervous, but tries to hide it

<wisesnake> uh,

<Alea> yes...right there, near the front door

<wisesnake> "Weaving is a traditional discipline of Zeor," she says truthfully

<Alea> I could make a huge....symbol

<Alea> And am I not from Zeor?

<wisesnake> Yes, you are.

* Alea smiles

<Alea> You had me worried.

* wisesnake swallows and offers a weak smile

<Alea> I thought all of that stuff must have affected your memory

* wisesnake 's eyes dart toward one of Alea's current artworks and veer away just in time.

<wisesnake> Uh, no, no problem with that.

<Alea> oh, great!

<wisesnake> You know, you could, uh.

<wisesnake> You know, like, get some coaching from the Masters.

<Alea> oh, I'm sure I picked up enough helping with the dying processes when I lived at zeor

* wisesnake 's mind converts that to the natural pun

<wisesnake> I'll bet you did.

<Alea> you know, they're doing something with the first office in the hall

<wisesnake> Oh?

<Alea> Veraik!

<Alea> Do you know what they're doing with the office?

<Alea> I saw them moving furniture in

* Alea thinks how much nicer it was than her own

<Veraik> Watch your nager.... [cringes]

* Alea immediately calms down

<wisesnake> Maybe it's an office for Tramila. [thinking worst case scenario]

<Veraik> Which office are you talking about?

<Alea> the first one there in the hall

* Alea points

* Alea thinks bigger than hers too

<Alea> I saw them taking insulation in there today

<Veraik> Why Alea. That's your office. {puzzled]

* Alea thinks maybe it's for her

<Alea> Really?

<Alea> you're going to move my office from the lobby here down the hall?

<Veraik> The one I assigned you several days again. The first from the Front desk area.

* wisesnake laughs suddenly as she realizes Alea counts the "first office in the hall" counting from the bedroom area, not counting from the lobby

* Alea looks puzzled

<wisesnake> Yeah, well that figures [to self]

<Alea> No, I meant there, past that GRAND artform...down the hall..that office

<Veraik> oh That one.....[looks noncommital]

<Alea> so, you're moving me into a bigger office?

* Alea smiling smugly

* Alea touches her black braid on her

<Veraik> You say they were moving insulation to it?

<Alea> yeah

<Alea> extra

<Alea> you know, Farris level

<Veraik> [looks askance at Alea then turns to Snake] No.... although it is getting quadruple the Farris insulation.

* Alea suspicously at Snake then Veraik

<Veraik> That's actually going to be Snake's new office...complete with her own filing and medical cabinet

<wisesnake> I get my own filing system?

* Alea affronted but trying not to show it

* wisesnake glances at Alea, surprised by the affront

* Alea thinks--twice as big, twice as much room, her own filing cabinets...

* wisesnake wonders how getting an office is an insult to Alea

<Alea> so, maybe I can make you a picture to hang in there Snake

<wisesnake> What is the problem, Alea, you're probably going to spend your time with me anyway, you'll be in there as often as I am.

<Veraik> You're the ranking channel here so....yes, you are.

<Veraik> I've also had quarters set up for you as well.

<Veraik> The insulation was going to be for Tramila's office but she has been called back to Zeor.

* Alea thinks about that and wonders...hmmm...could she fit her desk in there

<Veraik> The extra insulation - I meant to say

<Alea> you are right, Snake

* wisesnake brightens considerably at the mention of Tramila leaving

<Alea> Since I'll be giving you this next transfer, I'll be spending a lot of time with you

<wisesnake> Yes

<Veraik> If you require extra insulation is either your quarters or your office Alea, you will have to use your influence as a Farris the way that Tramila used hers to ge the insulation Snake requires.

<Alea> of course, hajene

* Veraik pulls out letter, looks at it, puts it back inside his pocket then retrieves the assignment card.

* Alea sees letter and wonders who it is from

<Veraik> I'm afraid not Alea. You have been assigned to me this month.

<wisesnake> What was this about new quarters?

* wisesnake forgets quarters instantly

<wisesnake> What?

<wisesnake> What was that you just said? [alarm]

<Alea> What!

* Alea alarm

* Alea moves toward Snake

* Alea sooothing nager and takes Snake's arm

<Veraik> Snake is getting....shuffles card to look at the other card..... a Simone del Milan Farris ambrov Zeor for transfer.

* wisesnake wrinkles her nose

<wisesnake> I am?

* Alea thinks zeor

<Veraik> He will be here the day before you are scheduled for Transfer.

<Alea> but I was to be with her, hajene

<Veraik> I understand he specializes in problem Farris transfers.

<Veraik> One of the reasons Tramila went back was to assure that you only recieved that highest level donors for the rest of your First year.

* Alea resentment

<Alea> I promised Snake I would be there

<Veraik> You can not fight the Tecton on this one Alea.

<wisesnake> [cautiously] That sounds like it might not be too bad...

* Alea looks surprised at snake...forces her nager flat

* Alea steps away from Snake

* wisesnake glances at Alea

* Alea smiles encouragingly

<Alea> If this Donor can help you, hajene I am very happy for you

<Alea> perhaps that is just what you need

* wisesnake smiles rather unhappily

<Veraik> Tramila is not as bad as you think.

* wisesnake 's expression turns sour

* Alea looks at the ceiling

<Alea> so, when will this Donor arrive?

* Veraik pulls out letter again. Sees that it is in Alea's handwriting. Stares at it again then puts it back into his pocket.

* Alea looks curiously at Veraik wonders why he is so fascinated with the letter

<Alea> So, [smiling at Snake] you get a new office and a new Donor

<Alea> and a new piece of art for the wall

* wisesnake winces

<wisesnake> of course.

<Alea> I'll get right to work on it

<Veraik> Her Donor will arrive in tonight.

* Alea turns and goes to lobby and into office

* wisesnake looks a little more optomistic at the mention of the Donor

* Tarsh walks in red-eyed and dispirited.

* Alea brings out a sewing crossed to couch and goes to work piece for Snake

<wisesnake> Hello, Tarsh

* Alea looks up

<Alea> Hi Tarsh!

<Tarsh> Snake. .....

* wisesnake looks at Tarsh questioningly

<Tarsh> uh, Good Morning.

<Tarsh> How is your head?

* wisesnake considers the question

<wisesnake> It's been worse.

* Alea gets up and goes to Snake's side since her Donor isn't here yet

* wisesnake is relieved

<Tarsh> Hello Alea.

* Alea smiles at Tarsh

<Tarsh> ~~guilt~~

* Alea walks forward and slides her hands around his neck

* Tarsh forces a smile.

* Alea kisses him

* Veraik zlins Alea and barely suppressing sending a signal to Snake which would scream, "She's My DONOR!"

* Alea moves back over to Snake

* Tarsh responds to the kiss after a moment.

* Veraik zlins green with envy and mutters, "Da...n Gen."

* wisesnake notes the nageric reactions of Veraik, Alea, and Tarsh and decides she will check out the new office

* wisesnake leaves the lobby

<Alea> snake...wait up

* Veraik quickly leaves as well.

* Alea winks at Tarsh

<Alea> see you later

* Tarsh looks at Snake leaving. ~~GUILT!~~

* Alea turns to follow snake

* wisesnake goes to the new office

* Tarsh watches the two of them leave.

* Veraik goes to office.

* wisesnake surveys the new office

<wisesnake> Hmmm

<wisesnake> Looks so... official

<Alea> How true

* Alea moves up by Snake

<wisesnake> I'm afraid to find out what Veraik meant by "new quarters".

* wisesnake accepts Alea's nageric support

<Alea> you know, I have this big jar filled with different rocks I've collected..might go good right in the corner over there

<wisesnake> Tarsh looked kind of upset when he...

* wisesnake pauses

* Tarsh goes over to his desk. He dumps the box of random papers on the desktop.

<wisesnake> Big jar of rocks?

* Alea turns curiously...a little gulity

* Alea immediately brightens

<Alea> Yeah

<Alea> different shapes and sizes

<Alea> you know, I could tell you the history on each one and where I foudn them

* wisesnake thinks "artists" and shakes her head

<Alea> I have hundreds of them

<wisesnake> amazing.

<Alea> I know...and you wouldn't believe the stories...

<Alea> why one....

<Tarsh> A crumpled piece of paper falls off the desk.

<Alea> I accidently...well, this channel fell into a lake....

<Alea> oh, but it won't be the same if I don'dt have the rock

* wisesnake doesn't miss the change of wording; a cynical look is born

<wisesnake> Uh-huh.

<Alea> let me just go get that jar

<Alea> I'll be back in a bit

<wisesnake> Sure. You do that.

* wisesnake shakes her head

* Alea turns and goes back to lobby

* Alea gathers up her sewing...glances at Tarsh

<wisesnake> This place is going to look like a day care center by the time Alea gets done decorating it.

<Alea> what a mess

* Tarsh is starting to sort through the papers unenergetically.

* wisesnake goes to her old room, fetches items from her desk there, comes back to new office

<Alea> looks like you had too much to drink last night too

* wisesnake puts various gnawed-on pencils, dead pens, nubby erasers and mismatched stationary into desk drawers

* Tarsh looks up. "No, just not enough sleep. I was ... thinking."

<Alea> ahh [nods---curious]

* wisesnake puts her trick paperweight in the middle of the desk

<Alea> well, if you require help later, let me know...I have nothing to do since I've been pulled from Snake

* Simone walks into the Center and goes to Tarsh. "Excuse....I've been assigned here. Can you direct me towards....[looks at card] Wise Snake.

<Tarsh> I can't avoid hurting people. I'm in the wrong line of work.

<Alea> what?

* Alea looks at Tarsh curiously from near her office door

* wisesnake picks up the paperweight again, unscrews it, lets the Zeor ring fall out into her hand

<wisesnake> Wouldn't this thing just go great with the shiny new office

<wisesnake> [bitterly]

<Tarsh> Ah. Good Morning. I am Tarsh Chutmas, Center Coordinator. Welcome. Alea, do you know where Snake is now?

<Alea> yes, she's in her office...down that hall, first door on the left

* wisesnake considers putting the ring on just to freak people out, but ends up putting it back in the paperweight

<Alea> no, that's LAST door on the left

* wisesnake puts her feet up on the desk, experimentally

<wisesnake> I am the controller of this center

<wisesnake> Ha ha

<wisesnake> [more sternly, Veraik-like] Yes, how can I help you?

<wisesnake> ha ha ha

* Alea looks at Tarsh "Why do you think you're in the wrong line of work? "

* wisesnake jumps up and goes to open a few windows

<wisesnake> Garden view... nice

* Simone uses the Gen signal to get attention to the door.

* wisesnake sees all the paper Alea threw out of Snake's bedroom window the other day

<Tarsh> Sime Centers are supposed to help people. Not crot up their lives.

<wisesnake> What a mess. Somebody should do something.

