Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #25: Not a Through Street (9/24/97)
* Alea stretches and slides out of bed
* Alea slips out of room and across to her own room to dress
* Alea showers, then dresses before going downstairs
* jirelle walks into the front lobby, carrying a small bag and her papers
* Alea comes down the stairs and sees a young woman
<Alea> hello, may I help you
* Alea thinking it figures she would be the only one here--again
* Alea studies her
* jirelle is a young channel, apparently just finished with training
* jirelle offers her papers to Alea
<jirelle> Hello, I seem to be new here.
* Alea walks to the front desk and leans against it...feeling just a bit nauseous...takes papers
* jirelle seems concerned
<Alea> yes...well..a new channel?
<jirelle> Are you all right?
* jirelle zlins Alea
* Alea looks at the papers..glances up
<Alea> just peachy
<jirelle> ...oh. Okay.
* Alea thinking she is going to get Veraik and Snake for their lies
* jirelle smiles hesitantly
* Alea returns her smile
<Alea> so, you've been assigned here. My name is Alea
<jirelle> I'm jirelle.
* Alea looks at the papers
<Alea> so, you are a level...
* Alea flips through the papers
<Alea> second level channel?
* jirelle is a low 2nd with potential to improve
* jirelle just finished training and this is her first real assignment
<Alea> great great...I bet you're the one Veraik is considering for our new Donor
<jirelle> Oh?
<Alea> yes. We have a new Donor here too...nice young man by the name of Jon
<jirelle> Oh.
<Alea> He's still upstairs asleep
<Alea> would you like a tour of the center
<jirelle> Sure!
* jirelle picks up her bag
<Alea> since our other center burned down this one is only temporary
<Alea> normally we would have two seperated entrances...renSime and donor entrances
<jirelle> Burned down? That's awful.
<Alea> however...[motions to the left] my office and hajene veraiks is there...oh, yes, it was...truly awful
* Alea starts toward stairs
* jirelle follows Alea
<Alea> down the hall there is more offices and then there is the transfer areas off to the right and the emergency areas to the left...
* Alea starts up the stairs
* jirelle follows
<Alea> but let's show you your room first
<jirelle> Thanks!
<jirelle> You know, I have heard so many fascinating things about this Center.
* Alea goes up the stairs and turns left
<Alea> really?
* Alea surprised
<jirelle> Yes. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you.
* Alea shows her to the third door on the left
* jirelle follows
<Alea> most of the higher level Donors and Channels are on the opposite end of the hall...better insulation
* jirelle seems a bit overwhelmed
<jirelle> I - this is fine!
<Alea> unfortunately, you'll have to share a bathroom with the person on the other side...but there are connecting doors that lock
<jirelle> This is the first time in my life I've had a bedroom of my own.
<Alea> glad you like it
<jirelle> Who's in the other room?
<Alea> oh, our new Donor, Jon
<Alea> Tarsh has a room but he rarely uses it...
<Alea> he's the desk clerk
<Alea> his is in this wing too
* jirelle listens attentively, memorizing the names
<Alea> come on, let me show you the back stairs
* jirelle follows
* Alea goes down the hall passing the stairs
<Alea> Snake, one our channels
<Alea> [motions to a room]
<Alea> and veraik
<Alea> Bcal
<Alea> and my room [motions across from Veraik's]
<Alea> and here are the back stairs
* Alea looks down and feels dizzy
* jirelle catches Alea's arm, alarmed
<jirelle> Really, are you all right? Maybe you ought to sit down.
<Alea> oh, I'm fine...just didn't get enough sleep last night
<Alea> come on, let's go on downstairs and eat..
* jirelle follows Alea
* Alea goes down the stairs and to the kitchen
<Alea> there's not a lot of peple here yet...perhaps you'd like me to fix us some breakfast
* jirelle smiles
<jirelle> That sounds good.
<Alea> great!
* Alea goes to the stove and peers at the pan on top
<Alea> does oatmeal sound good?
* Alea reaches up above the sink and finds the oatmeal
* Alea pours it into the pan with water
<jirelle> Yes! That sounds great.
* Alea starts the fire
* jirelle frowns, a bit puzzled by Alea's method, but says nothing.
* Alea starts stirring the oats
* Alea looks at the bubbles
* Alea starts stirring harder as it thickens
<Alea> huh
<Alea> now that's never happened before
* Alea grabs the spoon with both hands and forces it to stir
<Alea> I uh, I think it's done
* jirelle smiles uncertainly
* Alea scoops the lumps into two bowls
* Alea brings them to the table
* Alea geos back and gets butter and milk
<Alea> here we are
* jirelle looks at her oatmeal
* Alea pours milk in both of them hoping it'll make it not so thick
<Alea> cereal is really good for you
* jirelle stirs her cereal trying to integrate the milk
<Alea> it's important to get a good meal every morning
* Alea looks at her cereal and her stomach turns
* Alea tries to stir her cereal but the smell is suddenly very VERY unappetizing to her
* jirelle grips the bowl and tries to stir
* jirelle stops, as Alea's nager utterly kills her appetite
* Alea lays a hand across her stomach as nausea rises at the congealed lumps floating in the milk
<Alea> you, know, I don't feel so good
* jirelle jumps up hastily
<jirelle> Maybe you should go lay down. [snatches bowl across table out of Alea's sight]
* jirelle goes to help Alea
<Alea> yeah, uh [jumps up and heads toward the bathroom...losing her breakfast on the way]
* jirelle steels herself against losing her... well nothing I guess
* jirelle tries to be calm
* Alea moans
<jirelle> That's fine, now let's just keep going right on to the bathroom.. where is it?
* Alea points
* jirelle leads Alea to the bathroom and helps her
<jirelle> Is this your first child?
* Alea rinses her mouth
<Alea> what did you say? [turns in disbelief]
<Alea> I am not pregnant
* jirelle backs off a little
<jirelle> Oh, I... [terribly embarassed] I'm sorry, didn't you KNOW?
<Alea> if one more person tells me I'm pregnant I'm going to scream
* Alea groans
* Alea pushes past Jirelle
<jirelle> I would have thought one of the channels would have tol - where are you going?
* jirelle hurries after Alea
<Alea> let's go get your paperwork from the lobby and I'll show you the transfer rooms
* Alea thinks channels..interfering delusional channels
* jirelle thinks the rumors really are true!!
