Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #28: Misunderstandings (9/27/97)
LinnH: I was hoping that one of your channels could assist me. 1
Alea smile widens
Alea: really?
Alea: I'm sure we have a treatment room available right now...
Tarsh holds the phone to his ears with tentacles.
Alea turns to the list
LinnH: Er...that wasn't quite what I meant.
Alea pauses, eyes widening in surprise
Alea: Oh?
Alea wondering what she could want then
Alea: please, come on over and sit down[motions to the couch]
Alea: I'd take you in one of the offices...but they're all locked
Tarsh: "Hello? This is Tarsh Chutmas at the Sime Center. I see you've put all the locks in. Thank you. Where did you leave the keys by the way?"
LinnH sits down next to Alea.
Alea folds her hands and waits patiently for Linn to continue
Tarsh: "You couldn't leave them with the duty channel?"
LinnH: You did know that I have been contacting the parents of some of the children that Hajene Snake said were getting into trouble?
Alea: yes
Tarsh: "What do you mean a 'cost miscitation'?"
Alea: Snake did mention that
Tarsh: "Excuse me? *How* much?"
LinnH: Well, some of those parents have gotten together and decided that their children wouldn't have tried to play in Sime Territory if I hadn't just been teaching a unit on the Sime Center.
LinnH: They are worried that continuing the course might lead to further trouble.
Alea sighs wearily, reaches up and tucks at a stray strand of hair
Alea: I see
Tarsh: "But they were for a Sime Center, Tariffs are waived."
LinnH: I have arranged a meeting with the parents this afternoon, over at the high school.
LinnH: I was wondering if you could send someone over to address their concerns?
Alea is suddenly impressed, remembering how Snake was certain Linn didn't really care for these kids
Alea thinks a minute then smiles
LinnH: I'd hate to see the unit scrapped because of a misunderstanding.
Alea: Well, Snake is ... uh... indisposed at the moment. But I think Hajene Veraik will be available
Tarsh: "Can you send someone over with the keys _and_ the Tariff forms? I'll send the waiver forms back."
LinnH thinks about Snake's disreputable appearance.
LinnH: I think Hajene Veraik would be a perfect choice.
Alea smiles with relief
Alea: great. Hajene is unavaliable at the moment, but I'll be sure to inform him of your request as soon as he is avaliable
LinnH: Thank you.
LinnH pauses to blow her nose once more.
Alea: you sure you don't want a channel to take care of that?
LinnH: How come you people are so obsessed with a simple cold?
Alea realizes she shouldn't have pushed Linn
Alea: I apologize, Linn. I was just worried about your health
LinnH wishes Alea would stop trying to push her into the nearest set of tentacles.
Alea: hot tea and rest will help you out
LinnH: I do what I can.
Alea: of course you do
LinnH: How is young Svan? Did he enjoy Mirk's card?
Alea: oh yes, he did
Alea: I imagine he's still sleeping right now. But if you'd like to come back later, you can visit him again
LinnH: I'll be busy with the meeting after school, and then I really must go visit Alice.
Alea: how is Alice?
LinnH: I think she'll live, but her mind is still very fragile. She's having horrible nightmares, so she's afraid to sleep.
LinnH: That's not doing her recovery any good.
Alea: if you could possibly get her to agree to see Veraik or Jirelle, they could help her.
LinnH: That would be the worst possible thing for Alice. She has very deep religious objections to commerce with Simes.
Alea frowns
Alea: I see
LinnH: If she knew that Snake had been treating her, she might lose what sanity she still has.
Alea: that's not good.
LinnH: I'm not going to tell her, and I've cautioned Ola. She had better not hear about it from the Sime Center, either.
Alea raises an eyebrow at Linns words
Alea: I assure you that if Alice doesn't want us around, Hajene Veraik will make sure we don't disturb her
LinnH: Good. Just so we understand each other.
Alea: I think we understand each other perfectly
Alea stands
LinnH reflects that her own objects to channels treating her cold seem to be regularly ignored by all at the Sime Center.
Alea starts toward the door and holds it open for Linn
LinnH sneezes into her tissue, then stands as well.
Alea: if you decide Alice does need our help...let us know
Alea: there ARE Donors here too who can help. We're not ALL Simes
LinnH: I think the best thing for Alice is to keep her where she's safe, and let her recover on her own terms. Even if you don't approve of them.
Alea stiffens slightly but forces herself not to snap back
Alea: as you wish
LinnH: I do wish. Alice is my friend, and I won't see her forced to compromise her principles while I'm responsible for her.
Alea: you know, Linn...the way you are objecting, I would think it is YOU who are tempted to bring us since I've reassured you several times we won't interfere with her.
LinnH: What I want or don't want isn't the issue. It's Alice's wishes which must be respected by both of us.
Alea: and I have told you....several times....the Center respects the wishes of Alice
Alea: if you would like to file a formal complaint against the Center, I'm sure Tarsh would gladly give you the forms you require
Tarsh looks up from being on hold at the mention of his name.
LinnH sneezes again.
LinnH: I'm hoping that won't be necessary.
Alea nods and pushes open the door, stepping out onto the porch
Alea: I'm glad to know that
LinnH: I know you mean well, and I'm sure that Snake had the best of intentions when Ola asked her to take a look at Alice. But it could have been a disaster, if Alice had been able to remember more clearly what happened.
Alea: I wasn't aware until you mentioned it that Snake had even SEEN Alice.
Alea shrugs
Alea: I'm sure Snake meant only the best
Alea looks at the gray cast sky, thinking it must mean rain again--but at least it's cool.
Alea thinks it's rather invigorating
LinnH looks at the grey sky, sighs, and reminds herself to put the buckets under the leaks in the roof of her classroom.
LinnH: Rain again.
Alea: yes. I enjoy rain
LinnH: So do I, when it stays outside where it belongs.
Alea chuckles and shakes her head
LinnH: The high school has a new roof, at least. Can I expect you at three?
Alea: sounds good, Linn
Alea: I'll make sure Hajene Veraik is there on time.
LinnH: Thank you.
Alea: don't get wet going home
LinnH looks at the first drops spattering on the pavement.
LinnH: The sentiment is appreciated...
Alea reaches in the door and grabs two ponchos on the tree stand
Alea: here, take one of these
Alea slips the other one on
LinnH puts on the poncho.
Tarsh looks up.
Alea: you know, Linn...if you want to wait out the storm here, that'd be fine
Tarsh comes out to the door. "Is it raining?"
LinnH: I can't. School starts in half an hour. I can just make the next train if I hurry.
Alea nods
Alea: I understand
Alea sees Tarsh
Alea: just a bit
LinnH sees Tarsh approach, and starts down the steps.
Alea waves
Alea: Bye, Linn
Tarsh waves also.
LinnH: Goodbye.
Alea: See you at three
Alea stands watching as Linn disappears down the street
Tarsh: "She should see one of the channels for that cold...."
Alea: simephobia
Tarsh: "Really? Why is she so chummy with Snake, then?"
Alea looks up warily at Tarsh
Alea: it's uh...not by choice
Tarsh: "What is at three?"
Alea sees the rain is pouring hard now
Alea: Hajene Veraik and I will be going over to the high school to talk to the parents of the children about the center
Tarsh: "Ah. Are they going to have changeover classes now?"
Alea brightens at the thought
Alea: no. There's some problems.
Alea frowns
Alea: It seems they don't like Linn teaching about Simes and we're going there to answer questions and help reassure the parents
Tarsh mutters "Stupid Gens don't care about their kids, do they?"
Alea turns to face Tarsh
Tarsh: [hastily] "Out-T Gens, I mean."
Alea forces her shock aside at his words and regroups
Alea: I don't think it's that, Tarsh
Alea: I think it's more of a...if I don't face then, then maybe it
won't happen to my kid.
Tarsh: "Not facing a problem? That's .... "
Alea: to face it means they have to face their fears...
Tarsh thinks and looks shamefaced.
Tarsh: "All too human, isn't it?"
Alea: stupid?
Alea nods
Alea: yeah
Alea: did you get through to the people about the locks?
Tarsh: "yes and no. They are trying to jack up the price because of the border tariffs, and won't believe me that I can get them a waiver."