* wisesnake makes a mental note to say something to Zethraim

<wisesnake> Huh!

<wisesnake> oh

* wisesnake goes to the door and opens it

<Alea> but this Sime Center DOES help people, Tarsh

<Simone> Are you Wise Snake?

* wisesnake stares at Simone

* Alea moves closer to desk studying Tarsh, concerned

<Simone> [Simon is 40 and looks like a well fed Gen Donor.]

* wisesnake zlins Simone

<Simone> I'm Simone Farris. I'm your Donor this month...

<Simone> And I can see that you could really use my help.

<Simone> Walks in Wise Snake's office.

* wisesnake grips the door and manages to fight down an unexpected surge of intil

* wisesnake says to herself "Well, and pleased to meet you"

* Simone turns back. I felt that.

* wisesnake closes the door and turns her back to it

* wisesnake looks a bit defensive but only says, "Welcome."

<Simone> Come....let's use this couch to work on your fields.

* Simone grins. Thank you.

* Simone projects a feeling of anticipated desire.

<wisesnake> yee-ow. Not so fast, Simone.

<Simone> ...without overdoing it.

* wisesnake tries to edge around Simone towards the desk

* Simone blinks. What ARE you talking about?

<Simone> I'm really looking forward to this transfer.

<wisesnake> Yes, I'm sure you are.

* wisesnake sweats

<Alea> Tarsh...[glances worriedly toward Snake's office]I have to check someting...I'll be right back

* wisesnake is really intimidated by Simone's nager

* Alea goes to Snake's office

<Simone> I've look at your file [thinks Tramila give me her file] and I think we are going to have a glorious transfer.

* Alea knocks

* Alea pushes the door open

<wisesnake> Oh. [nervously] Well that's... Alea!

<Alea> Hajene Snake

* Alea goes to Snake

<Simone> [Goes to door] What are you going here Alea?

<Alea> I just wanted to come and check...

* Alea looks at Simone and smiles

<Alea> Snake is close to need...I had to check on her

* wisesnake 's nerves are rattled by the effects of the two conflicting Gen nagers

<Simone> Takes Alea's arm. "You are interferring. Go to your own channel. This one is mine."

* wisesnake 's eyes dart around nervously

<Alea> resents Simone's actions

<Alea> I think maybe I ought to stay until someone sees your orders

* Simone shoves Alea out the door.

* Alea looks at Snake

<wisesnake> Hey!

<Alea> after all...[umph]

<wisesnake> [belatedly]

<Alea> hey!

* wisesnake is genuinely disturbed

* Alea reaches for door knob to go back in

* Simone locks the Door .

<wisesnake> What the -

<wisesnake> What do you mean by mishandling her that way

<wisesnake> ?

* wisesnake stares at the locked lock

* Simone projects a soothing desiring nager full of hope.

* Alea is still shocked by the way the Donor threw her out...

* Alea muttering, goes back toward the lobby

* Alea walks back into the lobby

* wisesnake wonders if Simone is some kind of axe murdering psycho

<Alea> I'm sorry Tarsh...I had to go check...[waves]...now what were you saying about the Sime Center not being any good?

<Tarsh> Not the Center. I'm no good for it.

* Simone walks to Snake, using his nager to get her to do as he pleases.

* Alea shocked at words

<Alea> That's ridiculous

<Simone> Come, Snake. Let's go to the transfer couch.

<Alea> what would we do without you Tarsh?

* wisesnake is having the crap scared out of her

<Alea> You keep the records, keep sanity here in the lobby, keep sanity between the Donors and channels

* Simone tightens his nageric influence on Snake, projecting his deep anticipation.

* Tarsh snorts. "sanity? Is that was I should call it?"

* wisesnake has no choice but to go to the transfer couch

* Alea moves over and leans against desk, next to Tarsh's chair

<Alea> What is it?

<Alea> You weren't actling like this last night?

* Alea carefully controls her field since she is due to give transfer within the hour

<Tarsh> I found out something. About how someone feels. It showed me what a lorsh I am.

<Simone> You know, Snake. [helps her to lay on the couch] It's been a long time since I've had a channel of your capacity, strength, and ....

<Simone> I find that soooooo inticing.

* wisesnake 's brow furrows as she worries about what all "...." entails

<Simone> You are perfect for me.

<Alea> what are you talking about?

<wisesnake> Simone...

* Simone talks gently, soothing.....I read your file.

<wisesnake> uh..?

<Simone> [whispers in her ear.] You're whole file.....and it's......beyond words.

* wisesnake trembles

* Simone strenghtens his nageric field to full desire and caring.

<wisesnake> W-what are you talking about?

* wisesnake 's words cut off as she becomes incapable of speech

<Tarsh> I've treated someone terribly. Someone who cared.

<Simone> [still whispering] Are you ready?

* Alea looks oddly

<Simone> I know you are.....I know about the pain....

<Alea> Well just go to them and apologize. It's that simple.

<Simone> I can give it...I can give it alllllllll.

<Tarsh> And I've dragged you into it too. So I've hurt you also.

<Alea> dragged me into it?...

<Tarsh> I don't think that is possible.

* Alea exasperated

<Alea> you Simes...you are soooooo sensitive

* Simone takes arms and gently strokes her nodes. I can feel your desire.

<Alea> Of course it's that easy

* wisesnake 's arms prickle with sweat

<Alea> So, you think you hurt me? And who is the other injured party?

<Simone> Are you ready to give that desire to me?

<Alea> I can tell you right now, I'm not very hurt...[smiles]...not at all

<wisesnake> urgh...

<Simone> [Projects hard need to give] Just give me your arms when you are ready. [voice still gravelly]

<Tarsh> I don't think it's ethical to tell you. Certainly not first.

* Simone lightly stroking vriamic nodes to bring to a high tuned pitch,

* Alea runs a hand down Tarsh's arm, slipping her hand to a tentacle

* wisesnake has been reduced to a mindless state: terror/hunger/resistance

<Alea> well, if you insist. But I suggest you go immediately and get this off your chest

* Tarsh enjoys the sensation.

<Simone> You don't have to hold back. I'm a Farris. I can give it all to you and more. Much, much more.

<Alea> Then, if you STILL think you hurt me, well, [glides her hand down his tentacle sheath and up his arm] then we can think of ways to make up

<Simone> Are you ready, Wise Snake?

<Simone> Take me when you are ready?

<Tarsh> I'll ... think about it.

<Alea> don't think about it...do it

* Tarsh knocks some papers off the desk.

* Alea looks down

<Alea> let me help you pick those up

<Tarsh> All right.

* Tarsh gets up and leans over.

* Alea starts picking up the papers

* Alea sees a crumpled paper

* Alea reaches for the crumpled paper

<Alea> what's this?

* Tarsh zlins Aleas attention and grabs for the paper.

* Alea opens it up and shock blasts the ambient

* Alea quickly tries to adjust her field...trying to hide the overwhelming GUILT

<Alea> shenned stupid idiot gen [whispers]

* Tarsh falls back in his chair at the nager.

* Alea forces her field down--remembering she is to give Veraik transfer in just a bit

<Simone> You are resisting me Snake....I feel your need. Come to me. We both want it.

<Tarsh> You see? I've broken a heart.

* Alea very small guilty voice

<Alea> is this what has you so upset?

<Tarsh> What it represents.

<Alea> what do you mean?

<Simone> Or.....[smiles] is it that you always say you want pain but that is only a ruse.

* Alea wondering if she could casually move around the desk without alerting Tarsh to her desire to escape

* Alea wondering if could actually make it to office and close door and leave this to someone else to explain

<Tarsh> The person who wrote that. I didn't know, and I've treated them abominably.

* Alea drops head

<Alea> shen

<Simone> Your file says pain...I will give it to you if that is what you want. [intensifies desire for transfer]

<Alea> uh, Tarsh....

* wisesnake 's intil peaks

<Alea> you are such a sweet kind dear...you could never hurt anyone

<Tarsh> ~~puzzeled~~ What is it?

* wisesnake jumps up and snatches at Simone's arms

<Alea> tarsh, the letter is from...

* Alea cheeks heat and jaw stiffens

<Tarsh> I know who it's from already.

<Alea> it's, well...no, you don't

* Alea takes a deep breath

<Alea> I wrote the letters

<Tarsh> ~~puzzeled more ~~ I don't?

* Simone leans in to meet half way for the fifth contact.

* wisesnake takes a 5th contact

<Tarsh> it's not your handwriting. There was other evidence too.

* Simone pours selyn into Snake.

* wisesnake draws voraciously

* Alea heart is breaking over the hurt she has put him through without meaning to

<Tarsh> It's sweet of you to try and take the blame, but it's all mine.

<Alea> Snake and I have been at odds since day one

* wisesnake increases to her top speed almost instantly, trying to burn Simone

<Simone> Selyn bleeds into Snake faster than she can take.

<Alea> and a few weeks ago, she relaly made me mad

<Alea> I'm not being sweet...I'm being honest

* Simone gives faster.

* Tarsh starts.

<Alea> zlin my explanation

<Alea> and well....I wrote several letters and tried to copy her handwriting...even planted a pair of undies in a locker

* wisesnake 's fury and desire to hurt can be easily felt by Simone

<Alea> it was a joke

<Alea> before we umm...

* Tarsh reaches out to make a lateral contact for max sensitivity.

<Alea> and I forgot about them

* Simone pours more and more selyn into Snake at a speed which almost burns Snake.

* Alea allows it

* Tarsh starts again.

<Alea> I'm so sorry

<Alea> you can check with Snake

<Alea> she already knows about hte letters

* Simone increases speed to the point of pain.

<Alea> she found one and laughed that I would try that

<Alea> I just FORGOT. I wouldn't hurt you for anything in the world

* wisesnake goes passive, allowing Simone to do it

* Tarsh looks grave.

* Alea stands still waiting

* Alea gets nervous

* Alea doing her best to keep her nager under control

* Simone forces more Selyn into Snake to the point that she has to feel the pain of over filled systems.

* wisesnake lets him do it

<Tarsh> You were playing this beastly joke on Snake. Why did you point it at me?

* Alea winces at his anger

* Alea painfully

<Alea> oh shen, Tarsh...do you want me to be honest

* Simone forces more selyn into her systems to give her systems a huge stretch then begins to taper off into final closure.

<Tarsh> Yes.

* Alea painfully

<Alea> I didn't know you then

<Tarsh> Do I know -

<Alea> I thought, well...you looked like you might

<Alea> you were always so serious

<Alea> I thought maybe if I did that, you'd loosen up a bit

<Alea> have some fun

<Alea> Snake wouldn't have been too angry

* Alea painful remorse

* Simone sits with Snake waiting for her to recover.

* Simone projects a soothing, satisifing and very depleted nager.

* Tarsh 's look softens a bit.