* Alea strides into the lobby
* Alea goes over to the desk and gathers Jirelle's papers, which she'd left tossed there eariler
<Alea> hajene won't be in today as he had a little accident yesterday
<Alea> however, the rest of the crew should be
* jirelle hurries after Alea
* Alea bends down to the desk drawers, looking for an extra file folder
* Alea pulls drawers out, searching...looks in one drawer and frowns
<Alea> wonder what....
* Alea shrugs, slams it shut and turns to filing cabinet
* jirelle watches, still concerned about Alea
* Alea pulls out a folder and relabels it, dropping Jirelle's papers in it
* Alea smiles at Jirelle
<Alea> now where were we?
* jirelle smiles back nervously
<Alea> oh yes...
<Alea> the transfer rooms, wasn't it?
<jirelle> Yes, I think it was.
* Alea reaches out and touches Jirelle's arm in concern
<Alea> are you okay?
<Alea> you seem a bit nervous
* jirelle smiles and tries to relax
<jirelle> I'm sorry, it must be just because it's my first day
* Alea projects a soothing nager
<jirelle> I don't usually embarass myself by blurting out other people's private business my first day on the job...
* Alea thinks she hasn't even had a chance to deal with this and it was going to reach Tecton headquarters before she did finally decide if she was pregnant or not
<Alea> no problem
<Alea> down this hall here
* jirelle follows Alea
<Alea> these rooms here, all eight of them, are our transfer rooms, the first two are strictly conference rooms
<Alea> I'm sure this is where you'll spend a lot of your time
* jirelle tries to peek inside "the" conference room without appearing to
<Alea> and that is about it...any questions?
* Alea looks oddly at Jirelle
<Alea> what's the matter?
* JonDrake finally arises, showers, shaves, gets dressed, and heads downstairs...
<jirelle> Oh! [embarassed] I'm sorry, I was just wondering if that was... you know, the conference room where the Ghost set the place on fire trying to make tea.
* Alea looks alarmed
<JonDrake> Good day everyone! What's up?
* Alea glances at Jon then Jirelle..
<Alea> this is Jon...Jon, this is Jerelle a new second order Channel
<Alea> I was just giving her the tour
* Alea to Jirelle, unable to let it pass
<Alea> what ghost
* jirelle is a young channel on her first Tecton assignment
* jirelle smiles at Jon
<jirelle> Pleased to meet you.
<jirelle> Oh... everybody knows about the ghost that haunts this place!
* Alea wary...thinking the way her week has been going she shouldn't ask.
* Alea turns to start down the halll.....
* Alea pauses
* jirelle follows Alea
<Alea> what .... ghost?
<JonDrake> Nice to meet you.
<JonDrake> If you'll excuse me. I forgot something upstairs...
* JonDrake hurries back upstairs for a bit.
<jirelle> Well, they say this place is haunted by the ghost of a crazy Donor... it plays pranks on all the people here
* Alea slowly stiffens
<Alea> that's....interesting
* jirelle looks at Alea, round eyed
* Alea betting Snake started that rumor
* jirelle isn't sure she shouldn't be afraid of what she zlins
* Parnul comes in to the lobby, introduces himself to the rensime on duty.
<Alea> let's go back up front..
<Alea> maybe the desk clerk has arrived and will know what to do with you
<Alea> until hajene Veraik shows up that is
<jirelle> All right.
* Alea go back to the lobby
* jirelle wonders if Alea is having denial about the ghost the way she is having denial about being pregnant
* jirelle follows
* Alea enters the lobby and sees the stranger
* Parnul is a short skinny rensime in a business suit.
<Alea> my we help you, sir?
* Alea motions Jirelle up by her
<Parnul> "I got a message that a friend of mine was in changeover here. From out-t."
<Alea> and who might that be?
<Parnul> "I'm not sure. It was just an inquiry from here as to where I was now. They gave it to me instead of answering for privacy reasons."
* Alea looks at Jirelle and shrugs
<Alea> I haven't seen any changeovers come in
<Alea> however...I can check if you'd like...
* JonDrake hurries downstairs. Everything is straightened up now...
* Alea goes to desk, looking of desk clerk's shoulder...
* jirelle smiles at Parnul.. a "sorry I'm just new here" kind of look
<Parnul> This was a few weeks ago, apparantly. Someone who knew me from my hometown."
<Alea> oh
* Alea frowns
* Parnul has and out-t accent, and appears about 18/3.
<Alea> what was your hometown?
<Parnul> Hamish, out-t. We have a SC, thank .... the Tecton.
<Alea> ahhh
<Alea> I think you must be confused, sir...
* Alea getting out files and rifling through them
<Alea> oh wait
<Alea> we do have something here on a GEN from there...a Lowren
* jirelle waits patiently for a while, then starts looking around the lobby and notices how bare the walls are
<Parnul> Lowren? From the track team?
* Alea smiles in relief
<Alea> that must be him
* jirelle says to Alea, "Excuse me, do you mind if I go on a short errand for about a half hour?"
<Parnul> Gen? Why would he be here then?
* Alea pauses
<Alea> not at all, Jirelle...be careful though...this is a really dangerous part of town
* Alea turns back to Parnul
<Alea> we're not at liberty to discuss that, Parnul
<Alea> however, I can tell you he chose to donate to us on a regular basis
<jirelle> Thank you, Alea.
* jirelle leaves the Sime Center
* jirelle sighs at what a beautiful day it is
<Parnul> Lowren? A *Donor*. His Father would never allow _That_. Hard core CotP type.
* Alea looks dumbfounded...realizing all of the clues had been there
* Alea quickly schools her expression
<Alea> as I said, we can't discuss why he is here
<Parnul> I was the only changeover in the SC in three months.
* Alea thinks grimly how true that probably is
* jirelle picks her way back through the narrow streets until she comes to the art fair she had passed by on her way in.
<JonDrake> [The only surviving changeover, more likely] Jon Drake thinks sourly.
* jirelle goes to one of the booths and starts looking at the art, thinking it might be nice to find something for the lobby, as a sort of hello gift for her new employers
<Alea> I believe he is living in town now
* jirelle looks up as the booth proprietor approaches her.