Alea glances back through the door at Tarsh's desk
Alea: figures
Alea looks back out at the street and the rain
Tarsh zlins. "Who's that?"
Alea shrugs
deliveryb comes wavering down the street on a battered old bicycle.
deliveryb is a gawky young Gen with carrot-colored hair.
Alea: you're the one who can zlin
Tarsh: "Young Gen on a bicycle."
Alea: if you say so
Alea: although --I-- can SEE the bicycle
Alea grins at Tarsh
Tarsh zlins to watch if db is going to fall.
deliveryb tries to make the turn into the Sime Center, but the
bicycle's front wheel skids.
Alea leans against the railing and waits
deliveryb ends up in a puddle with a large splash.
deliveryb: Goshdarnit!
Alea: oops
Tarsh augments out to try and catch dboy, but doesn't make it.
Alea waits, seeing if she is needed
Tarsh skids to a stop in the puddle, splashing more.
deliveryb sees Tarsh augmenting towards him and shrieks.
Alea hurries down the steps
Alea: it's okay
Alea: wait...it's fine
Tarsh throws up his arms and backpedals.
Alea slip slides her way toward the Gen
deliveryb sees that Tarsh has stopped, and looks at Alea uncertainly.
Alea slows and moves forward slowly
Alea: you okay?
Tarsh: "Sorry. I was just trying to help."
deliveryb inspects himself and his bike.
deliveryb: Looks like. Tore the knee out of my pants, though. Again.
Alea chuckles
Alea: they can be sewn
Tarsh retreats to the door, letting Alea handle this jittery Gen.
deliveryb gets to his feet, retrieves his bike, and tries
vainly to brush the water and mud off of his clothes.
Alea: we've got some towels inside...why don't you come on in and dry off
deliveryb: That's mighty kind of you, Ma'am.
deliveryb follows Alea up the path.
Alea turns back and trudges carefully back up the slick steps
Alea: what brings you here?
Alea: through the rain and all?
Tarsh moves inside and over into the sitting area, out of the way.
deliveryb parks his bike carefully on the porch, then retrieves a battered (and now damp) package from the basket behind the seat.
Alea holds the door open and motions the boy inside
deliveryb: I've got a delivery here for a Mr. Tarsh, from Norton Locks.
Alea smiles and motions to Tarsh
Alea: right there
Tarsh makes sure he has his tentacles in.
deliveryb eyes Tarsh nervously.
Tarsh: "I'm Tarsh Chutmas. I'm glad to see you.
Alea nods and then walks over to a storage closest for towels
Alea finds that door locked too
Alea: I"ll be right back
Alea goes back up the stairs to her room
Tarsh: "I'll have some papers for you to take back after you dry off."
deliveryb 's nervousness increases at being left alone with a Sime.
Alea comes back down with two towels...one for delivery boy and one for Tarsh since she's still wearing the poncho
Alea passes out the towels
deliveryb is calmer with Alea back in the room.
deliveryb scrubs briskly with the towel, which rapidly acquires a collection of mudstains.
Tarsh takes the towel and thoughtlessly uses his tentacles to towel himself off.
Alea not noticng Tarsh's actions, drifts over to stare out the window
deliveryb starts at the sight of the tentacles, and looks pleadingly at Alea.
Tarsh zlins deliveryb's reaction and yanks in his tentacles, dropping the towel.
Tarsh: "Sorry."
Alea turns, realizes what is happening and drifts over nearer delivery boy
deliveryb reaches under his coat for a clipboard.
deliveryb: If you'll just sign here, Mr. Tarsh?
Tarsh: "Of course."
deliveryb holds out the clipboard, holding it by one corner so Tarsh won't have to touch him.
Tarsh: [but Tarsh doesn't come forward, being overcautionous now]
Tarsh stops himself from grabbing with tentacles, and reaches out with his fingers to take it.
Alea picks up the wet and muddy towel the delivery boy dried himself with and the one Tarsh used and takes them across the room to a hamper near one of the hallways
Alea drifts back over toward the door
Tarsh carefully takes the clipboard. and looks at it.
* Jirelle enters the lobby, smiling benignly and looking extremely mellow
* Tarsh carefully signs with his fingers (which won't match his usual tentacle signature). He holds it out at arms length from one end.
* deliveryb accepts the clipboard with equal care not to touch Tarsh.
<Alea> hi Jirelle
* Tarsh looks around. "Good morning Hajene"
* deliveryb notices Jirelle, and fails to conceal his alarm at the presence of ANOTHER Sime.
* Alea goes back to delivery boy to reassure him
* Tarsh tries to signal nagerically ~~Beware, Simephobe~~
* Jirelle smiles sweetly at deliveryb, wondering what made the poor thing so frightened
* deliveryb decides that the safest course of action is to leave as quickly as possible.
* deliveryb hands Alea the package of keys.
* Alea smiles
<Alea> thank you
<deliveryb> Here you are, Ma'am.
<Tarsh> "you can leave the package on the desk over there.
* Alea lays the package on Tarsh's desk
* deliveryb checks the signature, and decides that it will do.
* deliveryb puts the clipboard back underneath his jacket.
* Alea walks back to the door and pushes it open
<deliveryb> I'll just be going, then. Maybe I can get back to the office before the rain gets too much worse.
<Alea> you be careful
<Alea> we don't want you taking another spill like that
<Tarsh> 'You'll catch your d-*"
<Alea> you might do more than rip your knee on your pants
<deliveryb> I won't. I can't spare another pair of pants.
* deliveryb collects his bike, mounts it, and wobbles away down the street.
* Alea follows him out
* Tarsh remembers that he should tip, digs around in pockets.
* Alea goes down the stairs, deciding to take a walk
* Tarsh looks exasperated.
* Tarsh notices Alea going and hurries out.
* Alea sees Tarsh and sighs
* Jirelle is puzzled at being left alone
* Alea goes back up onto porch so he won't get wet
<Alea> what is it?
* Tarsh comes up beside Alea. "Beautiful Day, Isn't it?"
* Alea looks up at the rain, and sees that Tarsh is still getting wet and shakes her head
<Tarsh> "Nothing. Where were you going?"
<Alea> for a walk
* Jirelle shrugs, then returns to her room, figuring somebody will send for her if she is required.
* Tarsh comes up on to the pouch, close to Alea, smiling.
* Alea realizing he is going to take his duty seriously, slips off the poncho
<Tarsh> "Want to help me sort the keys out?"
* Alea glances back at street, then sighs
<Alea> sure
* Alea goes back inside and sits down by desk
<Alea> okay, Tarsh...let's get to these keys!
* Tarsh comes in and sits down.
* Tarsh pulls out a small knife and slits the packing tape.
* Alea moves her chair up close to look over his shoulder as he works
* Tarsh opens the box and dumps it out on the desk.
<Alea> that many?
* Alea signals to a renSime to go up and get Jirelle so she can start her donations that are due in any time
<Tarsh> yeah well, individual keys for everyone, cabinets, offices, rooms, allowance for losses and new transfers, it adds up.
* Alea nods and starts sifting through the keys
<Alea> I had no idea we required so many keys
* Veraik zlins the people in the lobby and decides to leave his bag in the hallway.
* Alea wondering if she can find the filing cabinet key and have some extra copies made
<Tarsh> There are so many things that have to be kept secure, and so many different catagories of people to give access.
* Alea nods
<Veraik> Straightening up, Veraik enters the lobby. "Hello Tarsh....Alea."
<Alea> of course, Tarsh
* Alea looks up and smiles
<Alea> Veraik
<Tarsh> "Morning Hajene."
<Alea> I was just helping Tarsh seperate the keys out for all the new locks
* Alea looks at Veraik closer
<Alea> how are you feeling?
* Veraik looks and zlins strained but tries to cover it from Tarsh.
<Veraik> Fine...fine.
* Tarsh doesn't notice as he sorts out the keys.
* Veraik walks towards door.
* Alea concerned pauses in the keys
* Alea decides her channel wouldn't lie to her and turns back to the keys
<Alea> did you sleep well last night?
<Veraik> Tentacle on handle of the door, Veraik turns back, says nothing then walks through..........
* groupie is a lanky teenager in uniform: artifically stained and torn jeans, hair dangling in face (glued in place with copious hairspray), and a Torn By Tentacles promotional T-shirt. Her knapsack has several Torn By Tentacles patches on the outside.