* wisesnake lies silently, eyes closed, for some time

<Alea> I forgot to get the letters after Snake found that one...I never EVER meant for you to get hurt

<Alea> I am soooo sorry

<Tarsh> [still holding lateral contact] Do you have any other surprises out there for people?

* Tarsh zlins truth.

* Alea shendoni

* wisesnake opens her eyes at last; they are tear-filled, but sober

* Simone gently holds Snake's arm as she recovers.

<Alea> I...I...

* Simone smiles.

* Simone holds open arms for Wise Snake to take.

<Alea> please don't ask that

* wisesnake looks at Simone's arms

<Tarsh> Will you at least promise me not to do it again?

<Simone> Please Snake...let me hold you so that we can both be comforted after such a wonder transfer.

* Alea major major releif that her secret isn't revealed

<Alea> I will pull no more pranks Tarsh

<Alea> I promise you that

* Tarsh zlins for a moment more. withdraws tentacles.

* wisesnake lets Simone hold her

* Alea stares soberly at Tarsh

<Tarsh> All Right. I forgive you.

* Alea guilt

<Alea> thank you

* Alea but doesn't forgive herself for hurting him

* Tarsh strokes Alea's face with a tentacle.

* Simone gently cries in her arms.

* Alea looks tentatively at Tarsh, touching the hand by her cheek

<Alea> thank you [meaning it]

* wisesnake stares quietly into space, pressed against Simone's chest, all her feelings held inside

<Tarsh> Half of what bothered me was that I gotten you into one of those Triangle thingies you read about in those householder novels by non-householders.

* Alea chuckles

* Simone rubs Snake's back as he hold her. "Thank you. It was a wonderful transfer for me."

<Alea> well, actually, I guess the triangle was you and me...and me all along

<Tarsh> And I don't have the chest for one of those book covers.

* Alea smiles sweetly

<Alea> oh, I don't know about that

<Tarsh> <joking> Of course, this means I can't brag about all those babes fighting over me anymore.

<Alea> I don't THINK so

* Alea steps back

<Alea> well,

* wisesnake pulls away from Simone's embrace

<Alea> I should get to my office and um...

* Alea tries to remember what she was going to office for

<Alea> Snake required something

<Tarsh> All Right. Will I see you later?

<Alea> couldn't keep me away[smiles big]

* Alea smile fades

* Tarsh smiles back.

<Alea> Snake!

<Alea> oh no!

<Alea> uh...gotta go

* Alea turns and heads back down the hall

<Alea> that shendoni Donor has been with Snake long enough to....

<Alea> no...Snake takes longer.

* Alea goes to door and signals entrance

<Alea> Snake?

<Alea> Snake!

<Alea> Look if you don't want transfer, just tell me. I'll find Veraik

* wisesnake goes to door and opens it

* Alea signals again

* Alea pauses

* Alea studies snake

* wisesnake looks exhausted, and wet-eyed, but sane

* Alea surprised

<wisesnake> Hello, Alea. Can I help you?

* Simone stands behind Snake.

<Alea> uh, excuse me, hajene...I'll just be going back to my office

* JonDrake stumbles into the lobby, obviously upset, his najer radiating it strongly...

* wisesnake watches Alea leave

<JonDrake> SNAAAAAKE!!!

* wisesnake closes the door, slowly

* Alea hears cry and runs toward front of Center

* Simone puts hands on shoulders.

<JonDrake> Are you here Snake!?

* Tarsh jumps up and over to about 2 meters from Jon. "What is it?"

* wisesnake turns to Simone

* Alea stops at the edge of the hall as if trying to block it

* Alea Snake does not need to be interrupted right now

<Tarsh> Snake is here, but she is very busy at this moment. What is wrong. Did you want Hajene Veriak?

<JonDrake> Snake's got to do that thing to me again!

<Tarsh> What thing? Take your donation?

<wisesnake> [formally] Thank you for the transfer. It was perfect.

* JonDrake 's field is pulsing eratically...

* JonDrake shudders.

<JonDrake> Something has happened. This was supposed to help--now it's worse!

* Simone bows "And thank you." [smiles]

* Simone lightly brushes finger down tentacle. [amused look] Would you like some tea?

* Alea moves up to Jon to help block whatever his field is doing to Tarsh

<JonDrake> She did something to slow down my..my production.

<Alea> perhaps we can take you to a transfer room and talk [to Jon]

* Tarsh zlins jon cautioniously.

* JonDrake 's field starts to fluctuate a bit more...

* JonDrake 's field flutters in response. He shudders again like he's had a chill.

<JonDrake> Please, anything!

* wisesnake smiles, but her eyes are still very sober. "Thank you, but I will be fine." [tentacle withdraws, after his finger is gone]

* Alea moves to Jon, insinuating herself between Tarsh [with a small smile] and Jon

<wisesnake> And now, I think we should go see what all the noise is up front. Don't you?

* Simone looks at her down his nose in a very knowing smile. "Yes... I think you will now."

* Tarsh eyes go blank as he drifts toward hyperconcisness.

<Alea> come this way

* JonDrake follows them to the room...

* Alea encourages jon toward hall

* Alea pauses

<Alea> Tarsh, please send a channel to transfer room 2

* wisesnake opens the door and slips out

<Simone> Remember my name. It's Simone Farris ambrov Zeor.

<Tarsh> what? .. Ok.

<Simone> I'll be ready when you are.

* Alea goes down hall to Transfer room 2

* Tarsh turns with great difficulty and goes to the intercomm.

* wisesnake casts a wary glance back in Simone's direction

<wisesnake> I'll remember.

* Simone fills out paper work on the transfer.

* wisesnake hurries to the front

<wisesnake> What's going on? I heard it all the way down the hall.

<Alea> now Jon, why don't you just take a few deep calming breaths

* Simone goes Veraik's office and slips Snake's file under the door.

<Tarsh> <intercom> Duty Channel to Transfer Room 2, Please.

<JonDrake> Ok, I'll try....

<wisesnake> ucch

* wisesnake turns around and hurries toward Transfer Room 2

<Alea> that's it...nice and slow

* Simone goes to the lobby, sees Snake...looks at her....I have to leave now. Zeor calls.

<Tarsh> Hajene Snake, Jon Drake was asking for you.

* Simone leaves.

* wisesnake tries to catch Simone

<Alea> someone will be here in a minute

* JonDrake takes a few deep breaths. Slowly, his field begins to settle. The process is slow, painfully slow...

* Alea urges Jon to chair

* JonDrake sits down...

<Alea> have you been doing anything lately out of the ordinary?

<JonDrake> Me? No. Snake did something she said would slow down my production and get rid of the problems.

* wisesnake sighs and goes to Transfer room 2

* Alea makes some notes on chart

<JonDrake> Things were going ok at work...

* wisesnake goes in, being careful with the ambient

<Alea> hanging out with diffedrent people? ANything like that?

<JonDrake> This afternoon, it got even worse than it was before.

<JonDrake> No, just the same crew working on the dock.

* Alea sees Snake and immdiately steps back

<JonDrake> ~~~~SNAKE~~~~~ You've got to help me!

* wisesnake clamps down her shields and circles around beside Alea

* Alea moves up next to snake in mild alarm

<wisesnake> Take it easy, JonDrake, everything will be fine

<JonDrake> Ok [Jon Drake takes a breath] Ok...

* wisesnake looks a bit shaken; her system was already raw from being burned in transfer

<Alea> hajene?

<wisesnake> It looks like your production is accelerating again. Would you like to tell me what happened?

* Alea looks at her pale face...offers support

<JonDrake> Nothing happened to me at all.

* wisesnake approaches JonDrake cautiously, trying to get a grip on his runaway selyn production

<JonDrake> I was at least 20 meters away!

<JonDrake> What's wrong? You said I'd be better!

<wisesnake> Take it easy. [moves closer]

<wisesnake> Just try to stay as calm as possible.

<wisesnake> I'm trying to help you but you must cooperate.

<JonDrake> Ok...[Jon takes two deep breaths]...

<JonDrake> Better?

<wisesnake> yes, much.

* wisesnake reaches carefully for JonDrake's arms, still working on him

* JonDrake puts his arms out, maybe a bit too enthusiastically..

* wisesnake gets JonDrake in transfer position, the better to handle his system

* JonDrake begins to relax.

* JonDrake finds himself responding almost automatically...

* wisesnake works with JonDrake and brings his production down to a high, but safe, level

* wisesnake releases JonDrake

<JonDrake> Hmmm.. That feels better.

* JonDrake takes a deep breath of release...

<wisesnake> Would it be all right if I brought down your field again?

<wisesnake> I really think it would be for the best.

<JonDrake> Brought it down?

<JonDrake> Like you did yesterday?

<JonDrake> That didn't work too well..

<wisesnake> uh..

<wisesnake> No, like taking a donation early.

<JonDrake> Oh. Ok. Go ahead.

<wisesnake> Look, JonDrake, the reason I'm asking you is.,

<JonDrake> Yes?

<wisesnake> your body seems to have reacted to giving donations in an unexpected way.

<wisesnake> You appear to be what they call a "Natural Donor".

<wisesnake> When you came into a situation where you were actually giving selyn, your body went hog wild and began producing selyn at an accelerated rate.

<JonDrake> Really?

<JonDrake> Who'd've thought?

<wisesnake> The fact that it's happened again so soon implies that this isn't a temporary condition but in fact your natural state.

<wisesnake> Unfortunately, what this means is that, you might not actually be able to work as a construction worker and be happy or comfortable any more.

<JonDrake> [sarcastically] WONDERFUL!

<JonDrake> Hmmm...

<wisesnake> Now I can take your field down now, and between that and the work I did on your production you will probably be fine for a little while.

<wisesnake> But the next time something happens to trigger that acceleration again, you'll be back in the same state again.

* JonDrake doesn't like being pinned down, having decisions made for him.

<wisesnake> So you really have two choices.

<JonDrake> Then what?

<JonDrake> Trigger? What could have done it?

<wisesnake> Well, you can either live with it... you can keep coming back here to have it dealt with, perhaps every week or two, and keep your field low enough to give you some headroom

<JonDrake> We had an accident, but I was a distance away.

<JonDrake> It was nothing, really...

<JonDrake> Yuck!

<wisesnake> or, you can make the decision to get trained as a Donor and make use of your body's natural resources instead of trying to fight them.

<wisesnake> Think of it as finding gold or oil in your back yard.

<JonDrake> Not much of a choice, is it? [scowling]

* wisesnake shrugs

<JonDrake> Hmmm...I guess....

<wisesnake> I have been faced with similar decisions myself. It's really up to the person whose body it is.

<wisesnake> In answer to your question:

<wisesnake> Yes, your problem can be triggered by accidents on the job site. If a Sime gets hurt, or if people are augmenting and come into need sooner than usual...

<wisesnake> Even if you spend time around Simes in need.

<JonDrake> It's like being caught between a berzerker and a cliff...

<JonDrake> no offense..