* Parnul sighs. Can you tell me where?
<jirelle> "Yes, thank you, I was wondering if you could show me something that would be appropriate for the Sime Center's lobby."
<Alea> You might try the Shay hotel...I'm sure if he left, he gave them a forwarding address
* jirelle is surprised when the proprietor looks alarmed 1
<Alea> go down this street about eight blocks
<jirelle> "Yes, I work for the Sime Center... is there a problem?"
<Alea> turn left by the Shiltron parlor you'll see there...
<Parnul> Ok. Thank you, Miz ....?
<Alea> go down three more blocks...and you'll find it
<Alea> oh, I'm sorry...I'm Alea...Alea Farris
* Parnul holds out his hand. Pleased to meet you Miz Farris.
* jirelle is even more surprised when the proprietor backs away from her quivering.
* Alea sticks out her hand in response
* Parnul shakes Alea's hand and then jerks away.
<Parnul> "I ... I'm sorry."
* Alea surprised
<Alea> what?
<Parnul> "They told me not to touch Gens, but I forgot."
* Alea smiles
<Alea> why is that?
* Alea wishing she culd zlin
<Parnul> "They said it was .. dangerous. Might make me .. attack."
<Alea> are you nonjunct Parnul?
* Alea thinking she should have known...
<Parnul> [slightly insulted] "Yes!"
* Alea surprised
<Alea> well, then, let me tell you that you're not going to attack me.
<Alea> I wouldn't just go around shaking everyone's hand...but you have nothing to worry about with me
* Alea doesn't think he does with Jon either
<Parnul> "I was told I could never trust myself around gens."
* Alea shakes her head
<Alea> in Center's like this we keep everything under control...no reason to fear
* Alea pauses
<Alea> Did I introduce you to Jon?
* Alea motions to Gen by her
<Alea> he's from Out Territory too
<JonDrake> I don't think you really have a lot to worry about here...
* Parnul holds out his hand to Jon, but then pulls it back. "Sorry. Pleased to meet you."
<Parnul> "Really? Whereabouts? I'm from Hamish."
* Alea smiles and excuses herself
* JonDrake holds out his hand anyway.
* Parnul gingerly takes it and squeezes very gently before letting go.
<JonDrake> I'm from a bit farther south.
* Alea pauses to tell desk clerk to make sure to alert Veraik when he comes in about jirelle
<JonDrake> I was originally from Farfall...
<Parnul> "Oh! One of the ... Aren't people big on bossbaal down that way?"
* Alea goes to her office, slips on some other
shoes...and then goes out the front door to walk
<JonDrake> Yes, last time I was there....
<JonDrake> Where are you staying?
<Parnul> "It's ... different ... here isn't it?"
<JonDrake> Very much so [he says with a bit of satisfaction],
* jirelle returns to the Sime Center looking rather dazed, followed by some Gens carrying artwork in frames
<jirelle> "You'll even hang them for me? Wow... well okay, how about that one there, and that one there..."
* jirelle watches the Gens leave when they are finished
<Parnul> I've managed to get myself established in business, though. Some things don't change.
* jirelle wears a mystified expression on her face
<JonDrake> That's good...
<Parnul> But it hard, when you can't see your family. You're lucky, you can at least visit.
* jirelle looks around and can't find Alea
<JonDrake> What kind of business.
* JonDrake harrumphs.
* jirelle asks the desk clerk if somebody could get her in her room...third door on the left upstairs... when she is required.
<JonDrake> I'm not likely to go back to Farfall anytime soon!
<Parnul> Well, I started out doing translating at first, and then moved into inter-Territory Trade realtions.
<Parnul> [the clerk agrees to]
* Parnul turns to zlin jirelle. "Hello"
* jirelle smiles at Parnul. Hello.
* jirelle is a young channel
<JonDrake> That sounds like a good opportunity.
* jirelle goes upstairs to her room and unpacks her bag: candles, prayerbook, incense
<Parnul> "You work here?"
<JonDrake> Yes, just started. Why don't I get you a cup of tea? I'll be right back...
<Parnul> "yes, That would be nice.
* JonDrake comes back with a pot full of trin tea...
* Alea walks past the shiltron parlor...pauses, looks in and steers clear
* jirelle lights some candles and incense and says her prayers
* jirelle feels spiritually uplifted
<JonDrake> I just started a couple of days ago...
<Parnul> If Lowren is Gen and in-t, I might be able to give him a job...
<Parnul> "What do you do here? If you don't mind my asking."
* Alea absently walks past other shops...gazing dispiritedly in the windows
<JonDrake> Not too much so far.
* jirelle meditates to cleanse her mind of the nervousness engendered by her first hour at the Center, and the strange reaction of all the people selling Art
<JonDrake> I haven't actually started formal training.
<Parnul> "Ah. Well I'm sure you'll do well."
* Alea walks to outskirts of town and cuts into the forest
<JonDrake> Have you found a place to stay here while you look for your friend?
* Alea finds her favorite fishing hole and sits down her back against a tree
<Parnul> "No, I just came in on the last train."
<Parnul> "Could you recommend a place?"
<JonDrake> You want me to help you find some place.
<JonDrake> Sure.
<Parnul> "yes, please."
<JonDrake> Things seem pretty quiet here so far. Let's go.
<JonDrake> How about the Shay Hotel?
<Parnul> "Ok, lead the way."
* JonDrake puts the tea away, and then heads out the door.
<JonDrake> This way!
* JonDrake steps over a bit of rubbish that's collected in the street.
* Parnul follows.
<JonDrake> Watch your step...
* Parnul deftly circles around it.
<JonDrake> Well, you want the short cut or the scenic route?
<Parnul> "Your choice."
* JonDrake leads on...
<JonDrake> [considering they're both one and the same...]
* JonDrake takes Parnul past some of the seedier establishments in town...
<Parnul> "this a big fishing town?"
<JonDrake> Ah, somewhat. It used to.
<JonDrake> A disaster destroyed the dock. Business has been a little light since then.
<JonDrake> I was working on the repairs myself until recently.
<Parnul> "yeah, I can see that it might do that. Has the Mayor applied for disaster relief?"
<JonDrake> Probably, I don't read the papers much.
<Parnul> "You should. Valuable information there, keep up on trade and all."