<Alea> Veraik?
<Veraik> "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" Veraik curls in on himself and collapses in the doorway.
* Alea shocked, jumps up and rushes over to him
<Alea> Veraik!
* Lowren comes running in with a newspaper over his head, which has been totally ineffective.
* Alea falls down on her knees beside him, hands going out to him in supplication
<Alea> what is it, hajene?
* Veraik recoils from all touch.
* Alea tries to reach out with her nager
<Veraik> Pain...pain...pain
<Alea> Veraik...it's me...
* Alea thinking a mess that this is happening to Veraik with all the renSimes and donors around
<Veraik> "Ahhhhhhh" [tentacles lash out]
* Lowren trips over Veraik and falls flat on his face. "OOOPHHH!"
* Alea slides her arms out to Veraik in concern
* groupie looks at the lashing tentacles.
<groupie> Totally cool!
* Tarsh looks up and starts to rush forward, but checks himself seeing the gens.
<Alea> well, totally cool, you want to get these people back out of the way
* Alea keeping her attention on Veraik
<Veraik> [tentacle gripping Alea's arms tightly.....panting]
* groupie ignores Alea.
<groupie> It's, like, cosmic!
<Alea> entran?
* Alea worries it might be his lateral again
* Lowren struggles to regain his wind.
* Veraik zlins Gen nager and focusses on it.
* Alea projects to Veraik
<Alea> come on, let me help
* Veraik tightens tentacles around Alea's arms.
* Lowren rolls up to sit against the coat rack, gasping.
* groupie turns to Lowren.
<groupie> Hey, what's up with you, man?
* Alea encourages Veraik with her field
<Lowren> "huh? Oh."
* Lowren looks at groupie and smiles.
<Veraik> [panting] Veraik locks onto Alea's nager. [tentacles griping even harder]
* Alea winces slightly at pain
* Lowren gets up trying hard not to show any pain or weakness. "Just slipped."
<groupie> Cosmic.
<Lowren> "I'm Lowren, I like, come here every month."
<Alea> Veraik?
* Veraik zlins the chaotic ambient but is finally able to focus on Alea and see her eyes.
* Alea smiles
<Alea> it's okay...
<Alea> go ahead, let me help you
<groupie> Cosmic, man.
* Lowren tries to remember if he has heard any Torn by Tentacles. Very little of their material made it to Hamish.
* Veraik nods...."En....[gasp] en.....tran.. Need out......[pant] function....
* groupie smiles vaguely, as if more than half stoned.
<Alea> of course, hajene
* Alea looks at Veraik's grasp on her arms
* Lowren uses the excuse of reading the t-shirt to looks groupie over.
<Alea> you have to change your grasp, hajene, first
* groupie follows Lowren's gaze.
<Lowren> "Torn by Tentacles? Cool band!"
* Veraik places tentacles then the laterals find the rich selyn nerves.
<groupie> Yeah, they're like, totally cosmic.
* Alea projects her desire, concern to help Veraik
* Veraik backs Alea up against the wall and zlins on her Nager.
<Lowren> "You got their latest yet? I can't find it anywhere."
* groupie feels inclined to elaborate on his favorite subject.
* Veraik lays his head on Alea's shoulder, using her resistance to unwind his systems.
<groupie> Yeah, the first run sold out quick. It's got some cosmic songs on it.
* Alea lays her head against Veraik's, waiting
* Veraik nods his head against her shoulder as she adjusts for the perfect resistance.
* Alea is still worried Veraik is going to collapse and tries to signal Tarsh to come up to help if he does
<groupie> All about death, and brotherhood, and tentacles, and things.
* Tarsh has been looking away and trying not to think about Veraik's tentacles on Alea.
* Tarsh zlins Alea's gesture and comes up. "What is it?"
* Veraik zlins Alea's message of "I'll be there for you when you're in need of transfer."
* Alea looks worriedly at Veraik, waiting to see if he's going to be okay
* Veraik relaxes as his systems relax then realizes that his head is on Alea's shoulder.
* Alea sighs in relief
<groupie> There's one song about a person who thinks he's donating to a channel but it isn't, and he ends up dead instead. It's cosmic.
* Lowren desparately tries to remember how all those wild kids in the city talk...
* Alea looks up and smiles at Tarsh, shaking her head that she didn't require his assistance after all
<Veraik> Smiling, Veraik rubs his face against her shoulder than moves it so his face is caressing her breast.
* Alea eyes widen in shock and her gaze shoots down to Veraik
<Lowren> "Sounds, like, totally groovy, man!"
* Tarsh steps back.
<Alea> uh, um, hajene
<Alea> perhaps you ought to go lay down in your office now
* Veraik caresses what is so soft.
* Alea acutely embarrassed
<Tarsh> ~~Jealousy and Anger~~
<Alea> hajene
* groupie realizes instantly that Lowren isn't a member of the "in" crowd, or he'd have said "cosmic" instead of "groovy". He promptly loses interest in the conversation.
<Tarsh> [tightly] "Glad to see you're ... feeling ... better Hajene."
* Veraik straightens up. "Wha... oh sorry...yes....good idea"
* Alea waits for Veraik to loosen his hold on her sore arms
<Lowren> "Like, you know where I can get one?"
<Veraik> Veraik walks out but before he does he makes and obscene signal to Tarsh and grins.
* Alea shakes her head in disbelief
* Tarsh 's tentacles shoot out and knot up.
* Lowren sees the gesture and blushes.
* Alea shoots an apologetic look at Tarsh then calls out to Veraik
<Alea> hajene, if I might ahve a minute of your time
* Veraik turns and waits.
* Tarsh seethes.
<Alea> Linn came by today and requested that you go to the high school to speak with some of the parents
<Veraik> At what time?
<Alea> there seems to be some concern over the classes she's teaching and she wanted a Center representative there
<Veraik> And... Snake isn't available.
* Alea looks worried but shakes her head
<Veraik> So you want me to do it?
<Alea> yes, hajene
* Alea goes forward
<Alea> it's very important to Linn that a representative be there
* Lowren notices that groupie is now ignoring him, and his face falls. ~~gloom~~
<Veraik> Then you had better brief me so I know what is expected.
<Alea> okay...just let me find the key to your office
* Alea goes back over to Tarsh's desk
* Alea looks around to see if the renSime went and got Jirelle yet to take these donations and transfers
<Veraik> Key? Why? I have a key.
* Lowren walks over to the couch and sits down heavily.
<Alea> they changed the locks, hajene
<Veraik> oh...very well then
* groupie hums his favorite Torn By Tentacles hit absently to himself, bobbing rhythmically.
* Alea quickly riffles through the keys, looking for one that might look like a "door" lock
* Tarsh goes over to the desk with alea and starts rustling through the keys.
* Alea holds up one, thinks possibly and then grabs another one
* Veraik goes to Groupie. May I help you?
* groupie looks at Veraik's tentacles.
* Tarsh realizes he has to start his key roster *NOW* or he'll never get it straight.
<Alea> shen
<Alea> where is Jirelle
<groupie> Cosmic, man. I'm here to, like, do that donation thing.
<Veraik> Good. Have you filled out the forms yet?
* Alea grabs another key and hurries over to the door
* groupie is too stoned to remember if he has or not, so he picks the path of least resistance.
* Veraik zlins Groupie.
<groupie> Sure, man.
* Alea tries all three and none work
* Alea hurries back over to the desk and drops them in the pile
<Alea> no go. Have any other ideas?
<Veraik> Very good. Please come with me.
* Alea starts picking at the keys again
* Tarsh scribbles furiously and realizes that he doesn't know what keys Alea took.
* Veraik calls over his shoulder. I'll meet you in my office.
* Alea messes up the piles, going through them again
* Alea glances up, harried
<Alea> of course, hajene
* groupie follows Veraik, humming and bobbing, then gets distracted by the "artwork" on the wall.
<groupie> It's, like, cosmic!
* Alea grabs another key...holds it by the other one, or one of the ones she thinks she tried and tries to decide if it's the same
* Veraik projects tiredness as he leads Groupie to the infirmary.
* jirelle hears she is required and comes down the stairs
* Alea doesn't think it is, so she pockets it and picks through the rest for a couple of more
* groupie looks around the infirmary.