* wisesnake laughs softly

<wisesnake> It's no fun to find out everybody but you wants what your body has.

<wisesnake> Why don't you let me take down your field, and then think about it a while longer.

<JonDrake> Is this caused by Simes in need?

<wisesnake> It's caused, actually, by your body's response to Simes in need.

<wisesnake> Normally Gens are not as sensitive to it as you are.

<wisesnake> That same response is used by Donors to help channels in their work.

* Alea thinks Snake is simplifying that

* wisesnake glances at Alea

* Alea smiles innocently

<JonDrake> No one was in need...[thinking]...would augmenting do it too?

<wisesnake> As I said, yes, anything that causes Simes to increase their use of selyn, or feel need for it.

<wisesnake> Like I say, nobody is trying to force you into a decision.

<JonDrake> Some of the pilings on the dock collapsed. Some people almost got crushed, but a bunch of Simes ran out and stopped them.

<JonDrake> Nobody got hurt, though.

<wisesnake> That's good.

<JonDrake> [thinking] Yeah, no body, just my body...

* wisesnake laughs again

<wisesnake> JonDrake, think of it as a gift.

<wisesnake> Haven't you ever received a gift you didn't want, but had to keep?

<JonDrake> Like family?

<wisesnake> Other people would envy you for your gift. It's rare, and far more valuable than you can know.

* wisesnake frowns slightly

<wisesnake> Sure, like family, if you are not the family sort

<JonDrake> Ok, why not give me a few minutes to think about it.

<wisesnake> Let me give you some information to look at while you think.

* Alea sees snake is looking much better now that Jon has calmed down

* Linn staggers into the lobby, exhausted, dark circles under bloodshot eyes, and in what the Tecton euphemistically calls a state of "intense courage".

<JonDrake> I need to take a walk...

<JonDrake> ...to think.

* wisesnake goes to a cabinet and retrieves some pamphlets: "Do I have Underdraw?"

* JonDrake looks at the pamphlet with curiosity...

<wisesnake> "What makes a Donor different from a donor?"

<wisesnake> "Working for the Tecton"

<wisesnake> "Selyn production and my body"

<wisesnake> Here you go, JonDrake.

<wisesnake> Remember, we are open the clock around, so don't hesitate to come here if you require any assistance or want to ask any questions.

* Linn looks around the empty lobby, looking for whoever is supposed to be behind the reception desk.

* Alea goes to door and opens it

<JonDrake> Thanks. I'll be back in a bit. I have a lot to think about...

* wisesnake and Alea show JonDrake out into the Lobby

<wisesnake> Good bye, and thank you.

* Alea looks up to see Linn there, looking awful

* JonDrake heads out through the front door with his bundle...

<Alea> Linn?

<JonDrake> Thanks...

* wisesnake closes the door behind JonDrake

<wisesnake> whew!

* wisesnake looks ragged

<Linn> Hello.

* wisesnake notices Linn

<Alea> I'm so glad you came back

* wisesnake is astonished

* Alea smiles at Snake smugly

<wisesnake> I - I have to confess, I thought I'd never see you again.

* Alea promises promises thinks it

* Alea thinks--told you you could trust her

* wisesnake zlins Linn

<Alea> maybe you ought to sit down here...motions toward sofa

<Linn> I did give my word--and I was able to confirm some of your information.

<wisesnake> Oh?

<Linn> I admit I had my doubts when you told me what was going on...

* Alea triumphant that she DOES care and DID come into Sime Territory

* wisesnake nods, thinking she still can't believe it

<Linn> Yes. It's never pleasant to learn that a situation is so much worse than you imagined.

* wisesnake says, "Shall we go to the conference room again, and talk about it some more?"

<Alea> I am so sorry to hear that

<Alea> Yea, too bad Alice couldn't come back with you

* wisesnake grimaces and manages to keep from shooting Alea a look

* Linn 's nager contracts into grief.

<Linn> Alice can't go anywhere.

* wisesnake looks alarmed

<Alea> what do you mean?

<wisesnake> What's happened?

* Alea alarmed

* Alea reaches out and touches Linn's arm in comfort

<Linn> Yesterday afternoon, the two of us went to a conference over at the high school, to report on how the new Sime Center unit was going.

* wisesnake frets, imagination running wild

<Linn> Just as we were about to enter the building, a berserker jumped out of the bushes and attacked Alice.

* Alea saddened over loss

* wisesnake watches Linn

<Linn> Superintendent Dutton was very quick with his gun, and managed to get the Sime before Alice was quite dead, but she's in very bad shape.

* wisesnake looks surprised

<wisesnake> She's still alive?

<Alea> where is she?

<Linn> The doctors did what they could, but they don't have much hope for her. They'll be sending her home tomorrow, to live or die as she can.

<Linn> Even if she lives, she'll never be able to teach again.

<wisesnake> But she requires treatment that only a channel could provide. [worried]

* Alea cringes at the barbaric treatment doctors are giving her

<wisesnake> Is there any way you could convince them to send her where she can get proper treatment?

<Linn> I don't think she'd be interested in having a channel "treat" her. Not after what she's gone through.

<Alea> I'd think if it was the difference between life and death.....

* wisesnake 's expression is dark and pained, but she looks away and says nothing

* wisesnake mutters something to herself about a waste of a life

<wisesnake> Look,

<wisesnake> Let's get out of the hallway here.

* wisesnake shows Linn to a transfer room

* Alea follows

* Linn follows Snake into the transfer room, then stops short at the sight of the "tentacle chair"

* wisesnake sighs and leads Linn onward till they come to the conference room they used before

<wisesnake> Is this better?

* Alea moves up by them

<Linn> Linn gratefully sits on a non-tentacle chair.

* Alea walks over and checks out medications in small cabinet

* wisesnake sits down across from Linn

<wisesnake> Did you come back here to donate, or for another reason?

* Alea glances over her shoulder to hear answer

<Linn> I came here because we made a deal, and there are too many kids who will suffer if I don't go through with it.

* wisesnake narrows her eyes

* wisesnake looks exhausted and in pain

<wisesnake> So would you like to talk about the donating process? Do you have questions you would like answered, about it?

* Alea walks back over to Snake and stands by her to support her

* wisesnake rests on Alea's familiar and non-threatening field

* Linn wasn't able to force herself to read past the second mention of tentacles in the pamphlet Alea gave her.

<wisesnake> Or would you prefer to talk about the children some more, first.

<Linn> I am particularly concerned about Mirk, now that he's lost his sister.

<wisesnake> Alice was Mirk's sister?

<wisesnake> [surprised]

* Linn looks at snake blankly.

* Alea pulls out a seat next to Snake

<Alea> I think, hajene, she is talking about the berserker

<Linn> No. His sister was the berserker.

<Linn> I had Tarra in my history class last year, before I moved over to the elementary school.

<wisesnake> ah.

<wisesnake> Go on.

<wisesnake> You are concerned about Mirk.

<Linn> She was one of the quiet ones, but every once in a while, she'd forget to be shy, and she'd bloom like the desert after a rainstorm.

* wisesnake listens

<Linn> Yes. You said he wasn't one of the wild ones, but little boys tend to act out when they're feeling sad. And his parents may be too busy grieving to notice.

* wisesnake listens

<Linn> I want to be able to find out if he starts hanging out with the problem kids.

<wisesnake> Hmm.

<Linn> And I want to know if and when I manage to convince some of the kids to stop hanging out by the docks.

* Alea shifts uncomfortably wondering where Veraik is

<wisesnake> As I said, I can continue to report everything I know, for as long as you keep coming to me.

<wisesnake> For as long as you are a teacher.

* Linn nods reluctant, if sincere, agreement.

<wisesnake> Is there anything else, or should I explain to you the process of making a donation. [gently]

* Linn 's stomach clenches with fear.

<Linn> No, nothing else.

* wisesnake rises to her feet

<wisesnake> Let us go to the transfer room.

* Linn gets up and staggers after Snake, weak-kneed.

* Alea alea pushes herself up and follows

* wisesnake leads Linn to a transfer room

* Alea stays close to the two

* wisesnake closes the door behind them

<wisesnake> Would you like to have a seat, please?

* Alea walks over by the chair

* Linn feels trapped, but manages to make it to the "tentacle chair" before her knees give out.

* wisesnake eases over carefully to the other half of the "chair"

<wisesnake> Now Linn, I understand you have a lot of apprehensions about donating,

* Alea positions herself at Snake's elbow

<wisesnake> So I'll try to make this as easy as possible for you.

* Linn nods, doubting that anything can make it easy for her.

* wisesnake holds out her hands

<wisesnake> If you want to make a donation, please offer me your hands.

* Linn stares at Snake's hands, her heart putting in as much overtime as a winery worker during crush.

* wisesnake studies Linn

* wisesnake decides Linn is too scared for the slow version of the procedure

* Alea wonders what is taking so long

* wisesnake withdraws her hands.

<wisesnake> pauses briefly then reaches forward firmly and takes Linn's arms, pulls her into a transfer position, and takes the donation

* Linn 's nager shatters with terror, and she struggles against Snake's hold.

* wisesnake grimly clings to Linn and finishes the donation out

* Alea holds steady waiting for any signal

* wisesnake releases Linn when it is done

* Alea can't believe what she did but doesn't say anything

* Linn shrinks away from Snake, wide-eyed.

* Alea is vibrating with disapproval

* wisesnake looks beat

<wisesnake> That was even worse than I thought it would be.

* Linn agrees wholeheartedly.

<Alea> You survived, Linn. Nothing to fear again

* wisesnake twitches at Alea's choice of words

<Linn> Except for next time.

<wisesnake> Linn, what made it so awful was your own fear.

<Alea> no, this is the worst...it gets easier each time

<wisesnake> I can guarantee you it didn't hurt, because I would have felt it too.

* Linn looks down at her arms, which have bruises from where Snake held them so tightly while she was struggling.

<wisesnake> The reason I did it so quickly is because you were just making yourself more and more scared.

* wisesnake follows her gaze down to the arms

<wisesnake> Do you see how hard you struggled?

<wisesnake> Your fear did that.

* Linn nods.

<wisesnake> If you had remained still, it would not have happened.

<wisesnake> You watched the transfer with Keli during the student tour... what I did with you was nothing more or less than what I did with her.

* Linn is skeptical.

<wisesnake> Look,

<wisesnake> Fear is the enemy, especially for Gens.

* Alea nods

<wisesnake> Did you know, that if Alice hadn't been afraid, she would be in a lot better condition after that attack?

<wisesnake> It's even possible that if she hadn't been afraid, she wouldn't have been attacked at all.

<Linn> Who could NOT be afraid, attacked like that? [Linn shudders at the memory]

<Alea> Linn, look at me

* wisesnake waits

<Alea> I am no different than you. I'm Gen

<Alea> But I work with these people, eat with them, sleep with them...I'm with them day and night...I ahve been for years. Now how did I survive it?