<JonDrake> I'm still learning the language--I have the spoken language down after these couple of years. I'm still working on written Simelan.
<JonDrake> I can manage about one word in four most the time.
<Parnul> "Oh, I zlin. Sorry."
<JonDrake> Nothing to be sorry about...
<JonDrake> I'm finding the motivation to make up for lost time.
<JonDrake> A little pet project of mine.
<JonDrake> Some of our best donors actually come from this area...
<JonDrake> They may not be the cream of high society, but they donate regularly...
* Parnul looks around "from this neighborhood?"
<Parnul> "I suppose they need the money."
<JonDrake> Yep. Let's say they're "well motivated."
* JonDrake pauses.
<JonDrake> Wait a moment.
<JonDrake> I don't remember this dead end being here yesterday.
* Parnul stops and zlins around.
<Parnul> "new construction?"
<JonDrake> I must have made a wrong turn.
<JonDrake> Let's back track a little.
* Parnul nobly restrains commenting on Gens and directions.
see note 2
<Parnul> [to Jon] Get going."
<ruffian> hey
<JonDrake> Parnul, maybe you shouldn't antagonize them.
<ruffian> I think a little selyn is fair enough exchange
<Parnul> "That doesn't look like a Tecton Uniform to me."
<ruffian> you try getting rid of our Gen there....and well, you'll just have to pay the price
* JonDrake holds up his hands to the sides. I'm sorry, I've only got about a quarter tank...
* jerk saunters up next to Ruffian
<ruffian> yeah, I'm Tecton all right...
<JonDrake> [just what we need, more of them!]
* ruffian waves tentacles
<jerk> Ya want I should start cuttin' off fingers, Boss?
* ruffian smiles in anticipation
<ruffian> yeah, get the Sime...leave the Gen to me
* JonDrake hopes that his increased production is high enough...
* jerk chuckles in anticip 3
* JonDrake tries to remember the stories he's read....
* Parnul augments a dash towards one side of the street, then doubles back to grab Jon and go the other way out.
* ruffian leaps after them
* JonDrake is swept off his feet. Tries to keep up.
* jerk dodges around the other side of the building intending to cut them off at the pass
* ruffian snags Jon by his shirt sleeve
<JonDrake> Parnul... I don't think this is getting us anywhere.
<JonDrake> Argh!
* jerk comes around the other side of the building right in front of them, knife in hand
* JonDrake tries to extricate himself...
<jerk> Now we've got you, pretties!
* jerk advances on Parnul, blade winking
* ruffian falls on Jon, tentacles lashing around his arms...hard
* Parnul tries to knock ruffian's arm away.
* jerk is a bald, scarred up Sime who looks like, well, a real jerk
* jerk snatches Parnul's free arm
* JonDrake is not too successful. He's trying to keep a hold on Parnul.
* Parnul grabs for ruffian's head.
* JonDrake loses his grip.
* ruffian snarls trying to get a fifth contact point
* JonDrake sees that one hand is already lashed. He has one free hand.
* ruffian releases Parnul and turns on him
* Parnul yanks ruffian's head back hard.
* ruffian slips a knife out of his boot
* JonDrake strikes out at his midsection, where the vriamic node should be.
* JonDrake tries to put some umph to it.
* Parnul tries to grab the knife arm. "Run!"
* JonDrake tries to pull his arm free.
* jerk is a wiry devil; very strong and used to augmenting a lot
* ruffian turns on Jon and goes hyperconscious
* jerk leers at Parnul as they struggle; his breath is.. uh...
* ruffian lunges, grabs Jon and pulls him into kill position
* Parnul tries to hit ruffian in the kidneys.
* JonDrake takes a deep breath. [remain calm]
* ruffian uses his tentacles to squeeze Jon's arms
* ruffian tightens his grib, inflicting pain
* JonDrake makes sure his hands are in the right place. He starts to squeeze in return.
* JonDrake looks ruffian in the eyes..
* jerk stabs Parnul in the back
* Parnul keps grabing after ruffian, ignoring jerk behind him.
* ruffian takes a fifth contact point and begins to draw
<JonDrake> See to yourself, Parnul!
<Parnul> ~~PAIN!!~~ Parnul screams.
* ruffian hard and fast...seeking bliss
* jerk jerks the knife out and stabs it in again
* JonDrake lets some of his selyn flow...
* Parnul jerks as he tries to turn to face jerk.
* ruffian forces more out...feeling the resistance and
* JonDrake takes his fingers and digs them into his lateral sheaths...
<ruffian> reveling in it
<ruffian> aaaghh!
* ruffian falls to the ground, convulsing in pain
* jerk shoves Parnul away hard
* JonDrake drops the Sime.
* JonDrake turns to Parnul and Jerk.
* jerk stares at Ruffian's convulsing form, then flees
<JonDrake> You want some of me?
* Parnul stumbles off and crumples.
* JonDrake watches the fleeing jerk for a moment then turns to Parnul...
* JonDrake runs to his form.
* Parnul is twitching.
* JonDrake reaches out for him...
* JonDrake is feeling some burn, but he is responding to Parnul's need.
* JonDrake projects condern.
* JonDrake touches Parnul's wounds. Wishing for all the world that they would stop, stop bleeding.
<Parnul> [blood and selyn flowing out steadily.]
<JonDrake> No! [Jon Drake screams]
* Parnul stirs slightly.
* JonDrake lets the rage flow through him!
<JonDrake> It's not FAIR!
<JonDrake> Just hold together, Parnul!
* Parnul lisps something indecipherable.
* JonDrake tries to see if Parnul is conscious.
* JonDrake tries to lean in to hear him...
<Parnul> [blood flow lessens]
<JonDrake> Come on!
* JonDrake wishes that he were higher field...
<Parnul> [whispers] "Mother ... I ... "
<JonDrake> Parnul?
* Parnul 's eyelids flutter.
<JonDrake> No!
<JonDrake> Don't die Kane! Don't die!
* Parnul 's eyes open but stare blankly.
* Parnul shifts.
* JonDrake wishes he could zlin so he could KNOW how the bleeding is going...
* JonDrake continues holding Parnul, oblivious of any attention he may be getting.
* Parnul 's back stiffens and the blood flow greatly reduces.
* Parnul groans at the effort.