<groupie> Cosmic!
* Veraik sees Jirelle and signals for her to follow.
* jirelle follows Veraik
* Alea turns to Lowren
<Alea> someone will be right with you. Help yourself to some tea in the meantime
* Alea then hurries back toward Veraik's door
<Veraik> Would you like to lay down and rest Groupie?
* Alea tries the two keys in her hands...neither works...goes back to Tarsh's desk, drops the two in the pile
* Veraik signals for Jirelle to zlin Groupie.
<groupie> Sure, man.
* jirelle zlins
* groupie wobbles over to the bed and lies down.
* Veraik puts Groupie to sleep.
* Alea finds two more keys, starts back toward Veraik's office, drops one...
* Alea pauses to pick it up and the key in her pocket falls out
* Tarsh watchs in horror as any hope of key control evaporates.
* Veraik turns to Jirelle. Did you zlin him? He requires detox. I understand that you know how to handle this type of problem?
<Alea> oh!
* Alea gathers up all the keys...goes to Veraik's office and the first one unlocks Veraik's door
* Alea brings all the keys back, including the one that opened the door and drops them back on Tarsh's desk
<Alea> could you do me a favor, Tarsh?
* jirelle is flattered by Veraik's show of confidence in her
* Lowren walks over to pour himself some tea.
<Tarsh> "certainly, what?"
<Alea> could you find my key and get my office opened for me.
<Alea> I have tons of work to do
<Tarsh> "No problem."
<Alea> you're such a dear. Thank you
* Tarsh smiles at Alea.
<Veraik> Good. And now, I think I should find out what has happened since I've left.
<jirelle> Yes, Hajene.
* Alea slips into Veraik's office and slides down in the nearest chair
* Veraik goes to his office.
<Veraik> Alea?
* Alea startled, sits up
<Alea> yes, hajene
* Alea absently rubs at her arms
<Veraik> I feel much better. The outfunction worked.
<Alea> I'm glad. You've gone too long without working
<Alea> we can't let that happen again
* jirelle closes the door after Veraik and turns back to Groupie's silent form.
<Veraik> But I had better do some work before it happens again.
<Veraik> yes
* Lowren goes over and asks Tarsh "Has there been any word about Parnul?"
<Tarsh> "Who?"
* Veraik goes to his chair.
<Lowren> "Parnul. Parnul Redan, my sime friend you were looking for."
<Veraik> You're going to have to be close to me from now on. This entran is really weakened my resistence to you.
* jirelle zlins Groupie again
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Alea> would you like an update now?
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
<Tarsh> [still distracted] "the guy who got stabbed? Treatment room 6."
* groupie tosses and murmurs "Cosmic".
* Veraik suddenly gets up and goes to her.
<Veraik> Let me help you.
* Alea eyes widen in surprise and just a bit wary
<Veraik> Come on.
* jirelle zlins the poisons in Groupie's system
* Veraik picks her up and carries her to the transfer couch.
<Alea> uh, Veraik?
* Veraik pushes her sleeves up and gently wraps tentacles around the bruises.
<Veraik> I'm sorry Alea.
* Alea sighs in relief
* Veraik projects Sime in need.
* jirelle takes a deep breath, exhales slowly
* Alea responds
* jirelle smiles, a big, loving smile, lets her head fall back and her hands spread in rejoicing
* Veraik gently strokes the lines where his tentackes squeezed too hard.
<Alea> I'm fine, really Veraik
<Alea> just a bit bruised
* jirelle allows her joyous field to permeate Groupie's sleeping form
<Alea> Do you want that report now?
<jirelle> You don't have to turn to those dark things, groupie...there are too many beautiful things we can feel and be!
* groupie murmurs "Cosmic!" once more.
* jirelle begins to pray, allowing her love and peaceful feelings to bloom.
* Veraik wraps tentacles around the other arms and projects need again.
<Veraik> Yes. Talk to me while I'm healing you.
* Veraik thinks that he will probably never make it out of the Center and away.
* Alea lays back and tries to relax
<Alea> Linn came in today
* groupie snores.
<Alea> She is having problems with the parents. I told her you could be there at 3 to talk with the parents
<Alea> she was adament that it be you and not Snake
<Lowren> *WHAT*!"
* Lowren runs down the hall, looking at every door. ~~Wildly searching~~ "Parnul! Where are you?"
* jirelle finishes praying sits down on the chair next to groupie's bed.
<jirelle> I know what you need... you don't need all those chemicals and drugs, what you need is inner peace... the balance of physical and spiritual well being.
* jirelle smiles at the sleeping Groupie
* groupie snores on, oblivious.
* Alea sighs as the pain recedes a bit
* jirelle closes her eyes and begins a deep and calming meditation. She is soon oblivious to all but her own inner spirit and its glorious freedom.
* Veraik moves his tentacles to her back and shoulders and works at the knots.
* Alea relaxes
<Alea> let's see...the report...what has been happening
* Veraik massages more and listens...
<Alea> I guess that's about it
<Alea> mainly Linn...and then the problem about the locks
<Alea> but Tarsh is handling that
<Veraik> oh good.
<Alea> oh yeah...they company wants to charge a tarriff but, as I said, Tarsh is taking care of those problems
<Veraik> Veraik messages down the spine.
<Alea> evidently, the lock company decided to charge a tarrif on all of our locks
<Veraik> And Tarsh is able to get the tariff lifted?
<Alea> but we are suppose to get a wavier
<Alea> yes
* Veraik projects Sime in need.
<Alea> he has all the paperwork. You know, that man is brilliant. He deserves a raise
<Veraik> If you say so. [coolly]
<Alea> anyway
<Alea> he's going to get it all straightened out and then everything will be fine
<Veraik> Good. I'm sure it will be.
<Alea> he's out there now getting all the keys straightened out. You know, I really should help him.
* Alea sits up
* Veraik stands. "Before you leave"
<Alea> yes, Hajene?
* Alea looks up curiously at Veraik
* Veraik goes to file cabinet, goes out a file, frowns at it, puts it on top of the cabinet, puts out a second file. "Here...this goes to the lobby file cabinet now."
* Alea stands and goes over. Takes the file.
<Alea> of course
* Linn stumbles down a dingy street in the worst section of Dockside, coughing miserably, and shivering in the rain.
* Veraik takes the file from the top and frowns over it. "Look at this."
* Alea curious, goes forward
<Alea> what, hajene?
<wisesnake> [Linn is being followed... maybe]
<Veraik> How many locks did you say that we ordered?
* Alea thinks
<Alea> I don't remember
<Alea> forty?
* Linn stops at a corner, looks up and down the cross-street in hopes of glimpsing something familiar, then stumbles on.
* Alea guessing off the top of her head
* Veraik rubs tentacle over stamp. "Hummmm"
<Veraik> "Look. It says 80 here...under quantity."
<Veraik> And the stamp doesn't really look like the one I use.
* Alea shrugs, not understanding but willing to agree with Veraik so she can go
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Alea> if I can just have that report now to go let Tarsh file it
* wisesnake shadows Linn for another couple of blocks, then makes her decision and eases up beside the Gen
<Veraik> [goes to desk and pulls out stamp, uses it on a blank piece of paper. points tentacle] See.
<wisesnake> Hello, Linn.
* Linn starts at being addressed, then relaxes slightly as she recognizes Snake.
* Alea sees but doesn't note that much difference
<Linn> Snake!
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Veraik> [zlins] Alea? You just want to go to Tarsh. [turns away] Go.
* wisesnake zlins Linn
<Linn> I seem to be as lost as Mirk was.
* Alea mouth falls open
<wisesnake> I was wondering.
* Linn coughs miserably, covering her mouth politely.
<wisesnake> You are ill besides. You should be home in bed.
<Alea> Veraik, you are the most ..... [bites tongue to keep from saying what she starts to]
* Alea thinking MEN!
* Alea turns and strides to the door
<Linn> I wanted to check on Alice, and I took a wrong turn somewhere...
* Linn gestures vaguely.
* wisesnake 's eyes narrow
* Veraik zlins and walks to window to cover his pain that his Donor is leaving him again.
* Alea pulls on the door. It won't open
<wisesnake> I think you'd better get inside. You're going to catch your death out here.