* Linn looks at Alea

<Alea> Why aren't I dead?

<Alea> It's as Snake says...fear. I have no fear of these people.

* Linn shakes her head in disblief.

* wisesnake 's eyes narrow

<wisesnake> You don't beleive that fear is the killer, or you don't believe Alea isn't afraid?

* Alea lays her hand on top of Snakes

* wisesnake relaxes a notch

<Linn> How can she not be?

* wisesnake looks at Alea, making sure they are talking about the same person

<Alea> WHY would I be?

<Alea> I've lived with them for years.

<wisesnake> She just knows better.

<Alea> Look at our arms...touching each other

<Alea> Does this look like fear?

* Linn thinks it looks far more like certifiable insanity.

* Alea shrugs, removes her hand from Snake's arm and looks away

<wisesnake> Alea is not afraid because she knows that I, as a channel, would never, COULD never, hurt her.

* Alea nods

<wisesnake> I was trained, hell, _bred_, to be safe as safe around Gens.

<wisesnake> And she knows that if she has no fear at all, no Sime in the world could harm her.

* Alea remembering bar last night and thinks not ONE but maybe TWENTY hyperconscious Simes

* Alea tries not to shudder at memory

* wisesnake shakes her head

<wisesnake> Linn, can you not believe the evidence of your own senses?

<wisesnake> You felt no pain, during your donation, that you did not cause yourself.

<wisesnake> And you see Alea sitting fearless right before you.

* wisesnake considers Alea, an idea forming

<Linn> She said she was trained for it.

* Alea knows that look on Snake's face

<wisesnake> Alea, what would you do if a Sime rushed up to you and grabbed you? Not in a Sime Center, not in a clinical setting but just right on the street?

<wisesnake> Would you panic? Would you let yourself be killed?

* Alea laughs

<Alea> Do I look crazy?

<wisesnake> What would you do?

* Alea looks at Linn

<Alea> I don't know if I should.....

* wisesnake grimaces

<wisesnake> You'd give them selyn, right?

* Linn is listening eagerly.

* Alea relief

<Alea> Yes, hajene

<Alea> It would only be seconds

<Alea> Most of the Simes would hardly take any of my selyn

* Alea thinking she would have shenned them instead of get out of synch with her Channel but doesn't say that

<wisesnake> Well. You're a trained Donor, it's true.

<wisesnake> If the average Sime ran up to you on the street, you wouldn't be in much danger anyway.

<Alea> exactly

<wisesnake> But I am attempting to demonstrate something to Linn, here.

<wisesnake> Let's say you were attacked by a Sime who was fully capable of killing you.

* Alea nods simply

<wisesnake> Would you be afraid?

<wisesnake> Would you panic?

<Alea> of course not

<wisesnake> Because that would be suicidal, wouldn't it?

<Alea> You see, really, the SIMES should be afraid of the Gen...there is no reason for the Gen to fear.

<wisesnake> uh...

<Alea> And for a Gen to fear IS suicidal

<Linn> Alice would disagree with you.

<wisesnake> Alice did fear, and now she is nearly dead.

<Alea> Alice feared the Sime

<wisesnake> If Alice had felt no fear at all, she would not have been as badly injured in the attack.

<Linn> With good reason. If you'd see the expression on the girl's face...[shudders]

* wisesnake is becoming just a touch exasperated

<wisesnake> The expression on that poor girl's face is because she was desperate to survive.

<wisesnake> She needed selyn that she couldn't get anywhere else because she was allowed to change over in a place where there are no channels to supply it.

<wisesnake> Alice's fear was like a beacon bringing the berserker toward the only source of life she could see.

<wisesnake> The berserker couldn't even see alice.

<wisesnake> Only the fear.

* Linn shudders again, thinking that it could just as easily have been her.

<wisesnake> And do you know what injured Alice? It wasn't a berserker. It wasn't the fact that selyn was taken from her.

<Alea> I think the only way Linn is going to learn is by experience, hajene

<Alea> by coming here to donate over and over and seeing this in action

* wisesnake studies Linn with pained eyes

<wisesnake> I don't think we'll ever see her again.

* Linn is not looking forward to the experience.

<wisesnake> She doesn't believe, she doesn't want to believe.

<wisesnake> There isn't any demonstration we could arrange that she would accept, because she believes her fears instead of her own senses.

* wisesnake looks at Alea

<wisesnake> Alea?

<Alea> yes, hajene

* wisesnake gestures at the medical cabinet accross the room

<wisesnake> Would you get me that cup on top of the cabinet there?

* Alea goes over and gets medicine and brings it back

* Alea hands snake cup, still holding Fosebine

* wisesnake takes cup

<wisesnake> Could you also get that folder over there?

* wisesnake puts cup on counter

* Alea goes back to put up fosebine and get the folder

* wisesnake suddenly is transformed into a raging berserker and leaps across the room at Alea

* Alea alea turns, startled and thrusts her hands out in supplication

* Alea it is NOT fear, but acceptance

* Linn shrieks with alarm

* wisesnake grabs Alea, holds her for a few moments, then slowly lets her go

* Alea glances over at Linn in concern

<Alea> I TOLD you I don't fear them

<Alea> Why did you scream?

* Linn wilts back on the "tentacle chair" as she see Alea is unharmed.

<Alea> she wouldn't hurt me

* wisesnake shrugs

<wisesnake> More to the point, because she wasn't afraid, I _couldn't_ have hurt her.

* Alea nods

* Linn 's nager dissolves into confusion.

* wisesnake goes back over and sits down again, watching Linn with concern

* Alea goes and takes Linn's hand

<Alea> Look at my arms, look at me. I'm fine

<wisesnake> Do you realize, that if all high school teachers had at least some of the training Alea has, that the horrible things you've seen might never have happened?

* Linn is so emotionally exhausted by now that she isn't even able to panic at Snake's closeness.

* wisesnake shakes her head

<wisesnake> I think Linn has had enough.

* Alea helps Linn stand

* Linn thought that half an hour ago...

* wisesnake gets up, goes to cabinet and retrieves a set of adult donation literature

<Alea> why con't you come over and lie down...unless you're ready to go?

<Linn> I really should get home. I've got a huge stack of papers to grade...

<Alea> of course

* Alea goes to the door

* wisesnake approaches Linn and offers her the literature

<wisesnake> These are for adults. They address a lot of the concerns a person from Gen Territory might have about donating.

* Linn takes the offered pamphlets timidly.

<wisesnake> Maybe that stuff for kids just wasn't enough to fully prepare you.

* wisesnake hangs back to let Alea take charge of getting Linn set up with paperwork and all

* Linn doubts that anything could have prepared her for Snake's attack of her.

* Alea escorts her to the front door

* wisesnake follows at a distance

* Linn is very glad to leave.

<Alea> Be sure to come back soon.

* wisesnake grimaces

* Alea goes to her office and collapses behind the desk

* Alea pulls a piece of paper out of her desk and picks up a pen

<Alea> From one who has seen and will see....

<Alea> [mutter mutter mutter]

* Alea finishes up letter and seals it...sighing...feeling exhausted and more than ready for transfer

* wisesnake goes to Tarsh's desk and fills out paperwork for Linn's transfer, makes a folder for her, and carries the folder to her office

* wisesnake puts Linn's folder in the new empty file cabinet

* Alea calls to a friend and the letter is on its way

* wisesnake unscrews the paperweight and walks to the window with it

* Alea stares out tiny window in her office, a pensive frown on her face

* wisesnake holds the paperweight open so the Zeor ring falls out and lands behind a bush

* wisesnake screws it back shut and puts it back on the desk

* Alea weary, thinking of Tarsh's demands today...

* Alea wondering where veraik is

* Alea feels like she's drowning

<Alea> Four days

<Alea> four more days until transfer

* MrsT barges into the lobby

* Alea hears a noise

<Alea> goes to the lobby

* MrsT looks high and low for any sign of habitation

<MrsT> Oh!

<Alea> That door sure does carry sound

* Alea eyes narrow

<Alea> MrsT

<Alea> What are you doing here?

<MrsT> Oh, darling, I have the most terrible difficulty!

<Alea> yes?

* Alea wary

<MrsT> I was hoping you kind people could solve it for me!

* Alea remembers just WHAT she did to Veraik last time she was here

<Alea> and what is that?

<MrsT> Well you see, I went in to see about getting a donation appointment at our local Sime Center and they refused!

* Alea tries to keep relief off her face

<Alea> is that so?

<MrsT> Yes! And they told me the order had come from THIS office!

* Alea sighs. She dies NOT want this now.

<MrsT> And I thought, "oh dear, there must be some kind of mixup"

<Alea> That's right.

<Alea> No, there was no mixup

* MrT hurries into the lobby, two minutes behind his wife as usual.

<MrsT> So I thought I'd make the trip to come down here and find out what the problem was?

<Alea> I'm afarid you've been barred from donating

<MrsT> What?!!

<MrsT> But I don't understand!

<Alea> Barred.

<MrT> That can't be true!

<Alea> What about Barred do you not understand

<Alea> Barred means not allowed, refused, locked out

<MrT> You have no right to do that to my wife!

<MrsT> Well what I don't understand is when there are all these advertisements for people to donate, how they can refuse someone who's interested!

<MrsT> Very interested!!

<Alea> The order is for both of you Mr.T

<Alea> not just your wife

* Alea wants to rub her head...instead, rubs at her arms

<Veriak> What you are doing here? You are not to come to this Center.

<Alea> We accept donations...

<Veriak> I do. She is untrained and has a nager to kill our renSimes.

<MrsT> We demand to know why we are being refused the right to donate?

<MrsT> But we have our rights!

* Alea moves over to Veraik's side

<Alea> I hear the Distect is always interested

* Alea said archly

* Veriak zlins Alea and relaxes.

<MrsT> The - wha?

<MrsT> Honey, you tell them!

<Veriak> You are in Sime Teritory. If you do not leave, I will have you arrested.

<MrT> Young man, I don't think history will view your actions with approval.

* Alea thinking people who cater to perverted nuts like you

<MrT> In fact, if you do not immediately rescind that rediculous order, I will complain to the police.

* Alea thinking of Tormer and groaning silently

<MrsT> Yes!! In fact our nephew is the Police Chief's daughter's fiancee, so you'd better not mess with us!

<Alea> I'd suggeset you go complain then

<Veriak> And I might tell you that there is an agreement between the Sime and Gen governments which state that if a Gen is deemed dangerous to the Sime community that Gen could be arrested on either side of the border.

* MrsT stares at Veraik in astonishment

<MrsT> Are you threatening us?

* Veriak grabs Mrs T arm and forcibly shoves her out the door.

<Veriak> Yes and don't come back!

<MrsT> Unhand me, you slithering snake!

<MrT> Stop that at once!