* JonDrake feels his frustrations, his emotions, drive flow through him...
* Parnul 's eyes shift towards Jon.
<JonDrake> It will be ok.
<Parnul> "We ... win?"
* JonDrake lets his fields calm down a little bit... A little gentler flow.
* wisesnake slips in the back door of the Sime Center and up the back stairs
<JonDrake> Yes, Parnul. We won.
* Parnul coughs, producing blood.
* wisesnake slides into her bedroom, being extremely careful not to disturb the ambient within
<Parnul> "... burn ..."
* wisesnake sees B'Cal is still stone asleep
* wisesnake smiles
* JonDrake uses his own shirt to wipe up Parnul's mouth.
* Alea stands, tossing one lat pebble in the water
<JonDrake> Just relax.
<JonDrake> Help me, Parnul...
* Alea sighs turns and heads back into town
<Parnul> " ...kkcan't .."
* JonDrake tries to take Parnul's hands in his own...
* wisesnake thinks, I think I'll just keep doing this until tomorrow morning... with Veraik gone she might never figure out she lost a day.. hehehe
* Alea slowly plods along the streets back to the Sime Center
* wisesnake reaches out with her field and makes sure B'Cal remains quite asleep for some time longer
* JonDrake tries to coax Parnul... Not sure if it will help.
* Parnul hands are cold and limp. Tentacles stir at field.
<JonDrake> Come on!
* wisesnake slips out of the room and closes the door gently
<JonDrake> That's it!
<Parnul> [finger twitch]
* wisesnake goes down the hall toward the front stairs
* Alea goes in the gate at the Sime Center...
* JonDrake runs his fingers along his wrists...
* Alea goes up the stairs and into the building
* wisesnake smells something sweet as she passes the third door from the stairs, and immediately begins sneezing violently
<wisesnake> Oh no! Somebody's burning incense!
<Parnul> [laterals jerk out, twisting blindly]
* JonDrake focuses...
* wisesnake rushes down the stairs and out the door, still sneezing over and over
<JonDrake> Tries to imagine the feelings Alea described....
* Alea sees Snake go past
<Alea> what.....
* wisesnake breathes in the outside air and the sneezing slowly tapers off
* wisesnake wipes tears from her eyes
<wisesnake> Oh, I'm dizzy.
<Parnul> [handling tentacles limp, laterals touch arms]
* wisesnake sags against the railing. "Whew!"
* Alea goes into her office...pauses...goes back to desk, gets files she needs, returns
* Parnul 's eyes go blank.
* JonDrake wishes Snake or SOMEONE would show up. But he's got to try, no do.
<Parnul> [laterals wind weakly onto arms.]
* JonDrake isn't sure if he will make it.
* JonDrake hopes that if they avoid the 5th, he can maintain control.
* Alea realizes she has the wrong file, goes back out and hands it to the desk clerk
* Parnul 's arms pull with all the strength of a two year old.
* Alea waits for the right one...looks up at the walls
<Alea> What in the....
<JonDrake> Maybe THAT'S it!
<Alea> WHO put this art up!
* Alea offended, angry, blasting poor renSime at the desk
* JonDrake tries to imagine what the fields must be like.
* JonDrake imagines a steady flow of energy, like water flowing through a pipe.
<Parnul> [odd sensation, selyn movement, yet not]
* JonDrake realizes Parnul is too weak to do it on his own. I must do it.
* JonDrake has read some stories....inaccurate and romanticized as they must be...
* Alea is informed Jirelle had the new art put up
<Alea> By whose ORDER?
<Alea> no, never mind
<Alea> Just give me my files
* wisesnake decides it's probably safe to re-enter the Sime Center
* JonDrake looks arround now, to see if there is anyone he recognizes..
* wisesnake walks back up the stairs
* Alea turns and strides toward her office
* wisesnake enters the lobby
* wisesnake notices the art for the first time
<wisesnake> Ugh!!!
<wisesnake> What's this, Alea's revenge on B'Cal?
* wisesnake wrenches her eyes away from the sight, and is appalled to discover it zlins even worse.
* JonDrake takes a chance. Holding himself calm, he yells out for someone to get Snake! Get someone from the center!
* Alea pauses by her door
<Alea> I HEARD that
* wisesnake blinks
<wisesnake> Alea?
<wisesnake> Did you put these up?
<Alea> yes, Alea...you haven't forgotten me so soon
<Alea> Does that REALLY look like my stuff?
<Alea> mine is done with thread
<Alea> that's paint
* wisesnake shrugs
<wisesnake> I thought maybe to irritate B'Cal... I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to.
* Alea smiles
<Alea> you think this would irritate her?
<wisesnake> Well, it irriated shen out of me, and I'm much less irritable than she is.
* Alea looks at desk clerk
<Alea> get some really good glue and glue those frames to the wall...cement them there
* Alea hears someone at the door
* Alea opens it...someone calling desperately for Snake about an injury
<Alea> Snake?
* JonDrake is either doing a better job imagining or he's beginning to feel something.
<JonDrake> [but it doesn't feel that good right now]
* Parnul is breathing a bit more steadily.
<wisesnake> What... oh.
<JonDrake> It doesn't feel quite so satisfying as Alea described.
* wisesnake goes and gets medical kit
<JonDrake> It feels...somehow more empty.
* JonDrake doen't know if he's fighting a losing battle.
* wisesnake runs up the stairs and shakes B'Cal awake
* Bcal opens her eyes...blinks...sits up alert
<Bcal> what? What is it?
<wisesnake> Emergency. come on.
* wisesnake runs downstairs and out the door
* Bcal pushes herself up, hits the floor taking off after Snake
* Bcal notices it's daylight and wonders why she overslept
<wisesnake> [to messanger:] show us where the emergency is.
* Bcal furious, angry...but forces herself into her Donor's attitude
* wisesnake and Bcal follow the person
<Bcal> come on, come on [to messanger]
<Bcal> and take that ART down [to renSime who is holding glue]
* wisesnake zlins the accident scene and augments to rush ahead
* JonDrake is beginning to worry that he'll run out of selyn. He's only had about a week or so to recoup.
* Bcal puts on a burst of speed.
<Bcal> shenned channel
<Bcal> taking a big chance
<JonDrake> [thinks I wish I knew how much I have..had...]