<Alea> shen
* Alea grabs the door handle again
* Veraik augments to door, opens it, and waits. [no expression on face]
* Linn leans tiredly against a building which should have been condemned long before it was burned.
<Linn> I suppose you're right.
<Linn> I hate rain.
* Alea simmering at Veraik's attitude, slips through the door with the files
* Veraik closes door and doubles in on himself again.
* Alea goes out, slams them on the filing cabinet and drops into the chair she had earlier vacated
* Alea begins to shift through the keys again
<wisesnake> My place is only two blocks farther. Do you want to rest?
<Alea> idiotic, self-centered sex manaics with only one thing on their mind
* Alea muttering
* Linn tries to draw breath to answer, then doubles over, coughing.
<Alea> thinks I don't give a whit about him when I stood there and didn't fight when he bruised the shen out of my arms
* Tarsh Tarsh comes back in with some keys attached to tags.
* Alea sorting keys faster as temper rises
<Alea> then all he can do is tell me to get out---again
* Tarsh brightens. "Hi Alea. Everything straightened out for this afternoon?"
<Alea> I didn't know what the shenned he was talking about and he gets upset
* Alea glances up
* wisesnake reaches out, offering a supportive hand, but does not touch Linn.
<Alea> what this afternoon?
<Tarsh> "I thought you and Veriak were going to that out-t school."
* Linn finally catches her breath.
* Alea realizes she had totally forgot
<Alea> yeah, that's been worked out.
<Linn> I'd like to rest for a while.
<Tarsh> "Ah. Good"
<Alea> Veraik sent me out with those files for you to file
* Tarsh puts down the tagged keys to one side.
<Tarsh> "Sure."
<Alea> by the way, Veraik's door is sticking
<Alea> the new lock
<wisesnake> Come with me, it's warm and dry inside.
<Tarsh> "Have to find the file key first though.
* wisesnake backs off, in the direction Linn had been going before.
* Alea eyes the keys with interest
* Veraik finally straightens up and goes to find his bag. Maybe he can leave before anyone notices.
* Linn stumbles after Snake.
<Tarsh> "I'll have Zethraim look at it."
<Alea> thank you
* Alea 's temper simmers as she tries to figure out why Veraik got so upset at her so suddenly
* Alea finishes seperating the small set of keys and then goes through the tagged ones, seeing what is there
* Alea just for curiosity's sake
* wisesnake leads Linn to the next street, then down a tiny, steep walled alley.
<Alea> what happened to Lowren?
* Alea suddenly realizes the lobby is cleared out
<Alea> did he get his problem taken care of?
* Veraik finds bag and turns to go out the back.
* wisesnake looks and zlins both ways before unlocking a tall narrow door and slipping inside.
<Tarsh> "He was looking for that guy who was stabbed. Went down that way."
* Linn is too sick to be very curious about her surroundings.
<Alea> Oh!
<Alea> I better go check
* Alea stands
<Alea> excuse me a moment Tarsh. I'll be right back
* wisesnake closes the door behind them, and locks it.
* Linn follows Snake through the door.
* Veraik slips out the back and heads for the docks.
<Tarsh> "OK. See you."
* Alea heads down the hall
* Alea sees the back door open and wonders who left it open
* Linn stands in place, dripping.
* Veraik stops at the trin bushes to remember.
* Alea steps out and sees Veraik with a suitcase
<Lowren> [sobbing from room 6]
* Alea alarmed, she hurries over
<Alea> Veraik
* Veraik zlins Alea.
<Alea> what are you doing
* Alea motions to the suitcase
* Veraik turns at her voice.
<Veraik> Hefting suitcase, Veriak just stares over the trinrose garden.
* Alea alarmed, moves forward
<Alea> Veraik?
* wisesnake leads Linn into a bright, warm kitchen.
<Alea> please answer me
* Veraik turns to Alea.
* Linn looks around, vaguely noticing stacks of books and other, less identifiable objects.
* Linn blinks at the light.
<Veraik> [only a crack of a smile hints at his lips] I'm fi......fine. [glad that he changed the last word in time]
<wisesnake> Please, have a seat here. [indicates kitchen table]. Would you like something warm? Tea, perhaps?
* Alea looks disgusted at Veraik
<Alea> oh, sure you're fine, veraik. That's why you're carrying a suitcase
* Linn stumbles over to the table and sits down, swaying slightly.
<Alea> I didn't establish yesterday. You can't hide from me that easily
* Veraik cringes at Alea's angry blast.
<Linn> Tea sounds lovely. Thank you.
* Veraik finds bench to sit on.
* Alea thinks cringe away, Veraik. it's going to get a lot worse if you don't level with me
* wisesnake fills the tea pot and starts a fire under it
* Alea stalks over and stands in front of him, hands on hip
* Veraik looks up.
<Alea> come on. Tell me, what's the matter? Or do you suddenly make it your practice to sneak out on your Donor?
* wisesnake locates some jars of tea leaves, two cups, and two spoons, and puts them on the table
* Linn fishes a damp tissue out of her pocket and blows her nose.
* wisesnake hopes Linn will know what to do from there, since she has exhausted her own knowledge of tea making.
<Veraik> My Donor? Oh yeah....that's what you are. No. I don't. It's just that something happened yesterday and I don't want to talk about it.
* Alea thinks give me patience for moody channels
<wisesnake> You're soaking wet, would you like to change into some clothes of my sister-in-Law's so you can get dry?
<Alea> well, as your transfer partner I insist you tell me
* Alea sits down beside Veraik, pushing aside her anger, encouraging him with her nager to talk
* Linn looks around for the garbage, can't find it, and replaces the used tissue in her pocket for later disposal.
<Linn> Dry. That sounds wonderful.
<wisesnake> Wait right here for a moment... I'll see what I can find.
* wisesnake disappears into one of the bedrooms
<Veraik> I...I pushed someone over the edge yesterday without realizing it until it was too late.
* Linn , with vague thoughts of being a polite guest, measures tea into the cups.
* Alea sighs
<Alea> Veraik, these things sometimes happen. We can't all be perfect
<Veraik> [wipes tentacles over face] I knew better but it was a power play and for once I was determined to win.
* wisesnake returns to the kitchen, clothes in her arms.
<Alea> well then, learn from it and don't let it happen again
<Alea> but that doesn't give you the right to leave us all in the lurch
<wisesnake> I hope these fit you. The bathroom is right over there... they won't mind if you use the towels.
<Veraik> I'm going back to Liorie.
* Alea stunned...and hurt...but quickly covers it
<Veraik> I'm not fit to Control this Center.
<Alea> you would desert us all like this?
* Linn accepts the clothes, for once too tired to be wary of Snake's tentacles, and stumbles towards the bathroom.
<Alea> because you made one mistake?
<Veraik> She will murder herself and it is my fault. 2
<Alea> she? She who?
* wisesnake notices the tea in the cups and is surprised by the sight
<Veraik> As Controller, I can't make a mistake like that.
<Alea> What mistake. Veraik. What are you talking about? Just spit it out!
* Veraik looks away.
* wisesnake thinks about putting water in but decides not to push her luck
* Alea wonders if Tormer would arrest her if she someone found out she choked the controller to death
* wisesnake fetches honey and sugar instead, places them on the table
* wisesnake goes into her own room and changes into dry clothes, uses an old shirt to towel her hair vigorously
* Alea thinks he was going to arrest her for a sprained ankle so he probably would for this
* Linn changes into a loose sweatsuit that doesn't fit too badly, and returns to the kitchen.
* Linn hears the teakettle whistle and automatically pours the water into the glasses.
* wisesnake hears the tea whistle and hides out in her room until she hears the sounds of it being poured
<Alea> Veraik?
* Alea reaches out and takes his suitcase from him
<Alea> well, you aren't going to leave. I'm just not going to let you
* wisesnake then returns to the kitchen
* wisesnake zlins Linn again.
* Linn adds a generous scoop of sugar to one cup, then holds it to warm her hands until it's cool enough to drink.
<wisesnake> "Are you warm enough? Would you like a blanket also?"
* Veraik picks up bag without saying any thing and turns to go inside.
* Linn is still shivering, although her face is flushed with fever.
<Linn> I can't seem to get warm.