* MrsT 's nager crackles outrage

* Alea goes to MrT and gives him a gentle nudge from behind--innocently not realizing he is standing right on the edge of the steps

* MrT grabs Veraik's shoulder and tries to pull him off of Mrs T

<Veriak> And you won't find another SimeCenter who will take you so don't try it. I've red-tagged you. No Center will touch you now.

* MrsT sees Mr.T start to teeter forward and her nager lets out a shreik of concern

<Alea> go down this street a few blocks...you'll find the police station easliy

<MrsT> You'll pay for this you squirming worm!

* MrT stumbles and falls down the stairs, spraining his right ankle.

* Alea figures

<MrsT> Look what you've done!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* MrsT flies to her husband

* Alea it just doesn't pay to get up some mornings

<MrsT> Oh darling.. Oh, darling!!

<MrsT> Oh no!

* MrsT kneels by her husband

<Alea> Well we could heal it for you [evil look in her eyes]

<MrT> I'm all right, my dear.

<MrsT> Oh dear, can you get up? Oh dear

* Alea rubs hands together gleefully

* MrsT gets a fierce look in her eyes

* MrT tries to get up, but finds he is unable to put any weight on the ankle.

* Veriak goes to Mr. T. Let me look. [looks grouchy]

<MrsT> I'm going to march right down to the police station right now and file a complaint!

<MrsT> Honey, you wait right here!

<Alea> Good!

<MrT> Get your slimey hands off of me!

<Alea> please do

* MrsT marches down the street indignantly

<Veriak> Do it please.

* Alea thinking just go away

* MrsT 's nager is trailing crackles and bits of lightning

* MrT 's nager is broadcasting pain.

* Alea looks wearily at Veraik

* Alea walks over to stand by him

<Veriak> [cringes] Now Mr. T. Let me look at your ankle. I have to place my tentacles around it. Is that all right?

* MrT glares at Veraik

<MrT> No, it is NOT all right.

<Alea> that's what you're here for isn't it? To have a Sime get his tentacles on you?

<Alea> If I were you, I'd make up my mind.

<Veriak> It's up to you whether you want your ankle healed or not?

<Alea> make up YOUR mind

<MrT> Young lady, my wife and I came here to object to your ridiculous decree.

* Veriak signals Alea to get closer to him.

<Alea> oh well

* Alea does

<MrT> I have a perfectly competent doctor of my own.

<Veriak> Fine but your doctor isn't here. I am.

* MrT sniffs.

<MrT> And what could you do that he couldn't?

<Veriak> So what will it be?

<Veriak> You decision.

<Alea> you'll get quicker service here

<Alea> and, it won't cost you

<Veriak> And the ankle will heal faster.

* Veriak projects need to stimulate healing.

* Alea field surges at Veraik's need

* MrT glares at Veraik, tries to get to his feet again with the help of the porch railing, and collapses back to sit on the steps.

* MrT is starting to look shocky.

* Veriak catches Mr.T and helps him to sit back down.

* MrT flinches away from Veraik's tentacles.

* Veriak holds on.

<Veriak> [And when he is sure Mr. T is safe then lets go.]

* MrT leans back against the railing.

<MrT> I think it may be broken.

<Veriak> Now Mr. T, why don't you let me zlin your ankle.

* Alea looks dotty

<Veriak> I have to place my tentacles around the ankle and then you will know whether it is broken or not.

<Alea> you know, Veraik...I'm not feeling very good

* Alea wipes at forehead

* Veriak continue to project need for Mr. T's. healing.

<Alea> I might be coming down with some horrible disease

* Alea looks right at Mr. T

<Alea> you know, that one that kills Gens

<Alea> in twenty-four hours

* Alea sways slightly and looks at Mr. T again--places her hand on his shoulder to regain her balance

<Alea> yeah, I'm feeling really bad

* MrT sniffs in contempt at the obvious ploy.

<Veriak> Oh really, Alea. well I guess we'd just better help Mr. T some more.

* Alea is obviously pale

<MrT> Young lady, it's a good think you didn't choose a career on the stage. Your acting is pitiful.

* Alea ~~~underdraw~~~

* Alea turning to Veraik seriously

<Alea> I have to go lie down

* Veriak augments to Alea and catches her just in time.

<Alea> I really am feeling bad. Can you handle...waves...him

<Alea> thank you, hajene

<Veriak> It's underdraw. [ignores Gen]

<Alea> I'll be fine if you just let me go lie down in my office...

<Alea> you know, the airless one you gave me...with the teeny tiny window

<Veriak> Here...let me.... [wraps tentacles and takes the fifth contact point]

* Alea blinks

* Alea allows Veraik to work

* Veriak becomes Gen neutral for Alea.

* MrT watches this public display of tentacles with disgust.

* Alea smiles in great relief

* Veriak picks up Alea and takes her to bed quarters.

* Veriak opens door to room and gently places her on the bed.

<Alea> thank you, hajene

* Tormer storms up to the Sime Center.

* Veriak helps Alea into her bed clothes and tucks her into bed.

* MrT [with relief]

<Tormer> What is going on here?

* Alea wary at Veraik

<MrT> Officer Thank Goodness you're here!

<Alea> thank you, hajene

<MrT> These people assaulted my wife and I and refuse to take my wife's donation!

* Veriak looks at Alea and wishes then kisses her on the forehead.

<Veriak> Good Night Alea.

* Alea looks in surprise wondering how his transfer is going to be if he is like this in NEED

<Veriak> You'll be better in the morning.

<Alea> good night, hajene

<Tormer> Your wife told me something of the sort, but she was so upset that I wasn't sure I had the story straight.

<Tormer> She said they'd injured you?

<MrT> Pushed me right down the stairs!

* Veriak gently closes the door and goes back to his problem.

<Tormer> What!! Which one?

<MrT> It was that woman... that really short Gen woman with the bun and the nice curves.

<Tormer> Oh, her.

<Tormer> Do you wish to press charges?

<MrT> Of course we do!

<MrT> What about refusing to take our donations?

* Veriak zlins the ambient and almost turns around.

<MrT> There must be some sort of a law against that!

<Tormer> Well, I'll have to look into that. You may have to try a civil suit.

* MrT struggles to his feet

* MrT 's ankle sends hideous pain shooting all through the ambient

* Veriak cringes and back off.

<Tormer> I can recommend a good lawyer...

* Tormer helps MrT to stand.

* Veriak adjusts his field gradient and finally goes outside.

<MrT> I think I'll need one. Where is my wife now?

<Veriak> I THOUGHT....[looks at Tormer] I told you never to come back here.

* Tormer ignores Veraik.

<Tormer> She is at the station, filling out a complaint so we can take action.

* Veriak bristles in need-filled anger.

<Tormer> If you would be willing to file one also, we can pursue your case against the--short Gen with the bun and nice curves.

<MrT> That would be excellent.

<MrT> I am more than willing to file.

<Veriak> Take Mr. T and leave this Center. You have NO jurisdiction here.

<MrT> These people have been nothing but uncooperative with us.

<Tormer> So I see. Let me assist you to walk.

* Tormer puts MrT's arm over his shoulder.

* MrT 's ankle spasms with a white-hot pain

* MrT grits his teeth

* Tormer , being Gen, is not disturbed by Mr.T's pain, and encourages him to put at least a little weight on the ankle to facilitate their journey.

* MrT gathers his macho and does his best to walk normally using Tormer's support

* Alea hears a noise and comes down the stairs

* Alea goes outside

<Alea> what is going on here?

<Alea> Mr.T Didn't you let Veraik heal that ankle

<Veriak> [needs creates a Veraik who is in hyper, zlinning and infuritated] Tormer...you will regret going against the Tecton.

* Alea looks at Veraik and then back out

<Alea> Tormer

<Alea> figures

<Alea> keeps turning up

* MrT 's breath hisses out at a particularly painful step

<Alea> So where is Mrs. T? [to Veraik] She just send the watch dog out here?

<Veriak> Alea! [tones down need] You shouldn't be here.

* Tormer sniffs in contempt at Veraik's obvious ignorance of life in Bender Cove. That scruffy little channel Snake is much more in tune with local realities.

<Alea> the racket was enough to wake the dead

<Veriak> [points Tentacle] You are not to come back here.

<Alea> So, waht are their plans THIS time?

* Veriak is steaming mad.

* Alea wearily walks out toward Mr. T

* Tormer continues to steer MrT towards the street.

<Alea> MrT?

* Veriak augments to grab Alea. Runs inside with her, locks the door, and goes to the nearest phone.

<Alea> why did you do that?

<Veriak> With two free tentacles, he dials the Tecton police,

<Alea> you know, Veraik, it might help to be polite to the police here.

<Alea> It'd make it a lot easier on us all

<Veriak> I have three Gens who have been red tagged and are trying to get back on campus. Come get them.

<Alea> And what would it have hurt for me to suggest Mr & Mrs. T go through channels?

<Alea> Perhaps there is someone, somehwere that might be willing to train them

<Alea> It would save a lot of headaches in the long run and get them to stop pestering us

<Veriak> [need makes Veraik really unstable this month] No more. Those three will come here no more.

* Alea soothing nager

<Alea> Just calm down..it's need talking

* Tormer and MrT proceed to the police station, where the desk sergent relays Veraik's complaint while Mr.T files charges.

<Veriak> When the Tecton officers get here, they will all be taken and tested. If they are capable, they will be trained but this Center will not have to deal with it.

<Alea> okay Veraik...just GO into your office...give me a minute and then I'll be in there. You need your transfer now.

* Veriak objects.

<Alea> go on

* Alea projects soothing nager

* Alea promising nager

<Alea> I'll be right there

<Veriak> **I** **AM** **FINE!!!!!!**

* Alea cringes back from shout

<Alea> well, if you are fine? then why are you shouting

* Veriak suddenly zlins enticing nager.

* Alea softly

* Veriak goes hyper.

<Alea> think how wonderful it'll be after...

<Alea> go on

* Tormer takes Veraik's complaint from the desk sergent, goes into his office, tears it into small pieces, and tosses it into the circular file.

<Alea> in your office

* Alea soothing

* Veriak zlins and nods.

* Veriak goes to office.

* Alea goes over to desk while Veraik goes to Office...

<Alea> please call Keli and have her report here. She's Veraik's post assignment

* Veriak prepares office. Places tea and medicine out.

* Alea pushes hair back into her twist, fixing it

* Veriak shuffles around the medicine alcove then pats pocket in looks for his assignment card.

* Veriak pulls out letter instead.

* Veriak opens letter.

* Alea wearily straightens rumpled dress...

* Alea is however, glad to go ahead with the transfer early. Will be better on her

* Veriak reads the letter.