* wisesnake arrives at the scene
* wisesnake recognizes JonDrake
* JonDrake feels his arms begin to tingle, he takes another deep breath of relaxation.
* wisesnake zlins what is going on
<Bcal> gonna get herself hurt...idiot channel [huffing puffing up to street]
<Bcal> my reputation is at stake and she takes off....
* JonDrake tries to slow his imagery. I'm going to get burned even more if I'm not careful.
* wisesnake approaches cautiously, not wanting to distract Jon, and meshes her field very carefully with theirs
* Bcal comes around corner and sees them in the distance a large crowd around them
<Bcal> get outta my way...come on....back up
* JonDrake notices his arms starting to ache. The ache is slowly travelling up his arms.
<Parnul> ~~Parnul is stabbed below his left shoulderblade and just to the right of his spine below the floating ribs.~~
<JonDrake> I'm going to make this work....
<Bcal> bunch a voyeurs
* wisesnake shields the two from the nagers of the crowd
* JonDrake weakly mumbles "Snake, where are you?"
* Bcal finally arrives and drops carefully down to Snake's side, not disturbing her work
* JonDrake feels an emptiness within him.
* wisesnake 's field interlaces through Parnul's field, preparing and bracing his system for the inevitable separation from JonDrake
* JonDrake seems to feel a change. Opens his eyes...
* wisesnake uses Bcal's support and carefuly reaches for their joined arms
<JonDrake> Sn...Snake?
<wisesnake> steady... don't move.
<JonDrake> Th...there were these...guys....
<Parnul> [handling tentacles twitch towards Jon's arms]
* JonDrake feels the emptiness in the pit of his stomach...
* JonDrake seems to be having a difficulty keeping his eyes open, his head up.
* wisesnake picks up Jon's field resonances and mirrors them in her own, overlays her field to Jon's
* wisesnake touches their arms
<JonDrake> [Wisesnake is a much brighter light than Jon at this point]
<Parnul> ~~feeble alarm~~
<JonDrake> It's....O...K....Par......
* wisesnake projects Jon Gen-ness... desire to help, plenty more to give
<Parnul> [laterals try to move toward Snake's hands]
* wisesnake leans down so her arms lie alongside Jon's, within easy reach
* JonDrake seems to feel the spread of emptiness slowing to a crawl.
* JonDrake looks up at Snake.
* JonDrake smiles weakly.
* wisesnake 's laterals engage Parnul's
<Parnul> [laterals slip over to snake's arms]
* wisesnake takes up the selyn flow, stronger now
* Bcal supports Snake
<JonDrake> As he loses consciousness, Jon could almost swear he could see a nimbus around Snake's head.
* JonDrake finally begins to relax his hold....
* Alea makes sure the art is cemented to the walls with great satisfaction
* Parnul pulls at selyn.
* JonDrake lets his arms go limp within the mix. He realizes that he must try and pull his hands out, but slowly...
* wisesnake has Parnul in full transfer position now
* Parnul pulls selyn at a sluggish rate.
* JonDrake slowly pulls his hands free, falling back.
* wisesnake isolates Parnul from the crowd, a silent nageric bubble
<Parnul> ~~confusion at two Jon's~~
* JonDrake is unconscious before his head hits the pavement. He'll have to deal with that bruise later--the least of his worries.
* wisesnake leans on BCal's support and tries to control the bleeding and the voiding of selyn
<JonDrake> [This Jon is but a shadow...]
* Parnul has been putting what effort he could into bleeding control.
<Parnul> [selyn draw increases]
* Alea then goes up to check on Veraik in his room
* wisesnake gradually strengthens the Jon nager toward a robust, throbbing Gen need-to-give
<Parnul> ~~rising interest~~
* Alea stops by her room first
* wisesnake concentrates on encouraging the wounds to close
* Bcal supporting Snake
<Parnul> [voiding lessens and clotting starts]
* Alea washes her face...takes a deep breath and then goes across to Veraik's room to finally check on him
<Parnul> [handling tentacles reach for snake's arms]
* JonDrake will most likely be unconscious for some hours and will be VERY sore when he does come to.
<Parnul> ~~approaching midfield~~
* wisesnake helps him block the pain, and continues to project desire to help and soothing support and strength.
* Bcal holds steady for Snake
* Parnul starts coughing.
* wisesnake concentrates upon the damaged lungs
* Alea leans down over Veraik, trying to check his lateral without rousing him
* Parnul opens his eyes and stares at snake.
* Bcal holds steady
* Parnul 's back muscles cramp up around the wounds, choking off the selyn loss.
* Parnul grimaces
* Alea smiles in relief at the lateral...looks fine
* Parnul struggles to speak, "whuss shafff..."
* wisesnake releases Parnul from the full transfer position
<Bcal> leans in to support Snake
* wisesnake comes duoconscious, but does not drop her continued support of Parnul's field
<wisesnake> Shh... Parnul, don't try to speak. Just lie there and try to remain calm.
<wisesnake> [soothing]
* Alea carefully moves back from Veraik's bedside
* Alea turns and heads toward the door
* Parnul 's eyes wander around, looking for Jon.
<wisesnake> Jon's right here, Parnul. He'll be okay too.
<wisesnake> [in a few weeks, she doesn't add]
* Bcal nods, agreeing
<Parnul> ~~lessened anxiety~~
* wisesnake squints up at the people packed in around staring at them, zlinning for some trustworthy people to ask to carry the injured back to the Sime Center.
* Veraik mumbles and turns over.
* Bcal remains patiently by Snake's side
<Veraik> gyeioewj.kdshsdfkjlfds
* Alea pauses...turns goes back to make sure Veraik is okay
* wisesnake picks out a pair of renSimes.
<wisesnake> Gev, and, and Hari there, could I ask you a big favor?
<Alea> Veraik?
* Alea approaches, reaching out to see if he's feverish
<Veraik> mkmknknnsdfhs
* wisesnake instructs the two renSimes to carry the injured very very carefully to the Center.
* Bcal moves back out of the way, sticking to Snake's side
* Alea touches Veraik's..thinking maybe the lateral isn't fine after all
* wisesnake stands up as the injured forms are lifted up off the ground
* Veraik opens eyes and looks into nothing.