* Alea follows him
<Alea> you aren't even thinking what you're saying Veraik
<wisesnake> You're quite ill. I could help you, if you wanted.
* Veraik cramps but straightens up quickly before Alea sees him.
* Linn has another convulsive coughing fit, barely managing to set down her tea before it spills and burns her.
* Veraik smiles and shrugs.
<Alea> this Center couldn't run without you
<Alea> these people depend on you as strong and dependable
* wisesnake watches Linn, with pale eyes
<Alea> and there's something about a promise you made me
* Linn finally manges to get her breath back.
<Linn> Help me how?
<Alea> when Snake was doing her best to get me sent out of this center you PROMISED me you'd work with me
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
<Alea> you and I would be transfer partners
<Veraik> What promise is that?
<Veraik> that
<Alea> and if you leave, then Snake is going to get her way and I'll be kicked out
<wisesnake> Heal you. Care for you. I am, after all, a channel.
<Alea> I...I ... don't have anywhere else to go
* Alea drops her gaze
<Veraik> I didn't think you wanted to be my partner.
<Veraik> You are never near.
* Alea mouth drops open
<Alea> excuse me?
<Alea> Veraik...I've been sleeping with you almost every night
<Veraik> You are always running to Tarsh at the first opportunity.
* Alea thinks that last night she didn't...
<Alea> and I am doing my best to keep up with you
<Alea> but you've been staying to your room so much
<Alea> how have I NOT been working with you?
<Alea> and you just sent me out of your office not five minutes ago...telling me to get out!
<Alea> what am I suppose to do when you order me out?
* Linn looks groggily at Snake, trying to make a decision with a brain that isn't functioning well.
<Alea> you toss me out...then you're mad because I'm not there
* Alea shakes her head...holds out her arms
<Alea> does this look like I don't care
<Alea> I could have stopped that...but I knew you were in trouble
<Veraik> You zlinned in desperation to leave. What was I supposed to think?
* wisesnake watches Linn for a moment longer, then turns her eyes away, trying not to shift restlessly.
* Alea forces herself to calm down
<Alea> I'm sorry. I was distracted. You're right.
<Alea> however...I think part of your problem is you are due transfer pretty soon
* Veraik looks at bruises on arms. [said quietly] I'm sorry.
<Alea> I should have thought about that
* Alea shrugs
* Linn thinks about how every channel she come across has been trying to get her to agree to this "healing", and finally decides that it's not worth fighting it any longer.
<Alea> look...I'm only trying to do my job, hajene. If you find me inadequate, please just tell me
<Linn> [mumbles groggily] I suppose...
<Alea> I'm sure you could get a replacement if you call the regional office
<Veraik> I don't find you inadequate at all.
<Linn> Gotta get back to the high school for that meeting...
* Alea wonders what this covnersation was about then
* wisesnake grimaces
<Veraik> ...when you are around me or any other Channel.
<wisesnake> great.
<wisesnake> Uh, I don't think you are in any shape for a meeting.
<Veraik> It's just that.....when you are around.
<Linn> Got to go. For the kids.
<Linn> Or the parents will stop the classes...
<Veraik> I ..... need you now. I'm sorry that it is interfering with your life with Tarsh. Really I am.
* Alea looks up shocked...a bit angry, and a lot embarrsed
<Alea> I am YOUR Donor, hajene
<Alea> My personal life is that...and my professional life is with you
<Alea> I will be here for you, no matter what
<wisesnake> Why don't you come lie down for a little while, and I'll try to help you.
* Veraik zlins the truth.
<Alea> but you have to talk to me...let me know when I'm doing something WRONG
* Veraik tries to smile.
<Alea> I can't ZLIN when you get upset
<Alea> I can't ZLIN if you say one thing and mean another
* Alea reaches out and takes his hand
<Veraik> I'm just trying to give you a chance with Tarsh.
* Linn tries to decide whether that would be a good idea, then concludes that making a decision is too much effort and follows Snake instead.
* Alea hears a noise from room six and pauses
<Alea> oh heavens! I forgot. Lowren!
* Veraik looks up at sound.
* wisesnake pulls back the covers of a bed and gestures for Linn to get in.
<Alea> uh, Lowren was here earlier looking for Parnul..I was going to go check on him when I saw the back door open
* Veraik leaves bag and rushes after Alea.
* Linn finally finds herself able to make a decision: a horizontal position is easier to maintain than a vertical one.
* Alea pushes the door open to room six
* Lowren is sobbing on the floor.
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Lowren .
* Linn lies down.
* Alea falls back allowing Veraik to lead
* wisesnake pulls the covers up over Linn, leaving the arms out.
* Veraik goes Lowren. What is the matter?
* wisesnake adjusts the pillows
<Lowren> [parnul is in Menar sleep, which looks a lot like death, come to think about it]
* wisesnake goes out in the kitchen and brings back the tea, sets it on the bedside table
<Lowren> "he ... He's DEAD!"
* Veraik uses tentacles to push down hair and to wipe tears from eyes, all at the same time.
* Linn sighs and closes her eyes.
<Lowren> ~~Massive Grief~~
<Veraik> He's not dead, Lowren.
* wisesnake sits down on the side of the bed and gently takes Linn's hands in hers.
<Veraik> I promised. He's not.
<Veraik> He's asleep,
* Alea moves closer to Veraik in concern
<Lowren> "I looked at him. He isn't breathing."
* Veraik holds Lowren and continues to stroke the back of the Gen's neck.
<Lowren> "The only person I had left, and now he's gone."
<Lowren> "Before He even knew I was here."
<Veraik> He's in Menar Sleep, Lowren. A channel put him in that state.
<Veraik> It is state of deep healing.
* Linn blinks and looks groggily at Snake.
* Lowren looks up with a tear-streaked face. "What?"
* Veraik smiles and he adjust the ambient using the two Gens for maximum comfort and control.
<Lowren> ~~Lowren is about mid-field for a GN3~~
* wisesnake squeezes Linn's hands once, then moves her hands and tentacles up to Linn's forearms.
<Veraik> It's just a healing state, Lowren. We will probably bring him out of it tonight and you can talk to him then.
* wisesnake meets Linn's eyes, trying to let Linn see she genuinely cares about the Gen's health.
<Lowren> "But ... But ... how? He..."
* Linn gasps in fear, triggering another coughing fit.
* Veraik zlins the GN3 and encourages his system to produce more in a hopeless effort to match Veraik's need.
<Lowren> "He's alive?"
* Lowren looks up at Parnul.
* wisesnake goes into channel's healing mode and concentrates on helping Linn's body fight the disease.
* Linn is too worried about getting air by the time the coughing stops to worry as much about Snake's tentacles.
<Veraik> He's alive.
* Lowren gets up to look at Parnul's face.
<Veraik> Feel him. Parnul is still warm.
* wisesnake is so desperate for work that she really goes all out, giving Linn the kind of intense healing she had performed on Parnul and Veraik.
* Lowren puts the back of his hand to Parnul's face.
* Linn dozes off as her breathing eases.
<Lowren> "He is warm. But he's so still. And He's so thin. He was always such a chubby kid..."
<Veraik> He'll be fine. Don't worry.
<Lowren> "What happened to him?"
* wisesnake finishes working with Linn and slumps down to curl on the bed beside her, ostensibly so her past-turnover field can stimulate further healing in the Gen.
* Alea steps forward
<Alea> Parnul was on his way to the Shay hotel
<Alea> a Donor was escorting him. Unfortunately they were attacked by some hoodlums
<Alea> He took a knife wound near the back and I believe the shoulder
* Alea glances at Parnul to check
<Lowren> "Shay hotel?"
<Alea> Yes, we remembered you'd been staying there.
<Alea> he was looking for you
<Alea> we thought there might be a forwarding address to where you currently resided
<Lowren> "He was looking for me. It's my fault."
<Alea> no. No not at all
<Alea> Had we been thinking, we should have just sent a messanger, Lowren
<Alea> new people in town really have no business in that area of town
* Lowren starts crying again.
* Alea looks to Veraik, wondering what she should do
<Lowren> "Ca Can I just wait here? Until he wakes up?"
* Alea sighs in relief
<Alea> of course you can
* Alea wonders if Veraik should give him a sedative to help him relax too
<Veraik> Of course you can. [leads him to the unoccupied bed next to Parnul's]
<Veraik> Why can you get some sleep.