* Alea keli arrives

<letter> "Dearest Veraik,"

<letter> "How I have longed for the moments"

<letter> "When your sweet touch"

<letter> "Shall divest me of my"

<letter> "Enflam'd Heat"

<letter> "And your gentle Mastery"

<letter> "shall protect and uplift me"

<letter> "from all the petty sorrows of our"

<letter> "unhapp'ly Painted world"

<letter> "How I long, yes"

<letter> "for the giddy Swoon"

<letter> "that hath oertaken me"

<letter> "at the Threshold of your"

<letter> "Bliss"

<letter> [in flowery letters underneath]

<letter> "Take me, for I cannot live another moment not your Slave"

<letter> Signed, Alea Farris

* Alea alea feels suddenly faint

* Alea thinks about...going to her room

* Alea but knows, she must finish this assignment first

* Veriak just looks at the letter.

* Alea goes to Veraik's door

<Alea> wait here Keli

<Veriak> "Alea" he whispers.

<Alea> He'll be with you in just a few minutes

* Alea signals at the door

* Veriak opens door.

<Alea> are you ready for transfer, hajene

<Veriak> "Alea" My lovely lovely Alea.

* Alea looks shocked and just a little leery

<Alea> I didn't realize it was that important. So, where do you want to take transfer?

* Alea looks around office...not transfer couch

<Veriak> I...I don't know....[holds out letter]

* Alea nods, takes letter and motions to the couch

<Alea> Have a seat.

* Alea walks toward the couch before finally lifting the letter to read

<Veriak> I.....I feel......even though my need...I feel.

<letter> "Dearest Veraik"

<letter> "How I have longed for the moments when"

<letter> "Your sweet touch shall divest me"

<letter> "Of my enflam'd Heat"

<letter> etc...

* Alea thinks who in the world would write such tripe

* Alea tosses letter aside

<Alea> that's nice

<Alea> now, let's get thise transfer in you so you'll be a bit more stable

* Veriak goes to Alea and rubs tentacle down her arms.

* Alea holds arms out

<Veriak> What! [zlins anger]

<Veriak> What's wrong? Is something wrong?

* Alea projects hungry desire to give

<Alea> please, Veraik

<Alea> You need this, I need this, let's just get it over

* Veriak recoils with strange nager. What's wrong?

<Alea> nothing

<Veriak> There is something wrong.

<Alea> I just...I am drowning...please let me give you this transfer

<Veriak> You zlin differently.

* Alea thinks of Tarsh and thinks I bet I do

* Veriak zlins untruth.

* Alea thinks how nice it will be to go later tonight to visit him

* Alea remembers she promised she'd see him later--dreamily

* Alea recalls herself

<Alea> I really want this...If I must I will call the right to force this

<Alea> you need it too

<Veriak> What's wrong? The letter. The letter was incredible. I didn't realize that you cared so much but now.....you zlin like there is a problem.

<Alea> letter?

* Alea glances at it

<Alea> That I care?

<Alea> what are you talking about?

<Alea> of course I care for you.

<Alea> You are the hajene

<Veriak> That letter. It was wonderful... You care and that is all the matters...[hesitates] isn't it?

* Alea totally confused since she didn't read past first line, thinking it was his way of showing he had another lover

<Alea> yes

<Veriak> The letter...the letter from you. you just read it.

* Alea wary

<Alea> ME?

<Veriak> IT was a wonderful letter.

* Alea shakes head

<Alea> Veraik I didn't write.....

* Alea pauses...remembers all the letters she wrote...could he have gotten one of those...no that wasn't like that

* Veriak wraps tentacles around self and is in knots.

* Alea turns and picks up letter

* Alea sees her handwriting

* Alea sees her signature

* Alea sees the line BEFORE her signatuare

<letter> "Take me, for I cannot live another moment not your Slave"

<letter> Signed, Alea Farris

<Alea> I didn't write this!

<Alea> I DID NOT write this

* Alea shaken

* Alea wonders if Tarsh could be getting her back for her prank....

<Veriak> What! Of course you did. It's your handwritting.

<Alea> well, I KNOW it's my handwriting

<Alea> but I didn't write it

* Veriak zlins truth.

* Alea thinks...and an anger begins to boil

<Alea> oh I am going to get her

<Veriak> Get out. [points with tentacle] just leave.

<Alea> no

<Alea> wait

<Alea> I am your transfer partner

<Alea> we have to take transfer

* Veriak cringes with Alea's anger.

* Alea offers her arms

<Alea> we'll talke about it later

* Veriak refuses.

<Alea> right now...feel my desire

* Alea nager turns seductive

* Alea tempting

* Veriak tightens tentacles around self and sits down.

* Alea runs her hands up Veraik's arms, teasing him...trying to get him to open up to her

* Veriak rocks back and forth. Please leave.....just leave.

<Alea> I can't leave you like this

<Alea> I won't leave you like htis

* Alea kneels in front of Veraik and runs hands up arms, trying to coax tentacles out of sheaths

* Veriak stands and augments out the door.

<Alea> Veraik!

* Alea stands and shoots after him

<Alea> no, wait

* Veriak goes to the Shrine to the One Million.

<Alea> Alea follows him down...locking the door behind her and pocking the key

* Veriak lights a candle and simply stares.

<Alea> please Veraik we have to talk

<Alea> you are being irrational

<Alea> you're in need

<Alea> what are you going to do? let yourself die of attration

<Veriak> Better than knowing that you really don't want me.

* Alea allows her full overflowing field to show her need...knowing she is much more powerful than Veraik and trying to tempt him into taking her

<Alea> you know better

<Alea> I need you

<Alea> need...that's much more imporatnt than anything else

* Alea begins to stalk him

<Veriak> Oh you want me as a Channel, I can feel it.

<Alea> oh yes, Veraik, sooo much...

<Veriak> But you don't want ME.

* Alea projects just how much

<Alea> but you want this....don't you...

<Alea> you're too far into need to be thinking of other things right now

<Alea> come here....

* Alea moves in closer, holding out arms

<Alea> accept this

<Veriak> I...I can't Not right now.

<Veriak> I have to have this time.

<Alea> Veraik...you are the controller here...you took my transfer from me...and now you're taking another transfer from me

<Alea> I can't do it...we've got to have transfer

<Alea> who else is there for you besides another Channel?

* Veriak zlins Alea's wildcatting selyn production.

<Alea> Keli is upstairs waiting for you...please....

<Veriak> Keli????? but I thought you were my post partner. When did that change? Did you exchange with her. [resentment]

* Alea stiffens

<Alea> yes, I did

<Alea> but can't we sort all of this out later...I'm the only other Donor...let's just get this over with

<Alea> I mean...

<Veriak> Oh....[hangs head] I see. Fine.

* Veriak gets up.

<Alea> no

<Alea> You're right

<Alea> let...Snake give you transfer

* Alea turns to leave

<Veriak> No I zlinned your reaction. It's all right.

* Alea carefully goes to the door, refusing to answer...

<Veriak> Let's go to my office.

<Alea> No Veraik

<Alea> If we take transfer now...yours will be sour

<Alea> I won't do that to you

<Veriak> We'll have transfer. I know you need it.

<Veriak> I'll be fine.

<Alea> but you need a good transfer. I'll have someone take down my field

* Alea shudders

* Alea goes out door

<Veriak> Remember...I'm just a lowly...lowly First.

* Alea stomps up steps

* Alea trying to hurry her way up them

* Veriak enters office.

* Alea sees Snake

<Alea> Snake...Veraik *needs* you

* Alea poking head in Snake's office

* Veriak locks door.

* wisesnake is sitting at the desk in her office staring at a seemingly ordinary paperweight

* wisesnake looks up at Alea

<Alea> Snake...

* wisesnake zlins Alea's condition

<Alea> please go see hajene ... he requires transfer from you

<wisesnake> I thought the two of you...

<Alea> no

<wisesnake> What happened?

* Alea shudders

<Alea> nothing

* wisesnake blinks once

<wisesnake> Nothing.

<wisesnake> Okay.

* wisesnake puts down the paperweight and rises from the chair

* Alea resentment at Snake for the letter that messed this up

* wisesnake zlins Alea's resentment and stops

<wisesnake> Look, what's going on here. Did he ask for me?

* Alea trembling

<Alea> please..

<Alea> not exactly

* wisesnake looks concerned

<wisesnake> Alea, what's the matter?

<Alea> Veraik read a letter from someone and thought it was from me...just before transfer

<Alea> we had an argument

<Alea> If I go to him now...it will ruin his transfer

<Alea> he's too upset with me to be able to...

* Alea shudders again

* wisesnake zlins Alea, then sighs

<wisesnake> If you're sure you can't handle it...?

* Alea field surges at the thought of not getting transfer

<Alea> I don't think so

<Alea> shen!

<Alea> do you realize he took you away from me today

<Alea> and now

<Alea> now....

* wisesnake comes closer to Alea

<wisesnake> Alea.

* wisesnake tries to get a grip on Alea's fields

* Alea forces her nager calm so not to hurt Snake

<wisesnake> Alea, it'll be okay.

* Alea wilts at Snake's word

<Alea> I can't mess up another transfer

<wisesnake> Let's go and talk to Veraik. I'm sure he couldn't really want my transfer over yours.

<Alea> I just can't do it

<wisesnake> Well will you wait outside the door, if I go and talk to him?

* Alea nods

* Alea slides down to the floor wrapping her arms around her knees and burying her head

* wisesnake stares at Alea for a moment, then gets down to help her

<wisesnake> Alea, Alea. Pull yourself together.

* wisesnake tries to help Alea's condition with her field

<Alea> I'm fine...really

<wisesnake> Get up now. We have to go to Veraik.

* wisesnake wonders if Veraik is as much of a basket case as Alea right now... could be an interesting evening

* Alea forces herself up

* wisesnake keeps supporting Alea

<wisesnake> Now did you say Veraik is in his office?

<Alea> I"m sorry...I should have said something before now...yes, he's in his office

<wisesnake> Let's just go down the hall, then, take it easy.

* wisesnake guides Alea towards Veraik's office

* Alea trembles at the thought that maybe, just maybe there might be a way to work this out...her selyn production rate increases

<wisesnake> Now, now, take it easy. One thought at a time here.

* wisesnake tries to keep Alea's system stable

* Alea nods

* Alea relaxes

* wisesnake tries the knob on Veraik's office door; locked

* Alea thinking that two years now she has been shorted and finally near channels that almost match her...and she is refused

* wisesnake keeps her attention on Alea, reaches for the signal and uses it

* Alea thinks of losing her chance with Tramila...and then Snake

* Alea shudders

<wisesnake> Come on, buck up. Everything's going to be fine.

<wisesnake> You don't want to try to interest Veraik zlinning all depressed like that, do you?

* Alea smiles nervously at Snake

<Alea> do you really want me to let go and let everyone see how I feel with you standing this close?

* Veriak sighs.

<wisesnake> Veraik! [uses signal again]

<wisesnake> It's Snake. Open the door.

* Veriak goes to door and slowly opens it.

* Alea stiffens

<Veriak> What do you want Snake?

<wisesnake> Alea, now calm down.