* wisesnake grabs Bcal's arm and leans against her dizzily
* Bcal slips an arm of support around her waist
* Alea looks concerned
<Alea> Veraik?
<Bcal> you okay?
<Veraik> humm.....
<Veraik> Veraik looks and Alea and smiles.
<wisesnake> Yeah. Sure. Never better. [panting]
* Alea sighs in relief
* Bcal uses her field to support Snake
<Bcal> you really weren't ready for this...you should be taking it easier
<Alea> how's your lateral?
<wisesnake> Let's save this discussion for later.
* wisesnake moves along with the renSime carrying Parnul, maintaining her nageric support of the injured man.
* Bcal doesn't comment but turns to help Snake along...making sure Jon is being brought too
* Veraik zlins lateral. "It....it's could be better."
<Alea> I'm going to have those bushes cut down immediately
<Veraik> Wha......
<Alea> put in a cement sidewalk so this won't happen again
* Alea nods for emphasis
* Veraik rubs tentacles of his other arm over his eyes and face.
* wisesnake and Bcal follow the injured back to the Sime Center and up inside.
<Veraik> Bushes? bushes.......
* Alea realizes her field is bothering Veraik, immediately relaxes, taking his hand
<Veraik> Oh you mean the trin bushes.
<Veraik> Where will we get good trin without the bushes?
<Alea> where will we get a good Channel?
* Veraik refocusses on her. "Are you saying that I'm a good Channel?"
* Alea surprised
<Alea> well, of COURSE you're a good channel
* wisesnake has the two injured people installed in treatment rooms
* wisesnake assigns some people to clean them up and care for the external wounds
<Alea> now, do you want me to fix you some lunch
<Alea> have something sent up?
<Alea> or do you feel like coming down with the rest of us
* wisesnake discusses the availability of channels and learns about the new channel for the first time.
* Veraik smiles gently and reaches out hand to take Alea's.
* wisesnake asks somebody to go upstairs and fetch Jirelle
<Veraik> [whispers] Thank you.
<Alea> no problem
* Alea wonders if she should tell Veraik of the chaos downstairs or not
<Veraik> [swallows] Could you get me a cup of water, please?
* wisesnake smells the incense on Jirelle and her nose and eyes start itching and watering
<Alea> of course, hajene
* Jirelle is eager to do some actual work
<Jirelle> What can I do to help?
* Alea gets up and goes to restroom and finds cup...fills it with water and brings it back
* Alea offers it to Veraik
<wisesnake> There is an injured renSime in treatment room 4. Please come with me.
* Jirelle follows Snake
* Veraik takes cup, drinks all of it, and gives it back to Alea. "Thank you, Naztehr."
* wisesnake shows her into the room where Parnul is
* Alea surprised to hear herself called that since she hasn't been given the title much
* Alea takes the cup back to the bathroom
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
<wisesnake> This is Parnul. He was stabbed in the street about a half hour ago. I've managed to stabilize his condition but he's going to have to be watched.
* Veraik tries to get up.
<Parnul> ~~drifting on the edge of conciousness~~
* Jirelle looks at Parnul's face, zlins of pity
* Alea leans down and offers her support
* wisesnake describes all the work that has been done on Parnul so far, trying to sound authoritative although Jirelle is older than her and has received a full year of training
* Veraik looks down Alea blouse.
* Alea slips her arm around Veraik
<Alea> come on, let me help you
<Veraik> and accepts Alea's help.
* Jirelle answers, "Yes Hajene, I will do as you say."
<Parnul> [mutters] "vil ... stop..."
<Alea> feeling better?
* Veraik groans.
* Alea concern bathes her nager
<Alea> maybe we should leave you here in bed
<Veraik> "Could you get me a double dose of fosebine?
* Jirelle , since she has not yet been introduced, wonders if she is talking to the infamous "Farris turned bad" of the rumors
<Alea> of course, hajene
* Alea releases him and crosses back tot he bathroom
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
* Alea pours out the dose and brings it back
<wisesnake> I will be in Treatment Room 2 if you require any assistance, and of course there is the emergency button.
* Veraik follows her and locks onto her nager as a life line.
<Alea> here you go
* wisesnake leaves Jirelle with Parnul and goes to the room where JonDrake is laid out
<Veraik> Thank you.
<Alea> do you want me to update you on today's events, hajene?
* Veraik holds nose with two tentacles and down the awful stuff.
* wisesnake zlins the Gen, then begins working on the start of his healing.
* Alea grins
<Veraik> I guess but first I have to go. Will you help me?
* Jirelle looks down at Parnul
* Alea looks up at Veraik.
<Alea> I think you can do that yourself, hajene
* Jirelle zlins the patient
* Alea alea still helps him over to the door
* Jirelle looks at his face
<Veraik> Thank you. I think I can take it from here.
* Jirelle wonders if the Center gets a lot of stabbing victims
* Alea goes to veraik's closest and get him out a new pair of pants and a top...
* Parnul opens his eyes.
<Parnul> ~~puzzled~~
* Jirelle says softly, "Hello, Parnul. I'm Jirelle."
* Alea tosses them on the bed for him
* Alea then rummages through his drawers looking for a pair of socks
* Jirelle offers him a supporting, nurturing field
<Parnul> [whisper] "Jir ..elle? Who?"
* Veraik returns. "Uh...Alea? Did you do this?" [indicated state of undress]
* Alea keeps field neutral
<Jirelle> I'm a channel, I work here at the Sime Center, where you've been brought for healing.
<Alea> yes, hajene
<Alea> you were alseep...I thought you'd be more comfortable without the constrictions
<Parnul> "Jon? Burned?"
<Veraik> Uh...yes.... of course. [takes pants and puts them on]
* Alea busies herself finding his shoes
* Veraik groans when he accidently moves his lateral.
* Jirelle smiles at Parnul
<Alea> you woke up around midnight complaining about your lateral....[breaks off and goes over to him] what?
* Alea checks his arm
<Jirelle> I'm sorry, I don't know Jon. Was he there when you were attacked?
<Veraik> ~~ the lateral is still red where the thorn entered ~~
<Parnul> "Yes... Saved me."
<Jirelle> I can go ask somebody about Jon. Would you like me to do that?