<Lowren> "He's the only one I have left. All I have in the world."
* Veraik adjusts ambient for sleep.
* Lowren goes along. pliant
* Lowren lies down facing parnul.
* Lowren keeps crying silently.
* Veraik covers Lowren. Don't worry. He is fine and so are you. You haven't lost him. [said in soothing, sleep induced tones]
* Lowren starts drifting off to sleep due to emotional fatigue and the ambient.
* Alea backs toward the door carefully
* Veraik dries eyes again.
* Veraik goes with Alea.
* Alea gets out of the room and sighs with relief
* Veraik smiles. You were wonderful in there.
<Alea> shen the emotions..had me almost crying with him
<Alea> think I was a weepy Sime reacting like that
* Alea shakes her head
<Alea> thank you
<Veraik> I know.
* Alea doesn't believe Veraik though
* Veraik zlins Alea.
<Alea> will you stop zlinning me constantly
<Veraik> You should believe a channel once in a while Alea.
<Veraik> You are really good.
<Alea> thank you, hajene
<Veraik> Zlinning you? Why shouldn't I. You're my Donor and you are my work partner for healing.
<Veraik> I'm supposed to zlin you.
* Alea realizes she is overreacting
<Alea> of course you are, hajene
* Linn begins to stir after several hours of sleep.
<Alea> I apologize for my small burst of temper
<Veraik> That's ok I understand.
<Veraik> You are having a baby.
* Alea groans
<Alea> you know, I think everyone in the Center knows that by now
<Alea> with the way everyone keeps telling me that
<Veraik> You should be proud of it. It is an honor to carry the Farris genes forward.
* wisesnake , asleep, snuggles closer to Linn's field
* Linn feels a warm body next to her, and hears the sounds of a strange neighborhood.
* Veraik turns to Alea. [looks and zlins her] Haven't you told Tarsh yet?
* Linn wonders vaguely how Verile managed to talk her into this.
* Alea looks up guiltily
<Alea> well.....
<Alea> you know...it might not be a good time. I mean it might really cause problems for his transfer. He might just hit the roof
* Linn opens her eyes and looks around.
* Alea wonders why she let Veraik maneuver her into confessing her fears
<wisesnake> [she is entwined with a rather skanky looking Snake]
* Alea believes it has to be the way he just stands there and stares
* Linn sees Snake's head on the pillow, but fortunately not her tentacles, which are under the covers.
* wisesnake is asleep
* Linn thinks Snake looks a lot less threatening asleep and reasonably clean.
* Linn is reminded of some of her former high school students.
* Veraik sighs. It's up to you. I won't tell him but he's going to zlin it for himself soon, if he already hasn't.
* Alea sighs
<Alea> as you say, hajene
* Veraik nods.
<Alea> Hajene, it's about time to get ready to go to Linn's school
<Veraik> Let's go back to my office.
* Veraik walks by Alea.
<Veraik> What matter do you think the kids would be interested in?
<Alea> well...it's not the kids, hajene. It's the parents. The parents are upset about the classes Linn is teaching
<Alea> She wants us there to answer questions
* Linn slips out of bed without disturbing Snake and tiptoes out to the bathroom to retrieve her clothing.
* wisesnake mutters something in her sleep and twitches
<Alea> She thinks if perhaps a representative from the Sime Center is there, we can help stop some of the problems...you know, explain...
* Linn notices that she can now breathe easily, and that her nose has stopped running.
* Alea thinking probably be the scape goat if Linn's attitude this morning was any indication
* Alea goes into Veraik's office
* Alea pushes hard to get it open
* Veraik pushes behind her and the door opens easily.
* Alea frowns at the door
<Veraik> Would you like some tea?
<Alea> yes, please
* Alea seats herself in the chair near Veraik's desk
* Alea rubs wearily at her neck...a nervous wreck over today's events
* Veraik goes to the alcove and begins the ritual of making tea.
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
* Alea feels a headache starting at her temples
<Alea> you know, Veraik, perhaps we don't have time for tea
<Alea> we really don't want to be late to the school
* Veraik goes to Alea and starts to rub the tension from her temples.
<Veraik> We won't be late. Promise.
* Alea relaxes, grateful
* Linn finds that her clothes have dried, and slips into the them.
<Veraik> It's been a long day for you. [digs into the back knots with dorsals]
<Alea> we just seemed shorter of people today than usual
<Alea> and with all of the screw ups
* Alea thinks and Bcal's arrest
<Veraik> I know. [zlins worry]
* Linn sees the clock, and realizes that she has just enough time to reach the high school before the meeting with the parents.
<Veraik> What are you so worried about?
* Alea shrugs
<Veraik> Is it BCal?
<Alea> I still feel guilty that B'cal was arrested on my warrant. And I wonder if...well...
* Alea trails off
<Alea> yeah that's mainly it
* Veraik goes to finish the tea.
<Alea> I'll tell you, when you assigned your desk clerk to make sure I didn't leave this building...he certainly made sure
<Veraik> You wonder what.....[hands tea to Alea]
* Alea takes tea
* Alea again shrugs
<Alea> I'm just wondering how long it'll be before they come to arrest me, now that they know they have the wrong person
<Veraik> My desk clerk, as you so aptly put it, is your lover and is even more concerned with your well being than I am.
* Alea sips tea and finds it...chokes
* Veraik sips tea.
<Alea> well, yes, I suppose you're right
<Veraik> The lawyer I hired has agreed to handle that as well.
* Linn lets herself out, and now that she is thinking clearly, is able to make her way back to Eastcove without too much difficulty.
<Veraik> [looks up] You won't be arrested.
* Alea only nods...not daring to get into an argument with Veraik
<Alea> that's good to know, hajene
* Veraik zlins that Alea is ok even though she choked a little bit.
* Alea sets the tea aside...deciding with as blunt as Veraik has been lately she doesn't want to risk choking again
* Alea gets up and crosses the room to dig through one of Veraik's cabinets
* Veraik smiles when he sees Alea place the tea on the table.
* Alea pulls out a pair of retainers, and four signs to take along on the trip
* Veraik takes a final sip then joins Alea at the cabinet.
* Veraik frowns at the site of the retainers.
<Alea> Do you want to take along some literature too...for the adults.
* Alea sees Veraik's gaze is on the retainers and quickly drops them in a tote bag in the cabinet
<Alea> we can wait until we're at the border to put them on, hajene
<Veraik> Yes. I think the brochures about channels healing Gens and the ones about spotting the signs of changeover would be good to distribute.
* Alea gathers some and drops them in the tote too
* Veraik looks grateful for the small reprieve.
* Veraik goes to a drawer and pulls out a fresh Tecton tunic.
* Alea turns back to the desk and sits down to wait
* Veraik strips his dirty one over his head and uses it to wipe under his arms.
* Veraik pulls deodorant from a drawer, uses it in long swiping motions, then replacing the cap before throwing it back in.
* Alea checks bag to make sure all the supplies are there
<Veraik> Finally, Veraik opens the fresh tunic from the bottom and swipes it over his head.
* Veraik strides to the door. "Ready?"
* Alea jumps up and hurries over to Veraik
<Alea> of course, hajene
* Veraik smiles down at Alea then casually walks out.
<Veraik> [As they pass the front desk, Veraik calls to Tarsh.] Sign Alea and I out. We're out to Out-T for a parent meeting at Linn's school.
<Tarsh> "Of course, Hajene. Bye Alea."
* Linn arrives at the high school and begins to prepare the room for the meeting.
<Alea> see you later, Tarsh
* Alea waves sweetly then follows veraik
* Linn straightens chairs and erases the blackboard, trying to remember exactly what Snake did to her.
* Alea puts the retainers on at out territory...and then they cross the border to the school
* BretSalvo struts importantly into the classroom
* Veraik groans slightly but doesn't say anything.
* BretSalvo is an overdressed, undertall, businessman with way too much money and, incidentally, two kids in Linn's classes.
<Linn> Good afternoon, Mr. Salvo.
<Alea> this is the school, hajene
* Alea motions toward the front door
<Alea> Linn's class is just down the hall
<BretSalvo> Good afternoon, Miz Haskins, how are you doing today? (generously)
* Veraik enters and follows Alea.