* wisesnake zlins Veraik's condition

* Alea obeys Snake

<Veriak> [zlins like a beaten dog]

<wisesnake> Now Veraik, we want to come in and talk about this situation.

<wisesnake> May we come in?

* wisesnake extends her field to try to soothe Veraik as well

* Veriak backs away.

* Veriak goes to desk.

* wisesnake guides Alea into the room and gets her to sit down, then closes the door

* Alea collapses on couch and wraps arms around her, eyeing veraik warily

* wisesnake sits down between them, but not directly enough between them to necessarily block their fields from one another

<wisesnake> Now why don't you two tell me what is going on, so we can straighten this out and you can have your transfer.

* Alea responds to Veraik's field despite her desire nto to

* Veriak zlins then forces it back.

* Alea looks at Snake

<Alea> it's rather personal

* wisesnake smiles grimly

<Alea> let's just say that we disagree on post assignments

<wisesnake> Actually, when it reaches the point of asking someone else to do it for you, it has passed beyond the realm of the personal.

* wisesnake can't believe her ears

<wisesnake> Post assigments?

<Veriak> I don't want to hear this.

<wisesnake> You're letting an argument about sex interfere with a _transfer_?

* Alea helpless at Veriak's attitude

<wisesnake> Look.

<wisesnake> All right,

<Alea> no, I tried to avoid it...

<wisesnake> all right.

<wisesnake> Let's start over.

* Veriak wipes tentacles over face.

<wisesnake> Are you two assigned each other for transfer?

* Alea responds to veraik's need

<Alea> NOW we are

<Alea> or were

<Alea> or something

* wisesnake looks at Veraik

<Veriak> Yes. That was the assignment that Simone delivered.

* wisesnake spreads her hands and tentacles

<wisesnake> Fair enough.

<wisesnake> Who made the assignment?

* Alea burning mad...traitor Tramila who left me here after seducing my nager and getting it to produce even more selyn

* wisesnake turns her eyes back on Alea

* Alea brings nager under control

<wisesnake> Please, Alea. That isn't helping

<Alea> Tramila

<Veriak> But the card said nothing about a change in post partners so when I read a letter which I thought was from Alea, I was full of hope.

<Veriak> and now.....

<wisesnake> Thank you.

* wisesnake looks at Veraik

* Alea face goes up in flame at mention of letter

<Veriak> It wasn't Tramila. It was Simone.

* Alea refuses to argue

<wisesnake> Well neither of them is here right now, so unless you two can outrank them, you will have to live with their choice of transfer partner for you, is that correct?

<Alea> I am more than willing to, hajene

* Veriak looks at Snake.

<Alea> I came down here to do that...even begged him and pleaded with him...he doesn't want it

<Alea> and with the mood he is in now...he'll have a very sour post after

<Alea> I can't do that to him

* wisesnake meets Veraik's eyes; hers are haunted

<Veriak> No....it's OK. Let's just have transfer and be done with it.

<Alea> I won't do that Veraik. You can just as easily take Transfer from Snake

* Veriak nagers closes up.

<Alea> and it'll be better...

* wisesnake looks at Alea sharply

<wisesnake> Alea.

* Alea falls silent

<Veriak> No...you need it Alea.

<wisesnake> You shouldn't have to be told that the Sime is never going to be optomistic before transfer.

<Veriak> I can zlin you burning up with selyn.

<Alea> but I won't have the grief afterwards of knowing that it's my fault you are so screwed up

<wisesnake> It is up to you to supply the...

<wisesnake> Oh, give me a break.

* wisesnake waits to see if they are going to be silent for a bit

<Alea> yes, but you don't WANT it

* wisesnake sighs

* Veriak sighs and goes to Alea.

* Alea realizes she is being irrational

<Alea> why can't you seperate the two, Veraik?

* Veriak picks up an arm and gently trails a tentacle down her arm.

* Alea shudders

<Veriak> Shut up Alea and simply feel for once.

<Alea> please, Veraik...let's

* wisesnake grips her forehead with hands and tentacles and husbands her field to keep her Alea-and-Veraik sized head ache from interfering

<Alea> but...

<Alea> we should talk everything out first

<Alea> what if this one goes bad

<Alea> what if...

* Veriak uses his tentacles to stroke her arms and neck.

<Veriak> ALEA!!!! I SAID to shut up

<Veriak> Now close your eyes and just feel

* Alea is unable to resist Veraik's need he is projecting

* Alea 's eyes drift close and she leans forward into Veraik

* wisesnake watches them

* Veriak continues to stroke her near the transport locations on her body.

<Alea> oh, veraik

<Alea> please please PLEASE make sure this is what you want

* Veriak leads her to a transfer couch.

* Veriak puts a tentacle over her mouth.

* wisesnake creeps to a closer chair, unnoticed by the two

<Veriak> and looks into her eyes bleading to stay silent.

* Veriak strokes tentacles in a soothing circular motions while zlins for the trigger point which will indicated the perfect transfer timing.

* Alea groans, her arms sliding out

<Alea> are you sure....

* Veriak forces all thought from his mind and only lets his need and Alea's shine through.

* Alea responds, pushing her arms forward

* Alea please veraik

* wisesnake closes her eyes but continues to zlin

* Alea allows him to see her desire to give him transfer

* Veriak [barely responds] shut up Alea or do you really want to ruin this transfer.

* Alea trembles

* Veriak takes her into transfer grip.

* Alea forces any thoughts of bad transfer from her mind

* wisesnake 's field extends itself to insinuate effortlessly, flawlessly, encompassing them both in peace

* Veriak goes for the fifth contact point.

* Alea only her need to give now in her mind

<Veriak> Selyn flows

* Alea is so happy and her desire increases

* Alea more

* Veriak draws at his top speed and tries to draw faster than that.

* Alea begins to push selyn

* Alea faster

* wisesnake is deep zlinning, lost in their experience

* Alea and faster

<Veriak> He strips her GN area in a flash then goes straight through for the TN1 level.

* Veriak draws faster and faster.

* Alea eagerly responds

* Veriak responds to her eargerness.

* Alea pushed more selyn, englarging Veraik's capacity

* Alea sighs as Veraik reaches his full potential

* Alea feels like every nerve in her body is tingling and lays there, experiencing a joy long long denied

* Veriak's systems screams into the forced acceptance of selyn.

* Veriak pants with his systems in chaos.

* Veriak breaths, "thank you Naztehr."

* Alea opens her eyes smile

* Veriak turns away. You can go now.

* Alea shock

* wisesnake 's eyes slowly open

<Veriak> I know you want him so just go.

* Veriak cries in despair.

* Alea stands...shaking from his callousness

* Alea torn between helping him and leaving

* Alea reaches out to Veraik

<Veriak> Alea....Tormer....Mr. and Mrs. T....Snake...Tramila...The Center.

* Alea turns and leaves

* Alea runs out the door

<Veriak> Go to him Alea. I know you want to and I know you are post.

* wisesnake approaches Veraik and offers a supportive field

* Tarsh is in the lobby, having made significant inroads on the mess of paper.

<Veriak> I know this is uncomfortable for you Snake. I'll be all right ... Really

* Alea sees Tarsh...embarrassed, hoping he didn't over hear Veraik's bellow

* wisesnake takes Veraik in her arms, trying to sooth his battered system with a comforting nager

<wisesnake> Shhh, Veraik.

* Veriak rest his head on Snake's shoulder and cries more.

* Tarsh is holding about 10 different pieces of paper and looking at 25 different stacks.

* wisesnake lets Veraik feel the pent up emotions of the last couple of weeks

<Alea> Starts through lobby toward room

* Veriak holds on and lets it all out.

* Veriak finally stops. Thank you, Snake.

<Tarsh> Hello Alea.

* wisesnake makes sure Veraik's system has been sorted out

* Alea starts at Tarsh's voice

<Alea> oh...hello Tarsh

* Alea tries to smile

* Veriak wipes tentacle across face.

* Tarsh smiles at Alea. "How did it go?"

* Alea field fluctuates at question

* Veriak appears dejected and completed stuffed with selyn.

* Alea thinking how do you say I am sooo post but I ticked off the controller

<Alea> well, uh, it got done

<Tarsh> Ah. I zlin.

* Alea embarrassed that it's so obvious...to a renSIME

<Tarsh> Is there ... anything I can do?

<Alea> what a loaded question

* Alea actually chuckles

* Tarsh smiles, blushing.

<Veriak> Huh...Snake...Thanks..I'll...I'll....go to my room now and clean up. I have ronaplin all over me.

* wisesnake is starting to feel kind of funny about the whole transfer thing because she doesn't hold any rank at the Sime Center and was monitoring the Controller's transfer

<wisesnake> You'll be all right, then?

* Veriak glances up.. You've never done that, have you?

<Veriak> Monitored that is.

* wisesnake looks nervous

<wisesnake> Did it show?

<Veriak> Not until it was over. You did it just right.

<wisesnake> Actually it's the first channel personal transfer I've ever zlinned that I wasn't participating in.

* Alea smiles at Tarsh's blush

<Veriak> Down to the comforting part. Thank you.

<Alea> well if you're interested

* Alea leans down and whispers in ear

<Veriak> You've been more to me than you will ever know.

* wisesnake considers Veraik's words

* Tarsh looks surprised but pleased.

<Alea> interested?

<wisesnake> Thank you.

<Veriak> Was it difficult for you to monitor?

<Tarsh> Well, I always say, anything to oblige a lady....

* Alea chuckles and nods her head toward her bedroom

<Tarsh> 'interested' is such an inadequate word for this situation.

<wisesnake> I sort of got lost in it.

<wisesnake> I forgot I was even there until you two started arguing again.

* wisesnake embarassed

<Alea> or...[nods head toward office]

<Alea> your choice.

<Veriak> That's quite all right. The next time you will know what to expect and will be able to handle it better.

<wisesnake> I hope so.

* Tarsh notices his tentacles are still full of paper, and tosses them on the desk.

* wisesnake turns to go to door

<Veriak> Well. I think I'll go on. and thanks again.

<wisesnake> Will that be all, Veraik?

<Veriak> yes.

<wisesnake> You're welcome.

* wisesnake leaves Veraik's office

* wisesnake goes to her own office

* Alea reaches out and takes Tarsh's hand

<Alea> come on

* Veriak goes to his quarters.

* wisesnake sits at her desk for a while, thinking

<Tarsh> The former, I think. Easier on the ... anyway.

* wisesnake gets up and goes out into the garden

* Tarsh takes Alea's hand and stands up.

* Alea heads down the hall...and into the room...closing AND LOCKING the door behind them

* wisesnake crawls around for a while and eventually retrieves the ring

* Veriak takes a shower and tries to forgot what Alea is doing.

* wisesnake returns to the office with leaves and twigs in her hair and restores the ring to its hiding place in the paperweight.

Go on to Episode #21: Chain of Psychos

Return to the Index of Episodes