<Alea> extend your lateral, Veraik...let me see if a channel should look at that
<Parnul> "Please"
* Veraik frowns and tries to extend lateral.
<Jirelle> Just a moment then. You'll be all right by yourself for a minute?
* Alea supports his arm...encouraging him
<Parnul> "yes"
* Parnul closes his eyes
<Alea> how is it? how does that feel?
<Veraik> It's sore but it will be fine.
* Alea sighs in relief
<Alea> good
* Jirelle hesitates, then leaves the room, goes to treatment room 2.
<Veraik> I think it will be at least a week before I'll be handling donations or transfers though.
* Alea carefully moves back from his arm
<Alea> At least
* wisesnake and Bcal are working over a Gen. Wise Snake is in healing mode
* Jirelle hesitates, then backs out of Treatment room 2 and goes to the front desk
* Alea hands Veraik his shirt
<Jirelle> Excuse me, was somebody named Jon brought in here a little while ago?
<Alea> a new channel, Jirelle, showed up today
<Jirelle> Oh... oh... oh. Oh! Oh? Uh... okay. Thanks.
* Jirelle returns to Parnul's bedside
<Parnul> [desk Clerk] He's in treatment room 2"
<Alea> she's a second order freshly trained. This is her first assignment
* Veraik takes shirt and starts to put it on. "Oh yes? Tell me about her."
<Alea> rather quiet...evidently she likes art
<Alea> she has decorated the entire center with paintings
* Alea smirks
* Jirelle zlins if Parnul is awake
* Alea thinking how she had them cemented to the wall to irritate Bcal
<Veraik> What happened to your art, Naztehr?
<Alea> no one else is here right now
* Alea turns from Veraik and starts fiddling with his socks
<Alea> Bcal took it down and tossed it outside in the mud...I had a feeling she didn't like it so it's all in my office now.
<Parnul> ~~sleeping~~
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
<Alea> however...
* Jirelle sighs, softly.
<Alea> Jon escorted a new person to the Shay hotel
<Jirelle> [to herself] well, he'll hear the good news when he awakes, then.
<Alea> He's a renSime, nonjunct...a friend of Lowren's
<Alea> Snake and Bcal got called out on an emergency
<Veraik> What happened?
<Alea> don't know
<Veraik> [worried]
* Jirelle sits down at Parnul's bedside and begins to pray
<Alea> some kid came rujing up saying there was an emergency and Snake and Bcal took off
<Veraik> I'm sure they can handle whatever was the emergency.
* Jirelle knows that true health is attained only when the spiritual is at peace with the physical
* Alea tosses Veraik his socks
* Alea goes to the drapes and opens them
* Veraik catches socks.
* Jirelle finishes praying and begins to meditate
* Veraik puts on socks and shoes.
* Jirelle touches Parnul with her field and embraces him with her own deeply calm state
* Jirelle stays in this state for a long time.
<Veraik> [sits back down] I think I've just run our of all my energy.
* Alea concerned goes over to veraik
<Alea> I was afraid you were rushign this
<Veraik> Can you just stay and talk for a while, Alea?
<Alea> of course...come on, out of your clothes
<Alea> back in bed
* Veraik lets Alea help him out of his clothes.
* Alea pulls back the covers
* Veraik gets in bed.
* Alea covers him up and puts the clothes back up
* Alea goes back over, pulls up a chair by the side of the bed and sits down
* Parnul has a dream of more serenity than he has had since changeover.
* Veraik reaches out with a tentacle. Thank you Alea. You are always ther when I need you.
* Veraik closes eyes and sleeps.
* Alea doesn't believe him, but smiles just the same
* Alea gets up and goes downstairs to get some paperwork to work on
* wisesnake comes out of healing mode, having done all she can for JonDrake
* wisesnake leans on Bcal's field
<Bcal> you should rest
<wisesnake> I just have to fill out all the paperwork on these two.
<Bcal> let someone else. That's not your job
<wisesnake> It isn't?
<Bcal> not when you're in this shape
<wisesnake> I'm going to forget it all if I don't write it down now.
<Bcal> make notes
* wisesnake goes to the table and pulls out forms
* Bcal eyes narrow
* wisesnake looks at them
<wisesnake> well, maybe you're right
<Bcal> of course I am
<wisesnake> And even if I do forget it all, I can sort of figure it out again later when I zlin them again
<Bcal> you need a rest period. Now.
* wisesnake wilts under pressure
<wisesnake> Okay, okay.
<Bcal> I doubt you're going to forget it. Like I said...make notes
* Bcal goes over and takes Snake's arm...encourages STRONGLY with her field
<Bcal> come on
* wisesnake follows Bcal, the forms still in her hand
<wisesnake> It's still in the middle of the day!
* Bcal leads her to her office.
* wisesnake follows
<Bcal> that's the problem with you.
<wisesnake> I'll be fine in a few minutes.
<wisesnake> What?
<Bcal> that's why you're only operating at half of what you could
<Bcal> you're a mess
* wisesnake shakes her head
<wisesnake> You know if you keep saying that, it's going to lose its shock value.
<Bcal> it's not shock value, it's fact
<Bcal> now, lay down
* Bcal takes forms from snake
<wisesnake> But - [grumble]
<Bcal> now
* wisesnake lies down on the sofa
<wisesnake> I hope you like this office, it was cleaned by a 1st Order Donor.
* Bcal sneers
<wisesnake> [score!]
<Bcal> I'm not surprised you're too lazy to do the work yourself...but as long as it stays this way
<wisesnake> It's not a matter of laziness, it's a matter of priorities.
<Bcal> yeah, and your priorities are on your little schemes and deals you have on instead of developing your channeling ability
<Bcal> I know all about it
<wisesnake> Yeah well, I doubt that.
<Bcal> no matter
<Bcal> you rest...like the other channels...that's all that's important now
<Bcal> then we'll talk about what you need to do next.
Notes:
1) Clarification: The idea here was that the proprietor associates the Sime Center with Wise Snake and fears that he is being shaken down. Poor Jirelle, of course, has no idea. [return]
2) Part of the log is missing here. During the missing part, Parnul and Jon Drake are attacked by some thugs led by a ruffian. [return]
3) This is a bit of an in-joke... some of the players have a .WAV file of a quote from Rocky Horror Picture show, that has the word anticip..................ation on it. [return]