* Alea leads the way down the hall to Linn's class room
* Veraik pushes on the door and enters.
<Linn> Fine, thank you.
<Veraik> Hello, Ms Linn.
* BretSalvo rounds on Veraik and stares at him
* Linn declines to tell Salvo that this is a recent phenomenon, or what caused the change.
* Veraik zlins Bret and turns towards him.
<Linn> Good afternoon, Hajene Veraik.
<Veraik> Good afternoon.
* Alea notices
* Veraik goes to Bret. Thank you for inviting me to your meeting.
* Veraik looks passively at Gen.
<Alea> I thought you said several people were going to be here, Linn?
<Linn> The others should be here shortly.
* Veraik turns back and smiles.
<Veraik> We brought a couple of brochures for the meeting. I hope you don't mind.
* Alea goes out to hang up the Sime Territory sign so Veraik can get the retainers off
* Veraik raises a hand to rub eyes with fingers, exposing a retainer.
* Alea comes in and assists veraik in removing the retainers
* Veraik tracks Alea as she leaves.
* BretSalvo looks alarmed
<BretSalvo> [to Linn] Are you just going to let them do that!?
* Veraik expells a burst of air from his lungs as each retainer is removed.
<Linn> Well...
* Alea glances at Bret in surprise, then at Linn thinking there is no way she's putting her channel back in those things
* Linn gets the message.
<Alea> it's perfectly all right. You're safe
* Veraik smiles to Bret as he stretching each tentacles in turn.
<BretSalvo> This is obscene!
<Alea> or did you not notice it was a GEN who took them off him
* Linn is beginning to wonder if Snake might have been a better choice for Sime Center liason after all.
<BretSalvo> I refuse to be a part to this travesty any longer.
<Veraik> [in Simelan] Thank you.
* BretSalvo picks up his coat and stalks out of the room
* Veraik augments to catch Bret before he leaves.
* BretSalvo tries to jerk away, outraged
<BretSalvo> Unhand me, you -!
* Alea hurries after Veraik
* Linn looks after Salvo, feeling helpless, then jumps in alarm as Veraik augments past her.
<Veraik> [wrapping tentacles around an arm] You are prefectly safe from me. [then steps back and releases him]
* BretSalvo looks down at Veraik's tentacles with an expression of undisguised nausea
<BretSalvo> I am... shocked!
* Linn is even more convinced that all channels are trying to grab all Gens at all times.
<Linn> Please, Mr. Salvo, if you would just sit down...
* Alea steps a bit ahead of Veraik, worried that Veraik is losing it..grabbing an OT Gen
<Veraik> As you can see, we CAN live together.
<Veraik> as neighbors.
* BretSalvo draws himself up
* Veraik zlins desire from the Gen to be touch again.
<BretSalvo> I am of the opinion that good fences build better neighbors. [annoyed]
* Veraik glances up at Bret. "Have you donated before Mr. BretSalvo?"
<BretSalvo> What! I hardly see what that has to do with anything.
* Alea slips her arm around Veraik's waist in a subtle hint to back off and not start a war when they are OT
<Linn> But fences work better if the neighbors are on speaking terms.
<Veraik> Honesty builds better ones.
* Alea squeezes Veraik slightly
<Linn> Please, Mr. Salvo, Hajene Veraik, sit down.
<Alea> yes, please, Veraik
* Veraik takes the hint and goes with Alea.
* Alea smiles kindly at Bret hoping he won't think they're both nuts
* Veraik sits with Alea.
<Linn> Please, Mr. Salvo?
<Alea> now Linn why don't we discuss the problems
<Linn> Perhaps Mr. Salvo would like to begin by explaining his concerns.
* Alea is relieved it's going to be okay now
* BretSalvo straightens his suit
<BretSalvo> Frankly I am outraged by the casual and extremely dangerous treatment this material has been given in the classroom.
<Veraik> Yes, I would love to hear your problems. That is why I am here and hopefully, we can leave here with a few resolved.
<Linn> Casual? Dangerous?
<Veraik> I am sure that Ms. Linn has been very careful about giving out the correct information to all her students.
<BretSalvo> My son Toany brought home literature of an expicit nature that left me shocked and deeply appalled. That the classrooms of our nation could have sunk to such depravities is a calamity! 3
* Alea rolls her eyes
* Alea thinking another one of those who just can't handle the truth
<BretSalvo> When I agreed to send my children to this school, I had no idea they would be... exposed... to such indecency!
<Alea> just how was it too explicit. If I remember correctly, we sent COLORING books with miss Linn last time.
<Linn> Mr. Salvo, the material was carefully selected to be age-appropriate.
<Veraik> We only give out information which explains how Simes and Gens can live together.
<BretSalvo> Children are not adults and there are some things children just aren't ready to know!
<Alea> when do you choose to tell them? After they have changed over...when it's too late to help them?
* Alea angry at the stupid attitude
* BretSalvo glares at Alea belligerently. "I'm no lorsh. After my children have changed over or Established isn't too late for anything!"
<Alea> if you don't teach them...they won't have a chance
<Veraik> So when do you think that children should be told that Simes and Gen can live together in harmony?
<Linn> Mr. Salvo, perhaps you could explain exactly what material you found inappropriate?
<Alea> sticking your head in the sand and ignoring issues isn't going to help them
* Alea forces herself to close her mouth, realizing she is only antagonizing him
* BretSalvo is beginning to look very unreasonable
<BretSalvo> You people are all idiots! Don't you hear a word I'm saying???
<Alea> about the same amount you are hearing us say, I would imagine
* Alea thinks darn, she was going to keep her mouth shut
* Veraik adjusts ambient creates calm.
* Alea thinks belligerent idiot
* BretSalvo snatches up his coat and stands
* Linn and the other Gens, unable to zlin, are unaffected.
* Alea sensless...no brains...maybe in his left toe
* BretSalvo stamps out of the room in a rage
<Veraik> Please Mr. Salvo. Just tell us what you are speaking of.
* Linn stares after Salvo, stunned.
* Alea shrugs... good riddance...realizes the wrong attitude and is embarrassed
<Linn> I knew my Sime Center unit would cause some concern, but I didn't expect anything this bad.
* Veraik sighs and stands. "Perhaps you can find out what he was talking about and then we can reschedule."
* Alea in Simelan
<Alea> perhaps, hajene, since I am causing more trouble I should step outside?
<Veraik> No Alea.. Please. You are my escort. Please stay.
<Linn> I'll do my best, but I don't know if he'll talk to me. He may go to the school board and ask them to fire me, instead.
* Alea feels really bad for this
<Veraik> The Center will support you in your efforts to educate.
<Linn> Unfortunately, the school board is not likely to concern itself with the opinions of the Sime Center.
* Linn sighs.
<Linn> Oh well, I knew the risks when I started the unit.
<Veraik> That's true but your government recognizes an outstanding achievement reward given to teachers from the Tecton.
* Alea reaches in and takes out the retainers
<Veraik> I plan to put your name in for the award.
* Alea carefully works them onto Veraik as he talks
<Linn> The government, maybe. The school board doesn't have to abide by its wishes. I appreciate the offer, though.
* Alea slips out the door and removes the Sime Territory sign
* Veraik holds out arms for Alea.
* Alea leaving Veraik in there alone with the retainers on
* Veraik holds hands down, crossed in front of him.
* Alea tosses everything in the bag and then re-enters
* Alea smiles at Linn
<Veraik> That is true Linn but there are ways and I plan to use them for you.
<Linn> Right now, though, I think I'll go home and get some rest. It's been quite a day.
* Veraik nods. That, it has.
* Alea tired, wanders to the door and out it...leaving Veraik behind
* Veraik holds the door open for Alea.
* Veraik and Alea go back to the Center.
* Linn escorts Veraik and Alea out of the building, then heads for home.
Notes:
1) Alea thinks Linn is asking for help with her Simephobia. Linn is actually asking for Tecton assistance with the Eastcove school board. This innocent misunderstanding continues for several episodes. [return]
2) Veraik is referring to B'cal. [return]
3) They think he is talking about the Sime Center's brochures and coloring books. Brett Salvo is actually referring to PlaySime articles Wise Snake had hidden in several brochures during her visit. [return]
Go on to Episode #29: Altered States
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